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#it’s the fantastic beasts hot mess express
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Luna: I don’t like you
Rolf, instantly falling: I think I’m in love
*somewhere far away*
Newt, looks up from a book: something just happened with Rolf!
Tina, panicking: what?
Newt: I don’t know, but I think it’s eerily similar to our love story.
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Message from an hopefull girl [so if you are absolutely sure that the saga is over, do read this ahaha]
As it has already been said, the FB social media account has been posting A LOT lately. And by a lot, I mean a pic a day… As if the saga wasn’t dead and the promo was still going one.
My opinion is:
Maybe, high placed people in the production of FB are trying to see if the fans are still here and willing to see what happens next to our beloved characters! So I think that we should make a lot noise by reposting, sharing, tagging, writing comments or liking every single photos…
It’s probably nothing but if it’s are a only chance to see FB4 some day, we should take it right ?
Soooo shall we make ourselves heard and bring our saga back? 😇
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forbiddengalaxy · 2 years
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Newt: Oh just so you know, it's very muggy outside
Tina:
Tina: Newt, I swear, if I step outside and all of our mugs are on the front lawn...
Newt: *Sips tea from bowl*
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Hear me out everybody. The 5th film. All hope is lost. Newt and Tina are married and trying to raise a family, but are being hunted by Grindelwald in a very Voldemort to James and Lily type situation. Theseus and Jacob are missing. Dumbledore is doing his dumbassary. But then bam! Hope is brought back by three people. Alastor “Not Yet Mad-Eye” Moody and his not yet trademarked CONSTANT VIGILANCE. Fleamont Potter and his “not yet a hair potion master” potion mastery. And finally Lyall Lupin and his ability to fuck up a boggart’s day.
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xxsycamore · 2 years
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hi this is my first time requesting on your blog so just to be by and found that you still take requests can I have Isaac Newton [ikemen vampire ] x mc
Kink- 11 : dialogue: 7,8 thx!!
[REQUESTS ARE CLOSED]
First Ikevamp work for this challenge! Thank you for requesting and hope you like it!
- KINKTOBER DAY 11 - Primal, guilty pleasure - [ ISAAC/MC SMUT ] 
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Rating: E
Word count: 971
Relationship: F/M; Isaac Newton/MC 
Tags:  Outdoor Sex; Forest Sex; Blood Drinking; Sexual Roleplay; Fear Play; Predator/Prey; Vaginal Fingering; Orgasm Delay/Denial
Check my masterlist here! You can also find all my works on AO3 under user xsycamore.  In my profile you can find my Ko-fi if you would like to support me!
Written for my Visions of Temptation Kinktober 2021 challenge. [DAY 1] [DAY 2] [DAY 3] [DAY 4] [DAY 5] [DAY 6] [DAY 7] [DAY 8] [DAY 9] [DAY 10]
DAY 10 - Fear play | Predator and prey + “I might hurt you. Are you sure you want that?” & “I don’t care if it’s too much, you’re not allowed to cum.”
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MC runs like she's never ran before. The scenery around all looks the same, repeating images of trees forcing her to lose track of how far into the forest she's gotten. Adrenaline rushes through her veins as she makes her way through thorny bushes and low branches, leaping and avoiding whatever she can.
In her simple white nightgown, she feels like a rabbit running from a predator, with her eyes wide and pulse drumming in her ears. She knows how easy she is to be spotted amidst the nature and seeking cover is futile.
The predator she is running from is close by. He is fast, faster than she is - the rustling sound she can hear behind her back is him tailing her. The knowledge of that alone is making MC feel even more scared, by sheer instinct if not by any rational thought alone.
And then he catches up with her. The sensation of her wrist being grasped makes her scream as she falters, the beast catching her before she could fall and instead she is pressed against the hard bark of a large tree. A hand is gripping her throat, holding her in place from behind.
"Caught you."
MC struggles to get free, groaning at the difference in their strengths. Trying to push him away does nothing as he barely budges, his body only moving in closer to fully immobilize her with his weight.
There is only one thing he wants right now, and she is very aware what he is after - denying him would equal death. Any wrong move would lead to her neck being snapped in two- and so, she stills. The man waits not a second more to seek the crook of her neck, nestling his face into it. His breathing is ragged and he is desperate to claim his prey.
MC whines in pain as fangs penetrate the skin of her neck, hot blood streaming down but every drop precisely caught by the man's thirsty lips. He drinks her down with such fervor, growling between gulps and using her to sate his hunger.
Through the sensation is painfully familiar, MC still thrills at the way it reduces her to mess each time, heat pooling low in her belly and moans threatening to spill from her lips. She knows not to mistake the haziness of her mind with that of pure lust, and upon noticing, she parts her lips to inform.
"Isaac. Isaac, that's enough. I'm starting to feel lightheaded."
Her voice is soft and not alarming as to warn him without planting concern, and it works in seconds. The man pulls back, groaning, wipes his lips at the back of his hand and hurries to gently nudge her by the shoulder to turn around.
Their eyes meet and Isaac changes his worried expression to a more relaxed one. Embarrassment is evident on his cheeks and MC can't help it but chuckle.
"Was it…too much? Are you hurt somewhere?" The man sharpens his gaze, sliding his hands along the sides of her body and checking for any signs of harm.
"Isaac, it was fantastic. Didn't I tell you that I'd love it? Do you still not believe me?"
   “I might hurt you. Are you sure you want that?” Isaac looks again at the uncorked vial of rouge in his hand, unsure of how this idea would turn out. Despite having come so far in the discussion as to take care of any predictable occurrence, the stakes were high. Depriving himself of blood for the sake of a mere sexual fantasy? He'd never thought he'd trust himself enough to lush out his blood-lust at her, yet the reassurance came to mind. A single call of his name amidst nourishing this lust, and he'd come to his senses each time with no fail.
MC placed her hand over his, gently, taking the vial away from him.
"I want that. If you have to hurt me, then I want it to hurt."
  "I… I want to believe you, but this sort of thing…does it excite you that much? As much as it excited me?" The last of it is spoken a tad lower, in bashful denial of the otherwise obvious arouse between Isaac's legs that MC felt pressed to her earlier on.
"Yes. And if you still don't believe me…" MC pulls on Isaac's hand that she's been holding, and guides it under her gown. Isaac's eyes widen as he feels the great wetness that is a result of their awfully naughty game of predator and prey.
"I believe you now." Instead of taking out his hand, Isaac uses his other one to brush MC's hand to the side, now freely touching over her swollen folds. He rubs on her clit, moving in closer with one leg between hers, pressing her against the tree once more, this time facing her.
"In fact, I'm willing to continue this…act. If it means that I get to see you like this for longer."
MC wants to ask him what exactly she looks like, but she is afraid of hearing the answer. In her eyes, Isaac is still as dangerous. The way he stimulates her with fast movements of his fingers, well knowing that she is on the edge, it tells her enough to be wary of him yet still.
"Aaah, It's too much… I'm going to…"
“I don’t care if it’s too much, you’re not allowed to cum.”
A surprised moan slips from her lips seeing that his boldness grows tenfold at her helplessness. This side of him, too, arouses her to no end, and now that it seems like they're back to their game, she can only brace herself at the feeling of his fingers starting to scissor deep inside her, preparing her for what is to come.
Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @ale-teodora @kimi00twin @leonardoism @otomelady @privilegedpancake @g-kleran @thehappycat123 @pumpumnnnp  @thesirenwashere @theuwuisunreal @ravenarld @kyokirigiri-22 @kimmy-banana @btarinana @animeworldsposts @randomanimatedhusbandoseeker @galaxyprison @trishtori @sadshaxk @starshards26 @pro-cat-stination @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @judgemental-seal @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @keen19thcenturygoatsstudent @lordsister @ikemen-banshou @toxiicmoron @ikemenlover24 @themysticalbeing @canaria-blackwell @otome-scribbles  Please let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!
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shinygoku · 3 years
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gordon gordon gordon gordon
Gordon Gordon Gordon Gordon!!
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He's been sneaking into these asks by proxy, so it's finally time for his dedicated session, hehe~
First impression
WUAAAGH what's up with this WEIRD LONG NOT-THOMAS and his FACE?!
Impression now
His face is still pretty weird! But you know what else it is? Part of an Absolute Legend ✨
Like, man, Gordon is such a big presence and interesting character, the entire premise leans heavily on him. I'm inclined to go as far as to say that the Blue Boys of 1, 2 and 4 here are the three most important characters for the franchise (not at all to knock everyone else lmao) and they slot nicely into a Triforce of Courage, Wisdom and Power, and Gordon has Power in spades!
Gordon is The Vain One (not James!). He's legit very strong and the fastest on Sodor (which isn't just being a big fish in a small pond because that island has some crazy cool engines!) but unfortunately he lacks humility. His success seems to have been lodged in his head before the series even begins and this Pride is the source of pretty much every single conflict he's involved in.
But when it isn't his self satisfaction in his actions, it's being smug about being such a grand, magnificent Tender Engine and he is snooty as hell about it. He seems to look at smaller engines [pretty much everyone compared to him lol] as a lesser class, particularly if they're small and cheeky and Tank Engines. This may not be the case exactly, but his way of talking to them and some other things he says are very condescending.
However... as much as a gigantic jerk he is at several points, with Gordon I kinda feel like he plain ass doesn't conceive of his words being out of line. That and having to Unlearn things... he's not innately better than everyone else. He sees things in black and white. There are Useful Engines, and those who should be scrapped. There are Noble Tender Engines and Lesser Tank Engines who exist to do the tedious chores on behalf of the Superior ones. Edward doing shunting is seen as Demeaning and contradicts Gordon’s world view that Tender Engines Don't Stunt™, and he doesn't like that one bit! (Also Edward was crossing the picket line but that wasn't Awdry's concern lmao)
Related is Gordon does seem oddly dense at times, like assuming that Tenders are in of themselves a Status Symbol rather than a large lunchbox of sorts lol, or that Tender Engines like him being too heavy for Branch Lines being because something about Branch Lines are degrading. This might be all Elitist Brainwashing influence. But still, that he just takes these as The Truth means I get to affectionately call him an idiot. And there is no other way to explain how he genuinely believes Bill and Ben were going to murder him if he wasn't missing a few brain bolts in there.
Fortunately, he does eventually start to learn the important lessons.... very gradually, but the Early Gordon is a pretty different beast to Later Gordon, and it's wonderful~
Also, I gotta give credit to him for having some moments of utter brilliance and actual grasp of reality and more complex matters, like culture. (Yeah, I'm rolling with his geniune Opera Knowledge from s6 of all things. It's good!) As much as Awdry himself may have disagreed, Gordon was in the right to want a Station Pilot and the Strike was called for (not bullying Edward for it, but myeah) ...but this leads to my next point: He seems to have a mental block when it comes to Emotions.
Certainly, he's as emotional as the others are, it's not just a scale of Snooty, Arrogant, Condescending, Prideful ....well, it is, but ALSO the more mixed and varied feelings: Shame, Sadness, Fear, Ambivilance, Irritation, Anger, Passion, Amused, Delight and so on. However, Gordon is seemingly unaware of how his words may make the others feel, and even at his cruellest it doesn't look like he's aware he's twisting a knife in. To Gordon, he's being honest, but his verbose manner ends up twisting and wriggling away from any valid point like an overgrown vine that somehow links back to how [Other Engine] is disgracing him, Gordon, by association.
Examples include: Being offended by Henry's new shape (??? Gordon dude he nearly died and this is an improvement, a good thing!), saying that Edward's age and difficulty starting a heavy ass packed load of passengers is grounds to be Retired or even Scrapped, other little insulting things like calling the likes of Thomas and James Little insistently (it seems to vary if he's trying to put them down or actually be affectionate), and many more when in the hands of inept writers who have to wheel out the same Gordon Learns A Lesson Plot every other season.
Like I said in the James post, I also think he kinda poisoned the Red guy with his snooty attitude... but I maintain that I think Gordon was unaware of this. He may know he has Influence, and enjoy that, but he really truly doesn't appear to mean to mould James into a smaller, redder version of himself. He's oblivious and from his own point of view, benevolent. Which is in fact a dangerous combo indeed!
It's... a lot o7;;
Again though, if you're looking at the books and s1-s5 of TVS you can see him grow and change. He does take a while to learn the lessons, but as time goes on he moves 2 steps forward and 1 step back, then eventually less steps back entirely. It's great! And so is Gordon. A big dumb meathead with not entirely uncalled for delusions of granduer. A dramatic so-and-so who is the best engine for his job.
I love this sophisticated jock who grows more kindness~ 💙
Favourite moment
Hm! This isn't as easy to decide lol. We all like Gordon Goes Foreign... but you know what sticks in my mind more?
hOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH
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Look, I’m not 100% objective, here! But Ringo’s read of this line is fantastic (and keeps making me expect him to finish saying OOOHH SHIT) and it’s also a well deserved bolt of divine retribution for how rude he was being earlier. (As long as my essay already was, he very much needed the knocking down of some pegs here!)
Idea for a story
While both my fics with him thus far have been variations of Pre-Canon, Full-Arrogance and Snobbish Gordon (and both were a lot of fun!) ...but I cannot bear the same expired horse being beaten more when the story is set waaay later but he’s still up his own ass. Please, PLEASE writers, let him hold what growth he’s managed to gain!
I think it’d be good to accept that he’s gonna be outdated sooner or later, so have him help train another High Speed Engine and take them under his wing. The Christopher Awdry books kinda have something similar with Pip and Emma, but I think a better way of having Gordon be involved would be if he was actively doing some mentoring himself, as well as being a neat parallel with Edward, whose type was once Express only but got outclassed by A1s, and so the same can happen to this big A1 -> A3 lad and he can form a healthy relationship with some bright eyed newbie (and maybe have some self awareness and try to stop their head getting too large, lol).
Unpopular opinion
I know I just said him mentoring would be a cool story idea, but in canon? He is NOT a resident Dad type!! He’s a hotshot young man but he’s also a hot mess. He’s physically large but he’s not got the Energy of someone who dispenses sage advice and a shoulder to cry on. At best, he’s a weird uncle! One who means well but you shouldn’t take his life advice to heart because he’s actually just as, if not more clueless than you!
Favourite relationship
I feel inclined to say Thomas here. Emphatically not because Gordon is ‘old’ and Thomas is ‘young’, but because they’re so damn alike and actually make an excellent, albeit unconventional type of Rivalry.
Both are self important with genuine finesse in their respective talents, both are honest to a fault, both have redeeming qualities to offset their initial abrasiveness, and the first TVS episode is centred on the both of them and sets the tone for the series as a whole. There’s more parallels, of course, but I also wanna point out they’re effectively the mascots of North Western Rail in universe too, and I absolutely love this picture:
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I also have immense fondness for the Down the Mine paradigm shift! Thomas gives Gordon grief over the ditch incident and later when it emerges the Fat Controller is gonna send for Gordon to pull him out, Thomas is filled with dread. But Gordon isn’t using the chance to lord over Thomas, he’s actually so amused by Thomas’ mishap and it coming at a time where he’s been significantly humbled, they instead become Comrades and I love it. I eat it up! Paint Pots and Queens isn’t anywhere near as good but I adore the little bit where they’re appealing for the other, equals and watching each other’s back~
But yeah, as Friendly Rivals they both feel very authentic and yet, in a daft way, sweet ;3
Favourite headcanon
He still says “Hurry, hurry, hurry!” when pulling the Express. That’s a HC as I think the show phased it out, but I like it lol. I feel like my essay on him contains most of the headcanon stuff, but it’s all based on what’s shown, baybee!
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peachypunk22 · 3 years
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Harringrove Feedback Fest
not me participating in something when I haven’t been active in months 😅 
fic recs from AO3 authors that inspire me! these fics are all incredible and i’ve re-read each one listed multiple times!! 
@gothyringwald thank you for putting this together! its such a cute idea!
knit more tightly together by lymrics (E) @lymricks
part one of the blues in chicago series. i think one of the first harringrove fics I read. love the steve/billy dynamic and so emotional and high tension that im pretty sure it made me cry at some point? even though it’s not a sad fic! idk it just really pulled some emotion up. literally the fic that got me into the fandom and wanting to write for it! the whole series is amazing!
Steve takes a second to feel relieved it's not Dustin getting all sorts of arrested in places he shouldn’t be, then he goes back to staring.
It's Billy, who looks as good now as he did the last time Steve saw him: three years ago. He looks just as complicated, too. He’s got bruises on his face, a split lip.
star-crossed bullshit (black holes feast) by ?? (E)
this work got orphaned, but i’m so glad the author didn’t delete because it’s one of my all time faves! strong dom/sub undertones and messy relationship with an incredible use of the unreliable narrator! plus it has mechanic!billy 
Billy makes a mixtape for when he fucks boys, except it’s on Spotify, and he’s only fucking Steve, and all the songs are oddly, and suspiciously, romantic.
liquor (on your lips, makes you dangerous) by eternalgoldfish (E) @eternalgoldfish
i love a college!au with some gross hot Billy and this one is so good. equal parts cute, funny, and sweet with a side of kinky that I hadn’t read before
“Careful, sweetie, don’t break a nail,” Billy said, leaning over Steve’s shoulder, lazy cat’s-grin gleaming up to his eyes.
“I’m not going to break a fucking nail.” Steve hissed and elbowed him, like he hadn’t been thinking the same thing as he struggled to wedge one of his shiny red nails into his wallet’s tight leather pockets.
Or, Steve makes a bet he can't win and Billy doesn't realize his mistake.
i’m saucing on you by Boardingschooled (E)
speaking of college!au’s this one has fratboy!Billy being gross hot in all the best ways. also sweaty concert grinding, boys being absolutley smitten, and waffle house breakfast dates? it’s like college slaps you in the face and makes you listen to AMINE and it’s great
Steve wants a ticket to the biggest party on campus; Billy's got one with Steve's name on it.
Tale as Old as Time by hoppnhorn (M) @hoppnhorn
i’m an absolute sucker for beauty and the beast au’s and hoppnhorn is such a fantastic writer that i had to include this one
Prince William, imprisoned in the form of a beast, can be freed only by true love. What may be his only opportunity arrives when he meets Steven, a man who bewitches him from the very moment he steps foot in his enchanted castle.
Honeyed Wine by Antarc (T) @rascheln
am i biased because this fic has literally all of the thing i like because it was written for me? perhaps. but for real, this fic is SO sweet and well-written! it has baker!billy and a twist at the end that i did not see coming at all. every time i read it i just have a huge smile on my face
While he recovers from an injury at Robin's farm and helps run her market stall, Steve unexpectedly reunites with his old high school rival. Billy, once a tough asshole who got into weekly fights, is now a proud owner of the best bakery in town and mans the stall right next to Steve's- with the best croissants Steve has ever eaten.
samarra by gothyringwald (T) @gothyringwald
i think this was the first fic in a long time that i’ve read that took a more gen/mystery/sci-fi approach, with the romance taking a backseat for most of it, and honestly this fic made me remember how much i like reading. the story and universe building is excellent. very trippy and gives off a lot of twin peaks dream walking surrealist vibes.
When the kids bring Billy back from the dead, it doesn’t go quite as expected: he’s alive but his soul has been left behind. And Steve is the only person who can bring it back.
Salt in the Wound by SheWritesDirty (E) @shewritesdirty
if ‘fuck your enemies’ was a genre, this would be THE fic. rough, gritty, and violent. I could wax poetic about how much I love the writing style and imagery and how different it feels in comparison to other fic. steve and billy are toxic and messy and so bad that its good
The way he ate slow, like his jaw hurt. Like it was tender, like whatever had put that bruise on his face had left more of an impact than just… flesh and bone. And now that he was seeing it... Steve knew that he hadn’t done that to Billy.
That someone else had, after that night and over the weekend... someone else had gotten their hands on Billy and put karma into his skin.
And he still hadn’t looked at Steve.
Here I Go Again by HeckinaHandbasket (E) (WIP) @heck-in-a-handbasket
oh god oblivious!Steve is top tier in this A/B/O fic. combine with a lifeguard!billy that’s trying (and failing) in his rough, fumbling way to make it obvious that he’s courting him and you get this adorable mess. it’s so sweet and funny and the rest of the gang are actual little kids that run around and create havoc. i’m always excited when it updates!
Not just a new lifeguard, either. No, Billy was the lifeguard supervisor.
Because of course he was, the prick.
Swing Away by lemonlovely (E)
sports!au sports!au sports!au - specifically a baseball!au that actually serves as a really cool character exploration of billy and his dad and sports. this one is so bittersweet and i love the dynamic between steve and billy as they figure out a rocky start to a friendship and romance
Steve and Billy go to the same Hawkins Baseball Camp that Steve's been going to since he was a kid, and Billy is not particularly thrilled to be there - he fucking hates baseball, alright? And he tells Steve as much.
lamp-bright rind by nagdabbit (G) 
chef!Billy teaching his neighbor Steve how to cook au. unbelievably sweet and a writing style that is unique, expressive, and comedic. you really fall in love with the characters, as flawed as they may be, and the descriptions of food. did i mention its an almost 100k slow-burn? 
Billy spies on his cute neighbor, his cute neighbor doesn't know how to cook. Luckily, Billy can do something about that.
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bad268 · 3 years
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Midnight Kiss (Remus Lupin X Reader)
Fandom: Harry Potter
Requested: Entry number 4 in my Five days of Holidays!
Warnings: Christian themes, tooth-rotting fluff
W.C. 430
Summary: Midnight kiss/ weird holiday traditions.
As always, my requests are OPEN
MASTERLIST // HITLIST
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~~(^Pinterest @/loonylupinx)
“Are you sure this is what they do in the muggle world?” Remus asked as we walked up to our rooftop patio, steaming mugs of hot chocolate in hand. The moon was high in the sky as it was nearing midnight on Christmas Eve. We approached the ledge before sitting down, looking out at the lights. “This seems weird to be on the roof in the middle of the night. Plus, it’s freezing out here.”
“Oh, hush. I told you, it’s more of a family tradition, I laughed as I conjured a blanket, and wrapped it around the two of us. “Every Christmas Eve, we would go to the rooftop, drink hot chocolate, and my parents would tell stories. Most were past Christmas stories, but some were old folktales. When my brother brought his boyfriend over one year, they shared a midnight kiss, and it became part of the tradition. Now, I want you to be part of it,” I explained rather quickly. I will admit, it was freezing, but it’s all in good fun, right?
“So, we are going to sit here and tell stories for thirty minutes, then kiss and go back inside?” I nodded, a chuckle escaping my lips. “Why should I wait thirty minutes to kiss you?”
“I mean you can, but then the midnight kiss isn’t special,” I wined with a pout.
“You’re breaking the number one rule,” He said with a smile once he noticed my confused facial expression. To which he whispered in a sing-song tone, “you better not pout.”
“Ahh, is this better?” I replied with a tight-lipped smile. He just laughed before kissing my nose. “Do you remember when James and Sirius tried to prank Snape with the slugs?”
“I do, but why don’t you tell the story anyway,” He said, laughing lightly at the memory.
“Well, for one, it was the first and last prank you guys had ever let Peter plan. He picked the most public place and did not keep a good eye out for the professors. I blame him for getting me stuck in detention with you morons.”
“Hey! That detention made me realize that I love you,” he pointed out.
“Okay, one good thing came out of that detention,” I giggled as I leaned into Remus’s side as a gust of wind passed. I looked down at my watch, noticing midnight was 10 seconds away. “Countdown to midnight.” 
“5…” Remus started.
“4…”
“3…”
“2…”
“1. Merry Christmas, (Y/N/N),” Remus said with a soft tone before leaning in to capture my cold lips with his.
~~~
Everything tag list 
@a-mess-of-fandoms
Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts tag list 
@blisfvll
@fandoms-are-possessive 
Five Days of Holidays tag list
 @lilacgab​
~~~~~
Thanks for reading! For legal reasons, I am required to state that I did NOT take the picture. I got it off Pinterest or Google. Please like it and/or reblog. If you want more content, follow, or send requests. You can add this account (made for content made by me), my ship/master blog, @ship268​, or my side blog, @thing268​, where I share other writers’ work. Also, you can follow my Wattpad or AO3. Both of which are also linked in my master post (in my bio). That’s all for now, Lads. Thanks for attending the Academy.
~BAD268<3
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the-soupiest-artist · 3 years
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a very VERY belated birthday to the wonderful, beautiful, ASTOUNDING Samaria!! Raymond is the luckiest musician in the world to be loved by a songbird such as her. So here is a drawing of Raymond and Samaria enjoying a beautiful Ersallian morning in our beloved Royal!au
Samaria is the MC of the lovely @larknnightingale whos friendship I have adored;;v;;
I also wrote a fic to go along with this piece...it's under the cut
Mornings, a relative thing that usually starts after the stroke of midnight, but doesn’t truly set in until the sun crests over the hillsides. To some servants those precious hours before the sun rises was the time they considered morning. As they rose from wherever they laid their head to rest, they had to carry out the many chores of those dark early hours. Especially for those who worked in The Grand Palace of Ersailles, It was a life Samaria was once very used to, as she had previously worked for the ruling king and for his heiress very briefly. That is, until she met the current queen’s cousin. He transformed her from a humble scullery maid and into a glittering primadonna. That same cousin later became her lover and together they carved out a new and beautiful life.
So one would imagine Samaria’s surprise as on her birthday she was startled from her sleep while the dark shade of night still held the morning hours in its grip, to find her lover, Raymond, in the kitchen of their cottage deep within the eastern forest.
He hadn’t noticed her yet as Samaria crept into the kitchen with a curious furrow to her blue brows, Raymond was hunched over the floor of the kitchen, quickly scooping up branches and tiny leaves of rosemary back into their glass jar, which thankfully hadn’t broken. He was muttering under his breath wildly, his black wavy hair swishing this way in that as he tried to clean up the mess to the best of his ability.
Samaria recalled a silly statement Raymond’s mother, Celine, would often say as she watched Raymond scrounge around the kitchen floor.
“Raymond’s talents lie in music, not unfortunately in keeping house”
Which was a strange statement to say considering Celine, as she too was a part of the royal family, had lived in the palace with Raymond almost their entire lives.
Still Samaria thought it was oddly warming to her heart as Raymond hastily scooped up the last few leaves and set the jar back on the counter. He held out his hands with an almost fearful expression, making sure the jar wouldn’t leap to its perpetual death off of the counter once again.
“What possessed you to be up at this hour?” Samaria asked, finally making her presence known. Her head tilted to the side slightly in curiosity. Her blue curls fell from her shoulders and bounced with the movement.
Raymond froze, his muscles tensing and eyes growing wide as the sudden noise startled him. His dilated pupils quickly shot to where the origin of the voice was only to see Samaria standing there. Her doe-like eyes alight with curiosity in the dark kitchen. His body relaxed some, and his words seemed to have been scattered for a moment as he whipped his head from the linen-covered pile on the counter to where his beloved stood.
All the while stuttering; “but- it was- you are…..oh…”
Sheepishly the musician dropped his shoulder and hung his head in defeat, “I was going to surprise you with a breakfast picnic, and a spectacular view of the sunrise.” With a quick flick of his wrist, Raymond pulled back the linen that was obscuring a basket. “For your birthday.”
The basket was handsomely full of what looked to be a few peaches.
A hefty, yet small, wheel of cheese.
A tin of some sort of mysterious treat.
And a thermos of what Samaria could only assume was tea, but from the warm smell that filled the air, it had to have been more of an apple cider. It was being cleverly kept hot in a bottle, it's exterior insulated with bushels of straw bound tightly around the bottle.
Samaria was truly touched. She stood there at a loss for words for a few moments. It didn’t matter how early it was, or how Samaria wished she was awakened to the feeling of Raymond cuddled against her. He had gone out of his way and had expertly planned to make the start of Samaria’s special day extraordinary.
Once her mind had processed the beautiful gift her lover had crafted for her she swept her arms around Raymond and hugged him tightly. A wide grin appeared on Raymond’s face, not because his dearest was hugging him, but because he knew Samaria loved what he had attempted to do for her. Naturally, he hugged back, he loved how perfectly his arms wrapped around her. The two stood there in the kitchen for a few moments. Snuggled in each other’s embrace they both had the same lovesick expression. Samaria’s head pressed firmly into Raymond’s chest and Raymond’s head resting upon hers.
“What a wonderfully fantastic thing you have done!” Samaria’s muffled voice could still be heard through Raymond’s linen shirt. Her head poking out from against his chest to look up at him with sincere joy, “When are we leaving?”
Raymond’s grin grew into a full smile. Taking his love’s hand he kissed it almost gleefully as he stated that he would like to leave as soon as possible. So Samaria set off quickly and soon enough the two love birds were on their way trudging through the dark misty morning of the Ersaillian woodland.
Finally breaking the barrier of trees, Raymond helped Samaria over a small fence as they needed to cross over some old farmer’s land. Unfortunately, the hem of Samaria’s dress was snagged, and in Raymond’s brave attempt to unhook it from the rotting wood fence, all the while still keeping his love balanced in his arms. The two toppled over and landed in the tall grassy field with a thud. Which in turn awakened a few sheep that seemed to have been sleeping with their herd. Spitting grass from his mouth, with a rather sour wrinkle to his brow, Raymond came face to face with one of the sheep. To which Raymond knew belonged to the farmer who owned the land. Seeing as the sheep was marked for ownership.
Samaria perked up from the grass rather quickly, “Not to worry! Our picnic is safe!” she exclaimed boisterously, yet still quiet. She held up the basket, it was then when Samaria realized 3 other sheep were surrounding her and all staring rather ravenously at whatever contents sat in the picnic basket. Whirling around quickly Samaria spotted Raymond not far beside her, who was on his knees and face to face with a fourth sheep. She suppressed a giggle, seeing as their predicament was now a stand-off of musicians with a picnic basket versus hungry sheep (who were much cranky after being disturbed in the wee hours of the morning). Quickly Raymond stood to his feet, the sheep jumping back in response, but his companions still cautiously crept forward. Raymond looked from the basket to the sheep who all had started bleating at them.
“No sudden movements,” Raymond warned quietly, as he slowly backed away from the sheep who were starting close in. “They think our picnic belongs to them.”
“Well, that makes sense.” Samaria muttered back, following in his lead as she too started taking steps back from the sheep, “we are intruders on their land. It seems they are wanting compensation for waking them up.”
“Oh, sadness.” Raymond huffed. One of the other sheep huffed back in response. “If only we weren’t on a time-sensitive celebration. Then I’d be willing to negotiate.”
“You could try serenading them with your pan flute,” Samaria suggested, tilting her head back over her shoulder as she responded. The two were almost back to back now as Raymond muttered, “no good. Sheep don’t respond to flutes. I’ve tried it. They prefer the harp as opposed to the pan flute.” Raymond reached his hand back, knowing he must’ve been close to Samaria now. He continued, “besides, I’d rather not test the irritation of these woolen lambs. My playing might anger them further.”
“What else would you suggest?” Samaria lifted the basket above her head as a sheep tried to snap at it. Now back to back, and surrounded. Raymond looked from bleating sheep to bleating sheep, his eyes flickering light when he realized he did have an idea.
In one smooth and quick motion, Raymond scooped Samaria up into his arm, the basket still held far above her head. Raymond took a deep breath, his chest puffing out slightly to make himself look bigger.
“Baaaaaaack you sheep!” Raymond scolded, even if it sounded more like a braying sheep.
The sheep all stood stunned and jumped back.
Raymond shouted his warning again, the sheep seemed to back away. Startled from Raymond’s shouting, eventually carving a path for them to run and escape to.
Once Raymond had felt they had reached safety, he slowed his run to a walk Samaria still in his arms. He looked over his shoulder just to be sure the sheep hadn’t followed past the farmland. He let out a heavy sigh out of relief, a few beads of sweat running down his cheek. Now perfectly distracted Samaria leaned up and delicately kissed his cheek. His salty sweat pricked her lips ever so slightly, yet she didn’t care. Raymond froze in surprise, his shocked expression melting quickly into a smile as he looked down at Samaria. Her precious brown eyes peered up at him as she sweetly muttered, “my hero.”
“Anything for you my songbird.” He smiled, “no sheep, or beast is too great of a challenge. Especially if it means your safety.”
Samaria smiled brightly and wiggled out of Raymond’s grasp so she could walk hand in hand beside him.
The couple continued onward in their journey, the last obstacle, as Raymond assured Samaria, was just crossing a babbling river. Which was a bit of a fiasco all on its own. But due to Raymond’s quick wit, he was able to save his dearest love from dipping a singular precious foot into the cold rushing current. Breaking the line of a smaller forest, which they had to traverse through after the river, they finally came to the place Raymond was looking for. Passing through a rotting detached fence they arrived at this beautiful hillside. Lush plants, grasses, and many colorful flowers cascaded down the hillside and into the plains below the hill, which stretched for a few more miles until it hit the mountains that protected the more rural farmlands of Ersailles. It was still dark, but both Raymond and Samaria could tell the morning view of the sunrise was going to be spectacular. They settled on the hillside and Raymond began to weave together several daisy chains as Samaria set out their picnic. Her careful hand placing the items in the optimal places so they wouldn’t roll down the hill. The feat however was a bit of a trial, as Raymond had to run down the hill to retrieve a peach once or twice. Samaria finally just stuck the damn thing in her mouth out of frustration, to which Raymond laughed as he finished off his first daisy chain. He fastened it into a crown and gently placed it atop his dearest love’s head, pulling her hair out and around the delicate crown so it wouldn’t fall off her head.
He shifted to face her in the grass, admiring her beautiful face. Samaria could just see Raymond’s blue eyes melt at the mere sight of her, she felt her heart flutter and a soft blush crept up her cheeks.
“Beautiful.” Raymond whispered, “not just today, on your birthday, the most wonderful day of the year. But every day.”
Samaria’s heart not overflowing with adoration she kissed his lips sweetly, and Raymond kissed her back. Gently Raymond pulled away and sat beside her, he poured them both the cider as they continued to wait for the sun’s arrival.
“I was very curious as to why there was a bundle of straw in this basket.” Samaria inquired, blowing on the still somehow warm cider before taking a sip. “Where did you get such an idea?”
Raymond held up the bottle with a sort of pride to his smile, “Lyra and I when we were younger, we would often be required to read books for tutoring and all of that. Of course, our tutor was my mother, aside from Lyra learning...queenly things, she encouraged us to read books we wouldn’t normally seek out. She said it was good to stretch the mind that way.”
He took a long sip from his cup, sighing as the warm liquid hit his senses and the morning chill was chased away. “I read about this baker who was trying to think of a way to keep whipped cream cold. He had built houses for his father before becoming a pastry chef and knew straw was a good insulator. His idea worked, although not in the way he expected. Turns out that chef discovered the prototype to what we know now as la glace, or I suppose more commonly it is known as ice cream.” He let out a bit of a short laugh, “I figured if it could work with keeping things cold, it could keep things hot.”
Samaria was almost baffled by the idea, yet she made a note that she had to try and make her own ice cream. “Well, it worked. This apple cider is perfect for drinking”
Raymond smiled down at her, and at last, the first light of day was starting to peek through the mountains. The dark sky finally giving way to a brighter purple.
Quickly Raymond grabbed Samaria’s hand, his eyes glowing with a giddy light to them. “I’ve been wanting to bring you here since the moment I first heard your name.”
The sunlight illuminated the valley in pockets, some of the grassy brush was still clouded in darkness, while others were cast in a bright orange glow, the dew on each blade of grass sparkled, making the valley look like a field of sparkling diamonds. The sky was painted a beautiful soft pink and orange. The clouds that drifted by looked like tiny pink sheep all resting by the mountain tops, and as the sun started to warm the earth, it too started to warm the bodies of the couple taking in the breath-taking sight.
Samaria’s eyes were affixed and delighted at the wondrous view, she found herself scooting closer to Raymond, resting her head against his shoulder.
Raymond gently lifted Samaria’s hand to his lips and kissed it softly, “This is how you make me feel.” He spoke quietly like if he raised his voice even the slightest bit, the spectacular view would shut itself away and it would be night once again. “Every song you sing, every prank you pull, every step you take, every ‘i love you’ that rings and resonates on my ears.” Raymond turned his attention to Samaria, turning her cheek gently so he could look at her fully so that she might understand just how sincere he was being, “Every time you blush as any of my words, every sigh that falls from your lips, and every flutter of your beautiful...perfect...lashes.” He paused for only a moment, staring into her eyes with such love, such adoration. “You, Samaria, the very fabrication of everything that you are, casts eternal rays of sunshine into my soul.” He pressed her hand to his heart and Samaria’s cheeks flushed a deeper color of red, “ It burns me up and I am more than willing, thankful even, to be consumed by this fiery love I have for you.”
He looked out into the wondrous view for a few moments, shaking his head, almost not believing what he was hearing himself say, “I used to think that this sight. This beautiful phenomenon that nature had woven together, was the most wondrous, beautiful thing I had ever experienced in my entire life.” Raymond, now on the brink of tears, turned back to Samaria. “I was a foolish boy for thinking this. For today, of all days. You, the most beautiful, wondrous person to behold, was born on this day.” He inhaled deeply, his free hand brushing a few loose curls behind Samaria’s pointed ear, “and I am eternally grateful for it. It is an absolute privilege to be a part of your life. That is how much you mean to me, how you as a person, primadonna and touring with a world-famous opera aside, it is just you Samaria...and only you for which my heart years and will forever question how...how could I have been brought such a perfect angel?”
Samaria was at a loss for words, she felt a little overwhelmed at Raymond’s words. He was known for being incredibly easy with compliments but this...this was much different than a simple flick of the tongue. He had truly felt all of these things so strongly and now he was spilling his heart out to her, almost like he was confessing his love to her for the very first time all over again.
Not knowing what else to do at that moment, Samaria hugged Raymond tightly, her legs wrapping around his waist and burning into his neck. Raymond held her tightly, his fingers tangling in her hair as he let a few tears slide down his cheek. “Happy birthday love, I love you so….so much.”
Once the sappy heartfelt moment had passed, the lovers broke into the picnic fully. It was then discovered that in Raymond’s fumbling around the dark kitchen, as to not raise the suspicions of Samaria as he was packing the basket, he accidentally packed the sea biscuits instead of the scones. Thankfully they still tasted good with the cheese Raymond had also brought.
As the sun continued its climb, Raymond and Samaria enjoyed their picnic. Samaria felt truly blessed on the morning of her birthday, the sunrise was beautiful, however, unfortunately early she had to rise to see it. She wasn’t going to let Raymond’s efforts go unrewarded, and as a start, she made him a matching daisy crown and necklace. As she adorned her dearest love with the floral jewelry she kissed his head, “Thank you, darling, for the most fantastic start to this day.” She muttered sweetly to him. Raymond simply just took her hand and squeezed it gently with a wide smile. Raymond pulled his pan flute from his pocket and quietly the sound of Peer Gynt’s “Morning Mood” filled the air. Samaria scanned the grassy patch she sat down in and picked a few flowers to take home a press between some of Raymond’s books, she wanted to remember every last detail of this morning, and this day.
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pennamesmith · 4 years
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My Friend, My Skeletor
Adora and Hordak talk over coffee. Skeletor has a pleasant day. More ‘Skeletor’ stories.
*
Chattering excitedly about near-death experiences, the last of the clones strolled out of the hallway door at the end of another Ex-Horde Therapy Group session. Wrong Hordak watched them all go and waved cheerfully.
“I am so sorry about that,” Perfuma groaned, next to him. She was covered in twigs, moss, and mud, and leaned exhaustedly on Scorpia’s arm. “I didn’t realize the Whispering Woods would provide quite so... hostile an environment for a walking meditation. Or that so many of the brothers would wander away from the group. Repeatedly. No matter how many times I reminded them that they could have become emotionally dysregulated, or eaten.”
“Nonsense, noble Perfuma!” Wrong Hordak reassured her, sparkling happily. “We have learned much today about the value of understanding our responses to uncomfortable feelings, and also monsters.”
“And Adora got everyone back just fine!” Scorpia added, patting Perfuma’s head. “I mean, I think she did? I hope she did. I didn’t exactly count. I’m pretty sure we got them all. Wrong Hordak?”
While Wrong Hordak counted carefully on his fingers, Adora wrapped up leftovers from the snack table. She, too, was covered in forest detritus, and still felt some of the lightheadedness that came after turning back from She-Ra. It had been an eventful day, to say the least. Putting away the room alongside her were Catra, Hordak, Entrapta, and ‘Skeletor,’ a spindly former Horde bot Entrapta was currently refurbishing. So far the results had been mixed.
“Idiots! Foolish mortals! If I’m not there, nothing is done right!” Skeletor whined, as he stacked chairs. “Myaah!”
Adora snorted, and idly picked at some of the leftover food. Her eyes flitted to where Catra was chatting shyly with an exuberant Entrapta, and she felt her heart swell. Despite the disarray, her world was healing.
“Hey Adora!” Catra called, looking her way suddenly. “I’ve gotta, uh, talk to Entrapta about something real quick. Right outside. We’ll be back in a minute, okay?”
Adora flashed a thumbs up as she chewed her way through some stale bagels. While Catra ushered Entrapta into the hallway, Hordak glanced in Adora’s direction and caught her eye. He left Skeletor with a broom and dustpan and approached her at the table.
“Your bravery and strength were most impressive today,” Hordak commented, pouring himself a cup of something hot from a copper carafe. Despite his looming stature, he seemed smaller and humbler in Adora’s presence. “We are… indebted, once again, to your kindness and protection. Perhaps you should, as the people of this planet say, take it easy for a moment.” He gestured to a free chair and offered a second cup of the drink he’d gotten himself. Adora accepted both and plopped down with a relieved sigh.
“Thanks. Today was an adventure all right,” Adora agreed, slouching in her seat. She sniffed at the dark, steaming liquid in her cup. “What is this stuff, anyway?”
“It is of my own invention,” Hordak said, with a hint of pride. He sat in another chair next to her. “The distilled essence of roasted coffee plant seeds. It contains restorative properties. The taste is naturally bitter, but you may add sugar if you wish.”
“Uh-huh, uh-huh,” Adora nodded, emptying most of the provided container of sweetener into her cup. Her sword flashed, and then she was stirring the drink with a tiny golden spoon. “You weren’t half bad today either, you know. I liked what you said about learning from failures.”
“Mm.”
An awkward silence stretched between them for several seconds. Adora scratched her head and a few leaves fell to the floor.
“You know, I’m proud of you.”
It was Adora who said it. Hordak looked at her in surprise, but she kept going before he could say anything.
“I know what it’s like to start a whole new life after only knowing the Horde. And what it’s like to not be trusted at first.” She paused, considering this. “I mean, I know it’s kind of different since I’m She-Ra and everyone was cool with me after like a day, and you’re the leader of the whole Etherian Horde and got brainwashed by Prime and some people still despise you even after you rebuilt Salineas and cleaned up Beast Island, and…”
She trailed off. Hordak’s expression was impassive.
“Uh, but I’m getting off track. My point is, it’s hard to keep doing the right thing after pain like that. And you are. Um, doing. The right thing, I mean.” Flustered, Adora took a generous gulp of her drink. Her eyebrows shot up and her pupils dilated by several centimeters. “Oh. Wow. Wow. This is… wow. You want to go for a run? I feel like I could go for a run all of a sudden.”
Hordak found his face softening. “I believe I understand what you are trying to say.”
Adora, caffeinated, was not listening. “I mean, look at this guy!” She gestured vaguely at Skeletor. “He’s ridiculous!”
“Behold my mystic cage of bones!” Skeletor cackled, as he emptied his dustpan into a trash bin.
“Most people would have thrown that thing out in the garbage,” Adora went on, rapidly tapping her feet.
“Entrapta did not,” Hordak countered, smiling.
“But you just… talk to it!” Adora threw her hands up, spilling some of her coffee. Skeletor saw the new mess and groaned in annoyance, fetching a mop. “You talk to it, and you’re patient with it, and you reason with it,” Adora said. “Even when it’s not being reasonable.”
“Meheheheheh! Now we’re playing in my dimension! See if you can stand up to my stun-ray!” Skeletor cried, mopping the floor.
“The mending process does not always make a great deal of sense,” Hordak conceded. “But we must be brave.”
“Speaking of,” Adora abruptly cut in. She took another huge swig of her drink. “You remember that thing I asked you about the other day? When Catra wasn’t here?”
Hordak quirked a brow. “I recall.”
“Good, because I’ve got blueprints.” Adora pulled a stack of scribbled-on paper napkins from her pocket. She held them up for Hordak. “Do you think you can do it?”
Hordak plucked a napkin from the stack and studied it. “Yes. This should be well within my scientific capabilities. I will contact you when construction is complete.” He hesitated. “Thank you for… trusting me, Adora. You are… an admirable role model.”
Adora smiled back.
“I’ve done it! I’ve triumphed at last!” Skeletor crowed as he finished cleaning.
Catra came back into the room at that moment, trailing an excitedly chattering Entrapta. When she saw Adora, Catra’s eyes bugged and she clamped a hand over the scientist’s mouth.
“That’s right, Entrapta!” Catra said, very loudly. “Science is very scientific! I couldn’t agree more!” She paused, casting her eyes back and forth. “And. Thank you for talking to me about, um… science. I respect your interest in this topic, because we are friends.”
Catra coughed.
“Aw, thanks,” Entrapta beamed, giving Catra a light pat on the head. “Hordak! I’ve got lots of new ideas for experiments after today! Listen to this!”
She and Hordak immediately fell into a world of their own, filled with trajectories and equilibriums. Adora smiled fondly at the pair and stood shakily to her feet, accepting a helping hand from Catra. She wasn’t sure if her heartbeat was racing because of the coffee, or because of the closeness of Catra’s face. But she felt fantastic.
*
Later, in their laboratory, Hordak eyed Entrapta over a paper napkin schematic. “It may amuse you to know the favor Adora asked of me today,” he began.
“Guess what Catra wants me to build?” Entrapta blurted out at the same time.
“She needs me to make her a ring,” they both finished together.
There was silence. The two mad scientists gaped at each other for a moment, and then the lab was filled with the ringing sound of their guffaws.
“Can we observe the reaction?” Entrapta squealed. “Please?”
“That would be rude, my dear.”
“Okay, okay,” she pouted. “But. Are we going to tell them?”
“Of course not! That would corrupt the data.”
Entrapta clapped happily. “Oh, this is going to be so much fun! Do you think we should make them matching, like ours?” She tapped at a purple First Ones crystal that hung on a pendant around her neck, the twin to Hordak’s own. “Ooh! Or what if we made ones that turn into robots?”
Hordak, who still felt laughter bubbling up from inside him, leaned in closer to his imperfect, beautiful partner. His imagination burned. They had much to scheme.
“Ahh,” said Skeletor. “I can’t remember when I’ve had a more pleasant day!”
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Newt: Hufflepuffs are particularly good finders.
Tina: What the hell is a hufflepuff?
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Hey!
I was on the internet and I so dozens of articles talking about canceling the Fantastic Beasts Saga … to make a Cursed Child series instead.
The reason ? Well, firstly (and mainly) SoD made half the money of CoG. Also, there’re talking about Johnny’s absence, what JK has said against the LGBT community and (huge joke) Katherine’s absence…
I’m really pissed off and I hope that it’s not true ! Does anyone has further information?
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At least we have this amazing meme to smile :)
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cg29 · 4 years
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Fluffember Prompts
A collection of  prompts from @gumnut-logic Fluffember challenge. (Now posted in my Pick & Mix collection with previously shared Fluffember stories)
*** ***
The Beast. Day 8: Encounter.
It was dark. Only a few rays of sunlight managing to penetrate the lair he had entered. He had been warned on numerous occasions about the beast that inhabited this area and was known to attack when woken, but he had not believed. Yes, he had seen it on many occasions, but all of those times it had been funny, friendly and caring. Surely, just because it was woken early it wouldn't attack. Especially since it was him.
He creeped closer. Currently it was lying on its stomach, eyes were tightly shut, and bizarre noises were emitting from it. Finally, reaching his destination he leant towards it, his hand reaching out, but then a sudden snort from the thing in front of him was released causing him to jump back. Maybe it wasn't best to disturb it? Maybe Gordon was right, and the beast did attack if provoked this early? Although his brother was known to make things up. This probably was just one of his jokes and the usual encounter would be received. He had to be brave and find out the truth. Straightening himself up, he stepped forwards, and placed his hand confidently on the shoulder in front of him…
"Virg…"
No movement, no signs of him waking, so he tried again…
"Virgie?"
This time a groan emitted from his brother, then once again he grew quiet…
"Virgie," he pushed harder on his shoulder, "please wake up."
A yawn, and a pair of bleary eyes opened, grumpy and nothing like the kind-hearted peaceful ones he was used to… He moved backwards… Maybe this was a mistake… But then there eyes met, and a soft gentle smile illuminated the features of his brother.
"Hey Alligator, what's up?"
"Nothing," Alan replied with a little snigger at the nickname.
Virgil regarded the three-year-old in front of him. "Nothing, really?"
"Well, Gordy said you were a beast in the morning, but I didn't believe him, so he said I should come and see for myself."
"Did he indeed?"
Alan nodded his head.
"Well, I'm not a beast."
"Knew it!" Alan cheered happily.
"But," Virgil looked at his clock, "when I am woken this early, I am known to turn into a bear."
Alan gasped in shock.
"And you know what bears do, right?"
Alan scrunched up his little nose and shuck his head…
"Well, they are known to attack."
"Really?"
"Yes, with…" Virgil paused for dramatic effect… "tickles!"
A fit of giggles erupted from Alan when Virgil pounced, flung him over his shoulder, then onto the bed where he began tickling him madly.
*** ***
Favourite Drinks. Day 9: Hot Beverage.
We all know Virgil likes a… Okay, scratch the likes and replace it with needs… That boy needs a cup of coffee to function. In fact, his need for the beverage runs so deep that there is a coffee machine on Two. As soon as he's in flight and the autopilot as been selected a quick press of a button will dispense, just underneath the control panel, a deliciously rich warm coffee with one sugar and no milk or cream. Just the way he likes it. The machine is actually a new addition. A birthday present from Brains. Oh, and yes, the rumours were true, Virgil did cry with happiness when he was gifted it. So, yes, our artistic guy is a coffee addict, but what about the others? Have you ever wondered what their favourite hot drinks are…
Alan. Well, his favourite will always be hot chocolate made with milk and topped with marshmallows and cream. The best hot chocolates though are made by John, who also claims this drink as his favourite. When on the homestead he will whip up Alan's and then make his own with water, no milk. Then they will sit, just the two of them, beneath the stars they love.
When Penelope is nearby Gordon will claim that his favourite beverage is an English breakfast tea with a drop of milk, and yes, while a nice cup of tea is enjoyed, it actually takes his second spot. His first choice, well, that will always be hot water with honey and lemon. The taste, soothing. The smell reminding him of his childhood and time spent with just him and his mom after he had completed an early morning swim. Also he likes to think of himself as a no-frills kind of guy… Yes, I know, hard to imagine!
Scott, like Virgil is a coffee addict. Okay, not as bad as Virgil, but he does like a drink to help spur him on after a long morning run. However, unlike his brother he prefers his beverage Irish. Coffee with a shot or two of whisky. It was actually his father who introduced him to the mix after his first difficult rescue. He put a drop in some of his and Scott's mugs and they sat together talking through their troubles. Now, while sipping on the warming liquid, Scott will drift into a daydream, one filled with him and his father, finally reunited after eight years apart.
And the rest…
Well, Lady Penelope's choice is certainly no mystery. She is a Tea connoisseur, with numerous flavours tested throughout the years. Everything from English Breakfast, green tea, berry infusion or a simple chamomile to a chocolate mint, and even a candy floss blend. Which she personally found a bit sickly. Her favourite, Earl Grey which will always be consumed at eleven am.
Parker, just like the lady of the manor loves a good old fashioned 'cuppa' tea, with full fat milk, two sugars and don't forget the digestive biscuits for dunking.
Brains, doesn't have a favourite, and will drink anything you put in front of him… Which should be done often because he'll just get wrapped up in his work and forget to hydrate.
Kayo does not do hot drinks, of any kind, and will always turn to a homemade fruit smoothie.
Grandma. She's a perfect mix of four of her boys, and loves nothing more than a freshly made mocha, with chocolate sprinkles of course…
*** ***
The Secret Talent. Day 12: Food.
One of the boys has a talent that his family don't know about. Well, actually, Kayo knows because it is impossible to keep anything from her, but she has always kept the secret for him, even if she doesn't quite understand why he keeps it hush. There is also a strong possibility that John knows too, he has never actually brought it up, but the guy knows all and sees all. The rest of the family though, they don't, and Gordon the one who possesses this particular skill would prefer to keep it that way. Not that there is a reason in keeping it a closely guarded secret. Yes, he would probably receive some gentle teasing at first but once his brothers clicked on to the benefits of his talent and that they had actually been happily enjoying the results of his gift for many years then they would definitely let it go. Yet, he still would like to keep it from them. Prefers it that way because although he shares the final results, the preparation part, well that is just for him…
So, you are probably wondering what this mystery ability is?
Gordon can bake. Cakes to be precise. From cheesecakes and blueberry muffins to double chocolate fudge cakes or a good old-fashioned Victoria sponge. Big proper sized ones, tiny minute ones, fantastically intricately decorated ones and even tiny bitty cupcakes with triple frosting. You name it, he will bake it, he will even add intricate decorations on top. Oh, and if you are wondering, yes he has even made ones in the shape of their individual birds before.
His favourite time to bake will be when he is alone. Everyone else might be out on a mission and he isn't, or they are off island for some other reason. That will be the moment, his time, to grab an apron, put on some music and get all the ingredients he needs. Then when prepared, he will whip up some cakes ready for when his weary family return. Other times will be usually really early in the morning. He will wake about two hours before Scott, whip up some cakes then stick them in the oven. By time they are coming out Scott will be getting up, but he heads straight for a morning run, and never catches the clean-up and decorating process. He will then stow them away for later in the day.
The taste… Well, they certainly do not taste like anything their grandma would make. In fact, anyone who has been lucky enough to try one as always remarked on the exquisite taste and then will ask where they were purchased from. Gordon will come up with some wacky cake shop name to cover his tracks and no one, not even his brothers, will think to go and look for this place because he will tell them that he enjoys picking them up. So they let him, because if he isn't pulling some sort of practical joke then that is a good thing, and when it comes to food they know he won't jokingly tamper since decent food is a precious rarity in the Tracy household. There is also a secondary reason Gordon would never add a silly ingredient to his cakes, and it's the exact same reason he would never dream of messing with Virgil's piano or one of his paintings, because baking is an art form, a way for him to express his inner self.
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forbiddengalaxy · 2 years
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Jacob: I’m starting to regret teaching you guys how to use a blender
Newt, Theseus, Tina and Lallie (chanting as they shove toast into the blender):TOAST! TOAST! TOAST! TOAST!
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Jacob: Newt have you ever thought about how you’re in love with the female version of your brother?
Newt: WHAT?!
Jacob: Tina is hardcore the female version of Theseus. Like look at them!
Tina and Theseus: seemingly bonding in the distance
Newt: oh Merlin no
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sanctum-of-fantasy · 5 years
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@aphrodites-bloody-rose It’s that day again, it’s your birthday! So here’s a short fic to enjoy on this day!
Title: Worth More Than Bronze Series: Saint Seiya Character(s): Taurus Aldebaran, Pisces Aphrodite, Aries Mu, Kiki Word Count: 3072 Summary: Sometimes life hands you gold or lemons. Sometimes when you stop a black market from selling all kinds of magical animals and things, life hands you something else entirely. Aldebaran never looked back, even if looking forward presented a challenge.
“I found more crates in a truck bed” Aldebaran called out to Aphrodite who nodded and frowned as he watched the taller Saint placed them near a tent.
“This is such a mess” The Pisces Saint replied, sighing and tucking back several strands of hair behind an ear. “There’s so much here, most I don’t even know what it is or how they got it” and the entire thing left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Word had reached Sanctuary, as it always had with their advanced and deep networks, of a black market going to take place on one of the smaller islands of Greece. Normally, they would turn the matter over to the proper authorities but there was something strange about this one. Word was it was a market for the mysterious and fantastical, living or not and with that Athena sent Aldebaran and Aphrodite to handle the trouble with a small group of Sanctuary soldiers. They were to dress as civilians and investigate before calling in the guard.
A precaution that only turned to be for the best. They found the location and quickly realized how grave the situation truly was. Within a few minutes of observing the ‘market’ they had sent the signal and every dealer and buyer were arrested, save for a few that ended up as rose covered bodies. Aphrodite’s silent outrage was clear. They would handle the others later, until then they would stay locked away in one of Sanctuary’s prisons.
Which left the matter of the…stock, as if anything they found could be called that. There were animals, more like creatures as they were far too strange for that word. Birds with four long wings, lizards with stained glass like frills and crests, small griffon like ones that were no bigger than a medium-sized dog with peacock tails and long eel like creatures that flickered many colors in tanks. There were more too, as well as remains or bits of others. Pelts of furs, skulls and bones and then there were the jars. Clear things with labels such as ‘harpy’s talons’, ‘scales of a mermaid’, ‘venom of a manticore’ and an endless list of more.
If it was one small fortune the creatures had taken a liking to Aldebaran and didn’t peak, hiss or bite when the gentle Saint had refilled their food, water or stepped into their enclosures. Though it was clear to Aphrodite that the entire event bothered him, a deep sadness never left his eyes even as he lightly petted one of the peacocks like griffons as one of the four-winged birds sat on his shoulder.
For him, he had his own brand of bitterness and sorrow.
Besides the animals there plants, wild and exotic. Some were lined up in the sunlight while others were kept in the shadows. They called to him, asking for water or to moved just slightly towards the light or darkness. They were like nothing had had ever seen; a long vine bearing one that glowed in the shadows, one like a persian shield but with longer leaves in shades of blue and while, flowers that sounded like chimes when a breeze moved through them and another red flowering one that unfurled its petals and whispered a life among ladies in a city built in towering trees and lit lanterns before it had been stolen away when its captor tricked one lady into falling for him. Its sadness was clear, and he promised to return it to its right home as soon as he could. He gave it his name and it returned with its own; Nymph’s Heart.
They had sent a messenger bird after they had arrested everyone and received word back only a while ago. They were to spend the night, partly in case others came but mostly to watch over the beasts until of Sanctuary’s special contacts arrived to begin caring for…everything. The process of returning the animals to their natural environment, to sanctuaries or reserves would be a long one but worth it in the end. As for the plants, well…that would depend on the contact’s opinions and in the worst case, he always had room for new plants in his temple or gardens.
“If you want to switch, I can work on the list” Aldebaran said, resting a hand gently on his shoulder.
Aphrodite rubbed at his eyes and nodded, handing over the clipboard and pen “I’ll look over those crates then, we still have some daylight after all.”
“Of course, we have most things accounted for, I couldn’t find anything else besides those ones” He replied, gesturing over to where he laid them out. “First one was mostly jars of plants and er…odd books and scrolls, I didn’t open them.”
‘Those might be more aligned with Deathmask’s expertise’ Aphrodite thought, the Cancer’s library had been full of the stuff, an inheritance from those who came before him and he had taken a liking to the subjects. Then again, Shura had some as well though any books he had were an old, old form of Celtic they never could translate. ‘Well if the expert has little knowledge on them, we can deliver them to Cancer easily enough.’
Oh he could only imagine the glee on the Cancer Saint’s face when he returned with several dozen new tomes for him to devour.
‘Until then’ he thought as he pried open a crate ‘I best make sure there’s nothing we’re forgetting.’
Luckily enough, the crate held only items instead of living things. Small, clear boxes of palm sized crystals and rocks. Bolts of various cloths that shimmered, felt like ice to the touch, chain mail and another few that seemed to have runes etched into them.
“I don’t recognize these” Aphrodite sighed as he ran a thumb of one the bolts, rubbing the fabric between his fingers. It felt electrifying yet not painful, within him his cosmo stirred and seemed to brush forward towards it. “But I think giving these to Mu might be a good idea” He held one up for Aldebaran to inspect.
“That…that is odd” The Taurus agreed, eyes widening as he felt the same sensation and handed it back.
“To put it mildly” He nodded, slipping the bolt back into the crate and replaced its covering. “Now, let’s see what’s in the last one hm?”
The final crate was covered in chains and was lined with layers of blankets and straw on the inside, something completely different from the others they had seen and broken open. Aphrodite passed Aldebaran a “something is wrong” look as Aldebaran lowered himself beside him.
“Something important is in here” Aphrodite breathed. No one would put chains on the outside of something if they didn’t want someone to get in easily or for something to get out. Compared to everything else, who knew what that something was.
They dug slowly and carefully through the straw, tossing it to the sides as they went deeper in, until at last they stopped. A blanket wrapped something rested in the middle of the crate, larger than a football though a vaguely familiar shape.
Carefully, Aldebaran reached in and pulled it out. “It’s heavy” he noted before pulling back the blanket some and freezing.
Both Saints eyes went wide and Aphrodite covered his mouth with a hand.
It was sleek, like it was made of smooth metal that reminded them of their armor, yet the color was different. The shape was familiar because it was an egg, a heavy metal like egg.
“What creature could make this?” Aldebaran looked towards Aphrodite who shook his head.
“I have no idea, but something tells me we’re going to find out.”
----
Once they arranged everything in the shutdown market, the two saints retired to one of the tents they bought along with them and made themselves comfortable for the night. Well, as comfortable as they could considering one of them would be up part of the night before switching with the other. As for the egg, well Aldebaran had raised chickens before, and Aphrodite had hung around Shura long enough for some of his farm life experience had supplied some knowledge. They heated a blanket up by a fire and wrapped the egg in it entirely. They agreed that between keeping watch to make sure the blanket stayed warm as well.
Aldebaran had offered to take the first watch and currently sat by the crackling fire, arms crossed as he looked towards the night sky, the egg wrapped safe in a basket beside him. The sky was clear, and he could make out the stars making up several constellations, the weather was warm too as it usually was in Greece. It was peaceful in sharp comparison of the frenzy of the day.
Though it wasn’t an awful day, they stopped an illegal market from taking place, saved several creatures and hopefully would be to stop more from happening. It was also nice to interact with Aphrodite too, they rarely spoke unless they had too, what with their different social groups but he had always hoped to bridge any gaps that existed between him and the other Gold Saints.
The usual aloof but charming Aphrodite had shown a softer side of him today, not just through his words but in his actions. The horror he expressed when they first arrived, the anger to the people who dared to do such terrible things and then the sadness towards the creatures and plants. It was a rare to side but one he hoped just slightly to see more of.
“And then there is you” Aldebaran sighed as he took a sip of his still pipping hot tea and looked towards the egg. “Part of me hopes you don’t hatch too quickly; I fear we won’t know how to look after you properly. But then again, I can’t help but be curious to know what you are, can you blame me?” he chuckled.
Perhaps it was silly to speak to an egg, yet it was soothing to get his thoughts out of his mind.  “Though, hopefully you won’t be too dangerous-hm?” he paused, a sound reaching him and causing him to go on the alert.
An odd sound, like a chirp then followed by the basket shifting and-“Aphrodite!” he shouted, twisting around to see the lantern inside the tent light up before he focused back on the rocking basket.
“What, what? I’m awake!” The Pisces shouted, stumbling out of the tent and brushing his hair out of his eyes.
“The egg!” He replied as he pulled the basket on it his lap to steady it and pull back the blanket just in time as it began to crack. Sounds came forth like odd squeaks and cries as a paw-if that was a paw-began to claw at one side as another began to kick more at the metal like shell.
“Oh sweet heavens, now?” The Pisces gasped and returned with the lantern to shine over the Taurus’ shoulder as they watch an awe as a small form broken its way into the world.
A head poked and nudged at part of the shell before another part of the egg exploded out from the side as another appendage-a wing-broke out. As quick as it begun it ended as Aldebaran moved bits of the shell out of the basket as the creature did the rest of the work.
There was a long tail, four legs, a long neck for its size and two wings, a row of nubs adorned its head that would likely grown into a crest, in the light of the lantern it looked like it was covered in yellowish scales. It slide out of the rest of the shell before tripping on its wing and landed on its back, chirping as it stared up at them and they stared at it.
“Aldebaran…what is that?” Aphrodite whispered as he leaned over his shoulder more.
“I…I believe it’s a dragon” He replied, looking towards the other Gold Saint, heart beating hard against his chest. Questioned flew in his mind, how was it possible? Where did it come from? How did someone get it? Did the expert know anything about dragons? What were they going to tell Athena?
----
Two days later, Aldebaran found himself trying to hush his housemate and close a door.
“Shh, shh, I know you want to explore but not right now, I don’t know how Mu and Kiki will react to you yet” He said, voice even as he bent down to try and nudge the small, energetic creature inside “It’s only for a few minutes I swear.”
Every day since they returned from the mission had been busy and chaotic. The expert had arrived early in the morning just a few hours after the dragon had hatched. The animals, many endangered as it turned out, had been begun to be sent to safe places with trusted hands. The items in all shapes and forms were generally safe and the expert saw no harm and in allowing Sanctuary to keep them; tomes and scrolls to Deathmask, rocks and fabric to Mu, weapons to Shura and the plants…the plants went to Aphrodite’s expanding gardens.
And the dragon…to him.
It was a bronze dragon the expert told them, one of many breeds of dragons in their world. They were fond of warm weather, swimming and were more common in the Mediterranean areas. They were friendly he said, they loved people and rarely fought unless they had to, or they sensed an enemy was evil. They generally liked humans and often took the forms of them but the infant was too young to learn such a thing. It had been stolen away from a lair most likely, few people hunted dragons and even few hunted metallic ones. The expert had promised to do his best to find its family though that might take a while as dragons, especially bronze ones, were difficult to find.
And once he was the first thing the little one had seen; it would be difficult to have someone else look after it besides its parents. Until then, he was left with a handful of notes how what was safe to feed the baby dragon and things to watch out for, like odd gas from its mouth or bolts of lightening as that was apparently what bronze dragons breathed rather than fire.
Aside from Aphrodite, Athena, Saga and Aiolos, no one else knew of the dragon’s presence. Though part of him wondered if Aphrodite told Deathmask or Shura.
That was going to change today, as Mu wished to have lunch with him and young Kiki. It only made sense to him to let his lover know about the newest, temporary guest of the Zodiac Temples as Mu and Kiki had been away in Jamir until today.
Just as he finally shut the door, he heard Mu call out to him, Kiki sliding over a corner to run towards him.
“Alde! Alde you’re back!” He shouted as he ran and leapt to give him a hug as Aldebaran bent down to catch him.
“So are you short stack!” He laughed and stood up as Kiki hung on to one of his arms.
Mu only smiled and shook his head “And he didn’t want to get out of bed this morning.”
Kiki made a sound of disgust and stuck out of his tongue “But it was so early when we got back!”
“Tsk, Mu you know how bad jetlag can be” Aldebaran teased and chuckled as Mu rolled his eyes.
“but you know what does help with jetlag? Food, some of lunch is ready!” He said, swinging Kiki lightly towards the kitchen area. The kid gasped and let go just he swung slightly forward and dashed off to start digging into the food no doubt.
“Kiki, won’t eat everything!” Mu shouted, getting a drawn out “Fine” as a replied.
“He’s getting ready to hit another growth spurt soon” Mu sighed and rubbed at his eyes.
“It’s only natural, he’ll be a preteen before you know it” Aldebaran laughed only to jerk when he heard the dragon chirp behind the door.
“Alde? What was that?” Mu asked and looked around.
“Uh…must have been a bird?” He offered, silently stepped towards the door.
Mu gave him a hard, knowing look “Something is behind that door, isn’t it?”
“Yes! But I really ought to explain before I let it out-“
Too late, there was a sound of a door handle being broken and then there was the feeling of small, needle like claws grasping at his back as the dragon climbed up him and leapt off his shoulder. Mu gasped and took a step back as it moved, dashing off towards the kitchen in an awkward gallop, what with its tail and wings trying to trip itself once and while.
“Good heavens, what was that?” Mu shouted they bolted towards the kitchen, hearing Kiki squeal.
“I swear I can explain!” He shouted back as they sprinted.
Their worry faded as they around a curved corner and sighed in heavy relief.
There was Kiki, holding the wiggling mess of limbs that was called a baby dragon as it was a puppy or kitten. The dragon simply squealed back and chirped, tail moving back and forth just as puppy would, wings spread out as it nudged its head against Kiki’s cheeks. It was surprising to see Kiki hold the small creature, given they were almost the same size.
“Alde…what…that…that can’t” Mu gasped out before straightening his back and leaning towards the doorway with his mouth agape. “That can’t be a dragon” he managed to say.
“It’s a bronze dragon, technically” He replied, smiling sheepishly as Mu gave him a wide-eyed look while Kiki to the floor and laughed without a care in the world. The young dragon sniffed and flickered its tongue at him before leaping off him and began to wiggle its backside like a cat about to pounce.
“Bronze? What, how?” Mu asked.
“Can we keep it!” Kiki shouted.
“No!”
“I kind of have too!”
“Huh? Have to-I” Mu paused and dropped his shoulders as he pressed a hand against his face. “What exactly happened on your mission?” He asked.
“It’s kind of a long story” He said, rubbing a hand against Mu’s back “I’ll explain as we eat but…want to help pick out a name?”
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