#and imagine how much merlin has probably thought about these

[lululandd]

rabid; (iv.)

pairing: simon ‘ghost’ riley x gn!reader

word count: 1,671

warnings: comedy, unhinged topics, ghost has feelings

note: this is the last one i promise, thanks for reading and sticking around :3

summary: “We need your interrogation magic, LT. We don’t have a lot of time.”

part i. | part ii. | part iii.

“Ghost?” Soap nudged him.

The day was sickly humid, temperature rising by the minute as sweat beaded down his forehead. His mind was somewhere far away when Soap called him, “Yeah. Here.” He replied as he placed a gloved knuckle on his eye, getting rid of the sweat gathering on his lashes.

“We need your interrogation magic, LT. We don’t have a lot of time.”

Ghost sighed deeply at the situation they got themselves into. He looked around the makeshift interrogation room–if they can even call it that–as half of the wall was torn down and there was no roof above them. There could be a UAV coming to pinpoint their location any time now. Soap was right, they don’t have much time.

He stared at his men, all of them looking tired but otherwise alert. He checked his pockets for anything that can be used in an interrogation and took out two of his knives. Gaz and Soap picked up on what he was doing pretty quickly and they handed him pliers, a magnetic pickup tool, while Gromsko and Enzo handed him wire cutters and a swiss knife. To his surprise, Arthur produced a 45° double angle hook from the pocket near where Merlin dangled on his backside.

The man held onto the hook for a moment longer than necessary as Ghost took the item from him, subtly indicating he wanted the item back.

The unnamed Cordis Die member kneeling in front of them stayed silent as Ghost stood in front of him. The others had stayed a little bit away, either keeping watch or just giving them some space. He looked young, late twenties at most, Ghost couldn’t tell very well with all the muck and grime. He crouched down in front of the bound man, asking him in the nicest voice he could muster. When he refused to answer at all, Ghost weighed the items in his hands with vexation as he knows these aren’t the correct tools to make this man talk. His expression didn’t even change when he eyed them in his hands.

He would need to think of something else, and fast.

—

Simon had to hold in his laughter as he loaded his dishwasher, as you and your online friends were onto something wicked which had you laughing and giggling the whole time ever since you started. He heard something about a little celebration but he didn’t quite catch what it was for, but he knows you’re celebrating with a couple drinks.

As he got ready to wind down for the night and crawl into bed for another possibly sleepless night, he perked his ears up to listen in harder on your conversations as you’re getting quieter to probably not disturb him, your only neighbour. It’s cute that you think of him after the soap incident, lowering your voice if you’re going online later in the night. He sort of wishes you didn’t, because of the things he’s gonna miss. Just like tonight’s.

Oh how he would love to hear all the sides of the conversation.

“No, I don’t know what a sheep’s dick looks like. Why would I know what they look like?” A pause. “Nah, I was raised in the city.”

Another info he jolts down in his mind. “Okay. is it more fucked up looking than echidnas?” Simon realised he had no idea what an echidna looks like. He knows what Knuckles—Sonic’s friend—looks like, but not the actual animal. So he googled.

“Man, I really don’t wanna click that link.” He heard you say. He thinks echidnas are cute. They're like pet hedgehogs but with longer snouts and large mole-like paws. He was lost in his thoughts as he scrolled before hearing you squeal out, “No!! What is that! Why does it look…Like that..?” Imagining you wildly gesture at your monitor brought a smile to his face.

Self-restraint was second nature to him at this point, but bloody hell if it didn’t take all of his power to not google what sheep genitalia actually looks like, especially when you continued, “Are you sure you didn't just come across one that’s brok– Oh yeah I see them now. Holyshit they’re all look so fucking mangled.”

Swearing under his breath, Simon typed the words he didn’t want to type onto his search engine. Regret with a capital R hits him and he was too late to hold his voice in and lets out a disgusted noise that was louder than intended.

His notification bar popped up on his phone from you.

SORRY HAHA i was trying to be quieter DID YOU GOOGLE THEM

i did. guess im not sleepin tonight

thats what you get for listening in heheh >:3  maybe you can traumatise your friends with this newfound knowledge?

:)

—

Groaning, he racked his brain on how to word what he was going to say in the most atrocious, horrific, macabre way possible but also came off nonchalant.

He mulled over the thought and dug in the deepest crevice of his vest to produce his phone. Soap fidgeted in his peripherals.

“LT, what tae fuck.”

He heard the tied-up man snort.

Oh. He thinks the Lieutenant in the skull mask is an idiot for bringing his phone to the battlefield. This is a start.

“It’s all right, Sergeant. This is important.”

He powered his phone on, typing his password the moment the screen lit up. The battery showed 62%. It should be more than enough. The sim card was taken out and he had one of the IT staff tinker with it when it was brand new. Opening the gallery and scrolling a little bit, he found the picture he was looking for.

He puts the brightness up to max before talking to the man. “So. Do you know what a sheep’s dick looks like?” Not waiting for an answer, he showed him the picture on his phone. It doesn't look like anything but shredded meat. “Yours will look like this if you don’t tell us what we want.”

Flinching a little, the man tried so hard not to react but Ghost can see him breathing harder.

“I don’t have a picture for the second option, but you’ve heard of anal prolapse, right? It’s when the last bit of your large intestine drops out of your arse. Nasty thing. You can’t control your bowel movement, there’s blood and mucus comin’ out, all that shit.” He handed the tools he was holding over to Arthur, the closest one standing to him. “But did you know there’s a urethra prolapse? I can’t describe it very well because of all the blood but it looks like a lil’ purple doughnut on the tip of your dick. Magenta If I can be fancy with my words.”

Arthur tensed next to him, making the dog let out a distressed whine.

“There will be three choices for you today. One. You tell us the info we need. Two, I mangle your mediocre cock so bad you wish I’d cut it off, or three, I make two doughnuts. Back and front.” He pointed downwards, vaguely to where his crotch is.

“Ghost that's against the Geneva Convention.” Soap spoke up.

The man comically nods.

“Nah. If I start using him as a meat shield out there, then it's against humanitarian laws.” came his cold and calculated answer. “Does he look like he’s surrendered? He’s not even hors de combat. If we do this to him after he gives us good intel, then we'll get tried at the Hague. No. This guy fell into a paper shredder dick first you see. Pure accident.”

Gaz cleared his throat uneasily, realising what could have happened with the raccoons they collected a couple months back. “Ghost…”

He stood up, asking for the tools he handed over earlier. Tilting his head towards the man, he commanded, “Soap, take his pants off.” 

It was silent for what seemed like an eternity with no one daring to move before the unfortunate Cordis Die member gritted out the information they needed with what looked like hot tears in his eyes. Soap relayed the info to Laswell while they moved to a more secure place, preferably with a roof and all four walls intact.

Arthur spoke up for the first time as they checked their weapons and placed all their tools back in their respective pockets. He walked closer to the man, “Y’ Should learn about humanitarian laws, does a lot of good in these situations.”

“Oh come oan Arthur, why tae fuck are you teachin’ him tings?”

His face was completely hidden under his golden metallic mask but everyone could tell he’s frowning, “He’s young, maybe if more people taught him he would have known better than to join Cordis Die.”

Laswell had estimated their extraction would not be for another three hours so they all had a little time for themselves. Arthur had let Merlin out of what Soap called “the arse papoose” and the rest of the men had joined in giving the dog pats and bellyrubs. Merlin had been relieved off of work, and Ghost would be lying if he didn’t eye the pup with envy.

Soap approached him with the widest grin he has ever sported on his face while holding onto the top part of his vest and Ghost wishes he could disappear into thin air right now. He has seen the same gesture and expression coming from Price, so he knows he’s gonna get made.

“So… Urethras eh?”

“What, Johnny?” He glared at the Scot with all the leftover anger he could muster, which is barely any since their mission went well and he didn’t have to use excess force on another soldier.

His Sergeant didn’t even regard him seriously and continued, grin wider than ever. Man was practically beaming. “Was the raccoon their idea too, then?”

Soap couldn't see Ghost’s face, but he has been around Simon long enough—been in many dire situations together enough—to know just by looking at his eyes that the stupid Brit is smiling brightly.

#simon ghost riley x reader #simon riley x reader #ghost x reader #call of duty imagines #call of duty #scuffed writing

[atlasdoe]

Marlene would love to say that the reason why she left the party was to make a dramatic exit and avoid Dorcas getting any upper hand on her more then she already did, but really she just needed to cry.

Her need to sob her eyes out came from multiple different reasons she thought, but the main one was the frustration of not knowing why she needed to curl up into a ball and forget that the world existed.

It was just Dorcas Meadowes, she kept telling herself. Just Dorcas Meadowes, who is mad that you got the upper hand on her and found one of her weaknesses. She’s just mad that you’re going to win the cup. And why wouldn’t she? She probably wants this as much as you do. She has every right to be mad that you’re winning.

But to call Marlene the worst person she’d ever met? To say all of those things? That wasn’t just Quidditch talk. It couldn’t be.

But even if it wasn’t, so what? Why would Marlene even care about what Dorcas Meadowes thought of her? They weren’t friends. They hardly even talked.

There was just that one term when they were partners for potions and Marlene helped Dorcas with her homework nearly every lesson.

There was another time when Dorcas recommended the blue flavoured sugar quills at Honeyducks. “They’re my favourites,” she said before smiling and turning away. Marlene became obsessed with them for months.

They would smile at each other when they passed each other in the corridors. Marlene had only just noticed when they stopped doing it that year.

Dorcas was… nice. She had always been nice without anyone even noticing how nice she was. Marlene remembered when she used to study for the OWL’s with Remus, Lily, Emmeline and Kingsley. Every now and then Dorcas would interrupt to ask Remus something. She was only there for Remus, but when she left she would say goodbye to each of them by name. She would say hello and ask how they all were, and even though they gave each other simple and generic answers it was nice. Dorcas had always been nice.

So why wasn’t she now?

Maybe Marlene took it too far? Or maybe Dorcas just didn’t care.

Why did Marlene care?

Either way, it made her feel like shit. So shit that she couldn't even recall how long she had been crying when she heard footsteps approach her. She had somehow made it to her dorm and was sitting on the edge of her bed. By the door was Emmeline, who was watching her with careful eyes. “How long?” she asked softly.

Marlene allowed their eyes to meet, only because hers were so full up with tears that she could barely see Emmeline anyway. She curled her lip and thought.

How long?

How long?

Let’s see, it must've been…

Oh.

Oh, well this is embarrassing.

But it was the most vivid memory she had.

Her aunty's red ribbon in her hair was the only thing giving her comfort at that moment. Hogwarts, as it turns out, was big, and although she wasn’t completely alone she was still more alone than she had ever been before. Edgar and Amelia couldn’t hold her hand the entire way through school and this would be the first time ever that Marlene’s siblings were left alone with their mother.

Now, Marlene loved her mother, she really did but she wasn’t very good at what she did. Not since her dad died. Her mother had completely shut down and left Marlene to take on every older sister and motherly role imaginable. And now, there she stood in the middle of that massive fucking hall with a singing fucking hat when only Merlin knew if her younger siblings had even been fed yet that day.

It was the only thing on her mind throughout the entire train ride and the entire first half of the sorting ceremony.

When Professor McGonagall called her name, Marlene felt anything but ready.

She barely remembered walking up towards the hat and having it placed on her head. The hat spoke to her, she remembered that much but she didn’t remember if she spoke back. It really was all a blur until he made his decision.

The moment the hat yelled Ravenclaw suddenly it all fell into place. The Ravenclaw’s cheered and as Marlene took her seat next to Pandora she felt all of her worries fall away for just a few seconds.

During those few seconds is when she saw her for the first time.

Oh.

You see, just imagine this: you’ve been stressed out and worried about anything and everything for a good 24 hours and then suddenly at your glimpse at relief you catch the sight of a girl with curly hair and dark skin, wearing knee-high socks and a look on her face that is somehow so adorable you want to take a picture.

Marlene didn’t know what the feeling was back then. She didn’t know what it was that made her heart skip several beats to the point where she thought it’d stop altogether. She didn’t know the reason for her widened eyes or the pit in her stomach. She didn’t know why her palms were sweating and her heart was growing, but she did now.

Oh, she did now.

Emmeline was still looking at her, her head slightly tilted in curiosity.

How long?

How long?

How long?

Marlene sighed. “Since first fucking sight.”

Oh.

Oh, shit.

“Well,” Emmeline breathed, “You’re screwed, aren’t you?”

read the fic here :)

#the marauders #harry potter #the marauders era #marauders #dorlene #marlene mckinnon #dorcas meadowes #emmeline vance #slytherin skittles #remus lupin

[winterlogysblog]

You know your theory about who took nasiens from king and Diana. There are things that I also noticed.

Aside from the fact that nasiens was taken as a new born as in the day he was born means that it was planed and they were watched.

The fact that they weren't able to find either mertyl's biological parents or nasiens say something. Especially when a changeling happened they were able to resolve it quickly in the manga.

Now come nasiens. The biggest reason that nasiens didn't think he was anything but human is because he can't do anything that a fairy is know to be able to do. From reading heart to shape-shifting to flying or controlling plants.

Wings would be ignored because not only was king a late bloomer but from what I understand fairies has two state. Child and adults. And for them to turn to adults they would have to mature mentally or emotionally.

Now put these with nasiens that seem to favor fairy blood more and tell me why did he not show any sing of being anything but human aside from their gender.

There come your theory. The ones who took nasiens would be connected to Camelot. But it would have to be a fairy. Since it would be hard for anything but fairy to be seen in that time especially considering that the king is having their first child.

Also the fairy that took Merlin form. If he has one fairy who to say he didn't have another.

Now here come why no one thought nasiens is anything but human. He didn't show any magic that any fairy or giant have. The reason for that could be because magic that connected to either race was sealed.

Then some might ask why was nasiens or rather king and Diana were the only ones that were targeted. The reason is simple.

They were the only ones of the seven deadly sins that married from the group. The others either married someone else or didn't marry at all.

I mean it would explain why a chaos knight target the forest that nasiens lived in. I mean around that time they found out about the four knights or things like that.

I mean what do you think would happen if Percival was not their. Anything could happen. Also could be why the knight didn't bother speaking with nasiens. Though I think it is more of if ordo didn't agree the child would also not agree.

Now to how Nasiens magic it cold be something that target bloodline magic. Therfore anything physical like immunity to poison would not be affected.

Him not having wing could be a growth thing. Also the same could be said about their gender. As they are still a child they would not change anytime soon.

Now imagine that the seal on nasiens is actually a curse. Now that would be interesting. Imagine nasiens is gravely injured and they need to give him the drug of yore but not only do his injuries heal but the cruse is broken and nasiens is overload by his magic especially reading hearts.

He suddenly can hear many voices and is overwhelmed. It also depends on his range.

The only thing that nasiens didn't have from his fairy side is shape-shifting. Also the fact that his magic was fighting all the time to remove the cruse could cause it to grow and other interesting side effects.

What do you think of writing a story about that?

I do agree that King and Diane are most likely being watched since Nasiens was taken away the moment he was born that's like the only logical assumption I could go to.

They resolved the changeling situation in the manga because the fairy who is responsible is there but with this situation it's probably someone from the outside and fairies can shape shift so they could easily blend in.

I don't want to think about this too much since we have literally no other information other than this whole thing is sus as heck.

With Nasiens not manifesting any type of fairy like ability I could just chop it up to in his mind he's human so it slowed down the manifestation, with Nasiens thinking he's just a human there really is no trigger for him to manifest these things, his back is sensitive though, dk how that correlates to anything but if he were to grow wings it makes sense why his back is sensitive. Lancelot got his heart reading ability when he was 10 and from my understanding I think Sixtus is the only one who can read minds out of the Kiane kids who are primarily fairy. Nasiens magic is Poison Mixer and he's not gonna get anything besides that, the magic itself is already very fairy like so it works, he might get his wings, there's a possibility he could fly and read hearts but that's in the future. Fairies are also known to have massive amounts of magic energy and with Poison Mixer being as great as it is during Nasiens first introduction could very well be due to how much magic energy Nasiens has.

It's a really great idea and I read through your other one and that got me interested as well however I don't think I'll be writing too much cause my school work is the definition of hell and I also have other fanfics I need to finish and work on.

#winter answers asks #nanatsu no taizai #four knights of the apocalypse #mokushiroku no yonkishi #mokushiroku no yon kishi #nanatsu no taizai mokushiroku no yonkishi #seven deadly sins

[aleksanderscult]

so. First of all I love your blog. Seriously I think you are one of the person who have comman sense in this fandom. I like everything you post. While scrolling through Tumblr I came across the usual anti darkling post ( he is groomer , murderer etc etc ) i did the thing I usually do when I came across such thing : I skip. A tag caught my eye. I don't remember but it's say something like : the only reason you like him is that he is Ben Barnes if darkling is a girl you couldn't like him. Which made me think what if darkling was a girl and alina as a boy. I just image a sexy hot black hair women with pale skin and grey eyes and morozova genes. Which..........is enough to made me think if I am a Bi 🤔. That image has not left me for a week and my dreams. So my question is

What do you think might happen if darkling is a girl and alina is a boy. How might the events of SaB and SaS will be affected. And m*lina too,of mal is a girl too. You thoughts 🤔

Thank you so much, anon! It makes me happy to know that others enjoy my blog and content. 😍

First of all about what that anti said: I personally didn't like Ben Barnes as the Darkling so it obviously doesn't apply. And even if the Darkling was a girl I would still root for her. I root for any character that fights for something better, for a positive change to happen among such oppression. And I think that's one of the major reasons his fans love him as well.

Now about your question: Boy, I would love to see that. I was always attracted to dangerous women, especially the ones that combine beauty and slyness (like Milady in "The Musketeers" or Morgana from "Merlin" post season 2).

But I don't think the story would be affected that much with the only exception that Alina in a male form would probably not be slut shamed for his attraction to the Darkling (in this version she would be called Aleksandra which is a fact that I love!)

The Darkling would remain an interesting character but, God, does that mean that Alina as a man would still avoid his duties?? 😭

And Mal as a girl. She would obviously be popular and well-liked by everyone but imagine that: she would sleep around with many guys and then attack her best friend for falling in love with a girl that isn't her. Well, for one thing it doesn't stick. You see if Mal as a girl fucked around then she would be called a whore (just like Alina was indirectly called one by Mal for wanting Aleksander) while in the original story when Mal did that no one raised a single eyebrow. So we live in a fictional world where if you do that as a guy then you're okay but if you're a girl then you should be called a prostitute. And Leigh had Mal get away with his behavior so she was more willing to let Mal pass with his sexist behavior than the Darkling who had enough and tried to put end to his people slaughter for good.

Anyway, I believe Mal's character would change a lot if he was a girl (primarily his fuckboy nature because the author doesn't allow a girl to have sexual liberation in her books) and I have a feeling she would be boring (again). And I don't think she would be a tracker?

Alina as a man wouldn't be slut shamed (because he's a man 🤷) but he would still avoid the Darkling. Nevertheless the chemistry would be off the charts. And the Darkling would slay like always. She would be the personification of femme fatale but her goal would be selfless and true like always. For some reason, I imagine her as a very seductive figure (although my wishful thinking might be speaking here).

The real question here is how the relationship between the Darkling as a girl and her mother, Baghra would be. Would Baghra want a daughter in the first place but she got stuck with Aleksandra because it was her only child that shared her powers? Or if Baghra had no problem with her child's sex, would she still be that possessive and controlling over her?

My own answer is yes and Baghra would most definitely leave a trauma to the Darkling even if she was a girl. That woman has no parenting skills in any universe. Just like I can't see the Darkling be anything else other than a fighter and a survivor in any other scenario.

#you see TGT contains some very specific sexist views #if the roles were reversed (the Darkling was a woman. Alina a man and Mal a woman) then things would be complicated #People wouldn't even accuse Alina that she had a thing for the Darkling. They would just call the latter “a manipulative selfish bitch” #anon asks #lovely asks #grishaverse #AU #shadow and bone #the darkling #alina starkov #anti mal oretsev #pro darkling #aleksander morozova #pro aleksander morozova #grishaverse trilogy #pro darklina

[fluffypotatey]

God, watched "Sins of the Father" last night and I. Just. Love. How the writers were like, "Ah, yes, let's finish out this episode with the most violent upheaval of Arthur's relationship with Uther. There is no need to mention this again."

Like, yeah, I get it, Merlin lied and stopped Arthur from killing King Cunt, but STILL. It happened. Arthur and Uther have had disagreements before, but those were small potatoes. Arthur challenged his father, the King, to a fight to the death. He was actively trying to kill his father. And that....had no effect on him? Or Uther?

Arthur doesn't always agree with Uther, and he does disobey him when he has to, but I don't think he ever would imagine himself capable of hurting his father, let alone killing him.

And Uther, being the manipulative, abusive piece of shit he is, was probably 100% certain Arthur would never turn on him, the same way any abusive parent is confident in their power over their victim.

But it happened.

And that's just........not important?

bestie.....are you sure you want the open that can of worms with me

------

NO BECAUSE LISTEN I HAVE TOO MANY THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS ABOUT THIS

imma holler @nextstopparis because they have bombass posts and meta about exactly this

anyway

yes bestie so true, we have seen in s1 and s2 that arthur is capable of having a little rebellious streak but not enough to truly slight his father because (despite his shitty and abusive uther is) arthur still loves him. arthur has craved uther's approval since day one. all he gets from uther is stunted shoulder pats and "you're my son" kind of affection. which, you know, explains SO MUCH about why arthur is emotionally constipated, compensates his emotions into hyper-masculinity, and a grade A jock.

we know arthur seeks uther's approval and just wants uther to be proud of him. motherfucker (uther) literally in episode 2 of s1 "stops by Arthur on his way to the stands and speaks to him in a low voice" about he "trust [Arthur] will make [him] proud" like bitch???? way to stress out your child.

tips on how to emotionally abuse/keep your child wanting you love

always makes sure you pressure them into making you proud

place conditions on your love (trust = love = pride for son = no longer disappointed = no longer sees arthur as the cause of ygraine's death oop did i type that)

move them away and speak in a low threatening voice because self image matters and your child would never risk that

undermine your child's worth to exterior factors, aka things your child never had a say in (being a captain/high ranking knight at 15, being the son of your dead wife, telling them to grow up when they literally are acting their age)

enforcing patriarcal ideals such as only encouraging stoicism for arthur because feelings are for weaklings and dismissing morgana's opinions for 'outbursts'

howdy folks! welcome to the uther sucks club and why the hell did bbc just ignore arthur's very understandable anger towards uther in s2 ep8

we will not touch arthur's self loathing blame for his mother's death because i will derail from this post

what happened in s2 ep8???? i'm so glad you asked

it is revealed that uther pendragon's reason for committing genocide for over 20 years boils down to a highly dangerous spell that he forced the high priestess nimueh to cast on his wife (who wasn't aware of the spell in the first place) so she could become pregnant and grant him an heir.

uther, the caricature of the british empire himself, caused the death of his queen then turned around and blamed a whole community of innocent people because "magic is evil and shouldn't be trusted" and "when you know one sorcerer, you know them all"

arthur, daddy issues galore, is understandably pissed and enraged. why, you ask? because for years he believed it was his birth that led to his mother's death

ARTHUR I'm so sorry. YGRAINE You have nothing to be sorry for. ARTHUR It was my birth that caused you to die.

ok so we are actually gonna discuss this

FOR 20 YEARS THIS MAN BELIEVED HIS FATHER'S GRIEF WAS HIS FAULT

AND YOU KNOW WHAT

UTHER NEVER CORRECTED HIM! UTHER NEVER SAID ANYTHING TO CONTRADICT ARTHUR'S INTERNAL STRUGGLE!

WHY YOU ASK????

BECAUSE THEN ARTHUR WOULD STAY LOYAL TO HIM, BECAUSE THEN ARTHUR WOULD DO EVERYTHING IN HIS POWER TO PROVE THAT HE COULD 'right this old wrong' EVEN THO IT WAS NEVER HIS FAULT!

ahem

and then arthur learns the truth. arthur learns that ygraine's death was never his fault. ygraine's death was all because uther pendragon "was so desperate for an heir". that was all uther cared about.

ARTHUR This is what fuels your hatred for those who practice magic. Rather than blame yourself for what you did, you blame them.

ARTHUR How many hundreds have you condemned to death to ease your guilt?

ARTHUR You speak of honour and nobility! You're nothing but a hypocrite and a liar!

do you think....after arthur learned the truth, he remembered all of morgana's old arguments that went ignored by uther? he could hear her voice, filled with self-righteousness and selfless anger about how uther always placed the blame on others, projected fear and hatred to those who were innocent. do you wonder if arthur thought of morgana as he spewed those words to uther?

and then he is told that morgause lied to him. that the ygraine he saw was actually an illusion meant to divide camelot. arthur is told that the ygraine he saw who told him that holding him was "the most precious" moments of her life was nothing more than a lie.

so, what does mean for arthur? does that mean that it truly was his fault that ygraine died? does he go back to blaming himself?

or

is there still that doubt of his father's ruling that lays restless inside of him? does he watch his father more closely and how he reacts to magic crimes compared to non-magical? does he begin to confide in morgana more because she, too, understand this kind of anger he feels nestled inside of him?

but we don't get that

what we get after this is a week or maybe more of a time skip where gwen is kidnapped and the show tries to further the arwencelot love triangle (and i mean, i'm not against the love triangle, it's just...timing my dude)

it just goes ignored by the show like it wasn't a big deal that arthur was ready to commit regicide (unlike morgana), like it wasn't a big deal that merlin lied to arthur like that and didn't feel conflicted, like it wasn't a big deal that uther's Purge began because of misplaced anger.

no, instead, arthur is back as his snarky and uptight self who never again thinks back to what happened when some big plot is heading his way. and so the show never dives back into that. mentions of arthur's mother don't come back until s4 but that's with agravaine and i do not have the time for that man.

this episode really seemed like it was supposed to lead to a shift in arthur's character, and yet it didn't. it was just...never touched on again and i will never forgive them for that

#long post #excuse me while i go off #i brought receipts (transcipts) #bbc merlin #arthur pendragon #uther pendragon #anti uther #we do not stan that man in this household #not to mention that this is the ep where arthur doubts his father's views on magic bc morgause is granting him this chance to see his mom #he has already doubted his father's views on class (lancelot) & duty (going to help merlin even if his presence could cause war w/ Essetir) #and then he learns that his father LIED #uther lied about magic users for 20 fucking years and didn't care #all he cared about was that the spell didn't work the way he wanted and decided that a whole community of ppl deserved to be wiped out #arthur is devasted bc you know what that means?????? #that means that when arthur raided that druid camp all those years ago as a young captain of the knights its purpose was never moral #arthur aided his father and his father LIED ABOUT IT #the sins of the father #s2 ep8 #2.08 #i'm not sorry but also i am sorry that the post is a little long #merlin meta

[film-score-simp]

OKAY FOOLS HOW YALL DOING IM BACK AFTER BEING DEAD FOR LIKE MONTHS-

See, I had a Thought which the Merlin fandom might be interested in. Especially the fanfic writers.

I was browsing Pinterest, as you do, and stumbled across a few tumblr posts instead of actually looking on the site… again, as you do.

And I came to a fun idea.

So y’know how with some pieces of fantasy media they go ‘oh with the amount of stupidity here this is totally a D&D game’?

Well… that, but Merlin.

Like we already have scenes that would totally fit the bill of a D&D game. The whole scene with old Merlin and the knights with the stepping stool onto the horse is just so unbelievably D&D, and I can imagine the scene with the “..reading poetry.” as just real bad persuasion/deception rolls from both Merlin AND Arthur.

Just imagine the chaos.

Here are my personal headcanons for their classes, but feel free to debate about it:

Merlin: Sorcerer. This man is too much of an idiot to be a wizard (though he DOES get hurt enough to be one), and I reckon being a wild magic sorcerer would totally fit the bill. He’s powerful, but hijinks must ensue- thus, the wild magic. Or perhaps not. People might assume it’s wild magic and turns out it’s just Merlin thinking he’s funny.

Arthur: Bard. Immediately. He’s got paladin energy as in like the ‘Chosen One’ and also he’s a knight, but he’s so stupid and also charismatic that he just gives bard to me. Like he’s so stupid and charismatic with literally everything, that Merlin ended up liking him. Like this man is a himbo that dresses brightly.

Morgana: Absolutely a warlock. She would have so much fun with eldritch blast, and being weird and spooky totally fits her vibe later in the series. She would probably be the one to sometimes have the braincell in the party and use her magic responsibly… but also eldritch blast. You gotta use eldritch blast-

Mordred: I don’t think he has chill enough vibes for the druid stereotype, but he definitely could be a druid. Giving funky nature powers to this kid would really be a hilarious idea. Like imagine Mordred with wild shape. I also think he has the possibility of being the Dionysus kind of druid… y’know, the greek god who turned people into dolphins just because? Yeah, him.

Gwaine: Barbarian. Or fighter. He may be a knight, sure, but with the amount of bar brawls he gets into? Absolutely. The fool definitely would fist fight someone in a dark alleyway at 2AM, it’s just what he’s like. He likes to hit people and drink alcohol- it just fits his whole MO.

Percival: Also a barbarian. His entire thing is strength, and the ‘little man’ comment just screams of a man with high intimidation. He may be a gentle giant and not going for the whole stereotype of angry rage beast, but this guy can totally scare without it.

Lancelot: Lancelot is a paladin. He’s the very epitome of ‘Good Boy.’ This guy is such a Righteous knight and just a generally cool person that I think that a god straight up WOULD get in contact to have him fight for the forces of good. I love this man so much. I also love paladins. Perfect combo.

Elyan: Elyan’s a cleric. He’s caring and loyal, as well as not bullying Merlin regularly. He’s also pretty cunning so possibly rogue there as well? I’d be more inclined to lean towards cleric the most though, cause he’s one of the most chill knights and also balances out the chaos of Gwaine and Percival as a duo… they’re nuts-

Leon: Also a paladin. Less of a ‘pure and true soul’ guy like Lancelot, but more of a ‘stands for what’s right and upholds the law’ kind of paladin. Like he’s totally a follower of chivalry with all the traditional ways of doing things- always respectful and polite but just kinda a little at arms length.

Guinevere: Stereotypical druid. Totally a tree-hugger and loves plants. Also she gets to be a Disney princess now and talk to animals in forests. Living out her best life in the forest with her whole cottagecore aesthetic. Even with her becoming queen, she’s totally still a druid. Albeit a royal one now.

Gaius: Oh he’s so gonna be an artificer. But specifically an alchemist artificer. He can make healing potions and mix weird medicines together, sure, but jesus christ the old man gets into just as many shenanigans as the main group. I mean, the whole possession fiasco with the goblin is enough proof for that-

(And before anyone tells me a character’s missing, it’s been a while since I watched the series, I’m trying my best hhhh-)

#merlin #bbc merlin #dnd #dnd campaign #dnd headcanons #merlin headcanons #dnd merlin crossover #headcanon #joke headcanon #fandom #merlin fandom #yes we’re still alive #we’re just lying in wait #like arthur- gkghkgkgkgk #but yeah these are my opinions

[akaashism]

So I found this around, can I ask for Merthur & Kagehina?

♥ Send a ship and I'll give you who:

- Gives nose/forehead kisses

- Gets jealous the most

- Picks the other up from the bar when they’re too drunk to drive

- Takes care of on sick days

- Drags the other person out into the water on beach day

- Gives unprompted massages

- Drives/rides shotgun

- Brings the other lunch at work

- Has the better parental relationship

- Tries to start role-playing in bed

- Embarrassingly drunk dancer

- Still cries watching Titanic

- Firmly believes in couples costumes

- Breaks the expensive gift rule during Christmas

- Makes the other eat breakfast

- Remembers anniversaries

- Brings up having kids

Ohhh this is gonna be so fun to answer, thank you for this wonderful ask!! ❤️❤️

1. Gives nose/forehead kisses

Kagehina: Both, for sure! Kageyama is at the perfect height to give Hinata forehead kisses and Hinata kisses Kageyama's forehead because he's baby.

Merthur: Arthur!!! He's just the type, yknow?

2. Gets jealous the most

Kagehina: Hinata. No contest. His jealousy is canon too.

Merthur: Merlin. Again, very canon.

3. Picks the other up from the bar when they're too drunk to drive

Kagehina: Kageyama. I don't think he'd like drinking that much so he rarely ever gets drunk, whereas Hinata seems like the kind of person who loves partying.

Merthur: I can imagine this for both :')

4. Takes care of on sick days

Kagehina: Both both BOTH!!

Merthur: Once again both, but Merlin is better at it.

5. Drags the other person out into the water on beach day

Kagehina: Hinata!! He's a beach boy! And also Kageyama not being able to swim and being scared of water is a cute thought.

Merthur: Arthur! (Not to make any Avalon Lake jokes here heheh). Anyway, Arthur just seems a bit more athletic and outgoing, while Merlin probably wants to chill under a beach umbrella with a nice book.

6. Gives unprompted massages

Kagehina: Both. They're both professional athletes so the chances of their bodies being sore and needing a nice massage are high, and they're both good at it too! :)

Merthur: Merlin, which is probably canon since he's Arthur's manservant and Arthur is a knight sooooo

7. Drives/rides shotgun

Kagehina: Hinata driving is An Important Concept for me, so yes, he's the one who drives and Kageyama rides shotgun trying not let his competence kink get activated (and failing).

Merthur: Arthur drives, and I know he loves it too. Him being rich in most AUs means that I can see him being really into high-end racecars too. Merlin probably never learned how to drive and prefers a bicycle or something instead.

8. Brings the other lunch at work

Kagehina: Neither? Their definition of work is very different lmao

Merthur: Merlin if we're going the canon route xD

9. Has the better parental relationship

Kagehina: Hinata :') We never even see Kageyama's parents and it makes me so curious about his family life.

Merthur: Merlin, of course! Hunith is the best mom <3 and let's not even talk about Arthur's relationship with Uther.

10. Tries to start role-playing in bed

Kagehina: Hinata, but it fails BADLY. I've actually read the most hilarious fic about this.

Merthur: Merlin, and once again, it fails BADLY. If we're talking canon, he probably tries to reverse their roles and Arthur has to play the manservant ;)

11. Embarrassingly drunk dancer

Kagehina: HINATAAAAA

Merthur: MERLINNNN

12. Still cries watching Titanic

Kagehina: Both. (Kageyama's a secret softie)

Merthur: Arthur. (He's a hopeless romantic)

13. Firmly believes in couples costumes

Kagehina: Hinata, probably xD Kageyama does not care about stuff like this.

Merthur: Nah, neither.

14. Breaks the expensive gift rule during Christmas

Kagehina: Neither, because they don't want to lose to the other by breaking a rule in the gift-giving competition.

Merthur: I shouldn't even have to say this but Arthur.

15. Makes the other eat breakfast

Kagehina: Neither of them needs to be made to eat, let's be real. They're healthy boys!

Merthur: Arthur, because Merlin always forgets to eat proper meals and take care of himself.

16. Remembers anniversaries

Kagehina: Hmm, I can see both for this? Hinata is sentimental like that, but Kageyama is so organised that I think he'd have reminders for all important events while Hinata's a bit careless.

Merthur: BOTH!!

17. Brings up having kids

Kagehina: Oh, I have so many thoughts about this, but let me just say Hinata for now. (Kageyama takes a little convincing.)

Merthur: Arthur. I know he yearns for a family :((

#I LOVED DOING THIS THANK YOUUUU #ask response #kagehina #merthur #haikyuu!! #bbc merlin

[elgascreamslikehell]

Well. I was tagged for WIP Wednesday (actually even for Tuesday but timezone) by my precious @pirrusstuff but as long as I'm a little in hell - i share a little only today, so just imagine it's Wednesday still.

There will be disclaimer. I added too much glass but i polish it with superglue.

It's stupid and messy and somehow i like it

It's still the same story btw. I actually even have something for fuck it Friday but I'm not sure I'll be able to share cause, you know, real life is a bitch.

He hits the panel again. Still nothing. He crawled here apparently just to die. Awesome. Brilliant. Fuck. Eddie hisses. He is an idiot, hands down. Way back is blocked, this way - he tries again - also blocked. So… He sits near the wall because standing here is really uncomfortable, the ceiling is too low. Well, at least he wasn't at the basement when the last saltpeter barrels exploded, so he avoided a very fast and messy death, now he would just sit here and wait and wait and… He laughs. Really, how could he be so much stupid. From the very beginning. He has to save a child, he has to save his army squad, he has to be a good husband, good father and good son. He tried and totally failed in every single part of this. Okay. No. He saved this girl. If they try and spend time taking him out also - they would also be stuck. It worth it. Yes. He saved the day. Not that he believes that himself.  Bobby should be furious. He was so strict with his no heroism stuff just to get this. Maybe they won't… His laughter becomes a little hysterical. Even if they're still searching for him - it's in the wrong place. So no chance… Okay, and what? Man the fuck up, Diaz. You made too many mistakes already, stand up and start to fix them for fuck sake. Your son is waiting for you. And you did promise! This tunnel is somewhere a hundred years old, most probably it's one of the prohibited tunnels, it makes sense in the docks. Than this panel blocking the exit also should be quite old. Then fight, Eddie. You can't afford just sitting here! You were trained for this.  He closes his eyes and loudly exhales. Ok, he promised Evan that everything would be fine. Now he promises himself, he gets out and he talks to Buck. No matter what. They could still be friends after, right?  It's funny, when Eric said he's fine being a substitute - Eddie thought it's humiliating. But now he thinks that he would also be fine with this. If in this case they would still have Buck in their lives. And now it's not even about him, right? It's about Chris… and he should stop this. It's about him also. Fucking Buck. Fucking feelings. Fucking old door! He hits the panel again.

@krayfish @blackberry-l @kaseysgirl86-blog @brightlyprofiling @idealuk @1stbonesfan @angryangeldreamsalad @criminally-obsessed @amelia9bl @silvergold-swirl @itsamaaaadworld @vasudharaghavan @livingonzenstreet @nothingbutmande @spanishrose6 @sunflowerdiaiz @fanf98 @logicloveandsense @simply-mev @ronordmann @still--not--over--merlin @z02fl @vanjalen @thatshroomintheforest @steadfastsaturnsrings @cagdahl @newtalot @dreamforrest @fionaswhvre

#eddie diaz #buddie #evan buckley #buck x eddie #buddie 911 #911 fandom #911 buddie #911 fic #ryu is going to hell #ryu is writing stuff #ryu is eating glass #911 eddie

[breaniebree]

SNEAK PEEK!!!!

Chapter 19 -- The One Where It's Certainly Never Dull

“Wow.  That’s great!  I can’t believe that Moony and Tonks are parents now either… it’s… I can’t believe your brothers are even having kids already,” he admitted.

“Neither can Mum,” Ginny replied.

Sirius nodded, his expression sobering.  “I was sorry to hear about Arthur.”

Ginny let out a slow breath.  “Thank you.  That’s been hard on all of us.”

“I imagine so,” he said.  “Andy and Ted too and Misha… Merlin… it’s a lot to take in.”

“It’s a lot to take in for us to see you return,” Ginny said, making Sirius’ gaze land on hers in surprise.  “You coming back without a soul and everything that’s happened over the last few months… Harry’s been beside himself.”

“Gin —”

Ginny ignored Harry, keeping her focus on Sirius.  “Knowing you’re really back is amazing, Sirius.  We’re all overjoyed, but you need to know that Harry’s been through hell dealing with everything.”

“I know,” Sirius began.

“No, I don’t think you do,” Ginny interrupted.  “Between Zee going missing and you showing up again, he suddenly felt like he was responsible for everything all over again.  I’ve watched him try to take on the world and watched him stress out over you being back and evil and wanting to kill him.  He’s been hurting and I won’t stand for that.”

Sirius’ eyes softened.  “I’ve always thought that you were perfect for him.  Knew it even when you were kids.  Thank you for being there for him, especially when I couldn’t be.  I don’t know why I’m back, Ginny.  I don’t know how I survived the re-souling when Harry tells me that there was almost no chance of me doing so.  I don’t understand it any more than you do.  I died and the way life works is that the dead shouldn’t return, but here I am.  I don’t know what that means for my future, but I do know I’m here now and that’s what matters.”

Ginny stared at him for a long moment, suddenly feeling angry.  As happy as she was to see that Sirius was back, the stress of it all and seeing what it had done to Harry was a lot for her.  She had enough going on for herself and seeing Harry unravel was another stressful thing that she didn’t need.

“Just don’t hurt him again.”

“Ginny,” Harry said, passing a sleeping Teddy to Remus before he stood up and walked over to her.  “I’m okay.”

Ginny shook her head when he pulled her to her feet and wrapped his arms around her.  “Not yet.  But you will be.”

Harry kissed the top of her head and held her close.  “I’m fine, really.  I… Uncle Remus, Uncle Sirius and I we… we had a good talk this afternoon.”

“We did,” Remus replied.  “And then we all had a really good cry as well.”

Sirius nodded.  “Yeah, we did.”

Tonks cleared her throat.  “Well, I hate to break this up, but Remus, we need to get Teddy home to bed.  Sirius, you should get some more rest yourself and I’m sure Ginny wants to get bed after her long day.  Perhaps we can pick this up again tomorrow?”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Remus agreed.

“Harry, you’ll take tomorrow to keep catching up with Sirius and see how things will go before you come back to work the next day.  Robards will want a full report and Sirius, I think you’ll probably be coming back to the Ministry for some more follow up questions,” Tonks told him.  “And that includes having a healer look you over.”

“I figured as much,” Sirius said.  “Harry mentioned something about the Department of Mysteries wanting to speak with me as well.”

“Yes,” Tonks said.  “Everyone has questions.”

“I’ll do whatever you need,” Sirius agreed.  “But only after I see Zee and my kids.  That’s my only stipulation.”

Tonks nodded.  “I’m sure Harry will take care of that tomorrow, yeah?”

“Yes,” Harry replied, keeping his hand in Ginny’s.  “We already talked about it.  Uncle Sirius and I will be going to St Mungo’s first thing in the morning to see Zee and then we’ll head to Black Cottage to see Mina and Leo.  Grandmama is keeping them home from nursery school tomorrow.”

“Good,” Tonks said.  “It looks like you have a plan.'

“Somewhat,” Harry admitted.  “But it’s a start.”

Remus stood up, Teddy asleep on his shoulder.  He moved across the room to give Harry a one-armed hug.  “Get some sleep, Harry.  If you need me tomorrow, please let me know.  Minerva’s covering my classes.”

“I will,” Harry promised.  

Remus squeezed his shoulder before he put his arm around his wife.  “Come on, let’s go home.”

Tonks moved to kiss Harry’s cheek, then Ginny’s before she moved to hug Sirius.  “I still can’t believe your back, you big tosser.  Get some sleep tonight.”

Sirius hugged her tight and kissed her cheek.  “You too.  I can’t believe you’re a mum.”

“Me neither,” she said with a laugh.  “I’ll see you later.”

Remus, Tonks, and Teddy took off, leaving Ginny alone with Harry and Sirius. 

“Well,” Sirius said, stretching his arms up over his head.  “I think Tonks and Moony have the right of it.  It’s been a long day.  I’m going to head up to bed and try to get some sleep.  Um, and you two will be…?”

“Heading up to bed as well,” Harry said.

“Together?”

Harry gave Sirius an amused look.  “Yes, together.”

Sirius looked like he wanted to say something, but he shook his head.  “Well, that’s… going to take some getting used to.”

#harry potter fanfiction #breanie #chapter sneak peek #the world of asc #the kismet trilogy #third times the charm #the kismet trilogy by breanie

[thelashjedi]

We Could Just Pretend

[dramione microfic * marriage law au]

Draco Malfoy paced around the dining room, anxiously waiting to see if his wife would accept his invitation to dinner.

They had been married a week. Surprising exactly no one, the union between the Golden Girl and the Death Eater was by far the most talked about pairing created by the recently instituted Marriage Law.

Ostensibly the law was put in place to support repopulation efforts, but once the matches were announced Draco knew the stated rationale was a sham. Every single match was between people on opposite sides of the war. Every pure-blood was married to a Muggle-born or half-blood. Every couple was bound to each other for life. What really gave away the lie was the lack of a requirement to consummate the match — something he was personally grateful for, but it didn’t exactly comport with the Ministry’s claims about the purpose of the law either. 

Granger couldn’t even bring herself to look at him during the ceremony. She said the words necessary to affect the spell, only to remain silent ever since. She didn’t want to see the Manor — which given their history was probably predictable, but she wasn’t even tempted by the library. She hadn’t left her room since she arrived. Draco had the house elves bring books to her, to see if that would help and according to Bunny, Granger at least read them. Draco had been careful not to intrude — hopeful she just needed time to adjust. But after a week, he decided to try a new approach. He wrote her a letter that morning, begging her to have dinner with him. Her response was a short ‘I’ll think about it.’ 

Draco had the house elves prepare the dining room and he ensured his mother would remain in her own wing. And then he waited, pacing around the room, wondering if she would arrive. 

The sound of a throat clearing interrupted his thoughts and he turned his head to see Hermione standing in the doorway, looking quite anxious herself. Merlin she was practically trembling as she took in her surroundings — as if she was trying to see if anything was familiar. Draco stomach dropped with the realization of what she was doing, and he spoke quickly. “I had that room magically sealed and then made unplottable. For all intents and purposes, it no longer exists.” He gestured for her to sit at the other end of the long table. 

She nodded, and took her seat as she cleared her throat. “Thank you. That was very thoughtful.”

In fact, Draco had taken care of the drawing room as soon has he was released from Azkaban — long before the Marriage Law was announced. He was aware he needed to tread carefully with his skittish wife, so he just nodded in response.

They ate in silence, with Draco observing her as she only looked at her own hands. They were at an impasse and he needed to break it so he could reach her. Summoning his courage, he cleared his throat and spoke, “We could just pretend, Gra — Hermione. We could just pretend that this was our choice.”

Hermione’s eyes went wide as she finally met his gaze. She put down her fork, clearing her throat again as she looked up and finally met his eyes. “You must have more imagination than me, because I don’t think I can pretend someone who has historically hated everything about me — down to my very blood — would ever choose me.”

“I would have never been allowed to choose you Hermione. Which isn’t quite the same thing. And I do not hate you.” He very much did not hate her — hadn’t for years. Draco wasn’t sure he ever really hated her in truth. “I don’t think it would require much imagination for me to pretend, Granger. At all.” Now there was a bloody understatement, but he did not wish to alarm her. 

Baby steps.

Hermione blinked rapidly, before biting her lip and staring at Draco long enough that he felt uncomfortable beneath her scrutiny. Then she responded in a tentative voice, “Do you think we could pretend to be friends first and see how that goes?”

Draco felt the smile stretch across his face as a rush of hope shot through his entire being. “Of course. Of course we can start with that. Whatever you need.”

“Okay. Lean back.”

“What?” he asked, confused, as he shifted back in his chair.

Hermione removed her wand and shortened the table from one that could fit twenty to one that would more comfortably fit four. Draco laughed as he dragged his chair to meet her and sat back in his place, now much closer to the beautiful witch who was giving him a shy smile. 

“As your friend Draco, I feel you should know your table is ridiculously oversized for two people.”

His breath hitched, hearing his first name fall from her lips. “I agree. This is much better.”

And it would be. Everything was about to get so much better.

#dramione #dramione drabble #dramione ficlet #dhr #dhr drabble #draco malfoy #hermione granger #draco x hermione #draco malfoy x hermione granger #marriage law #author: thelashjedi #thelashjedi

[cloudninetonine]

Okay, so I been rewatching a show from my childhood called Trollhunters where a teenage boy named Jim ends up getting chosen by a magic amulet to become the next Trollhunter and now has protect both humanity alongside trollkind from evil trolls. Now I got the image of Player being the Trollhunter.

They are completely unfazed by this isekai magic nonsense and only reason they haven't helped fight alongside the guys cause accidentally they left their magical Amulet of Daylight at their home. Now the amulet can return to its wielder when called upon but since Player is stuck in a different dimension... you can imagine how insane the waiting time is.

Does the Guide mention anything about their Trollhunter status? No mainly cause nobody asked and it be pretty embarrassing to not have their chosen magic arsenal around other Champions. It's only when the Villain Chain ambush Guide plus Mecha did the Amulet finally appear.

Player: YOU TOOK YOUR SWEET ASS TIME! Now I can finally get down to business!

Mecha: What are...

Player: For the Glory of Merlin, Daylight is mine to command!

No one expected the sudden magical armor and clearly powerful magic sword to appear on the supposedly defenseless Guide. Or for Player to be much stronger than they thought as not even in ten seconds does Wane find an armored foot between his legs. Guide grabs Mecha and flees by stealing a few Deku Nuts from the downed Link then toss it at the Villains. Rather not have the animatronic get badly damaged.

Mecha: WHAT WAS THAT?!

Player: I may have not mentioned that I was chosen by a magical amulet to protect mankind and a secret world of trolls after the last one died? And that kicking someone in the nuts is the third rule of being a Trollhunter?

Mecha: You gotta be shitting me.

Player: Nope to both. Been doing this since I was fifteen and the third rule is literally 'When in doubt, kick them in the gronk-nuks.' which is what I did. Gotta love magic alongside chosen one bullshit.

Mecha is probably done with everything magic at this point. Although Player now being able to properly defend themselves makes it a easier and bearable. Though Mecha did learn the random gibberish they said when mad had been swearing in Trollish/Troll language.

Isn't this the show with mpreg-

NO, BECAUSE MECHA WOULD BE SO SULKY ABOUT PLAYER NOT NEEDING HIM THO- also him meeting a troll and immediately going to throw hands because what the fuck is that-

#cloud answers

[shootwithintenttokill]

One thing BBC's Merlin should have done (and not the one you're thinking of)

Because somehow I am making a Merlin post in 2023

I love magic reveal fics and Lancelot lives fics and so on as much as the next person, but there is one idea that the more I think about it, the more sense it makes to do to the extent when I first watched Merlin, I genuinely was surprised when this didn’t happen:

Gaius dies.

(Explanation after the break)

Not exactly sounding like a fix-it, I know. And, though it might sound like it, this is not post about hating Gaius, and I will explain my reasons. But I’ll start with a little explanation on how it might go down.

I think the main reason this never happened in the show was because Gaius was someone Merlin could talk to regularly and easily about his magic within Camelot. It allowed the audience to understand what he was doing, and why, for the more magical aspects of the show, without having to run out to the forest every five minutes for chats with the dragon. So it would probably have to be combined with either Lancelot lives or Gwaine finds out or something, so that Merlin still has someone to discuss magic with and cover for him. I would imagine it would happen in The Secret Sharer episode (season 4), probably Agravaine kills Gaius before Gwaine can stop him. This gives time for Merlin to process both his mentor’s death and what it means for his role in Camelot, before the season finale.

So, why?

It makes Merlin the authority, rather than the student. Merlin has been studying magic for 6 or 7 years, by season 4. By anyone’s standard, he would probably know what he is talking about by that point. And it’s been shown in several episodes that he doesn’t need Gaius - such as the Goblin in S3, or figuring out how to trick the troll in S2. It wouldn’t be uncharacteristic for him to be able to explain something magical to a knight, or even Arthur. And in a show called Merlin, where Merlin is coming into his power and knowledge, it almost seems illogical to have him going to Gaius for absolutely everything, but he does, when he has Gaius to rely on.

It gives Merlin a reason to be openly respected. Despite the ‘I’m happy to be your servant until the day I die’ thing, Merlin should have got more esteem in the last seasons. Gaius gets a seat on the (big) round table in S5, for his knowledge on magical creatures and threats. If he’s dead, is Arthur just going to give up that seat and not have any questions about magic? No, he’s going to give it to Gaius’ apprentice and the person who has been helping him with research for years. This gives a reason for Merlin to become a more official advisor, have his thoughts listened to without being in the privacy of Arthur’s chambers. Basically, Merlin could have become the advisor to Arthur that Gaius was to Uther if Gaius was dead, but while Gaius is alive neither Arthur nor Merlin would have a reason to make that happen.

Gaius holds Arthur and Merlin back. Gaius is the sorcerer who turned his back on sorcerers, who protected a murderous king while watching thousands of innocents be murdered in the hopes of saving a few. He is a product of Uther’s rule, and is scared enough by what he’s seen that he continually advises against telling Arthur not just about Merlin’s magic, but a huge number of other magical events, and quite simply doesn’t give Arthur a chance to choose to be better. And as for Merlin, he continually advises him caution and restraint, even when it goes wrong (like with Morgana). If you take a comparison between Lancelot and Gaius, where Lancelot continually encourages him, going so far as to suggest he tells Arthur, Gaius continually cautions him not to. Neither of them care any less about Merlin, or want to see magic free less, it’s simply their character. Gaius is scared, looking back at Uther and the deaths that were, and too afraid Arthur is like his father to tell him that magic can be good. But Lancelot is hopeful, and sees Arthur as the man who gave him a knighthood when his father wouldn’t and looks forward to the future that could be. With Gaius gone, and someone like Lancelot or Gwaine advising Merlin as a friend, rather than a father-figure, there is so much more potential for the ‘golden age’ to actually happen in the show.

It fits with the themes of S4. One of the big themes to me in S4 is that Camelot truly becomes a kingdom of the younger generation. Compare Uther’s council in S1-3, to the Round Table in S5. The average age is significantly younger - Arthur goes from being the outlier as the young Prince in a room of old lords, to Gaius looking out of place as an old man in a room of young knights and Gwen. And it’s not just Camelot’s council. The primary villains progressively get younger too - from Nimueh and Morgause, who remember and object to the purge, to Morgana, whose hatred is more focused on her growing up in fear. Gaius is the only person with any significant role in season 5 who is of the older generation, and he does just genuinely seem out of place - someone who is very much Uther’s advisor in a kingdom otherwise completely run by Arthur.

To me, this just makes so much sense. The simple reason is that Merlin genuinely couldn’t have grown to be the advisor he should have been in season 5, or created the golden age the show promised us, because he couldn’t stop relying on Gaius while he was alive, and Gaius couldn’t step away and let Merlin take charge, but was also too scared by the deaths he’d seen to give Arthur the chance, choice, and information he needed to build the world he should have.

In summary, Gaius should have died and it could have dramatically improved the final season of the show.

Also, if you know any good fics for this I’d love to know. Scorch marks and embers by southfarthing on AO3 works on this premise, except Morgana finds out who Emrys is and basically taunts him for 90,000 words, and I really recommend checking it out because it’s amazing.

#merlin bbc #merlin #arthur pendragon #Gaius #lancelot #lancelot merlin #fix it #what could have been #me being completely not blood-thirsty as I go on a rant about why a character should have died #bbc merlin #Don’t tell me it doesn’t make sense #Arthur becomes king #shouldn’t Merlin become chief magical advisor? #this got long #It was supposed to be a quick post #Merlin in 2023 anyone? #Merlin fix it #By making things worse #gaius merlin

[koalas-koalas-everywhere]

About a month ago (I thought it was longer!) I posted some ficlets with the promise that a longer Lancelot Lives Alt Season 4 full fic was coming. It has been going slowly. Like, "less than 15k words since then" slow. I started alt Servant of Two Masters literally with Mercelot Week and they've just found out that he's trying to kill Arthur slow. And I thought, you know, I could post another sneak peek.

A few days ago, I made myself sad writing the first conversation between Lancelot and Merlin since the latter went missing (not that the scene itself comes off as all that sad, it is from Fomorroh!Merlin, but I thought of how sad Lancelot would've been and well). Yesterday, I made this fic into a comedy:

“It’s probably best that we get there first,” Gwen tried to demur.

“We think Merlin might have been enchanted to kill Arthur,” Gaius said.

Gwen made a sound like a mix between a boiling kettle and a cat whose tail had been stepped on, but Lancelot didn’t pay it any mind.

“What?” he yelped and didn’t wait for an actual answer before breaking into a run. 

Fortunately, while the physician’s chambers were on the top of a tower, isolated from the rest of the castle, they’d also been placed close to the Royal Chambers. He burst through the doors not a minute later, just in time to see Merlin pull an arrow out of a pillar. Thinking only of that weapon in his hand (the danger to Arthur’s life, to Merlin’s life if he was caught after the act, how it’d break his heart if he hurt Arthur or worse) and not the startled look on his face or the bewildered question from behind the privacy screen, Lancelot launched himself at him.

They went down in a tangle of limbs.

“What on earth— Lancelot?!” Arthur exclaimed, running over. “What is going on?!”

“Get off me!” Merlin struggled like a fish on land.

“I just… hadn’t seen him since he came back!” Lancelot said, barely dodging an elbow to the face. “I’m so happy he’s alive!” he insisted, finally managing to wrap his arms around his torso to immobilize him.

“What are you talking about? We just saw each other in the Armoury!” It was a good thing Merlin had dropped the arrow when they fell, because Lancelot was pretty sure he’d have been stabbed by now otherwise. 

“I think you imagined that.” Lancelot was half trying to pin Merlin’s legs under his own, half trying to avoid a kick to any sensitive spot when Gwen arrived at the door, out of breath.

“Arthur, they need you at the Throne Room,” she gasped out. “You have to go.”

“Why would I ever torture myself by imagining more conversations with you? The ones I have to suffer through in reality are more than enough for any sane being,” Merlin said, still wriggling.

Lancelot shot Arthur a wide beam. “He’s so funny.”

Merlin took that moment of distraction to twist suddenly, getting his legs under himself. He might have gotten enough leverage to shake Lancelot off and stand up if Gwen hadn’t jumped on him as well.

“You too?!” Arthur demanded, arms spread. “You saw him this morning!”

“I missed him so much,” she explained, holding on for dear life.

Gaius appeared at the door and Arthur turned to him.

“Let me guess.” Arthur gestured wildly. “Do you want to drop to my floor?”

“No, sire,” Gaius answered, eyes narrowed. “Do you?”

Arthur made a strangled noise that choked itself into a laugh.

“Back to normal, then,” he sighed. He walked across the room, past the wrestling figures in the floor that became a lot more active when Merlin saw Arthur come within reach, and grabbed his ceremonial sword. “I better get going. You” —he waved a hand— “have fun.”

“Wait,” Merlin shouted after him. “Don’t you need me to—?”

Arthur slammed the door behind himself pointedly.

#Merlin BBC #alt season 4 #lancelot lives au #WLWAAOD #(that's When Love Was An Act Of Defiance btw) #Merlin #Lancelot #Mercelot #this is not the first time this has happened #the funny 'sneak around the camp base to get the triskelion and climb to the tower of ashkanar' was directly preceded by a heavy convo abou #dragonlord culture and how much had been lost and destroyed beyond repair #Arthur Pendragon #Gwen #guinevere pendragon

[sincerelyhecate]

you (hit me with a broom and) set my heart ablaze

Title: you (hit me with a broom and) set my heart ablaze (chapter 5)

Pairing: Jason Grace/Percy Jackson

Length: 10k words

You can also read this on AO3.

∘◦ ☆ ◦∘

“Mate, I swear on my mum in heaven that I won’t ever do it again.”

Jason was almost convinced. “Promise? That you won’t be commentating every single interaction I’d have with Percy next time?”

“I won’t do it again… not with a megaphone, at least.”

“Merlin help me.”

Leo had looked appropriately remorseful after Jason was thoroughly done with lecturing him, though he couldn’t be certain the boy had actually learnt his lesson. After all, his friends thrived off teasing him daily, and he couldn’t imagine them stopping anytime soon. Piper just patted the boy’s dark curls in pity when Jason finally ended his speech, glad to not be on the other end of their best friend’s lengthy chastising for once.

Leo had always possessed this distinctive attribute of having a mouth that moved faster than his brain, but ultimately he’d meant no harm, so Jason was always ready to forgive his inopportune slip of the tongue—or rather, multiple slips. After all, he did make a promise with Percy—as much as with himself—not to care about the gossip, and he was intent to honour his own words.

His lips were still tingling from pecking Percy’s nose.

Curiously, Percy was pretty unaffected by the kiss. The very next day, he’d said hello with his usual enthusiasm, though Jason could’ve sworn his cheeks were redder than normal and his voice was breathier, like he needed a sip of water. The lustre in his eyes was as bright as ever, however. 

Not immune to Percy’s infectious energy, Jason reciprocated his greetings as he would normally, just with a bit more cheer. 

And a bit more love. 

He'd believed all his life that Quidditch would be his only love. The thought of a boy taking over its spot so quickly in his heart was so surprising, it nearly knocked the wind out of him. It’s a foreign yet thrilling sensation, one that he came to really like.

He fancied Percy. Putting a name on the fact, embodying it and thoroughly understanding the gravity behind it had been nothing short of eye-opening. He even dared to say he’s close to loving him, but he was content in just desiring him quietly for now. They’re closer than ever, and Percy wasn’t going anywhere. 

In the meantime, he’d treasure every second he spent with that wonder of a boy.

Two uneventful months passed by, highlighted only by Christmas and the Ravenclaw vs Hufflepuff match, in which Hufflepuff had emerged victorious with a very close 190-170. Jason and Percy attended the match together, making their own commentaries quietly under their breaths in tandem with the official commentator—much to Annabeth’s annoyance. They concluded that while Hufflepuff had near-divine luck on their side, Ravenclaw was thoroughly coordinated as a team and dominated the Quaffle most of the time. The House of wit and intelligence was certainly an opponent to look out for in their upcoming matches.

“On top of my House losing, my enjoyment of the match was utterly ruined by two numpties who couldn’t keep it down next to me,” Annabeth complained as they walked towards the castle together.

“You shouldn’t have come at all, Wise Girl. You don’t even like Quidditch,” Percy shot back, one hand sneakily placed on Jason’s lower back as they climbed uphill the grassy slope.

“I’m the Head Girl. My attendance would surely boost my team’s morality.”

It had probably seemed logical to her, but Jason couldn’t hold in a chuckle when Percy furiously whispered to him, “Look how big her head has gotten! None of the players even glanced our way.”

“I can hear you, Seaweed Brain.”

It was during Charms, on a Thursday a little over two months after the kiss, when he truly realised the actual depth of his feelings for Percy.

Jason’s mind wandered to the contents of the letter he’d just received at lunch. It'd been delivered by a well-groomed eagle owl, enclosed in a black-and-white envelope and sealed with a very familiar emblem any self-respecting Quidditch fan would recognise. His heart had been beating loudly out of suspense as he carefully took the letter out, perusing its contents before gasping in disbelief, much to Piper’s bemusement sitting beside him.

“What’s gotten into you?” she’d asked, sipping from a cup of apple juice.

He’d passed the piece of paper wordlessly to her, and she’d been so excited for him she’d almost yanked his shoulders out of their sockets when she’d shaken him in glee. “Jason, this is insane!”

It indeed was. After all, he'd just received a letter from a professional Quidditch team.

The Montrose Magpies, one of the best teams playing in the British and Irish Quidditch League, were looking to sign him. One of their scouts had taken an interest in him after attending some of his matches since last year, and they intended to induct him into their reserve team once he graduated. They’d be waiting for his answer as soon as possible, the letter had read.

He’d looked around discreetly, tongue heavy in his excitement, and caught the gaze of the Headmistress. At the way her eyes had been twinkling proudly at him, he’d vaguely recalled her being well-known as an avid fan of the Magpies. Had she actually…?

No way. He’d make sure to personally thank her later.

Going pro in Quidditch. It was one of Jason’s biggest dreams. And naturally, as all his dreams would entail these days, Percy always found his way in it.

Countless scenarios and wishful visions played in his mind as he floated through his classes for the rest of the day. In the most ideal one, he’d pictured starting his career with Percy together. Both of them, professional Quidditch players, rising as stars of their team, winning match after match through the league. They’d be an indestructible duo. Take the world by storm. Carve their names into history. 

Jackson and Grace. Future Quidditch legends.

“So, do you want to get them hyphenated or something?” Reyna asked out of the blue, as they listened to the Professor droning about the importance of mastering certain advanced spells for N.E.W.T.s.

His brain, addled by a colourful, vivid daydream, was a bit slow on the uptake. “Sorry?”

“Your surnames together,” she said pointedly, her sharp eyes glancing at the names Jason had unconsciously written on his parchment. “I’m particularly leaning towards ‘Grace-Jackson’. Got a nice ring to it.”

Feeling his face flush, his hand flew to cover the stupid scribbles as Reyna finished her sentence with a wry smile. To think he’d actually act like the typical lovesick teenager! It’s a testament of how hopeless he’s becoming. It took all of his willpower not to meet her knowing gaze, as his mind worked overtime to erase the new image that unwittingly sprouted from her off-handed comment.

An image that involved improbable things: flowers scattered on the aisle, dress robes matching as they stand face to face at the altar, gold and silver bands on their ring fingers…

No, Jason mentally chastised himself. It’s too early. They’re not even official, for Merlin’s sake! He made a mental note to visit the Black Lake later. Dunking his head into its cold waters would surely be good for his mind, which was getting farther out of touch with reality recently.

“I just misspelt my name,” he said lamely, in response to her raised eyebrow.

Reyna snorted. “Very interesting to add a C and a K instead of any other letter in the alphabet, Jason.”

He hoped rolling his eyes would somehow alleviate his embarrassment, though his burning cheeks certainly didn’t help his case. Reyna, thankfully, had decided to drop the topic to spare him. Jason was almost relieved that she did—when the silence stretched long enough—until she cheekily supplied, “Bet your future children will love it. I, for one, think ‘Ramírez-Arellano’ sounds quite sophisticated.”

His fellow Prefect, stoic and serious as she was, had the nerve to chuckle as Jason buried his face in his hands, exasperated yet pleased all at once.

“Oi, Grace! Off to snog Jackson silly?” someone yelled from across the corridor, followed by loud, obnoxious guffaws. Classes had just ended, and the students were frolicking about the castle in their excitement for dinner and freedom after a long day of learning.

Jason sighed, unable to manifest any energy to retaliate. It'd been two months since the chaste peck he’d given to Percy’s nose, but he’d still get the occasional unsavoury comments for such an innocent gesture. It'd gotten old quite fast. If he was any pettier, he’d actually threaten to take points from their Houses, but he’d never let himself stoop to their level. They’re acting like children, and he’s not interested in reverting back to one.

Though it’d be really nice if they could lay off his arse for once.

“Five points from Slytherin, Stoll,” a familiar voice intruded his line of thought.

“Di Angelo? You grumpy midget, I was just pulling his leg! No harm done, eh, Grace?”

Nico di Angelo, newly recruited Prefect from Hufflepuff, barely glanced Jason’s way before narrowing his dark eyes at one of the Stoll twins. Despite being shorter than the seventh-years before him, his menacing aura seemed to have intimidated them all the same.

“Ten more points from Slytherin, for calling me that.”

“Mate—”

“And don’t act like I’m daft. You wouldn’t bat an eyelash if it’s a girl who’d kissed Jackson the other day. Trying to single Grace out just because he’s a bloke is completely revolting. I can take it up to your Head of House and see if he likes it when his students are being absolutely discriminatory snakes. Or to the Headmistress too, if that doesn’t work.”

By the time the fifth-year was finished, Stoll had looked positively remorseful. Face pallid with fear, he raised his hands in surrender before trudging towards Jason, his twin trailing after him. Who was who, Jason hadn’t the slightest clue. Both twins mumbled a “Sorry” in unison, and one Stoll added in an urgent whisper: “We really weren't trying to be homophobic or anything. Honest! It’s just funny how you’re the one to kiss Jackson, out of all the people that could’ve.”

… What?

“I mean, he’d been groaning and moaning about wanting to kiss this mystery blonde all the time in the dorm,” the other one butted in.

“And we thought he’d been talking about the Head Girl, so it’s a bit of comedic timing that you’re the one to finally shut him up, since you’re also a blondie,” the first one finished in a snicker.

It’s safe to say Jason was perplexed at the very least. Ignoring the fluttery palpitations of his heart, he just told them truthfully, “Well, it still doesn’t feel nice that I’m being made fun of by extension.”

The twins nodded sheepishly in unison, before all but fled after another poisonous glare from Nico. Jason was mildly impressed. “Thanks, Nico.”

Nico shrugged companionably, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. “Don’t mention it. Just felt like helping a comrade out.”

Jason’s memory supplied that Nico was openly gay and had a boyfriend: Will Solace, the Head Boy from Hufflepuff. Talk about a power couple.

He wondered if some people thought of him and Percy in that way too. Two talented Seekers hailing from rival Houses, dating each other despite the odds. It would’ve made for quite a good tale of star-crossed lovers. His heart felt oddly light and flippy at the idea, even though it could’ve been farther from reality.

Nico, catching the tiny smile Jason had unknowingly worn on his face, casually informed, “So—the Stolls’ perspectives notwithstanding—your boyfriend’s been thoroughly insufferable after the stunt you pulled.”

He raised an eyebrow when Jason jumped at his question, who’s flabbergasted at the reference to Percy being his boyfriend. Slightly panicking, he decided to blurt out the truth: “He’s not actually my boyfriend.”

Nico’s eyebrow rose even higher, disappearing into his long fringe as he stared into Jason’s very soul. The boy started to walk as their conversation picked up, so Jason had no choice but to follow after him, his legs keeping up easily with Nico’s shorter ones.

“So what’s with the kiss, then?”

“Oh…” Jason hesitated, feeling a little shy. It was a bit impulsive at the time, but it was nothing less than genuine. Percy had looked irresistibly lovely then. He couldn’t help feeling a bit silly as he mumbled, “I just wanted to reward him for winning against me.”

Nico turned around the corner, and he trailed after without much question. Jason realised he had no idea where they’re even heading, but there’s no way he’d just end the conversation hanging like this. 

Nico’s eyes were critical as he stared into his. “So you rewarded him with a kiss of all things.”

“Er…” he hesitated, wondering how much he should be letting on. That’s like the third ‘so’ Nico had uttered pointedly in the span of three minutes, and Jason had a little inkling that the boy was trying to help him piece something together.

Should he just tell him? It’s an open secret at this point, but it still felt a little weird for him to verbally acknowledge his sexuality after bottling it up for so long. He’d told exactly three people after he came out to Percy: Leo and Piper, who’d figured it out on their own during that evening of eating Mrs Blofis’ cookies, and Thalia.

His sister had sent him a Howler as soon as he’d told her over a letter. Feeling like she’d been a tad too dramatic, he’d chosen an inconspicuous corner of the castle during one of his nightly patrols to open it. 

“Jason Grace!” her voice had all but screamed, sounding both exasperated and excited at once. “Coming out to me over a letter, while I’m undercover and tracking after a wanted criminal? Unacceptable! How do I even hug you when you’re not physically here, you adorable idiot?!” She’d then laughed a little too gleefully. “You owe me at least two hugs when we see each other again. Oh, and I’ve known all along, honestly. I’m still so, so, so proud of you. Wonder how Dad would react when he finds out he has two gay kids who’d disappoint him to no end. I find it absolutely hilarious to think about. That’s all, bye. Love you.”

He was glad no one had been around to see him teary-eyed by the end of it. Thalia had sounded so proud by the end of her monologue, he’d been missing her more than ever. She’d be getting at least three hugs when they meet each other again.

“Well, just know he’d been an absolute nightmare to deal with after you kissed him.”

Jason was snapped out of his reverie as Nico said those words, gracious enough not to call out on his long pause. He belatedly noticed that they’d ended up near the school kitchens, going by the large painting of a bowl of fruit serving as the door. Nico stared into his eyes curiously, as if searching for something.

“He kept pestering me what it meant, begging me for wisdom like I’m some kind of patron saint of the gays.”

“Oh,” Jason said, words escaping him. What didn’t escape him was the note of fondness in Nico’s otherwise bleary tone. 

“‘What does it mean, Nico?’” the Hufflepuff continued in a suddenly derisive tone, and it took Jason a few seconds to register that he was shoddily imitating Percy. “He’d asked me: ‘What does a kiss on the nose mean? Is it any different from the ones on the lips or on the cheek? ’ and, ‘Does your opponent just kiss you(r nose) out of the blue when you win against them? ’ like the answer wasn’t obvious.” A deep breath. “Then he went on losing his marbles because he’d thought you’re only getting revenge on him, because apparently he’d tried to mess with you before the rematch.”

So Percy did try to mess with him! The peck on the nose had never felt more appropriate as a payback, he thought giddily.

Also, that’s the longest bit of speech he’d ever heard being uttered from Nico’s mouth in one breath, probably because the boy had felt so harried because of Percy. He hardly caught any of it, though, too focused on the fact that Percy wasn’t as unaffected as he’d thought before.

“So?” Nico questioned pointedly, for the fourth and final time.

“Well, I was just being… gay?”

“Bless you, my child,” Nico said, like he’s a patron saint of the gays. As if Jason’s simple confession gave him all the clues he needed, he then muttered to himself, “Guess that dimwit had nothing to worry about.”

He schooled his features once again and gave Jason a once-over like he'd just noticed him dawdling there. “Well. Off you go, then. I’ve got no clue why you followed me all the way here.”

“Sure,” Jason said with a chuckle, silently grateful for Nico’s roundabout way of helping both him and Percy. “See you on patrol later?”

“Yeah.” 

And with a distinguished sweep of his robe, Nico turned on his heels and went to rhythmically tap a barrel lying against the wall. As the doorway to the Hufflepuff Basement revealed itself, he barely glanced Jason’s way as he crossed into it.

“Hey, Jason! Where’s your boyfriend?”

During dinner, Jason looked to the side from his seat to find Piper smirking at him, her eyes shifting colours from blue to green in her mischief. He sighed, vaguely feeling a sense of déjà vu. 

“I dunno, Pipes. Maybe you can try asking your girlfriend?” he said nonchalantly, scooting his bum to the right to make space for the girl. Piper patted his head gratefully as she took her seat, the other hand already reaching for the sauteed potatoes. “Or maybe not, ‘cause we both know you can’t see anyone else as soon as she enters your sight.”

“Ha-ha. Wait, I have an idea. Wanna bet which one of us will date our respective Ravenclaw-Slytherin duo first?”

He ignored her challenge, knowing she’d most likely win, being the natural charmer she was. “You know, Nico actually took points from people who teased me about Percy today.”

“Oh? How chivalric of him,” she commented warily, mystified at the unsolicited information. Jason nodded sagely as he licked his greasy fingers clean, unable to contain his frivolous eating habits. Hogwarts’ cuisine had always been divine, but the roast chicken tonight was particularly heavenly. He could really eat another helping. 

Piper took on the unsaid implication rather quickly, when she narrowed her eyes at him. “What, so you wanna take points from me too? For joking?” she snorted. “In case you’ve forgotten, Jason, we’re in the same House.”

Oh, to be the one poking fun at her for a change. This was as good a time as any, Jason realised. As his teeth tore another bite of his chicken wing, he met with her challenging eyes head-on. “Hmm, maybe I should take away ten points…”

“Jason, think of the House Cup!”

“... fwom McWean,” he said through a mouthful. Not mentioning the House wouldn’t count, right?

Piper rolled her eyes, but her face betrayed a relieved smile at Jason’s playful farce. Like clockwork, they heard an unmistakable tinkling sound, as Gryffindor’s rubies dwindled in the House points hourglass.

“Jason, you git!”

He gulped in both chicken and his trepidation. “I didn’t think it’d work!”

As he fought off Piper’s talon-like hands trying to strangle him (which should certainly warrant actual points deduction), his head hit a rather soft surface when he tried to dodge away.

“Oof!” a familiar voice exclaimed in pain. “... right in the bollocks.” 

Jason turned his head just as Piper managed to grab his forearm with an “Aha!”, her nails digging into his flesh. He came face to face with someone’s crotch.

“Percy?”

“Hey, Jason,” the boy in question greeted with as much cheer he could muster through gritted teeth. His posture was a little awkwardly bent, probably from withstanding the pain in his loins. “Ah, quite a headbutt you did there.”

Jason willed his cheeks not to blush as he realised the place his head had connected with, glancing up and seeing Percy’s face stuck between a grin and a grimace.

“You’re in bad luck, mate. He’s got the hardest head in Gryffindor,” Leo piped up from beside Percy. 

“Yeah, that must've hurt quite a bit,” Piper added with faux concern, her eyes blinking innocently at Jason. As her lips curled into a smirk that could only be described as devious, he instantly knew that nothing good would come out of her mouth. "Maybe you can get Jason to check for you? I heard he’s quite the expert."

“Pipes, people are trying to eat!” Leo exclaimed in disgust. Jason would’ve been inclined to concur, if not for the violent blush overtaking his face. He glared at Piper furiously, to which she had the audacity to grin back smugly in victory. And he’s just about to grant back her points too! For being his best friend or something. 

Miraculously, the Slytherin was entirely unaffected by their exchange. In classic Percy’s fashion, he took it in stride and replied with a wink, “Not to worry. I’ve got balls of steel.”

“Bloody hell, I made a mistake coming here,” Leo sighed, already leaving as quickly as he came.

“You owe me one, Grace.” Piper stood up as well, brushing non-existent dust off her hands like she wasn’t trying to choke Jason before. “I’ll leave you to it, but you better replace the points you took from your own House.” 

And off she went after Leo, who’s probably headed towards the empty classroom that had become their regular haunt since they were tiny first-years. His heart twinged with a peculiar sense of loss, even though nothing was stopping him from following after them.

Well, except for Percy who’s still standing by his side, with his crotch still dangerously close to Jason’s head. Couldn’t he move a little farther away? Did he want Jason to headbutt him again?

“So what happened that got her trying to murder you?” Percy asked as he cautiously scanned the perimeters of the Hall, presumably for any signs of Annabeth. Once he’s sure he’s in the clear, he made himself right at home next to Jason, as if the Prefect didn’t have the same authority to chase him away. Though Jason would be lying if he said he had the heart to actually do it. Dinner was nearing the end of its hour anyway, so there wouldn’t be a lot of eyewitnesses at least.

“I accidentally docked points from Gryffindor while trying to tease her back for teasing me,” Jason told him, realising how silly their bickering had been, his cheeks warming again when he remembered her brazen joke. “Sorry if she made you uncomfortable.”

“Nah,” Percy reassured easily, helping himself with Jason’s plate even when there's a perfectly untouched roast chicken, steamy and greasy, right in front of him. He naturally closed the space between their shoulders, just as he would whenever they sit together. “I like her sense of humour.”

Jason observed him discreetly, trying to focus on his own unfinished piece as Percy happily nibbled away at his. He found himself silently gushing at the boy’s way of eating: slowly picking at the flesh like he had all the time in the world, before eating the tiny pieces with deliberately small chewing—just like a squirrel. The way his lips glistened as he licked at the grease made Jason’s heart lurch, and he had to dart his eyes away from staring too long.

“So, Jason. I actually need your help with something,” Percy said casually, sucking on the chicken bone with puckered lips that did silly things to Jason’s heart. His gut told him that whatever Percy would ask for, he’d give it to him in a heartbeat.

“Of course, Percy. If it’s within my means, I’ll help you the best I can.”

“Really?” Percy asked hopefully, as he Scourgify-ed the oil off his right hand with a wave of his wand.

Now his gut backtracked, alarmed by the dubious way Percy had asked. He brushed off the unease away, making up his mind to help Percy with whatever predicament he had. “Really. That’s what friends are for, isn’t it?”

Oh, that smile on his face spared no effort to melt Jason’s heart. “Really, really, really, really, really?”

“... Yes. Now out with it.”

Percy chuckled, enjoying the way he’s getting a rise out of him. He paused for a dramatic effect, his eyes twinkling as they confidently held Jason’s gaze. 

“Wanna sneak up the Astronomy Tower together with me?”

Jason barely managed to stop his mouth from hanging open in his bewilderment. “Percy, I’m a Prefect. Are you seriously asking me to break the rules with you?”

“You said you’d help me!”

“Within my means. I’m not going to help you break the rules!” Jason whisper-shouted, mindful of people that could hear them. “And I have to go on patrol tonight!”

“Even better! You can bring me along to do your Prefect stuff. I’ve been told I’m very watchful when it comes to catching people doing naughty things.”

“That isn’t the point, Percy! I’m supposed to patrol so I keep people like you from sneaking around past curfew,’ he said, aware of how rigid he sounded. Oh, how badly he wanted to throw away his duties and join Percy in his sneaky, snakey adventures. But who’d Jason be, if not a man who’d always adhere to law and order? And it had nothing to do with being a Prefect. He’s just conditioned to be too… disciplined.

“Please, baby?” Percy beseeched, his lower lip protruding in a compelling pout, eyebrows knitting together in a lethal expression of pure, unadulterated puppy-eyes. He rested his chin on Jason’s shoulder, locking his soft, pleading gaze to Jason’s fluttery one. The act had only complemented the real damage that had done away with Jason’s formidable wall of composure, instantly destroying it to dust: calling him with the pet name.

Percy had called him ‘baby.’ Unironically, it’s a pet name you’d use for a lover, or someone you really adore. Not a friend like Jason was to Percy.

He tried to remind himself that Percy was very much playing around, but upon hearing it, being addressed with it, Jason’s heart had all but stuttered like it failed him, before vigorously pumping blood only to send them all upwards to his head. He desperately, futilely attempted to quell his blush, but the heat had consumed his face and all the way to his ears and the back of his neck. He felt his body turn into putty, defenceless against any emotional onslaught Percy had prepared against him.

Did Percy know he held this much power against Jason?

The Slytherin continued on, the corners of his mouth slyly turning upwards, the puppy-eyes steadfast in place, “The essay Sinistra assigned us is due tomorrow—and I swear, Jason, I really tried to finish it—but things came up and I also have my own issues that sometimes make me overlook homework unintentionally, and just when I was about to work on it today, turns out I need to do some observation at the Tower using a telescope and Annabeth wouldn’t let me copy hers—so much for being my proclaimed sworn sister—”

Huh. The Stolls had been wrong, then. Who’s the lucky blonde?

“—since ‘your observation is supposed to differ from other people, Percy, my goodness,’ and I need to get this done if I ever want to pass my N.E.W.T. for this subject since Sinistra’s the type to give extra pointers that help a lot when she returns your essays, and I just don’t want to disappoint my family, Annabeth, and you! Mhm—”

Jason, in a fleeting burst of courage, placed his fingers gently on top of Percy’s still rambling mouth. The boy’s lips instantly stopped flapping open, feeling so soft under his touch. He’s still in a daze, not knowing whether it's from trying to catch up to Percy’s words or to his use of the unfairly endearing, affectionate pet name. He closed his eyes, willing his blush to go away for the umpteenth time. He failed with record time, of course.

He peeked at Percy’s eyes, and they’ve yet to look away from his own, so adoringly green and bright. After what felt like an eternity, he finally found his words. 

“Can’t you do it in your own dorm?”

Percy looked at him like he’d grown a second head. His words were muffled against his fingers, “Mate. My dorm is under the lake!”

Oh. He forgot that not every common room was located at the top of a tower.

“Please? If not for me, can’t you do it for my injured bollocks?”

Jason put his other hand on top of the one covering Percy’s mouth, his eyes closing yet again, trying to stop Percy from talking while simultaneously sorting his frenzied thoughts. Feeling an impending headache, he could already tell: even if he refused to go onboard with the plan, Percy would still try and sneak up the Astronomy Tower. Agreeing would make him an accomplice, but at least he could lessen the damage Percy would have inevitably caused should they be caught by anyone else.

He sighed in resignation, frowning at Percy as if to tell that his hand was being forced on this. Percy just stared back, his carefree eyes lacking any concern. 

“Alright,” Jason said finally, putting his hands away. “But if somebody sees us together, you’ll act like I’m just about to catch you, okay?”

Why was Percy’s smile so blindingly bright when he heard him, and why was Jason so desperate to burn the sight into memory? Overjoyed, Percy cupped Jason’s cheeks with both hands before fondly squeezing them. He silently hoped his face wouldn’t look so stupid in his embarrassment. 

“Fantastic!” Percy exclaimed with a grin. “Oh Jason, I could kiss you right now!”

Then, like he was jolted by electric shock, Percy immediately hopped off the bench, his back facing Jason, his feet already walking away. As if all he needed was Jason’s assent, and then he’s done and dusted with for the night. 

“I-I’ll see you at midnight, alright? At the bottom of the Tower.” And with that, the Slytherin was gone, leaving Jason tongue-tied and gawping at his retreating back. 

Had he heard Percy right? Was it just something the boy had said in his elation, not really meaning it? Maybe he’d said that to Annabeth too. Countless times. In a platonic way, most definitely. Like just now.

Even with all the turmoil in his heart and the thrumming under his skin, he wished Percy actually did.

“Lumos.”

Light burst forth from the tips of their wands in tandem, as they carefully tip-toed into the classroom located high in one of the turrets of the Astronomy Tower. It was fortunately devoid of any human or ghostly presence, since no classes were held that night. “Sinistra would always take breaks on the nights of the second and fourth Thursdays in a month,” Percy explained like it was common knowledge. And like Jason had been on it since the beginning, he continued, “Our timing is really lucky.”

They carefully walked around the large orrery in the middle of the room, taking one slow step at a time to avoid hitting any objects lying around unseen by the light of their wands. They eventually managed to cross the room without much fanfare, stepping outside into the open balcony in silent relief, the midnight breeze greeting them in a gentle caress. Percy made his way to the parapet and set his telescope right against the bricked wall.

“Whoa. Not a cloud in sight,” he whispered in wonder. They both turned their heads upwards, admiring the array of brilliant stars painted over a dark canvas that was the night sky. It was the perfect backdrop of the intimacy Jason had felt enveloping both of them, as he looked at Percy’s face staring at the heavens in pure astonishment. And there’s no reason for Percy not to finish his essay now too, not with the opportunity to observe to his heart’s content.

“Oh, I can see Zoë!” Percy exclaimed excitedly, pointing towards the east. When Jason looked at him quizzically, he explained, “It’s the constellation called the Huntress. My friends and I sort of gave her a personal name.”

“That’s wonderful,” Jason replied earnestly. He wondered if he’d ever be that close to the boy beside him, to be able to name stars together. 

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, Percy peered into his telescope, finally starting his homework in earnest. Jason dawdled about while enjoying the sight of the celestial bodies above, never straying far from Percy as he waited.

“Let’s see… oh, what does it mean to see Saturn in that part of the sky?” Percy flipped open the textbook, before reading frantically under the light of his wand. “And at this time of the year too, hm…” he deliberated, humming in understanding as he absorbed the contents, before holding his wand between his teeth to scribble furiously on his parchment. A hard-working Percy made a good sight for sore eyes, Jason noted fondly. He sat next to the boy and held his own lit wand over the book for him.

“Thanks, Jason.” Even in the dark, Percy’s eyes twinkled almost as bright as the stars above.

Minutes passed by in silence, as Percy was absorbed in his task, urgently completing his essay given the risky situation they’re in. Sometimes he’d ask for Jason’s help, trying to refresh sixth-year Astronomy applicable in his homework. Jason happily indulged his friend, at times surprised by Percy’s considerable knowledge of the subject.

“It’s a shame Venus can’t be seen right now,” Percy said as he looked into his telescope for the final time, his essay nearing its completion.

“Because you can only see it earlier in the day. Why’s that a shame, though?” Jason asked, confused.

“Because it’s the planet of love.” Oh, he got him again. It was quite dark to see anything clearly, but Jason thought Percy had winked at him. The tips of his ears burned as he scrambled to change the subject. Somehow he’s always liable to blush in the boy’s presence.

“You’re really good at Astronomy.” A pause, as he recalled his professional Quidditch daydreams during Charms. “Any career prospects that go well with it?”

Percy hummed as he deliberated Jason’s question, feeling around the dusty floor for his textbook, star charts and stationeries to pack them into his bag. “I don’t think what I’ll be doing has anything to do with getting a N.E.W.T. in Astronomy.”

Jason dared himself to feel a little hopeful. Anything relating to Quidditch would’ve been perfect. He waited silently for Percy to continue as the boy zipped his bag, finally finished for the night.

“I had a friend named Bob, you see.” Percy carefully began, leaning back as he glanced at the sky.

Had?

“Met him in a ward in St Mungo’s when I got into this nasty accident during summer break before my fifth year. He was this kindly old man with a pet kitten that somehow the Healers turned a blind eye on. We became fast friends—” Percy’s breath stuttered as his voice grew smaller, and Jason instantly knew that there’s no happy ending in this story, “—for the whole week I was there. He’s old, but I knew his soul was young with the way he interacted with me. Spending time with him became some of my fondest memories.

“Day by day, his conditions were deteriorating, and they had to move him into intensive care in the end. The last words he’d said to me before he got in was, ‘Tell the sun and the stars hello for me. ’” Percy sniffled as his voice wavered, before he braved through the evidently painful memory. “I got discharged afterwards, and after a week, when I came by to visit him, the Healers said he’d already passed on.”

Jason felt his own heart breaking, just as Percy’s voice did when he tried to collect himself.

“So—don’t laugh—even though I could’ve made my life easier by dropping this subject after O.W.L.s, I thought: maybe I can study it in his honour, you know? And Annabeth was always encouraging when it came to unnecessarily filling up timetables with extra subjects, so I thought I could handle it.”

“You are handling it. Despite this current situation,” Jason added hastily, prompting a watery chuckle out of Percy. “And I will never laugh at you for pursuing anything you want, not when it’s such an admirable thing to do in the first place. I’m sorry for your loss, Percy.”

Without really thinking it, he reached for the boy’s hand and squeezed, trying to pour some comfort into the warm skin. Percy turned his palm over and grasped back easily, as naturally as he breathed. 

Jason decided he really liked this, their unprompted and easy hand-holding. Not really normal for two blokes claiming to be just friends, but since when were they normal friends to begin with? Normal friendships start with a ‘hello, how are you?’ Their friendship started with Jason flying into Percy and sending him to the hospital wing. Despite their strange beginning, he thought it had blossomed into something equally as special regardless, if not a bit more.

They were already huddling together without realising it, like two magnetic forces helplessly drawn to each other. Jason could’ve blamed it on the chilly air, but when Percy leaned onto his side and rested his head on his shoulder, he found it easier to just accept the fact that they’re just the way they were. Touchy to a fault, impossible to not eliminate the space between them. 

The comfortable silence blanketing over them slowly lulled him to sleepiness.

“What about you, Jason? What will you do after Hogwarts?” Percy’s quiet voice broke through his sleep-induced stupor.

“Hm?” It took him a few seconds to shake off the drowsiness that came with. “Oh, yeah. I’m—I’d like to play Quidditch as a pro.”

“Why am I not even surprised? Blimey, I feel like that’s already a given. I could already see you as one when we practised together.”

Together. Jason wished they’d play as pros together too. At that moment, he thought Percy ought to know of the letter he received. “Actually, I got a letter from the Montrose Magpies at lunch today.” 

At that, Percy rose his head quickly to turn and look at him in alarm. As his heart picked up speed, he continued, “They’re looking to sign me when I’m finished with Hogwarts.”

Percy surprised him by cupping his face in his warm palms, turning his head to look at him. He wore such a bright smile on his face, one would’ve thought he was the one to be scouted by the professional team. “Oh, Jason, you magnificent thing! Scouted by the Magpies themselves, which is only one of the biggest teams in this country’s history! I’m so happy for you!”

That had to be a good sign, right? Percy wouldn’t be this happy if he didn’t care about Quidditch as much as Jason was, right? At that point, it didn’t matter to him that Percy wasn’t the one to be scouted. He believed with all his heart that if Percy were to walk in on one of those Magpies’ tryouts they hold yearly in Montrose, he’d be accepted just as easily. Because Percy was his equal now.

“Thank you, Percy,” he said earnestly. “I’ll only be playing in the reserve team first, but I’m going to work hard all the way to the top.”

“Yeah! And it’ll definitely take you no time at all.”

Jason pushed himself to be a little braver. “Probably. Erm. So—How would you like it, i-if we’re to play in the same team together? Like, maybe you can go for their tryouts? Because I’m confident you’d have no trouble getting in.”

While Percy’s grin was bright enough to pierce through the darkness of the night, the way it fell to a more neutral expression was a little less so. His face was unreadable as Jason rambled on, and he was silent for a while when he finished. Jason’s heart gradually sank at his hesitation.

“Jason…” Percy said, drawing his hands off Jason’s cheeks and settling one of them on his shoulder. Somehow, the gesture didn’t feel as reassuring as it always did. 

“I’ve decided to retire as soon as I finish school," Percy said, his tone apologetic. "I’ll be playing my last match at the end of this season.”

***

Percy really shouldn’t think of Jason’s forlorn, sad expression as adorable. But it was! Simply because it’s Jason’s, and Percy’s hopelessly smitten with all the faces he could make. 

It’s unfortunate that his sight was limited due to the darkness, but he could almost see the pout on Jason’s lips and the way his eyebrows furrowed in disappointment. While he really didn’t mean to let Jason down, in all honesty, he’s just getting a little too sick of the broomstick.

He’d only ever overcome his fear of flying because he’d wanted to impress Jason—youngest Seeker to be recruited in Gryffindor ever since Harry Potter—and his last (and final) match against Jason had been so rewarding in that regard. It was everything he could’ve ever asked for, because the boy of his dreams finally looked his way. He couldn’t care less about his team’s upcoming matches against Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw now, simply because Jason wouldn’t be in any of them, so it’s safe to say that he’s basically done with Quidditch.

Of course, that didn’t mean Jason would be happy with it. His voice was so dejected when he all but pleaded, Percy almost reconsidered his decision. Almost. “B-But don’t you think that’s a shame? To let your talents be wasted like that? And I’d really love to see how we’d work together in a team. Which would be amazing, in my opinion!”

“Oh, Jason,” Percy said gently, trying to console the poor boy, “We’re both playing as Seekers. You know there can only be one in a team.”

"Yeah, but I wouldn’t mind giving it up for you! I think I’d be pretty good at Chasing. Or Keeping.”

If Percy was a weak-hearted man with no convictions to speak of, he’d cave in right there and then. The way Jason was so ready to switch positions just so he could play together with Percy was so endearing, he had to cling to every bit of his willpower not to jump the boy with a hug. Alas, he had to be firm with Jason, as much as with himself. After all, his mum had taught him well to never let anyone else sway his decision-making, even if that person was the cutest boy in school whom he’s very much in love with.

“Honestly, mate, you can play any position you want and perform just as great,” he deadpanned. “But that’s just not the point. I really hate to disappoint you, but I don’t think I can commit to Quidditch for my whole life after this.”

“But you can always retire early!” Jason countered stubbornly, desperation evident in his voice.

“Then there’s no point in trying to make it in the team, is it? I don’t think they’d appreciate someone wishy-washy to compete in the league like that.”

“But—Mhm!” Jason tried clearing his throat, but it sounded more like he’s trying not to whine in frustration. And whoa, was his voice getting thicker? Oh, no. Percy's willpower crumbled as he wrapped his arm around the boy’s shoulders to pull him closer, reaching up to pet his silky golden hair soothingly.

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head about this, Jason! Look, if this is about not getting to play together anymore, I’m always down if you want to play one-on-one. O-Or, we can gather all the other kids! Maybe Piper and Leo can team up—‘cause Annabeth can’t fly to save her life—and then we’ll crush them together!” 

“Hm.” 

“And I’ll go to each and every match you play, okay? I’ll be the biggest Magpies’ fan there is, I’d put McGonagall herself to shame. Puddlemere be damned, I’ll switch sides right this instant to support you.”

A light chuckle. Okay. He got this.

“And I’ll buy all your silly merch and all your little dolls despite the horrid team colours, and I’ll wear those embarrassing hats with the magpie on and show up at your matches with a huge placard with your name on it, cheer you on until the security has to drag me away from being an absolute menace in the stands, and I—”

Jason placed his hand on Percy’s lips to keep him from jabbering further, his preferred choice of action now to shut Percy up. It’s so goddamn adorable in his opinion, though he had to hold back from kissing Jason’s calloused palm every time.

“Okay, Percy. Point taken. I’m sorry for being a selfish prick.” Hearing that, he thought he did a decent job, because Jason’s voice was now lighter with mirth.

“You’re not, Jason. I know how irresistible I am, it’s ridiculous sometimes,” he quipped playfully, lips quirking into a smirk that Jason couldn’t see. 

“Hm. It’s just… I don’t know, I feel like we can really create history if we are to play in the same team. I guess I just got ahead of myself.”

Damn it. He's really adamant to make it hard for Percy, wasn't he? “Thanks for thinking so highly of me, Jason, but I really must warn you: I’m not very consistent when it comes to sports. There must be something really at stake for me to take it seriously.” Like getting your attention, for instance.

“I guess the prospect of playing with me isn’t good enough, then. I’m joking,” Jason added quickly when he almost protested. “Then, what do you actually want to do? I don’t think you answered that when you talked about Bob.”

“Oh, yeah. Something related to horses, actually.” When Jason kept quiet as he waited for Percy to elaborate further, he quickly explained, “They’re my favourite animals. I’m not picky about which kind, magical or otherwise. So I thought maybe I can try working at a winged-horse farm, or a hippocampi sanctuary, or maybe even a Muggle equestrian facility.”

“That’s… nice to hear. So, you’re good at Care of Magical Creatures?”

“Not just good, mate. In case you haven’t heard, I’m Hagrid’s star pupil. I got an easy O for the O.W.L. and gave Annabeth a run for her Galleons as the top student in the subject. And it’s actually one of the few subjects she dropped for N.E.W.T. too. Fun fact: I was the first one in my class to safely pet a hippogriff during third year.” Looking back, it was pretty impressive.

Jason shuffled in his seat as he leaned in closer, his head resting against Percy’s because he was too tall to let it rest on his shoulder. Percy tightened his hold around Jason, trying to keep them warm against the chilly night. It’s so comfortable, as Jason’s body seemed to radiate a tender kind of warmth that permeated both his own body and heart.

“Then, I’ll come and visit you too,” Jason mumbled quietly. “You can tell me all about the horses, and maybe teach me how to handle them. And maybe I can do volunteer work as well, see if the job’s worth rejecting my company.”

“You’re really hung up about that, eh, Grace?” he shot back, though his heart squeezed with affection all the same. “Then let’s make a promise together: we will visit each other’s workplace as much as we can, just to curb the loneliness we’d feel for being apart. Deal?”

“Deal,” Jason agreed, adequately reassured, before letting out the mightiest yawn. It must’ve been really late by then, as the moon steadily sank deeper towards the horizon. He desperately wanted to stay there cuddled together on the dusty floor with Jason until dawn, but with how freezing the night was getting, falling sick as a result probably wouldn’t be worth it. 

As if on cue, something fell indoors with a resounding crash.

“Nox! Merlin, are we caught?!” Percy hissed as they both jumped to their feet, stealthily inching away from the door and into the shadows of the extended roof. He could feel Jason’s heartbeat ramping up through his back, as they stayed huddled together while holding their breath to conceal any sort of noise. They waited in barely suppressed terror, as they heard a soft pitter-patter sound of little feet walking across the floor towards the balcony. Percy’s heart began to fill itself with dread. “Oh, fuck. Is that Mrs Norris? Merlin, we’re deader than dead.”

“Shush, Percy,” Jason whispered quietly, his tone unfairly calm, his unlit wand trained towards the door. Oh damn, was he going to hex the poor cat? Filch would have their arses expelled if he tried. Percy’s arm tightened around the boy as he tensed up, the sound of their heartbeats beating up a cacophony of cluttered thumpthumpthumps drowning everything else. Guilt slowly gnawed at his conscience as he realised that he’d been the one to drag Jason into this mess. 

And the boy didn’t even care to follow up on his plan to pretend to catch Percy. Why? His mind unhelpfully begged the question: do Prefects even patrol at 2 in the morning?

The pitter-patter sound grew louder as a cat crossed over the threshold of the balcony, finally appearing after two painstakingly long minutes for all the while they were hiding. It was—thank Merlin—only a lost Siamese, probably belonging to one of the students. It looked over towards them from its spot as it lay down in a lounging posture, eyes widened in its curiosity, before meowing lightly in greeting.

He found out what Jason had been planning to do if Mrs Norris were the one to stumble upon them, when the boy conjured a flock of tiny yellow birds, promptly distracting the cat with a playful game of chase. They both released long ragged breaths in their relief, and Jason slyly removed himself from Percy’s frightful embrace, probably sore from being squeezed too tightly.

“I didn’t know you’re this cuddly when frightened.”

“Oh, shut up,” Percy groaned, laughter spilling out of his lips, his eyes peering into Jason’s glittery, amused ones. “You have to accept by now that I can’t keep my hands off you.”

Jason coughed lightly, ignoring Percy’s lighthearted flirting. He wished he could see how deliciously Jason’s skin would flush then. 

He’s pretty pleased with how well their friendship had developed so far. Jason was gradually opening up to his poorly-disguised affection, had stopped telling him to quit being silly when he got a bit too forward, and was definitely on his own game at times, like when he pecked at Percy’s nose just to get back for messing with him (his mind still overloading whenever he thought of that). To Percy, they’re making good progress, even if he couldn’t really voice out his feelings right then.

In time, he wagered they’d both be well-prepared when he’d make his final move. When that moment comes, he figured he’d have a fighting chance for Jason’s assent when he finally gathered enough courage to confess. Soon. One day. Anyway, it wouldn’t be that night unfortunately, not when they’re risking getting detention the more time they spent staying there.

“Let’s go,” Jason finally said. He unhesitantly pulled on Percy’s hand to set off together, not letting go all the while they crept down the Tower and towards the safety of their dorms.

Even with his last-minute work, Percy managed to snag an E for his essay, much to his own pleasant surprise. It was praised as comprehensive—if not a bit cluttered in its elaboration—by the Professor, for particularly making good use of his knowledge of sixth-year Astronomy. Overjoyed, he made a mental note to thank Jason later and inform him that the night they spent breaking into the Tower had borne some meaningful fruit.

Annabeth was rightfully suspicious; after all, he’d been begging for her help (to no avail) the morning before their eventful midnight adventure. He’d only given her a carefree grin when she questioned it, to which she replied by suspiciously narrowing her eyes, silently warning him that it wouldn’t be the end of the discussion. Served her right, anyway. She could’ve just let him copy hers in the first place.

Painfully aware of her burden and restrictions of being the Head Girl (a job she took very seriously), he decided to never divulge to her the intimate heart-to-heart he’d had with Jason under the starry sky, especially when he’d be risking Jason’s position as a Prefect.

Ah. He yearned to experience more of such nights with Jason. But he wondered if the other two members that made up the trio with the boy would be pleased if Percy decided to monopolise their best friend. He’d already intruded on their territory and stolen Jason away once, so there’s no telling of their reactions if he’d do it again and again.

Maybe he could ask for their blessings? He could try bribing them with more of his mum’s cookies, and see if that’s enough price for a whole Jason Grace. Not that the boy had the same price as his mum’s cookies, mind you. He’s probably just a teeny tiny bit more expensive, since Sally Blofis' baking was the eighth wonder of the world, and not a lot of people could compete with that.

The very next evening, Nakamura had arranged for some extra training hours, since everyone’s very much into the game now that they have a fighting chance for the Cup. Therefore, he’s expected to show up at the pitch for more torturous sessions of being yelled at by the Captain. He's not looking forward to it, content to retain the heady sensation of liking Jason all day, without having any other feelings intruding on his blissful thoughts.

He considered skiving off practice. He’d always pushed for his own personal training hours anyway, and since Seekers didn’t really have an overlap in their routines with the other members of the team, he thought he’d manage fine on his own. 

Maybe he should just skive off every once in a while. Yep. A sound enough plan.

He didn’t expect to run into Jason as soon as he changed his course from going to the pitch to looking for the boy instead (for some pestering and flirting). He literally bumped into him when they both rounded the same corner from opposite directions, yelping in pain when his forehead clashed with Jason’s nose, while admiring how supple Jason’s chest felt even through his robes. Oh, he never really hugged him from the front, did he? Another source of motivation to spur his noble pursuit of romance.

“Jason! Fancy seeing you here.”

“Hi, Percy," Jason greeted, rubbing his hurt nose with a smile. "Where are you off to? I thought you’re having practice?”

Oops. “Yeah, how did you know?”

“Clarisse is in a bad mood. I’d like to come and cheer for you, do you think your teammates would mind? Since we’ve already had our match for this season?"

Oh, so he’s coming over to see Percy? His chest bubbled with gleeful warmth at how Jason was intent to make his final season a very memorable one. Such a thoughtful gesture should’ve motivated him to do his best, but alas, he wasn’t really in the mood for training.

“Well, how about you personally cheer me on?” he proposed, wiggling his eyebrows conspiratorially. “Wanna hang out somewhere else? I’d be fine skipping practice once or twice.”

He wasn’t prepared for the disappointed look on Jason’s face.

His chest tightened with the trepidation he felt when Jason’s eyebrows furrowed in disapproval at him, clearly unhappy at his invitation. Merlin, did he do something wrong?

“Percy… don’t you think that’s unfair for your teammates? They’re working very hard.”

Oh. 

“I—” Percy scrambled to find his words as his tongue frustratingly tied up, his mind disoriented at the thought of being the subject of Jason’s reproach. His sweet, lovely Jason. Who’d only ever banter and bicker with him good-naturedly. He didn’t expect to be this taken aback, when it's the opposite.

But he’s also not one to lose easily.

“Don’t worry, mate. I’ve already planned my own training to catch up. You know a Seeker’s job—we don’t really need to coordinate with the rest of the team since our target is only the Snitch.” For some reason, the more he said that, the more unconvinced he felt about his own excuse. After all, a team could never work without the cooperation of each member.

“You’re not taking this seriously anymore, are you?”

The words were uttered so quietly, but Percy felt like he was being slapped in the face hearing them. Why did Jason sound so crestfallen, so dejected when he said that? He knew Quidditch was important to Jason, but was it so wrong of him to not share the same sentiment? Of course he couldn’t take it seriously anymore, he’s basically over it.

He decided to be honest, because he couldn’t just take such criticism lightly when his own pride was on the line. “Sorry, Jason. But I pretty much can’t. There’s not much of a point when I'm not competing against you,” he explained as evenly as he could. “My heart’s just not in it.”

Jason’s posture straightened, his unwavering eyes staring hard into Percy’s. His hands balled into fists at his sides. When he spoke, his voice was awfully steady: “Call me selfish, but don’t you think you still owe me a splendid performance before you quit for good?”

“... Jason, what are you even talking about?”

The boy hesitated, biting his bottom lip until it bloomed red. Percy looked on helplessly. His tone now brittle, Jason continued, “Are you seriously depriving me of something as small as watching a well-played game for your very last season? Right after telling me you won’t be playing competitively anymore when you finish school? Right after refusing to play together with me in a proper team?”

Damn it. His lower jaw quivered as he stupidly gaped at him, unable to think of any more counter-arguments. Because Jason was only being critical for a reason. Percy could somehow understand: the boy thought he was losing something entirely precious to him when Percy announced his retirement, and was hoping that he’d bid it goodbye on a high note. Which meant he’d hoped that Percy would be retiring with a bang, so it would give him the closure he needed.

Should they really be making such a fuss over school-levelled Quidditch? But as soon as he thought of that, he knew he shouldn’t be taking it so lightly. After all, they started knowing each other because of Quidditch. Their friendship was given the chance to grow because of Quidditch. He demanded Jason to be his friend because of Quidditch. He realised that it should’ve been as important to him as it was to the boy.

Jason seemed to have some final words left to say. “Forget it. I am a selfish prick. You can do whatever you want, Percy. I’ve got no right to impose anything on you just because I fancy you," he said, whispering those three last words.

The boy then nodded stiltedly, resignedly, eyes now avoiding Percy’s when tears began to bead on his lower lashes. Before Percy could say anything, because Jason had definitely said he fancied him and it threw his mind into absolute chaos, he turned on his heels and left.

#jercy #jasercy #jason grace #percy jackson #heroes of olympus #pjo #hoo #key writes #10k

[nena-96]

Bejeweled

submission for @cruelsummer-ficfest 2023. Debut/Midnights

Song: Bejeweled. Ship: Romione. 

Hello, I'm happy to have joined this years Cruel Summer ( Taylor's Version): HP Fic Fest! I will hopefully write a few entries and I hope you enjoy them. Feel free to let me know what you think and be sure to be kind. You can read this fic below or over on A03

Summary:  Moments away from going down to celebrate at the Yule Ball

Twisting and turning in front of the dorm room mirror, Hermione gazed at the periwinkle blue dress she was wearing. It's almost time to head down to the ball, yet she is still holed up in her dorm. It had taken her hours of applying Sleekeazy’s potion into her hair to finally keep the pesky fly away curls from falling onto her face. It’s a good thing the ball is only for tonight, she can’t imagine wasting three hours doing her hair. She could definitely use that extra time to catch up on the readings for next week's transfiguration lessons.

“Hermione, I’m going to head down with Neville, I’ll see you later”, Ginny shouted through the door, snapping Hermione from her thoughts. Oh, Merlin, she completely forgot that Ginny was waiting for her, “alright, I’ll see you soon, just finishing up”, Hermione replied. She didn’t bother to wait and hear a response as she stared at her reflection once more.

“You can do it, it's just a dance…. you’re a Gryffindor'', Hermione said to her reflection as she toyed with the necklace her mum sent her. It's definitely not something she is used to wearing. Then again she never wears anything so bejeweled with diamonds and rhinestones.

Shaking her head as her fingers trace the delicate diamonds, feeling the smoothness against her fingertips. Why did her mum have to send her this necklace or the dress, it wasn’t like he was her date for the Yule ball. She scoffed at the ludicrous thought of Ron even paying a spec of attention to her, instead he’ll be focused on Padma.

Seems like Ron didn’t have a hard time finding a date after all. He must have been happy that he didn’t end up with a troll for tonight, she rolled her eyes at this. It didn’t matter that Ron managed to walk all over her peace of mind, he made his choice clear. Tonight it's all about having fun, even if the person she’s going with isn’t the one she wants to be with.

Hermione clasps the necklace around her neck and watches as the diamonds shimmer from the light that bounces from the mirror. Giving one last look to herself, Hermione turns to leave the room, it's time to show them how nice she can polish up. Tonight, everyone will see the “fun” side of Hermione Jean Granger. More importantly, she is going to show Ron just how much of a girl she is.

No matter what happens tonight she will do her best to enjoy her night, and hopefully not think about Ron more than he thinks of her. It's not like he stops to think about her as more than a friend, that's just ridiculous. Shaking her head from those pesky thoughts, Hermione walks down the staircase, all while hoping she doesn’t trip with the heels she’s wearing. Another one of mum’s gifts that was sent to her. After a while of cautiously walking down the stairs, Hermione smiles to herself as she thinks of the time she’ll have at the ball. Even if Ron isn’t her date, she still wants to have a good time.

Maybe if she’s lucky they’ll sort out their differences, and maybe they can share a dance together. As friends of course, since she has a date and so does he, but just maybe things could be different when Ron sees her walk into the room. If only he could try to change her mind tonight, prove to her that she was never a last resort. That she was and will always be his first choice, but that’s probably too good to be true. Ron had his chance, and he didn’t take it.

Now it's time to shine.

#cruel summer fic fest #romione #ron x hermione #Ron Weasley #Hermione Granger #song: Bejeweled

[bitsandbobsofwriting]

Wow that last story was amazing. You perfectly balanced how bone-chillingly awful Merlin's story was with the calm tone he told it in. I can't ask you to write more since it ended perfectly and, frankly, I'm guessing that took a lot to write. Still, I could easily imagine many more scenes after this with the knights helping Merlin through this as he slowly realized the monster his mother was to him. Them helping Merlin with nightmares, Gwen and Morgana learning about this, GAIUS learning about it. Merlin bursting into tears one night when, while lost in thought, all of the pieces fell into place and the realization hurt too much to bare. There is so much potential here. Thank you so much for writing this.

(Referencing This Fic)

Ah I'm glad you liked it!!! It wasn't too difficult to write, truth be told, I've always had an easy eye for angst and pain somehow, something my old English teachers worried about lol😅

And you’re totally right!! Everyone is SO ridiculously protective over him, especially when he’s still kind of... unsure?? About how bad it was?? About whether or not he deserved what happened to him? They don’t stop him visiting his mother, but they refuse to let him go alone, and Merlin has to fight tooth and nail to make Arthur stay behind when important things are going on with the Kingdom (that, of course, just means Merlin has an escort of four knights and Morgana, instead of just Arthur. The King has never fussed more than when Merlin comes back from these rare, Arthur-free trips to Ealdor). Though I feel eventually, when Merlin comes to terms more with the fact that, yes, his mother was desperate and trying her best, she was also overly angry and ignoring other options in favour of hurting him, he cuts back on visits. A small part of him always feels guilty for not wanting to see his mum as often as before, but the others, after figuring out that they’ll never be able to persuade him that she deserves a lot worse, learn to distract him with campfire trips and group dinners and days by the lake, when it gets too bad.

It’s often that the others see Morgana angry or petulant over something, which is why they’re all so confused when she’s so calm and collected when they tell her. She’s only met Hunith once or twice, maybe her magic thought she was iffy, maybe it didn’t, either way, she sits stock still and barely reacts, bar the odd raised eyebrow, when they tell her in great detail what Merlin had told them. At the end, there is a quiet “Thank you for informing gentlemen, if you’ll excuse me.” before she goes to find Merlin, give him an unexplained hug, and tell him that they’re going into the woods to muck around with their magic for a while. She’s absolutely FUMING, of course, but she also knows there’s nothing she can do about it (except disallow herself to ever seen that woman again, in fear she might kill her on the spot), so she just doubles up on her protectiveness of Merlin; he eventually cottons on “They told you, didn’t they? About my mother?” she’ll reply with a curt nod and a “They did. And if I ever see that foul woman she’ll know exactly what I think of her, but it’s something that is neither helpful nor necessary for you to hear. I’m your friend, and I adore you, and that’s all that really matters. Will you help me try that spell again?” and Merlin has never been more grateful for her.

Gwen is the opposite; they expect her to cry and crumble and latch on to Merlin and never let go. What she actually does is rage so viciously, whoever tells her genuinely fears for their own lives, as well as the structural integrity of the entirety of Ealdor when she almost picks up a torch and marches out of the room. She is absolutely insane with anger, for a good few hours, and Merlin is probably the only one that can calm her down, after someone regretfully goes to get him (they hadn’t wanted to involve him, but Gwen had looked this close to smacking the shit out of whoever next put a hand on her shoulder and told her to calm down). After everyone bar Merlin leaves the room she quickly calms and turns gentle and caring and soft. She feels very guilty when she realises that her anger had put Merlin a little on edge, so that rage never happens again (though she is VERY blunt and curt with Hunith, if the others ever allow her to go to Ealdor again), but the others all become slightly frightened of her, in good nature, because they thought they knew what Gwen looked like angry before this. They were all of them, very, very wrong.

And Gaius. Oh my God, he never forgives himself, and he never forgives Hunith. That’s his little sister, that did those things to his boy, despite the fact that it all happened long before Merlin was his, and despite the fact the Merlin was hers long before he was Gaius’. Of them all, I think he’s the angriest, even above Gwen and Arthur, because though Arthur and Gwen see Merlin as their equal/friend/partner later on for Arthur, Gaius still sees Merlin as his kid, his son, and therefor as more of a child than he really is. He goes very quiet when he finds out (probably from the gang, with Merlin nowhere in sight, maybe being distracted by Gwen and Morgana or something), and at the end of the story he excuses himself and no one sees him for like two days, and then he reappears, as normal as he always is, except he’s far more affectionate and protective of Merlin. He gives hugs far more freely, lowers his workload, asks after his health/feelings more, is just generally more caring. Merlin definitely notices, and Gaius sits him down and they have a long chat about how Hunith should NEVER have treated him like that, and that Merlin needs to know that Gaius will never raise a hand against him, will never burn him or tie him or make him do anything he doesn’t want to ever. They cry some more, and I reckon Merlin understands better why what happened was so wrong when it comes from Gaius, because Gaius is his other parental figure, so he’d know.

For sure, they help with nightmares. He’s always had nightmares, but rarely about his mother directly? If that makes sense? More about the things she did to him, except in the nightmares Hunith herself is kind of irrelevant, or like the one benevolent force in the background that he can’t quite reach even though it’s her causing the pain. After it all comes out, and Merlin realises how terrible it all truly was, the nightmares focus more on his mother, and it’s her he’s scared of, as opposed to being drowned or burnt or tied or hit or buried alive. He spends a LOT of nights squeezed into Gwen’s bed, or one of the knights’, or later on, but for longer, Arthur’s, when he can’t get back to sleep after a particularly vicious one.

There’s definitely a potential for more scar reveals as well, I suppose, along his shoulders and down his back and Gaius like... curses himself for not noticing sooner, that Merlin had a glamour over basically his whole torso, down his arms, onto his hands.

And yeah, I feel like the realisation is slow, at first, lots of gentle tears every now and then when he’s just remembering the individual instances of pain and fear, but it takes him a while to be able to see the bigger picture. Maybe when there’s some sort of court case about extreme child abuse?? And Merlin is absolutely furious at this guy’s excuse of “I did it because I love my son and he needed to learn and I wanted to keep him safe and blah blah blah.” because even when he sounds genuine, he looks like he’s trying to save himself more than he looks like he’s telling the truth. It’s like three days after he’s found guilty and whipped before being banished from the kingdom that Merlin shows up in Arthur’s chambers in the middle of the night, completely distraught. It takes Arthur all of half a second to put it together because everyone has been nervously keeping their eyes on Merlin since the trial began, knowing that some sort of realisation was more than likely coming.

ANYWAY!!! It continues to be pretty angsty for a while, and Merlin does get angry at people acting like he’ll break if they so much as look at him, but at the end of the day, everyone’s better off for the truth coming out, and Merlin actually gets to heal instead of pushing it all down.

~

WHEW!!! I hope that’s what you were after, Bard😅, I’ll be cheeky and add this to the Masterlist, just because it’s got a fair amount of detail in it :D

#bbc merlin #merlin #merthur #child abuse #tw child abuse #tw #child death #abusive hunith #abuse #physical abuse #buried alive #burning #drowning #good morgana #protective morgana #protective gwen #gwen #guinevere #angry gwen #arthur pendragon #hunith #bad hunith #a harrowing childhood