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ravenforce · 4 years

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Stark Legacy III

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x Carol Danvers x Wanda Maximoff x Maria Hill x Reader

Word Count: 2869

A/N: Oh gosh. I’m so sorry I haven’t been updated a lot of fics recently. There’s no excuse except that Animal Crossing New Horizon is taking up so much of my time but I am working on being more productive. Also, it doesn’t help that somehow I can’t seem to come to terms with this chapter. I feel like everything I write is shit. That’s why I’m trying to let the creative energy blockage to pass. I hope you guys like this chapter. Stay safe. xx

Parts: 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6

***

After a week of poking and prodding at the Avengers compound, Fury finally agreed to let you stay off-site. Not that he has any say on your decision, anyway. He’s not the boss of you. You knew it will only cause more valuable time to be wasted if you resist, you compromised by letting Happy be assigned to you. The same way he was assigned to the handle Spider-man before. You felt like a child, it was ridiculous.

“Are you sure you don’t want to take back your position in the office?” Pepper asked as she enters the living room where you’ve been watching the city from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Happy drove you directly to Stark Tower, which Pepper handed the keys back to you. It’s now the Avengers Tower but technically it is still owned by Stark Industries. Thus, still owned by you, Pepper and Morgan.

You took a minute looking out the view before turning back towards your sister-in-law. You walked towards her at the centre of the room and gave her arms a squeeze. “Stark Industries is better off in your hands, P.”

She smiled at you before pulling you into a hug for the nth time since she found out that you’re alive.

“What are you gonna do?” Before you can answer, the door to the penthouse and came walking in is Happy with a beautiful little girl in tow.

“Hey,” Happy greeted. “Sorry, we’re a bit late. Someone made one too many stops at the labs.”

Pepper beckoned the girl over, and immediately she took her mother’s hand. “Morgan, I’d like you to meet somebody.” Morgan took one look at you. A look of recognition passes on her face before she let go of Pepper’s hand to run towards you. She came barreling to your leg.

“Hey,” you greeted while running your hand over her soft hair. You look at Pepper with a questioning look.

“Morgan, do you know who this is?” Morgan pulled away from where she’s perched on your leg and look back at Pepper.

“Yes, mom. She’s Y/N Stark. Daddy’s baby sister.” She turned back to you with a smile.

You crouched down in front of her. You offered her your hand to shake but Morgan had another idea. She threw her arms around your neck and nearly tackled you down in a tight hug. You chuckled. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Morgan Stark.”

She giggled and pulled away. “You’re a silly humanoid.”

Everyone stopped and stared at the little girl. Pepper recovered first. “Sweetheart, how’d you know that word?” She asked. Morgan only looked at you before running her hand over where your ball-joints are connected.

“Dad told me everything.” You rolled your eyes internally at your brother, wherever he is. “I’m not sure how it worked but Dad said you’re the best sister ever, and that when you wake up, you’ll be the best aunt too.”

That got you down on your ass on the floor. You can’t cry, not really but at that moment, had you been human, you would’ve been crying your eyes out. Suddenly, sitting there on the floor with your brother’s offspring in front of you, you were overcome with so much grief. Life wasn’t fair.

Why did your brother have to die, and you, survive? He had more to live for than you. He has a wife. He has a daughter. He was happy. He deserved to live, too.

Morgan cupped your face. She must have seen through your robotic face. “It’s okay Y/N. We’ll be okay.”

You blinked twice at her before nodding. She’s an intuitive, emphatic kid. She is really Pepper and Tony’s daughter. No question about that. Then Morgan started chewing at her bottom lip.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just…” she paused. She looked unsure of what to ask or how to ask her question. So, you run your hand through her hair and assured her that she could ask you anything. “…uhm. I just want to know how your body is operating? Is F.R.I.D.A.Y installed in your core? Or was it J.A.R.V.I.S?”

“Morgan!” Pepper admonished, and for Morgan’s part, she looked sheepish. You can only gape at your eight-years-old niece for a minute. She truly is a Stark and one that hanged out with her dad too much, apparently.

“Well, right now there’s no AI installed in this body but I’m planning to put one on my own. Maybe you could help me name it when it’s done?”

Morgan grinned before launching in a barrage of questions, only child geniuses could ask at that age.

“Excuse me, Y/N.” Pepper cut in through your nerd conversation with Morgan. “Do you mind if I use the kitchen to make us dinner? I don’t think the little one would want to leave soon.”

“Knock yourself out. Happy stocked up before we arrived.” That’s all the answer Pepper got before you and Morgan moved from the floor to your new bedroom to continue geeking out about your robotics.

Happy sidled up to the blonde as they watch you two happily chatting. “It’s a match made in heaven,” Happy teased; earning a soft chuckle from Pepper.

“Yeah. Finally, someone who can keep up with her.”

Morgan and Pepper are really close but Pepper suspects that Morgan misses having someone geeky in the house that can talk to her about engineering, robotics, science, history, etc.

***

Morgan and Pepper stayed for two nights in the tower. You wished they could have stayed longer but Morgan has school but Pepper promised they’ll be back every weekend. Without Morgan in the house, it’s far too quiet even with Happy around. Speaking of the man, you found him after your shower, lounging at the bar over some S.H.I.E.L.D folders.

“Busy?” you asked as you went to the coffee machine by instinct. Happy watched you freeze for a moment but he didn’t say anything. He understood that you’re still coping with your new normal.

“Nope. Why?” He closed all his open folders but left them on the counter.

You turned towards him with a smile. “Great. I need your help.”

When you said you needed his help. He thought maybe you needed help where he can use his talents as an agent but instead he found himself dusting around Tony’s old on-site lab. It looks exactly the same as the last time Tony used it. Not a single furniture and equipment out of place. It was nostalgic and bittersweet to be there again.

“Ugh!” He groaned after putting one more box in the storage room. You looked at your friend as he sweats through his shirt and stretches his back.

“Tired already?” You asked in a teasing voice.

“My back is killing me, and aren’t you?” You laughed and he turned to look at you. For a minute he forgot you are not exactly human anymore. A few nights ago you mentioned, post-human, and he thought it was quite a fitting classification. He decided that’s what he’s gonna use from then on.

“Actually, I can do this all day.” Happy rolled his eyes at you before giving you the finger. You laughed hard before you walked towards him.

“Sit down. Let the one who can’t get backaches do the heavy lifting.” He can hear the joy in your voice as you continue to tease him of his fragility. You handed him your new tablet, while you started carrying the rest of the boxes into storage.

“What am I supposed to do with this?”

You stopped and chuckled. You pulled out a folded paper from your pocket. It’s a list of equipment and materials. “Please, purchase everything on that list. You can find most of them from Stark Industries. The rest you can outsource on Amazon.”

Happy looked at the list and started putting everything in your cart. “Are you building something?”

You dusted your hand and locked the storage room. You plopped down on Tony’s couch and looked at Happy as he concentrates on finding the right items with the right specs for you.

“Yes.” When no other word from you was forthcoming, he looked up at you. You can see the question in his eyes but before he can voice it out, you threw him a rolled-up parchment. He barely caught it and he glared at you. When he opened it, his eyes almost popped out of its socket.

“Y/N.” He pause to consider what this little project means.

“You’re not?” he broke off in the middle.

“I am.”

***

The dream team is spending their much deserved weekend off after being away for a month-long mission in Hungary. Usually, they would spend their weekend at home after long missions but they’ve been coup up in the safe house for a month and had only been going out on surveillance twice in every week. So, to change things up a little bit, they found themselves out on a bustling Saturday night. The plan was simple: have dinner on Wanda and Carol’s restaurant of choice, and maybe a walk along the park to aid their digestion.

“Oh, this is so good,” Carol nearly moaned after taking her first bite on the strawberry shortcake they ordered for dessert.

“I’m really glad we’re able to do this.” They all smiled at Wanda before Nat reached out and wipe the icing that stuck on the side of her lips. Wanda blushed. After all this time, Natasha still makes her flush like crazy, and it doesn’t help that she’s the smoothest out of all of them. Except with you, that is.

It’s an observation she gathered from the handful of times they’ve interacted with you in the HQ. Even Carol and Maria agrees that Nat is uncharacteristically a mess whenever you’re around. It’s a topic they have yet the time, and the energy to breach with the redhead.

“To us.” Maria raised her glass and everybody promptly clinked their glasses together. Not a minute after, the sound of sirens was heard along the street. They looked at each other before pulling out their phones, and they were shocked to see multiple miscalls from HQ.

“Shit.” They groaned collectively but before they can even think to stand and bolt, another restaurant patron yelled.

“Missile!”

It’s like time stood still. Even with years of work and training, they were rendered frozen and rooted in place, waiting for the inevitable to hit. After Thanos, they all had to undergo mandatory therapy for PTSD. Nat and Wanda went because losing Clint and Vision still haunts their dreams, Maria for being dusted herself, and Carol for stress management.

***

“Ms Stark that missile is heading straight for Agent Hill, Danvers, Romanoff, and Maximoff.”

“What?” You yelled at your newly developed AI before putting more speed to catch the missile. You can see the four idiots just standing there frozen. You caught glimpse of the missile timer, and you thought you’re not gonna make it into the stratosphere before it explodes. So, you raced ahead of it and triggered one of your suit’s new feature: electromagnet shield before it exploded in your chest.

***

Maria squinted as they watch the missile approached their location. Something else is flying towards them. Something she can’t put a finger on but oh so familiar.

“Is that - ” She wasn’t able to finish the question before Carol and Natasha were tackling her and Wanda on the ground. Then the missile exploded.

***

For a minute, there’s a ringing in their ear, and they were severely disoriented. Carol and Natasha rolled away from their girlfriends and laid their back, feeling the cold, concrete floor. They tried to blink rapidly to clear the white spots that are floating around their vision. Maria was the first to sit up, followed by Carol, then Natasha and Wanda. They looked at each other, making sure everyone was unharmed.

“What just happened?” Carol asked, with her hand outstretched to help everyone up.

Wanda was quiet for a moment before she was running towards the balcony, where a few customers are gathered around the mouth of the restaurant, hovering around something. Before they could question her what’s up, she just jumped out of the balcony instead of using the stairs like a normal person.

“Shit. What now?” Nat followed Wanda over the balcony and landed gracefully at the sidewalk. Carol floated down on her Captain Marvel suit, while Maria exited the establishment through the front door. She walked towards the crowd and whipped out her badge to clear the bystanders. Carol, Nat, and Wanda helped to make a perimeter, so their girlfriend can assess the situation.

When they saw what it is, they were frozen for the second time around that night.

“Who is that? Is that RESCUE? Is she gonna be okay?”

An onslaught of questions was thrown to them but they have absolutely no clue how to answer. The suit does look a little like Pepper’s RESCUE but instead of blue and white, this one is pure black. The helmet is unmistakably Iron Man’s original design.

“It’s Y/N,” Wanda whispered as she and Carol crowd over your body to shield you from everyone’s view. Maria is frantically typing on her phone, asking for a pickup team on their location ASAP. Nat’s crouched down and poking at your helmet.

“The blast must have knocked her out.” Another poke to the helmet.

“Stop poking me, Agent Romanoff. It’s a rude way to say thanks.” She startled when she heard your voice before the lights on your helmet came back on. She stood up and sidled with Maria. Captain Marvel offered her hand and you took it.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you for saving us back there.” You opted to nod at the Captain since she can’t see you smile and you don’t want to retract your helmet and expose yourself. You hovered over the ground and looked behind them.

Nat caught the action, as small as it. “We’re attracting too much attention. Meet us back at the HQ.”

“The tower is closer.” They all turned to Maria for consent and she freely gave it.

Before you can fly off, a young boy yelled. “Hey! Are you RESCUE?”

You hovered back down and crouched in front of him. “No, I’m not but we’re friends.”

“What’s your name then?”

“I’m Phantom.” You pinched the boy’s cheeks before flying back to the tower. You looked back and saw him smiling and waving at you.

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erekiosuncreativeideas · 4 years

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Reliving An Old Nightmare - Chapter 3

<= Chapter 2

Summary : Snatcher enters Subcon Village once again and finds familiar faces. Also available on AO3 : https://archiveofourown.org/works/22337299/chapters/53637544

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Chapter 3:

Finding the will to get himself on the road leading to Subcon Village had been the hardest decision Snatcher had ever made. He wanted nothing more than staying in the forest where he felt much safer than the very idea of coming to the same place where Vanessa was. Considering all the deadly creatures possibly living into the woods, that was saying something...

He knew he couldn’t just get out of the forest and walk the length of the ramparts until he found the town doors. If he wanted this to work, he had to be convincing and had to invent a reason for him to be here, as his old self was supposed to be abroad for his studies. He had thought about this on the way to Subcon Village and he imagined several hypothetical scenarios. But he supposed that simplicity worked the best : his old teacher, a young woman whom he didn’t remember the name yet, might have become ill, thus sending him home until she felt better to teach him again. He then would have paid someone to take him to Subcon Village, but that person could have stopped at the entrance of the forest. They could have argued and he would have had to go through the forest by himself. He then would be pitied over by everyone, just like the dumb prince he used to be.

This was the perfect plan and there was absolutely no way this wasn’t going to work.

He then looked at his trembling legs. He couldn’t walk without his cane yet, so he had to find an excuse for that too. He shrugged : what if he had just hurt himself and sprained his ankle ? In a way, he did stumble a lot before coming here, so that wasn’t completely a lie. His clothes were now dirty and his whole body hurt like hell, there had to be bruises somewhere to confirm his claims !

After joining the main road leading to the village, he took a deep breath. He could do this. He had no other choice anyway. He ignored the feeling of dread in his stomach and made several steps towards the huge doors, where two guards stood next to them. The one on the right spotted the ghost first and made a gesture to his partner to look in his direction. When both of the guards’ stare fixed upon him, the shade felt another rush of fear crushing his shoulders. However, he forced himself to remain calm : he couldn’t run, this was the hardest part yet he had to do it ! If he didn’t, things would never go back as they were before and he would not allow it.

The guards seemed to recognize him quickly and ran to meet him, leaving their post without thinking. Snatcher thought he had everything under control, until one of the sentinels called him by his name, the one thing the shade had repressed the most during all these years passed in the afterlife :

-“Prince Alistel ! Are you alright ?” said the guard, before coming right next to him, soon caught up by his partner. Both of them looked at him with worry, while he lowered his head, afraid of showing any distress on his face. One of the guards realized the shade might need help standing up and caught Snatcher’s left arm before putting it over his shoulder. The other sentinel instantly imitated him, both of them keeping Snatcher straight.

“Oh, that was a low blow...” thought Snatcher, who hadn’t expected to hear his real name that soon. His heartbeat had sped up immediately and it took all he had in him to not wince. He couldn’t deny the horror he felt for a very brief moment. God, he hated that name now.

He could take a better look at them, now that they were closer and he shouldn’t have looked. He knew them. After hundreds of years, he could still recognize them. The guard on his left had blond hair and was pretty imposing, but he was really kind when you got to know him. Which Snatcher did ! He even remembered his name ! Barry, that was the man’s name. The other was thinner and had grey hair. He also had a sterner face. He was older and more experienced as a sentinel than Barry. Snatcher didn’t have to wait very long to find his name either : Sander. He could remember all the time they talked, each time he left the village or came back... And they were alive. Just in front of him. How was he supposed to keep an impassive expression ?

He suddenly realized he still hadn’t replied to their question and pulled himself together.

-“I... I’m alright...” He answered, teeth clenched. He couldn’t deny that being held up really eased the pain in his legs, but it still hurt a lot. Plus, he didn’t like being touched or needing someone’s help, though he put his pride aside for now. He then remembered his story and continued : “I think I sprained my ankle.”

He was about to explain the reason of his early return but he was cut short by Barry, who gave him a concerned look :

-“Oh, don’t worry Prince, we’ll get you home right away !” The man then nodded in Sander’s direction : “Hey, go find a carriage, I’ll take him to our post in the meantime so he can sit.” Sander agreed and let go of the ghost to leave, not holding the latter anymore. Snatcher let out a pained groan, as he had to put his right leg back on the ground. He felt the ache in his body increasing. Why did humans have to use legs ? He couldn’t help but wonder as the pain annoyed him more and more.

-“Come on Prince, it’s going to be okay.” Barry tried to reassure him, with his strong enthusiasm and optimism : “It’s not that far, you’re going to make it and then you’ll get to sit on the most comfortable chair we have !”

If Snatcher used to find the other very nice and pleasant to talk to in the past, now he just wanted to strangle him to make him shut his mouth. He was back in his old body, thrown away in a world that he just wanted to forget, in the same village where his crazy ex was, but sure, there were a lot of things to be positive about ! Well, first, he wasn’t dead yet ! Or frozen ! Or locked up in a cellar, shackled to a wall ! Man alive, that would be terrible if it ever happened to him again !

The ghost forced himself to smile though. He had to play along, play the role of the prince, he couldn’t let people know that something was different. Who knew what might happen if it ever reached Vanessa’s ears... He already feared her reaction to his early return. And, deep inside, he even feared she was the reason behind this mess in the first place. But why wouldn’t the world be frozen if she had kept her memories ? Why was he the only one to remember ? It didn’t make sense, at least for now, he supposed. He needed to look for clues to know what happened exactly.

-“Ahaha, oh I can’t wait !” He laughed grudgingly. Well, on the bright side, he didn’t even have to use his excuse, so that was a good point. Perhaps the sentinels had thought it wasn’t their business and they were right to think so. Too bad it wasn’t going to work on his parents, but as soon as their faces came to his mind, he tried to think about something else. He couldn’t do this right now. He knew he was going to see them again soon; however he just couldn’t at the moment. He felt like the smallest effort at remembering something difficult would make him lose his balance completely. The only thing he could do to keep his mind occupied was to focus on the pain in his legs.

It lasted less than a few minutes but it felt like hours to Snatcher. When they reached the observation post, the shade thought he was going to lose consciousness from exhaustion. The moment Barry helped him to sit down was the best thing that had happened during the day. In a way, that wasn’t very hard, as the day started pretty low on a scale from one to ten... His whole body sank into the chair and the thought of never getting up crossed his mind and almost convinced him. He knew the day was going to become much more complicated and that didn’t really help.

They had entered the building hidden into the rampart. It lead to a small set of rooms, one of them being Barry and Sander’s observation post, or at least where they stayed when they weren’t guarding to doors. Snatcher had only been there once and barely remembered the place. It wasn’t a big room, just enough to have two people inside it. The walls were made of the same stone as the ramparts and the floor was made of cobblestones. There weren’t a lot of furniture : there was a table in the centre of the room, two chairs next to it, plus the one Snatcher was sitting on. There were several cupboards, probably to put weapons inside it and other things the ghost wasn’t familiar with. The room didn’t have any window, which wasn’t really surprising, as it was supposed to be hidden. It was largely decorated according to the guards’ interests, especially posters of diverse festivals and parties happening in town. Some were familiars to him, others not so much. It had been so long, he had just forgotten trivial things like these. He felt a pinch in his heart : all of this was supposed to be behind him yet he couldn’t help but feel a bit of nostalgia at the sight of the room and its decorating. He gave himself a psychological punch in the face : everyone was dead. There was no point in regretting the past or being nostalgic about it, since he was going to change everything the way it was before coming back.

He took a deep breath and came back to reality, trying to change his focus on something less painful. His eyes fell on Barry, who opened a closet in one of the cabinets. The man had a smile on his face, which annoyed Snatcher even more. As if there was something to be happy about, in a day like this. He rolled his eyes, but quickly changed his expression once Barry turned around, a bottle of something in his hand.

-“Do you want to drink something, Prince ? It might help you feeling better, while we’re waiting for Sander to come back.” He gave Snatcher an earnest look, before continuing, in a less confident tone : “I know we’re not supposed to have this kind of thing here, but... Well, things can get pretty boring while we’re in here, so...”

Snatcher suddenly realized how much he lost the habit of small talk, considering that he was briefly at a loss of words. God, he was supposed to improvise, not remaining mute ! He shrugged and smiled, hoping to be convincing :

-“Pff, don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.” Though, his confidence broke a little when a look of confusion crossed Barry’s face. Did he say something wrong ? Was he supposed to reprimand him for having a bottle of what the ghost supposed to be alcohol ? Why would he care if the other drank in his free time ? The shade didn’t even belong here anymore !

-“Hum... Okay ?” replied the guard, still smiling, yet the shade could see it wasn’t as genuine as before : “So, do you want me to give you anything ?”

The ghost nodded silently, not sure about the way he could answer without being suspicious. What if it was obvious ? If he couldn’t fool a single guard, then what about Vanessa ? He wouldn’t stand a chance ! She was going to see that something was different and he couldn’t allow himself to lose a second time against her. Once was already too much.

Barry poured two drinks and gave one to Snatcher, who couldn’t help but stare at it : would he be fine drinking ? Not that drinking alcohol was a problem, but did he remember how to swallow things or liquids ? Saliva hadn’t been easy at first, but he had managed to get the basics after a while. Drinking ? That wasn’t the same thing. He was cut in the middle of his thoughts when the man started talking again :

-“So, how is Alianor ? If you don’t mind me asking, I mean.”

Snatcher felt his heart skipping a beat : Alianor ? His mind became blank all of a sudden. The name did ring a bell, but he really couldn’t remember who it belonged to. It belonged to a woman, by the sound of it, probably one living in the next town where his old self was supposed to be, but who ? As a prince, he had met many people, and over the long and numerous years he lived as a ghost, he forgot a lot of them. Now ? He could only list a few names and recognize some faces, but that was all. All he could do at the moment was bluffing, the only other solution being to remain silent while he searched for the right person. However, that would only make him more suspicious than he already was.

So he did one of the things he was very good at : lying.

-“Alianor ? Oh she’s doing great ! You know how she is !

-Really ? That’s good to hear. I still need to reply to her letter.

-Yeah, she told me she was waiting for it.

- She did ?”

“Nailed it.” Thought the shade, a feeling of pride swelling inside of him.

Small talk lasted for a few more minutes, and Snatcher felt relieved when Barry’s smile became as sincere as it was before. The man then chugged his drink and let out a sigh of pleasure. The ghost looked at his own drink, which he hadn’t touched yet and became nervous. If he didn’t drink it soon, he would revive Barry’s suspicions. He gathered his courage and imitated his host, hopping to swallow without any problem.

He utterly failed to do so.

The taste of alcohol was so strong it immediately surprised him, confusing him much more than he thought it would. Too stunned to think, his tongue completely disobeyed him and he felt the liquid flowing in his windpipe rather than in his oesophagus like it should. The feeling of touch in there instantly gave him the irrepressible need to cough in order to expel the liquid out of his throat.

Well, that had gone well until that instant.

Barry was startled by his sudden reaction to the beverage and stood up fast, coming next to him :

-“Oh my God, Prince, are you okay ?” He asked, while patting Snatcher’s back gently, a worried look in his eyes : “I’m sorry, I didn’t think it was this strong !”

Tears started to appear in the ghost’s eyes, his throat burning too much. “It was just supposed to be a drink !” He thought, irritated. He didn’t remember drinking alcohol was that difficult... Or he just spent too much time in the afterlife and simply lost the habit to.

-“I’m...” He was interrupted by a new fit of coughing before he could speak again : “I’m fine, it just... Went down the wrong way.

-Oh.” Replied Barry, visibly unsure : “Well, it happens sometimes. Do you want a glass of water ?

-No, thank you...” Drinking more liquids was the last thing he wanted to do after such an experience. He knew humans were fragile and needed to drink water every day in order to survive but he was still adjusting to his old body. This could wait a little longer. Right now, there were other things on his mind.

Barry continued to pat his back for a few seconds, until Snatcher made a sign for him to stop, thanking him silently. He didn’t like being touched : it felt... Very weird. He had lost his senses of touch and smell after he died and now... Everything was so overwhelming : the feeling of his clothes against his skin, the pain in his throat and in the rest of his body, his eyes stinging, the patting on his back, every smells floating around in the room... It was a lot to take in.

A few knocks on the door resonated through the room and brought Snatcher to reality. His eyes looked up, just in time to see the door open. Sander appeared and bowed slightly to the ghost before talking :

-“My Prince, the carriage is here to take you to the castle.”

This sentence was like a cold shower. Every muscle in Snatcher’s body froze, while his mind became blank. Horror grew inside of him as he realized little by little what that meant : there it was. The moment where he was going to see his parents... And Vanessa. He squeezed the chair armrests with his hands, so tightly that the skin on his knuckles turned white.

He didn’t want to go there. He really didn’t want to go there and meet all of them again. Why did he have to go through this ? Wasn’t eternal suffering enough of a torment by itself ? Why was this happening to him ? Sure, he did steal a few thousands souls, but that couldn’t possibly be the reason of his position here...

The ghost was snapped back to reality once again when a voice cut his thoughts :

-“Prince Alistel ?” Sander asked, now worried just as much as Barry : “Are you feeling alright ? Do you need us to fetch a doctor for you ?”

The questions triggered an alarm in the shade’s brain : he was being suspicious again. He needed to pull himself together, for the love of God ! Or, well, the love of any being other than the one who put him back in a fleshy being.

Even if the idea of delaying his family reunion was more than tempting, he had to come to terms with his situation. He couldn’t postpone that eternally, especially as he really needed to fix all this mess. He raised his hand, smiling grudgingly :

-“No, no, it’s fine, I just... I’m still a little shaken by my cough. I’ll ask for a doctor as soon as I arrive at the manor, don’t worry.” He tried to get up, but the pain in his legs stopped him shortly and he clenched his teeth to not make any sound. His pained expression must have been pretty easy to see, as Barry and Sander instantly came to his sides to hold his arms. Even though the sense of touching was again overwhelming, he couldn’t deny how much it really helped him. His legs hurt way less thanks to their support and standing up was easier.

-“Please don’t push yourself, my Prince. We’re going to help you get into the carriage and we’ll ask the driver to warn your servants as soon as you arrive.”

Snatcher nodded silently. He really was pathetic, wasn’t he ? Even his dumb old self was able to walk on his own. Why did his legs hurt so much anyway ? He didn’t remember hurting himself in the past... Or maybe something had happened before he woke up ? Who knew...

The two men held him straight and took him outside, this time on the other side of the doors. The sight that greeted Snatcher made his nausea come back instantly : there were houses, shops, people walking, talking, laughing, kids with dweller masks running around... All of them used to be completely frozen, buried under several meters of snow. And now... Everything was so loud and alive. People who were close turned towards them and smiled, as if they were glad to see him. Some of them even waved at him ! But why would they ? He was the reason they died in the first place ! Well, they didn’t know it yet, but that didn’t change anything. His breathing sped up, as well as his heart beat. His vision became cloudy and he could hear a ringing noise in his ears. He felt like his body was weighing much more than usual, or at least than in the last few hours.

-“My Prince, please, stay with us !” The voices were distant but Snatcher forced himself to focus. It wasn’t over, there was so much more to do before losing consciousness like this. He straightened a little and said in a hoarse tone :

-“I’ll be fine, I’m just...” Just what exactly ? He didn’t even know himself ! How was he supposed to lie when he had no idea what was happening to him ? Sure, he knew seeing parts of his past would make him ill-at-ease, but to that extent ? What would he be like once in front of the castle ? Or in front of Vanessa ? He really started to regret his decision of coming here. If he was almost going to faint every time, what was the point of coming here ? He was supposed to look for a solution, not confirming his extremely weak and pathetic state for everyone to see !

-“It’s okay, don’t push yourself. Here, the carriage is this way.” The world started to move as the soldiers walked while holding him. When Snatcher looked up, he saw many people’s worried looks, fixed right on him, while they were talking to each other quietly. Well, too bad, he did confirm his extremely weak and pathetic state for everyone to see. What was next, being thrown in the cellar once again ?

He spotted the carriage pretty quickly and let out a sigh of relief, as the guards helped him get into it. Barry gave him an apprehensive look and opened his mouth again :

-“It does seem quite serious... I can fetch a doctor for you so they can come as soon as possible to the manor, if you wish for it, Prince. That way, you’ll just have to go inside and wait for them.”

Snatcher nodded, feeling too nauseous to think clearly. He hated to be that way ! He was supposed to be terrifying and powerful ! However, now, he was just a dumb and sick human. What a joke.

Barry and Sander bid farewell to him and closed the door. As soon as he was alone again, the ghost put his hands on his face and let a groan escape him. This was already so hard and he hadn’t seen the monster of the village yet !

A few words could be heard from the exterior of the carriage and the shade guessed that the sentinels were explaining his situation to the driver. After a while, the vehicle started moving and the motion helped Snatcher to relax and calm down. He closed his eyes for a while and took deep breathes. God, how was he supposed to do this ? He sighed and reopened his eyes again, to look through the little windows. He could see houses passing, people, statues, shops... It didn’t look like anything it had become in Snatcher’s future, and it was so weird to see it again like it used to be before... Everything.

But then, all of the sudden, his eyes fell on yellow hair and on a green dress. His face grew pale as blue eyes met his for a very brief moment. He immediately stepped back from the window, as a feeling of pure terror settled in his stomach.

He just saw Vanessa outside. And she saw him as well.

This was going to be a horrifying nightmare.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

=> Chapter 4

#Reliving An Old Nightmare #RAON #snatcher #vanessa #hat kid #A Hat In Time #fanfiction #my art

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the-everlasting-dream · 5 years

Text

Playing Hooky - Drake x MC

Summary: Why go to work when Drake can spend all his time playing with his three adorable kids?

A/N: SEE I CAN WRITE HAPPY I’ve given you a LONG fluff fic in case anyone thought I was only able to write angst and sadness. Most of its dialogue but worth for the toothache you’ll get from all the sugary sweetness.

See if you can spot a little cameo from someone familiar later on...

NB: Khoobsurat refers to a Bollywood movie starring Sonam Kapoor, the fc for Elizabeth. Trailer linked (ps there’s a broody prince whos super hot too!)

Word count: 8k its worth it I promise

Warnings: Slight implied NSFW at the very end.

Darcy Rhea Walker: Top right, Avery Sonam Walker: Top middle, yes i poached random people’s kids as my fc okay dont judge Cameron Ishaan Jackson Walker: Bottom via our very own DDT’s wife’s ig.

Permatags: @chantelle-x0x , @choicessa, @meeraaverywalker , @drakewalkerwhipped , @quartzandarrow , @mfackenthal , @srawesleyghuewrites , @topsyturvy-dream , @enmchoices , @gardeningourmet @debramcg1106 , @alesana45 , @meladoridarcy, @blackcatkita , @tmarie82 , @annekebbphotography , @lizk77 , @jayjay879 , @tornbetween2loves , @akrenich , @theroyalweisme , @likethetailofacomet , @sleepwalkingelite , @littleblossom-18 ,

TRR only: @speedyoperarascalparty , @carabeth , Drake: @fairydustandsarcasm

Monday

The first rays of sunlight had barely filtered through the curtains lining the master bedroom of the duchy of Atlantea when Drake Walker felt something soft and squishy collide against his chest. Or rather two somethings. One set of chubby hands grabbed at his face while another shook him vigorously.

‘Daaaaaddy… Daddy wake uuuup.’

Fighting a smile, Drake feigned a huge snore and as he intended, soft giggles immediately filled the bedroom.

‘Daddy you’re faking.’

‘No I’m not,’ he answered, eyes still closed.

‘Daaaaa.’ That was the sound of a hungry two year old on the brink of throwing a whiny fit.

He sighed internally, hoping for a couple moments more of sleep, before running a hand down his sleeping wife’s arm. ‘Your son is awake.’

Elizabeth barely moved. ‘Before 8am, he’s your son.’

‘Daaaadddyyyy we’re hungwy…’ That was his daughter now, she barely whined unless she was really hungry.

Forcing a grin onto his face — he didn’t really have to force it at all— Drake opened his eyes to find two dark heads perched on his chest. ‘Why I think a couple of monkeys found their way into my bed this morning,’ he began slowly, sitting up and creeping his hands towards his children. ‘Guess I’ll have to… catch them!’

He lunged forwards grabbing his two year old son Cameron and four year old daughter Avery in his arms, showering down a barrage of kisses and tickles onto their giggling faces. They were only interrupted by Elizabeth’s loud grunt of protest.

‘Let’s leave Mummy to sleep and I’ll fix you two some breakfast hmm?’ Drake suggested, getting to his feet and taking his children by the hands.

Cameron glanced back at his mother’s sleeping form and stated as-a-matter-of-factly. ‘Mummy gwumpy.’

‘I heard that.'

Drake bit back a laugh. Elizabeth Richmond-Walker wasn’t known for her affinity with mornings but he didn’t mind. He was the one that usually got them ready for the day so she could get a few extra minutes of well deserved sleep. He loved having this special time with his kids, this bubble of calm before all the craziness of the day could begin.

‘C’mon little man,’ he tugged on Cam’s pudgy hand. ‘Let's go check on your big sister.’

Darcy Rhea Walker was in almost exactly the same position as her mother, spread out eagle flat on her tummy in her bed, eyes fastened shut. Drake took a moment to savour the sight, feeling a little nostalgic as he thought of the day they'd brought her home. She had been so tiny back then and look at her now… They’d have to get her a new bed in a few months, her legs would be hanging off this one soon, thanks to Liz and his tall genes.

Hoisting Cam onto his hip, he gently shook her with one hand, ‘Darcy.’

His first born remained motionless so he tried again, this time eliciting a groan of protest not unlike her mother’s earlier.

‘Come on Darce,’ he cajoled, ‘Don’t make me let Cam at you. You know he’s just gonna jump on the bed until you wake up.’

‘Ugh Daaaaaad.’ His eldest child glared up at him. ‘Five more minutes?'

‘Hah, I’m not falling for that one again squirt. Come on up, up. You’ve got that project today remember.’

She finally relented, inching her way out of bed. ‘Ugh fine.’

Drake dropped a kiss on her head as she shuffled past him towards the bathroom. ‘Good. I’ll be downstairs making breakfast. Pancakes, your favourite. And don’t even think about getting back in bed young lady!’ he called over his shoulder.

‘Here you go Avie,’ Drake smiled, passing a plate of freshly made pancakes to his daughter, flicking her nose as he did so.

Avery had been their miracle baby. She’d been born premature with cleft lip and palate and for while things were touch and go with her. Thankfully it certainly helped when your godfather was a literal king and Liam had kindly seen that she’d received the best medical care possible. Four years later and one corrective surgery later, all that was left of the surgery was a small scar where they’d fused her upper lip together, she’d probably have that for the rest of her life.

It was all the more appropriate that her middle name, Sonam, meant gifted because she certainly was a gift to them. And she was quite gifted herself. At four years old, her drawings constantly littered the walls of her bedroom, playroom and both her parent’s offices and he could tell that the quiet, gentle girl had talent for music unlike anyone else her age. Drake couldn’t help but count his blessings for the most perfect little girl sitting before him

‘Thanks daddy,’ she chirped before digging in.

‘My pleasure jelly bean,’ he couldn’t help a smile. ‘You’re getting better at that. I guess those visits to the speech path are paying off huh.’

Avery had barely nodded when Cam decided to spray his apple juice all across his high chair. In the time that he took to clean that up, Darcy materialised at the table, dressed in her uniform and Drake immediately set to doing her hair as she dug in to her breakfast. Despite Elizabeth's braiding lessons, he still had a way to go and had just secured her ponytail with a matching ribbon when his wife waltzed into the kitchen, dressed for her day of meetings.

‘Morning babe,’ he greeted his wife with a grin. ‘You’re looking well rested.’

She leaned in to give him a quick kiss. ‘Mmm no thanks to you last night.’

‘Hey you weren’t complaining at the time!’

‘Maybe,’ Elizabeth returned his grin as she stole a piece of pancake from his plate. ‘Are you ready Darcy girl? Your solar system project is already in the car and if we don’t leave in,’ she checked her watch. ‘2 minutes ago, we’re gonna be late.’

Darcy let out a yelp of surprised and shot up to get her shoes as Drake watched Liz shower kisses on her other two children.

‘Good bye kiddos I’ll see you later. Drake babe, Nita will be here soon to bath Avery and Cam. I’ll pick up Darcy from school and bring her home.’

Drake caught his wife by the hips and pulled her close for a kiss. ‘You know I could stay at home and do all that.’

‘You could,’ Liz replied. ‘But you’ve got those meetings with Liam about the developments today remember?’

He groaned. ‘Yeah how could I forget.. I’m sure I could get out of them'

‘Drake Walker don’t even think of playing hooky from work..’ His wife gave him a look before grabbing her bag. ‘Darcy! Car’s leaving in 30 seconds!’ She glanced back at Drake as she walked off. ‘I’m serious, don’t even think about it..’

Drake sighed and looked down at his kids currently having a mini food fight with bananas and syrup all over their face. ‘But you guys are adorable...'

Eventually he had to leave for work and throughout the full day of meetings Drake couldn’t for the life of him get the image of Cameron and Avery attached to his legs, begging him not to go as he made to leave that morning.

‘Say Liam,’ he caught his best friend as they exited the meeting room. ‘You guys can manage without me for the rest of the day right?’

The king of Cordonia frowned a little. ‘I mean I guess we could. After you secured that deal, I’m sure Bertrand’s got the rest of it handled. Something wrong at home?’

’Nah,’ Drake rubbed his neck sheepishly. ‘Its just… Cam and Avie looked so sad when I left this morning since I barely got to see them last week so I was thinking…'

His best friend nodded, understanding shining in his blue eyes. ‘I get it. Go on. We’ve got this.’ Throwing a thank you across his shoulder, Drake took off in the direction of his car.

‘- know baby but Daddy will be home late today. He’s got a very important meeting today.’ Drake heard his wife’s voice echo from their lounge room as he walked down the hallway.

‘He worked all of last week,’ Darcy’s voice replied.

‘An he’s neva home to play wif us!’ That was Avery now.

‘Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ Cameron gurgled.

‘I’ll see if we can call him to talk to him later okay,’ Liz tried to placate them as she entered out into the corridor almost colliding with her husband. Drake planted a deep kiss on her surprised lips and stepped into the lounge room. ‘Did someone call?’

‘DADDY!!’

Three bundles came rushing at his legs, wrapping themselves firmly around him as he let out a loud laugh. There was no meeting worth attending would ever replace the rush that he was experiencing. He heaved all three of them into his arms and spun them around as wide grins split their giggling faces.

‘But Mummy said you were at work?’ Darcy queried.

‘I know but I missed you munchkins so much I just had to come back early,’ Drake replied, setting them onto the floor again. ‘Now who wants to go on a picnic?’

They ended up having dinner out in the open wide estate of Atlantea, having ridden the horses down to the riverside. In the light of the dying sun, Elizabeth leaned into her husband as they watched the kids chased each other across the field.

‘Do I wanna know what excuse you gave to Liam to be here?’ She asked dreamily, tracing lazy circles on his arm around her waist.

Drake’s chest rumbled in laughter from where it was pressed against her back. ‘I told him the truth.’

’Sure.’

He shifted to look at her. 'Did you really think I’d lie to my best friend?’

‘You’re taking advantage of his fatherhood and Liv hasn’t even given birth yet,’ she quipped before snuggling in more. ‘But I’m glad you did.’

‘Daddy! Mummy! Look the fireflies are out!’

‘Guess that’s our cue to join them?’ Liz asked.

Drake pulled his wife to her feet. ‘Come on Mrs Walker, I bet I can catch more fireflies than you.’

She grinned. ‘You’re on.'

Tuesday

ACHOO!!

A loud sneeze shook Drake out of sleep and his eyes flew wildly around the room to land on his wife who was currently in the bathroom, rubbing her nose furiously.

‘I thig Ib sick,’ she mumbled, lowering the tissue to reveal her watering eyes and red nose. ‘My head hurds. Fuck I should hab listened to you bout wearing a jacket last night.’

‘I’d say I told you so but I have a feeling that would get me in even more trouble,’ he replied, coming up to her and receiving a glare.

‘And Ib got that impordand meeding wit dhe artist’s guild doo ugh. I’ll be fine,’ Elizabeth reasoned, sniffing loudly. ‘I’ll take something and I’ll be fine.’

‘Nuh uh Liz you’re sick. You need to rest babe,’ he replied, stepping into her path and giving her his best dad look. ‘You’re staying home today.’

‘But whad bout dhat meeting?’ She began to protest but allowed her husband to lead her back to bed.

‘I’ll get Hana to send you the minutes later.’

‘The kids?’

‘I’ve got them. Avery’s playdate at 10 til 3 at Penelope's then Cam’s baby gym at 11.'

‘The charity dinner?’

Drake chuckled, tucking his wife back into bed. ‘I’m sure Atlantea will last one night without their beloved duchess. I’m gonna get you something for that headache then I’ll drop Darcy off. You just relax.’

‘Hmm okay..’ Elizabeth grumbled and was about to close her eyes when something else occurred to her. ‘Wait aren’t you going to work?’

‘Just relax babe! I’ve got this.’

Within the hour he had all three kids dressed, piled into the car and ready to go. Drake was just about to back out of the garage when Darcy suddenly yelled, ‘WAIT!’

He hit the brakes and they all jerked forward. ‘What?! What the hell Darcy!’

‘Daddy, Mummy said that’s a bad word,’ Avery put in.

‘Its Tuesday,’ Darcy exclaimed, eyes wide and expectant as if that was supposed to excuse her sudden outburst.

‘And?’

‘Its sports day,’ his eight year old burst out, wrenching the door open. ‘I’m in the wrong uniform!’

Moments later she was back in the car decked out in her sports gear and exactly 19 minutes later they'd pulled into the car park of Greenacre Private.

‘Bye Dad!’

‘Have a great day squirt! I’ll pick you up later,’ Drake made sure that she got safely inside the gates before turning back to the two in the backseat. ‘How about another joyride kids?’

Before Avery and Cameron could make their enthusiastic replies, a loud honk and a burst of colourful language erupted from behind them.

‘Jeez, we’re at a school for gods sake’ he shook his head.

‘Come on you two,’ Drake urged. ‘Quietly now.’

Realising he’d had a bit of time before dropping Avery at her playdate, he’d decided to pull by the palace to pick up his work laptop and together they tiptoed down the hallway to his office, in hopes of getting in and out unnoticed until-

‘Drake buddy! There you- You brought Cameron and Avery!’

‘Uncle Max!’ His daughter ran up to the other man who picked her up and spun her around.

‘Man why didn’t you tell me it was Bring-Your-Kid-To-Work day!’ Maxwell Beaumont exclaimed before setting down Avery and picking up Cam.

‘Its not,’ Drake replied. ‘And you don’t even have kids of your own Maxwell...’

‘Like that’s gonna stop me!’ His friend exclaimed, swinging Cameron around while making rocket noises. ‘What are you guys doing here anyway? Besides coming to see their favourite Uncle Maxwell?

Drake rolled his eyes. ‘I’m pretty sure the whole point of it is to bring your own kids. And we’re not staying long. I just came to pick up my laptop then we’ve got a full day ahead.’

‘I didn’t know you were working from home today. We’ve got that meeting with the finance committee-‘

‘Yeah.. about that, but Liz is sick today so I’ve got the kids today.’

‘You know there are babysitters for that kinda thing right?’

Drake rolled his eyes. ‘Can you cover for me or not Beaumont?’

Maxwell’s face lit up with a grin. ‘Are you playing hooky Drake?’

‘Daddy play with us,’ Cameron put in, his little brow creased in confusion.

‘Ahh I see little man. I’ll cover for your dad so well they won’t even know he’s gone,’ He winked conspiratorially . ‘Maybe I should get a disguise? Or even better a decoy!’

‘Do whatever you want Beaumont,’ Drake replied, laptop now in hand. ‘Just don’t get me in trouble for it.’

His friend raised his hand in a salute. ‘Aye, aye sir!’

‘Looks like it's just you and me now Little Man.’

Drake glanced in his rearview mirror after dropping Avery off for her playdate to where his son was happily munching on rusk.

He took a moment to marvel at how amazing the last two years had been since Cameron Ishaan Jackson Walker came into their lives. After two girls who he loved to death, he didn’t think he could be happier until the day Elizabeth told him she was pregnant again. That had been a surprise because unlike with Avery they hadn’t been actively trying and to be honest he’d been a little nervous about having two children within three years.

That all changed when the ultrasound results came through saying that they were having a boy. Drake had teared up at all the first ultrasounds — there was nothing like seeing the little life that he and the most amazing woman in the world has created together, growing inside — but from that moment on there was a special place in his heart for him.

When he came into the world, Cameron had certainly made his presence known with an ear splitting shriek befitting his middle name Ishaan — meaning master or lord. Everyone quickly learnt who was in charge the day Cameron came home, as coupled with his powerful cry and big hazel eyes he had everyone wrapped around his little chubby finger, Drake included.

Though Cam was still developing, Drake couldn’t help but see so much of himself in his son. His stubbornness and hardiness were especially highlighted during baby gym where he’d manage to manoeuvre himself up onto the most complicated structures. Drake couldn’t help but watch with pride as his son quickly outpaced the other kids his age in both size and abilities and for a moment wished he could slow down time just so he could savour the time with him more.

At this rate, I’ll never be going back to work, he thought wistfully to himself as he strapped the two year old in before doing the school run.

Once everyone was home, after dinner it was time for his favourite part of the day: bath time.

‘Mr Shark is coming closer, closer, clooooooser,’ Drake quipped, inching the shark toy towards Cameron and Avery who were pressed against one side of the tub.

‘He’s coming to eat your TOES!’ He lunged the toy at them, pretending to munch on their tiny digits as squeals of laughter filled the bathroom.

‘Having fun you three?’

Drake turned around to see his wife standing in the doorway, wrapped in her dressing gown, smiling down at them.

‘Mummy!’ The kids cried in unison, reaching their little hands towards her. ‘Daddy’s got Mr Shark on us!’

‘Is that so?’ She knelt down beside the tub. ‘Good thing I have the magical protection dolphin!’ Elizabeth whipped out another toy from the basket on the ledge and thus began an epic battle between the two.

‘Feeling better babe?’ Drake asked after the magical protection dolphin’s triumph.

His wife gave him a grateful smile and kiss on the cheek. ‘Much better. How were they today?’

He couldn’t help but grin in return. ‘Absolute angels. Avery’s play date went well and Cam dominated at baby gym today. You should see him Liz, I swear he goes for the biggest obstacles on purpose. I picked up Darcy from school - she’s in bed reading now. Helped her with maths. I told you I got this,’ he affirmed with a kiss on his wife’s head.

‘At this rate you’ll be a better housewife than me!’ Elizabeth chuckled as they each picked up a child to put to bed.

Drake took a moment to ponder her joke. ‘You know I wouldn’t mind it all that much… I mean you’re way better at all the courtly stuff than I am...'

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at him. ‘ Nah uh Mr Walker. You’re not leaving me alone against all those crazy nobles. Who will I sneak out with?’

Wednesday

‘Morning babe!’ Elizabeth’s cheery voice filtered through the earpiece of his phone, filling their shared ensuite.

‘It must be a really good morning because for once you’re awake and out of the house before I am,’ Drake chuckled as he reached for the shaving cream.

‘Laugh it up,’ she replied sarcastically. ‘I’m calling to let you know that Darcy’s school rang. They’re pupil free today, apparently some pipe burst so they’re closing the school to fix it up.’

‘Heh she’ll be glad to hear about that.’

‘Tell me about it.’ He could practically see her rolling her eyes. ‘Hana sent me the minutes from yesterday,’ she continued, her voice taking on a serious tone. ‘And it looks like I might have to stay back late to prep for our trip tomorrow. Will you guys be okay to fend for yourselves tonight?’

‘Sure can,’ Drake replied as he jogged down the stairs.

‘Okay but just in case I’ve got some dhaal in the fridge that they can have for dinner tonight or you could whip something up?’ Elizabeth said before sighing. ‘I knew I should have made something for you guys this morning, I was up early enough.’

‘Don’t worry about it babe,’ he reassured her. ‘I’ve got this.’

‘Yep, yep, house husband of the year,’ she chuckled. ‘Nita will be there at 1 so you can have the morning with them then actually go to work for once. I’ll see you later. Love you.’

‘Love you too.’ Drake clicked off the call then stared at himself in the bathroom mirror, deliberating with himself. In less than 20 seconds, his phone was ringing again and this time it was a very apologetic Nita sorrowfully admitting she had to cancel today because she’d caught a cold.

‘Its alright,’ he placated her, trying to hide the grin that was growing. ‘Something must be going around... You rest up. I’ll take it from here.’

‘Morning munchkins.’

‘Hey daddy,’ Avery gave him a sleepy smile while Cam cooed from his cot. ‘You gonna work today?’

Drake knelt down beside her bed, pressing a kiss to her soft cheek. ‘Would you like it if I stayed home again today?’

‘Mmhmm,’ she nodded, wrapping her chubby arms around his neck and he nuzzled her gently with his nose, earning a little giggle.

‘What do you say we go fishing today hmm?’

His daughter’s face clouded over as she shook her head. ‘Daddy I’m scared…'

‘I’ve got you jellybean.’ He reassured her, gently patting her hair. 'I’ll be with you the whole time and we’ll all be wearing life jackets. I won’t let you fall.’

Avery fixed her big brown eyes on him in a serious stare. ‘Promise?’

‘I promise.’

‘Dad! Dad! I think I got one!’

‘Reel it in Darce! You’ve got this!’

Decked out in matching life jackets, all four of them were seated on the jetty over the small river that ran through Atlantea, Darcy’s shrieks of excitement echoing off the valley surrounding them.

Watching the intense look of concentration on her face, her tongue protruding out from her lips a little, Drake marvelled at how quickly she’d picked this up. Darcy held a special place in his heart — he’d say that for all his kids because it was true, they did — but with Darcy he’d become a father, something he’d never thought he’d get a chance to be.

For a long time, he’d resigned himself to a lifetime of solitude but that all changed the moment Elizabeth had walked into his life. He thought he’d never be happier than the day he married the love of his life until the moment he’d his daughter's first cry in the delivery room. She’d looked so small and fragile in his big arms and he swore on his life that he’d do anything to protect her.

Although she was a lot like her mother, in so many ways right down to the looks she gave him, Drake could see so much of himself in Darcy. She had inherited his love for the outdoors for one, and he was more than happy to indulge it - she could already put up a tent faster than he could, she was mastering fishing right before his very eyes and of course, in true Walker style, make the perfect s’more. He’d happily taught her everything he knew and he was proud to see her surpass him in no time. Darcy had recently taken up soccer, to his delight and most days after work and school were spent outside with him teaching her all the skills his own father had taught him. Drake had a feeling that wherever he was, Jackson Walker would be smiling down at them and he only wished he could have been there to see it for himself.

‘Hah!’ Darcy’s cry of triumph brought him out of his reflection and he glanced over to see her holding a small but impressive fish wiggling on the end of her pole. ‘Look!’

‘Great job squirt! Avie, Cam come see what Darcy caught,’ he beckoned the other two over.

Cam happily toddled up, barely able to keep his balance wearing the life vest while Avery inched her way forward, her own rod untouched, keeping a wary eye on the water flowing beneath them.

‘Come on Ave, its not that scary,’ He reassured her, reaching behind him to stretch out a hand to his daughter.

No sooner had the words left his mouth there was a small splash and he whipped his head around to see Darcy shrieking out her brother’s name and pointing to the water below them. Drake immediately jumped in after his son and in a matter of seconds had scooped him out. The current was pretty slow and the water wasn’t very deep but it must have been quite a scare a scary for the toddler as he began to yell loudly as soon as he was back in his father’s arms. He immediately raked him over for any cuts or bruises and when he found none, hugged the little boy to his chest, relief throbbing in his veins.

‘You’re okay little man, you’re okay,’ Drake soothed, unsure if he was talking to his son or himself. ‘Pass me a towel Darcy and lets pack up. I think we’ve had enough fishing for one day.’

That afternoon as the little boy slept on his chest, Drake gently ran a big hand over his back. If anything had happened to Cameron, he would have never forgiven himself. That was the same for either of the girls too. He glance at their sleeping forms tucked up next to him in his and Elizabeth’s bed. He’d gotten so caught up in the moment, that he’d lost focus and little Cam had almost paid the price for his mistake and he vowed never to be so careless again.

‘Daaaad did you find it?’

'I think we’re out of naan bread squirt. Will regular bread do?’ Drake replied, riffling through the contents of their fridge, Cameron hoisted on one hip. The toddler had seems to have recovered from his earlier shock and was happily tugging on his father’s hair.

‘Ugh I suppose so,’ his daughter replied with a tone far beyond her age. Paired with an exasperated look and her freshly washed hair bundled up in a towel, Darcy looked a picture of Elizabeth. ‘And its just naan, not naan bread.'

He spun around to regard her. ‘Hang on missy I think I’ve got a few years before the terrible teens get here.’

‘I really want naan Dad. Can’t we just make it? Mum does so it can’t be that hard.’

Drake laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. ‘I think that’s a little above my skill level Darce.’

‘Please Dad. We gotta at least try. You’re always saying we can’t give up so easily.. Pleaseee,’ she pleaded with him, her big brown eyes taking a pathetic look before pointing to her brother in the high chair. ‘Even Cameron wants naan.’

‘Naan!’ His son announced happily, completely unaware that his oldest sister was taking full advantage of him.

Drake thought for a moment then conceded. ‘You kids… Alright Darce you find Mum’s recipe and I’ll get the ingredients. Avie watch over Cam.’

Forty-five minutes later, they were no closer to achieving their task than when they started.

‘Easy on the mixing Darce!’ Drake cautioned but it was too late and their third attempt at making the Indian bread exploded in a powder cloud that filled the air. He took a moment to survey the flour and yoghurt stained countertop utensils and more ingredients strewn around the kitchen. He looks down at their first attempt, a sorrowful bowl of stringy dough that was supposed to have been cooking on the iron skillet but had disintegrated on first touch. Avery and Cameron were perched on the high chairs, giggling as they played in the remnants of the flour with little dough people they’d made while Darcy… Darcy would need another shower as her damp hair was covered in the snowy powder as he was sure his was and Drake knew he had to admit defeat.

‘On second thought, I’ll just get you guys takeout. But on one condition..’ he looked each of his children in the eye. ‘We do not speak a word of this to your mother.’

‘You got it Dad.’ Darcy even had the gall to wink at him.

Thursday

‘I’m calling Hana and telling her I can’t go.’

‘Babe we’ll be fine, I promise.’

Elizabeth fixed her husband with a steely look. ‘My son fell into the lake and now he’s down with a cold Drake. All while his father was supposed to be watching him. How can I just leave like this?’

Drake winced. His blunder was still fresh in his mind and it didn’t help that Elizabeth had been kept up all night looking after Cameron the night before her trip to Italy. ‘I’ll keep my eyes on him every second of the day. He won’t even sneeze without me knowing it.’ He cringed internally, realising his mistake too late.

‘He shouldn’t even be sneezing at all,’ his wife shot back, letting him know by her tone that he was not going to live this down for a very, very long time. ‘I can’t believe you would be so irresponsible Drake! How could you let this happen to our son? He could have drowned. The current could have been stronger, the water could have been deeper. One false move and he might have died!’

‘But he didn’t okay?!’ Drake cut in. ‘He didn’t! I jumped in right after him and got him out right away. He’s fine.'

Elizabeth stared at him. ‘Yeah sure he’s fine this time but what about next time? How can I trust you after this?’

He hung his head in shame. ‘I know. But I promise I’ll-‘

‘I can’t leave like this. They’ll have to manage without me,’ Elizabeth wasn’t hearing any of it as she riffled through her bag for her phone.

’No! Elizabeth don’t,’ Drake lunged for the device.

She had been preparing for this trip for the last month to negotiate certain tax reforms with on imports and if she missed this trip it would be a major setback to Liam’s overall development scheme for Cordonia.

‘You need to go to this. You’ve been preparing for so long and its just a couple of days. We’ll be fine. Cam will be fine. And I’ll-‘

‘You will go to work!’ She replied sharply, holding up a threatening finger. ‘And leave my poor kids alone. Nita’s all better and she’s medically trained so she can look after Cam. All you need to do is take Avery to her speech therapy appointment and pick up Darcy from soccer training. Do I make myself crystal clear?’

Drake nodded solemnly and when Elizabeth deduced that he looked suitably apologetic, she held her hand out.

‘Gimme my phone and get out of my way. I’ve got a plane to catch.’

True to his word, Drake marched himself to the palace and resigned himself to a whole day of paperwork that had piled up over the week. He was about two-thirds through the enormous stack when his phone began to ring. It was Nita.

‘Your Grace, its time for Cameron to take his medication but the Her Grace didn’t mention where she’d kept it. I looked all over but I couldn’t find it.’

He slapped a hand to his forehead. ’Shit sorry Nita. I should have remembered I gave him the last dose before I left this morning. I’ll pick some up and come home now.’

‘Its fine Your Grace I can pick some up myself,’ the nanny began to say but was cut off by the sound of Cameron wailing in the background.

Drake’s heart sank a little at the sound, knowing that the little boy was sick because of him. ‘Its fine,’ he rectified. ‘I’m pretty much done here anyway, I’m coming now.’

Clicking off the call, he shoved the rest of his papers into his briefcase and was out the door in seconds.

Cameron’s pained cries reached his ears the moment Drake walked through the door with the medicine. Rushing into the kitchen, he found his son mid-tantrum in the arms of his nanny. Unbidden he immediately opened the medicine and measured out the right dose.

‘Oh Your Grace, thank goodness,’ Nita gasped, taking the syringe from him and guiding it to Cameron’s mouth. The screaming toddler refused to take the syringe, instead spraying it all over his matronly nanny.

Drake reached for the syringe. ‘Here, let me try.’

Nita gratefully passed Cameron over before ducking out. Drake cuddled his son, running a hand down his small back as he tried to reciprocate the soothing noises Elizabeth usually made. And it worked. In a few moments, the two-year-old’s cries had been reduced to quiet sobs and Drake kissed his sweaty forehead.

‘Its alright little man. Daddy’s got you. You just missed your dad thats all. Now lets try this again,’ he suggested, raising the refilled syringe to his son’s mouth.

Not long after the medicine had been administered, Cameron was asleep and Drake bent over the cot, poised to place him inside when his son gave out a small whine in his sleep, clutching his shirt, unwilling to let go of him. He sighed and settled onto the couch, Cam on his chest and his computer on his lap in the hope of getting through some of that paperwork.

‘Daddy, Daddy wake up. Nita said its time fer my appoime.’

‘Huh?’ Drake glanced around still in a daze not realising he’d nodded off himself until his daughter was shaking him awake gently. Cameron had disappeared, probably with his nanny in the kitchen by the sounds of it. Glancing at his watch, he shot up.

‘Dammit Avery we’re late!’

Fifteen minutes later, Drake was rushing through the halls of the clinic, painfully aware that he was at least fifteen minutes late. ‘Avery Walker. She’d here for her usual appointment with Dr Chang,’ he told the receptionist as his heart hammered in his chest from the exertion from running.

‘Dr Chang is on paternity leave but there’s a slot with Dr Windsor our newest speech pathologist available if you want?’ The young man informed him.

‘Yeah let's go with that,’ Drake answered in relief, his life momentarily flashing before his eyes at the thought of how mad Elizabeth would have been if he managed to stuff this up too. He had barely dropped into the chair when-

‘Avery? Avery Walker?’

Drake picked his head up to see an attractive brunette with a clipboard entering the small waiting room, scanning the room until her gaze landed on him.

‘Ahh Duke Drake Walker I believe?’ She approached them with a pleasant smile on her face, her intelligent brown eyes sweeping over him appreciatively.

‘Um yeah,’ he mumbled, confused.

The young woman’s smile grew and Drake noticed a pair of dimples appearing. ‘I’m Dr Crystal Windsor. I’ll be running Avery’s speech session today.’

‘Nice to meet you.’ He had not been expecting a ‘Dr Windsor’ to be so young. Or attractive for that matter...

‘And I’m Avewy!’ His daughter chimed in, saving him from his awkwardness.

Dr Windsor laughed, a sound like tinkling crystal, befitting her name. ‘Of course you are. Now lets see how you’ve been going hmm?’

The young speech pathologist seemed to elicit the best responses from his daughter and Drake was quite impressed with Avery’s improvement in that hour long session alone.

‘Now make sure you practice those ‘puh!’ sounds Avery,’ Dr Windsor reminded her as the session grew to a close before turning to Drake, her lips curving up into a smile automatically, dimples on full display. ‘Your daughter has made impressive progress with that cleft lip. Better than most kids her age with that same condition. Regular practice of her sounds and phonetically sounding out words should see this improvement continue.'

Drake nodded studiously as he helped Avery with her jacket. ‘Thanks doc.’

‘Please,’ she placed a soft hand on his arm, her dark eyes dancing a little as they found his. ‘Its just Crystal. Here's my card. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.’

Catching her obvious message, Drake reached out and took the small piece of paper she handed him, nodding in thanks. ‘Thanks, I’m sure my wife will be in touch if we do.’ He didn’t wait to see her face fall a little and caught his daughter’s hand. ‘C’mon Avie lets go get your sister.'

‘How was training squirt?’ Drake called his daughter as she climbed into the car from the soccer pitch, receiving only a slam of the door in response. ‘That bad huh?’

Darcy didn’t respond, a dark look over her face and he decided not to push. Later in the night after dinner, Drake tried again, knocking on the door to her room.

‘Darce, what’s up?’

‘I don’t wanna talk about it,’ came the response.

He tried again. ‘Come on squirt, you know you can talk to me about anything.’

‘Go away!'

Drake sighed, wishing Elizabeth was here. She was better at handling things like this. He was just about to walk away when something occurred to him. ‘Okay you don’t have to talk to me but at least come watch a movie with us?’

‘But its a school night..’ His daughter’s hesitant voice came through the door.

The corner of his lips perked up. ‘I won’t tell if you won’t.. And we could watch Khoobsurat…'

There was silence on the other side of the door as Drake tempted her with her favourite Bollywood movie. Moments later it swung open.

‘The whole movie?’

‘Every second,’ he replied with a wink.

By the time the main protagonist, Millie had managed to knock over the antique suit of armour, Darcy was laughing out loud with her brother and sister. Despite the obvious language barrier, Drake loved to watch them laugh at Millie’s silly antics and he couldn’t help but see some of his and Liz’s relationship in the plot: The annoyingly optimistic stranger who basically irritated the dark broody prince into loving her and changing his entire outlook on life. Now that sounded familiar didn’t it?

Drake certainly wasn’t a prince but he was grateful to have his very own Millie and for the three beautiful children they had made together.

Friday

A loud drumming on the windows woke Drake up from his sleep and he glanced around in momentary confusion until it occurred to him that it was raining, storming in fact. Glancing down, his heart melted at the sight of Cameron sleeping on his chest with the two girls curled up on either side of him.

If only Elizabeth were here too, the scene would be perfect, he mused, lifting his arm lazily to check his watch. Precisely two minutes until Darcy had to be at school. Drake shifted, too comfortable to move. Ehh.. she can have the day off...

The rain was still pouring down just as hard when Drake placed a soccer ball at Darcy’s feet in the ballroom of the Atlantean manor. All of the kids had been fed and changed for the day and Drake had just managed to spring the truth from his daughter that she’d been embarrassed when one of the boys on her team - the goalie - had told her she’d never make the team next year because she ‘kicked like a girl’.

A bolt of fury shot through him but it was her pleading look that had kept him firmly in his chair. Drake was particularly mad because he knew how much Darcy loved soccer and how good she’d been getting recently in their practice sessions. He didn’t have the heart to see her give up just because some boy told her she wasn’t good enough..

‘I told you Dad. I’m not playing soccer.’ She told him stubbornly, crossing her arms. They were currently standing in the empty ballroom in the manor where Drake was setting up makeshift goal posts on either end.

‘I know I know. Just kick the ball squirt.’ Darcy gave it a half hearted nudge causing him to shake his head.

‘C’mon Darce I know you can be better than that. Try again.’ He took a few paces backwards. ‘Pretend I’m Brian. Kick the ball and try and get it past me.’

Darcy hesitated and gave the ball a sharper tap.

‘Darcy... I know you can do better than that,’ Drake cajoled. They repeated the exercise again with only marginally better results.

‘No I can’t!’ His daughter yelled, hot tears pouring down her face. ‘I’ll never be able to get past him.’

‘Not like that you’re not. Come here squirt.’ He motioned for Darcy to come closer and knelt down to get a better view of her face. ‘I’m going to tell you what my dad said to me when I was your age. He told me, If you want something, its up to you to go get it. It's not always going to be easy, nothing worth having ever is. You’re going to have people like Brian tell you that you’re too small or you can’t kick hard enough. You gotta keep pushing Darce. Keep trying again and again because thats you prove them wrong. Besides I know you’d love to see him take a ball to the face next week right?’

That made her giggle and when Drake was satisfied that she looked suitably cheered up, got to his feet and gestured for her to try again. This time her shot was much better and they continued to practice, Drake giving her tips here and there while Cameron and Avery cheered her from the sidelines.

Face set in determination, the tip of her tongue protruding a little from her pursed lips, Darcy wound up and with almighty kick sent the ball sailing high into the air in the direction of the goalposts. Her shot however went higher than anyone expected, grazed the old crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Everyone was frozen as they watched it swung wildly and a few shards came tinkling down.

Drake laughed uneasily. ‘I think you’ve convinced the chandelier Darce. But for safety’s sake I think we better take this outside next time.' His daughter nodded in agreement but he couldn’t hide the sense of pride that filled him.

Like father, like daughter right?

An hour later, Drake collapsed on the grass, all three kids following suit, landing on his chest as they panted hard to catch their breath.

‘I don’t know about you kids but I’m ready for a nap.’

‘Daddy nooooo!’ Avery whined. ‘We haven played puzzles yet or done hair or painted nails!’

‘Vroom, vroom,’ Cameron put in, slamming his toy car into his father’s side decisively.

‘Ouch okay, okay,’ he conceded then looked at their collective muddy clothes. ‘Lets get you guys cleaned up first.’

On the doorstep of her home, Elizabeth Walker was digging through the contents of her bag looking for her keys when something tickled her ears. Is that... Darcy? She frowned, checking her watch. She should still be at school. Sure enough her daughter’s laugh reached her ears followed by the deeper sound of her husband.

Finally managing to getting the door open, she wandered into the house following the sounds and her eyes widened at the sight she found. Their lounge room had been transformed into a pillow fort palace, couch cushions and blankets strewn across the space. Darcy was laughing and jogging around the room closely pursed by Avery and Cameron who were currently straddled across on the back of their father who was on his hands and knees, rearing like a horse.

At the sight of her husband, Elizabeth’s mouth dropped open. Never in their ten years of marriage did she ever think she’d see the day when Drake Walker had sparkly pink hair clips and elastics in his hair, holding his brown locks up in haphazard waterspout. Looking down she realised that his nails had also been painted metallic purple.

‘Mummy’s home!’ Avery’s joyful announcement broke her out of her trance and all four heads turned to look at her. In a second, the kids had leaped off their father’s back and came rushing at her, wrapping their pudgy arms around her legs.

‘Hey darlings,’ she planted kissed on their heads before addressing her eldest. 'Darcy! What are you doing here? Are you supposed to be at school?'

‘Dad gave me the day off!’ Her daughter beamed enthusiastically. 'And we practiced soccer in the ballroom!’

‘You did what now?’

‘It was so cool Mum! You should have seen me kick! The ball went like woah then the chandelier went like..’ Darcy mimed the ball’s trajectory complete with a sound that sounded suspiciously like broken glass. ‘Then it went right into the goal!'

‘I’m sure everything is completely intact and nothings broken,’ Elizabeth replied dryly, raised a deliberate eyebrow at her husband.

Drake merely shrugged, kissing his wife on the cheek. ‘What can I say? She’s a Walker.’

After the kids were safely in bed, Elizabeth plopped down onto the couch beside her husband who handed her a glass of whiskey from which she took an appreciative sip.

‘Would I be right to say that you didn’t go into work at all this week Drake?’

‘That’s not true,’ he replied sheepishly. ‘I went in for a little bit.’

‘Oh Drake, what am I going to do with you?’ She shook her head lightly.

‘Let me stay home more often maybe?’ His dark eyes twinkled at her.

Elizabeth cuddled in closer to his side and his arm came around her. ‘I’m glad you had a good time with the kids…. How was Avery’s speech session?’

‘Yeah it was good. She and he's like it was good but they gave her a different speech therapist this time..'

Beside him, Drake felt Elizabeth’s body stiffen just a little. 'Crystal Windsor right? The one with the dimples?’

‘Yeah thats her.'

Elizabeth shifted out of his embrace to reach for the bottle of whiskey. 'What did you think of her?'

'She's nice I guess... Good with Avery. Don't think I've seen her respond so well before. Why?’ He asked, quizzically.

’No reason,’ she replied, taking a deep draught.

Realisation sparked in him and he leaned forward. ‘Richmond... are you... jealous?'

'No.. Why would I be jealous?’ She laughed shakily, caught off guard by the use of her maiden name.

Drake raised an eyebrow and watched his wife’s dark skin flush a little shade of pink from behind her glass. ‘You so are.’

‘Am not!’

‘I’ve been married to you for a decade Liz. I know your tells.’ ‘

Fine,’ his wife conceded. ‘It just… Its been 10 years and…'

‘And..?’

‘Nothing I’m just being immature,’ she replied.

‘Liz,’ he tipped her head to look at him. ‘If its bothering you I wanna know.’

‘I was just thinking about Thursday and how I yelled at you about Cam… I’m.. I’m afraid you’ll lose interest,’ she admitted, eyes sliding down from his. ‘In me... Say we were having this really big ongoing fight, like a build up of things that finally exploded… What’s to stop you from running off with someone like Crystal Windsor… I know I’m not-‘

‘I’m going to stop you right there,’ Drake interrupted. ‘Every couple goes through a few rough patches here and there and believe me I deserved it yesterday but that’s no reason to throw in the towel just like that. We love each other and we’re willing to fight for us no matter what’s thrown at us. I told you: you’re my wife, my family, my whole world. You’ve given me three beautiful children. I have no reason to want anyone else but you.’

‘Drake..’ Elizabeth started to reply but he cut her off with a finger to her lips, his dark eyes carrying a spark of heat that ignited a fire in her belly.

‘Our three little tots may be heavy sleepers,’ he gently guided her back down to the couch, hands slipping under her clothes. ‘But you better be quiet coz I’m gonna prove to you that you’re the only woman in the world for me.’

Elizabeth couldn’t help but capture his lips in a deep passionate kiss that left her breathless. She was lost in the sensation of his lips on her neck and fingers tracing their way towards her centre until something occurred to her.

'Drake wait,’ she groaned.

He lifted his head in alarm. 'What is it? Too much?'

Elizabeth shook her head and looked right into his eyes. 'Next time you play hooky from work, I want in.'

Drake’s mischievous smile was the last thing she saw before she gave into the ecstasy. 'You got it baby.'

#SEE I CAN WRITE HAPPY #IM NOT THAT MEAN #only fluff here #did you catch my AB reference #drake walker #elizabeth richmond #drake x mc #drake x elizabeth #The Royal Romance #trr #choices #playchoices #choices fandom #choices fanfiction #long post #i put a cut in

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twentyonepilotsficlibrary · 6 years

Text

Miscellaneous Fandoms Fic Rec Masterlist

This is something new we’re trying out. In our admin group chat we all started talking about our other fandoms/pairings we read and thought it might be fun to share some of our favorite fics.

I know not everyone will be into this idea but i think it’s easily ignored if it’s not your cup of tea. Otherwise we hope you enjoy this mess of fics, maybe you’ll find yourself a new pairing, or maybe you’ll get inspired to write Joshler.

we hope you enjoy!

**this will be a long post**

Madi’s recs

Teen Wolf - Sterek (Stiles Stilinski & Derek Hale)

Cornerstone by Vendelin (6/6 | 83738 | Explicit)

Suffering from PTSD, ex-Marine Derek Hale moves back to Beacon Hills to open a bookshop and find a calmer life. That’s where he meets Stiles, completely by accident. Stiles is talkative, charming and curious. Somehow, despite the fact that he’s blind, he’s able to read Derek like no one else.

//PTSD //anxiety attacks

No Homo by orphan_account (12/12 | 84092 | Explicit)

Stiles' sophomore year starts something like this: 3 FourLokos + 1 peer-pressuring cat - 1 best bro to end all best bros = 1 Craigslist ad headline that reads "str8 dude - m4m - strictly platonic". Derek is the fool who replies.

//internalized homophobia

We Got Claws by Onlymystory (15/15 | 34914 | Mature)

Peter, Isaac, and Scott get de-aged. Stiles and Derek take care of them.

Harry Potter - Drarry (Harry Potter & Draco Malfoy)

Open For Repairs by FeelsForBreakfast (1/1 | 34901 | Mature)

After the war, Draco works at a tv repair shop and Harry breaks things.

feat. sad boys in jumpers and more ABBA than is probably necessary

There's a Pure-Blood Custom For That byLomonaaeren (36/36 | 105549 | Mature)

The day that Harry stops Draco Malfoy and his son from being bothered in the middle of Diagon Alley starts a strange series of interactions between him and Malfoy. Who knew there was a pure-blood custom for every situation?

Transfigurations by Resonant (1/1 | 71284 | Explicit)

Five years after Voldemort's defeat, Harry returns to England to help re-open Hogwarts.

//major character death

IT - Reddie (Richie Tozier & Eddie Kaspbrak)

Yours Truly by Buttercup12 (14/14 | 51414 | Mature)

Eddie Kaspbrak has it bad. He’s bullied for being a tiny, delicate, hypochondriac boy. He’s also bullied for being very, very, very gay. Long story short, his life isn’t the easiest.

However, that’s all a piece of cake when compared to his gigantic, pathetic crush on Derry High’s most popular and oh so very straight Trashmouth, Richie Tozier.

Richie has no idea he even exists.

Right?

Wrong.

ugly moon by weepies (27/27 | 79482 | Teen and Up)

Richie Tozier hasn’t spoken a word to anybody since he came to Derry in the middle of the school year. Until he talks to Eddie Kaspbrak.

//abuse mention

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Christie’s recs

Harry Potter - Drarry (Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter)

Turn by Saras_Girl (14/14 | 306,708 | Explicit)

One good turn always deserves another. Apparently.

All Our Secrets Laid Bare by firethesound (16/16 | 149,549 | Explicit)

Over the six years Draco Malfoy has been an Auror, four of his partners have turned up dead. Harry Potter is assigned as his newest partner to investigate just what is going on.

South Park - Creek (Craig Tucker/Tweek Tweak)

Do Not Try This At Home by Marasa (6/? | 32,100 | Mature)

A post is made that night detailing the rules of their arrangement:

• Video must be taken of the event.

• Video must be uploaded.

• Turns will be taken; after one group uploads, the other must upload as answer to the original post. This ensures equal stunts and higher expectations with each stunt.

• Don’t half-ass it; this is a fucking competition!

//depression //anxiety //past abuse //drug use

The Roommate by DoAsYouWill (27/? | 277,882 | Mature)

Craig is off to college, where he is introduced to the weirdest person he's ever met. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, (Craig can't decide), that weirdest person is his roommate.

Just your typical cliche 'meet as roommates' story, but with a lot of nostalgic undertones.

Deadpool - Cablepool (Wade Wilson/Nathan Summers)

Incognito by CQHD (Comet_Kohoutek) (2/2 | 5,810 | Explicit)

Deadpool introduces Cable to porn.

The video, Deadpool realises belatedly, is way too quiet. There's no cheesy bass line that gets stuck in his head and makes him feel each pulse in his dick. There's just the soft rustling of clothes against skin as the man strips. It's got an aesthetic to it, but it doesn't stop Deadpool from hearing the catch in Cable's breath once the man steps out of his underwear and crawls on to the desk.

Toaster by edy (1/1 | 3,339 | Mature)

If someone were to strap you in and measure your heart rate, it wouldn't be a surprise to anyone to find it'd be beating in time with his own heart. The notion is meant to be romantic, as is customary in romances, and you think it might be romantic if an uneven heart rate wasn't a sign of a serious health condition.

//suicidal thoughts

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Sydney’s Recs

South Park

Do Not Try This At Home by Marasa (6/? || 32,100 || Mature)

A post is made that night detailing the rules of their arrangement:

• Video must be taken of the event.

• Video must be uploaded.

• Turns will be taken; after one group uploads, the other must upload as answer to the original post. This ensures equal stunts and higher expectations with each stunt.

• Don’t half-ass it; this is a fucking competition!

// depression, anxiety, past abuse, drug use

A Perfect Love Like Craig and Tweek by ugandadistrict9 (1/1 || 3,783 || Teen and Up Audiences)

Tweek and Craig have been close for a few years, and everyone says that they’re dating, but Craig has neither confirmed or denied it. Tweek has developed strong feelings for Craig over the time, but is worried that Craig doesn’t feel the same way he does.

Homicidal Maniac by Maroonedpunk (3/3 || 17,654 || Teen and Up Audiences)

They called him a homicidal maniac for years.

Then came the allegations against the coffee shop.

Tweek can’t do this by himself.

// depression, anxiety, drug use, mental illness

Spirit Animals by hollycomb (1/1 || 22,191 || Not Rated)

Cartman wants to film his amateur ghost hunting show at the site of the grisly McCormick massacre. Stan hates the idea but he can’t stay away, because Kyle will be there.

✓✓ Read by Boyue (16/16 || 65,196 || Teem and Up Audiences)

WENDY Nice picture but you have the wrong number.

AKA how Stan Marsh met Kyle Broflovski through a dick pic mishap.

// depression, alcoholism, derogatory language

Detriot: Become Human (Gavid Reed/RK900)

Chrysopoeian Heart by feistymuffin (6/? || 22,826 || Explicit)

Chrysopoeia - the act of transmuting a substance into gold

Gavin doesn’t like androids… but then again, nothing’s written in stone.

// graphic depictions of violence

Still by Terminallydepraved (1/1 || 4,277 || Explicit)

Sometimes it takes someone else nearly dying to make you realize the important things.

Life sucks, but in a beautiful kind of way by ConsultingStag (5/6 || 7701 || Mature)

Gavin stares at RK900 and regrets it immediately as its gray gaze bores into him. LED spinning yellow. Dissecting what happened. Analyzing the clues in front of it. And then a perfectly fake eyebrow lifts and equally fake lips twitch into a tiny smirk and Gavin knows that he is fucked.

----------------------

Cade’s Recs

Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia - Macdennis (Mac/Dennis Reynolds)

a beachfront of bad blood by castielanderson (1/1 | 28,366 | Mature)

or alternatively “Dennis Tries to Kill Himself: MacDennis Remix” Originally for the 2017 MacDennis Big Bang, but alas

They don’t have a falling out so much as a slowly drifting apart. Being a dad makes Dennis tired, so tired sometimes he feels like he might never have energy again, and that means that he stops checking in with Mac as often. Eventually, they stop talking. Mac gets a boyfriend. Dennis stops taking his medication.

After Dennis attempts suicide, Mandy insists he return to Philadelphia with the gang, and she will follow with Brian Jr. when she can. Faced with an unwanted recovery, a failed family, and feelings he would rather ignore, Dennis is forced to navigate uncharted waters within himself and within his relationship with Mac.

//rape/non-con //suicide attempt //self-harm //eating disorders //depression

Fullmetal Alchemist - Royed (Edward Elric/Roy Mustang)

Reverti Ad Praeteritum by Batsutousai (30/30 | 288,908 | Mature)

Unwillingly forced to serve as a human trial for a crazy alchemist experimenting with time travel, Edward Elric finds himself standing across from Truth in the moment it takes his leg from him. Armed with the knowledge of what's to come and burdened with guilt for the choices he'd made as an adult, Ed sets out to fix every mistake he ever made and save every life they ever lost, no matter what it takes.

//underage //implied/referenced dubious consent //violence

Know the Difference by ShanaStoryteller (1/1 | 9,083 | Teen)

“You’ve heard the rumors,” Mustang says, looking at Ed over the top of his latest report, “about the angels.”

Ed scoffs and rolls his eyes, “Angels don’t exist, don’t be ridiculous.”

“Of course, of course,” he murmurs, gaze sliding back down, “There have been multiple eye witness accounts, however.”

Ed slouches into the chair and doesn’t bother to keep the contempt to from his voice when he says, “Don’t depend on anything with wings to save you. Things that were made to leave always end up doing so, in the end.”

“Yes, well,” he says, “sometimes they come back.”

a terrifying clamour of trumpets by ShanaStoryteller (1/1 | 12,194 | Teen)

Edward grabs Marcoh’s arm and says, “That stone – what can it heal, exactly?”

The old man’s eyebrows rise to his forehead, and he looks like he already knows the answer when he goes, “Why do you ask, Edward?”

There's no metallic footsteps so there’s no way Al’s close enough to hear them. “I’m sick,” he admits after another moment of deliberation.

The Codeine Scene by Xyriath (31/31 | 111,257 | Explicit)

After finding himself entangled with King Bradley's gang of criminals and no way out, Roy Mustang must struggle between balancing his morals and the need to keep himself alive. He walks a thin rope, and a chance meeting of a young man, addicted to drugs and forced into prostitution, complicates matters further. By all rights, he should consider Edward to be collateral damage, an unfortunate bystander in his already difficult situation, but this is one person Roy soon finds he can't leave behind.

//rape/non-con //forced prostitution //drug addiction //mentions of suicide //mentions of depression

Fullmetal Alchemist - Edling (Edward Elric/Ling Yao)

Nothing Gold by Rydia (ungarmax) (1/1 | 22,219 | Teen)

Ling has gained immortality. Ed has not.

//major character death

----------------------

Bard’s Recs

Bastille - Dyle (Dan Smith/Kyle Simmons)

and in the morning you'll be stranded in love (it goes around and around)by brujay (1/1 | 15,717 | Teen)

“Have you seen Groundhog Day?”

Kyle took a moment before replying. “I have… what exactly are you trying to say, here?”

Dan sighed again. “I think I’m living it.” Dan gets trapped in a time loop, and he is not having a good time.

//panic attacks

argonautica orpheus by trailsofpaper (Sanwall) (note: it is private, you can only read if you have an account but it’s too good to not share) (6/6 | 17,478 | M)

Kyle, like Jason on the Argos, sets out on a journey to retrieve something important but, more importantly, he finds love along the way. Dan, unlike Orpheus, doesn’t look back.

(Dan and Kyle are flatmates in Leeds, but when Kyle wrecks his keyboard a week before he and Dan are about to enter a competition, they need to go to London to get another keyboard. Complications and even shenanigans ensue.)

Harry Potter - Drarry (Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter)

He Who Must Not Be Normal by lettered (1/1 | 40,913 | Explicit)

Potter has fame and fortune and posh clothes and all he wants is a simple life. Draco has a flat and a cat and a steady job and all he wants is a complicated life. Which makes you think this story has something exciting like body-swapping, but it doesn’t. Instead it has Indian takeaway and a blue jumper and people wanting a whole lot of what they can’t have, discovering themselves as they discover each other.

All Life is Yours to Miss by Saras_Girl (4/4 | 114,741 | M)

Professor Malfoy's world is contained, controlled, and as solitary as he can make it, but when an act of petty revenge goes horribly awry, he and his trusty six-legged friend are thrown into Hogwarts life at the deep end and must learn to live, love and let go.

Buzzfeed Unsolved - Shyan (Shane Madej/Ryan Bergara)

i think i'm still turning out by the_tenerife_sea (1/1 | 6,325 | General)

Shane is starting to think Ryan is using him for his baby, considering how much he’s already talked her up to all of their coworkers and friends. ____

Or the one where Shane is a new parent, and Ryan is always there for him (and his daughter, of course).

#admin favorites #miscellaneous fandoms fic rec masterlist #masterlist

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humanscandrivestick · 6 years

Text

E.Q.--Concordia

Concordia is the Latin word for "harmony," literally "with (one) heart." It may refer to: Concordia (mythology), the Roman goddess of harmony.

~~~

Bass leaned his head back into Treble's chest, one earbud in his left ear while Treble had the right one. They were on another round of their christmas gifts, their yearly song exchange as they watched the snow from their apartment window. This year, Balance had taken Fade out on a "girly" event night with a few of the other girls in the network. Bass wondered why Moebius had gotten an invite for it, though Treble insisted it was because she was female. Bass still felt he was male, because, as it out it, "that's the kinda boy I like, if you weren't in the picture", which only made Treble smirk sheepishly.

It was a quiet Christmas for them, able to just snuggle down and be with each other. There were times Treble marveled at the fact that unlike most couples, they never were bored with each other. The french redhead pointed out that it was because they were merely one person occupying 2 locations in space, a rather midnight nirvana kinda observation he was wont to have when the 3 of them were just chilling and smoking and drinking together.

Quentin had opted also to stay behind that Christmas Eve, shocked that Treble didn't object, and left to go grab something--or rather lots of somethings--to drink and eat. There weren't a lot of places open late, but when he got back, both men were still watching the snow in the christmas lit living room.

"Mind if I turn on a lamp?" he asked as he set the drink and snack fixings on the coffee table.

Bass lazily waved at him as he stretched a little. Treble gave him a nod, but his gaze was out the window. He certainly did like watching the snow almost as much as Bass liked watching the rain.

With their phones connecting to the internet for recipes, the boys made a number of sweet cocktails--Quentin's second guilty pleasure--and enjoyed it with sliced meats, cheeses and crackers--Bass and Quentin's first guilty pleasures. They brought out some instruments, though Bass was taking a vacation from the synths. It's the holidays and sometimes a man should take a break when he's done with hard work.

While Treble nursed what Bass called a Cinderella (a fruit juice non-alcoholic), Quentin leaned back and licked his fingers. "Treb?"

"Yes?" he asked, his deep blue eyes curiously but calmly flicking over.

"You're...sure it's ok I celebrate Christmas with you and Bass...?"

He gave a short derisive snort. "Like I was going to let you have him for the holiday."

Bass gave him a sheepish but sharp look. "Treeeeeeb."

"No no. I mean...like it's ok for me to be with you guys...." He was looking into his drink, a seabreeze. "I know you guys...always do something on your holiday."

Treble could hear the barest edges of a familiar loneliness. The same Bass had back in the Corps when he was away for the holiday. He and Bass truly were cut from the same cloth, even if they were sewn up differently.

"We exchange music. It's not as if it's a ceremony." He said it with a square frankness that Quentin wasn't sure how to handle, but Bass, reading his partner like a painting, gave Quentin a warm squeeze on the knee.

"He's tryin' to say he knew you'd be lonely and that we didn't want you to be." "I didn't say that," Treble said curtly, though it was curt enough to be obviously true.

"I know. S'why I had to say it. Out loud." He leaned into Quentin's legs, using his knees and thighs as an armrest. "But...I didn't want you to be lonely neither. I've spent enough christmases alone to know that's no bueno, bro."

The redhead's eyes were still a little uncertain. He wasn't the type to try to step on people, and for that Bass--and deep down Treble--understood.

"Dude, you're here now and you got nowhere to go. I wouldn't letcha be by yourself." As Treble sipped his drink and lazily strummed his guitar, Bass looked up at Quentin. "Tell ya what. I'll tell you all the crazy shit that used to happen back when Treb and I were in the Corps, all the crazy christmas stories."

Treble looked up quizzically. "Oh I see. 'scary ghost stories and tales of old glories of christmases long, long ago'?"

"Pretty harsh to hear you call 'im ghost stories," Bass said, grinning.

"I suppose those are for Halloween then."

"He'd never believe the real ones."

Quentin watched and listened to their banter and smiled. It was like being with friends, though he'd usually had few in his early life.

Cry over this now, Quent, and they'd never let you hear the end of it, he thought ruefully, though he was smiling.

Treble leaned back. "Wouldn't be the same without all the music...."

If Bass were a dog, his ears would be perked. "What, you sayin' a lil playlist to go with the story telling?"

"I don't know if we even have the old stuff....we'd have to play by ear."

"You say that like we couldn't."

"With your memory."

"And yours too."

"Sure," Quentin said, and cocked his head. "I wanna hear 14 years worth of love songs."

Neither of them seemed to notice, but Quentin saw the same smile cross both their faces. Other people would probably say that they were entirely different, with Bass' stretching eagerly over his mouth, and the corners of Treble's mouth barely moving, but the spark in their eyes as they went to collect instruments and other electronics was exactly the same.

It was a long play that both men played. Treble was shocked that Bass still had the original files stored away on a small keychain thumb-drive card. They weren't of the best quality, but between the both of them, they made a more robust sound, filling in and remixing over the original files with live instruments. Occasionally, Bass would drop a break beat, or Treble would extend a refrain as they recounted every one of those 14 years, never in order, though their first christmas was told first. Seeing Bass nostalgically relive those moments of uncertainty, and Treble recount his efforts to comfort him. The year they wrote music for the man that sent Treble a guitar for his birthday. That lonely Christmas Eve when Treble took that fighter jet cross country to make it back in time for christmas. Each story was further affirmation to Quentin what they both had between each other.

It ached a little, but it felt more good than bittersweet. He had never felt such a strong love for anyone as he did for Bass. The thoughts he could live in a world without him was as incomprehensible as gravity theory.

In a way...he was glad he defected.

Treble was playing a few of their songs together on the guitar, as Bass cozied up on Quentin's lap on the couch. The redhead was leaned against his arm, though not intimately. The 3 of them sat in a warm silence.

"Thank you," Quentin said softly. Treble turned his head slightly to look at him. "Its prolly been one of the best holidays I've ever had. Like ever."

"He...reminds me a lot of you. You both have this sort of way you express emotion. You don't like to impose, but you don't sugar coat." Treble was never good at words but he senses Quentin needs them more than implication. "And you both can get so unbearably lonely its obvious you go out of your way to not be...."

"Am I that obvious?”

"Sometimes. Though I'd assume you wouldn't have tracked us down post Sound Tower to find us if you didn't get so lonely."

"Don't talk like that or I'll libel to start cryin'."

"You're not that puss."

"Well, thank you for the compliment. I think."

Quentin leaned his head on Treble's shoulder, and the raven-haired man made a playful show of moving it off with a comical look of disgust. "Don't think I want to bump uglies with you, baguette."

"I know," chucked Quentin. "Bass-sexual is what you are."

"I prefer to think monogamous."

"Picky," corrected Bass, his eyes shut.

Treble merely rolled his eyes, but there was an amused glint to it.

They watched the snow come down through the window. And Quentin spoke up again, contented. "This is nice."

At the same time, both men said, "I was going to say the same thing."

#E.Q.#E.Q. Fridays #Side A #Treble #Bass #Quentin #christmas

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neon-serpent-llc · 7 years

Text

Here’s to 365 days of polygonal worlds, shot point-blank at our grey matter, some catching fire, others fizzling to the void! It must be that oh-so-pointless time to give out video game awards! For the third year running I present a cheeky list of spills and chills like no other (spoiler: Overwatch wins nothing). Anyway, blahblahblah, here's the awards already:

Game I Forgot Existed Until I Looked Up "Game Releases of 2016" Award

Quantum Break

Like previous winners Watch Dogs, and Evolve, this is a shining example of a game that simply vanished after it was released. Probably took hundreds of Artists four years to make, and then *poof* gone overnight. But alas, most games do, eh? Was the TV show any good?

Best Case for Virtual Tourism Award

The Division

Say what you will about the game itself, but this lovely facsimile of NYC is killer. And super accurate. If it weren't for all the invincible, hoodie-wearing street thugs it would be a pleasure to cruise this digital remake of my favorite city.

Genius or Madness Award

Zero Time Dilemma

A game that walks the line perfectly between the two. So clever, and yet maybe too clever? The twists are ridiculous when they work and outrageous when they don’t. Even so, its sheer confidence of going eight steps beyond everyone else, narrative-wise, is so refreshing. Truly a piece of Art that only works in the video game medium. Speaking of Art...

Most Unplayable Work of Art Award

The Witness

Conceptually, The Witness is flawless. Especially once you've seen the "real" ending, that perfectly frames the point of the whole experience (I watched it on YouTube). Unfortunately, to get that real ending is a monumentally painstaking chore. But, this isn't "difficult" Art in the sense that its meaning is opaque or it’ll challenge your worldview. Its simply that I have zero patience for puzzle games. If The Witness is an encapsulation of what it means to be Johnathan Blow, then it's clear that he and I couldn't be more different. And that's why it works as Art.

Don't Want to Be the Guy That Says, "I Told You So," but.... I Told You So Award

No Man's Sky

Even with its countless features, the spiritually-similar Spore got boring fast. How, then, was this bare-bones knock-off, No Man's Sky, going to keep people interested? And that was with the assumption that it would at least look nice. However, it absolutely did not. The novelty of seeing procedurally generated ANYTHING gets old fast, and it's made far worse when you're presented with a never ending stream of ugly, barren planets made of mud and more mud. Next year’s winner: Star Citizen?

Biggest Social Phenomenon Since the Wii Award

Pokemon Go

It didn't last long, but for a month this summer, everyone was out hunting in the parks of the world. Sure, we still mostly ignored each other, but there was a touch of bizarre camaraderie knowing we were all playing the same giant meta game. Like the Wii before it, it was a game-related subject you could talk to ANYBODY about, and they'd not only know what you meant, but have an opinion on the matter. How often does that happen? How odd was it to see a fifty year old business man asking where the nearest Clefairy could be found?

Welcome to the 90s Loading Time Award

Deus Ex Mankind Divided

I think I spent more time riding the subway in this game than I have in real life.

You Don't Know Your Audience Award

Metroid Prime Federation Force

As a new Nintendo IP this would have got tons of attention. Who doesn't like crazy new Nintendo ideas? But as a Metroid game it could only possibly get bad press. Why play as Samus when you can play as more-generic-than-Master-Chief, chibi space marines instead? A top tier faux pas.

They Finally Got it Right Award

Dragonball Xenoverse 2

After decades of awkward DragonBall games, they finally hit the sweet spot for over-the-top action with fun controls and interesting content (granted, I never played the first Xenoverse). In the year of Street Fighter 5, who would have thought I'd prefer the new DragonBall fighting game?

Well Deserved Retirement Award

Dark Souls 3

Still fun despite almost no alterations in what is clearly a formula now, but I'm glad this is the last hurrah, at least for a while. As I said when Dark Souls 2 came out, the magic is less pronounced with each additional entry. None will have that Demon's Souls impact anymore. But when it returns in 5 to 10 years, it'll be nostalgic to see the old tricks in action again.

Everyone's An Asshole Award

Dishonored 2

At least that's what the talking Heart makes it seem like. Half the populace has secretly killed their husband/wife, whereas the other half have burned down orphanages or something.

Late to the Party Award

Steins;Gate

Another game I played years after release. And damn it's good. Far more novel than game, but I don't mind for a story of this quality. Why wasn't I reading this earlier? Haven't got to Steins;Gate 0 yet, but I'm working on it.

Xenogears Disk 2 Award

Final Fantasy XV

Like Metal Gear Solid V last year, another all-around excellent game that suddenly sprints to the end, jumping vast stretches of story in an instant, clashing hard with the slow burn style of storytelling established before that. Much like Xenogears of yore, this is a game that tried to be far bigger than time/budget allowed.

Honestly, I wish these overly-epic games would get chopped in two, a la Kill Bill. At the point where the story would start getting rushed, end part one. Just end it. Then let its sales fund part two, the remainder of the story. Then again, you run the risk of a Too Human situation where you announce a trilogy and then don't sell enough to finish it. But honestly, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear would handily sell enough. I’m sure they’ll make a FFXV-2, but at best it’ll attempt to reassemble the pieces of its predecessors fractured ending.

Didn't Burn the House Down Award

Uncharted 4

The writers said the ending would "burn the house down" in terms of closure. But it didn't, at all, even slightly. Uncharted 5 could EASILY be made based off this exact ending, with no retcons and no changes to the game’s formula. They'd just have to make Drake constantly say, "I'm too old for this shit!!"

It Shouldn't Work, But it Soooo Does Award

Dragon Quest Builders

I don't like Minecraft. As a professional level designer, I find Minecraft‘s game building tools too crude to enjoy using at length (what a snob, eh?). And I don't like Dragon Quest. Too much grind, not enough story. Too simple. But for some reason when you combine the two it's fucking great! Dragon Quest adds the personality, charm, and flavor Minecraft was sorely lacking while also bringing enough story and tangible goals to make the building feel like a game and not like a chore. Plus, the game’s worlds are fairly handcrafted and feature proper level/zone design, which is greatly appreciated. The surprise hit of the year.

Best Game Industry Trend of the Year

Virtual Reality

I'm glad we're all working on it seriously now. Sure, the current headsets are uncomfortable as fuck, (can’t emphasize this enough), but its a step towards sunglasses-size VR in about ten years or so. Plus, by then everyone will be over their VR sickness so we won’t have to keep watering down the experiences we create. It’ll be sweet!

Worst Game Industry Trend of the Year

Infinite Sales

Between Steam, Good Old Games, Humble Bundle, Greenman Gaming, PSN Store, etc there is always a massive, store-wide sale going on somewhere. Wait a year and any game you want will be a mere $10. Why buy an unknown indie game when you can get a supremely polished, lengthy triple-A game for the same price? Indie developers basically need to charge $1 to get anyone's attention. Or make their game free *cough* ULTRAWORLD.

Best Game Awards of the Year

Obvious

Worst Game Awards of the Year

The Game Awards

A transparently corporate affair, the winners have all be carefully selected based on what needs to sell at Xmas. Companies won't even show up if one of their high profile games doesn't get an award. Even setting those complaints aside, it's hard to get interested or excited about a 2016 award show that happens with over a month of 2016 left; when wonderful games like The Last Guardian haven’t even been released yet. Speaking of which...

Game (Experience) of the Year

The Last Guardian

There's a layer of disconnect between the player and Last Guardian. The boy, Trico, and the camera all seem to disobey the player constantly. Many marked this as a flaw, but I think it's 100% intentional and part of why the game is so cohesive, thematically. For me, there's an added sense of surrealism when things are out of control. The chaos of physics interactions seem like they shouldn't work, yet suddenly you've made it to the next section of the castle. Did you really play that last section, or merely guide the chaos? Since you’re playing as a helpless child, lost in towering labyrinthine passageways, this obtuse disconnect feels entirely appropriate.

I feel it's intentional because Fumito Ueda and his team have managed to capture this sense of surreal play for three games in a row. Everyone manages to get to the end despite the feeling of disconnect. Trico is so aloof, yet will always get you where you need to go. Eventually. If everything functioned 100% predictably, God-of-War-precise, it would be FAR less memorable...as an experience. You, like the boy, legitimately struggle to escape the castle. Who has the guts to purposely make their controls imprecise to service the game, and theme, as a whole? It's amazing. A true work of Art. Game of the Year.

Non-Game of the Year

ULTRAWORLD EXODUS

The expansion and finale to whatever the hell this thing is. I liked it, but I think I'm literally the only one.

---------------------

So that's the year, says I. Looking over my list, its clear I didn't play many indie games, even though I complained about people not buying indie games (which is bad Karma for me, but I'll live). As always, if you disagree: good. All awards are pointless, just fluff opinions with a bow on top. Your awards are as good as mine, good as the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, etc etc forever. Til next year!

2015 Awards 2014 Awards

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