#but he did date three magicians too

[hoperays-song]

Ryan’s Dating History

The kids bored after a show at the Majestic, playing “Who is it?”.

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

Meena, trying to act mysterious: Which one of you has... dated three magicians?

Nooshy, snorting: Ryan.

*Everyone bursts out laughing*

Ash: Instantly. Just instantly, got to be Ryan.

Ryan: *buries his face in his hands*

Meena, trying to hold back giggles: Hey! Let’s all give Ryan a minute to figure out why it’s not definitely him.

Ryan, still laughing: Yeah! Cause I’ve only dated... 2...

*Everyone now doubling over with laughter*

Ash, rolling her eyes: The other one was an IlLuSiOnIsT!

Johnny, snickering and leaning over to Ryan: I can brainstorm some good lies if you need.

Ryan, struggling to stop wheezing at this point: No, it’s- I think no one would believe anything other than... 2 or 4?

*Johnny and Meena both start snickering*

Nooshy: Are you sure it wasn’t just one magician who kept reappearing?

*Everyone else bursts out laughing again*

Buster, watching from a distance: Those kids scare me.

Clay, mildly horrified: Join the club.

[lxdymoon0357]

Hi, Navi! May I request some headcanons for Felix Chamberlain from I have become the hero’s rival with a transmigrator!reader who just wants her favs to be happy and to have a peaceful life too, but somehow gets the magician’s attention anyway? It would be interesting if one of the original male leads had interest in the transmigrator!reader, though it’s all up to you! :)

Felix Chamberlain X Transmigrator! Reader HCs

▼ You were ECSTATIC to be a transmigrator and that to your special manhwa!! You were definitely gonna help Irene, Claudia and Felix and you really wanted to see Irene and Felix's love bloom in front of your eyes and luckily you were a middle-class person and you applied to be Claudia's playmate or something...

▼ You quickly got close with her and Irene and you three were the ICONIC trio!! and you quickly became friends with Felix as well, you'd help Claudia escape the male leads as much as you could by remembering the manhwa!

▼ And you slowly started developing feelings, before it was for him like a fictional character, but now for real....But you were afraid that after this finished, you'd be thrown back into your real world, so you didn't act on your feelings...

▼ You became very close with them and eventually told them about you being from another world, Irene was VERY happy to learn someone was from her world, and you couldn't bother to explain to her how she was also a part of the manhwa, so you went along with it!

▼ Also Irene was mean to end up with Felix, right? Yeah, it's not like the manhwas you read where you might end up with the character when their love interest is RIGHT THERE! But he seemingly never got close with Irene in a romantic path and neither did Irene...and this confused you...

▼ Felix would love to bond with you by asking you how you used to live, what you used to eat, where you lived, what you looked like...and whom you dated, yes he's jealous of them...don't worry...

▼ And soon you confessed and you started dating, it was such a big thing for Irene and Claudia who had been shipping you two since day 1 and Lerase himself was quite happy as he seemed to have taken a liking to you as well...

▼ He would love to hear stories about how you lived, how things are different in your world and whom you hated and loved and liked or some random stories from childhood...He wanted to know what you are like before you came into his arms in this world.

▼ He would have a portrait of you painted on what you looked like before, and he gets a smaller copy on a page and he sleeps with the smaller portrait beside his bed! He can not get over the fact you looked so cute!

▼ Irene and you would often reminisce on how life was before you came here and how much you miss things from back then, but you both are so utterly grateful to be here and be in love with the Chamberlains...Yes, Irene liked Claudia...

▼ Oh btw, Benjamin took a weird liking for you and Lerase apparently didn't like that....and crushed his skull in his bare hands, of-course you didn't see him crush his skull, but you were there during the aftermath and god in your eyes does Felix look hot covered in blood...

▼ Oh you got Irene and Felix and told them how in the original story, Irene and Felix were meant to be together and how they both....yeah...of-course those two looked a bit grossed out and a felt a bit weird, because first, they don't like each other, they like Claudia and you respectively and they can't honestly see themselves together, no matter what you say or do...and you honestly find it funny and bring it to make the two cringe up and look grossed out...

▼ Claudia loves to hear about the pretty dresses and what women can do and can't do in the modern world and how much people wanted her and Irene to get together and sh's happy to hear that

▼ In all honesty, it's a adventure everyday with the trio and you being with them! Double dates, double couples and quadrouple trouble~

[kiestrokes]

Say My Name | Teaser | NSFW

Pairing: fratboy!Song Mingi x Reader/You/Yn Rating: NSFW. Mature (18+) Minors DNI. Genre: smut, fluff, mild angst. Warnings: consensual peer pressure, high school sweetheart breakups, college, frat boys, parties, everyone is 21 or older so no underage drinking among the main characters. Reminder this is just a wip teaser, and not the final product. Parts are subject to change in the end.

Sexually Explicit Content: eluding to an open relationship/poly!Wooyoung x Yunho x Reader nothing else for the teaser, but there will be an explicit smut scene so, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT.

Summary: You and Yunho have been childhood best friends since your mothers grew up together, living in different towns but spending all the holidays together. The friendship has always been light and easy, never serious. Reconnecting in college and exploring each other in new ways. After a second breakup with your high school sweetheart, Yunho propositions you to break your dry spell with his new fraternity brother transfer and high school friend Song Mingi. How could you say no?

🗝️ Note: Because if I never post this teaser, I will never get this fic out. This is me, holding me, accountable. ANYWAY like so many of my fic ideas this was pushed lovingly forward by @chans-room. As I couldn't shut up about the Booty Werk Yunho/Woo dance. I did write it in part to wreck gift to @minisugakoobies they have a fratboy!Hongjoong fic you all should check out. Sunny and @minttangerines were kind enough to beta it for me when I felt stuck last month, and I have added some additional parts that I hope make the fic feel more well-rounded and substantial.

Disclaimers: This is a work of fiction; I do not own any of the idols depicted below.

Posting Date: tbd.

You hadn’t added anyone new to your friend group since sophomore year when your childhood friend Yeosang had showed up at your University with Wooyoung. Which felt like forever ago but had only been three semesters. The two had taken their first semester abroad in the German exchange program.

Even then, none of your friends had ever had sex with just you. Sure, Wooyoung got drunk at parties and enjoyed making out with any of you that were willing and dancing dirty all over the sticky frat or sorority floors. 

Frat president Hongjoong was definitely not among the willing. He’d frozen up like a board when Wooyoung planted a sloppy kiss on him during his election celebration. 

Speaking of the devil, Kim Hongjoong was sauntering up to your table, with a wicked smile on his lips. Oh no. 

“Yunho told me you were finally single and ready to Mingle.” Hongjoong fixed you with a reading stare and challenging smirk. 

“HJ, not today.” You groan. 

He slides onto the table top, “no not today, but next Friday.” He plucks a fry from your dwindling order. 

You naw on your bottom lip, as Yunho approaches with Seonghwa. It seemed Hongjoong had escaped them in order to harass you first. 

“Are they coming?” Seonghwa asked excitedly, slipping his black hoodie off one shoulder to expose a black tank top below. 

You look up and right into the puppy dog eyes of Yunho, “We have another surprise for you.”

Wooyoung squeezes your elbow and with the deepest sigh you consent. 

“Fine, I’ll be there and Yeosang will too.”

“What?” Yeosang’s head whips to you from where he was slipping into the bench beside Wooyoung. 

“I’ll explain later.” Wooyoung taps his arm as Yeosang continues to bounce a confused stare from you to the frat boys across from you. 

“Lovely!” Hongjoong claps his hands together excitedly, like the mad magician he is. 

© COPYRIGHT 2021 - 2024 by kiestrokes All rights reserved. No portion of this work may be reproduced without written permission from the author. This includes translations.

[donutsupremacy]

Modern AU!Lyney Crush + Dating Hcs

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Summary

"Headcannons of how everyone's beloved magician falls in love with you and what dating him might be like!"

Warnings/Spoilers:

Modern, College AU

Gender neutral!Reader

Other side characters mentioned

Unofficial headcannons and facts (Obviously)

Definitely 100% Ooc for the sake of AU

Lyney swooning every few seconds and simping for reader as reader also simps for him

The twins are still unrelated to Arle and Fremi

Lyney stalking reader's social media profile? Yessir

Is this technically a hc post if it's 50% story and 50% hscs

A bit of PDA (Public Display of Affection)

A twinge of angst? (A tad bit of the classic couples arguements with eachother)

Fluff, no nsfw this time unfortunately (I'm feeling family friendly ykykyk)

A/N: i wanted more lyney, so here is mor lyney before I go back sleeping in the dumpster for another 4 months :3

Lyney, Lynette and Freminet are still adopted by Arlechinno, who still owns the orphanage 'House of the Hearth', except there's no shady business. Just father being good ol' strict and cold but somewhat loving father. Just don't ask where the funds and supplies come from, no blood spilt at all/hj :)

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

Your romance begins here

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

[Crushing Hcs]

When Lyney first met you, you were sitting next to him in the lecture hall. Neither of you really exchanged any words at first, you were on your phone out of boredom while Lyney was chatting with his sister, who was sitting in front of him. The most interaction you both got from eachother were polite smiles and brief 'hello's.

Once the lecture ended, you were taking your sweet time packing up your belongings, but Lyney and Lynette had left in a rush for whatever reason.

Unfortunately, it seems like you and Lyney had placed your phones a little too close to the other, resulting in the latter accidentally picking up your phone and leaving you with his. By the time you were done packing up your belongings, you noticed your phone case seemed different and realized what happened.

You end up finding the blond and two others by the cafeteria. In his hand held your phone, questioning himself on how he accidentally stole someone's phone and his concerns about getting reported for accidental theft.

When you returned his phone and retrieved yours, he apologised before introducing himself and his siblings. His younger brother, Freminet, only uttering a soft 'hi' while avoiding your eyes. His sister, Lynette, just nods as a greeting with the same blank expression.

Lyney can be really persistent at times, insisting that he buys you lunch or at least a drink despite his siblings stating that they should be leaving in a rush. And once you finally conceded defeat, he bought you your favorite drink from the vending machine before he was dragged off by his siblings. He bids you goodbye a little too enthusiastically, but it was quite adorable.

And when they were out of sight, your phone chimes from your pocket. Your screen revealing a new text from... Lyney? Texting you about meeting up tomorrow to join him and his sibling for lunch. How did he get your phone number??

Meanwhile, Lyney was walking out of the building with his siblings, his eyes glued to the phone in his hands, a slightly anxious look on his face. He nearly walked into walls and fell off the stairs for being too focused on waiting for your reply, causing his sister to reprimand his lack of awareness because he found someone cute.

Before Lyney could retort, he was distracted when you eventually replied, agreeing to his offer. Lynette had never seen her twin brother grin with so much excitement since the first time they got an offer to perform a magic trick at an event, even Freminet got a little unsettled by how much joy Lyney was radiating.

Since then, you frequently had lunch with the three, most of the chatter coming from you and Lyney. He occasionally showed a few small tricks, just to hear your praises and applaud. Meanwhile, Freminet barely spoke much, although he was slowly warming up to you. Lynette... well, she just doesn't like to talk unless you asked her a question.

Lyney seems to cling onto you a lot, even dragging his siblings along because he wouldn't fuction properly if he was alone with you. He's a little touchy as well, a few playful pokes and pinches to your warm blushing cheeks, patting your head, even wrapping an arm around your shoulder in an affectionate manner. Did he mention you smell really nice?

When someone jokingly asked Lyney if he had found a lover with how often he's texting on his phone when he was supposed to be helping around in the orphanage, it was Lynette bluntly awnsering with your name, causing embarrassment for her flustered brother a barrage of questions was asked about you.

At one point, Lyney got caught stalking your social media profile by Freminet. 2 whole minutes of awkward silence and staring, before Freminet quickly flees as Lyney frantically chased after him, trying to explain himself.

It was a slow, agonisingly painful 2 years of Lyney constantly pestering to hang out with you every second of the day and his siblings tiredly listening to his rambles in the middle of the night about his time with you. Each day, the young magician fell more and more for you.

You're cute. You're gorgeous. You're hot. You're amazing. You're talented. You're smart. (Did he mention you smelled really nice? Well once wasn't enough.) There weren't any words in the dictionary that Lyney could find that would match up to your... well, as he states— 'everything'. You had him wrapped around your little fingers. He'd follow you like a puppy would to it's owner, except this was much more than just 'puppy love'.

What was it about you that attracted Lyney anyways? Was it love at first sight with how pretty and cute you were? Your personality that had him on his knees each time you rambled about what your interests? Your voice that he could listen to for years on end without getting bored? Your quirks and so-called 'flaws' that made him see you more flawless and unique as ever? Oh, Archons, at this point Lyney knew more about you than yourself. Even Lynette thinks he's becoming a stalker.

Of course, you got closer to Freminet, treating him like your own little brother as he finds your presence rather nice. You got along quite well with Lynette too... who honestly knew more about you than you think because of Lyney.

Eventually, you had caught on by now. Lyney was heads over heels for you. And... well, it depends on whether or not you decided to play around a little by prolonging your decision to ask him out, just to tease him about his crush on you. Or if you're just as incredibly oblivious as Lyney was because of how often you swoon over the blonde as well, how could you not?

And when you manage to muster up enough courage to ask him to the movies with just the two of you... oh, it was a sight to see the aspiring magician turn a bright shade of red and speechless. Because that was only the start of your blossoming relationship with Lyney.

[Dating Hcs]

Dating Lyney at first... was definitely a ride. Lyney had placed you as his first priority over everything.

New magic tricks? He invites you to be the first person to see it privately. Craving something? He's already making a break towards the nearest store for you. If you've suddenly text him in the middle of a meal? He can feel Arlechinno's glare at his lack of manners, but it was worth it to see you asking him out on another date. Even Lynette was getting a little jealous that her brother was paying more attention to his sweetheart than his sister.

Noticing Lyney behaving more distracted than usual, it's no surprise Arlechinno summoned him to her office personally to discuss what was inhibiting him from his usual duties around the orphanage. Even the younger orphans miss their 'big brother'.

When Lyney hesitantly awnsered that you had been on his mind 24/7, her eyes softened ever so slightly. It was quite a pleasing thought that Lyney had found someone that truly makes him feel like on cloud 9 just by thinking about them.

Though, Arlechinno still can't simply forgive Lyney for getting so distracted over his love. To kill two birds with one stone, she sends Lynette to secretly invite you over to have lunch with the House of the Hearth, this way Arlechinno will get to meet you and punish Lyney's misconducts by having the children embarrass him.

That was a day to remember; Lyney's panicking and flustered reactions at your sudden arrival, with you getting overwhelmed by meeting all of Lyney's 'family', and let's not forget the way you got exhausted from playing with the younger orphans while the older ones wanted to tell you every one of Lyney's embarrassing moments when he was little.

The dinner was just a tad bit chaotic, you never felt more tense before with practically hundreds of eyes all on you and Lyney. You even met Arlechinno, her cold gaze settled on you, each and every move under her scrutiny.

Though, when you end up alone helping with the dishes, she notices how diligently you're trying to prove yourself by helping around the orphanage, even with something so small when you offered to wash the remaining 50+ dishes so she could tend to the younger orphans. You've got a long way to go to get her blessings, but you're making progress at least. She no longer glares at you, rather, giving you a nod of respect.

Lyney has gotten more clingy than ever before, it's a habit that he comes over to your place after lectures so that the both of you could discuss about the assignments and projects. Though, it would usually end in cuddles, Lyney finds it quite stress relieving when he gets to hold you in his arms and bury his face into the crook of your neck. You still smelled amazing.

Dates with Lyney... are quite messily planned. Lyney had hundreds of ideas, but it was hard to pick just one. He tailored and planned the date to suit your preferences so you could enjoy it to the maximum, even if he wouldn't have as much fun, your happiness is his happiness. In the end, Freminet and Lynette came to his rescue... after a bit of begging.

If you were okay with it, he'd sometimes asks you to be his temporary assistant in magic shows in public events. It gives Lynette some time to relax, and it allows Lyney to do something he loves while spending time with you. Win-win!

Sometimes, Lyney gets a little too fussy when you don't have time to spend with him if you're busy with something else. The deeper your relationship got with him, the more obstacles came across your paths— Namely, the time for eachother.

Don't be mad if Lyney seems to sulk and pout while waiting for you to make some time for him, he just misses you a lot when neither one of you had any free time on the same day. He's busy helping with the orphanage and performing magic shows as a side gig, you're busy with your own business as well.

If you ever got a little stressed, Lyney would be there to lend you a shoulder to cry on, listen to your worries and rants, maybe give a bit of advice even if they weren't the best. Whatever it is, just say the word, and Lyney will be there for you.

Arguements with Lyney are few to none, mostly playful banter and petty bickering over small topics. If either of you really got heated and needed some space, Lyney would send Lynette and Freminet to check up on you and confort you if he ever hurt you. And if he did... expect to see Lynette and Freminet more often, delivering flowers and gifts until you feel better enough to talk things through with Lyney. After all... he's always on your mind just as much as you were on his.

You were Lyney's first crush, his first and only love... and one day, you'll be his spouse in the future. Perhaps... the parent of his children? Even if you couldn't conceive, adoption is always a choice. It was a dream he wished to turn into reality— a life where you and him had officially tied the knot, spending the rest of your days together just enjoying life to the fullest, growing old together.

And Lyney couldn't wait until the day for you call him your husband.

[strawberrylabs]

Lyney with a shy readerrrr? 👀 Maybe friends to lovers scenario? 🥺

yessss my Lyney brainrot is growing.

I very much enjoyed writing this one!

WARNINGS: spoilers for the 4.0 archon quest and Lyney's story quest. Very discreetly alludes to SA/mistreatment

reader will be gn!

Lyney x Shy!reader- friends to lovers!

so I can see this going two ways: childhood friends to lovers or normal friends to lovers.

personally I'm obsessed with the idea of childhood friends to lovers, so I'll be going with that one.

You were one of the children kept by the horrible noble that had Lynette. Lyney saved you along with all the other kids

From then on, the three of you have worked together for "Father"

While Lyney and Lynette focused on their performances, you often worked in sneaking around behind the scenes while people were distracted.

You also helped promote Lyney and Lynette through the steambird

When Lyney and Lynette first met you, you were very quiet.

Whether it was just in your nature or as a response to what you may have gone through in the hands of the noble prior to your meeting

over the course of the years, you slowly opened up to the two-- Lyney more so out of the pair

You did technically owe him your life after all

Lynette picked up on Lyney's feelings early on. He was the first to fall

But he was conflicted.

He knew how dangerous working for the House of the Hearth could be. He was already paranoid about something happening to Lynette, he couldn't bare to think about someone using you against him

But then over time, you too fell for the magician

And of course Lynette noticed that too

Lynette tries as hard as she can to create situations where the two of you are alone together

"Alright! (Lee), Lynette! Today was a good show! What say we grab a bite to eat on the way back?"

"Actually, I'm going the the steambird. Charlotee wanted an interview."

"What? She didn't mention that earlier.."

"We arranged it just moment ago."

"Wait- Lynette-"

"I'll see you two at home."

"..Shall we go get lunch with just the two of us then?"

"..s-sure."

Thankfully, because Lyney is so talkative, one on one dates hangouts are never awkward

He always has something to say, and he always finds a way to include you

"So I was thinking about bringing you on stage in our next show! I wanted to show off some of my natural charm to the audience, but I can't very well use my twin sister for that can I? But I also don't feel like bringing a fangirl on stage, so I figure I should bring up someone I'm comfortable being flirtatious around!"

he was avoiding eye contact as he said this. If you looked hard enough, you could see his ears were pink too.

"A-And that someone is.. me..?"

"Why of course! You... You're special to me after all, (Lee)"

Lynette was cheering from the table a few feet away as she listened in

The relationship was great, you already knew everything about each other.

It was a bit slow moving when it came to affection though

And so, Lyney's new favorite hobby was formed: teasy you

You poor, poor soul.

The SECOND you blush about ANYTHING he does, he's teasing you.

Exhibit A:

Lyney was in the middle of a performance in the street for some kids and their parents,

"Ah! Look everyone, here comes my lovely partner now! (Lee) dear, come here a moment."

Next thing, he's pulling out some flowers from nowhere and turning them into a flower crown for you.

"There! Doesn't (Lee) look pretty? Aww it would seem my beloved is a little shy."

He definetly grabs your chin and looks into your eyes like a smug bastard we love him though

"There's no need to be shy. I'm not lying when I say you are stunning."

Charlotte has written soooo many articles about you two its not even funny

And Fontanians are living for it

Despite his antics, he never takes things too far.

Like he'd never do something to embaress you if he knew you'd be upset or uncomfortable

And if he ever makes you too upset he will always apologise

With flowers he pulls from his hat

But that rarely happens. He's known you for 10 years now. He knows your boundaries like the back of his hand

The first time you tell him you love him, it's after the trial with the traveler- specifically after they've walked away after confronting Lyney about lying to them

"Lyney.."

"..."

"I'm going to see Freminet. He's probably worried after not seeing us for so long."

"..Lyney. You know the traveler just needs some time to process. We didn't mean any harm by hiding it from them."

"I know! I know.. "

"... I'm proud of you. And... I love you"

You have never seen Lyney so genuinely surprised

As a magician and fatuu, he's seen it all. And above all he knows never to let his facial expressions give away what he's thinking

But he let himself slip this once.. He let his love and admiration for you show clearly on his face

"And I love you too, my dove. My darling (Lee)"

sobbing. I want a Lyney in my life.

-Strawberry

Masterlist

Rules

[halcyonfawn]

the blitz, part three

i don't usually post my thoughts on tv shows here; i tend to annoy my clueless friends with insanely long voice messages instead. but this time i thought why not so here we are.

[forgive me for my poor english in advance]

let's talk about 1941. i strongly believe this year holds a very significant meaning for aziraphale and crowley's relationship. of course, we all know that, it's like saying the earth is round, but i'm curious as to what exactly had changed their relationship during that year.

if there is going to be a third part of the blitz sequence in season 3, somehow i can see aziraphale and crowley getting heavily drunk after the magic show and all the "shades of grey" talk. a continuation of their date night which has been theorised many times already, but i can't stop thinking about the possible outcomes and how it would explain aziraphale's "you go too fast for me, crowley" later on. sure, they could've met in the middle between 1941 and 1967, we don't know that for this time being, but if they haven't, then, no doubt, something truly pivotal happend in 1941. obviously, the bullet catch trick was quite a stressful experience for both crowley and aziraphale. not to mention the fact that they were almost exposed by furfur. it'd be foolish to think they weren't terrified and even traumatized after all that'd happened. so, perhaps, that's why aziraphale's so afraid to hang out (take a step forward in their relationship?) with crowley in 1967? he's being cautious and doesn't want to take another risk? or did something else happen during the blitz that we don't know yet?

so, 1941. here they are, drunk and a bit giddy. pouring more wine, talking gibberish. it has been a crazy day and alcohol is the greatest stress reliever they desperately need at the moment. then, at some point, they start to reminisce the events of the day.

1. church. explosion. the books. "that was very kind of you". heart eyes. realisation of love?

aziraphale realised he was in love with crowley. that is one of the things that happened in 1941. and it's huge. and it shows! the way aziraphale looks at crowley, trusts him with his life, invites him in for a romantic candlelight dinner afterwards.

so why wouldn't we see the angel in love in the hypothetical part three of the blitz? that'd be logical.

2. the bullet catch trick. miracles blocked. crowley almost shooting aziraphale in the head. possible trauma?

for crowley (not to exclude aziraphale, of course, i doubt he was anticipating the moment the bullet would go through his head in case of failure), this whole magic show was torturous. it's in the way his hands are shaking when holding a gun. and, though funny, how he rapidly goes through the instructions in the book upon realising their miracles aren't working.

now we know why crowley despises aziraphale's "magician mode". god- satan- who knows what can happen if aziraphale tries to do magic again.

they don't address these things to each other, of course. because that's what they do: they never say what they're really thinking. but alcohol tends to loosen one's tongue. and, perhaps, that is another important thing that happens in 1941.

now, we know aziraphale had done the "i was wrong dance" several times throughout the history, including the year mentioned.

maybe crowley asked him to do that as a form of an apology after the absolute hell the angel made him go through. and even though, it wasn't aziraphale's fault entirely (nobody could've guessed the furfur's ambush), crowley did almost blew his brains out. and it didn't feel great. moreover, considering that they constantly quarrel, they seem to save the dance for more serious fights, if i may say so.

and after all that happened on the west end stage, crowley deserves a proper apology.

so, he says "do the dance" and is met with drunken protestations, but eventually aziraphale does it. his head spins, his whole body wobbles after several bottles of wine, but he manages to pull off the dance except for the very last move.

it doesn't look like a very steady position to me. not to mention, aziraphale is drunk and it makes it almost impossible for him to hold balance when standing at all. so when he trembles and trips, ready for his face to be smashed across the floor, crowley catches him and this is where "the big thing" happens (a bit cliché, i know).

now, some people believe they might've kissed before season 2 episode 6. i tend to disagree but i do believe in the almost-kiss. and i think something similar could happen in the blitz part 3 (in case we get it), if we remind ourselves that aziraphale had just realised he was in love with crowley.

even though the demon manages to save his angel (once again) from falling, he is just as drunk as aziraphale.

"you need to ssssober up, angel", crowley might say.

"so do you!" aziraphale might respond.

from what we've seen, crowley is not comfortable yet to take off his sunglasses in the bookshop in 1941. frankly, he never is until season 2.

but when he's drunk, he tosses them to the nearby sofa.

they exchange a few phrases, aziraphale's still holding onto crowley's arms, they're both barely standing. after a while, the room goes quiet so aziraphale just stares. lovingly. at crowley's eyes. the demon notices.

"wot?" he might ask.

and then...

"your eyes are so pretty" aziraphale might blurt out.

[it sounds very cheesy, i know. if i could write a fanfiction, i would, but my self criticism won't let me.]

vavoom! this is where something shifts. something changes. i imagine aziraphale leaning in for a kiss and crowley's having a mix of confusion and unknown longing on his face. but, obviously, life is no fairy-tale. something interrupts them (i haven't made up my mind on what exactly) and it ruins the moment. and it's very distracting, since they sober up almost immediately. and, to me, aziraphale would suddenly come to realisation that if they get closer, if he acts on his feelings once again, then it'd be taking a huge risk of them being caught collaborating together. so he pushes crowley away. and this is how we come to "you go too fast for me, crowley".

[thank you for reading my midnight thoughts if you got this far!]

[sweetlikehoneystingslikeabee]

For Hatters, how would they react to crush wearing playboy bunny suit at Halloween party?

"A Hat-Trick" Hatter Party x Reader

This is cute! Asks like this are fun because it's just these characters wanting to kiss you so bad it makes them look stupid. And I love that for you guys.

TW: Hypnosis

BTAS

Being the gentleman he is, he needs to make sure no one is harassing you for your chosen costume. By staying right next to you the entire party. This is certainly because he is a gentleman and it's not jealousy. You look lovely, by the way. He'd only really imagined you looking like this in his fantasies, pardon that he's flush.

In his nervousness, he's going to start talking about rabbits. He works with research, you know, lots of rabbits at the facility. Did you know they need special endotracheal tubes to be anesthetized? Their mouths hardly open so it's almost impossible to do them otherwise! Oh, oh and did you know rabbits can have up to twelve kits a litter and can get pregnant almost immediately after again? And that's not even to talk about the white rabbit and Alice in Wonderland-

He's going to babble until you stop him, basically. Then he's flush and apologizing. He makes a joke that perhaps he could hypnotize you and you'd just forget all that, eh? These days he's trying his best to not hypnotize his crushes, but... It is still tempting if it meant getting your attention.

It doesn't come to that as you still, for some ponderous, wondrous reason, you aren't trying to ditch him! It takes all night but eventually he'll work his way into asking you if you'd like to go for tea sometime. Finally. It only took him three months of stewing in this crush to ask you on a date.

Gotham

He didn't dress any particular way for this party. Really, he'll joke that he dressed as the magician to your rabbit. Just in case anyone thought they were going to get close to you at this little event. This will end up in a much larger and quickly-thought out plot that involves him performing party tricks with you as his "lovely assistant."

If you're not too careful, you'll be the subject of a hypnosis demonstration. He'll have you sway on an invisible tight-rope, swaying your hips to keep balance. Nothing dangerous. Even if he knows he could get you to do it flawlessly... He'd still rather not risk it. One thing he knows he can get away with however, is to tell you to kiss him. As if you're lovers meeting after a long time apart. He savors it, the feeling of your tongue on his.

When you wake up, you'll feel almost dizzy. What a good little bunny you were for him! Was it warm? How good did you feel? He asks just the right questions to try and get you flustered. At first he might even hint that something more salacious happened while you were under. Nothing that he thinks would make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe... but just enough to make your imagination run wild.

Then he asks if you want a repeat performance, just the two of you. Surely a little white rabbit such as yourself would graciously invite him to wonderland.

Arkham

Immediately taking off his jacket to cover you. No, no, just *where* is the rest of your outfit? Did it get eaten by the jabberwock on your way here? You must be freezing! Your poor little bunny tail!

Once you tell him it's intentional, he feels a rare emotion for him- embarrassment. Of course. It's not that he hadn't seen a playboy bunny before, he just never realized how delectable your legs really were- hm? What did he say? Nothing. You look wonderful.

let us be honest. He doesn't have a LOT in terms of shame, so once he's over the initial thing, he's going to want to get handsy. So many curves on display! Brushing his fingertips over your waist. If you told him no, he would stop. Yes, he would. You're special, he respects you, yes. No one likes being pawed by a cad. He is muttering this out loud.

If you encourage him at all, however, it'll be give an inch take a mile. It's an excuse he's been wanting, really. After all, he's been so fond of you already.

Such a lack of fabric, you'll really need him to make your costume next year. It can be just as showy if you'd like, he has no issue with that. But it'll give him your exact measurements for future outfits he might want to make...

[taldigi]

Raises hands in the air triumphantly. I did it. I went through all 150 pages of the Souyo tag on Ao3 and I only got my heart broken three times.

Observations:

-GOD can you believe that this archive goes all the way back to 2008. Wild.

Once the date reaches about 2014 things get really horny. So much untagged and unrated smut. So many tags just not used. I forgot how little people used to tag or describe their fics. I never thought I would see the term "shounen ai" again but alas such is the Fate of those who delve into deep dark histories

People were really fucking mad about Yu Narukami becoming the canon name. Souji 🤝 Akira. History repeats itself.

top tropes in no order: Yosuke, professional Yu interpreter. Yu having weird little ticks & Yosuke obsessing over them. Yu, unable to function without his special little guy (A fool and his magician right?!) "Chie: Please stop the psychic bro shit and tell the rest of us what you are planning PLEASE for the love of GOD-"

audio sensory issues Yosuke hhhhh. When he comforts Yu by giving him his headphones nnnnhhhhh *screams and cries and slams hands into ground*

Yosuke's Junes Dungeon. Enough said.

I genuinely thought that Rise would have been depicted as bitchy or mean but like I must have been really lucky with the ones I picked to read because wingman Rise is actually insanely delightful and I love her.

Shadow Yu stories actually fucking Rock. There were some stinkers but like in general it was a huge helll yeaaahhh when he pops up. fav takes are when Yu has issues about the concept that he never got to face his shadow.

that being said "most popular ship in the p4p/youske tag is shadow yosuke x yu" *sage nodding* they're right

Yosuke gay panic fics are dime a dozen but damn they're like potato chips I can't stop eating them. num num num. Well yes he does go into excruciating details about how wonderful and amazing his partner is and yes I love it please break him in half.

Bonus points for YU gay panic too. As a treat. Yu as a guy who has his shit together is all great and all but it's better when that all gets rocked and shuffled up.

Star!Yu as a grey kitten mascot is everything I wanted and more.

ME, WEARING A TATTERED ROBE AND TOUCHING THE SCORCHED GROUND "Community: badbadbathhouse": Something bad happened here.

11/5 COMFORT FICS ARE THE BEST AND I LOVE THEM yu is always tehre for the yoosk and him stepping up to be there for yu is so good.

[noodyl-blasstal]

Super-ish

It's day 9 of @taznovembercelebration and I drew "superhero AU". Taako's speed dating to save the puppy orphans!

Read below or on Ao3 and find yesterday's prompt here.

--

The bell clangs loudly and it can't come soon enough. It's a melody, a sweet symphony of horrible bell janglies because it means Taako gets to move on.

When Magnus told him there was a speed dating event to raise money for the puppy orphanage Taako definitely, 100%, absolutely told him it was a fucking stupid idea. He knows those words came out of his face, near certainly followed by 'what nerd's gonna show up to that?' Apparently him? Apparently he's the nerd that's gonna show up to it. He doesn't know how it happened, it's like he blacked out and woke up with at least twenty of the worst men in the city taking turns to talk at him.

Magnus looks so pleased with himself, he and Julia are holding hands, even when Magnus rings the bell. They keep looking at him expectantly every time too. He has to keep giving them a small head shake and destroying their dreams of finally pairing him off and getting to go on double dates. Taako's the perma third wheel baby, get used to it.

Honestly, Taako was sick of his single status, and maybe that was how Magnus wore him down. He tried at first, he did, but there were only so many times he could be talked at tonight. His most promising match so far seemed to be the spider magician. If he wasn't in a fucking cult he'd probably be a great bet, but the guy's deep in the sauce. Also, Taako and Brian?? Terrible. There's no mystery in it. What are they gonna portmanteau to? Taian? Braako? Bad. No way. Taako needs sophistication, he needs...

"Kravitz." Says the, admittedly handsome, dude he plunks himself down opposite. Something's gotta be wrong with him. He's wearing a three piece suit, a nice one, his tie has a tasteful skull pattern and Taako wanted to inspect his raven collar pin. He wanted to inspect a lot of things about Kravitz. Corporate goth with flair, most other people were in jeans and a t-shirt... or their spider magic uniform.

"So, what're you in for?" Taako asks. He's long given up on the suggested questions on the sheet. He doesn't know if he cares about this guy's job yet, or if he wants kids or likes sports.

"I'm here to find true love, obviously... Taako?" Kravitz glances at Taako's name badge and actually pronounces it right, suspect behaviour, if you ask him, along with taking this seriously.

Kravitz manages to hold his face in a sappy smile for a few moments before he cracks and laughs. "My friend bullied me into it. Bought me a ticket, drove me here with her wife. I've actually possibly been kidnapped - do you think I need to tell anyone?"

"Hmmm, are you having a bad time? I think it's only kidnap of you're not enjoying yourself."

"Then it's partial kidnap. I wasn't having a good time before , but I am now."

Okay, so he was funny too, funny and handsome, Taako likes funny and handsome. Taako can work with funny and handsome, especially if he keeps flirting.

"How about you? Why are you here?" Kravitz asks and leans in like he's interested in the answer.

"I have no idea. Not in a 'they knocked me out and put me in a trunk and now I'm here' way, more a 'my friend turned every ounce of his enthusiasm on me and I got caught in the tractor beam and now I'm here' way."

Kravitz nods sympathetically, like he understands, like the same thing could happen to anyone.

"That's him, over there, staring intently at us right now." Taako waggles his fingers at Magnus, who raises his eyebrows questioningly. "He's the most married man I know who isn't my brother in law."

"Gross." Says Kravitz happily and waves at Magnus too, probably giving him false hope. Magnus looks delighted.

"Anyway..." says Kravitz, "...down to business, if you could fly to the moon via any object and have one cheese as a snack, what would you choose?" Kravitz picks up his pen to take notes like he's taking this seriously, like he's considering Taako as a life partner. Wild.

But... the thing is, Taako likes to win.

"Unicorn." He replies immediately. "With two horns. If Taako's going to the moon he's gonna go in style."

"What's the unicor... Binicorn? called?" Okay, Kravitz is operating near his level, he knows how to play.

"Binicorn, thank you for respecting Garyl's identity. Now, cheesewise, cheesewise you got me because there's options, see, there's manchego because it's smooth and it's got the fun texture; but could cha'boy whip up a baked camembert with hot honey and garlic?"

Kravitz considers for a moment, then nods. "I'll allow it." He jots some things down on his black notepad with his silver ink pen. It was covered in tiny bats.

Taako admires the commitment to aesthetic theme. Taako also desperately, passionately, needs to know what he's writing. It'd better be "hottest man alive, great cheese opinions, 69/10"

"But the problem is, the problem is, that cave aged cheddar exists. It's got the bits."

"The mineral chunks!" Kravitz adds with enthusiasm.

"A man of taste I see!"

"I like to think so."

Kravitz sounds like he's flirting. Taako was probably flirting? He oozed it apparently, had no idea it was happening most of the time. People got angry about it sometimes, but you can't lead someone on if you don't know you're doing it.

"How about you, cheese and object?"

"Giant raven, mozzarella shreds straight out of the bag." Kravitz doesn't even look ashamed.

He's disgusting, he's perfect.

The bell rings, loud and unwelcome. It's far too soon, Magnus clearly fucked up the timings, but some guy is walking over here like he's planning to sit down?

"Keep it moving, kemosabe, this seat's taken."

Maybe he should have checked with Kravitz before engaging this plan, but he hasn't objected, so Taako's going to assume he's on board.

Magnus looks confused and gives the bell another jangle while looking straight at Taako - which means he misses the chaos it causes as everyone else stands up and rotates again. Julia tugs their conjoined hands and gently guides him away from ringing a third time.

"Nope." Taako doesn't even look round at the second guy. He's absolutely not budging, this is the first conversation even vaguely worth his time. Goth boy is his now, actually.

"Thank you." Kravitz looks relieved enough that Taako doesn't feel any guilt. "You're stuck with me now, you can't throw me back into the man pit."

"If you insist, but the man pit sounds intriguing."

"The man mines?"

"Yeah, okay, Taako doesn't do heavy labour."

"I bet you did while you were carrying all those prior conversations." Kravitz wiggles his eyebrows, dork.

"Speaking of which what's your shit superpower?" Taako asks. "I mean, you can tell Taako if you can stop time or whatever too, cha'boy isn't a snitch, but this is about the day to day powers." Taako kind of hopes he can stop time, honestly, then he doesn't have to worry about Magnus' bell ringing.

"I run the perfect bath every time." Kravitz barely hesitates, just has it ready to go.

"You know how you like your bath?" Taako's not convinced Kravitz understands the question.

"Oh, no, you misunderstand me, anyone, no matter who, I can run them the perfect bath." Kravitz looks totally confident. It's weirdly sexy. Maybe it has been too long since Taako dated...

"Run many baths for strangers, have you?"

Kravitz winces slightly, oh, now Taako's intrigued.

"There was this whole thing in college." Kravitz begins.

This sounds like it's going to get unhinged. Taako needs to know this story right now immediately. He rests his chin on his hand and may or may not flutter his eyelashes a little, no one can prove anything one way or another.

Kravitz looks like he's running sums in his head, big ones, difficult ones, with scary number teeth.

"You can't dangle something like that and then stop!" Taako needs to hear.

"It... well... when I..." Kravitz starts, then seems to find his feet. "Sloane, my married friend, off of kidnapping me fame."

Taako nods to show he follows.

"We went to college together, in Goldcliff."

Taako winces.

"Yeah, exactly. We were full ride scholarships, but most people were so posh and so rich and so unaware. The cost of everything there was ridiculous - so we needed money."

It's a shame Kravitz isn't loaded, but at least he's not saddled with college debt and was smart enough for someone to give him money about it.

"I ran Sloane a bath one time after she had a hellish shift at the roller skate diner and I guess she mentioned offhand that I ran the perfect bath because Johann asked if I'd do one for him and he was a friend so I did and he loved it." There's definitely pride in his tone. This is incredible, Taako wants to study him. Lup's gonna get a kick out of this.

"Sloane thought it was the perfect rich people nonsense magnet - pay 40 quid for the perfect bath. Pocket change to them, a week of food for us."

Taako nods as if this is a reasonable plan, a completely normal thing to do with one's time. "Bath consultant, right, of course."

"Oh, no, no no Taako, there's no consultation, I just do it. Wham, bam, perfect bath every time. It was weird enough that they'd pay it to test it out, and then they'd tell their friends and their friends would test it out. Snowballing. Bathballing." Kravitz looks so earnest, so keen for Taako to understand the magnitude of his powers.

"You bathballed your way through college?" Taako adores this man. He's going to pick him up so carefully, take him home and put him in a special box and just look at him.

Kravitz nods. "What can I say? I'm talented."

He looks so self confident, so pleased with himself, Taako's probably being goaded right now... But, but...

"What kind of bath do I like?"

"I can't tell you."

"Is it illegal?"

"I can't describe the perfect bath, and if I tried you might do something that gives me an indication of what you like which is cheating. I don't need to cheat. I have to just do it."

Okay, Taako's in. "What're you doing after this, handsome?"

"Running you a bath?"

"You can run us both a bath, if you'd like."

Kravitz's smile is wide, but he pretends to take a second to consider anyway. "Hmmm... What's your shit power? You'll need to show me yours if I show you mine."

Taako laughs lightly. "You're never going to believe this, Kraveroo, but cha'boy makes the perfect breakfast. Whatever you're craving in the morning will be what Taako already decided to make."

"I can't wait."

-

I hope you enjoyed! Want to read more? Find the next prompt here.

[quodekash]

I rewatched episode 7 like 6 or 7 times this week im so ready for episode 8 and for all the fluff and then for the angst to come crashing in and for my dreams to be crushed

lets do this

SAILOM'S EXPRESSION I CANT WITH HIM

and it's a perfectly reasonable expression, saifah's very very sus

GOOD JOB KANGGGGGG

IM SO PROUD OF YOU MY BOY THATS AMAZING

HES SO HAPPY LOOK AT HOW HAPPY MY BOY IS

THE WORDS OF AFFIRMATION LOVE LANGUAGE BOY

AAAAAA

the SAME bed, mayhaps?????

yess yess yesssss

NOT ANYMORE BITCH

YOU'VE GOT A CLINGY-ASS BOYFRIEND NOW, AINT NO WAY HE'S SLEEPING IN HIS OWN BED

his expression says it all

seriously I love him so much

perth is such an amazing actor

B O Y F I E ???

HIS LITTLE POUTY FACE-

sailom, sorry mate, but he's too powerful. you can't say no to that face

kang I know you're obsessed with him but you need to go to sleep my guy

trust me, you wont do well on your exam if you dont sleep enough

you can't just stare at your boyfriend the whole night

yES???

OOOOO YES THIS IS AN INTERESTING QUESTION

bc there was no affection behind that kiss, it was anger and fury and revenge, anyone could see that, but when I was watching the first three episodes (I didn't start the series until the day after episode 3 came out) id kinda had the sense that there was a part of sailom that felt self-satisfaction at finally having kissed him? but idk im interested to see what he actually says

yes!! thats what I thought!!!!

I LIVE AND BREATHE FOR KANG'S CHEESY-ASS PICKUP LINES

I ALSO LIVE AND BREATHE FOR THE WAY SAILOM CANT CONTROL HIS LAUGHTER AT HOW B A D THOSE CHEESY-ASS PICKUP LINES ARE

ASHDFAHSDFHASDHFADSHFHASDFH

look I knew the spooning was inevitable but that doesnt mean it doesnt have the power to murder me senseless

HE LITERALLY HAS HIS HEAD ON SAILOM'S PILLOW HE'S LIKE CLING WRAP ON A SANDWICH

are kang's legs on top of sailom

BEHIND THE CURTAIN???? THERE'S NO WAY THAT'LL WORK

JUST GO TO THE BATHROOM YOU DOOFUS

no but that would be ADORABLE and I wish that was part of the plot alongside the kangsailom stuff

w h a t

is kang secretly a magician??? is that what the whole plot is ACTUALLY about, kang's secret ambitions to become a magician?

(it definitely isn't but I would absolutely read a fic about that so if anyone wants to volunteer please send it to me somehow)

OMG

THEYRE ALL EATING LUNCH TOGETHER????????????

AND GUYNAWA ARE RIGHT ACROSS FROM EACH OTHER???????????

BOV4IERLHFBNDSVOERI I LOVE GROUP DYNAMICS SO THIS MIGHT KILL ME

YEEEEEE

AND IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY

suuuuuuure buddy

you just dont want to admit that you like hanging around them

a DATE??? a DATE you say??????

are they aware of how flirtatious they're being? I would hope that they're aware of how flirtatious they're being

close, auto, very close. they're actually deeply in love with each other but they're both too afraid to admit it so they express it through pretend hatred

but they did get drunk together so I dunnoooo

AAAAAAAA

THEYRE SOUNDWINING AGAIN

I REPEAT, THEY ARE SOUNDWINING AGAIN

.........im ten minutes in and already ran out of images for one Tumblr post.

[archivalofsins]

So, let's talk about this thumbnail and line shall we.

Despite the line alluding to carnival/circus culture. Oh- wait you think I should explain that? You think we should waste time explaining how the term masquerade alludes to that. Well, I do too because no one else seems to have noticed.

Masquerades began around the fifteenth century and would become a staple of the Carnival Season. Many children who grew up on Disney would be familiar with it from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. People who grew up on that would also know that the king of the masquerade in that film or the king for a day is the King of Fools.

On a more recent note fans of The Case Study of Vanitas/ Vanitas No Carte would also be familiar with masquerade imagery. Due to the parade of Charlatan

Along with masquerade balls also known as Bal Masque. Because of-

Memoire 7- Bal Masque: Night of the Sneering Masks

Now carnival and masked performances have been related to multiple nomadic cultures. There is also a stigma around carnivals, circuses, and state fairs that allege individuals that work in those sorts of professions or areas are conman, thieves and tricksters. This comes up again regarding the tarot because this myth just dates back that far. Many people who worked in these areas were accused at times baselessly of being frauds and thieves and were directly under German persecution during the second world war.

Most notably in this case being the Romani people.

Sidenote everyone that has been deeply related to Mahiru's situation have had feathers in their songs this trial. Mirroring her in This Is How To Be In Love With You-

Kazui continues this trend. As it has been implied, he is going to speak on Mahiru's situation in his voice drama as well just as Yuno did.

"I feel bad for her."

However, unlike Yuno who spoke on her and has been connected to Mahiru within the portal timeline heavily since trial two began- Kazui has not been.

It should also be noted that unlike Yuno who is tearing up a pillow and releasing these feathers Kazui's thumbnail more so mirrors Mahiru within the beginning of This Is How To Be In Love With You.

They are both posing in a space where feathers are falling the only difference being Kazui's feathers are white instead of blue. There may be multiple birds to account for all the feathers dropping in Kazui's video proper or it could be a case of us not really knowing where these came from just like in Mahiru's instance.

Bringing more credence to Mahiru's line in I Love You,

"It’s ok for everyone else but not for me."

Something that really doesn't make sense for her to say because she was not the only prisoner voted guilty. Three other prisoners were voted Guilty as well. Making a statement like this could only make sense if she knows everyone else that killed due to love was voted Innocent except her.

In comparison to Futa's line in Backdraft which is far more specific,

"Why are the others INNOCENT? I won’t forgive, won’t forgive."

Also, despite the fact that his highlighted line alludes to masquerades Kazui is noticeably maskless this calls to attention his line in his song trailer,

"I'm probably a phony, through and through."

This connected back to his new highlighted lyric and his correctly fitting suit within the thumbnail seems to call attention to his development over the course of the trials. From his stiff unfitting lies and obvious masks to one that can hardly be told apart from his face.

Appearing as a magician commanding the stage and leading the audience into seeing what he wants them to see while overlooking the things he wishes to hide. Be that through sleight of hand or distractions dressed up as theatrics. This also highlights how Half may not have only displayed how he is a viewer and actor in his life but his wish to not only be able to lie on a set stage but whenever necessary. He wanted to present himself this way not only publicly but in his private life as well.

Something alluded to in his voice drama,

"And even if you recognize me as a murderer- That would be a conclusion that only someone deeply familiar with my circumstances could reach."

A line that could very much allude that someone close to Kazui was either aware or suspicious of him when it came to what transpired. Giving new context to certain written interrogation answers.

Q.13 Who do you want to see right now?

Kazui: They won’t see me anymore.

Amane: My father. I want him to praise me for all my hard work.

He says this person won't see him anymore not that they can't. So, this person isn't dead they are just choosing not to see him for some reason. If this individual was deeply familiar with Kazui's circumstances it would explain Kazui's noticeably anxious behavior during his voice drama as he discusses how Milgram came to the conclusion that he was a murderer as he may be genuinely wondering if someone ratted him out.

This would also explain his interest in who's in charge at Milgram and what it's connected to.

"I don't think someone like you could be looking over all ten of us right now, there must be some sort of organization behind all of this."

Now that he's collected more information despite not really changing much, he seems to have become more comfortable within Milgram as a facility. Similarly, to how he became more relaxed after looking into how the barrier worked.

Well, that's all I've gathered from the thumbnail on my end I'm going back to finishing that other post now.

[kimbap-r0ll]

Hi kimbap! I have this request! Imagine Chrollo is on a date with reader. But suddenly, that guy who's been begging for a fight called Hisoka appears and ruins the mood. This takes place while they're playing hide and seek. Reader is fully aware of the whole ordeal beforehand and is pretty pissed because their date got ruined. The date that almost never happens because Chrollo was never around.

Thank yaaa💕

Hm, not too sure what to do with this but I have an idea. Idk if it's a sweet idea but it exists nonetheless. It's a short scenario

Reader and Chrollo's date gets ruined by Hisoka

You were likely with Chrollo on a stroll in some abandoned grounds of a long forgotten temple when suddenly Chrollo said that the two of you should split up to look for something. It was a weird request, but you listened nonetheless

Perhaps this was a mistake, because the moment you two split up Chrollo just dashed away. It felt a little offensive because of how fast he ran off, but you also had a sense that something was following the two of you.

You're question was answered when a card came flying in your direction, almost slitting your throat. You ducked out of the way, almost falling over at the sudden push your leg made to move away from wherever the card flew from

"Oh, I didn't expect to see you here," you recognize that voice. It was the one that Chrollo was being sought out by, the one that betrayed the spiders.

"Hisoka," you murmured, looking up slowly to meet the magician's gaze. He was shuffling some cards around as he walked closer to you. Quickly you stood up, taking a defensive stance

"Oh please, I'm not here to fight you, rather, I need your help to find my date," Hisoka said

"You mean my date?" You snap, he smiled back at you, clearly amused by your anger. He knew that you were as angry at him as the rest of the troupe. It was because of him that Pakunoda died after all.

"No worries, we can have a date with three people, yes? Now, then, where did he run to?" He answered you, clearly not concerned with you. With a quick burst of nen you dashed towards him to at least get a punch on him, however he swung his leg into your stomach, causing you to stop

You fell on your knees, trying to gasp for air because of the kick but he tried to hit you with a card again. "You know, if I present your dead body to Chrollo, would that make him more willing to accept my invitation?"

"I'm not going to entertain that," you glare at him, but he still has that casual smile on his lips. Oh he was going to pay for ruining the day

[dcu-rarepair]

Day 4 Gifts

Eight fantastic Gifts have been released for Day Four! Head to the Collection to check them out, and view the Release Schedule to see what’s in store!

We also have a handy Commenting Guide to help our Giftees with showing their Giftors some love. And now, here’s today’s works: 

put my lips to something by anonymous for boyswonder

Omegaverse AU, Sex Pollen Explicit | No Archive Warnings Apply Dick Grayson/Kaldur'ahm | Jackson Hyde Dick and Kaldur are on a simple mission to investigate some strange occurrence off the coast of Happy Harbor. It should be a simple little mission to retrieve some data, perhaps they could banter a little, maybe Dick could summon the courage to ask Kaldur on another date. They may be biting off more than they can chew.

Falling in Love in a Stolen Corvette by anonymous for SasheneSkywalker

Teen and Up | No Archive Warnings Apply Tim Drake/Roy Harper/Jason Todd Dick sees Jason fall to the enemy, Batman is certain his second son is dead. But without a body Arsenal refuses to believe them. Tim knows his best bet at rescuing Jason lies with Roy Harper. Tim convinces Roy to take him on the road trip to chase down an alien ship and rescue the man they both love.

the animosity of dandelions by anonymous for Nightwang

Explicit | Rape/Non-Con Stephanie Brown/Pamela Isley Vigilantism has rules. Rule number one: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Prepare for the worst. Rule number two: If a situation looks too good to be true, it is. Don't trust it. Steph finds herself backed into a corner with no way out, but she's not going down without a fight.

Wait That's Not What Omega Beams are Supposed to do, Is It??? by anonymous for somagni

Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics Explicit | No Archive Warnings Apply John Constantine/Clark Kent "They weren't expecting me. They actually set up a barrier so that I wouldn't notice them, except..." "'cept, just their rotten luck, it was across the street from you and your mates," John said. "And, when they spotted great old Man of Steel, their 'amateur magician' panicked, and hit you with a - what did he call it?" Superman looked uncomfortable, eyes flickering away. "I, uh... I think he was trying to replicate Darkseid's powers. Specifically, his 'Omega Beams'." "Your amateur magician was a fucking moron," John said, because what kind of idiotic human tried to summon the power of a New God? "Yeah, well, he certainly hit me with an omega beam." Superman's cheeks were pink, pretty and rosey. Kryptonians don't have a secondary gender dynamic, and neither does Clark... Until now.

Ceasefire by anonymous for forestgreen

Vikings AU Explicit | No Archive Warnings Apply Apollo/Midnighter/Jason Todd Their bond is something forged in fiercer flames.

Tara and Joseph by anonymous for lovesickseraph

Art | General Audience | No Archive Warnings Apply Tara Markov/Joseph Wilson Sweethearts enjoying their date in civvies.

You're ripped at every edge, but you're a masterpiece by anonymous for syrennetim

First Date Teen and Up | No Archive Warnings Apply Hal Jordon (Green Lantern)/Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne Clark sends another text. Clark: It’s a date :) Hal drops the phone. or Hal and Clark finally finish their date from legend of the green flame, someone else might be tagging along this time

And The World Keeps Spinning by anonymous for BearlyWriting

Mature | Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Mia Dearden/Jason Todd Everyone keeps assuring her that the Red Hood is as crazy and out of control as any other murdering creep in a costume; that she was lucky to survive. Some of them, like Batman and Nightwing, actually know the guy. And they have a lot of experience. Way more than her. They know what they’re talking about. It’s just… She is lucky she got away. Really lucky. Despite her training, Red Hood had captured her as easily as picking up his dry cleaning. If he’d really wanted to hurt her, it would have been all too easy. The only conclusion is that he let her go. It takes three days to accept that truth. After that… well, the floodgates have been thrown open. Everything that’s happened, all the shit she’s been through in her life… it's scary how easily she can picture going the other way, letting the anger and bitterness and bone-deep injustice lead her down a more violent path of vengeance and righteous fury.

[lake-archive]

Happy Birthday Natsume Sakasaki (2024)

Franchise: Ensemble Stars

Characters: Natsume Sakasaki, Anja-Sophia 'Ann' Wolff (OC), Sora Harukawa, Tsumugi Aoba

Pairing: Natsann (implied, developing)

Words: 1,401

Time had passed fairly quickly and before knowing it an important day approached. Or rather a day which had been hard to forget. Especially when being reminded, or rather asked by two people at separate occasions. It was a simple question.

“Neechan, Sora wanted to ask if you had plans on the 4th? Master's birthday is soon and Sora thinks he'd be happy if you came to celebrate with us!”

“Ah, Ann–San! Perfect timing! Uhm… This is going to sound a little embarrassing maybe but… Could you help me out a little? You see, Natsume–Kun's birthday is soon and I don't know what to get him. Maybe you have any ideas? Ah– I just thought you heard something. You two talk a lot so maybe he mentioned something he would want.”

Sora and Tsumugi had asked them on separate occasions regarding Natsume’s birthday and it had Ann themself thinking ever since. For days on end they have been thinking about it and the closer the day was, the more nervous they got. They had time, sure, they could pass by the office at least or something in hope to see Natsume. But a gift? That was the hard part… 

They couldn’t help out Tsumugi much, throwing in the most generic suggestions perhaps. A game or something yet would that really be satisfying? What would he like? Hah, Natsume was really something else, someone Ann had a hard time figuring out. At this rate they were ready to just pull the cheapest move for a gift, let him pick. Because they had been thinking for days but nothing.

If it had been almost anyone else then maybe they would have forgotten. But given how the relationship had taken form the past few months it was not a date they could simply ignore. Sure, the two had started out as strangers but they had gotten at least somewhat closer, enough to be on a first name basis now. Or rather, he had insisted on it. And the two talk more ever since. Not to mention that he had helped them out a few times so they owed him. Maybe it was just that, the feeling that Ann owed the young idol. And his birthday would have been the perfect chance to repay him. But nothing came into their mind in the end, no matter how hard they were thinking about it. 

So, as shameful as it was to admit, they would have to enter the New Dimension office empty handed and offer up something which was an excuse. They had tried, they really did, but their mind was blank. What would one gift a self proclaimed magician anyway? What would he like? Either they were insecure or the two had not been that close yet. Ah, that didn’t mean guilt had not overcome them. It certainly did, more than one might imagine. They were praying that they were too early or too late. But no, they were just in time the moment they had opened the door. 

There they spotted the idol trio – Sora and Tsumugi standing in front of an overwhelmed Natsume, one of the rare instances where he didn’t know what to say. That or he had been in some type of temporary shock becoming speechless. Well. that had been the guess of Ann’s, given that he had been standing there solid frozen. They didn’t see his expression yet none of the three had said a word. Well, even if only for a few seconds. Because the next thing they heard was– 

“Ah, Neechan came too Master~!” Sora announced from one moment to the next. Ah, so if they wanted to sneak away, they couldn’t. Not really at least. Not now anymore anyways. 

Because shortly after the other two had shifted their gazes towards Ann as well. “Ann–San? What a surprise. If you need to discuss something though, could you wait a moment? We’re busy here.” Tsumugi responded right away.

“Ah— Not that Tsumugi–San.” They responded quickly, waving their arms in front of their face for a moment. “I… Erm… Coming here… Well… Geburtstag…”

“Hm? No? Then—”

“Sora knows! Neechan accepted Sora’s invitation!”

“InvitatION?” Natsume repeated, his gaze wandering to the blonde for a moment. 

A quick nod. “Yes! Sora thought that Master~ would be happy to see Neechan on his birthday!”

A moment of silence, to the point things had gotten a little awkward for a short moment. Though Ann had not been sure why. The air turned a little… It was hard to put into words but it was way different from before. 

That was until Natsume turned his gaze away as well as his face from the brunette’s view at least, as if hiding something. “It’s nothing like thaT…” He mumbled for a short moment, it was just barely audible however, yet he turned back soon enough, most likely suppressing the redness and replacing it with a smile instead. “Thank you for your consideration Sora.”

The cat was out of the bag… Yeah, no running now. And besides, not like Ann was going to escape at this point. Thus they stepped closer to the trio, eyeing the redhead of the three before saying: “Ha… Happy Birthday Natsume–San.”

It was short and one sentence. Perhaps there would have been nothing else to add. And during the first part they sounded calm. Well, in contrast to the part they added later on that is: “I just… Erm… The present thing–y… I… no clue… idea and er… I… Apologies! I’m making that good to you! I mean up! I just mean erm… Whichever you like, I’ll bring it! I owe!” They even bowed non stop, unable to stop their words. Then again, they were just throwing random words together, hoping it would turn into something coherent. There was a chance it wouldn’t however… They had to be stopped.

No, literally, they had to be stopped. And they were, even if by force. Because before they knew it someone had grabbed their shoulders and made them lift back up… Thus coming face–to–face with Natsume whose face could have said it all already. “Ann, calm dowN!” He began. “I said it’s finE!”

“Huh? When?”

“You weren’t even listenING, were yoU?”

They… Shook their head, much to their embarrassment.

And that only made him sigh. “SeriousLY…”

“It… Is not fair. Your day so… Uhm… Just something!” They explained, or tried to. “I’ll get anything! Just ask! To be making up for a surprise!”

He only stared at them for a moment. There was no way to put them at ease, it was easy to tell. And he soon gave up, somewhat… Because the next thing they saw was a slight yet sly grin, a grin they had seen from him before. Usually a sign for things to come. And they did because he let out some type of chuckle, then saying: “Anything you saY? Then how about a date lateR?” 

The teasing was more than audible, their ears taking it in right away. And they could feel a warmth overcoming their face. No matter how many times this happens… Ann just could never get used to any type of teasing. Ever. This was no exception. “A… D… Date? Erm… That… A little…”

“Was it a lie when you said ‘Anything, just asK’?” Ugh, and now he’s playing that card! 

“N… No. Bu—”

“Natsume–Kun, don’t confuse Ann–San now.” But the moment would be interrupted by Tsumugi himself, him suddenly throwing that in. It made the mood crash from one moment to the next, making this a little embarrassing. That and Natsume’s face went from a grin to an expression of utter annoyance. 

“I… It’s ok Tsumugi–San, a—”

“Did you have to speak up noW?” Natsume interrupted, trying not to seem too annoyed. And yet he could not hide it in any way. 

“Eh!? W… Well, given her face—”

“NeverMIND. Can we talk about this lateR?”

“Ah— S… Sure…”

A moment cut short, on the birthday nonetheless. And yet, it may have been a surprise on its own. As for what Natsume had asked of Ann later, when the two finally got to talk? Well… Maybe that date thing had not been a complete joke. That and Ann ended up accepting in the end due to being a little too flustered to think. Well, but if it is hopefully making up for today… Then why not?

[bisexualshakespeare]

All of Nick Mohammed's season 3 notes from this tweet, now hopefully easier to read

. As before, so much of Nate's story is deliberately unseen, unscripted or dialogue free - even more so now Nate is out on a limb. That feeling of abandon and loneliness were/are great drivers for Nate. In so much of the first half of S3 he's alone.

. Despite what Nate did to Ted, I felt it was important to aim for redemption right from the start of season three, even if it was primarily in the pauses between lines or in the way Nate's posture betrays his confidence. The horror of what Nate's done, of what he's becoming, of how he betrayed Ted, of the specific things he said haunt him throughout season three and no amount of bravado, fancy cars or words of 'encouragement' from Rupert can ever fully hide that.

. Incidentally, Nate's mum is called Maria Shelley - and Mary Shelley gave birth to Frankenstein/Frankenstein's Monster! "What have I become/what have I created!" . We see Lego Nate on the Richmond bench in 301… a sure sign of where things are headed - but we've a long way to go yet! More on the nature of redemption below, but even though that word is used a lot, 'catharsis' is probably a better way to describe Nate's S3 arc. To an extent redemption is in the eye of the beholder and as far as Nate's story is concerned it's more a look into our capacity for forgiveness. For some, there's nothing Nate can do to redeem himself - what he did at the end of season two simply crossed too much of a line. But for others, he will have done enough. Neither interpretation is right or wrong, but the challenge of season three with Nate was to make people question - even if just for a split second - their judgement at the end of S2.

. Part of the difficulty in forgiving Nate is because we believed in him from the start. We're so predisposed into buying a redemption story if we start off not liking them/their behaviour, but this was never the case with Nate - we rooted for him right from the off. Rebecca, Jamie, Colin, Isaac and even Higgins all make very questionable choices at the start of S1 - one may even argue just as bad as Nate's actions in S2 - but our capacity and desire to forgive isn't nearly as seductive as our desire to judge.

. Thanks to brilliant designer Paul Cripps, the first time we see Nate in Rupert's office is almost a direct parallel to when Anakin visits Emperor Palpatine's throne room in Return of the Jedi - a sure sign that Nate will eventually be redeemed!

. So here's a lovely example of Jason being Jason but also how often art imitates life in Ted Lasso… All through season one Jason would toy with a deck of playing cards on set practising sleight of hand. (Jason is a brilliant magician and it's something he and I would geek out over from when we first met and all through filming season one). In season two, because of Covid, there was way less time for this kind of social interaction, not least because we had to stay apart between takes. But just before we shot the scene in the lift in 304 (the first time Ted and Nate see each other following Nate's departure in S2) - and I don't know if it was by design or sheer fluke - Jason started toying with a deck of cards again… and that rush of adoration and connection between us all came flooding back. Even though I'm sure it was purely on a subconscious level, it was honestly so useful to use as a reminder of Nate's deep-seated love and appreciation for Ted.

. In 305 Nate opens up to Jade and says "[my date had to…] be really mean and leave" which is exactly what Nate did to Ted at the end of S2. Even though there's a way to go, there's a tiny moment of realisation here. A flash of the true Nate - which Jade sees.

. In 306 when Ted hallucinates seeing Nate in the diner we did the switch on camera for real (I think it's called a Texas switch and there's some great examples of it being done brilliantly in films on YouTube!) Supporting Artist Harry enters frame just as I dash behind camera. Hats off to the brilliant David Rom and Matt Lipsey for fathoming the choreography of this!

. 307 is the first time we see Nate smile and genuinely mean it/feel it all season (when looking at himself in the mirror in The Taste of Athens). Finally he has a chance to achieve something in his life without trampling on others - and it's no surprise that he ultimately returns to arts and crafts, something that connects us to the S1 version of Nate (and that connects him, specifically, to family). Up until this point Nate deliberately modifies his behaviour depending on what he feels others want to see in him (for better or worse). Jade doesn't want or need any of that. 307 is also the first time Nate refers to himself as 'Nate' - the name Ted gave him. Another sign that he's slowly but surely becoming comfortable with who he is.

. In general, Jade is such a guiding light in Nate's journey. That personal growth, intimacy and the beginnings of a truly meaningful relationship are subsequently enough for him to start seeing things differently… Not dissimilar to how Ted empowers Nate throughout S1. While I remember, I'll share a time-lapse of the wig being put on shortly, but hugest thanks to Chloe Hooker, Sophie, Nicky and team for pinning me in every day! From 310 onwards (more on that ep below) we switched to a much softer wig, which was deliberately less styled. A sign that Nate is becoming more like his old self. Of course he could never go fully back to having black hair - unless he dyed it! - but I like to think of the grey as a constant reminder to what Nate did and has been through. To a degree his tale is a cautionary one: careful what you wish for.

. As with the hair, Nate's suits track his downfall too. It's no coincidence that Nate chose a black suit to emulate Roy following his inappropriate pass at Keeley in 211, which is gross for all kinds of reasons, but shows Nate's toxic and confused mindset toward the end of S2. This suit stays with Nate for much of S3 but the way he wears it changes. I was forever asking Jason when we'd see the grey suit again but Jacky (costume) had a better idea! We do see it, but only the jacket. It's in the montage at the end of 312 when Nate's in the window seat (!) of the Taste of Athens enjoying a meal with his family and Jade. It's important Nate isn't beholden to Ted by this point hence just the jacket and not the full suit. I love that!

. Whilst on the subject of costume, the turtle necks and gilet were all chosen to give Nate a more uptight look while at West Ham. His posture becomes tense and unnatural. Again, it's a tiny thing, but it's another nudge towards him wearing the wrong outfit/pretending to be someone he's not. When you compare to how relaxed Nate is to when he's with Jade (in his own clothes) or to how he is in the gloriously comfy tracksuit that he wears in 312 on return to AFC Richmond! . Nate is fixated on Richmond from 308 onwards rather than himself. His behaviour is changing, he even thanks Roger after the match win rather than rudely dismissing him as per previous episodes. These aren't grand gestures and are less meaningful when viewed individually (Nate categorically shouldn't be praised for not cheating on Jade in 309 for example) but all these things taken together possibly amount to something close to redemption and are signs of Nate developing the emotional intelligence he's been lacking up until this point. This is a side note but Nate writing a text response to Rupert after he's seen Ted and Henry in the stands in 308 and then deleting it/changing it to something Rupert will want to hear is a great way of showing where Nate's heart truly lies despite what he's presenting.

. 309 is the first time Nate rejects Rupert (in Bones & Honey) and - importantly - their last direct interaction. The thought process in the aftermath of that moment is very specific… Nate's reaction goes from shock (did I just say no to Rupert), to have I lost my job (selfish), to where am I/I need to get out of here (realisation). His walk to Jade's (unseen) and their hug in the doorway is ultimately his release. But whilst Jade plays a huge part in Nate's arc (and impeccably played by Edyta Budnik) it's important Nate ultimately takes things into his own hands. But she remains a magnificent guiding light.

. I've already written about the significance of the violin piece used in 310 but just to gush a bit more about my amazing wife...! We first met during an orchestra rehearsal (she plays viola and piano) so to get to play this piece with her for the show was incredibly special. This scene is also special as it's the only scene that Rebecca and Nate 'share' (Rebecca's also my wife's name!) Both Rebecca (the character) and Nate are connected through Rupert - who once had a hold over both of them. And so to underscore her speech with Nate playing violin was such a great move on the writers' part (the intercut sequence was all scripted). A perfect example of 'show don't tell' by colliding their two storylines in this way. . We discussed so many different possible violin pieces. From memory the alt contenders were chiefly Ashokan Farewell, Danny Boy and an arrangement of Come Josephine, In My Flying Machine (which Jack whispers and sings to Rose when they're striking that pose on the front of the Titanic!)

. I asked Jason to be in my eye line when Nate's dad is speaking to him because when Nate aims his words at Ted in 212 those were undoubtedly intended for his dad (I would also try and interchange the words 'dad' and 'Ted' in the script so that I'd say one but think the other but don't tell sound!) The situation in 310 is mirrored. Nate doesn't cry here like he did in front of Ted though (and will again in 312) and it's important that that's not Nate and his dad 'fixed'. It does represent the start of a healing process, though. Similarly, Nate and his dad don't hug... that moment is saved for when he's with Ted and learns of his departure in 312.

. I'm sure that many of you clocked it already, but the lavender fabric softer that Nate secretly adds to the towels at the end of 310 and which Will smells is a callback to 202 when Nate ridicules Will for using it in the first place. Worth noting too that Nate apologises and makes amends in the order that he broke those relationships (starting with Will, then Colin, Beard, Keeley and ending - ultimately - with Ted). . Nate looking up when Jade seemingly disappears in front of Isaac, Colin and Will in 311 is a callback to when Beard seemingly disappeared in Nate's office in 207! . I teased the first two words of this before 311 came out but I'll share Nate's full letter to Ted shortly too (shout out to the amazing props dept, Lizzie and Dylan for having so much fun writing this as it was indeed 60 pages and very Nate!) . Fun fact: I had to stay under the table for 45 mins while they shot all the previously unseen security cam footage of Nate hiding under the table at the end of 212 though revealed to Beard in 311 - including everyone doing a big conga line past Ted's desk! . The decreasing screen time with Ted towards the end undoubtedly points towards his ultimate departure. The last scene I shot on the show was the scene between Ted and Nate in 312 and was - whether by design or a sheer fluke of scheduling - filmed on our very last day. We effectively shot the rehearsal because I was too upset! The picture I accidentally posted on Instagram before realising it was a huge spoiler on the last day was of Nate in AFC Richmond gear but with a clear view of the slate confirming Nate's return in S3 - not my finest hour but attached here for completeness! . Once again, thank you for all your insights, theories, for your love (and hate!) to our phenomenal team of writers and directors and incredible crew. It's been an absolute blast. Now let's go Greyhounds! Yes there will/will not be a season four - delete as appropriate ;-)

[ereshai]

Phlint with 3 for the bed sharing scenarios?

"we have to sleep on the forest ground, so everything can be the bed, but we still sleep close, because we feel too exposed"

No Ritz, No Ramada (Not Even a Rodeway)

"What part of the plan is this, sir?" Barton asked once they were sure the security team they were avoiding had moved on. They were currently tucked under some underbrush behind a fallen log; they would have to move to better cover soon. That was a relatively simple matter, as long as they avoided detection; luckily there was no electronic surveillance beyond the target facility's fenced perimeter. Unfortunately, the plan had not involved entering the forest surrounding the facility at all. The whole thing was fubar.

"The part where we abort the mission and another team attempts to retrieve the intel at a later date." Phil began to crawl backwards out of the brush and Barton followed.

"But our ride won't be here until tomorrow, huh?" Barton mumbled. Phil wasn't sure if he was supposed to hear or not, but there was no point in pretending.

"That's correct, Barton."

"So we're sleeping in the dirt tonight." He sounded resigned yet cheerful. It was only the third time Phil had worked with Barton, and so far they were three for three for ops going south in mildly infuriating, but not truly dangerous, ways. Every time, Barton took things in stride. Phil appreciated it; there were plenty of otherwise good agents who would already be complaining about sleeping rough.

They trekked through the trees, stepping carefully over roots and circling tangles of bushes, heading in the general direction of their pickup site. They didn't talk much; the noise they were making as they walked could be explained away as a deer or a bear - voices, not so much. Phil's stomach rumbled; he resigned himself to a long, cold, hungry night.

A ration bar appeared at his shoulder. "Don't worry, it's one of the fake chocolate ones," Barton murmured.

"Thank you." Phil took the ration bar and ate it slowly as they went on. The fake chocolate ones were the best of the bunch, but the bar they were clearing to claim that title was on the ground.

They reached their destination as dusk fell. Summer was just turning to all, so the forecast had promised cool temperatures, but not freezing. Phil still wasn't looking forward to it.

"Lovely accommodations you've arranged for us," Barton said with a grin.

"Next time I'll book the Ritz, just for you," Phil replied. Barton was definitely growing on him.

"A guy like me at the Ritz? Ramada's high-class enough for me." Barton made himself comfortable at the base of a tree and pulled out two ration bars from a cargo pocket.

"Noted." Phil settled next to Barton, and Barton handed one of the bars to him. "I'm glad one of us is prepared. I don't have anything more useful than a ballpoint pen in my pockets."

"Agent Coulson, less than perfectly prepared for any situation? The baby agents will be heartbroken." Barton chuckled and let his head fall back against the tree trunk.

"I'm not sure my reputation will ever recover."

"Don't worry, sir, your secret is safe with me."

"I appreciate that, Barton." Phil wrapped his arms around himself. In addition to not having anything useful for spending the night in the forest, he was not dressed for the occasion in the slightest. It was time for the cold part of their long night to begin. At least he wasn't hungry.

Barton pulled a package out of another pocket. "Blanket?"

Phil took the package. "A survival blanket? Got a rabbit in there, too?"

"No, but if you have a coin, I can make it come out of your ear." Barton produced yet another survival blanket from his pocket. Phil wouldn't be surprised if he pulled out a tent next. He unfolded his blanket and wrapped up. Barton quickly did the same.

"Why do magicians always ask for a coin? What if nobody has one?"

"There's always someone with a coin. And they ask because who wants their money covered in someone's earwax? That's just gross."

Phil snorted a laugh. "I'll take first watch if you want to get some rest, Barton."

"There's a few good vantage points, if you-"

"We should stay close, share our body heat."

"That does sound better," Barton wriggled down until he was laying next to Phil, who was still sitting up. "Forget Ramada, I'd take the jankiest Rodeway over this."

Phil agreed. "Get some sleep, Barton. I'll wake you in a few hours." Barton went to sleep, in the way of experienced soldiers across the world, and Phil settled in for his hours of boredom (if he was lucky). Barton was really starting to grow on him. Phil wouldn't mind spending more fubar'd missions with him.