#questioning agatha wellbelove

[lamentable-comedy]

you know, that one story about a relationship between a guy with an unprecedented one of a kind power and his kind of dead love interest who wears a lot of fancy floral print outfits

(aka Simon Snow Pushing Daisies AU)

[sailorblossoms-snowbaz]

Suddenly thinking about how Dev’s horny ass “I could find religion with Wellbelove” it’s intentionally proving a contrast to Simon, because he never feels or thinks about her like that ever (contextualized as a horny statement by Baz’s “once he get started on her he won’t stop” as opposed to something like “cool, not mad about this but the sight of women’s cleavage prompts the thought that perhaps I’m no longer or perhaps I have never been into women, perhaps I’m just into my boyfriend) (I’m tortured by the thought that Simon making female cleavage about Baz somehow is both on brand and funny as hell and yet it went whoosh over so many people’s head). That line is showing how a boy who likes a girls and is attracted to Agatha would express himself, and sure, personalities play into it, but the glaring thing is how Simon doesn’t express anything sexual towards her ever. Even when he’s saying the inanimate objects line, he’s still not doing that (an overcompensating line that shows how Simon feels and felt pressured, a silly exaggeration that reveals things he couldn’t let himself admit before – inanimate objects don’t have thoughts and feelings, he later admits he didn’t either) note that’s still not an answer to the question (he never actually answers “were you attracted?” Until he starts saying “no”) (also imagine a goddamn trash can flying towards her as if attracted by a giant magnet. It’s a goofy ass line! He’s either very poetic and romantic when he’s expressing his attraction to Baz or unmistakably horny with him, the only person he ever describes with words such as “sexy” “hot” “fuckable”)

[forabeatofadrum]

It's... Monday! I didn't post yesterday cause I, uh, was finishing up Persona 5 Strikers. Thanks @you-remind-me-of-the-babe and @kurtsascot for the tags.

As usual, I have some MCD for you. Matt might not care for Simon, but Ryan does.

Ryan gives me another rose, although he tells me that if he plucks more of them, he might lose his job. “Blame Simon Snow!” I say. “Being run over by Simon Snow is a fucking dream to me, mate,” Ryan says back before wishing me good luck and walking away. Right. At least my crush on Agatha Wellbelove has subdued since the last year. Ryan is still gagging after the great Chosen One.

(Johnson: Also, heya, Johnson here LOL! Thanks for the concern about my job with the Woods but no worries, brah, I got this. As in, I don't exist outside the main story beats and Matty Chris D. is literally almost never in the Woods, so in that sense, do I even have a job??? Does everything just happen off-page???? Does Matty never question it and just infer the rest of my existence??? lmao.)

And now, the weather: @quizasvivamos @coffeegleek @caramelcoffeeaddict @raenestee @tectonicduck @nightimedreamersworld @urban-sith @bookish-bogwitch @confused-bi-queer @that-disabled-princess @special-bc-ur-part-of-it @larkral @cutestkilla ​ @wellbelesbian ​ @artsyunderstudy ​ @facewithoutheart ​ @shrekgogurt @rockitmans @bitbybitwrites @whatevertheweather @theotherhufflepuff @shame-is-a-wasted-emotion @esilher @blackberrysummer @nightimedreamersghost @ivelovedhimthroughworse @thnxforknowingme

[aristocratic-otter]

Thank you, @cutestkilla, @nausikaaa, @that-disabled-princess, @youarenevertooold, @fatalfangirl and @whatevertheweather for the tags!

So, once again, no snippets from Saving Simon Snow or The Heart in the Well (still reviewing them to figure out where I want to go), but I've got double chunks of TikTok Dancer and Stars, Flowers, and Children for you (and a normal sized slice of Snow Fox. The next chapter is so close to being ready for posting!).

Then there's COBB and Erotic Gropefest coming. I've got my idea for COBB, and I've already outlined a fic for EG. Big hint...it was one of the unfinished fics I teased in a 'what are your WIPs' last year. And the one I got the most feedback saying people wanted me to write it! I reviewed my fic ideas folder and decided this one is perfect for EG.

And, I've got a question. I've got more than enough content on both TikTok Dancer and Stars, Flowers, and Children, and I know where I'm going on what's left for each, so I'll likely start posting one of them soon. Feel free to leave your vote on which one in the tags, and I'll consider it!

With no further ado, here's 12 sentences from TikTok Dancer

I frown. Surely a troop of dancers on Santa Monica pier isn’t that extraordinary. “Why wouldn’t I believe it?” I ask.

Dev’s hardly listening to me. “I mean, I knew that there was a chance we’d see celebrities in LA. I mean, this is a celebrity breeding ground, right? But right in front of our hotel? And we get to see them filming?” He turns to me as if expecting me to enthusiastically agree with him. I’m beginning to understand that I’m missing some context here.

“What celebrities?” I ask weakly. 

Dev and Niall both freeze, goggling at me in disbelief. This time, Niall recovers first. “You mean you’ve been watching them through the window and didn’t recognise Simon Snow, Agatha Wellbelove and Shepard Love?”

I wrinkle my nose. “Those sound like made-up names.”

Some young Baz yearning, from Stars, Flowers, and Children:

It’s in our fifteenth year that we both finally have growth spurts. Simon’s indignant that, even after he grows several inches, I’m still taller than him by at least three inches. But, not that I’ve got anything but memory to judge by, but I think we’re both man-high. 

But height isn’t the only thing that changes about Simon Snow. I wish it was. 

But no, Simon has now grown from the freckled street urchin with shorn hair that I first saw on board the SS Watford to a full-grown man, with everything that goes with that. He’s powerfully muscular because of all his building work, and his skin is burnished gold from hours in the sun. His bronze hair is grown out into ringlets that are also kissed by the sun. And all the stars of the universe are scattered across his skin in a host of golden-brown freckles and moles. 

Even his blue eyes, though they’re nothing special when it comes to colour, are such a contrast to his sun-darkened skin that they stand out from his face with a lambent light.

From Snow Fox (the smut is done, I just have to get Baz out of the sticky situation I've put him in).

Tarleton is a horrific bore. The arse only talks about himself–his achievements, his family background, his personal wealth. He hasn’t asked a single thing about me this entire time. When our steaks are dropped in front of us by a bellicose server, I’m grateful for a chance to look at something other than his insipid face. I eat slowly, delicately. I don’t want to get to the part of this ‘date’ where Tarleton suggests we retire to a paid room in the local hotel. 

Tags and encouraging pats on the back to the friends above (we'll make it through January) and to:

@artsyunderstudy, @angelsfalling16, @bazzybelle, @bookish-bogwitch, @best--dress, @carryonsimoncarryonbaz, @captain-aralias, @confused-bi-queer, @dragoneggos, @erzbethluna, @palimpsessed, @skee3000, @frjsti, @facewithoutheart, @gekkoinapeartree, @giishu, @hushed-chorus, @ileadacharmedlife, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @j-nipper-95, @jasonfunderberkerthefrogexists, @krisrix, @messofthejess, @martsonmars, @moments-au-crayon22, @moodandmist, @mostlymaudlin, @nightimedreamersghost, @raenestee, @rimeswithpurple, @shrekgogurt, @stardustasincocaine, @thehoneyedhufflepuff, @tea-brigade, @upuntil6am, @whogaveyoupermission, @you-remind-me-of-the-babe

[valeffelees]

An Ask Game for Writers to Procrastinate Working on Your WIP(s)

thank you kindly for tagging me @shrekgogurt @youarenevertooold, and @monbons i've been seeing this game make its rounds on my dash and was really hoping someone would pull me in!

🦈 Tell us the name of one of your WIP(s)

my main three wips at the moment are without sun, ballad of the final sparrow, which is more commonly known as bitverse, and fragile things (and how to break them), but i've also been fucking around a bit the last two or three weeks with a new (terrible, evil, very self-indulgent) wip called god-forbid.

🍄 Describe one of your WIPs in the format of “___ + ___ =___”  

i think i might be dumb bc i don't understand this question at all.

🌍 What tags or warnings will your WIP(s) need if you intend to share it?

bitverse: heavy angst, psychological horror elements, alcohol abuse, allusions to suicide, unhealthy coping mechanisms, dead dove: do not eat.

🧭 An alternative title to one of your WIP(s)?

ballad of the final sparrow -> baz is typing fragile things (and how to break them) -> there's a werewolf in london god-forbid -> the gap between a tragedy and comedy

⚠️ Which WIP you’re most likely to finish or update next?

i have no idea. i mean, you'd think the answer would be without sun since it's the only fic i actually have posted at the moment, but unfortunately i am an untrustworthy villain.

💾 What is the document of your WIP called? (Not the story title, but what you’ve saved it as.)

same as the fic title. if i start a new wip and don't know what to call it, i'll pick something at random and add (working title) at the end.

🖍 Post any sentence from your WIP

from without sun:

“You don’t like peppermint,” he says. But maybe she does. Maybe that’s one more thing he can add to his growing list of things he got wrong about Agatha Wellbelove. No. 1 — Dislikes peppermint; actually, she is quite fond of it. No. 2 — Likes Simon Snow; him, not so much.

♻️ A scrapped idea for your current WIP

one of the biggest changes i made to the plot of without sun really early on was penelope's role in the story. i had a clear idea of the story i wanted to tell as soon as i saw the prompt for the fic. without sun was always supposed to be about more than simon and baz. the story is about grief and love, and the space we take up in the lives of the people around us. but n e way, in my orig draft, penny was actually supposed to be able to communicate with simon a bit, and there was gonna be a whole sect of scenes in the middle of the fic where they sat around together trying to break simon's curse what we know and what we don't know style via passing notes. i ended up tossing this idea really quickly tho, and i'm glad i did bc one of my favourite moments i've ever written in any fic happens in chapter two of without sun and it belongs to simon and penny.

🤔 What’s a story you’d love to write but haven’t even started yet?

so many. or, well—what counts as "haven't even started"? i hate to let ideas sit around in my head bc it feels like leaving raspberries in the fridge for too long, like that shit is gonna get mould on it, so usually the first thing i do is rough out a few scenes and/or script out a very rough outline of the plot (like this / this / this style) so that i have something to come back to later. i have dozens of zero drafts just lying tf around. but otherwise, yeah, so many. one big idea i have is called heart on fire and it's based on fanart, but i haven't started it yet bc obvs i wanna get permission from the artist first but i've been holding off reaching out to them about it until i've knocked a few of my less intimidating longfics off my wip list bc heart on fire is gonna fucking hefty so i don't wanna give'r until i'm sure i can manage it.

🤡 How many WIPs are you actively working on?

LMFAO

🛠 Is there a scene or anything in the WIP you are struggling with right now?

i'm having a real bitch of a time with agatha's main scene in chapter two of without sun, i've been fighting with it on and off for months, but i can't get it to do what i want it to do.

❤️ Not a question, just a second kudos to send.

cheers!

sorry for any doubles but, tagging: @drowninginships @cosmicalart @that-disabled-princess @fatalfangirl @cutestkilla @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @artsyunderstudy @thewholelemon @roomwithanopenfire @hushed-chorus @blackberrysummerblog @imagineacoolusername @nightimedreamersworld @prettygoododds @confused-bi-queer @mooncello and an open tag for anybody else who wants to procrastinate their wips!

[martsonmars]

Hi friends! After struggling for months, I managed to rewrite my picture book story. I don't know what this means for my writer's block since I was only rewriting, but I'm excited and I have words to share again!!!

Have 6 somethings

Agatha Wellbelove and Simon Snow were dancing. They were smiling, bright and beautiful like a princess and her Prince Charming [...]. Baz hated them.

Wellbelove sighed. Snow was—thankfully not literally—fuming. “You’re just trying to steal her from me.” // “And what if I am?” Baz smirked, and held out his hand to Wellbelove. “Care to dance? With someone who won’t step on your feet.”

Who could expect him to study the Great Centaur Wars when Snow was there, looking gorgeous, and Baz was supposed to hate him? Absurd.

In the nursery where Baz had spent the first five years of his life, where the vampires had bitten him, was the fifth hare. He was sure of it—he could picture the big rabbit hanging from the ceiling and singing nursery rhymes to the babies whenever the right spell was cast. It also answered any question, when it felt like it. Baz used to spend entire afternoons lying under it and trying to learn the names of the stars and the numbers up to a thousand and all the spells in the world.

“No, Snow,” Baz hissed. “It’s your useless magic, you turned it into a bunny, for Merlin’s sake.” The bunny hissed back. Baz was used to animals being scared of him—they knew they risked becoming his dinner—but there was nothing like fear in the bunny’s eyes. Just pure hatred. In such a little, round ball of fluff.

Agatha left her corner with an unimpressed sigh and handed Snow the vomit-covered rabbit statue. He kissed her, and Baz considered letting the bunny eat him alive.

Idk who posted already but my usual taglist under the cut <3

@wellbelesbian @urban-sith @tea-brigade @sillyunicorn @mostlymaudlin @facewithoutheart @palimpsessed @otherpeoplesheartachept-2 @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @forabeatofadrum @johnwgrey @fatalfangirl @prettylightsbigcity @whatevertheweather @confused-bi-queer @moodandmist @bookish-bogwitch @letraspal @dragoneggos @captain-aralias @takitalks @excalisbury @cutestkilla @ileadacharmedlife @gekkoinapeartree @bazzybelle @aroace-genderfluid-sheep @basiltonbutliketheherb @ivelovedhimthroughworse @nightimedreamersworld @artsyunderstudy @ionlydrinkhotwater @yellobb @orange-peony @ic3-que3n @whogaveyoupermission @yeonjunenby @erzbethluna @larkral @chen-chen-chen-again-chen @shrekgogurt @raenestee @onepintobean @stitchyqueer @hushed-chorus @theearlgreymage @technetiumai @jbrrring @angelsfalling16 @theimpossibledemon

[marshmyers]

New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell's epic fantasy, the Simon Snow trilogy, concludes with Any Way the Wind Blows.

In Carry On, Simon Snow and his friends realized that everything they thought they understood about the world might be wrong. And in Wayward Son, they wondered whether everything they understood about themselves might be wrong. 

Now, Simon, Baz, Penelope, and Agatha must decide how to move forward. For Simon, that means choosing whether he still wants to be part of the World of Mages — and if he doesn't, what does that mean for his relationship with Baz? Meanwhile Baz is bouncing between two family crises and not finding time to talk to anyone about his newfound vampire knowledge. Penelope would love to help, but she's smuggled an American Normal into London, and now she isn't sure what to do with him. And Agatha? Well, Agatha Wellbelove has had enough. 

Any Way the Wind Blows takes the gang back to England and back to their families for their longest and most emotionally wrenching adventure yet. This book is a finale. It tells secrets and answers questions and lays ghosts to rest. The Simon Snow Trilogy was conceived as a book about Chosen One stories; Any Way the Wind Blows is an ending about endings--about catharsis and closure and how we choose to move on from the traumas and triumphs that try to define us.

PURCHASE THIS TITLE

[magickalsapphic]

We were both young (when I first saw you)

A Victorian Romeo and Juliet Snowbaz AU

❀ Chapter 2 Posted (3314 words) -- first meeting gets off on the wrong foot..

❀ Victorian AU, Romeo and Juliet AU, horseback riding, farmerboy!Simon, aristocrat!Baz, Davy sucks, gay people 🙏

❀ pls read it & rb :)))

ao3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/59023879/chapters/150538249

Chapter 2: Ballgowns and men down

SIMON

I don’t know who invented waistcoats, or if my body is just incapable of fitting into one well, but I completely despise them, even more than these tight plaid pantaloon that won’t let my buttocks breathe.

The clothes I wore at the cottage were always comfortable. The rips and old fabric were part of what made it special. Clothes used to work, clothes used for something. Ever since I started living with Davy, I’ve had to wear the most uncomfortable clothes. Which doesn’t make any sense to me. I am well aware these are supposed to be expensive clothes, but I have no idea where the money is going since comfort is completely off the table.

I guess another possibility is that I cannot bring myself to think of any of this in a positive way. But I rather blame it on the shit clothes.

Agatha has been properly helpful since I met her a few weeks ago. She’s shown me around the etiquette and hasn’t given up even though it’s useless to teach me. Davy gave up almost immediately. Though he seemed undoubtedly happy when I started spending time with Agatha. He was almost nice to me.

This whole situation just sucks arse, but Ebb wants me to see the good in things. I really am trying. And a party can’t be so bad, can it?

“Hello,” I say to the gentleman in front of me after stepping off the stairs. I’m still holding Agatha’s arm, which I feel pull on me. I glance at her and see her bowing slightly. I realise this must be one of the people I should bow to. I hold in a chuckle and crouch my body slightly. Before straightening completely, I look up with only my eyes and for the first time take the sight of him in. He’s at least 3 inches taller than me, starring daggers at me. Upright I feel myself standing way too close to him. Agatha pulls me back a bit, her arm intertwined with mine pressing a little too hard.

“Lord Basilton,” she says in a very soft voice. I can’t help but smirk at the word Lord. And I also can’t help but stare at him as well. He looks like he really belongs here. Basilton. From the name alone he owns this entire place. But it’s not only that, it’s all of him. The way he’s holding the glass of wine. The way he’s standing, completely straight but laid-back. The way his hair is slicked back, while a strand of hair is hanging and framing his face so effortlessly. The way he holds up his one eyebrow and tilts his head to me.

“Miss Wellbelove,” he says without looking at her. 

I don’t notice I’m holding my breath until he asks me a question directly.

“Pardon?” I exhale. 

He gulps, my eyes follow his throat.

“I asked to whom I owe the pleasure,” he says as if my name wasn’t projected to the entire room a minute ago.

I smile, “Simon. Simon Snow. Salisbury.” 

That last one has been difficult to get used to having, let alone saying out loud. He then bows a bit while keeping his eyes on me. I’m still not sure how any of this works, I assume it’s just common manners. There’s a glint in his eyes. Deep grey eyes. They feel familiar somehow, even though I’m well aware I haven’t personally met anyone other than Agatha in this room before.

I'm suddenly aware of how surrounded we are. The room has gone quiet except for the orchestra playing. (They have a whole orchestra.) There's a perimeter around the three of us and I can hear people whispering. I look around and see multiple people stealing glances at me.

Davy told me that my existence might come as a shock to some people, but I didn't expect this much attention, especially in this weird secretive and indirect way.

Agatha notices my nervousness and pats my arm with her other hand. She smiles at me and I can't believe my luck in finding someone so kind.

"If you'll excuse us, we'll like to have a dance," she tells Basilton (I can't get over that name) and pulls me toward the dance floor. I can't help but look back at him. We left him with his mouth half-open in the middle of the crowd. He looks at me and frowns, I smile.

When we reach a good spot, Agatha pulls away from me and takes my hands in hers.

"I don't know-"

"It's all right, Simon. I'll teach you," she smiles and puts my left hand on her waist and takes my right hand in hers. I think there's a waltz playing. I take a deep breath and try to follow her lead, which leads me to step on her feet twice before the first compass ends.

"Sorry," I say again after I step on her for the third time. 

Her face looks constipated now with her lips pressed tightly together in an attempt at a smile. I'm worried this will be her last straw before abandoning me, which distracts me even more and I end up stepping on my own foot and tripping over, dragging her with me. "Oh damning- bloody hell."

The music stops and I hear the guests gasp around me. I can't bring myself to open my eyes at the mess I've made. I don't know much but I am pretty sure it’s not etiquette to swear or to fall in the middle of a dance. I finally open my eyes and the first thing I see is Lord Basilton giving me the smuggest smirk I've ever seen. That posh bastard is enjoying this for some twisted reason. I want to clear that smirk off his face.

BAZ

Simon Snow will be the death of me.

He and Wellbelove walk together to the dancefloor after sharing pleasantries and I am more and more certain. After all these years of replaying his every movement before falling asleep, I could recognize him in any universe. The golden boy who gave me my mother’s lilies. The boy who saved me without asking for my name or a cent.

I, with everyone in this room, cannot begin to comprehend where the hell he has come from. The rumours must already be flying around. From all the whispering around me, I can count at least twenty different stories. Cadwallader is nowhere to be seen and Simon Snow (what kind of name is Snow?) is being stared down by everyone, including myself, struggling to dance with my one chance at semi-freedom. He couldn’t pick anyone else. I’m not even angry at him for this, instead I consider thanking him right here and now just for allowing me to see him up close. I didn’t think I could miss him more than I already did all these years, but a look at him has made this feeling a million times more intense. No. I’m angry at myself for letting this opportunity with Agatha go to hell because I wasn’t quick enough. I’m mad at Fiona as well for not letting me know about this earlier. I don’t stand a chance against him, even in his complete mediocrity. I should just leave now before I embarrass myself for being alone a second longer. I slowly back away to the hall, but before I can put my glass down on the table I hear a loud crash. 

Simon Snow and Wellbelove have fallen right in the middle of the dancefloor. I have never been more certain of anything more than this public embarrassment being completely Snow’s fault (I’ve seen Agatha dance before, and she’s well above average). It was foolish of me to think this was over, it won’t even be a challenge. Snow is staring at me now with a set jaw and a murderous look. My smirk grows. Our staring contest is interrupted by Wellbelove clearly needing some help getting up.

I don’t think twice before I walk over to them. I extend out my hand to her, leaving him mid-standing and fury steaming off his suit. She hesitates for a second before taking it.

“Thank you, Lord Basilton,” she bows slightly. 

I give Snow a side glance. He’s still half on the floor.

“Please, call me Baz,” I tell Wellbelove before raising her hand slightly and giving it a kiss. She raises both her eyebrows. “Do you need a hand as well, Snow?” I look down at him.

He quickly gets up on his own.

���Not needed, Baz.” His eyes are full of fire. I’m doing that to him.

“Lord Basilton,” I unnecessarily correct him.

I hear him huff through his nose but don’t look his way again. Instead, I lean my mouth to Wellbelove’s side and say clearly, “Lady Agatha, if you wish to have a real dance, you know where to find me.”

I walk away from them while adjusting my sleeve and counting my breaths. What am I getting myself into?

SIMON

I bloody hate him.

I just hate him. I know I’ve known him for less than ten minutes but I want to take apart every single thing that makes Baz perfect, one by one. 

“Is he always such a prat?” I ask Agatha as we walk out of the room to get some air. There’s a beautiful fountain with a cherub at the top. This garden would look a thousand times better if it was surrounded by freesias instead of tulips. I make mental notes of every section I’d change from this short path alone as we sit on a bench.

“I honestly haven’t met him enough times to know.” Her hands are playing with her hair and she’s balancing her legs.

“I’m really sorry about—”

“Don’t worry about it, Simon.” Her voice sounds so sad, I find it difficult to believe her.

“If you want you can go dance with Baz.” She looks up at me then and gives me a small smile.

“I came here with you.” I hold her hand and give it a small squeeze.

“Agatha!” I hear someone call from behind. I turn around and see a curly-haired chubby girl in a puffy purple dress coming our way. Agatha quickly takes back her hand to her lap. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you!”

“I was going to say hi, before the whole,” she side-eyes me, “incident.”

The girl is standing right in front of us now. She looks me up and down. She puts her hand up, “Hi! I’m Penelope.”

“Nice to meet you,” I try to politely kiss her hand but she aggressively shakes mine before I can lift it. Then she forcibly sits between us, I almost fall off the side of the bench.

“Penelope, he’s Simon Snow–”

“Oh, I know,” Penelope interrupts Agatha. “Everyone’s talking about you. I mean no offence, Sir.”

“Not taken, I guess,” I say. We stay in silence for a moment. I feel very out of place, but I’m glad she’s not elaborating on that.

“Is it true that you’re the lost Salisbury?”

“Penelope!” Agatha says after hitting her arm.

I let out a chuckle. “‘Lost’ is an overstatement. I wasn’t kidnapped.”

“Then, what happened?”

I open my mouth to answer but find it hard to get the words out. I’m not sure what I’m even allowed to say. I’m not sure I know the whole story either.

“You don’t have to answer,” Penelope says unexpectedly, she probably notices my uneasiness. “It was rude of me to ask.”

“It’s all right,” I say, now feeling less heavy. “I’m just not completely sure either.”

“Well, I’m here if you need anything, honestly.” She smiles and stands up. I feel safe with her, oddly. “And Agatha, my family wanted to see you.”

Agatha looks at me with a question in her eyes. I nod, “I’ll be fine. I want to stay here for a moment anyway.”

“It’ll just be a moment.” She takes Penelope’s hand and starts to walk away.

I’m left alone in the garden. I let out a long sigh. I really am not made for balls. And I say that after being in one for approximately five minutes. 

Davy said he’d be here first and would introduce me properly to his peers. I’m not sure how much I wanted that, but it definitely feels worse to be left without a purpose. At least I’ve got a nice view. I get up and start to explore the garden more. Maybe if I go deep enough I’ll find a way out of here without bringing much attention.

After walking across apple trees for a few minutes, I hear two people arguing and recognize one of the voices. Before I know it, I’m leaning against some tall bushes to overhear the conversation.

BAZ

As soon as I leave Agatha and Snow’s side, my aunt corners me half a metre away from a tea table (I am never letting go of this half-empty glass.)

“What was that about?” she says before taking my glass off my hand. She leans her shoulder against the wall, and I mimic her.

“The lost Salisbury is a lost cause as well,” I say without hesitation.

She gives me a weird look.

“You think that’s really him?”

“What do you mean?” I turn my head to her and furrow my eyebrows. “He’s the spitting image of Cadwallader.”

She shrugs, “I guess so, but he’s nowhere to be around. And this would honestly mess things up for you.” She downs the glass and leaves it on a shelf.

“Because of Wellbelove? I don’t think they’re the right pair. She probably accepted coming with him out of pity.”

She snorts and takes out tobacco to light it right across my face. “Oh, that’s not close to the pinnacle of this.”

I wave at the smoke. “You know I find that disgusting.”

“You smoke, too.”

“Outside and every blue moon.”

She rolls her eyes and grabs my arm. We walk through the main door and to the side of the entrance.

“Happy, now?” She takes another drag. I roll my eyes and she passes me the cigar. I don’t usually smoke, but I do feel stressed tonight, so I slowly take a drag and sit on the floor.

“So what else is Simon Snow fucking up then?” I want to stay hopeful. The boy who I’ve fantasized about all these years shouldn’t bring me and my family doom. But, why would I get anything good in this life?

“Firstly,” she sits down next to me. We’re surrounded by bushes, people keep coming to the party, but no one can hear us from here. “Say he marries Wellbelove—you’re fucked. But mostly… Him alone here can open many wounds. I’m not sure what the truth is, but I can’t imagine it’ll be easy.”

“How complicated can one’s existence be?” I feel like a hypocrite asking that, but this also feels stupid.

“Don’t try to find out,” she eyes me with both eyebrows to her hairline. “I’m serious, stay away from him. And Wellbelove, too, for now.”

“You’re not serious! I’m not letting Simon bloody Snow get in the way of getting the West Watford Slot to our rightful name!”

“Lower your fucking voice kid.” She smacks my head and forcefully pulls the cigar back. “I’m going to dance, come back when you have a better sense of self-preservation and learn to let go.”

She leaves me there. I kick my feet against the floor like a fucking five-year-old whose lollipop fell before he could get a taste. What the fuck happened for her to give up my only chance at liberty with a glance at a boy. Because that’s all he is. He’s just a stupid, ordinary boy. What is he even doing here? He didn’t grow up here, I am very, very positive about that. And why does he look so good? And why–

I hear a rattling from the leaves beside me. I turn to my left and see golden curls shining underneath the moonlight, belonging to a boy very badly hidden behind the bushes. I get up and go around them cursing under my breath. He steps back and crouches. His eyes are all scrunched up.

“I can see you, Snow.”

“Simon,” he sighs and stands up. “Sorry, I’ll just—” He points to the left and tries to walk away.

Before he can get away, I pull at his shoulder. “Were you spying on me? I know you must be new here, but that’s commonly frowned upon—anywhere.”

“Is it also frowned upon to use a girl to get a piece of land?” He’s jutting his jaw forward again. It’s disturbing how much I find that attractive.

“You’d be surprised, Snow.”

“It’s Simon!” He shakes his hands in front of him. 

I ignore him. “Did Wellbelove get tired of you already? It didn’t take long.”

“Are you always this mean to complete strangers?” He takes a step closer to me.

I laugh. “You should know our families are the opposite of strangers, Simon.”

“I disagree.” He takes another step closer to me. I wonder if he’ll punch me. I feel like I deserve it and at the same time, I don’t.

“What do you know about that? I’m all ears.” I cross my arms and wait.

He opens and closes his mouth. I raise my eyebrow and both of his hands form tight fists. I ready myself for what’s to come.

“Forget it,” He pushes past me and goes back through the garden. And I’m left alone for the second time tonight.

SIMON

I quickly find Agatha in the crowd. She’s talking to what appears to be Penelope’s family. I walk over to her, ready to tell her I want to go home (or as close as I can at the moment), whether she comes with me or not (I will beg her to).

I’m stopped by a rough pat on my back and a laugh I’ve quickly come to despise.

“Simon, boy. I was looking for you, everywhere!” Davy says. I know he hasn’t.

“Hello, Sir.”

He grabs me by the back of my neck like a puppy and drags me to a group of people I do not want to meet.

“Malcolm! My good friend. Here’s my promised heir.”

“Nice to meet you,” Malcolm shakes my hand a tad tightly. Something tells me they’re not as good of friends as Davy claims. He’s got grey hair and is putting on a wrinkled smile which I can’t pick out its genuineness. His wife does seem pleased to meet me, though. Their daughter, who’s wearing a black dress and dark twin braids, squints up at me and I’m pretty sure I just got cursed from whatever she mouthed at me instead of hello.

I’m trying to find a polite and correct way to excuse myself when Malcolm says the worst thing he could at the moment: “Basilton! Won’t you join us for a moment?”

Baz steps next to me and if I was actually fuming, the whole room would smell of smoke. He grins at me and nods, “Snow.”

“Baz,” I manage to stop myself from saying everything else that comes to mind after his name.

“You’ve met! Isn’t this wonderful?” Davy hugs my side too enthusiastically. “Simon, won’t you get Lady Agatha?” He whispers to my ear. I nod and am glad to leave the scene for a moment.

Agatha gladly comes with me to the group. She holds my hand as well, which I’m glad—for Baz to witness.

“Simon would be absolutely delighted to do so!” Davy says before he notices I’m back.

I clear my throat. I see Baz wide-eyed and glaring at me.

“Simon! You’ll be joining Basilton at the stables this week. Starting tomorrow morning.”

[aevapollo]

As I Am

My entry for the @trans-mages exchange week, my gift for @wellbelesbian. I hope you enjoy it!

My prompt was: Non-binary Baz, perhaps experimenting with pronouns and presentation and feeling affirmed by Simon and his friends.

(The title is from this quote from Carry On: "I just wanted to tell you that I’m going to carry on. As I am." -Baz)

Read it on AO3 or continue here!

Baz

Simon looks peaceful, looking up at the sun like that. Blissfully unaware of my fidgeting hands. I think about what he said just now--what he said about the vampire hotel, how happy and natural I seemed. The worst part is, he’s not wrong. Obviously, I didn’t want to stay there. That would’ve been a nightmare. But there was something about that night… I think it made me see myself in a way I never had before. That night, I got to be the gayest, sparkliest vampire there ever was. I got to be the most me I’ve ever been, and I liked it. Shit, I loved it.

I dunno. I’ve always been something less-than-masculine, much to my father’s chagrin. All those times I let my hair get just a little too long, whenever I wore a shirt that was just a bit too silky… he always had some carefully selected words. I never cared much for what he said about me. My goal back then was to push the limits of what he’d allow, but… maybe now that I’m with Simon, things will be different. Maybe I can finally be an adult about it and communicate. I could make up for all those years of repressed emotions.

Here goes nothing.

“Hey, Simon?”

“Hmmm?” He turns his head back to me but barely opens his eyes.

“ I-I need to tell you about something. And I don’t want to make you more stressed than you already are, or-or anything like that. So don’t feel like you need to understand me or act differently around me or feel--”

“--Baz, are you okay?” Simon cuts me off. He’d opened his eyes now, and seemed concerned.

I take a shaky breath. “Listen, I- I’m- I don’t really know if I’m totally… a guy. Like, I don’t think I want to be a girl, but what if I’m… neither? What if I’m non-binary, or something… like… that?” It all comes out in one big waterfall of words. Crowley, I hate feeling so out of control like this.

Simon’s brow is knotted. He’s thinking. “Alright, so non-binary… do you want to use different pronouns? And I shouldn’t call you ‘boyfriend’ anymore, right?”

“I...yeah. Yeah, exactly. I have wanted to try out they/them pronouns, if you don’t mind…”

“Of course I don’t mind. Baz, I-- you know I’d love you no matter what, right? I won’t stop just because you’re not a boy. Christ, I still don’t know if I’m gay or what, but I know I love you.”

He loves me. He said he loves me, that’s the first time he’s actually said it. The tears are coming. For once I don’t try to stop them or even hide my face. Simon pulls me into a hug, and I just melt into his arms. Somehow, nothing is wrong anymore now that I’m here.

***

I knew I would tell Simon first, and maybe I should leave it at that, but I just want to get this off my chest as soon as possible. After a while of being disgustingly vulnerable with him, I make my way back up to the house and onto the balcony. Shepard is here, too. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.

Deep breath. “Hey. Um. Can I say something? I’m fairly sure I’m non-binary, and I’d like to try out they/them pronouns for a bit.” The words are coming out much easier the second time around.

Bunce’s eyes light up. “You are?! Oh, I’m so glad you told me! Wait, wait, I think I just saw an article about this the other day… some American celebrity who came out as non-binary? Hang on, I can find it real quick--”

“--That’s fine, but I appreciate it. Really,” I can’t help smiling at her excitement. Somehow this whole “coming out” thing has sapped me of all my sarcasm.

“Cool. I know some non-binary folks. Have you got a new name, or are you still going by Baz?”

“I’m still Baz, thanks.” Shepard hardly looks surprised, and I can’t say I blame him. I haven’t exactly been trying to act straight since we’ve known each other.

Just then, Wellbelove slides the balcony door open, looking anxious. I prepare myself to give the speech again, but she speaks first. “Hey, Baz, I’m sorry if you didn’t want me to know anything yet but I… Well, I heard everything. The doors aren’t exactly soundproof. Still, I’m happy for you.” She manages a nervous smile.

“No, no, it’s alright. Makes things that much easier on me.” Everything happened so quickly. I’m not sure how I feel about Wellbelove finding out, but it was bound to happen eventually. I guess it’s good that she knows now, even if we’re not exactly close friends. Maybe that’s another thing I should work on, now that I’ve decided to be an adult. I could leave all these weird grudges in the past.

***

Later, Simon comes back inside and we all eat dinner in relative silence. It’s less like a family meal and more like the casual school dining halls we’re all accustomed to (except for Shepard, I suppose. Or maybe he had something similar). Wellbelove has been looking at me weirdly since she found out. I know she said she was happy for me, but I can’t help but worry about what she really thinks. I try to focus on Shepard spilling barbeque sauce everywhere.

Simon leans over to me. “Hey, Baz, I was wondering… does this mean you would want to wear different clothes? Or, like, makeup or something?”

I had expected questions like this. “Well, yeah, I have wanted to try wearing a skirt. Just to see if I like it, I mean.”

To my surprise, Wellbelove speaks up again. Maybe I was wrong. Perhaps she’s also attempting to mend our strange relationship.

“I’ve got some skirts that you could try on. If you want to, that is. I… don’t wear them much, anyway.”

“I--yeah, that would be really nice. You’re sure?”

She nods and stands up. I hesitantly follow her into an (unnecessarily posh, even by my standards) bedroom and can barely take in the surroundings before she shoves an armful of skirt in my face.

I crane my neck over the pile of fabric. “Um. Thank you, really. You didn’t have to do this, but…”

She looks down. “No, I wanted to. You know, I’ve been kind of questioning myself as well, but I didn’t want to say anything about it until I was sure,” she lowers her voice, “and at this point maybe I never will be. But this is the least I can do, right?” She offers another half-smile, and I do my best to return it.

“Well, that’s… thank you. Again. And you can talk to me about it. If you want to, of course. I… It might be nice to have someone to relate to.” I’m not sure if I’m reassuring her or myself at this point. Wellbelove seems to understand, and brightens up a bit.

“No, thank you. And you can keep the skirts if you want. I don’t think they suit me.”

She leaves me to sift through the pile. I eventually land on a possibility: it’s a deep forest green, smooth and swirly. When I hold it against my waist, it comes down just above my knees. Part of me feels like I shouldn’t be holding this; like nothing I do will ever turn me into the person I see myself as. But part of me also thinks skirts are fun, and that’s good enough for me. Nothing left to do but try it on.

I look in the mirror and-- Crowley, not again. I’m starting to cry again. It’s just a skirt, but-- well, something about this just makes me feel… different. A good different. More like myself.

Okay, take some deep breaths. I dry my eyes and stand up straight, twirling around a bit. I’m smiling like an idiot now, but I don’t mind. This is the happiest I’ve been for a long time.

I grab the doorknob and throw the door open, shamelessly strutting out and modeling the skirt for everyone. I hardly ever get to be myself like this, and I’m going to enjoy it if it’s the last thing I do.

Everyone’s looking at me. Everyone’s looking at me. Stay calm. Wellbelove is beaming, though she’s trying to hide behind her hands. Shepard just grins and gives me a thumbs-up. Simon’s face is bright red (can’t say I don’t enjoy that), and Bunce puts her hands in front of her mouth and squeals.

“Baz!! You look so good! The color really suits you!”

“Thank you,” I can’t control my smile at this point, “I--” Wait. I have an idea. My mother’s scarf--it’s still folded up in my shirt pocket. I unfold it and tie it around my hair, just like how she used to wear it. Simon’s regained his senses by now and gives me a small smile. I wonder what my mother would say if she could see me now.

Simon gets up and pulls me into a hug. I hug him back, and any apprehension I had fades away. Something about this is familiar; much as we used to hate each other, seeing Simon at Watford always felt like more of a home than my “real” family ever did. Now it’s still the same: I’m at home wherever he is. Nobody can tell me who to be anymore.

***

Bonus:

Simon

Baz looks so good in a skirt. Of course, they do. They look good in everything. Still… something about the way they carry themselves now, how comfortable they look… this is more meaningful. I can’t pretend to know how they feel, or what they’re going through, but I do love them. I’m finally brave enough to say it.

As I pull Baz into a hug, I whisper it into their ear once again: “I love you. So much.”

They squeeze me tighter and return with an “I love you too. Even if your hair smells like barbeque smoke.”

Thank you for reading! This is the first fic I’ve ever published so hopefully I did good haha

This was like… wAYY longer than I planned to write but in my defense, this prompt was lovely and I just wanted there to be more. #noregrets this was very fun and I hope it’s fun for others as well :)

Also, I planned to post this earlier today but..... my laptop died and then I had to catch a flight. And then I thought "you know what would be a great idea? Writing a bonus section!!" ...so r.i.p. my schedule I guess ://

[excalisbury]

@seducing-a-vampire said Agatha with short hair, @letraspal showed us how, and I’m just following in their humble footsteps. 

[runningoutofbooks]

So Agatha’s the Greatest Mage right? I’m not alone in thinking that right?

[pipersapphic]

Carry On Questions ✨

1. Favorite character?

2. Least favorite character?

3. Best quote?

4. Best chapter?

5. Favorite Simon-Baz shenanigans (for example, the chimera situation..)

6. Favorite Baz line?

7. Favorite Simon line?

8. Who do the characters remind you of?

9. Something you/your friend said that reminds you of the characters/a character?

10. Expectations for Wayward Son?

11. If you had one day with Agatha in California, what would you say or do with her?

12. Headcanons?

13. Favorite Snowbaz kiss?

14. “Simon Snow is laying on the couch.” What happens afterwards?

15. What character in the world of mages would you want to be?

[forabeatofadrum]

Just Some Guy (6/9)

Notes: Chapter 6 of 9? Brah, 69? NICE lol - J.J.

AO3

–

Year 6

MATT

From 6th year on, Watford students can have student jobs. They aren’t a lot of work and you get paid minimum wage, but it’s something to do to pass the time. This is definitely needed now that the Mage banned mobile phones for some reason. He claims it’s for our protection.

Rumour has it that it has something to do with Simon Snow, as usual.

Goddamnit, Simon Snow.

Although John wonders if it’s a political move. The Mage uses it to prevent the Old Families from contacting their kids. Look, I don’t care for the Old Families either. I don’t even care for politics, but making it harder for parents to reach their kids is a dick move.

This whole civil war shit is getting eerily close. Man, I really wish I was living in uninteresting times.

Anyway I get a job in miss Possibelf’s office, which consists of cleaning and ordering. John decides to work out on the grounds. Leslie and Luis decide to work as kit managers for the football team. Ryan cares for the plants. Arnold helps in the kitchens. Scott also gets an office job, but at the Minotaur’s office. Sam is from a rich family (not an Old one, mind you!) and doesn’t see the need to work.

(I mean, my mum’s family also has money, but she still thinks I should have a job.)

“Do you know if Simon Snow got a job?” Arnold wonders one day. He’s staring at something and when I follow his gaze, I see the usual trio: Simon Snow, Penelope Bunce, and to my dismay, Agatha Wellbelove. (Yes, I am still not over Agatha.)

“Dunno, don’t care,” Sam says.

“He’s too busy trailing some bunnies, or something,” Luis says.

“Hares,” John corrects him, “The Six White Hares.”

“John, how do you always know so much about the Chosen One’s whereabouts?” Leslie asks and I have to admit, I have questioned the same thing several times.

John just shrugs.

“I know everything,” he says, cryptic as usual. We know John, so we’re not too bothered by it and Leslie lets it slide.

“So, does he have a job?” I ask.

John shakes his head.

“Makes sense,” Arnold says, “He’s so caught up in the Chosen One shit, I bet he and his friends don’t even know that Watford has jobs!”

“Must be nice not to have a job,” Ryan sighs, “Or not to be bored these days.”

“Simon Snow is always up and running,” Scott nods as well.

Just when Scott says that, I hear a small explosion coming from the Wavering Woods and on a cue, Simon Snow and Penelope Bunce run towards it. Agatha Wellbelove watches them leave. So do we. This is a normal occurrence. Even the smoke coming from the Woods doesn’t faze me anymore. I do feel back for John, who now also manages the Woods for his side job.

Can Simon Snow please let anything outside of Watford explode for once?

--

Leslie asks if I want to go to a football game with her.

Sure, why not?

Ever since Leslie and Luis have joined the team as kit managers, (“That’s what the ‘man’ in kit man stands for,” Leslie had explained, “Although I still like to say I am a kit woman.”) they’ve gotten more interested in football.

John and I show up at the game.

Leslie frowns when she sees us.

“What’s up?” I ask.

Leslie casts a quick glance at John, but then says it’s nothing. She walks us to the stands and gives us a basic explanation of football, since we’re woefully unfamiliar with the sport.

“It’s not hockey,” John laments.

“… Right,” Leslie says and continues her explanation.

Once we’re seated, she bids us farewell and goes down to the field with another word. I wonder what is up with her.

The team is already on, including Luis, who waves from below. After a few minutes, the game starts. The Watford football team is split into two and both sides are playing against each other. Baz Pitch is on the team, which I never knew, but I also don’t keep track of his whereabouts.

Unlike Simon Snow.

Since last year, everyone’s noticed that he’s been trailing Baz Pitch and today is no exception. I didn’t even notice him at first, but after ten minutes into the match I can feel his magic leaking over the stands in waves. It’s fucking annoying, honestly. It distracts me from the game.

I gloat at him, but he doesn’t seem the notice the visible discomfort of everyone. He had his head resting on his hands. He’s leaning forward and he’s staring intensely at Baz Pitch. Penelope Bunce, his trusty sidekick, is sat next to him, but she’s reading a book.

I am so annoyed by him, that I keep looking and therefore completely miss the first goal.

Fucking hell, Simon Snow.

--

My year goes on as usual. I go home for Christmas and when I go back to school, two things are discussed. First off, the Mage apparently got kidnapped over Christmas, and he had to be saved by Simon Snow.

That’s cool or whatever, but the second thing is more prominent. When you’re in 6th year, Watford also starts preparing you for your future.

We all need to attend a mandatory class in our first week after the vacation. Miss Bellamy is talking about all our options in the World of Mages. Most of us will attend Normal uni, if we even attend uni in the first place, but we can then use that knowledge for our world.

Honestly, I hadn’t given my future a lot of thought. I am just a 16 year old guy. What do I know? Adulthood seems scary, if I may say so.

“It’s fine,” John reassures me during our break.

“How would you know?” Scott bemoans.

“I’ve been an adult before,” John says cryptically, “Even went to college.”

All of us share a look before we collectively decide to let it go.

John’s words weren’t as reassuring as he’d hoped, because when we return to class, we’re reminded of the reality that in one or two years or so, we’ll be gone.

Miss Bellamy has decided to make this an interactive class, which is every student’s worse nightmare. She’s started singling people out to ask them a question. I try to keep my head low.

“You,” Miss Bellamy points in my direction, but then I realise she’s pointing towards the person behind me, “Mr. Snow, what are your plans for the future?”

Everyone turns around to face Simon Snow. This is another reason why interactive lessons suck. The focus is on one poor person, and it happens to be the Chosen One.

Simon Snow shrugs.

“Dunno,” he says. He’s as eloquent as ever.

“Mr. Snow, I know it might seem like you still have time, and yes, you do, but 16 is the perfect age to start thinking about your options,” Miss Bellamy says cheerfully, as if that would magickally motivate anyone to start thinking about their future.

“No, Miss, it’s just…” Simon looks around and sees everyone staring.

“Yes?” Miss Bellamy beckons him to go on.

Simon shrugs. I think he shrugs a lot.

“Use your words, Snow,” Baz Pitch sneers from behind us and some kids snicker. I roll my eyes. Of course that Pitch brat sees this as a moment to mess with him.

Miss Bellamy also tells him to be quiet.

Simon shrugs again. Is he addicted to shrugging, or something? What a weirdo.

“It’s just that I don’t expect to live past 18, that’s all,” he says casually, as if he didn’t just drop a fucking verbal bomb on us, “Don’t see the point of thinking. About my future. Or just, thinking.”

He shrugs yet again and I am not even bothered by it, because I am too shocked by what he just said.

The silence continues. Penelope Bunce looks upset and she opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, but then stops herself. Agatha Wellbelove has an empty look in her eyes as she stares out of the window. Even Baz Pitch isn’t cheering about the Chosen One’s inevitable demise, or something. The only one who doesn’t seem bothered is Simon himself.

This must be an everyday occurrence for him. The worst part is that he might be right.

Miss Bellamy awkwardly interrupts the even more awkward silence by asking Niall Kelly what he wants to do next.

--

The future.

It is a thing.

And unlike Simon Snow, I do expect to live.

Oh Merlin.

It hangs over me during the remainer of the year.

And then the academic year ends. I am hugging my friends goodbye. We’re all hanging out in the summer, but the realisation that another year at Watford is over, hits me. Two more years left, since I am planning on doing the optional 8th year. But what will I do next? I am just some guy, I don’t have a destiny. I don’t even have a girlfriend! That’s another Watford milestone. My parents met here.

Which… in hindsight doesn’t mean anything, but still. Even Simon Snow has a girlfriend and he spends more time saving the world than being with her. Not only that, but rumour has it that Agatha Wellbelove has been kidnapped several times since she started dating him. Yikes.

If I were her boyfriend, she’d never be on the bottom of a well.

Although, I must admit, ever since Agatha became unavailable, I’ve gotten less interested in her. It sounds bad, I know, but why dream for the unattainable. The other day, during Magickal History, I was paired up with her for a debate assignment, and it went alright. I wasn’t a mess.

Damn, does that mean I am not into her anymore?

“Shit, I need to reassess my plans,” I say out loud, like an idiot.

“What plans?” Leslie asks.

I try to bullshit my way out of it. I already knows how it will sound. But I give up, since Leslie’s icy stare is killing.

“My future with Agatha,” I confess.

“I swear to Merlin,” Leslie sighs and walks off.

I frown. I expected a longer rant from her.

But maybe I should count my blessings.

“Plenty of fishes in the sea, Matty,” John slings his arm around me. He then slightly turns me towards Leslie’s direction.

I look at Leslie, who has her back turned to me and she’s talking to Sam.

“What are you implying, John?” I ask.

“Have you ever wondered why Leslie is so bothered by your crush on Agatha?”

“Because I tend to use language that presents Agatha as an object I want to possess or a prize I deserve?” I say automatically. Those were her exact words once and they’re fried into my brain.

“That as well,” John says.

“Huh?” I look at John for an explanation, but he smiles. He lets go of me, but does give me a pat on the back.

“Happy summer, Matty Chris D.,” he says before saying goodbye to Arnold.

[ionlydrinkhotwater]

Still working on my comic for COBB and I have so many other comics to do after that so I'm just gonna talk about some quotes I like from the trilogy that I've been thinking about:

"But no one loves magic like I do. None of the other magicians-none of my classmates, none of their parents-know what it's like to live without magic. Only I know. And I'll do anything to make sure it's always here for me to come home to". Carry On Chapter 2 in hindsight this line is devastating.

 "The first time I came back to Watford, my second year, I climbed into my bed and cried like a baby" Carry On Chapter 3. So can anyone imagine how it felt when the one place he could call his permanent home refused him entry after he lost his beloved magic: "The gates wouldn't even open for me tonight" Epilogue Carry On. 

"I still can't believe they're friends. I can believe it of Simon; he'll make friends with anyone who's willing. Anyone who doesn't mind the risks of befriending a human wrecking ball." CO AGATHA talking about Baz and Simon, CHAPTER 77 awww Simon 😢

"Baz came back. This morning. He was always going to come back. I think he always will, if I make it good for him. I think he wants this, wants me. And I'm going to make it so good for him. This morning. This life" AWTWB Chapter 82. I think with the painful pattern of abandonment that Simon has experienced, this was super important for him and I like how in this moment Simon accepts his agency in good things happening for him and acknowledges the depth of Bazs love for him.

 "Could this be real? Is it something else that will blow up in my face? Does everything I believe in fall apart?" AWTWB Chapter 89 for Simon learning that the Salisburys are his family is a happy thing so of course with the way things have gone in his life he's gonna question it, i hope in Scattered Showers that we see some Salisbury fluff.

"We grew up together, he spends every Christmas at my house" CO Agatha Chapter 13 and "Would my life have been different if i hadn't grown up with Simon like a brother?" WS Agatha Chapter 4. They should have been allowed to stay siblings but I think that the pressure from everyone, including Agatha parents pushing them to date stopped them from being the siblings I think they both needed. Simon probably assumed that the only way he could be part of the Wellbelove family was to date her. Can you imagine if they had adopted him instead? He and Agatha would have been legit siblings and could have like fought over Baz, talked about crushes, Normal stuff, and watched Dr WHO with Helen all the time. Penny and Simon are also like siblings but I can't see Mitali adopting him. The Wellbeloves might have though, even just to have a powerful child.

Is anyone else charmed by Simon calling the younger years "littleuns". It's so cute and such an endearing term.

"There are still a lot of people who don't accept Simon, even among the Mage's allies. "It takes more than magic to make a mage," is what Baz had always said. It sounds like classist nonsense, but in a way, it's true. The unicorns have magic. The Vampires have some. Dragons, numpties, ne'er-do-wolves-they all have magic. But you're not a magician unless you can control magic, unless you can speak its language. And Simon...Well. Simon." PENNY CO CHAPTER 23 Baz may have initially said this with disdain before but I think in hindsight it might be sort of comforting to Simon now. Also I fully believe that Shep will find non verbal Mages cause this whole thing sounds like WOM propaganda.

"(How does a magician fall in love with a centaur? What do they have in common?) ("The top half",  Simon said, when I tried to discuss this with him.)" WS Penny Chapter 40. LEGEND. ATTA BOY SIMON LOL

[confused-bi-queer]

I’ve been trying to catch up with people’s COBB but I didn’t know so many signed up so I’m being slow.

Anyway, thank you @takitalks @martsonmars @aroace-genderfluid-sheep for the tags:)

I was imagining some scene for my COBB. Simon and Baz are forced to work together because they’re pissing off everyone, so Miss Possibelf is done and she just wants to choreograph the Nutcracker and this is SnowBaz being more civil with each other:

“I’m gay.”

Snow looks scandalized. “You are?!”

“Did you think I was anything else?” I ask, mortified. The question is outragious.

“Maybe bi? I don’t know. You’re always flirting with Agatha.”

“I am not! Snow, I’m utterly offended that you’ve considered even for a split second that I might be even slightly interested in women.”

“How come Aggie and you are so close, then?”

“She’s my friend!”

God, I mean, in the past I wanted to want Wellbelove. It would be easier if I did, wouldn’t it? My father would be able to look at me if I did, but I can’t bring myself to like women. Not that I’ve properly tried but I know. It’s not in me, even if it’s unnatural for some people.

This was supposed to be sort of a fun interaction, having Baz being offended by someone thinking he might like women, both of them sort of fighting but in a more friendly light and then Baz goes and brings out the angst. How dare he?

I’m currently working on Chapter 4 of the fic and it’s looking good, but I still have so much more to write. Help.

Now tagging: @bazzybelle @artsyunderstudy @johnwgrey @cutestkilla @nightimedreamersworld @wellbelesbian @bookish-bogwitch @moodandmist @forabeatofadrum @fatalfangirl @foolofabookwyrm-activated @sharing-a-room-with-an-open-fire @castawaypitch @captain-aralias @basiltonbutliketheherb @ivelovedhimthroughworse @ileadacharmedlife @dragoneggo @letraspal @sillyunicorn @urban-sith @you-remind-me-of-the-babe @palimpsessed @aristocratic-otter @cutestkilla @im-gettingby @gekkoinapeartree @stitchyqueer @facewithoutheart @tea-brigade @whatevertheweather @ionlydrinkhotwater @prettylightsbigcity

[marshmyers]

New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell's epic fantasy, the Simon Snow trilogy, concludes with Any Way the Wind Blows.

In Carry On, Simon Snow and his friends realized that everything they thought they understood about the world might be wrong. And in Wayward Son, they wondered whether everything they understood about themselves might be wrong. 

Now, Simon and Baz and Penelope and Agatha must decide how to move forward. 

For Simon, that means choosing whether he still wants to be part of the World of Mages -- and if he doesn't, what does that mean for his relationship with Baz? Meanwhile Baz is bouncing between two family crises and not finding any time to talk to anyone about his newfound vampire knowledge. Penelope would love to help, but she's smuggled an American Normal into London, and now she isn't sure what to do with him. And Agatha? Well, Agatha Wellbelove has had enough. 

Any Way the Wind Blows takes the gang back to England, back to Watford, and back to their families for their longest and most emotionally wrenching adventure yet. 

This book is a finale. It tells secrets and answers questions and lays ghosts to rest. 

The Simon Snow Trilogy was conceived as a book about Chosen One stories; Any Way the Wind Blows is an ending about endings--about catharsis and closure, and how we choose to move on from the traumas and triumphs that try to define us.

PURCHASE BOOK 3

PURCHASE THE OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES:

Book 1: Carry On

Book 2: Wayward Son