WITH THE END OF BONUS ROUNDS, WE CONCLUDE LONDON SPY DRABBLE FEST 2016 <3
A THOUSAND HUGE AND SINCEREST THANKS TO…
THE EIGHT WRITERS OF THE BONUS ROUNDS: @amarulasmile @beaubete @emsdispatch @londonspy2 @rigel99 @singing-fangirl @themuller13 @v1als
AND THEIR BETAS: @a-forger-and-a-point-man @deleriousfromcoffee @hydr0gencyan1de @therealpigfarts23
ALSO AGAIN, THE WRITERS OF THE REGULAR ROUNDS: @londonspyfan @sunaddicted
AND THEIR BETAS: @dysfunctional-college-roommates @fellowshipofthegay @lysanatt @mioka
(Writers and betas who participated in both the regular and the bonus rounds are italicised :D)
OF COURSE ALL THE READERS WHO VOTED, READ AND/OR REBLOGGED OUR POSTS :D
Don’t forget to check out the result page (with links to drabbles) and the AO3 collection to give the writers and betas more love ;)
Finally, happy holidays, best wishes, and squishy hugs from the lazier mod @boredpsychopath-jc *waves nervously*~
First, oh writers, please forgive me for late replies, forgetting bcc in emails etc- all mistakes are mine, not my co-host’s! (RL wasn’t that good to me esp. during the second round so I was quite distracted- I only barely managed to stay on the schedule >< ).
I’m so grateful to everyone here- I had an unforgettably great and rewarding time co-hosting the regular rounds and hosting the bonus rounds, which are only possible thanks to the encouragement and support from the regular round co-host @monologues91, who made it way easier for me to host these two weeks (I just followed her great example and guidelines). Also a shoutout again to @a-forger-and-a-point-man for the LSversary idea and encouragement <3
A year ago, I posted the first serious >3k fanfic because LS broke me. But at the same time, LS has led me to so many awesome and kind people whom I have the honour to call friends. I had never thought I would be cohosting a drabble fest! The idea of encouraging more fics that are not written trashily by yours truly in this tiny fandom was beyond the 1-year-younger me and now I’m super happy to have contributed with someone so AMAZING. THANK YOU SO MUCH LS FANDOM <3
We’ve computed the points by giving 3 points to a top choice, 2 to a second choice, and 1 to a third choice. The results are…
1. Infinitely Practical
2. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
3. The Christmas Ladder
Congrats @beaubete, author of the top-ranking drabbles this week! Thank you all writers for your lovely submissions (Comments collected are on their way to your email inbox!). You’re more than welcome to add your works to the Drabble Fest collection on AO3!
Writers and betas’ names with the drabbles reposted under cut! x
Title: Christmas Socks
Author: @singing-fangirl
Beta: @deleriousfromcoffee
Rating: G
Warnings: None apply
Summary: Alex is intrigued by the concept of Christmas socks
“Do you have any socks that aren’t plain?” Danny asks Alex one day in mid-December as he sits on the sofa curled up against Alex. He knows the answer, but asks anyway.
“No. I have no need for them.”
“Do you want some? Everyone should have at least one pair of fun socks,” Danny says.
When Alex speaks, he sounds genuinely confused. “What makes socks fun?”
Danny thinks for a moment, before sticking his feet out and wiggling his toes. “These are fun socks.”
“They have holes in them. I can see your toes,” says Alex, not criticising; merely commenting.
“But they have snowmen on them. That makes them fun,” Danny protested, determined to make Alex understand.
Alex looks at the gaudy, worn socks for a few more seconds before turning back to his computer.
A few weeks later they wake up on Christmas morning, the fairy lights Danny has put in his window illuminating the room. Alex, as always, wakes long before Danny does. He simply watches Danny, feeling the excitement of Christmas day on Danny’s behalf until Danny begins to stir. Danny sits up as soon as he realises the date.
Eagerly passing Alex the top gift on the pile, Danny watches with wide eyes and boyish excitement as Alex carefully unfolds the paper.
“Penguin socks,” he states, looking at Danny with mild confusion.
“Everyone should have one pair of hideous socks,” Danny shrugs.
Slowly, Alex reaches behind him, picking up the present on the bedside table.
“Merry Christmas,” he says, handing it to Danny.
Danny tears the paper off, tossing it across the room as he takes out the black socks with reindeers on the side.
“You needed new Christmas socks,” Alex says in way of explanation.
Danny only smiles, kissing Alex tenderly. “Merry Christmas, Alex.”
Title: Rudolph the red nosed reindeer
Author: @themuller13
Rating: Teen and up audiences
Warnings: None
Summary: Danny is missing one sock.
Danny came trotting into the living room, holding a bunch of stray socks in his hand, having only one of his reindeer socks on his foot.
“Alex, have you seen the other one of these red nos—“
Alex’s reaction stopped Danny, dumbstruck. Alex’s eyes were locked with Danny’s socked foot. He was blushing fervently. When Danny didn’t move further, Alex made a small sound and looked up at him, totally lost. Danny couldn’t help the rather wicked thoughts this sight formed in his mind.
“Is it the missing sock or this particular —“
“Red nosed reindeer,” Alex whispered, licking his lips.
Danny ventured slowly closer and Alex’s breath was hitching. Despite having lived together for almost a year, Alex seldom initiated an embrace or a kiss. Showing emotions, let alone act on them had successfully been beaten out of him during his upbringing. Provoking this kind of strong response from Alex always felt like a small victory to Danny. Fighting back the hurt caused by years of tough training and fierce discipline when he made Alex open up, pulling down yet another wall between Alex and the world.
Danny’s first touch was gentle, tentative, instinctively knowing that Alex was overwhelmed by the force of his own feelings. As always the physical contact pushed Alex out of the limbo. He pulled Danny close, fingers caressing, searching, trying to convey the love they felt for each other.
They ended up in a tangle of limbs and clothing on the floor, moving in unison and reaching climax within moments of the other.
They stayed in a tight embrace, enjoying the afterglow.
Later, no matter where Danny looked, the other sock seemed to be gone for good.
Later, Alex would make sure to keep the single sock hidden well away.
Title: A Christmas Socking
Author: @rigel99
Rating: General Audience
Warning: N/A
Summary: A night on the town with Danny is never dull
Danny was drunk.
Perhaps not quite the side of random outpourings just yet, but getting there. It was his and Alex’ first Christmas together. They had three nights before Alex had to go away and Danny was damn well going to let his hair down for one of them. The club was intimate - one he had frequented with Scottie in a previous life - and not overly crowded, though Danny had spent five minutes waiting at the bar. Meandering his way through the crowd with their drinks, he pulled up short to see Alex in their booth, fending off the interest of a man younger than himself but brazen enough to be making open advances.
Danny felt the pulse of possessiveness wash over him like a hot wave. He’d never been on this end of the relationship, but then, he’d never found a man like Alex before. He was a few metres away when the man beat a retreat, Alex smiling politely. Danny watched him head in the direction of the gents, knowing full well what that meant.
Alex smiled when he caught his eye, looking as though nothing had happened. “Was that man bothering you, Sir?” Danny said with a roguish, playful tone. “Not in the slightest,” said Alex.
“Mmmm,” Danny replied. ‘Cuse me. Call of nature.” Alex made no move to stop him as he wandered off to the loo.
Three minutes later, Alex saw his amorous stranger stumble out the door clutching his face, followed by Danny, looking rather pleased with himself.
“Dare I ask?” he said, as Danny flopped down to put on his sock again. He waved the item of clothing at him and said, “I found a fistful of Christmas cheer in my sock. Thought I’d give him a little something to remember you by…”
Title: Socks. Fluffy Socks.
Author: @londonspy2
Rating: general audiences
Warnings: does fluff count? ;)
Summary: Socks. A Christmas classic.
Socks.
A universal Christmas gift.
Fluffy, warm, cozy and in all the outrageous colours and patterns, as crazy as they get.
Reindeer nose on your toes?
Why not!
***
It’s Danny’s and Alec first Christmas since the situation is over and neither of them is really up for gifts.
With time, they learned to appreciate each other and their life more than any material goods, especially with how easy they are to obtain with money from compensation.
But Christmas isn’t Christmas without present.
So they both decide to go for symbolism more than the gift itself and settle on a Christmas classic.
Socks.
***
The socks Danny unwraps make his heart burst with affection and heartbreak both.
They are plain black, as normal and plain as it gets, but the brand tells Danny they cost more than his only suit and they are so soft Danny already knows no one will force him to ever wear any other socks again.
They are so Alex that is makes Danny’s heart hurt.
The ever caring side of Alex and the side of Alex that never knew anything but plain black of hiding in the shadows and not knowing real warmth or fun or love.
But Danny brings his eyes up from his socks to look at Alex who unwrapped his gift and is holding the fluffiest, furriest red and green striped socks with santa pompoms on side and looking at them with a strange expression that Danny cannot quite decipher but is sure is a good one.
Something not unlike surprise, confusion and… awe? Mixed with careful content and excitement.
And then Alex looks up at him and he smiles.
And all Danny can do is smile back.
Title: It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Author: @amarulasmile
Beta: @therealpigfarts23
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Alex is alive, Danny is alive and most importantly, both are happy.
As Alex pulled out his keys, he made sure that the small parcel was tucked fully into his pocket. He hadn’t been able to stop smiling since he had seen them in the window; the perfect “Let’s celebrate another winter together” present for Danny: socks. Not just any socks though; these were tall, warm, thick, fuzzy, and, best of all, they lit up. These were were ridiculous, and tacky, and would result in the biggest smile followed by that overwhelmed laugh as Danny folded in half clapping his hands together in merriment. These were perfect.
These seasonal gifts had started off silly, and then grew to celebrate that they were together, and alive, and not running from anything, and not running to anything, and could live life as they wanted- together. Each silly little gift represented another season of them together. Another thing that reminded the other one that they were always in their hearts. Gifts were never planned, always spur of the moment, and that worked for them. Alex smiled fondly at the huge sun that adorned his keychain as he was greeted by the sight of an energetic happy Danny waiting for him inside the door.
Waiting for him holding a pair of socks… that were long… and fuzzy… and had a small battery pack signifying that the snowflakes lit up. Danny was standing there with that smile of his face, that “you will tolerate this because you love me” smile, that childish joy that had drawn Alex to him in the first place, once he got to know him. Alex had to employ all of his no longer needed skills to keep his face calm and voice measured as he reached into his coat pocket, “You did always say we should get matching clothing. Happy Winter, Darling.”
Title: Infinitely Practical
Author: @beaubete
Rating: G
Warnings: none!
Summary: Alex knows Danny can't afford much, but it's the thought that matters, isn't it?
They've danced around the subject for weeks, a kind of silent waltz, both of them gallant enough not to want to step on the other's feet but neither wanting to be the one to lead the dance. Danny's got cup noodle in his cupboard, and Alex would die to know Danny had spent too much on a gift, but at the same time he doesn't dare offer a limit that might offend. In the end, they'd each pretended Alex wouldn't overbuy and Danny wouldn't spend outside his means.
And truly, the gloves inside the box are. Well, they're from Harrod's instead of Westfield, and Alex won't breathe a word about the lined leather ones Frances always sends for Christmas, every year like clockwork and predictable as the Queen's speech. These are better because they're from Danny, and Danny has been a sweet fool to spend so much on understated, forgettable black gloves. It makes Alex feel like an ass to hand over the little bag.
Danny's eyes are wide as he peers inside, reaching in to gingerly lift out--"They made me think of you," Alex blurts. Because they were ugly, because they were festive, because they weren't shy about who they were. Danny grins, sweet.
"Danny is a free elf! Danny has no master!"
As far as reactions go--? Alex frowns, unsure how to take that response, and Danny just laughs, crawls into his lap, and kisses him. Later, Alex will shamefacedly confess to all the other gifts he's hidden in the hall closet and it may cause a row--though it's Alex's money to spend if he wants, really--and Alex will try to drag him out for brunch to apologise and pay the bill while Danny's not looking, but for now it's Christmas, and everything is grand.
Title: Christmas Cheer
Author: @v1als
Beta: @hydr0gencyan1de
Rating: General
Warnings: None
Summary: Danny takes advantage of Alex's impeccably organised sock drawer in order to bring a bit of Christmas cheer into his flat.
Danny was still asleep, his dark hair tousled and standing out against the white sheets; Alex thought it would be a shame to disturb him. Unfortunately, it was a necessity, and if Alex were honest it was worth it to see the sleep clear from Danny’s eyes the second he saw him, a lazy smile pulling at his lips.
“Morning,” he said, yawning and shaking his hair out of his eyes, and Alex paused to admire the view for just a second longer before bringing himself back to the urgent matter at hand.
“Have you been in my sock drawer?” Alex asked, and Danny did his best to look innocent.
“What d’you mean?” he asked, sitting up. “Why would I be in your sock drawer?”
“I suppose it was just a random guess,” Alex replied, stepping to the side and watching as Danny’s eyes travelled slowly over to where the dresser was, the drawer open and the socks visible.
Danny managed to fake innocent for a second longer, before collapsing into peals of laughter.
“It isn’t funny, Danny!” Alex told him, but Danny only laughed harder. “You need to tell me where the proper ones are. I can’t wear these into work.”
With some difficulty, Danny got to his feet and stepped over to the dresser, holding up a pair of bright red, incredibly fluffy socks.
“I think these ones would go well,” he said, as Alex glared. “Or – no! These ones!” He held up a green pair, just as fluffy and covered in Rudolphs.
“Danny –”
“Or what about this Santa pair? Look, his hat has bells!”
“Where did you find all of these?”
Danny only laughed harder, and the longer Alex watched him, the more he realised it was impossible to be mad.
Title: The Christmas Ladder
Author: @emsdispatch
Rating: Suitable for all
Warnings: n/a
Summary: Danny has a favor to ask of Alex.
“There’s something I have to ask you.”
Alex’s stomach did somersaults at this as Danny parachuted onto the couch beside him, all lanky frame and wooly Christmas jumpers and too-big trousers. Alex set aside his book.
“You know you can always ask me anything, Danny,” he said.
Danny fidgeted. “It’s just,” he squinted, making a face, “it may come across as a bit unusual.”
Alex felt a touch of dread at his lover’s reluctance. “Come on, let’s have it out.”
Danny sucked in a deep breath. “I have to know – can you knit?”
“Sorry, what?” A world of tension left Alex, but bewilderment flooded through him to replace it. A confused laugh escaped him, and Danny scowled in response.
“It’s a serious question,” he chastised, pulling back a bit.
“You’re right, I’m sorry.” Alex sobered. “Why do you ask?”
Danny reached into the Mary Poppins-esque pockets of his jumper, and plucked out two lumpy, oversized, variegated, Christmas stockings. They looked as though they had not aged a day since 1966, and were not the better for it.
“Oh my,” Alex murmured, rather at a loss.
Danny raised his eyebrows at his lover in warning. “My grandmother made them, for Christmas,” he said defensively. “But they have a ladder in them – I didn’t pack them well when I changed flats. Can you fix it?”
Alex looked them over carefully. “Do you have needles?”
Danny’s eyes lit up. “Of course I do,” he said, scrambling away to retrieve them.
Twenty minutes later, Alex couldn’t help a soft smile – his lover was beaming from ear to ear, holding the mended socks aloft.
“It’s a Christmas miracle, they’re perfect!” Danny exclaimed, folding himself around his lover.
“No, no,” Alex corrected, wrapping his arms around the other man. “You’re my Christmas miracle.”
Four weeks have gone by
this is not goodbye
Alex killed all lies
Danny fixed his tie
– a poem (?! I’m sorry)
Missed the regular round drabbles? Check out:
the Drabbles and Voting Results page, with links to each week’s post, &
the LSDF Collection on AO3!
Voting might be over, but it’s never too late to read the drabbles, reblog, give kudos, comment and show our writers love! <3
Deepest, warmest, heartiest thanks go to...
The six writers: @amarulasmile @londonspy2 @londonspyfan @themuller13 @rigel99 and @sunaddicted
Their betas: @dysfunctional-college-roommates @fellowshipofthegay @lysanatt @mioka @therealpigfarts23 @a-forger-and-a-point-man
@a-forger-and-a-point-man who brought up the idea of LSversary celebrations and inspired us to host
And every single one of you who voted, read, and/or reblogged to boost readership!
We hosted this Drabble Fest for you, and we hope you enjoyed. And, oh–
Stick around for the bonus rounds! Duh :)
IMPORTANT: If you think LSDF’s been awesome,
GO THANK @boredpsychopath-jc!
She’s everything I could ask for as a co-host. She made me dream bigger. Once we drew a plan together, she ran the ship. She also made the blog, the graphics, and the AO3 collection! (I... drafted things and counted votes?)(She signs off as “the lazier mod,” which is SO NOT TRUE)
and if you figured out the Easter Egg secret behind the four prompts, send us an ask and tell us!
The first person to do that gets a drabble gift from yours truly: 150-300 words, London Spy, you pick a word as a prompt. (I have to know if anyone noticed! It’s like making a joke and asking see what I did there?)
I’m @monologues91. It’s been an absolute pleasure and honour co-hosting the regular rounds. -bows out-
So this is @boredpsychopath-jc and I’m here blushing to give you the Truth (certified by certain lie detector™):
I do endorse every single word in this post until the word IMPORTANT.
Co-hosting LSDF with @monologues91 is my best fandom experience by far. She drafted all the important things, including the rules, emails and posts needed(!!) so you all were saved from my messy writings. She planned so well and efficiently at the early stage of the Fest while I just sat around in awe and drank lots of tea. Making simple graphics and the blog with an existing blog theme are only lazy me trying to contribute something lol
More importantly, the bonus rounds wouldn’t have happened if not for her cheerleading and support (also including the drafts ;))! This will be the first time I’m the only active co-mod, yet she’s always the honorary co-mod :D SO PLEASE SHOWER HER WITH LOVE AND THANKS!!
We’ve computed the points by giving 3 points to a top choice, 2 to a second choice, and 1 to a third choice. The results are…
1. Reboot, A Home In Your Heart, Nightmares and Coming Home (tie)
2. Home is where your heart is.
3. And It’s Alright, The Voyage Home (tie)
Congrats @themuller13, @sunaddicted & @londonspyfan, authors of the top-ranking drabbles of the final week of the regular rounds! And thank you all writers for your lovely submissions during the fest (Comments collected are on their way to your email inbox!). Feel free to add your works to the Drabble Fest collection on AO3!
READERS, STAY TUNED FOR THE BONUS ROUNDS :D
Writers and betas’ names with the drabbles reposted under cut! x
Title: Reboot
Author: @themuller13
Rating: Teen and up audiences
Warnings: None
Summary: An unexpected visitor.
“If this is a lie —“
Trembling, with clenched fists Danny stood in the middle of the living room. He said the words to the room at large, not able to address the silent shape looming in the doorway.
Despite standing in the shadow, Danny knew fullwell who was supposed to be in front of him. He would recognise this person anytime, anywhere in the world. And this person was dead, had been dead for two years now. A cruel kind of anniversary, Danny thought, gritting his teeth when he realised that in fact it was two years to the day since he had crept through the attic and opened the trunk.
Two years, in which he had fought to learn how to live without the people he loved.
“If this is a lie, please, stop now.”
It was a plea, begging even. The figure did shake its head, slowly, deliberate. Danny’s breathing hitched.
“Tell me this is not a lie,” he whispered, his voice breaking.
Silence.
Then, the sound of a voice thought lost forever.
“It’s okay, Danny. It’s — “ Alex faltered, the practiced words vanishing in a whirl of emotions kept at bay for far too long.
“This is not a lie.”
Stated matter of fact. Alex watched Danny, afraid to frighten him, fighting his own fear.
Danny’s hand covered his own mouth, the scream stifled. He cried when he took a step forward, lifting his hands to touch, to feel.
Reality.
Their bodies not a dream. Real.
Alex held still, tears flowing freely. And Danny caressed, let his fingers brush over wellknown cheekbones, full lips parting under the slight pressure. Hesitating, seeking permission, Danny locked eyes with Alex. A small nod.
“Welcome home,” Danny said, leaning in for the kiss. The first of many to come.
Title: A Home In Your Heart
Author: @sunaddicted
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Summary: home is, where the heart is
Danny woke up in the wee hours of the morning, his sleep disturbed by the lack of a familiar and warm body in his arms. Blinking owlishly in the pastel-violet hued light of a cloudy dawn, trying to put the world into focus, Danny spotted Alex by the window; despite the slight chill in the air, he was standing close to the glass panel in just his boxer briefs and T-shirt, pensively studying the sleepy traffic of the awakening city.
Not London, of course; once Alex had come out of hiding, they had had to flee the city as if they had all hells on their heels.
Personally, Danny hadn’t suffered moving so much: apart from Sarah and Patel - who were better off without his troublesome presence in their lives - he had no one else left in London.
Neither did Alex but, apparently, he was more attached than Danny had thought to the city.
After a luxurious stretch, Danny padded to the window: he looped one arm around Alex’s waist and plastered his stubbled cheek against his broad back “Homesick?” he inquired, spindly fingers slipping in Alex’s hair to start soothingly massaging his scalp; during their relationship, Danny had gotten better at offering physical comfort without hinting at sex, keeping his touches platonically affectionate. As he felt Alex relax in his embrace, his weight half-abandoned against his own body, Danny smiled so brightly against Alex’s shoulder-blade that there was no way the other couldn’t feel it.
“Not exactly” Alex murmured, letting his eyelids fall closed - immediately, his senses were enveloped by Danny’s comforting presence “I need time to get used to new patterns but I don’t feel homesick - not when home is you”
Title: Home is where your heart is.
Author: @londonspy2
Rating: General audiences
Warnings: None apply
Summary: Alex and Danny have a new house.
The day the case is closed is the day Danny and Alex move in to their new house.
It’s the beginning of a new life in the building that with time they will call home.
It’s cosy, full of warm colours and gentle lightning, a complete opposite to stark, crispine white and minimalitic style of Alex’ flat.
It’s an entirely new chapter, cut out from the nightmare they lived through. A place where every day they will wake up in the world looking better.
Alex is still weak, physically and emotionally. He is even more quiet than ever and even a short walk on the beach tires him out.
Alex is curled up on the sofa, under the mountain of blankets, and he is shaking slightly, but not from cold.
Danny is in the kitchen, making two cups of steaming hot chamomile tea and taking cookies out of the oven.
And then Danny comes in, putting the cookies on the table and the mug in Alex’ hands and sliding in next to him on the sofa, letting the taller man curl up at his side.
They are finally safe.
They have months of battling demons and nightmares and physical therapy still, but they also have a house to laze around in and a garden to admire and a beach to go on walks and make fires.
They have months to build a home, now that they are out of this madness.
Alex’ shaking subsides.
He’s already home.
Danny is his home.
As he is held by him, Danny’s warmth is seeping into his body, warming his body and his heart.
Title: And It’s Alright
Author: @amarulasmile
Beta: @a-forger-and-a-point-man
Rating: General Audience
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Alex visits Danny after a hard day at the office.
Danny knew something was off as soon as he let Alex through the door. The walls were back up; as simple as that. One look at Alex was all it took to see that he was back on the defensive, as if all those dates shared, all those little secrets and little trusts that had been exchanged were no longer. Danny tried not to panic internally as he assessed his distraught boyfriend.
He was still here. That fact alone is what Danny needed to focus on; Alex was stressed and his walls were back up but he was here, in Danny’s apartment because he had come to Danny in his time of need. Alex then completely caught him off guard by just folding in on Danny and standing there silently asking for a hug. There was a muffled “Rough day at work,” muttered into Danny’s shoulder.
Rough day at work, right, I can handle this. How the fuck do I handle this? What do I do when life sucks… music. Yes, music. But not his usual music that won’t help take his mind off things. Pop, let’s do that.
Danny’s thoughts were going a mile a minute as he hooked his phone up to the speakers and collected blankets, food, and Alex on his way to the couch. The music surrounded them as the blanket nest was built and the food was shared. Alex’s walls had been raised again but what matters is that he showed up.
Title: Nightmares and Coming Home
Author: @londonspyfan
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences/PG
Warnings: No warnings
He couldn’t breathe. It was dark. He had always been terrified of the dark. His muscles were screaming, he was far too tall for the space he was confined in. Sweat and tears were pouring into his stinging eyes. His hands were searching frantically for a way out, nails bleeding from trying to claw his way out. His hands balled into fists, pounding at the wood that was confining him. Was anyone there? Or was he simply going to be left here to suffocate to death? It couldn’t end like this…. He needed to find a way out. Beg, plead, or smash his out way of this box. A whimper, a cry and then he was suddenly yelling as he pounded and pounded at the wood. The noise was making him nauseous, the sounds bouncing around his skull as he screamed and screamed and screamed…..
He awoke in a tangle of sweat soaked sheets, hands flailing frantically in search of the box that was keeping him contained. “No…. No…. No….” He gasped and whimpered, eyes darting around as he quickly realised the box was long gone and he was in his bed. It has been two years since he had awoken in that box. The dreams still came every night. He didn’t think they would ever stop.
Suddenly arms were being wrapped around him, Dannys soft voice against his ear. “Shhhhh you’re safe now.” A kiss was placed against his neck, to calm and ground him. “You’re home.” The words and the kiss made Alex smile. It had been a year since he had been reunited with Danny. Legal agreements had been made, ensuing Alex would be allowed his life with Danny as long as he never programmed anything again.
He had Danny and that was enough for him.
Title: The Voyage Home
Author: @rigel99
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Danny walks his final path back to his soulmate
“… I dream of him often,” Danny said wistfully. “I live the moments we could’ve shared but were denied. I live them for both of—,“ his sentence cut off with a slight rasping inhale. His nurse watched him attentively, reaching for the glass of water by his bedside to bring it to dry lips.
“He loved water so much,” Danny continued absently, staring at the surface of the liquid, hand wrapped weakly around the vessel, fragile as himself, the decades having been none too kind to a soul loved and lost ever since.
“Time for some rest now, Mr Holt,” said the nurse softly, removing a pillow from behind his head so he could recline further before the medication took hold. “Who knows. Maybe you’ll dream some more of your beautiful heart.”
“Maybe…” murmured Danny, voice thick with sedation. “Maybe I won’t wake up. Maybe we’ll be together again before morning…”
The nurse pulled the blanket up around shoulders, Danny curling into the softness, snared by the memory of another warm embrace.
______________
The demons tugged and pulled. But Danny fought. Resisted as he always had that desire to give up on the knowledge that he and Alex would be together again. It burned bright in his soul. He called, and with a bursting, searing pulse, he banished those demons once and for all.
______________
Danny opened his eyes.
He reached to touch the pillow next to him, still warm. Pulling it to his face, the familiar, heady smell of Alex flooded his senses. Memories never made pierced his mind.
“BREAKFAST, DANNY!”
Danny lay back and and tried to process. The kiss twenty seconds later told him it was real enough.
“Alex….” he breathed.
______________
The nurse laid a soft kiss on his forehead and closed his eyes. “Goodnight, Danny…” she whispered.
The final prompt of LS Drabble Fest is “Home”, the genre hurt/comfort.
Thank you so much for sharing with us your brilliant works, writers and betas!
You can now vote for your top 3 drabbles and leave comments here before Tuesday 29 November 5pm PST/ 8pm EST / 1am+1 UTC (We’re sorry that the drabbles are posted late- here’s more time for commenting and voting!). The names of writers and betas will be revealed when we announce the voting results.
Six lovely drabbles are under cut:
Title: Reboot
Rating: Teen and up audiences
Warnings: None
Summary: An unexpected visitor.
“If this is a lie —“
Trembling, with clenched fists Danny stood in the middle of the living room. He said the words to the room at large, not able to address the silent shape looming in the doorway.
Despite standing in the shadow, Danny knew fullwell who was supposed to be in front of him. He would recognise this person anytime, anywhere in the world. And this person was dead, had been dead for two years now. A cruel kind of anniversary, Danny thought, gritting his teeth when he realised that in fact it was two years to the day since he had crept through the attic and opened the trunk.
Two years, in which he had fought to learn how to live without the people he loved.
“If this is a lie, please, stop now.”
It was a plea, begging even. The figure did shake its head, slowly, deliberate. Danny’s breathing hitched.
“Tell me this is not a lie,” he whispered, his voice breaking.
Silence.
Then, the sound of a voice thought lost forever.
“It’s okay, Danny. It’s — “ Alex faltered, the practiced words vanishing in a whirl of emotions kept at bay for far too long.
“This is not a lie.”
Stated matter of fact. Alex watched Danny, afraid to frighten him, fighting his own fear.
Danny’s hand covered his own mouth, the scream stifled. He cried when he took a step forward, lifting his hands to touch, to feel.
Reality.
Their bodies not a dream. Real.
Alex held still, tears flowing freely. And Danny caressed, let his fingers brush over wellknown cheekbones, full lips parting under the slight pressure. Hesitating, seeking permission, Danny locked eyes with Alex. A small nod.
“Welcome home,” Danny said, leaning in for the kiss. The first of many to come.
Title: A Home In Your Heart
Rating: G
Warnings: none
Summary: home is, where the heart is
Danny woke up in the wee hours of the morning, his sleep disturbed by the lack of a familiar and warm body in his arms. Blinking owlishly in the pastel-violet hued light of a cloudy dawn, trying to put the world into focus, Danny spotted Alex by the window; despite the slight chill in the air, he was standing close to the glass panel in just his boxer briefs and T-shirt, pensively studying the sleepy traffic of the awakening city.
Not London, of course; once Alex had come out of hiding, they had had to flee the city as if they had all hells on their heels.
Personally, Danny hadn't suffered moving so much: apart from Sarah and Patel - who were better off without his troublesome presence in their lives - he had no one else left in London.
Neither did Alex but, apparently, he was more attached than Danny had thought to the city.
After a luxurious stretch, Danny padded to the window: he looped one arm around Alex's waist and plastered his stubbled cheek against his broad back "Homesick?" he inquired, spindly fingers slipping in Alex's hair to start soothingly massaging his scalp; during their relationship, Danny had gotten better at offering physical comfort without hinting at sex, keeping his touches platonically affectionate. As he felt Alex relax in his embrace, his weight half-abandoned against his own body, Danny smiled so brightly against Alex's shoulder-blade that there was no way the other couldn't feel it.
"Not exactly" Alex murmured, letting his eyelids fall closed - immediately, his senses were enveloped by Danny's comforting presence "I need time to get used to new patterns but I don't feel homesick - not when home is you"
Title: Home is where your heart is.
Rating: General audiences
Warnings: None apply
Summary: Alex and Danny have a new house.
The day the case is closed is the day Danny and Alex move in to their new house.
It's the beginning of a new life in the building that with time they will call home.
It's cosy, full of warm colours and gentle lightning, a complete opposite to stark, crispine white and minimalitic style of Alex' flat.
It's an entirely new chapter, cut out from the nightmare they lived through. A place where every day they will wake up in the world looking better.
Alex is still weak, physically and emotionally. He is even more quiet than ever and even a short walk on the beach tires him out.
Alex is curled up on the sofa, under the mountain of blankets, and he is shaking slightly, but not from cold.
Danny is in the kitchen, making two cups of steaming hot chamomile tea and taking cookies out of the oven.
And then Danny comes in, putting the cookies on the table and the mug in Alex' hands and sliding in next to him on the sofa, letting the taller man curl up at his side.
They are finally safe.
They have months of battling demons and nightmares and physical therapy still, but they also have a house to laze around in and a garden to admire and a beach to go on walks and make fires.
They have months to build a home, now that they are out of this madness.
Alex' shaking subsides.
He's already home.
Danny is his home.
As he is held by him, Danny's warmth is seeping into his body, warming his body and his heart.
Title: And It’s Alright
Rating: General Audience
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Alex visits Danny after a hard day at the office.
Danny knew something was off as soon as he let Alex through the door. The walls were back up; as simple as that. One look at Alex was all it took to see that he was back on the defensive, as if all those dates shared, all those little secrets and little trusts that had been exchanged were no longer. Danny tried not to panic internally as he assessed his distraught boyfriend.
He was still here. That fact alone is what Danny needed to focus on; Alex was stressed and his walls were back up but he was here, in Danny’s apartment because he had come to Danny in his time of need. Alex then completely caught him off guard by just folding in on Danny and standing there silently asking for a hug. There was a muffled “Rough day at work,” muttered into Danny’s shoulder.
Rough day at work, right, I can handle this. How the fuck do I handle this? What do I do when life sucks… music. Yes, music. But not his usual music that won’t help take his mind off things. Pop, let’s do that.
Danny’s thoughts were going a mile a minute as he hooked his phone up to the speakers and collected blankets, food, and Alex on his way to the couch. The music surrounded them as the blanket nest was built and the food was shared. Alex’s walls had been raised again but what matters is that he showed up.
Title: Nightmares and Coming Home
Rating: Teen and Up Audiences/PG
Warnings: No warnings
He couldn’t breathe. It was dark. He had always been terrified of the dark. His muscles were screaming, he was far too tall for the space he was confined in. Sweat and tears were pouring into his stinging eyes. His hands were searching frantically for a way out, nails bleeding from trying to claw his way out. His hands balled into fists, pounding at the wood that was confining him. Was anyone there? Or was he simply going to be left here to suffocate to death? It couldn’t end like this…. He needed to find a way out. Beg, plead, or smash his out way of this box. A whimper, a cry and then he was suddenly yelling as he pounded and pounded at the wood. The noise was making him nauseous, the sounds bouncing around his skull as he screamed and screamed and screamed…..
He awoke in a tangle of sweat soaked sheets, hands flailing frantically in search of the box that was keeping him contained. “No…. No…. No….” He gasped and whimpered, eyes darting around as he quickly realised the box was long gone and he was in his bed. It has been two years since he had awoken in that box. The dreams still came every night. He didn’t think they would ever stop.
Suddenly arms were being wrapped around him, Dannys soft voice against his ear. “Shhhhh you’re safe now.” A kiss was placed against his neck, to calm and ground him. “You’re home.” The words and the kiss made Alex smile. It had been a year since he had been reunited with Danny. Legal agreements had been made, ensuing Alex would be allowed his life with Danny as long as he never programmed anything again.
He had Danny and that was enough for him.
Title: The Voyage Home
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Danny walks his final path back to his soulmate
“… I dream of him often,” Danny said wistfully. “I live the moments we could’ve shared but were denied. I live them for both of—,“ his sentence cut off with a slight rasping inhale. His nurse watched him attentively, reaching for the glass of water by his bedside to bring it to dry lips.
“He loved water so much,” Danny continued absently, staring at the surface of the liquid, hand wrapped weakly around the vessel, fragile as himself, the decades having been none too kind to a soul loved and lost ever since.
“Time for some rest now, Mr Holt,” said the nurse softly, removing a pillow from behind his head so he could recline further before the medication took hold. “Who knows. Maybe you’ll dream some more of your beautiful heart.”
“Maybe…” murmured Danny, voice thick with sedation. “Maybe I won’t wake up. Maybe we’ll be together again before morning…”
The nurse pulled the blanket up around shoulders, Danny curling into the softness, snared by the memory of another warm embrace.
______________
The demons tugged and pulled. But Danny fought. Resisted as he always had that desire to give up on the knowledge that he and Alex would be together again. It burned bright in his soul. He called, and with a bursting, searing pulse, he banished those demons once and for all.
______________
Danny opened his eyes.
He reached to touch the pillow next to him, still warm. Pulling it to his face, the familiar, heady smell of Alex flooded his senses. Memories never made pierced his mind.
“BREAKFAST, DANNY!”
Danny lay back and and tried to process. The kiss twenty seconds later told him it was real enough.
“Alex….” he breathed.
______________
The nurse laid a soft kiss on his forehead and closed his eyes. “Goodnight, Danny…” she whispered.
This week’s prompt is “Dream”, for AU or crossover.
You can now vote for your top 3 drabbles and leave comments here before Tuesday 22 November 2am PST/ 5am EST / 10am UTC. The names of writers and betas will be revealed when we announce the voting results.
Six lovely drabbles are under cut:
Title: Cruel Morpheus
Rating: General
Warnings: N/A
Summary: when you live with three spies, nights tend to be restless
A muffled whimper.
A half-hearted toss.
A nervous tug on the comforter.
Danny plastered himself to Alex's side, tucking his head under his armpit and lightly splayed a hand over his hard stomach.
On the other side, Q started sleepily carding his fingers through Alex's hair in a soothing manner as he peacefully kept snoring, too exhausted to wake up despite perceiving his bedmate's discomfort.
Somewhere in the flat, James was trying to shake a nightmare off while watching the muted TV with the cats curled protectively in his lap - no matter how much the three of them seemed to dislike each other, they always ended up cuddling together in the wee hours of the morning.
Danny figured that dealing with bad dreams was kind of inevitable, considering what his lovers did for a job: being spies wasn't something that could be left in the office or in whatever hopeless land James and Alex had been sent to; it was an essential part of their beings and it stayed with them, even behind the safe walls of their perpetually messy flat.
Still, Danny kept hoping that their dreams would morph into something more pleasant - that Alex would stop being trapped in a small box even while resting; that James' mind would give him a moment of respite from the endless parade of dead loved ones haunting his mind; that Q's dream would transmute into something different than endless strings of zeros and ones that made him believe he was becoming a machine.
He leaned up and kissed Alex's cheek in reassurance, closing his eyelids: maybe it was childish, but Danny would keep dreaming of his lovers being free of the monsters lurking in their minds.
Title: Dream a little dream with me
Rating: Teen and Up
Warnings: ANGST!
Summary: WWII AU. Danny and Alex in Bergen Belsen. April 14, 1945.
Cold, dark, damp. Moans and muffled cries filled the barracks. There was shuffling when yet another body gave up and half starved people were ripping the ragged clothes from it. Danny curled himself tighter around Alex, trying to shield him from the sodden ground, the noises of despair and hopelessness.
Fever had hit Alex the day before, and Danny knew that time was running out fast. It had only been a few days since they had been moved from another camp, released from Purgatory only to be dumped in Hell.
Everything was quiet once again, as quiet as could be. Danny found the crumble of bread, several days old, saved for Alex. Chewing carefully, he fed Alex like a bird its fledgeling. It would have to suffice for the rest of the night and probably most of the next day.
“I had a dream,” Danny began, speaking softly, “about us.”
Alex’s eyelids fluttered, but remained closed. His breathing was shallow, too fast.
“We were having breakfast at this posh place you know.”
Danny continued with a forced smile in his voice.
“Eggs with thick slices of bacon, fried mushrooms, and grilled tomatoes.”
Danny remembered the vividness of the dream; he could almost smell the freshly baked bread, almost feel the warmth of the cup of tea, heavy and sweet with milk and sugar; the feeling of content when they had finished their opulent meal. The satisfied, bright smile Alex had given him.
Alex made a small noise, nudging Danny on. And Danny pulled him closer, whispering every little detail from his dream, trying to keep his hopes alive, to give Alex one more hour, one more day; pulling both of them through the darkness and desperation of yet another night.
Title: Double O Dreamboat
Rating: General
Warnings: N/A
“GOD! You’re such a tool, Geoffrey,” Danny said good-naturedly.
“Be that as it may, I can still make your life difficult,” Geoffrey replied, climbing out of their car beneath the looming walls of MI6. “And while we are on the hallowed grounds of Military Intelligence, you are R and I am Q so behave,” he said, straightening his cardigan and glasses before grabbing his messenger bag.
Danny pulled a mock salute and his own satchel over a shoulder before clicking his heels together. “Yes, Sir.” Geoffrey turned to led the way towards the lift, Danny bringing up the rear and pressing the button to ferry them to M’s office. “So. What’s on the agenda today, Q?” he enquired.
Q opened his iPad. “We’re meeting Ronson’s replacement whom you will be running on a mission in Moscow.”
“I will?”
“You will. You’re ready, R. You’re a Boothroyd, my brother and more than capable of handling a Double O in the field.”
R took a steadying sigh. “Hopefully he’s as death proof as 007.”
“Speaking of…” said Danny with a smile, towards the door, not looking at his brother. “How is Commander Boomshakala?”
Geoffrey rolled his eyes and followed up with a withering stare, just as the lift pinged outside Moneypenny’s lair.
“Good morning, gentlemen.”
“Good morning, Moneypenny,” came the unified response.
“M will see you all shortly.”
“All?” asked Danny, slightly confused.
The clearing of a throat behind them drew their attention to the slender stranger sitting crosslegged on the seat behind them.
Danny wondered if he was dreaming, feeling his heart, stutter, stop and reboot. If he was, he had no intention of EVER waking up…
Moneypenny and the stranger stood simultaneously. “May I introduce Alex Turner? The latest agent to join the Double O Section…”
Title: Was Nothing But a Dream
Rating: Teen and Up
Warnings: Mentions of faked death
Summary: They had hired Arthur and his team for a reason. Danny just had to keep reminding himself that. (Inception Crossover)
As Danny startles awake, the first thing he sees was Alex, alive. Alex was alive, yes, the death was faked. It was all a dream and the real Alex is here and kissing him awake. Danny tries to make himself be more useful as everyone around him, except the one still sleeping, gets up and tidies up and leaves the train compartment. Alex is right by his side the whole time as Eames keeps shooting them harried looks to get a move on and leave.
It was a dream, it was a plan, Alex is alive.
The mantra keeps running through Danny’s head as his brain catches up with his body and he truly does wake up. Alex and Danny keep close to Eames as they wait for the “all clear” call from Arthur.
Alex had tried to talk Danny out of being in the Dream Share, but it was crucial to the operation. Eames could impersonate Alex’s mom, but Danny was needed to seal the deal that they knew Alex was dead. Only then would the thought that Danny was no longer a threat and Alex was out of their hair fully root in the Director's brain.
Until then, it was a waiting game, a waiting game with one bright side. Alex had not stopped touching Danny since he woke up and would be able to keep touching him now. This was the only way, their lives bartered against the strength of a dream.
Title: Dream come true
Rating: General
Warnings: N/A
Summary: First there was a dream come true, then there was waking up from a nightmare.
One night was all it took for Danny's life to become a dream.
He had no idea why he bought the lottery ticket considering he was broke, though it might have had something to do with a cashier with blue blue eyes.
And now Danny wasn't broke. He was rich.
It still hasn't quite sunk in, but Danny grasped the dream to take as much as he could before he woke up.
And now he stood in front of the door of his potential new home.
He set up a meeting with the current owner ten minutes ago but the buzzer was echoing through the place, unanswered.
Cold, frustrated and confused, Danny decided to try the door.
Only to discover it wasn't locked.
And up to this day Danny will have no answer as to what made him enter the flat rather than back out, but he is forever thankful he did.
It was beautiful.
Clean lines and modern design, full of light and spacious.
Empty and quiet.
Until suddenly, Danny heard it.
A muffled sound, coming from… above?
And Danny, ever too curious for his own good, took down the ladder and followed the sound to the attic.
It was empty.
But it couldn't be, because that sound was still there, louder and clearer now and Danny could hear it's sobbing and a very weak, resigned, choking voice...
"Help…"
And Danny was terrified as he approached the trunk in the corner.
But Danny never regrets approaching it and opening the locks, when barely alive man with a haunted look in his eyes fell out of it.
That day is a beginning of a long reality of nightmare but they survive and come out stronger.
Together.
And every day from then on, Danny and Alex wake up living a dream.
Title: Photos and Daydreams
Rating: Teen and Up/PG
Warnings: N/A
Summary: Alex had become a dreamer since moving to America (An AU in which Alex is forced to move to the US to work for the CIA instead of dying in that box)
Alex had never considered himself a dreamer. He had always found comfort in logic. Facts and figures. Formulas and solutions. Black and white. He had never focussed on the intangible, the unrealistic, the fantasies.
Danny had been the dreamer, the romantic. A believer in soulmates, horoscopes, magic crystals and taro cards. They had been such stark contrasts and yet somehow they had clicked together. Perfect pieces that matched. They never should have fitted together and yet, it had.
It was his daydreams that helped the hours pass by. He might have been typing new codes or going into the field on assignment but his daydreams of Danny kept him company. Thoughts of what their life would have been like now. Dates, breakfasts, shopping trips and holidays that would never take place.
Alex knew he shouldn’t spend so much time thinking about Danny and yet, the man was never far from his mind. Three long years since he had been pulled from that sickening box, gasping for air, his lungs burning as the sweat poured from his eyes. Three years since he had signed dozens of waivers and suppression paperwork before he had been given a clean passport, alongside a plane ticket and suitcase. He had been sent to America to work for the CIA indefinitely with no hope of returning to England.
If you try and contact Danny, we will kill him.
Alex knew that threat was all too real. As hard as it was to live without Danny, at least the man was alive. He received updates a few times a year. An envelope with a few photos inside. It couldn’t ever have been enough and yet it had to be. This was all he had of Danny now.
