Another Daily Challenge...I Know, I Know

I wanted to look for some book/reading-related daily Instagram challenges. I didn't really find any but I did find some tumblr ones. So I thought that sounded like fun. I might post pictures on my Instagram as well. I don't we'll see.
Here's the prompts, I'll probably start tomorrow (well, later today, as it's 2:14 am).

By the way my Instagram is @jesuisfarouche if you wanna follow along there. Or you can click the Instagram button at the top of my page.

-Alyssa

Fanmix Day 1 - For Your OTP

I have a lot of ships that I call my OTP but my real, honest-to-god one true pairing, has to be Jim Halpert and Pam Beesly.

You can listen to the whole thing just below or on 8tracks.

I Would Save The Receptionist from heyitsalyssa on 8tracks Radio.

Or here's the list of songs:
Shiver by Coldplay
Brighter than Sunshine by Aqualung
You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift
Weightless by Black Lab
You Could Be Happy by Snow Patrol
Friend is a Four Letter Word by Cake
I Will Possess Your Heart by Death Cab For Cutie
Must Have Done Something Right by Relient K
We Are Each Other by The Beautiful South

Fanmix Challenge

I've decided to do a 15-day fanmix challenge. Mostly because I'm a crazy person. I don't know why I always do daily challenges when I know I'm horrible at them.
But anyway, here it is:

1. For your OTP
2. For a female character
3. Songs you've recently fallen in love with
4. Expressing a certain emotion
5. For a TV show
6. For a certain type of relationship
7. For a male character
8. Songs you were obsessed with growing up
9. For a movie
10. For something supernatural or mythological
11. For a fictional friendship
12. Songs that cheer you up
13. For a book
14. Dedicated to a friend
15. Whatever you want

I already started so I'm getting ready to post the first day's challenge. In the way of blogs, you'll probably have seen that post before this one.

OTP Challenge Day 6 - Wearing Each Other's Clothes

Technically not clothes but whatever. I don't really like this one all that much but then I always feel that way after I write something and I never feel like it's "good" or "done" so I suppose it's pointless to say, isn't?

Kissing in this one and suggestiveness of other things...

"Is that my neckerchief?"

Arthur smiled.

"You can't wear my neckerchief."

"And why not?"

"Because it's mine. Won't people ask questions?"

"I don't care."

"Fine," Merlin said, hopping off the bed like a sprite, "then I'll just wear your crown." And he put the gold circlet on his head. Arthur's mouth gaped open, though he'd deny it later - kings didn't gape.

The gold of the crown shone brightly against Merlin's ink pot hair. And though it slipped down a bit further than it should have and was held up by his ears, Arthur couldn't help but think that it suited him perfectly. And he wondered, for the first time, what it would be like to rule beside Merlin.

"You're staring, Arthur,"Merlin said as a blush stained his cheekbones.

"That's because you look ridiculous," Arthur said, regaining his composure. "You can't wear my crown."

"I dunno," he said. "I think it looks better on me."

"You do, do you?" Arthur said, rising from the edge of the bed and going to stand behind Merlin who was looking at his reflection in the mirror. "Well maybe you'll have a crown of your  own someday." It was the first time he'd said anything that really hinted at a long term future. Arthur was the sort of person that cared deeply but didn't always show it. He realized what he'd said and, even though he had meant it, felt a knee jerk reaction to make a joke.

"Idiot," he said, smiling, the word a term of endearment but a feeble joke. He leaned down and started kissing and biting Merlin's neck, who gasped, then chuckled, then sighed.

"Arthur?"

"Hmm?"

"If you keep doing that I'll have to wear my neckerchief today. And you won't make it to your training session and your other kingly duties."

"I don't care," he said, his voice low so that it seemed to physically pluck a string in Merlin.

"Arthur." He tried to sound stern but it was impossible.

"Are you complaining?"

"Certainly not. But you are king."

"Fine," he pouted. "And take my crown off, idiot."

"Fine," Merlin said, taking it off and setting it back on the blood red cushion where it had been laying. "I want my own."

The King simply smiled and shook his head as he left the room.

OTP Challenge Day 5 - Kissing

This one takes place after S4 E3 The Wicked Day so spoilers for that. Kissing in this one, obviously.
I don't think this one is all that great and I'd like to keep working on it but I'm tired so I shall post it. I picture this taking place before all the previous things happen. Or in an alternate universe where they haven't happened. Whatever. I'm also probably playing up Arthur's sadness quite a bit. Oh well! It's my story!

Drunk Arthur was Merlin's least favorite Arthur. As stubborn and obnoxious as he was naturally, alcohol only tended to make him more so. And with the fact that Merlin would have to practically carry him back to his chambers, well, it was just a good thing that Arthur didn't drink often.
But one night, not long after Uther had died and things were uncharacteristically quiet in the kingdom, he insisted they all go to the tavern. Merlin had noticed he'd been painfully quiet for a few days and he was worried about him. So he was hoping that a night out with friends might help.
And it did. At first. He'd seemed to forget. A genuine smile adorned his face and his laughs were boisterous with life. Gwaine told his drunken stories while everyone listened. And when he broke out in song, Arthur even sang along, something he'd no doubt be mortified about and vehemently deny in the morning. But Merlin was just glad to see him so happy.
With more ale, though, he soon grew morose and retreated into himself. No longer smiling and laughing. It was clear to Merlin that getting him up to his chambers and to bed was probably best.
"Come on, Arthur. I think you should probably get some rest." He pulled Arthur up and started to half-drag him along, struggling with the stairs especially.
"Goodnight Arthur," Merlin said, several minutes later, and turned away from the large bed. As he reached for the latch on the door he heard Arthur whisper or whimper and turned back.
"Merlin?" he whispered.
"Arthur?"
"I want a goodnight kiss."
"You're drunk," Merlin said, gently, not daring to hope.
"No I'm not."
And for a little while he wasn't. His voice was clear and his eyes were sober. Merlin looked down at him, his blue eyes intense in that way that was currently turning his knees to noodles. And those lips that he couldn't stop thinking about. They would ruin him. Perfect pink destruction.
He sat down on the bed and leaned towards Arthur, slowly, wondering what exactly would happen at the end.
But before he could think more about it, Arthur moved to bring them together and suddenly, finally, Arthur was kissing him. And he was kissing Arthur. It was soft and lazy and warm and lovely. And when Arthur pulled away and looked at Merlin he felt his heart clench. The King lay back in his bed, eyes closed and smiling dreamily, a peacefulness in his expression that Merlin hadn't seen in a long time.
He smiled and said, "Goodnight Arthur."
"Goodnight Merlin."

OTP Challenge Day 4 - On a Date

Sorry that this is late again. I'm bad at this.

Merlin was mucking out the stables when he heard someone coming up behind him. But still, he jumped when he felt someone slip their hands over his eyes.

"Guess who?" Arthur whispered, his lips brushing Merlin's ear and making him shiver deliciously.

"Gwen?"

"Merlin!"

"Oh Arthur it's you," Merlin twisted in Arthur's arms. "You better get out of here before my boyfriends finds you." He grinned.

"Still not funny," Arthur said but the smirk brightening his face contradicted him. "Come on," he said, grabbing Merlin's hand and pulling him along.

"Where are we going?" he asked.

"You'll see when we get there."

They were headed down through the lower town and towards the woods at the edge of Camelot. When they left the boundaries of the town the sounds quieted quickly and they were very alone. It was quite a warm day but it was perfect in the shade of the trees. Sunlight fell through leaves, dappling their faces in strange patterns and, Merlin thought, making Arthur look positively ethereal. Merlin's breath caught in his throat and Arthur looked over.

"What?"

"Nothing."

They walked on another minute or two when they came across a picnic. A red blanket was laid out on the grass, a wicker basket sat on top.

"You hungry?" Arthur asked.

"Starving! I've been mucking out stables all morning."

The two sat down on the spread blanket and ate a lunch of chicken sandwiches with a bit of wine. The two fell into an easy conversation of teasing and laughing and flicking food at each other, spurred on by the feeling of freedom afforded by their being away from Camelot.

"Did you make this?" Merlin asked. Arthur gave him a guilty look, causing Merlin to laugh.

"Don't worry. I'll teach you to how to cook some day."

"You can cook?" Arthur said, looking at him skeptically.

"'Course I can cook. It's not hard, really."

"Well I look forward to learning then if you'll teach me."

"We'll just have to make sure you don't blow up the kitchen," Merlin said, grinning, "and we'll be fine."

Arthur threw a piece of chicken at him that got stuck in his hair. Merlin threw a piece back and the resulting food fight quickly dissolved into a wrestling match, the two rolling around for several minutes before flopping on the ground laughing and out of breath. Arthur looked over at Merlin and moved closer, bringing their lips within inches of each other's. He moved torturously slow, knowing exactly what he was doing. Merlin's heart raced in his chest but he stayed still. Arthur reached up and pulled a leaf from Merlin's dark hair, held it in front of him and said simply, with a wicked smile, "You had a leaf in your hair." Then he jumped up and dashed away.

"Arthur Pendragon!" Merlin shouted. "You awful tease."

OTP Challenge Day 3 - Watching a Movie

Modern AU for obvious reasons. Mild kissing in this one. In case that bothers you. For whatever reason.

"I'm bored," Merlin whined. He was sitting on a small, ratty couch with his long legs thrown in his boyfriend's lap in the cozy apartment they shared.
Arthur chuckled. "Well, what do you want to do?" he asked with a suggestive smile, causing Merlin to blush, the color so brilliant, splashed across his pale cheekbones.
"I was thinking we might actually get out of the house for once. We could go see a movie or something."
Arthur grinned, that had given him a wonderful idea. "Alright," he said, "but I get to pick."
"You picked last time! And it was a horrible, terrifying thing." Arthur jumped up, pulling Merlin up by the hands after him and planting a kiss on his forehead.
"I've never met someone who is so scared so often."
"I'm not scared," Merlin said, affronted. "I just don't like scary films."

As the commercials and previews started in the theatre Arthur had his arm around Merlin, whose heart was pounding. You'd think a warlock who had faced all manner of medieval evils would be a bit braver but horror films never ceased to startle and frighten him.
And when the lights went down he snuggled into Arthur's chest who smiled down at him. He had wanted to see the movie just for this reason. He wanted to protect Merlin from all the monsters. But he was starting to feel kinda bad about it.
"Do you wanna go? We don't have to watch this."
"No it's okay," Merlin said, trying to be brave.
"Alright idiot," Arthur said, the term one of endearment. "I shall protect you from all manner of horrors," he said.
"I know," Merlin said and leaned up to kiss him.
Neither of them ended up watching much of the movie. Rather than watch the movie, Merlin spent his time watching Arthur instead. His fingers on this thigh, his lips on his neck, well Arthur was very easily distracted.

Yes, there are Americanisms in this one (which I usually make at least some sort of attempt to keep out) but I didn't feel like thinking about which words are different and changing apartment to flat and z's to s's and such. So I know that Britishisms are different but there you go. And it's very short. I'm tired. Sorry.

OTP Challenge Day 2 - Cuddling Somewhere

I'm sorry this is a few hours late. I had it written in time but I didn't get a chance to post it. This one is much shorter than the last, as I said they'd be. I'm also not very happy with it. But I hope you don't find it too terrible.

It wasn't often that Arthur Pendragon got sick. But when he did, it certainly wasn't pretty. Merlin hated to see him feeling so horrible but it was difficult to feel too bad for too long. Arthur tended to get whiny when he was uncomfortable or bored. And being sick meant both. It also meant he had plenty of time to send Merlin to all parts of the castle for ridiculous and outlandish things. He'd spent a good portion of the day making the journey between the kitchens and Arthur's chambers, trying to keep him in a warm blanket. Bring the blanket from the bed down to the kitchen. Bring the one hanging in the kitchen back up. Wait about an hour. Repeat. Merlin would do anything for Arthur but that didn't mean he had to like it.
"Merlin," Arthur said, his teeth chattering horribly. "I'm so c-cold."
"I know, sire. I'm sorry. I wish there was more that I could do."
He looked forlornly at Arthur. This man he loved, usually so regal and strong, huddled in a ball shivering slightly, teeth chattering. His eyes were squeezed shut that the bruising of his eyelids looked like lilies floating on a pond of moonlight. A violent, rattling cough took hold of him and shook him.
Merlin had contemplated using magic to help him but Gaius had promptly warned him against it. While it was a miserable illness, he'd said, Arthur was sure to recover in a few days. So, as much as he wished he could, he knew magic simply didn't make sense. It was too dangerous. But, perhaps, there was something else he could do.
He dropped the armor he'd been polishing, more to have something to do than because it actually needed it, and strode purposefully to Arthur's bedside. Acting for all he was worth as if his heart weren't pounding and his knees gone soft.
"Alright, dollop-head. Move over." Arthur looked up at his manservant, confusion crinkling his brow and coloring his eyes. Darkening them.
"What are you doing?" he rasped.
"You said you're cold, right?" Merlin crawled under the covers and wrapped his skinny arms around Arthur, feeling even more awkward than he'd thought he would. Arthur was tense but he must have begun to warm up because, after a little while, he loosened up. And even snuggled closer into Merlin's chest, making a noise like a small animal. A noise which did strange things to Merlin.
All the awkwardness was gone and the two realized that they were cuddling. The prince and his servant. Arthur and his best friend. And neither had any intention of going anywhere for quite a while.

An OTP challenge

So I want to write more. And I want to post what I write for once. So I thought I'd do a 30 day otp challenge for Merlin and Arthur.
(I started watching Merlin a few weeks ago and I'm a little obsessed.)
Here's the prompts:
1. Holding hands
2. Cuddling somewhere
3. Gaming/watching a movie
4. On a date
5. Kissing
6. Wearing each others’ clothes
7. Cosplaying
8. Shopping
9. Hanging out with friends
10. With animal ears
11. Wearing kigurumis
12. Making out
13. Eating ice cream
14. Genderswapped
15. In a different clothing style (I might need some help with this one because I'm not exactly sure what their clothing style would be exactly. Comments and suggestions are appreciated.)
16. During their morning ritual(s)
17. Spooning
18. Doing something together
19. In formal wear
20. Dancing
21. Cooking/baking
22. In battle, side-by-side
23. Arguing
24. Making up afterwards
25. Gazing into each others’ eyes
26. Getting married
27. On one of their birthdays
28. Doing something ridiculous
29. Doing something sweet
30. Doing something hot

And since today is February 1 I'll be starting (later) today. So, you know, look out for that. Fair warning, though: I'm not a very good writer. I get lucky sometimes but I'm definitely not all that great. But practice makes perfect.

Another poem

There's thunder and lightning
And we're stuck inside
But it's okay
Because the sun shines
Harshly on our flaws
And I adore the rain
I've never loved you more
So let's be in love today
We'll go out and dance in the storm
And marvel at the heavens
And when the rain stops
And the sun comes to greet us
We'll say goodbye
And dash inside
Because we don't need it

I'm really quite proud of this one. This was another challenge - include rain. Nate said it was perfect. Which, of course, it isn't but still...it made me happy. Plus, I'm just really happy with it. I'm happy with how it turned out. It took me quite a while to write it, much longer than my poems usually take. And when I was finally done I felt like I'd written what I'd been trying to write for hours.

I'm Thinking About Doing Another Challenge

I know, I was just rereading past blog posts and I said I'm never doing another challenge, ever again. I'm paraphrasing myself, of course, but that's what I meant. I think this might be fun though and not too overwhelming.
My plan is to post a new music video every week on a predetermined day. Thereby documenting what I'm listening to as time goes on. And I think I may make that predetermined day Tuesday so that I can start now. Yeah, what do you think of that?
What did you say? You're a series of 1's and 0's that don't actually have consciousness and only move through fiber optic wires? Well fine, be that way.
Okay, off to go watch some music videos.

Challenge Day 1 - Hottest Girl Crush

I would have to say Karen Gillan. She's definitely pretty hot. Maybe it's the red hair, but the word I think of is fiery. Ahaha that sounded corny.

(I'm posting this at 1:00 in the morning but I'm still awake from the night before so I'll post day two technically later today)

Dear Hermione Granger,

I could always see myself in you more than I could the other characters. I was also known to have my nose in a book and I could even come off as a know-it-all. I've never been told this but I'm sure I get on some people's nerves. I even have bushy hair.
So when I read about you getting your letter even though you had muggle parents and no idea about magic, I couldn't help but hope that it was a foretelling of my own Hogwarts acceptance letter. My letter didn't come. But I did keep reading about your adventures at Hogwarts. I didn't like Draco, especially when he was mean to you. I cried when Ron made you cry. I smiled like an idiot when you guys (finally) got together. It gave me hope for my own true love. And while I'll always ship you with Draco, you and Ron will always be my OTP.
Reading about you was like reading about myself. I was wrong before, I did get my acceptance letter. It came in the form of your story. Of the stories of your friends, and your enemies.
Thank you for showing me that I should never change who I am for anything, that I should never hide my intelligence, that there's a boy out there that will like my because I'm smart, and that girls can be a princess and a hero.
Without you, Miss Granger, I'm not sure who I would be. Thank you!

Always,
Alyssa

Dear Ron Weasley,

Ron, I think you were my first fictional crush. Well, I know you were. Sure Harry was a hero. But you were real. Or as real as a fictional character could be. You were funny, a little unsure, overshadowed, pressured. Everyone has felt the way you have.
From your first line, I fell in love with you. And I was so excited to read what you had to say next. Even now, a decade later, I consider your sacrifice at the end of Philosopher's Stone (I refuse to use the American title) one of the best scenes in the Potter series. Some of the best moments have been yours.
You were the guy that we could all relate to. The guy that we all wanted to be with (in my opinion, anyway).
And you made gingers cool.
You taught me that, even when the right thing is hard, we have to do it. You taught how to be a good friend and how to be a hero and for that, I can only thank you.

Always,
Alyssa

So there's this thing I want to do

There's this 20 day challenge I've been wanting to do for quite a while, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it. So I figured this would be the perfect time and place.
I'm posting this at 5:00 in the morning when I should be sleeping so I'll start later, at a normal hour.
Until we meet again...