#//and while she's been adapted into other continuities a couple times since

[heroicmultiverse]

//Definitely wanna use my girl, so if anybody wants to interact with a human-turned-mutant lizard, please let me know.

[damienns]

My GIF Making process: Screen capturing using MPV player, Organizing files, 3 Sharpening settings, Basic Coloring PSD + Actions set

This is a very long post so heads up.

I’ll try to be as thorough and true as much as possible to the way I make my gifs (I already use Photoshop Actions which I’ve long since set up but now for this tutorial I’m reviewing them to show you the exact steps I’ve learned to create my gifs 😃) and present them to you in a semi-coherent way. Also, please bear with me since English is my second language.

First things first. Below are the things and tools we need to do this:

Downloaded 4K or 1080p quality videos (let’s all assume we know where to get these—especially for high definition movies and tv series—so this post doesn’t get removed, okay? 😛)

Adobe Photoshop CC or the CS versions can work as well, but full disclosure I haven’t created gifs using the CS versions since 2020. I’m currently using Adobe Photoshop 2024.

mpv player. Use mpv player to get those frames/screenshots or any other video player that has a screen grabber feature. I’ve used adapter for the longest time but I’ve switched to mpv because the press to screenshot feature while the video is playing has been a game changer not to mention ultimate time saver for me. For adapter you need to play it in another video player (like VLC player), to get the start and end timestamps of the scene you want to gif which takes me ages before I can even open Photoshop.

Anyway! Please stop reading this post for a moment and head over to this amazing tutorial by kylos. She perfectly tells you how to install and use mpv player, both for Mac and Windows users.

One thing I have to share though, I had a tough time when I updated my MacOS to Sonoma since MPV is suddenly either duplicating frames or when I delete the duplicates the player seems to be skipping frames :/ I searched and found a solution here, though it didn’t work for me lol. My workaround for this in the meantime is decreasing the speed down to 0.70 then start screenshotting—it’s not the same pre Sonoma update but it works so I’ll have to accept it rather than have jumpy looking gifs.

Now, after this part of kylos’ tutorial:

you can continue reading the following sections of my gif tutorial below.

I want to share this little tip (sorry, this will only cater to Mac users) that I hope will be helpful for organizing the screenshots that MPV saved to the folder you have selected. Because believe me you don’t want to go through 1k+ of screenshots to select just 42-50 frames for your gif.

The Control + Command + N shortcut

This shortcut allows you to create a new folder from files you have pre-selected. As you can see below I have already created a couple of folders, and inside each folder I have selected screenshots that I want to include in one single gif. It's up to you how you want to divide yours, assuming you intend to create and post a Tumblr gifset rather than just one gif.

Another tip is making use of tags. Most of, if not all the time, I make supercorp gifs so I tag blue for Kara and red (or green) for Lena—just being ridiculously on brand and all that.

Before we finally open Photoshop, there's one more thing I want to say—I know, please bear with me for the third? fourth? time 😅

It's helpful to organize everything into their respective folders so you know the total number of items/frames you have. This way, you can add or delete excess or unnecessary shots before uploading them in Photoshop.

For example below there are 80 screenshots of Kara inside this folder and for a 1:1 (540 x 540 px) Tumblr gif, Photoshop can just work around with 42-50 max number of frames with color adjustments applied before it exceeds the 10 MB file size limit of Tumblr.

Sometimes I skip this step because it can be exhausting (haha) and include everything so I can decide visually which frames to keep later on. You'll understand what I mean later on. But it's important to keep the Tumblr 10 MB file size limit in mind. Fewer frames, or just the right amount of frames, is better.

So, with the screenshot organization out of the way, let's finally head over to Photoshop.

Giffing in Photoshop, yay!

Let’s begin by navigating to File > Scripts > Load Files into Stack…

The Load Layers window will appear. Click the Browse button next.

Find your chosen screenshots folder, press Command + A to select all files from that folder then click Open. Then click OK.

After importing and stacking your files, Photoshop should display the following view:

By the way, I'll be providing the clip I've used in this tutorial so if want to use them to follow along be my guest :)

If you haven't already opened your Timeline panel, navigate to Windows > Timeline.

Now, let's focus on the Timeline panel for the next couple of steps.

Click Create Video Timeline, then you’ll have this:

Now click the menu icon on the top right corner then go to Convert Frames > Make Frames from Clips

Still working on the Timeline panel, click the bottom left icon this time—the icon with the three tiny boxes—to Convert to Frame Animation

Select Make Frames From Layers from the top right corner menu button.

So now you have this:

Go and click the top right menu icon again to Select All Frames

Then click the small dropdown icon to set another value for Frame Delay. Select Other…

The best for me and for most is 0.05 but you can always play around and see what you think works for you.

Click the top right menu icon again to Reverse Frames.

I think Photoshop has long since fixed this issue but usually the first animation frame is empty so I just delete it but now going through all these steps there seems to be none of that but anyways, the delete icon is the last one among the line of feature buttons at the bottom part of the Timeline panel.

Yay, now we can have our first proper GIF preview of a thirsty Lena 😜

Press spacebar to watch your gif play for the very first time! After an hour and half of selecting and cutting off screenshots! 😛 Play it some more. No really, I’m serious. I do this so even as early (lol) as this part in the gif making process, I can see which frames I can/should delete to be within the 10 MB file size limit. You can also do it at the end of course 🙂

Now, let’s go to the next important steps of this tutorial post which I’ve numbered below.

Crop and resize to meet Tumblr's required dimensions. The width value should be either 540px, 268px, or 177px.

Convert the gif to a Smart Object for sharpening.

Apply lighting and basic color adjustments before the heavy coloring. I will be sharing the base adjustments layers I use for my gifs 😃.

1. Crop and Resize

Click on the Crop tool (shortcut: the C key)

I like my GIFs big so I always set this to 1:1 ratio if the scene allows it. Press the Enter key after selecting the area of the frame that you want to keep.

Side note: If you find that after cropping, you want to adjust the image to the left or another direction, simply unselect the Delete Cropped Pixels option. This way, you will still have the whole frame area available to crop again as needed and as you prefer.

Now we need to resize our gif and the shortcut for that is Command + Opt + I. Type in 540 as the width measurement, then the height will automatically change to follow the ratio you’ve set while cropping.

540 x 540 px for 1:1

540 x 405 px for 4:3

540 x 304 px for 16:9

For the Resample value I prefer Bilinear—but you can always select the other options to see what you like best.

Click OK. Then Command + 0 and Command + - to properly view the those 540 pixels.

Now we get to the exciting part :) the sharpen settings!

2. Sharpen

First we need to have all these layers “compressed” intro a single smart object from which we can apply filters to.

Select this little button on the the bottom left corner of the Timeline panel.

Select > All Layers

Then go to Filter > Convert for Smart Filters

Just click OK when a pop-up shows up.

Now you should have this view on the Layers panel:

Now I have 3 sharpen settings to share but I’ll have download links to the Action packs at the end of this long ass tutorial so if you want to skip ahead, feel free to do so.

Sharpen v1

Go to Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen…

Below are my settings. I don’t adjust anything under Shadows/Highlights.

Amount: 500

Radius: 0.4

Click OK then do another Smart Sharpen but this time with the below adjustments.

Amount: 12

Radius: 10.0

As you can see Lena’s beautiful eyes are “popping out” now with these filters applied. Click OK.

Now we need to Convert to Frame Animation. Follow the steps below.

Click on the menu icon at the top right corner of the Timeline panel, then click Convert Frames > Flatten Frames into Clips

Then Convert Frames > Convert to Frame Animation

One more click to Make Frames From Layers

Delete the first frame then Select All then Set Frame Delay to 0.05

and there you have it! Play your GIF and make sure it’s just around 42-50 frames. This is the time to select and delete.

To preview and save your GIF go to File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)…

Below are my Export settings. Make sure to have the file size around 9.2 MB to 9.4 MB max and not exactly 10 MB.

This time I got away with 55 frames but this is because I haven’t applied lighting and color adjustments yet and not to mention the smart sharpen settings aren't to heavy so let’s take that into consideration.

Sharpen v1 preview:

Sharpen v2

Go back to this part of the tutorial and apply the v2 settings.

Smart Sharpen 1:

Amount: 500

Radius: 0.3

Smart Sharpen 2:

Amount: 20

Radius: 0.5

We’re adding a new type of Filter which is Reduce Noise (Filter > Noise > Reduce Noise...) with the below settings.

Then one last Smart Sharpen:

Amount: 500

Radius: 0.3

Your Layers panel should look like this:

Then do the Convert to Frames Animation section again and see below preview.

Sharpen v2 preview:

Sharpen v3:

Smart Sharpen 1:

Amount: 500

Radius: 0.4

Smart Sharpen 2:

Amount: 12

Radius: 10.0

Reduce Noise:

Strength: 5

Preserve Details: 50%

Reduce Color Noise: 0%

Sharpen Details: 50%

Sharpen v3 preview:

And here they are next to each other with coloring applied:

v1

v2

v3

Congratulations, you've made it to the end of the post 😂

As promised, here is the download link to all the files I used in this tutorial which include:

supercorp 2.05 Crossfire clip

3 PSD files with sharpen settings and basic coloring PSD

Actions set

As always, if you're feeling generous here's my Ko-fi link :) Thank you guys and I hope this tutorial will help you and make you love gif making.

P.S. In the next post I'll be sharing more references I found helpful especially with coloring. I just have to search and gather them all.

-Jill

[lurkingshan]

Japanese QL Corner

One show ends this week, but there are several more on the way, including a surprising adaptation. Of the six shows airing now, five are streaming weekly on Gaga and the other is available via fansub.

Takara's Treasure

I. LOVE. THEM. Their little bird watching date was precious and I loved every moment of it, including Taishin's adorable outfit and over preparedness, Takara's secret smiles, and the patient search for the wallet. I was so relieved that Taishin named his fears about them not being suited upfront instead of letting it grow into a huge anxiety in his own head, and I was also happy Takara was eager to speak with him about his impending relocation. That said, NOOOOOOOO I don't want a forced separation and time skip, show. Please I am begging.

Cosmetic Playlover

This was my favorite week for this show by far, because they actually let us see the relationship at its center! I enjoyed finally spending some time with these two as a couple, though I still find the timing and sequencing of these plots confusing as hell. Last week Sahashi gave Mamiya keys to his place and it was implied they'd been dating for quite awhile and were already serious, but this week we learn Mamiya has never spent the night and they are only just having sex for the first time. It was a real record scratch for me; I can't get my bearings in this relationship trajectory with all the gaps in the story. But hey, at least they finally let them make out a little! For a show that sold itself as toxic sexy, there has been very little toxicity or sex, tbh.

I Hear the Sunspot

*rubs temples* This show is really testing my patience. I got excited last week when Kohei and Taichi finally had a real conversation and it seemed like we were moving forward, but this week we're back to treading water. This story did not need 12 episodes; this pacing, while faithful to the manga as I understand it, does not work well for weekly live action. It's been weeks since we've learned anything new about these characters or advanced the central relationship, and the show continues to stumble with its confused depiction of Maya. I just want this show to pull together and finish strong, because I think a lot of this will be much more tolerable on a binge watch. For now I will just gaze at Kohei's beautiful smiling face and hope for a full recovery.

Ayaka is in Love with Hiroko

I said last week that the show had gotten so muddled I didn't think they'd be able to end well, and even with those very low expectations this finale still managed to get underneath them. The last several episodes made a mess of the characters, the conflict, and the themes of the show, and to add insult to injury, they capped it all off with angle kisses, a time skip, and a bizarre sex negative ending that had our "boob monster" adult lesbian refusing to have sex with her girlfriend for over a year so she could "cherish" her before randomly kissing her at the office as if that was the important resolution we'd been waiting for. A truly horrid ending that ruined everything this show did so well in its early episodes. I don't understand!! Big sigh and fingers crossed for a decent sexy gl sometime in the near future.

Mr. Mitsuya's Planned Feeding

I've just been beaming and staring into space for the last several minutes after finishing this episode. No matter what else happens in the shows, I love knowing I am always going to end my week in jql on a good note while this gem is airing. This week marked a transition point for Ishida and Mitsuya, as Ishida had a great conversation with Noguchi, found a new passion and put in for a job transfer, and had his final meeting and meal with Mitsuya as writer and editor. Which they immediately followed with a date and mutual acknowledgment of the feelings between them! And what a fantastic date it was, with every moment so invigorating and wonderfully adult. Mitsuya's quiet confidence and amusement at Ishida's nerves, Ishida's clarity on how he wants Mitsuya to see him, the mutual compliments and gestures and smiles and eye contact, ahhhhhhhhh. I also loved that Ishida got to be the one to show Mitsuya something new at the end, to get him to run with joy for the first time in ages and introduce him to a new food. I am so excited to see their dating era begin in earnest. You can find the episode with subtitles courtesy of @isaksbestpillow here.

Tagging @bengiyo to add this week's anime update.

[eueuphoriaz]

Arguing like Levihan an old couple.

I know we have been robbed of this scene in the anime.

But, the anime changes make Levihan more interesting to decipher and enjoy.

Ok. I am not sure if this is a cultural thing. For Asian, sometimes when parents are in disagreement, they sometimes utilise a third party to communicate to the other person. More often times, the children play that role. So, if mummy wants to tell something to daddy, mummy will say that to the child instead. Much like using insinuation but not in a bad way.

Here, we have our dear Eren, playing that role, while Levi and Hange fight out their unspoken war.

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

Round 1 - Hange attacks

The very first line we hear after the scene cuts from the military court, is Hange complaining about Levi.

Now, of course Hange knows it hurts a lot, cos look at Mikasa's and her expression when Levi was kicking Eren.

Hange knows the purpose and the need for Eren to go through the pain. She also knows that Levi doesnt kick Eren out of pure violence, unlike Mikasa. But she had purposely implicated Levi after the trial, probably to show that she is on Eren's side (she did get interested in him immediately after this). I mean, she could have explained the rationale of Levi's actions to Eren to comfort him, seeing that Eren was traumatised, instead of agreeing and complaining that Levi had been mean.

So, I am thinking that Hange really think that Levi had taken it too far. But unlike in the manga where she confronts him directly, she decided to form an alliance with Eren and complain about Levi's mean-ness. She made her point to Levi indirectly via her conversation with Eren.

Erwin's move

After Hange fired her first attack, uncle Erwin recognises that the couple is going on a war on their own, so he quickly abstain himself by explaining the rationale to Eren, hoping to comfort him.

He did not want to get caught in their battle. Same like Miche. He had wisely maintained silence from the start.

Levi's defence

So, there is no one to help Levi against Hange's unhappiness. It was a personal grudge between those 2 anyway. So Levi made his move. Since Hange attacked via her conversation with Eren, Levi defended himself with Eren too.

So, Eren allowed himself to get caught by the 2. Levi won because he gave an indirect answer to Hange, that Eren did not hate him, or didnt mind his actions, which means it doesnt matter if he had gone too far.

Hange recognised that she had lost, had no choice but to address her unhappiness and providing evidences to Levi directly now.

Levi, seeing that she is not using Eren as a vessel to talk to him, responded back directly to her too.

Round 1 - Levi won for getting Hange's attention back to him

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

Round 2 - Levi's counter-attack

So, they started their own dialogue and Hange went into her curiousity mode. Levi decided to attack Hange, by throwing shades at her titan obssession, again indirectly by addressing Eren.

Hange knew better to engage him, stood her ground and continued to assert her curiousity of Eren, which eventually allowed them to discover that Shifters can regenerate in human form.

Round 2 - Hange won for Humanity

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

In the manga, Levi's words actually can be interpreted as "having a broken tooth is always better than getting dissected". But the anime adapted it such that Levi and Hange had their own conversation/ dialogue, and how the two of them banter around each other's weirdness.

Quite cute actually.

[ronancexists]

Chaggie/Starmoth Week of Firsts

These will also be posted on my AO3 account which is the same as my Tumblr username, ronancexists :) Day 2: First Date

It had been a rough couple of months since Charlie had first found Vaggie. The poor woman was not only severely injured at the time, but she was also new to Hell. Like, brand new. And that meant she knew absolutely nothing about how anything worked down here.

Luckily for Charlie, Vaggie seemed to adapt to her new life in Hell rather quickly. She absorbed all the information Charlie relayed to her about Hell like a sponge does water, and was overly protective of Charlie whenever they ventured out together.

Not that Charlie particularly minded. In fact, she found it rather sweet that Vaggie was so adamant about keeping her safe. Even though she and Vaggie both knew nobody down here would hurt her unless they wanted to incur her father’s wrath, Vaggie insisted, stating she didn’t want them to forget that little detail.

Charlie wasn’t sure if Vaggie was acting this way because she’d been the one who nursed Vaggie back to health when she was teetering on the brink of death, or if it was because Vaggie might be harboring some deeper feelings for Charlie.

At least, that’s what Charlie was hoping was the case.

She’s been aware of her own feelings towards Vaggie for what's felt like forever now. After all, she did totally like, find her completely attractive when she’d first stumbled upon Vaggie and blushed when Vaggie smiled at her and did her little hair tuck behind her ear thing. And when Vaggie started hanging out with her and smiling at her and comforting her and helping her and supporting her dreams and believing in her, well, it’s no wonder Charlie became so smitten so quickly.

The trouble was, Charlie had no clue if Vaggie felt the same. Vaggie didn’t outwardly express her emotions as much as Charlie did, at least, not the ones that would make her vulnerable, and—in her words, not Charlie’s, never Charlie’s—make her appear weak to others.

However, she was very good at expressing her annoyance and anger and the even concern when she felt Charlie was working herself too hard or when Charlie was on the verge of a breakdown from stress and frustration.

But anything other than that, Vaggie’s lips were sealed.

Charlie had no clue how Vaggie felt about her, but she wished and hoped more than anything that Vaggie felt even remotely similar to Charlie.

~~~

Vaggie had developed feelings for Charlie. Not friend feelings, but I-want-to-hold-your-hand-and-kiss-you-whenever-I-want-and-call-you-my-partner feelings.

She groaned aloud to herself, her arms crossed over her stomach, pacing back and forth in front of the bed of the guest bedroom that had become her room, anxiously gnawing on her bottom lip, one of her hands occasionally leaving her stomach to tug at her hair.

Vaggie’s been feeling like this around Charlie for a while now.

Whenever Charlie looked at her, she blushed. Whenever Charlie touched her, whether it was linking their hands together or giving her a hug, it sent warmth and sparks shooting through her body. Whenever Charlie was sad, she wanted nothing more than to hold the blonde in her arms and shower her with affirmations, while simultaneously thinking of ways to tear apart the hijo de puta that had caused Charlie to feel sad in the first place. Whenever Charlie sang, it filled Vaggie with a feeling of happiness and peace. Whenever Charlie started talking, she found herself thinking of how soft Charlie’s lips would feel against her own and if her kisses would be as sweet as her.

She groaned again, now raking both hands through her hair and clutching at large chunks intermittently. “Fuuuuuuck, fuck fuck fuck,” Vaggie said, sighing as she fell back against her bed with a ‘thump’, feet dangling and kicking in the air before hitting the side of mattress, repeating the motions mindlessly as her thoughts continued to stray to Charlie.

Charlie must have been pretty oblivious to not have noticed even one of the longing stares Vaggie directed her way. But if Charlie wasn’t looking for Vaggie to look at her that way, then it’d make sense that she hadn’t noticed.

That was another thing. Vaggie had been studying Charlie for a while now, and not once had she caught the Princess looking at Vaggie the way she looked at Charlie. Usually, Charlie was an open book to Vaggie, but if Vaggie didn’t see it, it more than likely meant Charlie didn’t like Vaggie in that way.

With a sigh, Vaggie adjusted so she was curled up on her side, arms curled around herself as if trying to protect her from the inevitable truth.

Charlie didn’t like her, not in the way Vaggie wanted her to.

And she never would.

~~~

Charlie couldn’t believe she had just done that. One moment, she was seated at the dinner table, aimlessly chatting with Vaggie, and the next, she was covering her mouth in shock, eyes wide in horror as Vaggie merely stared at her. “Ohhhh my gosh, I’m so so so sorry! I didn’t mean to say that! No, wait, I meant to say it! I just, I had this whole thing planned out. I was gonna get flowers and make a cake and put up a banner and everything! It was going to have glitter and—”

As Charlie continued to ramble, Vaggie continued to stare at her, a blank expression on her face, processing what Charlie had said.

They’d sat down to eat, Charlie instantly diving into conversation about the newest updates to her Happy Hotel project. Vaggie was watching her with a fond smile, her singular eye shining with adoration as Charlie frantically waved her hands about to emphasize her point.

When Charlie finally met Vaggie’s gaze, she tucked her hair behind her ear, something Vaggie knew she only did when she was flustered. Vaggie couldn’t bring herself to look away from Charlie, even as her own cheeks began to heat the longer her eye remained locked with both of Charlie’s.

Charlie broke the tension by blurting out the first thing that came to mind. “Would you want to go on a date with me?”

And that’s how they got to this moment, with Charlie now on the verge of tears as Vaggie still hadn’t responded to anything Charlie had said, including her admittance of her feelings towards the other woman.

“I-If you don-don’t feel the same, I understand. I just hope we can s-stay friends,” Charlie sniffled, wiping the wetness staining her cheeks with the arm of her suit jacket. “I’ll leave you alone. I’m sorry.”

Vaggie finally managed to snap out her trance as Charlie stood up from her seat, the chair screeching against the floor at the force that Charlie pushed it back with. She stood up as well and quickly walked over to Charlie’s side of the table, stopping Charlie’s retreat when her fingers wrapped around Charlie’s slender wrist. “Wait,” she pleaded.

Charlie stopped in her tracks, taking in a deep breath before hesitantly looking over at Vaggie.

“Charlie, I—” Vaggie started, exhaling slowly as if that would get rid of the jitters that had taken over. “I like you. As more than a friend. And I’d love to go on a date with you, if you still want that.”

Charlie’s expression morphed comically from sadness and fear and hesitation to disbelief to sheer, unadulterated joy, all within seconds. She squealed, wrapping her arms around Vaggie’s waist and picking her up, spinning them around in circles as she giggled excitedly.

Vaggie wrapped her arms around Charlie’s shoulders instinctively, her panicked yelp quickly giving way to laughter.

“Really?! You mean it?! You want to go on a date with me?!” Charlie asked once she had set Vaggie down, only slightly breathless, hands still resting on either side of Vaggie’s waist, beaming down at Vaggie as if she held the key to happiness in her hands.

“I mean it,” Vaggie confirmed, smiling brightly as Charlie dove forward for a hug, one she eagerly reciprocated. She buried her face in Charlie’s shoulder, inhaling deeply, that familiar, wonderful apple scent making her feel a litany of feelings all at once.

Both of them were overly relieved that the other felt the same, and they couldn’t wait for their first date to commence.

~~~

“Are you sure I look ok?” A frazzled Charlie asked a very exasperated Razzle and Dazzle, who had laid down on her bed after Charlie had reached outfit number six.

“Baa,” they responded in unison, Razzle closing his eyes and resting his head on his crossed hooves while Dazzle stared at her, unimpressed.

“You’re right. It’s Vaggie, she’s not going to care about what I’m wearing,” she said in an attempt to reassure herself as she fussed with the cuffs on her jacket, looking herself over in the mirror for the umpteenth time, quadruple-checking that her mascara hadn’t smeared.

Charlie was wearing a black multi-layer ruffled skirt that fell to her upper thighs, a black shirt that was tucked neatly into her skirt with a white collar, a white tie with black stripes, and a black suit jacket that had padded shoulders. It also sported gold-colored buttons and a white trim along the hem, all the way around from the lapels to the angular-shaped bottom. She’d redone her black nail polish, and ultimately decided to leave her hair in its normal braid, choosing to go with a pair of small, strappy black heels.

Straightening up her tie, Charlie couldn’t contain the excitement that was bubbling up, nor the accompanying ear-to-ear smile. “I still can’t believe she said yes! It’s a dream come true! I’m the luckiest girl in the world!”

Razzle and Dazzle shared bemused glances as Charlie began twirling around the room, humming to herself in delight as she swiped her wallet off the nightstand, tucking it into her inner coat pocket.

“I bet Vaggie’s going to look amazing! Not to say that she doesn’t always look amazing, because she does! But seeing her all dressed up is going to be a whole ‘nother level of amazing!”

“Baa!” Dazzle bleated, Razzle pointing to the clock.

“Oh, shoot! You’re right! I gotta go get Vaggie! You boys got the limo?! Vaggie deserves the absolute best for our date!”

“Baa! Baa!” Razzle responded, flying up from the bed and nudging Charlie towards the door while his brother grabbed the bouquet of roses Charlie had bought for Vaggie and handed them off to her.

“Right, I’ve got it! Thanks boys, I’ll see you in a bit!” Charlie hollered, practically skipping down the hall, the bouquet clutched tightly in her hands.

She skidded to a halt when she reached Vaggie’s bedroom door, and once she had gathered up enough courage, she knocked.

“I’ll be out in a couple of seconds!”

Charlie didn’t have to wait for even a second. The door swung open, revealing Vaggie, and Charlie’s mouth went dry, eyes becoming as big as saucers. “Vaggie—I—umm—you look—wow—I—you’re—you’re stunning,” Charlie stuttered as she held out the flowers to Vaggie. “I brought these, for you, but now I don’t even know why I bothered because they don’t even begin to compare to you.”

Vaggie blushed, taking the roses from Charlie while shuffling nervously from foot to foot at Charlie’s sweet compliment and her earnest gaze. “Let me just put these down, and then we can go.”

Charlie nodded, watching Vaggie walk away, mind reeling from how a woman as beautifully breathtaking as Vaggie wanted to go out with her. Not because she was Charlotte, the Princess of Hell and heir to the throne, but Charlie, the goofy blonde filled to the brim with enthusiasm and dreams that others were determined to crush under the heels of their boots.

“Ready?” Vaggie asked.

“I am,” Charlie said, holding her arm out for Vaggie to take, heart flipping and flopping in her chest as Vaggie daintily looped her arm through Charlie’s, smiling bashfully at her. “I meant what I said, you know. You look absolutely amazing.”

Vaggie’s hair was pulled back into an elegant bun, her bangs covering the eyepatch with the red X Charlie had painstakingly made for her. On her neck sat a small, diamond necklace that resembled a choker in Charlie’s eyes. She had picked out a dark red, sparkling pantsuit for the evening, the spaghetti straps resting on her shoulders a lighter shade of red. The top half dipped down just low enough to tease, but not overwhelmingly so. There was a cutout in the middle, connected to the bottom half of her suit by light red straps, exposing Vaggie’s skin all around. Most of Vaggie’s upper back was exposed as well due to the way the top half of the suit tapered off as it reached Vaggie’s back. She, like Charlie, was wearing a small pair of heels, only hers were white instead of black.

It was a lot more skin than Charlie was used to seeing exposed on Vaggie, and it was honestly making her dizzy with how breathless she was becoming and how much she wanted to run her hands over it all. She was also filled with pride at Vaggie, for being comfortable enough with Charlie to have the scars on her back out in the open.

“Thank you, Charlie. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Charlie acted offended at the barb, and Vaggie’s resulting giggle only made her that much more beautiful in Charlie’s eyes.

“So, are you ready to tell me where we’re headed?” Vaggie asked conversationally as they reached the limo, thanking Charlie for holding the door open, rolling her eye fondly as Charlie bowed at the gratitude.

Since Charlie had grown up in Hell and Vaggie had only arrived a couple of months ago, she’d allowed Charlie the liberty of planning out their evening. The only information Charlie had given her was to dress as though she were heading to a black-tie event.

“Not yet. Guess you’ll just have to wait and see,” Charlie replied as she clambered into the limo, shutting the door behind her and signaling to the boys that they could begin driving. She settled back in her seat, adjusting herself so she was facing Vaggie, reaching over to link their hands together, humming to herself as she traded from staring out the window for some time to staring at Vaggie for some (a much longer) time.

Charlie’s touch sent a tingling sensation shooting through her, quickly followed by warmth, which Charlie seemed to simply radiate.

While Charlie was occupied with the window, Vaggie took the chance to admire Charlie’s outfit, seeing as she hadn’t been able to earlier, and how the fuck Charlie managed to pull of a suit with a ruffled skirt was beyond her. Though she didn’t mind the skirt, not at all. The way the garment fell as Charlie sat down made it ride up even higher than it had before, exposing even more of Charlie’s thighs, not to mention the way the suit emphasized each one of Charlie’s curves and highlighted the angles of her body. The sight made Vaggie’s breath hitch in her throat, and it took her a while to gain any semblance of control over her thoughts.

A smirk overcame her face as an idea flashed in her mind. She tugged on Charlie’s hand, causing the Princess to look over at her in confusion. Vaggie tugged on her hand again, and once Charlie moved, scooting close enough to Vaggie that their thighs were touching, Vaggie leaned against Charlie’s side, throwing one of Charlie’s arms around her shoulders while her own wrapped around Charlie’s waist. With a content sigh, Vaggie allowed her head to fall against Charlie’s shoulder, looking up at Charlie and batting her eye innocently even as she fought against her smirk, which wanted to make itself known once more. “Is this ok?” Vaggie asked, intentionally fanning her breath against Charlie’s neck and watching as goosebumps instantly appeared.

“Yeah! Yes, yeah, this is ok! This is great!”

Vaggie allowed her eye to flutter shut, snuggling deeper into Charlie’s side while being wary of smearing her mascara.

Charlie gulped as her hand hesitantly rested on Vaggie’s shoulder, stroking the skin there softly, heart pounding rapidly against her sternum as her thoughts ran rampant. Oh my gosh I can’t believe this is happening! Her skin is so much smoother and so much softer than I imagined and she looks so breathtaking and she fits so well against me! How am I going to survive dinner if I can barely even stand the ride there?! Please please please let us arrive soon so I’m not tempted to do something I’ll sorely regret and something that will definitely ensure Vaggie won’t want to go out with me ever again. Gosh she’s so beautiful I can’t get over how well the color red suits her and her eye is so pretty and she looks so good with her hair tied back. Not that she doesn’t look good with her hair down! Because she does! She looks good with both! Oh geez I’m rambling inside of my mind, how do I always manage to do this to myself?!

“Charlie?”

“Hmm?” Charlie responded mindlessly, too busy scolding herself internally for going off on a tangent.

“Can’t you at least give me a hint as to where we’re going? Please?”

Charlie bit her lip, eyes falling down to Vaggie’s lips as she pouted playfully. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt.”

“Yes, thank you!” Vaggie exclaimed, reaching up to press a light, fleeting kiss to Charlie’s cheek, pulling away as she looked at the woman eagerly, who appeared to be frozen in place, like a deer in headlights. “Charlie, hun, are you ok?”

If it was even possible, Charlie stilled even more. It took Vaggie a moment to realize, and when she did, a blush instantly sprouted to her cheeks.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. It sort of just slipped out. This is only our first date and it’s a bit much to be calling you by any nicknames or anything. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’d never want to do that to you. It won’t happen again, I promise. Gah, I’m such an idiot!”

“Don’t say that!”

Vaggie looked at Charlie in surprise, her blush deepening as Charlie lifted their intertwined hands to her mouth and kissed the back of Vaggie’s.

“Don’t you ever call yourself an idiot again, ok? You’re the opposite of an idiot. You’re a genius. You’re smart. Intelligent. Sharp. Brilliant. Clev—”

“Ok!” Vaggie interrupted, placing a hand over Charlie’s mouth through her giggles. “I understand. I promise.”

“Good, and don’t apologize for the nicknames either. I think they’re cute, especially when they’re coming from you.”

Warmth blossomed in Vaggie’s chest, spreading throughout her entire body. “So you think I’m cute, huh?”

Charlie’s hair tuck was all the answer Vaggie needed.

“I think you’re cute too, in case that wasn’t obvious.”

Charlie beamed down at Vaggie, and without thinking, she pressed a kiss to Vaggie’s forehead.

Vaggie’s heart pounded even fiercer at the feel of Charlie’s lips on her skin. She squeezed Charlie’s hand in reassurance before she could freak out too much about the action. “Now, would you care to give me that clue you promised me?”

“Alright, hold on! Ummmm, let’s see,” Charlie mumbled to herself, eyes narrowing as if searching through her mind for the perfect clue. “Hmm, ok. Yup, I’ve got it! It’s to die for!”

Vaggie studied Charlie curiously, her proud smile and sparkling eyes and those adorable red circles on her cheeks. “Charlie.”

“Yes?”

“Are you seriously telling me you got us a reservation at ZoZo’s Palace?!”

Charlie deflated like a balloon, a pout settling on her lips. “Aww man, I didn’t think you were gonna guess it!”

Vaggie snorted. “Charlie, they’ve got advertisements 24/7 about how the food there is ‘to die for’. I may not pay much attention to the TV, but I’ve heard it enough times to recognize it. How did you even get reservations? From what I’ve heard, that place is booked months in advance.”

Charlie scratched the back of her neck, smiling at Vaggie sheepishly. “Well, I sort of am the Princess of Hell. I don’t use the title a lot, but I really wanted to do this for you. I wanted to make tonight special.”

“Charlie,” Vaggie said softly, adoration sweeping across her face as she cupped Charlie’s face in her hand, forcing Charlie to look at her. “You didn’t need to go through all of that trouble for me. Tonight was going to be special no matter what, because I’m with you. That means more to me than anything, even a fancy restaurant.”

Charlie nuzzled into Vaggie’s hand, eyes brimming with happy tears as she stared at Vaggie in awe. “You mean that?”

“I do.”

A smirk formed on Charlie’s face. “So, should I cancel our table?”

“Umm, fuck no.”

“But I thought being with me was more special than anything?”

“It is, but you can’t tell a girl you got her a table at ZoZo’s and not expect her to want to go.”

They looked at one another seriously. It only lasted for a few seconds before they burst into a fit of giggles, the limo rolling to a stop shortly after.

“Baa!” Razzle said, pointing out the window.

“Looks like we’re here,” Charlie said, opening the car door and stepping out before turning around, offering her hand for Vaggie to take.

Vaggie did, allowing Charlie to assist her, and once she was out, she interlocked her fingers with Charlie, squeezing Charlie’s hand in excitement as she stared at the restaurant before them in complete and utter wonder. “Charlie,” she breathed out, and the smile she shot Charlie was so brilliant Charlie felt her knees go weak.

“Come on,” Charlie said, reluctantly removing her hand from Vaggie’s so she could wrap her arm around the backs of her shoulders, hand resting on the bare skin of her upper arm.

Vaggie slung her arm across Charlie’s waist in return, fingers absentmindedly stroking up and down Charlie’s side as they walked, a tingling sensation shooting through Charlie each time.

They chatted aimlessly as they waited in line, and once they reached the front, Charlie spoke up. “Reservation for two under Morningstar.”

The host’s eyes widened in recognition, but otherwise kept his cool. “Of course, Miss Morningstar. Right this way.”

Charlie watched Vaggie as she looked around at everything in awe, smile widening everytime Vaggie gasped softly if something took her aback. Her cheeks were hurting by the time they got to their table, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

“You got us a private dining room?”

“I know you still tend to get anxious around large groups of people, so I thought this would make you more comfortable.”

Vaggie was overwhelmed by Charlie’s consideration for her and her feelings. Unable to find the words to express her gratitude, she leaned up and kissed Charlie’s cheek like she had in the limo. Charlie’s giddy smile at her actions only served to make Vaggie smile like an idiot in return.

“Ladies first,” Charlie said, reaching for the chair and pulling it out, gesturing for Vaggie to sit.

“My my my, what a gentleman,” Vaggie teased as Charlie pushed her chair back in before Vaggie had fully sat down.

Charlie smoothed out the bottom of her skirt before she sat down, pulling her chair in so she could be as close to the table (and Vaggie) as possible.

“Charlie, this is incredible. I can’t believe you did all of this for me.”

“It wasn’t that much trouble, really. But even if it had been, it would’ve been well worth it if it meant I got to see you smile the way you are right now.”

“A gentleman and a charmer, who would’ve thought?” Vaggie asked despite the color that was painting her cheeks at Charlie’s words.

“Hey, there’s a lot you still don’t know about me.”

“I find that hard to believe.”

“And why’s that?”

“Because you’re an open book, Charlie.”

“That’s simply not true.”

“Oh, really?”

“Really!”

“Do tell. What do I not know about Miss Charlie Morningstar, the ever so darling Princess of Hell?”

That’s how they spent most of their evening, discussing the things they knew about one another and learning about the things they didn’t know. They only stopped when they’d ordered their drinks and food, diving right back into their conversation as soon as they’d finished placing their orders.

“I can see why people say this place is to die for,” Vaggie said after they’d both finished off their plates, using her napkin to wipe up any excess food that may have been lingering on her face, Charlie doing the same across the table.

“Me too. I’ve been here a couple of times with my parents when I was younger, but I never really liked the food much at the time.”

“Oh? Was little Princess Charlie too much of a snob to even eat at a place as fancy as this?”

Charlie shook her head through her giggles. “No! It was nothing like that!”

Vaggie laughed as well, tilting her head when she noticed Charlie had some sauce smeared on the corner of her mouth. “Char, hun, you’ve still got a little something,” she said, pointing to her own face to indicate where it was on Charlie’s.

“Did I get it?”

“No, hold on, lemme just,” Vaggie said as she reached out, wiping the sauce off with her own napkin, freezing as she realized just how close her face was to Charlie’s. Close enough that she could feel Charlie’s breath fanning across her face, close enough that if she leaned forward just a bit she could narrow the distance between them, see how those black lips felt against her own, if they were as soft as Vaggie imagined, if they would taste like apples, if—

Vaggie cleared her throat, averting her eye from Charlie’s as she hastily sat back in her seat, blushing heavily.

Charlie had never been so tempted to screw proper date etiquette than at that moment. Vaggie had been so close, and her lips had looked so inviting, so plump, so kissable, so delectable. She had been in the midst of wondering how Vaggie would react to Charlie biting down on her lip, if she’d sigh or let out a moan or whimper in pleasure, when Vaggie had abruptly pulled away. “All gone?” she asked, a bit breathless.

Vaggie nodded. “Yup! All gone. You’re all good now.”

“I guess you can’t take me anywhere, huh?”

Vaggie smirked at that. “I guess not.”

She asked Charlie about how the Hotel was coming along, her chin resting in her hand as she admired the woman in front of her. How passionate she was, how determined she was, how enigmatic she was, how beautiful she looked in the candlelight. Vaggie had never felt more smitten with Charlie than right now.

Here she was, all dolled up, sat in the most upscale restaurant in Hell, with none other than the Princess herself.

Not that Vaggie liked Charlie because she was the Princess. She could care less about that. She was with Charlie because she liked hearing her sing whatever tune came to mind, she liked the way Charlie would become all flustered when she complimented her, she liked seeing Charlie bounce up and down in her seat whenever they were watching something together, unable to sit still even in the calmest of moments. She liked how caring Charlie was, how she was willing to do anything and everything for those she held near and dear, how her nose would crinkle when she’d get overly excited, how she was always so optimistic despite being in Hell, how touchy-feely she was with Vaggie.

Vaggie could go on and on about everything she liked about Charlie, but that would take up the rest of eternity. She had it bad for the other woman, and while that scared her, it also thrilled her.

Because Charlie, the literal Angel of Hell, felt the same way about Vaggie as Vaggie felt about her.

“Vaggie?”

Vaggie snapped her attention back to Charlie, who looked uncharacteristically nervous, twisting her skirt in one of her hands as she fidgeted in her seat while the other was tapping on the table. “Yeah, hun? Is everything ok?”

“I was just—well I was wondering—I know this is a big thing—and I—ughhh ok—umm—I dunno—I was thinking—”

Vaggie smiled softly, reaching over and placing her hand atop Charlie’s. “Breathe, Charlie. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. There isn’t anything you can say to me that will make me want to leave you.”

Charlie nodded jerkily, inhaling and exhaling as she gathered her thoughts. “I know this is a big ask, and there is no pressure on you to say yes! I was just, ever since I met you, you’ve stood by me like nobody else. You’ve supported me through everything, and you believe in me. You believe in my Happy Hotel, and you believe in my idea that sinners can be redeemed. So, if it’s not asking too much, I was kinda, sorta, mayyyybe hoping you’d want to be my partner in running the Hotel, like maybe you could be the manager or something. I haven’t figured all of the logistics out yet. But you totally don’t have to say yes if you don’t want to! Or even answer right now! I can definitely wait, I don’t want to make you feel like you owe it to me to say yes or force you into it if you don’t—”

“Charlie,” Vaggie interrupted, squeezing the other woman’s hand as Charlie blinked at her. “I’d be honored.”

“Wait, really?! You want to?! You want to run the hotel with me?!”

Vaggie nodded, returning Charlie’s ear-to-ear-grin. “Really. I care for you, Charlie, and I care about your dream. I want to do whatever I can to help.”

“Oh, thank you thank you thank you!” Charlie gushed, bringing Vaggie’s hand up to her mouth and pressing a flurry of kisses to the back of it in her excitement.

Vaggie’s cheeks heated up from the attention, but she made no move to stop Charlie. After all, she adored her and her antics. “There’s no need to thank me, mi querida.”

Charlie tilted her head at Vaggie. “What does that mean?”

“What, mi querida?”

She nodded.

“Oh, it’s Spanish for ‘my dear’,” Vaggie explained as her blush deepened.

“Could you speak it to me more? It makes me feel, I dunno, special.”

Vaggie smiled. “Lo que quieras, princesa. Pero siempre serás especial para mí, no importa qué.” [Whatever you want, princess. But you will always be special to me, no matter what]

“That’s—umm—I—wow.”

Vaggie laughed at the fact that she had managed to render Charlie speechless, a feat she was sure was not easily accomplished.

Charlie smiled softly, admiring the woman sitting in front of her. “How did I get so lucky?”

Vaggie turned her head away bashfully, though Charlie could still see her mouth turning up in a pleased smile.

Charlie’s own smile brightened as Vaggie’s thumb began tracing random patterns across the back of her hand, sparks skittering up her arm and warming her heart. She nodded to their waiter, thanking him for his service as she paid for their meal.

“Of course, Miss Morningstar. We hope you and your date had a splendid evening. Thank you for dining at ZoZo’s Palace.”

“All set?” Charlie asked once he’d left, to which Vaggie nodded.

As soon as they were side by side, they both reached for the other’s hand, matching grins adorning their faces as their fingers interlaced with one another.

Charlie held the restaurant door open for Vaggie, blushing as Vaggie’s body brushed up against her own as she exited. She quickly joined back up with Vaggie, lightly swinging their hands between them as they walked.

“I’m not ready to head back yet,” Vaggie admitted, looking up at Charlie with a hesitant smile. “Do you think we could go for a walk?”

“Of course! I know just the place,” Charlie replied, relieved to find out Vaggie didn’t want the night to end any more than she did.

As they strolled along the street, Vaggie couldn’t help but notice how much more orderly and peaceful this part of the city was. She supposed that was because this area housed more upscale and upper class citizens. It made sense considering ZoZo’s was located in this area.

That’s not to say there wasn’t still fighting and blood and debauchery and fire, but there wasn’t as much as Vaggie had grown accustomed to seeing, and it made the atmosphere surprisingly peaceful. It also made it cooler than normal, which given that this was Hell, was very much not the norm. She couldn’t suppress the shiver that spread through when a breeze came their way, and Charlie noticed.

“Are you cold?”

“A bit,” Vaggie said, and before she knew it, Charlie had taken her suit jacket off and was handing it to her.

She quietly thanked Charlie as she slipped it on, Charlie’s apple scent so prominent and rich it made her dizzy with warmth and comfort. It was very loose on her and so comically large it reached her thighs, and yet, she had never felt safer.

“It’s so big on you,” Charlie giggled.

“It’s not my fault you’re so tall!” Vaggie argued.

“I’m not that tall, you’re just short.”

“Hey!”

“What? You can’t seriously be telling me I’m wrong about this.”

“I’ll have you know I’m a perfectly average height. You’re the one that’s built like a giant.”

“I—wha—that’s not true!”

“Oh, but it is. Look at the people around us, then go ahead and tell me I’m short.”

“...You’re lucky I like you.”

Vaggie looked over at Charlie, tone switching from teasing to something more serious. “Yeah, I really am.”

A comfortable silence lapsed between the two of them, and Vaggie took the opportunity to nestle closer to Charlie. The blonde slung an arm around Vaggie’s shoulders, tucking Vaggie closer into her side, and Vaggie reached up to intertwine her hand with Charlie’s while her other hand settled across Charlie’s waist, fingers resting on the little divot of her hip.

“Here we are,” Charlie said as she pushed open a gate and led the two of them through, the gate clanging shut behind them as Charlie let go of it once they were inside.

“What is this place?” Vaggie asked, looking around the dimly lit, unoccupied park.

“It’s one of my dad’s establishments. He owns a couple of businesses, one of the more commonly known ones is LuLu World. He had this specific park built for my mom, so they could reminisce about their time in Eden. We used to come here as a family a lot when I was a kid. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in all of Hell,” Charlie explained wistfully.

“It’s beautiful,” Vaggie said as she looked around, multiple different colors and types of flora—flowers, trees, plants, etc.—sprouting everywhere and going as far back as the eyes could see. “Thank you for bringing me here. I know it can’t have been easy.”

Charlie shrugged, tipping her head until it was resting against Vaggie’s, a happy sigh escaping as she did so. “Everything seems to be easier when I’m with you.”

They took multiple laps around the well-worn, slightly overgrown path, Charlie pointing out all the plants she could remember, Vaggie listening to her with an adoring smile and a softness in her eye that was reserved for Charlie and Charlie only.

Vaggie didn’t know how long they’d been there, but when she saw Charlie try to stifle a yawn for the third time in a row, she took pity. “As much as I hate to put an end to this, my feet are really starting to kill me.”

“Alright, let’s get you home,” Charlie answered without any hesitation, steering them back towards the gate they had entered the park through.

It was a short walk back to the restaurant, where Razzle and Dazzle had been waiting in the limo. Charlie allowed Vaggie to slip in ahead of her, instructing the boys to take them home when the door closed behind her.

Vaggie immediately melted into Charlie’s side, eye fluttering shut as she rested her head against Charlie’s shoulders, their intertwined hands resting on Vaggie’s lap. “I’ve had an amazing time tonight, Charlie.”

“So have I,” Charlie agreed, resting her own head against Vaggie’s while her eyes shut in content. “Thank you for coming out with me. I’d love to do it again sometime. Only if you want to, of course.”

“I’d love nothing more.”

Vaggie’s answer cut Charlie off before she could begin to ramble, something she suspected Vaggie knew based on how quickly she’d answered her question. “Me too.”

The two of them remained side-by-side for the entirety of the ride, and it took everything in Vaggie’s power to stay awake. But she was just so comfortable, and Charlie was so cozy, and she was surrounded by Charlie’s warmth, and her apple scent that Vaggie adored, and the last thing she recalled as she laid there was how tonight was the best night she’d ever had.

Charlie looked down in surprise when she felt Vaggie’s grip on her hand go lax, biting her lip to contain her squeal at the adorableness when she realized the cause was that Vaggie had fallen asleep. She did her best to remain completely still so she didn’t disturb her sleeping beauty, quietly telling Razzle and Dazzle to be as careful as possible so they didn't startle Vaggie awake with driving over any of the usual clutter that littered the streets.

She moved her hand up to gently brush some loose strands of Vaggie’s bangs back into place, leaning down to press a light, lingering kiss to the top of Vaggie’s head afterwards, her own eyes drifting shut as she thought about just how perfect tonight had been, though not to the point where she fell asleep as well.

The limo rolled to a stop in front of the house, Razzle getting out of the vehicle so he could open the door for Charlie and Vaggie while Dazzle stayed situated behind the wheel, ready to properly park the car after dropping the women off.

“Thanks for all your help tonight, guys,” Charlie said as she gathered Vaggie in her arms, stepping out of the vehicle once she had a secure grip on her.

Charlie followed Razzle into the house, thanking him as he held open the door for her. She started the walk to Vaggie’s room, being sure to keep her footsteps as light as possible so the echoing clacks of her heels wouldn’t cause Vaggie to stir. When she reached the door to Vaggie’s bedroom, Razzle opened the door and got to work undoing the painstakingly made bed, nodding at Charlie once he was done and making a beeline for the door, wanting to give Charlie and Vaggie some privacy.

Sensing she wouldn’t be able to get Vaggie into something more comfortable without awakening her, Charlie laid her date down on the bed and, with a reluctant sigh, started stroking Vaggie’s cheek until the woman started to rouse.

“Mmm, Charlie? Wha’s happenin’?”

She chuckled at Vaggie’s half-asleep, raspy tone. “You fell asleep on the ride home. You’re in bed now.”

Vaggie snuggled deeper into Charlie’s jacket, burying her face in her pillow as her eye shut sleepily. “Don’t wanna move. ‘m comfy,” she slurred out.

“You aren’t going to be comfortable sleeping in your clothes. I can help you change into some pajamas so you can get out of this.”

Vaggie whined, shaking her head. “‘m comfy,” she repeated.

Charlie’s grin was nothing but fond as she tugged Vaggie into a sitting position, giggling as Vaggie merely slumped into her side and fell asleep almost instantly. “Come on, it won’t take long. I promise.”

Vaggie, half-asleep, reluctantly allowed a now fiercely blushing Charlie to remove her clothes, leaving her in her undergarments.

Charlie quickly grabbed the baggy t-shirt sitting on the edge of Vaggie’s bed and slipped it over the woman, unclipping Vaggie’s bra and tossing it to the floor once the shirt had completely covered her chest. She then helped Vaggie slip her arms into the sleeves, urging her to lay down so she could pull the covers over Vaggie, lips quirked up in amusement as Vaggie grabbed Charlie’s jacket from where it was strewn across the pillows and tucked it close to her chest, nose pressed so deeply into the fabric Charlie would’ve been worried about her suffocating if her breathing hadn’t remained the same.

“Goodnight, Vaggie. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Charlie whispered, leaning down to kiss Vaggie’s forehead, hand cupping Vaggie’s cheek as she did so.

“‘night hun,” Vaggie murmured, smiling sleepily up at Charlie through a half-lidded gaze.

Charlie’s heart seized in her chest at the sight, and it took everything in her not to just clamber into bed with Vaggie and fall asleep with the woman wrapped up in her arms. “Sweet dreams,” she settled on saying to a now fully asleep Vaggie, switching off the lights.

Only when the door shut behind her did Charlie allow her emotions to bubble up. She danced and twirled down the hall to her own room, squealing in happiness when she entered.

Razzle and Dazzle looked at one another bemusedly as Charlie babbled to them about her evening while she got herself ready for bed, talking so much about Vaggie that they were learning more about what Charlie thought about her than about their actual outing together, which they took as a sign that the date had gone extremely well. They couldn’t contain their bleats of excitement when Charlie revealed that Vaggie had agreed to be her partner for the hotel.

“I’m just, I’m so happy I feel like I could pop!” Charlie exclaimed as she fell back onto her bed, her smile having been plastered on her face from the second she left Vaggie’s room. It only widened when Razzle and Dazzle flew over to lay down on either side of her, heads resting on her stomach as they looked at her happily. “I can’t believe she said yes to another date! With me!”

“Baa! Baa!” said Razzle.

“Baa!” Dazzle added in agreement with his brother.

“I can’t wait,” Charlie sighed.

That’s how she fell asleep; bracketed by her two most trusted companions in the world, a smile on her face, with sweet dreams of Vaggie, her best friend and hopefully future girlfriend.

Thank you for reading! P.S.— Their date outfits were inspired by an amazing artist here on Tumblr. I highly encourage you all to check it out if you haven't! Also the AO3 link is here as well!

[infinitelystrangemachinex]

I don't know your blorbos at all, but I'm so happy for you that they hugged. Your insanity over it has been delightfully infectious!

Thank you 😭😭 It's been such a fun week and I'm glad it's been fun to watch the meltdown from afar!

Like, it's probably clear at this point what happened, but let me provide the sequence of events just to shed a little light on the meltdown and what it's like being in the group chat right now:

Start reading a shoujo fantasy manga in 2009 (I was a teenager) and very quickly latch onto the B-pairing which is so doomed by the narrative the main character and the male lead kiss and sort of start dating within the first couple volumes, while this second male lead - whose literal name means it is his role in the story to bring these two other characters together against his own interests - silently yearns for the main character who is oblivious, while being the funny guy everyone underestimates, while having a backstory so tragic and violent he wants to spare every other character from it no matter how often he's asked, while being so genre-aware he's practically walking meta

Watch over the years as this shoujo fantasy becomes a slice-of-life about the main character's career as a fantasy pharmacist. The characters are now adults. This main character and the second male lead spend whole arcs together hundreds of miles away from the prince the main character is supposed to be dating. This goes on for YEARS

An anime adaptation goes for two seasons from 2015-2016. The fandom grows. Everyone pities the fans of the B-pairing because this is a shoujo and the A-pairing is already together. The small B-pairing fandom grows nonetheless, starts a Discord, and are viewed as insane people from there on out, which is absolutely true, but still

The manga continues in the meanwhile. After yet another arc where the B-pairing has an adventure together, the author goes on hiatus for 1 year

It's 2024. The manga returns from hiatus, where the first 2 chapters of the new arc immediately address the B-pairing and their circumstances. B-pairing fandom is starting to lose its mind but we are used to setting our expectations low and relying on speculation and fanfiction for romantic developments anyway

September 23rd, the 3rd chapter since the hiatus drops. The main character opines on the strengths and virtues of the second male lead and defends him to a stranger without knowing he's listening in. He drops his impenetrable funny guy/tough guy act, CRIES, and after 130 chapters of silent pining, thinking his presence is unwanted and his feelings are unwelcome which has caused him to always hesitate to even touch her, he hugs her

He asks her to keep his heart, which he means both platonically and, unbeknownst to her, almost certainly romantically. She says she'd like to just keep all of him - forever - and hugs him back

This happens on the first day of the B-pairing's ship week, which will have its 10th anniversary next year

This also happens while the B-pairing fandom is doing a reread of the manga

The B-pairing fandom loses its collective shit

More people are screaming in joy at each other in the Discord voice chat than have ever been in the Discord voice chat at the same time. Everyone feels both drunk and high for days at a time. It is now day 7 and it is still hard to believe this story development actually happened. The current arc has barely started. We are not okay

[reverie-verse]

Love Triangle Or Not? (Four)- Pt 1

Here are the other parts

Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Anon Request Prompt: Y/N is a trainer (very well known for her badassness) She just came back from a mission; she gets a little jelly that Tris and Four had gotten closer. There’s some feelings but on who’s end? Four asks Y/N to help Tris. Being the amazing person she is, she agrees to help, but in the process she gets hurt. After the mission ends she returns home only to have an argument with Four. Leads to late night confessions  

I’m also making Y/N a Divergent but in secret. 

A couple things, this is ridiculously long, I put it in parts and I am releasing them all at the same time because it makes sense okay. Cooooooollll I hope you enjoy. 

Established something between Tris and Four. 

My Requests Are Open!!

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It was less than a few days till the second stage test. You had been tasked to take on the dauntless recruits. You were ordered to train them and prepare them for the mental test. This was not your job, this was not what you were assigned but considering all circumstances this was punishment. You were the best and brightest soldier of Dauntless. You were ranked with Four and Eric, Eric in leadership but Four as a trainer. He denied his leadership role. You didn’t blame him,it wasn’t a responsibility you’d want either. However you were tasked as the infiltrator. You were sent out on missions to spy and gather intel when need be. You took care of business as you should. 

That was the problem: your mind worked in ways that were not acceptable in society’s eyes. So you conformed and adapted the best way you could. You built a wall around yourself for protection. There were times you would slip and cover up the traces but this time it went unnoticed. Hence why you were walking to the training room. You were instructed to join Four’s group. You were thankful not to be with Eric. He irritated you to the core but Four, you had known him for a while. Ever since he had first transferred to Dauntless. Yes you were born Dauntless but that didn’t stop you from connecting and helping out with the newbies. 

Here you were dressed in your black leggings pockets on either side of you. A holster rested on your hip and opposite thigh. Your gun rested in your hip holster. Your thigh held your knife. You had zipped your cropped fitted active jacket half way, showing just a tiny glimpse of your black sports bra. Your hands tucked into fingerless gloves, your hair braided into two French braids. Your combat boots echoed off the walls in the chasm before entering the training room. Sparring could be heard Eric standing off to the side with Four talking to each initiative. Four stops at one particular student conversing with her as she tucks a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. Eric’s eyes drifted toward you with a smirk on his face. You fought the urge to rip that smirk off his face. You internally groaned. Eric dismissed his student watching you with intense eyes. Four stands with his student watching the two of you  interact, thus causing the rest of the recruits to stop their task.

Eric smiles “ Well if it isn’t our best and brightest Dauntless Assassin.” his irritation and jealousy seeps through his words. You catch onto his words and by the look of Fours face so does he. Everyone in the room looks at you with curious eyes. 

You smile as if you mean it. “ Surprise. I will be joining you for the second stage”. You walk closer coming to a stop. Eric continues his journey towards you to the point he stops in front of you.

“ Oh is that so?” He asked with his arms crossed. 

“ Yeah it is.” At this point you and Eric had a stare down his height allowing him to tower over you. The tension was high and neither one of you was willing to break it. 

“ Everyone mind your business, get back to sparring!!” Four yells at the group walking toward the two of you.The students resumed their task while attempting to silently listen in on the conversation. There was bound to be gossip later on. Four sighed his concern hidden but noted by himself. If the both of you had it your way you both would be doing a little sparring of your own. 

“What’d you do this time? Hm? Follow the wrong orders? Why don’t we ask the leaders.” Eric says to you. The conversation managed to stay between the both of you making it difficult for others to listen in. Good this wasn’t their business.

“ Fuck off Eric.” You growled 

“ You’re in my territory now.”

“ You forget everywhere is my territory.” You challenged Eric.

Four hopped in before Eric could say another word “Both of you need to cool it. We’ve got initiatives to work with. Let's divide the group and run the tests”

Eric rolled his eyes calling out for his group “ Always the savior-My group head to the testing rooms.” He yelled as he walked toward the testing room his group not far behind. Four turned to you, you looked away from Eric and looked at four. Your heart skipped a beat. He caught you off guard with his staring. He always did. His eyes trained in you as he took in your state. Searching behind your eyes with his very brown ones. They peered through the depths of your soul. You held your breath. 

“ You okay?” He asked you, noticing that you have yet to say anything.

 You shook your head and cleared your throat “I didn't need your help”

“ If I didn’t step in, the two of you would’ve fought right there.”

“He deserves to get his ass beat” 

“Yeah well when we are done with these recruits you can take him out back. I’ll pretend I didn’t see a damn thing” Four joked. Yeah he made a joke, on the outside Four is very guarded and stoic but with you he always found a way to be himself.

 You rolled your eyes,  “ Let's head out. Time to do some testing”

Four shook his head as the two of you walked with his group to the testing rooms. As you walked you were silent. This threw Four off. You were never quiet. Not true, only when you were in a room full of strangers. When it came to your friends and Four you were talkative. He became worried, by now you would’ve had a reason to say something and you didn’t. Your arrival here and the reason for it hung in the air. Four and you were both aware of it, he was bound to question you. You sighed and you knew Four wasn’t going to let it go. He stops you at the end of the hallway.

“ You wanna tell me what’s going on?” He asked, crossing his arms blocking your path. 

“ Four. You’re blocking my path”

“ Am I? Or are you avoiding talking about what’s going on? That’s twice now you ended up back here. What happened on your last mission?” At this point he was demanding answers. He wanted details he wasn't about to let one of the people he cares about get hurt. You held a special place in Fours mind and heart. To watch you fall was not a past time he wanted to experience. You were the one person he didn’t have to hide from. He shared everything with you and he only wanted you to do the same. He hated it when you closed yourself off especially when you too have shared so much with him. He knew it was one of your ways to keep him safe. He wanted nothing more than to be by your side so that he could protect you. Ugh it was such a big cycle that kept moving the same direction. 

“ I’m-you-know-ugh fine okay. I messed up and I shouldn’t have. I made a decision against the better judgment of the leaders” 

Four turned his head to the side looking at you knowing that this was about to be something more than what you are making it out to be. “ Y/N” 

Reaching into the side pocket of your leggings you pulled out a small vile. “I took this from the lab at Erudite. I knew something was wrong and I took the serum. No, they didn’t catch me taking it.” 

“ What happened?” He questioned. 

“I had been told my mission was to successfully transport items from Erudite to Dauntless, and to keep an eye on Abnegation. Something about an uprising. One thing led to another and I ended up doing the opposite. I found myself at the lab. Erudite is planning to take down Abnegation and along with it Divergents.” 

“ Y/n” Four pinched the bridge of his nose,” What does the serum do?” He huffed. 

“ I don’t know. I wasn’t able to retrieve much information before having to blow my own cover.” You sighed in frustration. That was the one thing you wished you had seen before taking the vile. 

“ What did you do?” Four uncrossed his arms looking down the hallway making sure no one was around. 

“ I punched Jeanin in the face.“

“ What?” Four’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he looked back towards you. 

“ Well how else was I supposed to get back to you to tell you all the tea?” You shrugged with a smile. You enjoyed it to be honest. You hated Jeanin with every fiber of your being and that was satisfactory. Four couldn’t help but return the smile. It was contagious. How could it not be? The tattoo on Fours back is a form of you. You're honest, kind, smart, brave and selfless. You were a walking embodiment of each faction. That was a dangerous thing to be. But to Four no, never, you were everything he wished he could be. Before the conversation could continue further the blonde haired girl from before peeked her head around the corner. His attention immediately shifted as his expression changed from a serious one to a soft, kind expression. Who the hell is that?

[harley-michaels-main]

It's been awhile since I did a tier list but I've been into shojo anime and manga recently so I'm gonna rank my top five.

#5: Ouran High School Host Club

Haruhi Fujioka is recruited to join the host club after she breaks a vase!

Ouran is probably one of the best known shojo animes there is. It's funny, light hearted, adorable, and probably is one of the first reverse harem anime to gain a large fan base. And for being made in the early 2000's, the animation still holds up today.

However, the characters do not. There are a lot of things about this show that just did not age well. While I recommend this series I also recommend taking it with a grain of salt. This was made when certain things were socially acceptable that simply are not today.

That is the only reason I would have it at number 5. Other wise, the cast is great. The plot is hilarious. The pacing is well done. Overall, it's a hilarious and feel good show for when you simply don't want to think about what you're watching.

#4 Kamisama Hajimenmashita

After being kicked out of her apartment due to her father's gambling habits, Nanami Momozono must find her place in this world. But becoming an Earth God? How the hell is she supposed to do that?!

This is the first shojo I watched knowing that it was a shojo. I immediately fell in love with the characters and their dynamics. There's complicated back stories as well for those to like to drive a bit more into characters.

Sadly, the anime was rushed to a finish and a lot of the manga was never adapted. While the anime is still great, the ending just feels wrong without having the full story. The manga is completed and I highly recommend reading it. Yet because of the cancelation, I have to put it at number 4.

#3: Yona Of The Dawn

On her 16th birthday, the sole princess of Kouka, Yona, goes to ask her father to reconsider her marriage proposal to the love of her life. Her love had other plans with her father that night.

This is arguably one of the best shojos out there. With an amazing ploy and some of the best characters ever written, your heart is sure to be captured by this.

There is only one season of this however and it sadly looks like there won't be more any time soon.

The reason for this getting third place isn't because of the anime but actually because I just like the other two more. I love the fantasy setting, but I tend to like it more in shounen than shojo.

#2: My Love Story With Yamada-Kun at level 999

After being cheated on and dumped by her boyfriend over a girl he met in a game, Akane Kinoshita sets out to get revenge! By going to an irl game event and make him realize what he's missing out on! If only her luck with shoes was better.

This is a very new shojo with the first season just wrapping up a couple weeks ago. However, the manga has been going strong since 2019 and I have loved every minute of it. Thus has some of the best characters I have ever seen and it just continues to get better. It's also the type of shojo where we get to see the couple progress their relationship as a couple which is amazing.

I will say there are some... spicier bits in the manga so beware of that if it's not your thing. (Nothing explicit is shown)

However we get to see progression from te side characters as well which is also amazing. I love every moment of this and it had me squealing and kicking my feet like a little girl.

#1: Horimiya

The queen bee and the loner realize that maybe they can be their true selves around each other.

This is my all time favorite. I read the manga, watch the og anime, watched the remake, and the missing pieces. I love this story so much.

It portrays realistic relationships and shows that both of the main characters have faults that they work through in their relationship. Not just that, but the side characters get a lot of development as well that makes you rooting for them.

This whole story is so wholesome and it's the perfect thing to unwind to.

[deepfivetraveller]

Moriarty the patriot x Sick!Child!reader. Chapter 1 (Platonic)

Chapter 2 here

The MI6 could only gather little information about them since they were new to the circle of rich aristocrats.

The Quinn family owned luxurious hotels whose popularity and income just went above the roof, which is surprising since they’ve only been in the industry for a few years. Due to this, they were suspected of smuggling drugs across countries. Only problem was that the military had no evidence. Albert was instructed to check the family out, but since he had to do some preparations on ‘The final problem’ William decided to go instead.

As the carriage stopped, William turned towards the window and saw a large mansion. It had british architecture and was lavishly decorated in the family’s signature colour purple.

 He was greeted by the master and mistress of the family as he exited the carriage. “Welcome Mr Moriarty it’s finally good to meet you.” Richard Quinn says this as he shakes William’s hand a little too vigorously. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too Mr Quinn.” He replies. “Please come in. We have prepared some special Darjeeling tea just for you.” Elisabeth Quinn motions him towards the garden of the estate. After that all three engage in small talk to which William could only pretend to like. Eventually, a topic peaked his interest. “Yes,yes our daughter too has the same habit.”

“Daughter? You both have a daughter?” William sips tea from his cup. “Yes,we just adopted her a few days ago.” She slices her cake with more force than needed creating an unpleasant cling sound. “She is still adapting to her surroundings so we didn’t bring her here.” she continues. William too was once an adopted kid and yes, it does take time to adapt but he started to get a bit suspicious of them.

"Is it possible for me to meet her personally?"

The couple both look at each other after William says this. “Sure. Let me lead you to her.” Richard gets up from his chair and so does William. While walking, Mr Quinn says “Our daughter has a medical condition due to which she cannot talk much, so please don’t force her to talk.” he nodded and kept this point in mind. A mute child is perfect if the parents want to keep a secret from society.

After a few minutes of walking they both enter a grand library.The shelves were made from a wood of dark colour possibly walnut or teak. All the books there were binded by some sort of luxurious leather. After going in a little deeper William sees a small girl sitting on the table copying something from a book. Richard whispers “I’ll introduce you to her and then leave you alone.”

William nods again and both of them come up to you. “Y/n?” Mr Quinn taps on the table. You immediately stop writing and look at both of them. “This is our guest Mr William James Moriarty.” He points at William. “I’m going to leave both of you alone now.”

After Mr Quinn leaves William sits next to you. “Like your father said, My name is William. What’s yours?” He felt a bit guilty making you talk in your condition but for the sake of the mission some things need to be done.

You take a bunch of flash cards connected to a flash card ring. You flip to a page with you name on it and show it to him. Clever. “Y/n. What a lovely name. How are you adjusting to your new life?” He  turns slightly towards you. You immediately flip to an empty card and write ‘It’s going alright.’

He notices this was not a direct reply to his question. Either you don’t have much to say or you were threatened by your parents. Though he does try to eliminate the second option since you are wearing a luxurious dress. Nevertheless he still doubts.

“I see.” He leans onto the table.

“Are you happy with your new life?” He enquires. You write ‘Yes I’m quite content with my life.’ He smiles and then looks at what you were reading. “On the Origin of species…” he reads the title out loud. He also looks at the notes you were writing and sees the key points of the book written neatly.

“You should explore other parts of science as well. Why don’t we try to find  other books on physics and chemistry here?” He gets up and extends his arm. In reply, you hold his hand.

“Can you take me to the science section?” You nod to his question and take him there

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

“Yes, yes, maybe…no.” William picks a few books and takes them in and out of the shelf. All the books he thought were suitable to read were given to you to hold. “That’s about it.” he turns towards you. “Let’s go back and sit down.” He takes the books from you and carries them.

“Thank you.” This is the first time you spoke to him. He didn’t know what you were thanking for, maybe for holding the books, maybe for helping you select books or maybe for something else. But more importantly he was taken aback by your voice. Your voice did crack a bit due to your lack of talking, but in his ears they were melodious; like  crunchy sweet.

Suddenly the clock chimes, an indication that it is now evening. “Oh my, time went by fast. It seems it’s time for me to go now.” he replies. He kept the books on a small wooden chair but when he was about to leave you grab onto his sleeve. He could see you mouthing ‘Don’t leave’.

“Why?” he questions. You slowly take back your hand from his sleeve and mouth him ‘Sorry’. William kneels down to your level, expecting you to say a reason for your action.

‘The first person to not make fun of me is you.’ he frowns as he looks at your card. “What about your parents?” he inquired. ‘Well they aren’t mean to me but that doesn’t mean that they are kind.’ you’re hesitant to show this card and he can tell.

He tries to calm you down by patting your head and to some extent, it works. “Don’t worry,” he reassured. “I’ll take care of this.”   “But how?” You questioned back. “That…” He gets up and looks at you. “Is my problem. You just relax” He tilts his head as a sign of respect and leaves the room, leaving you a bit confused and dumbfounded.

[bronzemettle]

Greetings! I didn't know posts could have titles and couldn't think of anythi-

I'm Xavier Bronze (she/her). I'm plural, polyamorous, and frequently autistically hyperfixate on nerd shit. Early in my existence my headmate helped me write a superhero self-insert fanfic, and it made the choice to cross company lines, including characters and plot elements from not just Marvel, but DC, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Indiana Jones, and others all at the same time.

This is probably where it started, bc now, with certain aesthetics and genre conventions my cognition just kinda does crossovers on its own by default. It actively takes effort for me to remember that certain characters don't exist in the same universe. And for the past couple of years I've started formalizing and codifying this broad-reaching "headcanon world". Here I'm thinking about calling it BronzeRealms, for better SEO and tagging.

Since becoming a codified continuity of its own, the BronzeRealms have only grown. Significantly. Now I have a rough timeline spanning from the Age of Myth roughly three millennia ago all the way to the 41st century. Comicbook superheroes are still here, with a greatest hits grab bag of character versions and lore taken from various adaptions, reboots, and retcons over the decades.

But now the superheroes of today find themselves in conversation and lineage with great warriors of centuries past like Kratos, Xena, and the slave uprising who expelled the Goa'uld System Lords from Egypt, and with the steadfast and resourceful Captains and soldiers of the future, John Connor, Gordon Freeman, Finn the Human, John Sheridan, Ellen Ripley, the Reds and Blues of Blood Gulch, and Benjamin Sisko. Their contemporaries have broadened too. Godzilla, Dominic Toretto, Hellboy, Kim Possible, Ladybug & Cat Noire, UNIT, Sora, The Addams Family, and the Autobots. This is very, very far from a comprehensive list. I have dipped my toe into making a list of source works that the BronzeRealms draws elements from to include, and the table of contents alone is over two pages at this point.

I am fully aware that the scope of this worldbuilding has exceeded all reason, and any chance of ever being fleshed out into any kind of story that could encompass it all. It would take multiple lifetimes just to write 5k word mini fics for every character, event, and time period I've defined lore for. I might put a microfic out once in a while but this is fully worldbuilding for its own sake, for fun!

And I've been talking my friends' ears off about this for years now so I came to this website seeking fresh infodumping victims, lol. And to do more ongoing brainstorming. This isn't a finished product, and never will be, so you should just have fun with it too <3

[siriuslychessi]

06 Dancing in the warm summer rain

The wedding was not big, both the groom’s and bride’s families were small, James had a couple of elderly uncles and cousins, and Lily’s muggle family was estranged from her since discovering she was a witch and cutting ties with Petunia. It was hard to keep up with her muggle family while she was fighting a war, and Petunia made it very clear that she did not want to be a part of her big day. 

However, despite it all, the ceremony was beautiful and the party (even if small) was lively and filled with people that supported the couple. 

James and Lily had decided to do the wedding outside, the summer had given them a warm enough day, and the weather was cooperating so far, even if Scotland was famous for its random drizzles.

The music sounded in the background, it was a song James loved, Sirius couldn’t exactly remember why at first, but he supposed that for your wedding you would choose a cheesy song that would adapt to the romantic date. 

He was dancing with Marlene to the song, not thinking too much about the words, his only thought was about proximity, and how he didn’t want to part from her. There had been a lot of times where they had fought, where their stubbornness had caused their relationship to suffer in many ways, and gain in some many others.

Sirius was not thinking about the future, or marriage, like James was. He was not thinking beyond the practicality of being at war and fighting with his whole being. Trying not to think on how many of them would not make it to the end.

It was not very romantic of him but it was how he truly felt most of the time. 

However, he was thinking of love, and how James was so devoted to Lily, how the pair of them seemed like a perfect match that he actually saw lasting years to come. 

He wished that he would see the same future for him and Marlene. But he was too scared to hope for more than what he could have at that moment. To hold on too tight and lose it all in the end. 

Sirius had seen how a marriage could be less than ideal. How two people could live under one roof and barely acknowledge each other. 

He had always witnessed the Potters, and how much love they had for each other and their children. And all Sirius wanted to do was have the same faith in the future for himself that others had for him. 

Marlene, at the very least, deserved that. 

“Where are you?” Marlene had asked in a whisper, looking at him with those gorgeous blue eyes that could read him easily, almost like a book. 

Sirius looked at her, and her worried expression and kissed her forehead softly. “Sorry, won’t happen again.” he promised, they could both take a break from all the awfulness, “Sometimes it is hard to stop thinking about it all.” he explained, not wanting to be dismissive, he knew she would understand. 

Marlene nodded and kept close to him, following his lead as the music continued. 

The couple moved like one, Sirius had always been an excellent dancer, but Marlene was a partner beyond any other, and Sirius just tried to focus on that. How she followed his lead perfectly, every turn and every change of pace going smoothly as their bodies synced to the music and each other.

Her hand in his felt like it belonged there, like they were made for that purpose, not pulling too hard or too little, just enough for the tension of their turns to be exactly how they should be. 

Marlene always knew how to get the best of him, and this dance was just one example of that.

Sirius kept trying to pay more attention, to get that moment saved in his mind for posterity, for the nights he would doubt everything will be alright, for the times he doubted that there was a future. He noticed her perfume, that lingered the little time they were apart, that was comforting in its own way.

Her golden locks caught the light of the setting sun, and every time they held to each other after a spin Sirius’ body relaxed and craved for her contact one more time. As if it ached to being apart even if they never lost contact through their hands. 

It was odd how that wedding set some things into perspective for Sirius, for more than one thing, even when he thought nothing much would change, but his whole world had spun drastically that evening. 

The cheesy song long ended, and something that seemed more upbeat and Lily followed. Yet Sirius did not care to stop dancing. 

As Marlene was pulling away assuming they were done, he pulled her back in to keep her close, to not break the magical spell that seemed to have a hold of him and them at the moment. 

It seemed to work. 

Then the rain broke. 

It was not heavy, it was not freezing like the one at other times of the year. But a warm drizzle that might break the little moment they had going, making Sirius want to curse the weather.

Much to his surprise, Marlene did not pull away, did not start running to get cover. But she laughed with her whole heart, closing her eyes, looking up and letting the warm rain fall all over her before looking back at Sirius. 

“Are you afraid of a little water, Black?” she teased, looking at his expression. 

At that moment Sirius knew that all his fears were not founded, that he could actually see a future, as long as she was next to him, and that he would make anything possible to make her laugh like that for as long as he lived. 

[two-reflections]

WIP Wednesday ✨

Minis ✨

Managed to mess around for a couple of hours during the Imperium Maledictum game today.

Those space marines still aren't done because I've been procrastinating/too ill, but I've started basing them. Need to get more PVA glue, I'm not convinced what I used is going to hold this dirt in place.

My little blue guy is almost done. I think his face needs more highlights, but I'll probably varnish him after that. I varnished the blue lady today too, but she basically looks the same so I didn't take a picture.

Imperium Maledictum and other updates below

Imperium Maledictum ✨

This week, we met the Inquisitor and received our mission: pretend to be an Admech group writing a report on a particular planet's tech status since the Noctis Aeterna while actually writing a very different report for the Ordo Hereticus and delivering a secret letter.

We also rolled for connections and worked more on our characters. My Magos Biologos heretek overheard our Space Landsknechte ex-guardsman describe having seen something he thought was a kroot that was almost certainty a tzaangor. Two other characters overheard my lil guy make an offhand comment about how parts of xenos could be medically useful in a pinch. Lots of incriminating stuff!

Writing ✨

Kinktober is carrying on. I'm finding writing classic drabbles (100 words exactly) weirdly hard, but it's also good to practice being consice at times, y'know?

It has also given me a chance to try new things, like writing necrons and other characters I feel I don't know well enough to write a longer fic about. So, that's been cool!

I meant to hammer out the rest of Of Steel and Flesh for Finish What You Started 2024, but I've been too ill this month to really get into it. I'm still hoping I manage to finish an ancient Kingdom Hearts fic I've left undone since 2018 and my entries for the Salamanders Discord Server's Halloween Competition. Got a deadline for the latter tonight, actually... I'm not good at writing horror, but I will try to do something for it.

EDIT - Urgh. Writing nurgly things while having a nasty cold does not feel great. This story isn't even that gross, but my stomach is jumping now. But I met my deadline, so... Worth it?

Misc ✨

My 40-week kitbashing/fleshcrafting project continues. I know this isn't really the place to talk about it, but I'm finding the process rather difficult. While the experts I have consulted on the matter have largely been wonderful, one person I talked to last week was so condescending and uninformed about the unusual complexities of my project that she had me questioning the whole thing. I was given advice on the tier of "Well, maybe you should chuck out your wet palette and use one thick coat", and then was actually scolded for explaining that a wet palette is a helpful adaptation for my needs and that using one thick coat of paint hasn't worked for people like me in the past and is no longer recommended as best practice anyway. Bleh.

However, questioning isn't a bad thing. We learn by asking questions, don't we? I'm still not sure what I'm learning from this one because I'm so pissed off, but there must be something there. Maybe how to make an official complaint to the NHS. If I was treated that way, I can't imagine how that person treats patients with rarer or more serious conditions.

[cryssyd]

A Love Beyond Hell

Previous: Chapter 1

It is an adaption to "Always and Forever" by ChaoticDoll (MadamMimic505) at Quotev.com.

Pairings: Alastor x Reader (Julia) Female

Summary: In the months following her husband's death, Julia has started to rediscover herself since the old radio started to play her favorite tunes. As she starts to get her life back together, strange shadows have began to follow to her around. Along with a mysterious visitor she witnesses in the yard.

Warnings: 18+ Content, Established Relationship, Violence, Death, Graphic Details, Pregnancy and Birth, Smut, Minors DNI

Chapter 2

In the months since her husband's sudden passing, Julia hummed with a smile on her face. Since the old radio she owned began playing those lovely tunes, she no longer felt so alone since he was there in spirit. It was concerning that the radio continued to play without being plugged in. As soon as the static started, any normal person would have thrown it away. Perhaps she was still in disbelief, the radio might have just had a short circuit. Or perhaps it was powered by batteries. It used to belong to Alastor; she had no clue how the thing functioned. However, a part of her remained hopeful that his presence was still around. Even though he had passed away, she was convinced he hadn't truly left. He had promised to never abandon her as long as he was alive, and maybe even beyond that. She strolled along the street, humming a familiar melody. She parked Alastor's car at the far end of the street, enjoying the leisurely walk to her favourite little shop.

Julia greeted the people she encountered with a cheerful wave and a skip in her step. Some of them gave her curious glances, while others simply returned her wave and continued on their way. However, a few individuals couldn't help but pause and take a second look when they noticed her shadow. It appeared completely unnatural. Unlike Julia, whose movements were graceful, her shadow stood with its arms folded behind its back, sporting long, horn-like protrusions from its messy hair. Its figure was much slimmer than Julia's, with broad shoulders that seemed to stretch wider than hers.

“Oh, my goodness, did you just witness that?!" The woman exclaimed to her sister, completely astounded by what she had just seen as Julia strolled by. She couldn't believe what her eyes were telling her.

Julia stepped into the cozy shop, her eyes immediately finding the familiar sight of the little old woman seated at the register. With a warm smile, Gladys returned Julia's wave. Basket in hand, Julia strolled down the aisles, browsing the shelves for her favourite treats. She reached for a loaf of bread and a couple of packs of muffins, knowing they would make for a delightful breakfast. As she continued her shopping, she added a carton of milk and a bag of fresh vegetables for her beloved critter friends waiting at home.

Not forgetting herself, Julia also picked up a carton of eggs, planning to whip up some delicious French toast for dinner. She had learned to take care of herself, even in the face of past sadness, knowing that her dear Alastor would want to see her happy. Finally, she made her way to the cashier counter, placing her basket in front of Gladys. The old woman smiled and adjusted her glasses, ready to ring up Julia's purchases.

"What's got you all cheerful today?" She simply shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips. "Oh, nothing much. Maybe I just woke up feeling extra lucky today." She handed over a twenty-dollar bill. Gladys returned the change and placed her hands gently on her lap. "Well, whatever it is, it's a delight to see you smiling. You've been feeling low for quite some time, my dear." Julia expressed her gratitude to Gladys before taking hold of the bag of groceries. As she made her way past Gladys, a sudden burst of static interference erupted from the small radio sitting on the counter.

"Oh, you troublesome thing! I might just throw you out!" Gladys exclaimed; frustration evident in her voice as she forcefully tapped her fist on the radio. It let out a hum before momentarily faltering, only to resume playing the jazzy tune it had been playing before.

Stepping out into the crisp autumn air, Julia couldn't help but shiver slightly. The gentle breeze caused the bottom of her dress to sway as a few colourful leaves danced around her penny loafers. Balancing the bag of groceries on her hip, she skillfully spun the keys on her free hand's fingers as she made her way back to the car. Oblivious to the frustration of passing drivers, who were struggling with interference and static on their car radios, Julia hummed a cheerful tune. Once settled in the driver's seat, she leaned back and adjusted the mirror, only to be startled by a pair of intense crimson eyes staring back at her. They were unlike anything she had ever seen before, but when she blinked and turned to look in the back seat, there was nothing there.

Julia couldn't help but feel like she had spent a bit too much time under the scorching sun. Shaking her head, she focused on staying alert as she inserted the key and ignited the car's engine. As she cruised along the cobblestone streets, there was no need to adjust the radio dial. The familiar static hum filled the air, causing her heart to skip a beat.

¯ Forever my darling, our love will be true, always and forever. I’ll love just you, just promise me darling, your love in return. ¯

¯ Made this fire in my soul dear, forever burn, my hearts at your command dear, to keep, love and to hold, making you happy is my desire, dear. Keeping you is my goal. ¯

¯ I’ll forever love you, for the rest of my days. I’ll never part from you, and your loving ways. My heart sat your command dear to keep, love, and hold. Making you happy is my desire dear, keeping you is my goal¯

¯I’ll forever love you, for the rest of my days. I’ll never part from you and your loving ways~ Forever my darling, our love will be true… always and forever. I love just you¯

With a gentle smile, she let out a contented sigh, swaying her head to the rhythm of the music. The car no longer felt empty; she was accompanied by a faint fragrance of cologne and a hint of metallic spice that enveloped her senses. Julia found comfort in the familiarity of the scent, even though it was barely noticeable. As she glanced at her wedding band, she continued driving deeper into the woods, where the refreshing aroma of pine welcomed her. Leaves danced in the air, lifted by the wind created by her moving vehicle.

As the song came to an end, she finally pulled her car into the gravel driveway. The sight of a few deer scampering off into the fields greeted her arrival, followed closely by a group of rabbits. Stepping out of the car, she closed the door with her left arm clutching the bag of groceries. Climbing up the wooden steps of her home, she felt a weight lifting off her shoulders. Every time those songs played; her heavy heart found solace. After unlocking the door, she entered the house and made her way to the kitchen. Taking extra precautions, she locked the door behind her, feeling a sense of unease without Alastor. Switching on the light in the kitchen, she placed the bag of groceries on the kitchen island and leaned against the sink. Gazing out of the window, she raised an eyebrow as she noticed a few deer returning, but one of them appeared different.

The buck stood tall, its antlers boasting an impressive eight points. Yet, it caught her attention with its unique features. Its fur, a deep mahogany brown, almost appeared black, and its gaze seemed fixed on her. Julia had never encountered such a sight before. The buck's eyes shimmered with an amber hue, captivating her. Standing a few feet away from the other deer, who were busy feasting on the feed she had scattered earlier, it remained motionless. Its fluffy ears perked up, and its orange eyes seemed to penetrate her very being. The buck remained still, proudly displaying its fluffy tail. It was an extraordinary spectacle. Julia silently hoped for its return, longing to catch another glimpse of its magnificence. Leaving the buck undisturbed, she turned her back and began organizing the groceries in the refrigerator. When she glanced out the window again, the deer had vanished. Perhaps it had rejoined its herd or ventured off in search of more sustenance. As she turned around, her shadow transformed into something entirely different, sending a pleasant shiver down her spine amidst the coolness of the kitchen. She looked behind her, only to be greeted by space once again.

Julia's heart ached as she whispered, "Oh, Alastor. If only you were by my side." The longing in her voice was palpable as if she could almost feel his presence. Suddenly, she gasped in surprise as she noticed the amber-eyed buck standing just outside the kitchen window. It seemed as though Alastor's spirit had brought him here. The buck held a single daisy in his mouth, the very same flowers that had adorned Alastor's final moments.

“I’m only two steps behind, my dearest.”

Next: Chapter 3

[jillsandwhichs]

Valenfield Oneshots/AU's Collection , Chap 2 , Reunion

Masterlist

Pairing: Jill Valentine & Chris Redfield

Summary: Jill & Chris reunite after the events of code veronica

Status of their relationship in this oneshot: Friends with feelings for each other

WC: 1.9k

Type: Sfw

A/n: Hi! Hope you all enjoy. Please check out my masterlist, there's a lot of stuff there. You can get to know me, you can see the rules of my blog and then you can see all of my fanfictions. You'll be able to find the previous chapters to this fic and upcoming ones. You'll also be able to find my Wattpad & AO3. Thank you

Art Creds: DA

Jill was curled up on her small couch, reading a book, trying to just relax for the night, which it's felt like forever since she's been able to do so.

Ever since the Raccoon City incident, she hasn't been the same. Everything has felt so off. Jill wonders how it would've been if she just would've left with Chris to Europe.

She highly regrets the decision of staying back in Raccoon. She could've been with him, taking down Umbrella. All she hopes is that Chris is safe, along with Barry. Barry is currently resided in Canada so he should be alright... At least she prays for that.

She had been feeling very off lately. Sometimes, she'll get super hot and feel as though she'll pass out, or super cold and will shake uncontrollably.

So, the sudden heat Jill felt made her sigh with annoyance. This new apartment wasn't for the weak. It was pretty cheap so she isn't surprised by how the heating system works. Well, she likes to blame it on the heat in the apartment itself.

Walking towards the smaller shaped window, Jill slid it open, immediately feeling the cool winter breeze hit her skin, goosebumps forming immediately.

"Jesus, it's freezing." Jill whispered to herself, rubbing her arms a bit before gently sitting back down, picking her book right back up.

Jill has always been a book worm. Back in Raccoon, she had a whole bookshelves worth. Now, it's all lost, in the destruction of it all.

Not wanting to dwell on the past, she tries to forget it all. The Raccoon City event was a tragedy and will never be able to be forgotten, especially by those who experienced is first hand. Jill was one of those people.

It's also very late at night, Jill doesn't tend to stay up past ten or so but tonight is an exception.

Well, an exception until she becomes tired, as always around this time.

A big yawn came from Jill, her eyes feeling more and more droopy the more she read. It's not that she was bored, she was just utterly exhausted.

Jill's dealt with sleeping problems since before the incident. It goes back to the Arklay tragedy. The trauma that was induced to her was very effective. Ever since, she's had insomnia of sorts.

Making the decision to continue reading, she decided to read one last chapter. The book she is reading is called, "The Shining." It's a classic and one of her personal favorites, especially the movie. Although, Jill's always stuck to the saying, "The books are always better than the movie adaptations." She highly agrees with that statement, she always has.

The more and more she read, the harder it got. Reading while being sleepy is difficult. Especially for Jill, she's always had eye problems. Which is why it had always been so surprising to her that she even made it into the force, you need very good, to almost perfect eye sight for a job that is so hands on like hers is... Was...

After finishing the chapter, Jill let out a soft noise, laying back onto the couch, her head on the arm of it. She was now just staring up at the ceiling fan, and how it spun in an infinite loop.

It made her dizzy and nauseous, to stare up at it, instantly closing her eyes at the feeling, and placing her slim, scarred arm on her flat stomach.

The looping of the fan reminded her of how these past couple months have been an infinite loop of hell that she just simply cannot escape, no matter how much she tries, she is deceived by the saying of, "Within time, things will pass."

Jill's lost all hope of forgetting all that has happened. It's apart of her now. Jill Valentine is a name you'll think of when you hear Raccoon City, or the Arklay Mountains and all that occured there.

She finally sat back up, shaking the thoughts from her head. She stood up from the couch, placing the thick, hard covered book onto the coffee table before entering the kitchen, opening a wooden cabinet above the counters.

Moving some plates out of the way, Jill grabbed a glass and placed it on the faux marble counter, walking back towards her small sized refrigerator.

Jill grabbed a plastic bottle of apple juice, turning over and pouring it slowly into the glass, before taking it and downing it. She had felt so dehydrated, her throat felt like it had been closing.

This isn't the first time she's felt this way, as of recently. It's been often, it's everyday even.

She really wished things wouldn't had turned out this way for her. All that training, and for what? The city to explode? It wasn't what was meant for her. She wanted to spend her life fighting for justice of those who deserve it. It really all was a stupid fantasy that had been on repeat in her head.

Sipping the last bit of juice, Jill went to place the glass down, a knock could be heard at the door, just a few feet away from where she was stood.

Slowly turning her head, she looked at the dark, brown wooden door looking so ominous now that someone had knocked.

Jill quietly placed the glass down, trying her absolute best to maintain complete silence.

It's not that she was scared, it's just that she didn't want to deal with someone this late at night. She had assumed it was a church lady, who goes around asks you for a moment with the Lord. Or maybe it was a survey man who asks you stupid questions about a neighborhood you couldn't care less about.

As she tip toed towards her small bedroom, another knock was heard. Jill stopped in her tracks and rolled her eyes, deciding to just answer so it wouldn't continue.

Her feet lightly stepped along the wooden floor boards as she grabbed the cold, steel looking door handle as she pulled it down, opening the door slowly, just so she could get a glimpse of who it was.

Jill peeked her head out of the door a little bit, her eyes glancing the perimeter before officially seeing whom it was that knocked at the door.

Her jaw dropped, not in fear, not in sadness, rather in renounced joy and relief. It was Chris, Chris Redfield.

"Hey..." Chris said softly, the flowers he was holding were blowing against the cold, heavy wind.

"Jesus Christ." Jill mumbled before instantly going into his arms.

Chris chuckled and wrapped his burley arms around her, his chin resting upon her head, feeling her soft hair on it.

"Oh my gosh." Jill mumbled against his chest, gripping his jacket, her fingers holding onto him tightly. "I thought you were-" She instantly was cut off by Chris, "I know.. I know.." He sighed, caressing her head, her soft hair intertwining with his rough felt fingers.

He placed the flowers on the stone rock resting on her porch before he then squeezed her a bit tighter.

"It's cold, come on." Jill sighed softly, taking his hand in hers, leading him into her apartment.

Chris smirked and looked around, "Look at you, already all set up." "Yea, thankfully." She said with a half smile. He closed the door behind him, then walked back towards Jill, with the roses in hand.

"What are those for?" She questioned. For you, because I'm sorry." Chris looked up at her with the most puppy dog eyes ever.

"Why are you apologizing?" Jill said softly, taking them in her hands, smelling them with a tint of blush held onto her cheeks.

"I left you all alone, not on purpose, but, y'know." He said with clear guilt in his voice. "It wasn't meant to happen this way.." Chris looked down, fidgeting with his torn up hands.

"Chris... It was not your fault. We all agreed that it was best for you to head off to Europe alone, so I could stay in Raccoon so that Barry could stay with Kathy and the girls."

"I should've just taken you with me, you would've been safe with me." Chris sighed, taking a deep breath along with it.

"No, no, don't feel like that. It's okay, I'm okay." She reassured him, stepping closer to him, attempting to take his hand in hers but he moved his hand to his hair, brushing it back. Jill sighed at his movement.

"I tried to find you after everything. I was on a boat with this man I had met, we escaped together. He left to... Somewhere. He said his hometown. I instantly went to search for you." Jill stated. "At the hideout?" Chris asked. "Mhm." She said softly.

"Claire told me you fought against some crazy fucking B.O.W., did you?" "Yeah, fuck yeah I did." She chuckled whilst rolling her eyes. "He was a tall fucker who chased me all throughout the city. It was worse than Arklay." She admitted. "I bet." He sighed.

There was a noticable brief pause in there conversation, as if something was on both of their minds. It got like this sometimes between the two.

"You were infected too, right?" Chris questioned. "Sadly." Jill replied. "You okay though?" Chris asked, giving her a gentle look. "Always. I wouldn't of been cured if it wasn't for the man who saved me." "Carlos or whatever it was?" "Claire told you?" "Yeah. Guy sounds like a tool."

Jill looked up at Chris with a laugh. "He was a flirt, I know that." "Did you like it?" "No." Jill stated sternly.

Chris laughed. "Sorry for being nosey." He smirked, his arms placed on the counter behind him.

"I'm happy you're okay, Chris." She smiled, wanting to change the subject, but made it as unnoticeable as possible. "You went through more hell than me." He replied. "I'll tell you more about my side of it but yours is uh... Much more interesting. Id like to hear more of this Carlos guy." "Oh shut up." She nudged him.

He followed behind Jill as she sat on her couch, allowing Chris to sit beside her. Jill changed her position, laying down and laying her legs along Chris's lap.

"Getting comfy, are we?" Chris smiled down at her. "As if we didn't do this all the time." She replied with a snarky, yet playful tone.

Chris just stared at Jill, his eyes were soft, gentle and clearly full of love as he looked down at her. His hands were resting on her legs, softly caressing them. "I'm grateful you're okay." He said with a sweet tone.

"I'm glad you're okay." Jill replied, looking up at him. She sat up and rested her head on his shoulder.

The silence was comforting in this particular situation. It was just the two of them. Jill felt safe with Chris, and vice versa. The way she felt was unexplainable. The way Chris felt was indescribable.

The feeling of Chris's hand sliding on her cheek, holding it, was lovely. He softly caressed her face as he kissed the top of her head.

"I missed you." Jill wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face into the crease of his neck. "I missed you so much, Jill." Chris retorted, holding her in his arms...

[ponds-of-ink]

Wish Rewritten by Someone Who’s Never Actually Seen The Film (“Act” 1)

(But did do a bit of research so I got a better idea of how this could go)

Lengthy title aside, this is a concept I’m excited to work with. I might need to retool this “rough draft” later, but here’s what I’ve got so far.

-

Act 1 - “Introducing The Girl”

We open up with a book being set on some desk. The person setting the book down tells us about a legend that has recently been uncovered: “The Girl and The Living Star”.

Said person is our ‘opening narrator’ of sorts, giving us a fictional background of this discovery as some of the credits are displayed on the book’s first pages. The story that we’re about to see, as (s)he explains, has been adapted by these people for your enjoyment.

Soon, the camera fades into the first real page: A painted castle backlit by a sunrise. The camera moves closer to said castle, while also moving towards ground level. A regal voice booms out, being the first thing we hear from this faraway land.

That voice belongs to King Magnifico, who stands on the highest point of the castle courtyard. He welcomes the large crowd of people, practically congratulating them for attending Rosas’ annual Wish Ceremony.

(Side note: to be clear, said congratulations is not one out of geniune thrill and joy. It’s just out of duty and potential condescension… From the King, that is. His wife is a bit more thrilled, as we’ll see later.)

Regardless of his tone, travelers and citizens alike are thrilled to be here— And with good reason. Today is the day longheld wishes are to be granted.

Many a stranger eagerly rushes to Magnifico and his conjured, ball-like manifestations of wishes. However, only a few receive the spheres themselves before those too vanish— The only lingering sign being a literal glow of hope in the receiver’s eyes.

As more and more continue to try their hand, a few stay behind. Some linger because they are physically unable, others because are simply too nervous, and one girl in particular who has neither of these issues: Asha.

Asha attempts to aid those who are stuck with her. She becomes a crutch for the limping and a practical adviser for the uneasy…

But then she slips away after helping the last person. Turns out she doesn’t even have a wish to grant. She just wanted to see what the ceremony was like, since she’ll be training for it once she becomes a sorcerer-in-training.

King Magnifico does notice, but quickly brushes it off. He finishes the last few wishes, wraps up the ceremony, then joins his wife inside.

However, we don’t follow them just yet. Instead, we rejoin Asha in the main village. She goes about her day while everyone else is—to varying degrees—celebrating Wish Day. Musicians sing with some of their fellow townsfolk, the craftsmen are building their most extravagant works, and even the market sellers are greeting buyers with a genuine smile.

And, though Asha does like the morale, she is uninterested in joining the village’s big number. To her, the only thing that matters is getting through the day… As well as something that may make or break it.

A few hours later, Asha returns to the castle with items in tow. Scrolls, a satchel of trinkets, and a ribbon-laced necklace for good luck.

King Magnifico greets her at the front steps, though his tone remains as regal and stoic as ever. Queen Amaya, on the other hand, is estatic. She eagerly welcomes the puzzled girl inside, offering her all sorts of things to make her feel at home. Asha, always erring on the side of caution, refuses her offers.

The royal couple leads her to the Sorcerer’s Tower, then Amaya takes her leave. Magnifico and Asha, now alone, begin the Sorcerer’s Exam.

Asha does fairly well, though it’s clear something is holding her back. Magnifico notices, but says nothing until her exam is complete. Asha explains that it’s herself that’s holding her back (because of course it is), then proceeds to pack her things.

“These things can be remedied in time,” Magnifico retorts. “I have decided that you are my apprentice, and my word is final.”

Asha is dumbfounded, then absolutely delighted. Her? His apprentice? In this very tower?? This is the best news she’s ever gotten!

Under the condition of returning by midnight. Asha runs back home. She tells the news to her family, packs her belongings, and says goodbye to the family pet Valentino (even though he can’t talk).

Though the reality of leaving home makes her emotional, she tries to brush it off the best she can. “At least I’ll be away from all the hustle and bustle down below,” she reasons with herself as she sets out that night. “No more talking about dreams that can’t come true. No more singing about made-up things on Wish Day. Just me, my books, and the wise words of King Magnifico to help me.”

She then encounters the King and Queen talking and laughing in some distant room. Far too tired to investigate, she ascends the Sorcerer’s Tower and calls it a night.

The next month or so—represented by a few short scenes—is busy for Asha. She adjusts to the castle, both in and out of lessons. Her sleep schedule is switched from dusk ‘til dawn to dawn ‘til dusk. She has to endure the court jesters and their mischievous antics. And, arguably worst of all, King Magnifico has her do extra chores to prove that she’s learned certain spells. Needless to say, Asha is tired. And done.

It doesn’t help that King Magnifico himself is being ominous while Queen Amaya is being overbearingly chatty and friendly.

One night in particular, Asha stumbles across the royal couple dancing and singing in the ballroom as if their personalities weren’t at odds half the time. This sets off a chain of thoughts in her mind as she ascends the tower. What if it’s all a trap? What if their only goal was to get another cleaning servant? What if she had failed the exam after all, but the king had pitied her for a moment?

Out of options, she pulls out the ribbon-laced necklace and puts it on her neck. She looks to the night sky, shuts her eyes, and mutters two words: “I wish…”

…But the rest of the wish she keeps to herself.

With this act of desperation done, she prepares for the long night ahead. We the audience are left in the dark as the screen fades to black.

End of Act 1

—-

Bonus Notes

I imagine this act a bit like a few moments of The Polar Express. This Asha is left out of the Disney-tied stuff that the other villagers seem to already have— Which is especially true in Act 1’s musical numbers (even though they’re diegetic). She just refuses to sing or participate in them.

And, by consequence, we the audience are left to think of this as semi-background music until the soundtrack gives the other perspective.

This does also mean the tone, though still Disney, is a bit more… Grimms-like? Somber and harsh on Asha’s end? Like, yes, she still has her moments of relief— Especially with her family and Queen Amaya (weirdly on her end). This doesn’t mean that the overwhelming sense of “I do not trust anything, not even my own self” is going away anytime soon. (More on that in Act 2, don’t worry)

Though, now that I’m writing these notes, I did mention in an earlier post that I imagine her to be more like Meg from Hercules. If I failed to convey that in the above synopsis.. O o p s. Hopefully, a ‘second draft’ down the line might fix that error.

Meanwhile, King Magnifico and Queen Amalya.. umm.. Let’s just say that they’re not only a loving couple, but they’re also supposed to represent different eras of something. (I want to spoil this so badly, but I gotta wait until Act 2)

And, for those wondering about Valentino, don’t worry. He’ll be back soon. :]

[daughterofluthien]

I’ve seen a lot of opinions going around about That scene—The Titling Scene—and how it differed from canon, and I wanted to offer my two cents.

First off, I was absolutely in the camp of folks initially being mildly disappointed by the way this was adapted. It was sort of an ‘oh. That’s it?’ reaction for me—which makes sense, since the titling scene is THEE scene for me in the original stream. Like, I was anticipating it so much, that it would almost be impossible for me not to be disappointed.

I do think the wording could’ve been stronger—I’m not sure why the changed the line to “do watch your manners towards a noble” rather than just “regardless of your relationship with her, do watch your manners,” unless they were worried that an audience wouldn’t understand the implication/why Percy chose to title her in that moment. But honestly, while it lessens the impact a little, that’s a minor quibble at the end of the day.

The bigger thing that I had an issue with—and what I’ve seen a lot of other folks have issue with as well—is that it isn’t the mic drop moment that it was on stream. Syldor doesn’t back down, he verbally attacks Percy over it instead. And that was… definitely frustrating, on a first watch. However, on a rewatch and some contemplation, here’s a couple thoughts about why I think they made the decision they did, and why I think it was the right one (even if I do still prefer the stream version akskfkkd).

1). Rather than talking over Vex, Percy empowers Vex to defend herself.

look, the titling is an incredible moment. Iconique. *chef’s kiss* Especially in the context of an improvised scene. But in a scripted show I can see how there would be something that might not sit right about having Vex essentially remain passive for the entire encounter.

In stream iirc she talks back to syldor more in the initial conversation, which makes the titling scene Percy backing her up. But in the show, in what I assume was an attempt to both show continuity to vex as a kid trying to gain Syldor’s approval and so that Saundor can reaaaaalllly focus in on the daddy issues stuff, Vex kinda shuts down for the first third of this ep. She reverts to how she was as a kid—where Vax has already yelled at him, she’s still trying to earn his approval. Which means, when it comes to the titling scene, if it played as is on stream, Vex would essentially remain passive the entire time, which… is less than ideal, honestly.

Instead, seeing Syldor berate Percy is the catalyst she needs to stand up to her father—to defend Percy, but also to, finally, defend herself. This is Vex’s arc—it needs to be fully about her an her decisions.

2). The titling is for Vex’s benefit, not Syldor’s.

Obviously, Percy wouldn’t just title anybody to make a point to a shitty dad, so this was very clearly always a gift to Vex. But on stream, in the moment, it does play as if the purpose is mainly to embarrass Syldor. (Which it does, spectacularly and gloriously.)

However, with the title being a complete no sell in the show, that means that the purpose it does have is on Vex—which their follow up conversation proved.

Which, honestly, I can get behind. Fuck Syldor, this was never about him anyways. Who cares what he thinks.

3). Economy of mic-drops

The Feywild arc in campaign 1 occurred over 5 episodes of critical role and nearly 17 hours of gameplay. TLOVM is telling that same story in less than an hour. In order to set up the feywild and Garmelie/Artagan (as well as leave a little time for some breathing room and character moments, after the breakneck pace of the first half of the season), they decided to pack two memorable, fan-favorite Perc’ahlia moments into 30 min.

In order for “My heart is someone else’s” to have the impact that it needed to, the previous mic drop moment needed to set it up, not overshadow it.

(And holy shit did it have an impact. The music, the realization, the determination in her voice. Percy’s lil eyebrow raise reaction shot… Let me tell you, I immediately ascended out of the material plane)

To go back to my original point, this needed to be Vex’s story arc, not Percy’s. Especially in such a short form media, the titling needed to serve her arc of overcoming her insecurities and not being emotionally trapped by the shitty relationships in her past. And I think they definitely adapted the scene in a way that served that purpose.

Do I like the original moment better, still? Yes. Yes I do. But I also really like how they decided to adapt it, changes and all.