#H&H:Catherine

[lapinlunaire-games]

with all the gonchaov stuff out, i think we need to know. idk if the H&H has movies But: who is each ROs fav character from goncharov and why?

OOOH this is a really fun one, thank you!

A - Honestly, probably a tossup between Katya and Sofia. Deep down, A loves to see a girlboss. Even if the ending of the story is pretty ambiguous, A likes to imagine what might happen afterwards.

Ailbhe - They'll never admit it, but they really like Icepick Joe. He's just there doin' his icepicking, and it's one of the only fictional deaths they've cried over.

Catherine - Very very close toss-up between Katya and Sofia, and it honestly depends on which version of the film: the extended directors' cut where there's a longer version of the boat scene, with Katya staring into the water and the RED, then Cathy's fave is definitely Katya and her girlboss moment. But the theatrical release where Sofia does that little dance on the cobblestones right outside the house, that's Catherine's fave Sofia moment. Basically, they love a good long-focus shot of a woman covered in blood, being cinematic.

Imric - Andrei! The suaveness, the cool dialogue and tingly-tension between him and Goncharov? Perfect. Modern!Imric would definitely get cosplay sunglasses like Andrei's in the undercover bar scene and wear them everywhere.

Mina - Lowkey a fan of Valery Mikhailov, Katya's older brother. She likes that he goes against the grain and sticks to his personal creed. Also she LOVES his piano motif lol.

Rosalind - Katya! She's got her own agenda and Rosalind is a big fan of her overall character development through the film as Katya comes into her own. Also ngl, the costuming for Katya SPEAKS to Rosalind's soul.

Sam - Goncharov! The whole attempt to define himself apart from his family's legacy while carrying it on has Sam rotating the Gonch scenes in his head for ages. He also likes that one scene where Goncharov is at the docks and kicks a loose stone into his reflection in the water, and when the ripples calm down it's revealed that Andrei was watching him the whole time. For aestheticsssss

The Silent One - Goncharov! Star of the story (if you ask them), destined to fall at the hands of a clock that never stopped ticking, fate sealed by his own machinations....right up their alley.

[lapinlunaire-games]

Ok, ahem, stoic!very smoldery eyes!mc approaches the ros, ok? Get nice up and close... this is light crushing to deep crushing.... only to grab something from behind the ros and walk away (damn)

oh let's gooooooo

this got a lil bit long as always (also sorry for the delay in answering this 😅), so check under the cut for everyone!

A: will be a flustered mess for at least the next twenty minutes, if not the rest of the day. If questioned, they'll eke out something along the lines of "stomach bug, I must have forgotten to boil the water long enough" and be too embarrassed to admit anything close to the truth if you (understandably) insist that they seek medical attention. Will write about the Incident (and yes, they will refer to it as an Incident) in their diary. When you’re not looking (or at least when they think you aren’t looking), A will have the most lovesick puppy-dog eyes ever (Rosalind thinks it’s cute, but if she lets out so much as a knowing grin, A will be mortified and snap into Extreme Business Mode).

Ailbhe: won't react, maybe raise an eyebrow if you're smirking over your shoulder. But they find themselves unable to move away immediately afterwards, caught in the memory of your closeness and the press of your clothes against theirs, the brush of your arm against theirs. Will probably try to distance themselves from you in order to maintain a Professional facade and figure out these horrible, complicated emotions you're making them feel.

Catherine: oh two can play at that game. You've picked a formidable opponent for this one; Catherine will go a long way to return your, ah, favor. Expect to have a load of similar situations crop up so Catherine has the perfect opportunity to reach behind themself and "accidentally" knock over whatever you were reaching for, then "accidentally" grab your wrist so you can't pull a sly escape. What Catherine wants, Catherine gets, and you've just made yourself her number one target.

Imric: Very similar to Catherine in that Imric is Ready to act on these signals! He'll likely be more direct about it though, and snag you as you're walking away. If luck is in his favor, Imric will spin you back and smoothly take whatever you grabbed out of your hands, getting a bit closer than strictly necessary to do so. "Sorry, I just remembered I need this for something real quick. Catch me in a bit for a return?" If he doesn't wink at you and then immediately vanish, he's probably ill.

Mina: Will honestly be kind of mad that she didn't do it to you first. XD After she gets over that and her shock, she'll be plotting (with multiple contingency plans) how to not only get you back, but maneuver you into a near-identical situation so she can be smooth right back and (hopefully) get to see how adorable you look with a taste of your own medicine.

Rosalind: Will be very giggly and pop up out of nowhere to surprise you for the next few days. She's always a very touchy person, and after you give her this kind of signal, she'll find any excuse to be around you and have those little moments of brushing against you (within reason, and only as long as you're clearly not bothered by it).

Sam: Most likely to blurt out something like “hi.” when you’re up close and personal. Lowkey will try to do ~ impressive ~ things around you after this, like holding doors open for you (he may or may not accidentally rip one or two off the hinges) or giving you his jacket (a poorly planned move on his part, because now he has to deal with seeing you wearing! his! clothes!).

[lapinlunaire-games]

🤡 and 🍳 from the ask list! Thank you, hope you’re having a relaxing day

Thank you! Hope you're having a relaxing day too, happy weekend vibes ^u^

🤡 - What’s something dumb they’re embarrassed about?

A - has walked into a wall/door and apologized to it. Multiple times.

Ailbhe - had a meeting with a Council member and arrived early. The door was open, so they walked in and saw a cat sitting on the desk -> assumed the cat was said Councilor and was in the middle of a very serious report when the actual Councilor walked in and found them talking to a stray cat.

Catherine - got a little too excited telling a story and accidentally splashed half a bottle of cherry cordial all over themself....and the people sitting on either side of her too.

Imric - went an entire day with his buttons misaligned by one, then tried to duck into a corner to fix it and accidentally made extended eye contact with his patrol partner.

Mina - once accidentally dipped her pen in her tea and almost drank out of her ink bottle.

Rosalind - forgot that she could go through walls/floors and went down three flights of stairs instead, and back up them again.

Sam - tried to say "beg your pardon" and "remind me when" at the same time, ended up saying "beg me when"

The Silent One - went through a phase where they growled/hissed at people in public.

🍳 - How well can they cook?

A - decently enough to feed themselves, but will stick to two (2) dishes forever

Ailbhe - don't let them in the kitchen. ever.

Catherine - can cook perfectly in theory, in practice gets Very Experimental and produces cursed flavor combos

Imric - pretty well! nothing fancy, but always a good meal with Imric

Mina - Chef Mina 👌

Rosalind - can cook well, but doesn't need to eat and therefore will create monstrosities in the kitchen. right next to Ailbhe on the blacklist.

Sam - tries so so hard and can make good simple dishes, but needs more practice

The Silent One - will put food dye in everything. makes anime eating sounds.

[lapinlunaire-games]

🌿🍃 anon! i loved your answers (i feel the same about the smell of rice but with basmati rice) could i also get the answers for the H&H ROs?

haha absolutely! 💚

🍃 Leaf: What is a plant you find beautiful?

A: Daffodils. They're like stars against the dark ivy that clothed many of the Gordon residences. A loves the way they stand out like smiles.

Ailbhe: a big plant lover in general, especially lotuses. the way they grow so serenely yet start buried in deep mud is...not inspiring to Ailbhe, exactly, but sentimental.

Catherine: Bougainvillea, especially when the vines climb up old stone walls. She loves the how bright the flowers are and how unforgiving their thorns are to reckless passerby. It's a kind of beauty you have to be prepared for.

Imric: Honeysuckle. They're a sweet small thing in the grey rush of London, and he doesn't often find them far enough from the smog of the city where he feels comfortable sipping the nectar, but when he does, it's enough to make his day.

Mina: Likes weeping willows; the soft strands of leaves themselves are beautiful, and she loves the way they provide a sanctuary in their own sorrow.

Rosalind: loves tea roses of every color. She especially loves the way they look when they're past the peak of bloom, with the petals all fluffed out and flared, but it's a bittersweet beauty since she knows that means they'll wither soon.

Sam: Snowdon lilies. They're a small wildflower with white petals and butter yellow centres, and they always make him think of home and days spent in the sun with his loved ones.

🌿 Herb: What is a scent you find relaxing?

A: The raw, crisp smell of a big, open grassy space very very early in the morning. 

Ailbhe: A blend of flowers and herbs that they sprinkle over their pillow at night, namely bergamot sage, moonflower, and a dash of clove oil.

Catherine: Dewy gardenia. It’s one of her fave scents in general, and their favoured perfume features it along with notes of incense, tuberose, and vetiver.

Imric: Baked goods in-progress. Not just the warm, buttery smell of things baking, but the sweet-sour tang of fruit jams being cooked down and the sticky richness of caramels coming together.

Mina: Night-blooming jasmine, particularly against the sharp, icy smell of snow.

Rosalind: Woodsmoke and the smell of spring -- not quite blooming flowers, not quite grassy, something all in between.

Sam: Rain-soaked moss and pine needles.

[lapinlunaire-games]

these asks are all so wholesome im aksjdjs

could you do 🍯 Honey: What is one thing you like about yourself? For the cast (and also yourself, if you like 🙂)

aaa aren't they?? all these have such cozy vibes ehehe. and thank you!!

🍯 Honey: What is one thing you like about yourself? from this ask prompt

A: *Katara voice* I will never, ever turn my back on people who need me.

Ailbhe: I will stand by what I know is right. My conviction, I suppose, is what I value most about myself.

Catherine: What's not to like? Self-love is very important, you know. If I had to pick just one thing...I am very good at keeping an audience entertained. Never a dull time with me around.

Imric: I've always got something for everyone -- a joke, a sweet, a string to pull. It costs more to be kind, and I'm happy to pay the price.

Mina: It's hard to stay human in my line of work, but I've managed it. That's something I'm proud of.

Rosalind: I like my smile! Ghosts are very cold, but people have told me they feel warm after seeing me smile.

Sam: My sense of loyalty might get me into trouble at times, but it's very important to me.

Jinx (that's me!) I like that I'm trying to be kinder to myself these days. It's hard but it's a really good feeling to think that I wouldn't scare my child self lol.

[lapinlunaire-games]

Oh! 🕯️ for the cast, if you please?

of course!! thank you for the ask 😊 (may I call you Peaches?)

🕯️ Candle: What is something you can’t go to bed without?

A: writing in their journal. it doesn't have to be a long entry or particularly profound, but it's been a part of their routine for so long that they can't do without it. and a certain ring....

Ailbhe: Ailbhe always puts fresh flowers or herbs on their pillowcase to sleep. the scent helps them clear their head and feel like "okay, it's really over. i can let go now."

Catherine: someone to share the bed with Catherine dislikes sleeping in total darkness, so she makes sure there's always a candle burning (somewhat safely) or moonlight in the room before she can sleep.

Imric: an unseasonably thick blanket. he runs warm, but likes the feeling of a thicker blanket anyways.

Mina: has to wash her feet (and usually run a wet cloth over her entire body, unless she's in a pinch) in order to sleep well. it's partially a mental thing about washing away the grime of the day and partially bc her feet are usually super battered.

Rosalind: hums herself to sleep. She can do it in her head if someone's around who is bothered by it, but she always sleeps the best if she lullabyes herself to dreamland.

Sam: honestly could sleep in the middle of a storm. but when he can't sleep (which also happens quite frequently, as of late), he likes to whittle or close his eyes and examine one of the first figures he made with his eyes closed. it's a calming process for him, identifying each feature and nick in the wood by touch and remembering where he was at the time, how he was feeling, what he was thinking.

[lapinlunaire-games]

"You look like you were jealous" for Catherine!

this is a really good one for her! here ya go ;)

mature content warning

Cool fingertips tap lightly on your shoulder, just close enough to your throat that your breath hitches. Catherine's perfume wafts over you in a cloud of tuberose and amber, enveloping you a moment before her lips graze your skin.

"Don't pout," Catherine purrs, slinking around you and taking your hand to lead you to the plush chaise lounge in the corner. A sharp-edged smirk glides over glossy lips as Catherine drops backwards onto the green velvet, pulling you with them in a tangle of knocking knees and silk. "The party's over."

Catherine passes one immaculately manicured hand over your cheek, polished nails scratching lightly against your jaw. "And now I'm all yours," they whisper against your lips with a half-triumphant, half-teasing grin. She tastes like strawberries and wine-soaked oranges, and her hands are smooth and cold on your collarbone, your shoulders, your waist - your eyes shut as you let yourself fall into the sensation until everything is just Catherine, and you can't tell where you end and Catherine begins.

Your kisses grow needier as the ache in your chest burns down to the pit of your stomach; Catherine laughs softly and pulls back, eyes glittering. They run a finger from your lips to the bobbing hollow of your throat, down past your sternum, and lower still, and the heat under your skin follows.

"Cathy," you gasp. They bend forward to touch their forehead to yours as that cool hand trails under cloth and over flushed skin, impossibly soft and chilled against your searing pulse. The candlelight throws sparks into the olive green of her eyes, only to have them swallowed by the infinite pools of darkness blown wide in their centres. Catherine's gaze flickers down to your mouth and lingers; summer-sweet breath hits your lips an instant before her hand presses harder against you, drawing out a high, breathy sound from your throat that brings the heat in your cheeks to an inferno.

Catherine laughs, delighted, and you gaze down at her with lips half-parted to plead. Her touch, her proximity - it's all so hopelessly intoxicating. Your head spins as you look down, drinking in the sight of rapture given body. Their lips are flushed, glistening like petals still wet with morning dew.

"Do you want me to say it?" Catherine murmurs, just soft enough that the pounding of your heart muffles their voice.

Dumbly, you nod - you don't know what she means, you don't need to know - you merely want. A bright smile splits their face like lightning and Catherine pulls you closer, nudging your thigh between theirs as they croon, "I'm yours. All yours, tonight and tomorrow and every day after that..."

Strawberries and citrus blooms on your tongue, the sharp bite of alcohol dulled under Catherine's tender force. "Again, say it again," you manage, your voice desperate in a way that you didn't know it could be. Your hand tugs at Catherine's skirts, finds the full curve of their hip and digs in as their hand works against you. "Again, please..."

They take their sweet time wringing fluttering gasps and sharp breaths out of you before crooning against your open, panting mouth, "I...am...yours. Your turn."

Her wrist tilts, fingers sliding purposefully over you, and you lose all words except "Catherine", spilling supplication into the sweet-scented space between you until you cry out and bury your face in the crook of Catherine's neck. You whimper into their skin, mouthing jerkily at the tendon you can feel flexing beneath, until you can gather enough breath and clarity to groan, "Yours. Mine, my Cathy, I'm yours...oh unhallowed Veil, I'm yours, you're mine..."

She hums and nuzzles against your cheek; you can feel her heart racing beneath your trembling lips, and the knowledge that it's you who made it fly so fast is nothing short of exhilarating. Their eyelashes brush your skin, downy-soft, as you collect yourself enough to bend your knee and let them use your thigh as they will. The soft, groaning breath that leaves their lips ignites the headiness in your veins, stoked even higher when Catherine clutches at you, head tipping back and eyes fluttering shut.

"You're so beautiful," she sighs, "so beautiful come all undone for me like this."

A laugh bubbles from your lips and stains the air silvery-pink with warm, tired mirth. "You can't even see me right now. Save the sweet nothings for when we're actually on pillows."

One green eye cracks open over a smirk. "I don't need to see you to know you're beautiful. I know you, tesoro."

You raise an eyebrow and push your thigh up in a smooth, firm wave, savoring the sharp tremble that pushes Catherine's mouth into a brief "o". "And what do I look like, then?" There's heat in your voice, a challenge that you can't stop yourself from issuing.

Eyes more ink than olive sharpen on yours; something flickers through them like a shadow before Catherine answers softly, "You look like you were jealous."

You blink, stunned, and Catherine smooths a gentle hand over your face. "Which is why," they murmur, more tenderly than you think you've ever heard their voice, "you ought to lie down and let me remind you why," her lips press against the corner of your mouth, "that...is...ridiculous."

"Yes," you breathe, and then everything is summer-ripe strawberries and wine-drenched orange and Catherine.

[lapinlunaire-games]

🥞 and🐝 for the H&H ROs? Thank you!

Thanks anon!

🥞 Pancake: What is your favorite breakfast food?

A: loves sweets in the morning, and preferably hot. If you manage to get it out of them or their childhood nanny, God bless her soul, there's a very cute story about how a six-year-old A scarfed down half a dozen hot cross buns one fine spring morning and proceeded to wreak sugar-high havoc the whole day.

Ailbhe: snacks throughout the day, so they aren't a big breakfast person. Still, they like starting off with dried apricots, with roasted oats and a spot of honey if they're feeling particularly luxurious that day.

Catherine: Catherine's ideal world features coffee and berry parfait every morning, with goat cheese quiche or crumpets to be eaten afterwards.

Imric: is used to eating on the go/in a hurry, so he has a cherished routine of toast at home and then grabbing a packet of freshly roasted chestnuts from a street vendor on his way to the Yard. If he's running late, he'll buy an extra packet as a peace offering to his supervisor.

Mina: steamed buns, fluffy and filled with a peppery mixture of scrambled egg and leek/chives. Those are hard to come by in England, so she makes do with toast and marmalade.

Rosalind: in modern times, she would DEVOUR breakfast sandwiches, the diner kind that leave your hands slightly greasy and smelling like home fries for the rest of the day. Croissant, biscuit, whatever -- she loves them all. And yknow what, H&H London has those in canon now, because I said so. :P

Sam: loves a good creamy oat porridge, with sugar sprinkled on top and left to cool just enough to make a little crust. When he was little, his mom would use a spoon to make little happy faces in each bowl for him and his siblings in the morning, and it's still something he does when he's sick/caring for someone else.

🐝 Bee: What is a video game that you find comforting?

A: would really enjoy the Assassin's Creed games. Being able to explore, plus all the political subterfuge just...not having consequences on their real life? Being able to be brash and ridiculous and jump off ledges for the heck of it? Perfect.

Ailbhe: would be really into puzzle games, especially ones that use spatial visualization mechanics. Somehow I also get the feeling that they'd be Extremely into Beat Saber....

Catherine: loves multiplayer games with battle royale dynamics, like Mario Party or Mario Kart. She's in it to win it, even it that means teaming up with a rival or two.

Imric: also very into Mario Kart, but because he likes to play bumper cars while racing. Would take Rainbow Road as a personal offense (and challenge).

Mina: soundtrack-heavy games like Flower or Sable. She likes the open-world exploration aspects and being able to immerse herself.

Rosalind: Sims! She'd go all out theming and maybe get into modding herself.

Sam: Animal Crossing, but he plays it like a mom who's taking care of her children's tamagotchis. You'll look over and he'll be hunched over looking Stressed, but if you try to get him to take a break he'll wave you away all "nOOO, I need to make it perfect so Dobie will move in!"

[lapinlunaire-games]

Oooh! I had a question if you didn't mind!

What's the best way to make the ro’s flustered? How easy, on a scale of ten, is it easier to fluster them?

Ooooh good question!

From easiest to fluster to most difficult, it goes:

A > Sam > Rosalind > Mina/Imric > Catherine > Ailbhe > The Silent One

A grew up very sheltered and even though their father was, uh, indiscreet in his affections, they fluster very easily with forward words or touch.

Flirty words get Sam and Rosalind blushy - Sam also flusters easily with flirty touches/eye contact, but is more likely to brush you off that way.

Mina and Imric are more immune and require a combo to get them flustered, and you'd better bring your A game! Turning their own moves against them is your best bet.

Similarly, it will take some seriously smooth moves to get Catherine flustered - you'll need to beat her at their own game for that.

Ailbhe is incredibly difficult to fluster since they're used to dealing with all the outrageous goings-on of the Council. Physical proximity is the best way to get a blush on their cheeks, and if you get them to verbally mess something up/stammer - you're one step away from breaking them entirely. Tread carefully!

The Silent One is difficult to get any kind of reaction out of. They like toying with the object of their affections, and will try to figure out what makes you tick, so you're playing a game against them and the clock. That being said, matching their intensity is a move few think to try....

[lapinlunaire-games]

if you’re still taking these, 🐾 and 🥰 please! if not no worries!

of course! hehehe

🐾 - Do they have any pets?

A - Not exactly their pet since they left Tamarisk (the Gordon family manor), but they're very fond of Cressida, their mare, and sorely miss taking her out riding.

Ailbhe - Ailbhe is a Plant Parent™ and keeps several carefully minded flowers and vines at home. The one they've had the longest is a jade plant named Romulus, which lives right next to a literal wall of hollyhock (Oran).

Catherine - they aren't technically her pets, but Catherine's brother keeps a pair of Italian greyhounds at his estate and Catherine adores them. They may or may not have bought silk scarves for the dogs and insisted on having a portrait painted with them. ;)

Imric - not technically, but Imric is known to take care of his landlord's cat when it inevitably wanders into his room.

Mina - no pets in England for Mina, but when she was little, there was a little brown dog that lived down the street from her home, and she'd always leave a bit of food out for it, and sometimes get a few pets in for her trouble.

Rosalind - you Rosalind is a cat person. Do with this information what you will!

Sam - Thinks of the sheepdogs at home as working dogs, but spoils them like beloved pets.

The Silent One - no pets, but really wants one (or more) deep down, someday.

🥰 - What pet names do their partner(s) use for them/do they use? How flustered do they get by them? I love this question, pet names are so fun

A - “Sweetheart”, “my poet”, “goldheart” are 100% guaranteed to have A smiling dorkily at you, completely lovestruck. Using “my partner in crime” would get you an eyeroll, but it’d stick and they’d use it for you too. They call their partner “sweetheart” too, as well as “my muse”.

Ailbhe - "my love" or “my heart” are good options, but Ailbhe loves hearing their partner call them by their name. Names hold power for the fae, and hearing themselves named with such love makes Ailbhe melt. They call their partner their sacred deer, because that love makes them feel divine and because if something were to happen to that love, Ailbhe would take down everything and everyone responsible in cold, methodical wrath.

Catherine - If Catherine lets you get away with "Cat" or "Cathy", you're very dear to them. Also loves hearing you use (or attempt to use) Italian pet names, and will use "tesoro" (treasure), "vita mia" (my life), and lowkey whatever makes you blush the most. A good old-fashioned "darling" never goes wrong, either (but if they sound sarcastic while calling you this.....broski ya did something wrong). Doesn’t get very flustered by pet names, but if you stop using them, Catherine will get increasingly worried that you’re upset and will go to extreme lengths to “make it up” to you.

Imric - If you teasingly call Imric "dear nemesis" or "my beloved rival", you will awaken something in him lmao. He likes using “✨Detective✨", your name but in a tone that makes it sound like 😏 is written right after, and "beloved". Imric’s always flirty, but using pet names is a whole new level; if you’re bold and shoot right back with a saucy smile of your own, you’ll get to see him blushy and bright-eyed, which is a rare(r) occurrence.

Mina - "sweetheart" and "honey" are fine with her (she isn't a huge pet name person), but if you try to use 爱人/Ài rén (lover) on her, be prepared for a cringe or laughter. She thinks it's super super cheesy, but if you like calling her that, Mina will grudgingly admit it's kinda cute coming from you. If you realllly want to be romantic, do your research and call her 小明 (xiao ming), which is a nickname twist of her full Chinese name. (It’s not particularly romantic, but it makes her feel Seen)

Rosalind - Call Rosalind “dove”, “ducky”, or “princess” (sparingly on this last one unless you're okay with Super Giggly Blushy Rosalind all the time), and she’ll reciprocate with so many cutesy pet names/variations on your actual name, or nicknames based on your likes/cute things you do.

Sam - Being called “baby” or “dear” will have Sam a shy, pleased mess. He’ll do his best to remain stoic in public, but you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of a grin and maybe a quiet “heh”. He uses “cariad” most often for his partner, which is Welsh for darling.

The Silent One - “babygirl” would get Real Dramatic if their partner called them “my _____” or “my love”. It’s the possessive that really gets to them. I’m talking they’re on their knees, vowing to give their partner the sun, moon, and stars, walk to the ends of the earth and time for them. They like to use “(my) sweet (thing)” and “beloved”.

[lapinlunaire-games]

💝 please!

💝 - What gestures do they really appreciate? How do you get on their good side?

A - Being there for them, backing them up in sticky situations -- affirmations are a surefire way to get on A's good side. Conversely, being frank with them and helping them get grounded if they're being a little too bullheaded is also A+.

Ailbhe - Oof this is hard, Ailbhe is so suspicious of anyone going out of their way to be nice to them, so you'll have to be careful not to seem like you're trying to bribe them. Small favors like remembering things they say/like will go a long way. Get on their good side by reserving judgement and being honest about your reasons for disagreeing if you have any - just be ready to table the discussion if Ailbhe feels things are getting too agitated.

Catherine - Public displays of affection, being made to feel like you're proud of this relationship and of them. Well thought-out compliments are also a plus (less about her appearance, more about the efforts made, the taste behind it, etc)

Imric - Check-ins on him, even if he doesn't feel like he needs it. Things like taking an extra moment to wait for him to get his coat on or slowing to match paces. Bantering with him will never go wrong, nor will offering to teach him something new or let him watch you do something you care about.

Mina - Offer her space when she needs it. She doesn't expect you to read her mind, but learning Mina's unspoken/unconscious signals are a great way to show that you understand and support her. A good way to get in her good graces is noting + respecting her cultural norms coughcough if she visits you offer her fruit. Asking her sincerely to explain their significance/history to you is also a good move!

Rosalind - Honestly, sitting down to tell her about your day and describing all the sensations that she can't really feel but remembers. It's pretty difficult not to be on Rosalind's good side, but some things that earn brownie points are setting up some decor in your shared living spaces that are more Rosalind's taste than yours - she knows she doesn't pay rent, exactly, and feeling like you welcome rather than resent her being there is nice.

Sam - Sam is a bigggg physical touch person, and he's also very very touch-starved, so small things like pats or hand brushes mean a lot to him. Just don't make him feel like you're doing it for the novelty of being touchy-touchy with a werewolf. Getting along/entertaining with his siblings, particularly his youngest sister, will land you firmly on his good side.

The Silent One - Things that make them feel seen rather than merely desired - getting on their good side is a careful art of balancing and learning their moods.

[lapinlunaire-games]

hi! i’m not sure if this has been asked, but what are the ROs preferred love languages, both giving and receiving?

hi anon! sure thing! Giving | Receiving

A - acts of service | quality time

Ailbhe - words of affirmation | words of affirmation

Catherine - physical touch | receiving gifts/physical touch

Imric - words of affirmation/gift giving | words of affirmation/quality time

Mina - acts of service | acts of service/words of affirmation

Rosalind - physical touch BUT she knows it can be unpleasant for living beings to touch ghosts, so she really makes an effort to do acts of service (which she also naturally expresses affection with) too | physical touch/quality time

Sam - gift giving | receiving gifts/physical touch

[lapinlunaire-games]

💙💞 for everyone?

💙-Do they have any unique Valentine’s traditions?

A: doesn't care much for Valentine's Day in practice, but has developed a habit of writing a very heartfelt poem in the days leading up to V-Day and making a beautifully scribed and decorated copy of it on the day of. Depending on how their life has been going that particular year, the pretty copy either gets shredded and/or burned or carefully tucked away for preservation.

Ailbhe: doesn’t really celebrate Valentine’s Day, but is amused by the funny things that Mundanes get up to in the spirit of the holiday. They don’t often venture into Mundane spaces, but Ailbhe does like to go people-watching in parks on Valentine’s Day.

Catherine: Does pulling out all the stops count? Whatever else can be said about Catherine, careless doesn’t apply. Always one for the dramatics, you can count on Catherine to have pearls and champagne at the ready.

Imric: Imric’s the type to show up at your door with two dozen red roses and tickets to a show you’ve been dying to see for weeks. He likes to go stargazing on Valentine’s Day, whether or not he’s seeing somebody at the time. Something about looking up at the night sky makes him feel so aware of how alive he is in such a vast universe, and that in turn heightens his sense of gratitude that he can share it with people he cares about.

Mina: Mina didn’t grow up celebrating Valentine’s Day, but she does like Qixi Festival, which is based on the story of two star-crossed lovers who are reunited once a year by birds that fly to form a bridge. She’ll usually spend Valentine’s Day working (and splurging the day after when all the excess sweets and caramels are slightly on sale).

Rosalind: plays a game where she’ll throw seeds over her shoulder and try to decipher a message in the shape of the thrown seeds. If she can convince you to take part too, she’ll stand behind you and catch the seeds in her hands - she says it’s a fun tingly feeling. 

Sam: Will make a dedicated effort to give a handmade, heartfelt gift. He’s always liked being out in nature and picked up whittling at a young age. He’s pretty good at it, though sometimes his creations are a little chonkier than their real-life inspirations (yes he has made many a borb). His younger siblings all have little carvings of their wolf forms, courtesy of Sam. 

💞-Have they ever been in love? If so, with who? Was it requited? How did it end? If not, is love something that is important to them? Do they want to fall in love?

A and Sam have been answered for this one here!

Ailbhe: has not been in love before, and has a pretty warped view of love thanks to the constant pressure from their parents/environment. They see love as something that they aren’t allowed to have because it would put their impartiality in danger, so even though they dream deep down of one day being able to be “selfish” and love someone unconditionally, they’ve tried to train themselves into keeping that desire in check along with the rest of their emotions. (An Ailbhe-romancing route is very much slow-burn, there’s no fast-tracking your way around their wariness of emotional vulnerability lol)

Catherine: depends on how you define “in love”. Catherine themself isn’t too bothered by the details of labeling relationships or figuring out the fine details (which is both a blessing and a curse, ngl). They’ve had lovers before and cared about some of them very deeply, and others less so. She does think that love is something beautiful, but is a little cynical about how romanticized the idea of it is. Wouldn’t run away from love but isn’t exactly desperate for it either.

Imric: has had deep feelings for people before but never been in love. His most long-term relationship ended amicably after just over a year because they both agreed that their paths in life were drifting apart. Imric thinks love is fun and he does want to fall in love, enjoying every moment of flirting and the process of the fall as he goes.

Mina: has not been in love before. She greatly values love and equates it to the deepest kind of loyalty. As cynical as she is with regard to other things like, er, stabbings and general crime, Mina’s relative inexperience with romance means she has a little bit of a soft spot and wonder for falling in love. (This doesn’t mean she’ll swoon over a bouquet or anything, though. She’s still practical above almost all else....though if you get her a bouquet AND some nice journaling ink or a set of new nibs...kiss kiss fall in love lol)

Rosalind: has been in love before, with a fellow performer. It ended poorly, to say the least, and has left her desperate to renew her faith in love. (I know this is shorter than everyone else’s and I am very sorry to all the Rosalind fans, but anything more is Major Spoiler Material ahaha)

[lapinlunaire-games]

Oh how about ❛ don’t mind me. just enjoying the view, ❜ for Catherine. Spice or fluff as inspiration takes you

thanks for this one arlo!! <3 Hehe, two sides to this one. Sweet fluff (well, as sweet as Catherine gets) above the cut, spice under.

You're being watched. You can feel the weight of an intent gaze on you from across the room, unwavering and unabashed. It lingers, heavy and deliberate, as you do your best to ignore it and continue your conversation with the Earl of Essex long enough to determine that the man is either a clandestine operative genius or has no earthly idea what you're talking about.

As you make your excuses and move through the web of laughter and chattering partygoers, you chance a glance in the direction of the weight searing into you from the side.

Half to your surprise, your eyes meet an intrigued green gaze, as brilliant as the glowing glass sconces and twice as shameless. Catherine Hartsworth's smile tilts up higher as she raises her glass and almost imperceptibly toasts you before taking a slow sip. Someone beside her makes a quip and her gaze breaks from yours to glance at the speaker. Teeth flashing like the pearls strung around her neck, Catherine tips her head at her audience and tosses back some witty repartee. The entourage surrounding her erupts into laughter and toasts - her eyes meet yours again, sparkling a little more slyly this time, and one finger twines a long strand of pearls around itself, looping idly as Catherine's eyes pass slowly over your face.

One of her guests leans in and glances in the direction of her gaze. Loudly enough that you can hear it from across the room (and smell it, as it seems that the half-full glass sloshing in his grip is far from his first), he exclaims, "Why, what's got you so struck, Miss Hartsworth? And don't sell me a dog, I know something's caught your eye!"

Catherine's eyebrows lift as the crowd breaks into titters. With a smile that feels a little like a secret, she replies without taking her eyes off yours, "I've only been caught if you're half-rats, Mr. Dorrit! And don't deny it, one can hardly blame you for enjoying tonight's vintage so."

He reddens, but before his indignation can set in, Catherine shakes her head and says lightly with a nod at the window behind you, "I'm only enjoying the view. It's so rare to see such a thing here in London, always so dreary and grey outside our little festivities."

Her eyes pin you with such intensity that you can feel your cheeks heating; the chatter about the rarity of blue skies this time of year fades under the brazen singularity of Catherine's regard. And although she speaks to the people gathered around her, her voice pierces straight through to you: "Quite right - it may be selfish, but I just want to gather up all that beauty and keep it all to myself."

[END OF SWEET SIDE.]

mature content warning for below the cut!

You didn't mean to lose track of the time. You really didn't.

You didn't mean to be so loud, either, and you definitely didn't mean to end up fantasizing about the suspect you were meant to be cross-examining. But here you were anyway, indecent in every sense of the word, scrambling to collect the remains of your dignity from the rumpled sheets and subtly wipe your hot, sticky-slick fingers clean. Catherine smiles at you from the doorway, surveying your burning cheeks with an air of satisfied amusement.

"Oh, don't mind me. Just enjoying the view," they say magnanimously, eyes glittering. "Please, do carry on."

She leans against the doorframe, looking almost genuinely expectant.

"I- uh..." you sputter, your brain going blank at the coy look Catherine gives you before glancing appreciatively over your exposed skin. "How did you get in?" you demand at last.

Catherine's eyebrows lift gracefully. "Somebody was too busy tempting the little death to remember our appointment, so Gordon took pity on my poor soul and let me in."

They cross their arms and toss you a pointed look. "And when I heard you calling my name - rather desperately, I might add - how could I stay away?"

As your mouth works in a woefully inept attempt at responding, Catherine's features slide into a sly smirk. "I ought to tell you, really, the way my name just rolls off your tongue is quite something. Care to do it again?"

You gape at them. This whole thing feels too surreal to be happening, except for the very real, breathless heat stirring in the pit of your stomach. "I..."

This is a bad idea. A terrible one, in fact. But with Catherine smiling at you like that, just out of reach, there's nothing you want more than for them to join you.

Her eyes don't move from yours as she slowly takes a step towards you, then another. Your ragged breathing is the only thing breaking the silence before Catherine asks in a low voice, "Can I close the door?"

Your mouth feels hot, your heart ready to burst out of your chest as you nod. Catherine's smile grows and she shuts the door, then slowly slides the lock into place. You don't stop her as she moves onto the bed, tendrils of perfume wafting around you like an embrace. Their hand is cool against yours, though the heat in Catherine's gaze is unmistakable.

"I believe," they say in a whisper as they place your hand between your thighs again, "that this was here." They press down, curling their fingers around yours in a way that draws a, frankly, embarrassing sound out of you. Laughter sparkles against your skin as Catherine reaches for your other hand and intertwines your fingers, squeezing just hard enough that your breath hitches, lips parting for hers.

"Let me hear you," they whisper, working you over with your own hand, and so you do.

[lapinlunaire-games]

🌌🎭 For Catherine and Mina, please. From the emoji ask game

🌌 MILKY WAY - what was the inspiration behind your oc? what was the first thing you decided about them?

Catherine - I knew I wanted the two prime suspects to foil one another, so Catherine was a really dramatic, over-the-top hedonist kind of character from the very beginning. The first thing I really narrowed down after that was [REDACTED] and what kind of reputation they had in the industry.

Mina - Mina was very inspired by stories of "stunt girl" reporters like Nellie Bly and the character of Marian Holcombe from the novel The Woman in White. I knew I wanted her to be a fierce woman with sharp wit and a lot to live for. Also I was sick of the only Chinese characters in Victorian settings being drug lords, servants, and/or Sexy Dragon Ladies (with optional Opium Addiction) lol.

🎭 MASKS - do they act differently around certain people? what's different between the way they act around friends, family, strangers, etc.?

ehehehe spoilers abound with this one! Here's what I can say:

Catherine definitely has different faces for different people; to the average civilian/fan, she's got that Star Quality that keeps you mesmerized. Everything about her is meant to fascinate and inspire adoration. Within the industry, people are a little more cynical in how they see Catherine's diva tendencies (she leans very hard into the performative aesthete thing, though not in a Jared Leto kind of way) and her killer sense of business, hence her reputation as a cold-blooded maven with the face of a sweetheart. Around friends and family and lovers if they're committed enough, Catherine is much more relaxed and less ebullient, although there's no changing how Extra™ they are.

Mina is sarcastic and sharp-tongued with everyone, but the difference lies in whether or not she soothes the sting with a genuine smile and a gentle touch. (On that note, if Mina willingly gets touchy-feely with you, that's how you know she really loves you. Anyone else will likely get the Glare of Death.) With strangers, she's always primed to get info or make an escape; with friends and family, she slows down and is more able to bask in the moment.

[lapinlunaire-games]

21 & 23 for the h&h ros please!

YEHHH these are such fun answers hehehe. This one's long so it's going under the cut! Questions from this OC Interview Question list.

(and just a sidenote: it's ok to refer to them as ROs since they are romanceable, but I do prefer the term Companions! (i would change the url to the profiles but i don't want to break links :') )

21. Describe your ideal partner.

23. Have you ever had a crush on someone?  Do you have a crush now?

21. Describe your ideal partner. (answered as though speaking to Hushed One) small text is my author rhema

A: I...would like to be in love. [A laughs and passes a hand over the back of their neck] Someone I could love and be loved by, and laugh with, without fearing they'd leave. Someone to share a home with.

bruh you don't know how hard it was to resist just writing "well...we're partners, aren't we? Of a sort, I mean." [A smiles, soft and shaky]. god i love friends-to-lovers

Ailbhe: An ideal partner? Someone who understands that my devotion must first answer what is right. I should...I must not be selfish.

i'm married to justice babey jk ailbhe would never say that lmao. Their deep-down unfiltered answer is someone who wouldn't expect them to be perfect, and who would understand the sacrifices they make without judging them.

Catherine: I require someone in possession of great appetite...to match mine. [wink] Why do you ask? Are you interested, detective? We could certainly arrange a trial period.

Imric: If you laugh at my jokes, we're halfway there, aren't we? My ideal partner - no, not you, Smith (Andrew Smith, his actual partner on the force before Imric was promoted to detective) - is someone I could find joy in loving, and who can give as good as they get. What's love without a little bit of zing?

Mina: I'm not easy to love and I like it that way. I need to know you'll be loyal before I take affection as a challenge...and even then, it's kind of fun, y'know.

Rosalind: I'm not picky! I As long as you don't mind me sometimes going see-through or floating up to the ceiling (I like being tall!), and you promise you won't exorcise me, I think we'll get on splendidly.

Sam: Isn't true love a bit cliche these days? I...no one said anything about true love? Err, anyway - I do want a family of my own someday, and I'd want it with someone who can accept me as I am. All of me. I'll have nothing of a partner who is ashamed of me or wants to keep me as a secret in their closet.

23. Have you ever had a crush on someone?  Do you have a crush now?

A: What? Who said anything about crushes? Certainly not, no. ....Do you?

Ailbhe: I trained myself out of that as a child. Next question, if you please.

Catherine: Mm, they are such exquisite things, aren't they? But come now, detective, it's no fun if I spoil the secret! Why don't you tell me about yours and maybe I'll share some of mine in return...

Imric: Ah, yes, young love...I learned to play chess for my schoolyard crush. The rejection didn't sting as much as getting soundly beaten in five matches. In a row. As for my current affections...I couldn't very well tell my rival, now could I? [extremely roguish grin]

Mina: Is this a roundabout way of asking me out? Buy me dinner and be done with it, then. [pause] And you know, I always return favours.

Rosalind: Of course! It was great fun back then, you could find these little flowers perfect for making posies, and there were all sorts of meanings to the different colours! You'd make up a little message and send it over, and we'd all giggle like children watching them try to figure out what it meant and who sent it. As for now...who's asking?

Sam: Sure, I had crushes. Not much ever came of them, but it's not a coop I'm particularly interested in cleaning again, unless I stumble upon a golden egg, I suppose.