#I’m a thrill to have at trivia parties

[zzyzxtourguide]

I did it. I found the most trivial question I could ever ask you guys

FABLEHAVEN POP QUIZ

impossible edition

Get this wrong and it will only be even more trivial (if that’s possible at this point)

Get it right and ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I am the stress of this fandom

[aureliatm]

victoria justice. cis woman. she/her. ━━ there goes aurelia cortes leaving their home in seagate district. the twenty-nine year old from austin, texas works as a party planner & entrepreneur. i’ve heard that they are exuberant & generous but can also be chaotic & unrealistic. they remind me of the cheer that accompanies a toast in a crowded bar & buying your favorite flowers for yourself as a form of self care.

hi - diddly - do, neighborinos ! your friendly neighborhood maeby (26, they/she, mst) coming in hot and so stoked to be here ♡ i’m bringing my wildest, best time - iest lil pea, aurelia ! so without further ado…

STATS

given name: aurelia ruth cortes nicknames: aureli, reli, lia zodiac: sagittarius sun, libra moon, aries rising identifies as: bisexual, biromantic cis woman favorites: sunset color palettes, extra sweet palomas, metallic letter & number balloons, wheatgrass shots and smoothies loaded with unnecessary boosters to cure hangovers, disco naps, the spot, mama cass elliot, vintage shops & 70s aesthetics hobbies: picturesque nature hikes, karaoke nights, fulfilling the wildcard category on her trivia team, drunken online shopping, throwing the most extravagant birthday parties for her friends, harmless flirting, axe throwing and rage rooms, bartending at other peoples' parties, getting impulse tattoos at lucky four

BIOGRAPHY

(tw: childhood cancer, hospitalization)

No one knows or loves a good time like the Cortes family. Even when it was just the Cortes parents, Mateo and Linda-Mae, before they were parents, every dwelling they occupied was the life of the neighborhood. Aurelia was born in ‘93, followed by her sister Marisol in ‘95, and the party just kept going. Things were hard outside their four cozy walls – heck, they owned a barbecue stand and catering company, two of the most risky business ventures an entrepreneur can undergo. But they never let it impact their life at home.

Then Marisol got sick. The sweetest kid in the entire world, and there wasn’t anything Aurelia could do but watch from the sidelines. One day, something just clicked inside her. She brought all two dozen of her Barbies and GI Joes to Marisol’s hospital bed, and put on the musical theatre production of a lifetime. No longer would she sit idly by and let her sister go through it alone. Aurelia was a clown, a comedian, an entertainer, a storyteller, and anything else she could think of to get a laugh out of her.

Even after Marisol went into remission in ‘07 and Aurelia’s life became more about herself than her sister, she hung onto that deeply extra personality. After spending the majority of the last four years cooped up, she overcorrected and went full speed ahead into a wild phase she never grew out of. At first it was just sneaking out of the house, sneaking into concerts, sneaking a cheeky klepto treasure every now and then, but as she grew older, the petty rebellions just weren’t enough. It had never been about rebelling against her parents and had always been about making the most out of every moment she was lucky enough to have.

College opened all new kinds of doors for our adrenaline junkie, and when she got into UCLA, it seemed she was destined for a truly legendary four years. The prophecy was fulfilled and she left college with a degree (somehow, she’s still not sure), four years worth of insane memories, and all the skills and experience necessary to start planning genuinely extravagant parties in the city. After planning one of her friends’ wedding with the help of her college best friend, a Mellott Beach native who introduced her to the town, she was sure there wasn’t any party they couldn’t handle.

Now, seven years later, business is booming and Aurelia is still in love with the thrill of the hustle. Don’t get her wrong, Aurelia still finds time to spend holidays with family, take vacations with friends, and devote a lavish amount of time to self-care. But after going going going for so long, the hustle was starting to take its toll. Moving to Mellott Beach was a much needed change of pace. The drive to the city was still doable (an hour commute is nothing in Los Angeles), but relaxing her shoulders and just being able to breathe made the burnout that had once been inevitable drift further and further away.

Turn’s out, there’s more than enough adventure in Mellott Beach to keep Aurelia on her toes. And that’s what she calls the best of both worlds.

CONNECTION IDEAS

employees & regulars at the spot, the hanger, or the corner; aureli's favorite hangouts ♡

anybody who's ever hired et cetera events for their parties, weddings, or other celebrations ♡

a blast from the past from their upbringing in austin, tx ♡

the other members of the trivia team aureli is part of ♡

flings, crushes, exes, and anything in between ♡

anybody who needs a friendly face around, since aurelia sees the good (or at least the good time) in everyone ♡

people who really don’t get along with aurelia - she isn’t everyone’s cup of tea ♡

anything under the sun you might be vibing !

[charlottemanningjourno]

Hello!

Here's a selection of some of my fave work I've done in recent years...

Profiles

Loreen: how a legacy of warrior women helped the star win Eurovision - [Rolling Stone UK]

Alex Scott: ‘No one knew that I was going to wear the armband in Qatar’ - [Attitude]

John Whaite on why memoir is a ‘love letter’ to fiancé Paul: ‘He’s my biggest cheerleader’ - [Attitude]

Features

These Tweets Show Britain's Classic Camp TV Moments - [VICE UK]

‘The Masked Singer got me my record deal’: How celebrities took over reality TV and won - [The Independent]

T-shirts, trivia and on-air proposals: why everything stops for Popmaster - [The Guardian]

A Day In The Life Of… Blind Date: ‘I was approached outside a nightclub in Watford - [Metro]

University Graduates Are Being Dropped from Jobs Before They Even Start - [VICE UK]

Pretty East London neighbourhood becoming a 'ghost town' as shopkeepers are being priced out - [MyLondon]

The Outnumbered kids celebrate 15 years of beloved BBC sitcom: ‘I was such a nightmare for the props department’ - [Metro]

TV/film/pop culture interviews

The Aces on ’emotional’ third LP and growing up in Mormon Utah: ‘Three out of four of us are gay’ [Attitude]

Bottoms creator Emma Seligman: ‘I want to see more flawed queer teens on-screen’ - [Attitude]

Mae Muller on ‘honest’ debut album, bouncing back after Eurovision and ‘p***ing off the right people’ - [Attitude]

Rita Ora on ‘personal’ new era: ‘I look at this as a reintroduction’ [Attitude]

Joe Lycett on bringing queer culture to Friday night live prime time: ‘It’s the stuff I’ve always wanted to do on telly’ - [Attitude]

Reviews

King Princess live in London: US star finds community at sold out KOKO show - [Rolling Stone UK]

Everything I Know About Love review: Move over Love Island, your nostalgia-fuelled summer romance is already here - [Metro]

Romy at All Points East review: Euphoric set proves there’s so much more fun still to come - [Attitude]

Mae Muller ‘Sorry I’m Late’ album review: A dazzling debut from London’s new pop princess - [Attitude]

Political interviews

Baroness Ruth Hunt on quitting Stonewall and being ‘way too young’ for House of Lords - [Attitude]

Green Party’s deputy leader Zack Polanski interview: ‘There’s no LGB without the T - [Attitude]

Layla Moran: ‘Being outed so publicly and prematurely has left some scars’ [Attitude]

Misc fun bits I enjoyed writing

5 times Chris Eubank delivered ‘fantabulous’ TV gold all in just one episode of Celebrity MasterChef - [Metro]

Three friends who quit their jobs to run a Walthamstow record shop out of a shipping container [MyLondon]

Londoners are sharing their icks about their own city and it’s gold - [Metro]

'My love of Lego started as a kid - now my designs have been worn by Will.I.Am and Pharrell' - [MyLondon]

Man installs fake timetable to propose at London bus stop where he met girlfriend - [Metro]

Taylor Swift drops 5 new dazzling vault tracks on 1989 (Taylor’s Version) – here’s the complete rundown - [Attitude]

Op-eds

I quit focusing on losing weight and now exercise helps me love myself - [Metro]

I Miss The Thrill Of One-Night Stands - [Huff Post]

Radio

Appeared on: BBC Radio 5 Live, all of BBC's regional news stations, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Scotland

Red carpet/live events coverage

TV BAFTAs 2022/23, Eurovision 2023, British Soap Awards, Attitude Awards, Commonwealth Games closing ceremony 2022, Radio 1's Big Weekend

[thetoxicgamer]

This Week, the Jackbox Party Pack 10 Returns With Its Greatest Game.

You've likely had the pleasure of engaging in a few Jackbox games at some point. These compilation packages of diverse party games have expanded well beyond the typical video game crowd, becoming something even your least tech-savvy relatives can enjoy. The fun continues with the release of Jackbox Party Pack 10, which introduces five new mini-games to entertain your friends and family, and it brings back perhaps the greatest Jackbox game ever. Choosing a favorite Jackbox mini-game can be challenging. With five offerings in each Jackbox Party Pack, along with various standalone options, the selection is vast. Games like Quiplash, Drawful, Fibbage, Split the Room, Mad Verse City, and Trivia Murder Party are all strong contenders. However, for me, one of the multiplayer games stands out from the rest, both for its potential for hilarity and its accessibility. Tee KO was first introduced in Jackbox Party Pack 3 and combines drawing and writing in a straightforward yet elegant format that doesn't require you to excel in either skill. You start by creating several images of your choice and then come up with short statements or slogans. Players are then given a random assortment of these elements and must combine them to design novelty T-shirts. The pairing aspect is brilliant because it eliminates the need for top-notch drawing skills or standalone humor in a phrase. Even two relatively ordinary components can create something extraordinary when placed together in synergy or contrast. This means you don't have to worry about not being funny enough or lacking drawing skills to enjoy Tee KO, a concern that might deter some from other Jackbox favorites. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APGZdrDToRI I don't think I've ever consistently laughed as hard with any other party game as I have with Tee KO, whether I'm playing it myself or watching videos or Twitch streams of others doing the same. Therefore, I'm thrilled to see it return as Tee KO 2 in Jackbox Party Pack 10. If you're eager to try out some of the new games, you can explore the group texting simulator FixyText and the cooperative rhythm game Dodo Re Mi for free right now, as Jackbox Party Pack 10 offers a demo as part of Steam Next Fest until Monday, October 16. To play Tee KO 2, as well as the time-traveling trivia game Timejinx and the guessing game Hypnotorious, you'll need the full version. Jackbox Party Pack 10 is set to launch on Thursday, October 19, 2023. And if you're interested in snagging a free copy, we at PCGamesN are running a giveaway with ten Jackbox Party Pack 10 codes up for grabs, so don't miss out! If you're looking for more enjoyable ways to spend time with friends, co-op games are a great option. You can also explore fantastic free PC games that won't cost you a dime, so be sure to check those out too. Read the full article

[angelasscribbles]

My Best Friend's Girl (Remix): Chapter 19: Together

Series: My Best Friends Girl Chapters 1-13 Original ending

My Best Friends Girl Remix chapter 13 alt ending-19

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake x Riley

Word Count: 1,440

Song Inspiration: I Can't Hold Back by Survivor

Rating: R

Warnings: Mature themes

A/N: Here we are at the final chapter. I hope you enjoyed the ride.

You can catch up on my other stuff here.

“Riley, what’s wrong?” I asked in concern, sweeping her into my arms without a second thought.

There had been a time when I would have been hesitant to touch her, unsure if she’d want me to. Now I simply wrapped her in my arms, knowing instinctively exactly what she needed. When had that happened? It had been a gradual shift, born out of months spent in each other’s company, first at the palace then Lythikos, Applewood, Ramsford and finally random hotel rooms scattered across the U.S.

Long days of casual conversations, months of getting to know each other, trivia night, pool parties, shopping in the capital, inside jokes, discovering each other’s likes and dislikes. Nights full of drinking, joking, and sometimes real conversations, about politics, religion, our respective childhoods, our hopes, dreams, fears. Long walks in the gardens, through the hedge maze at the palace, exploring the vineyards in Ramsford, watching her bust her ass on the ice in Lythikos, holding her at night as her heart broke, laughing with her in the sunlight as it started to heal.

I had thought that I’d been in love with her from the first moment I’d laid eyes on her. I now knew that wasn’t true. I’d been enthralled, enchanted, infatuated. All of those feelings had been new, exciting and thrilling. But this was something more. What started out as friendship, and attraction, had grown deeper, fuller, richer. I knew this woman, I knew her, and I loved her, inside and out.

I loved the way she always wanted to help everyone. I loved the way she twirled her hair around her finger when she was nervous or thinking deeply. I understood where her insecurities came from and why she didn’t like to talk about her past. I could read her emotions in her body language, and see her thoughts as they flitted across her face. Why was I still afraid to let my feelings show? I knew. I knew.

“Nothing!” She answered me, laying her head on my chest like that’s where it belonged.

“Then why are you crying?” I asked her gently, wiping away a tear as I gazed down at her.

She looked up at me, a bright smile across her tear stained face, “It’s just so…overwhelming…..”

“What is?”                            

“The relief! I didn’t think I cared if my name was cleared or not, but the vindication feels amazing!” She wiped at her face, “Sorry!”

Understanding washed over me and I heaved out a sigh of relief as I hugged her tight, “You’re happy.”

“Yes! Thank you, Drake, thank you for not giving up!”

I felt my heart lurch in my chest. Of course I hadn’t given up. I keep my promises. “I was happy to do it, Riley. I’d do anything for you. You know that by now, right?”

Her gaze grew serious, and she leaned toward me. I think my heart stopped beating, there was a serious, actual pain in the center of my chest as time froze, our lips inches apart. I struggled to breathe.

“Are you sure?” I asked as I drew a thumb across her lips.

“I’m sure.” She breathed.

That was all the encouragement I needed. It had been almost two months since I’d rejected her advances the night of the coronation. I’d held her in my arms every night since, holding her as she cried, as she slept, and later, tucking her close to my body as we watched movies, or talked late into the night. But I had not let myself cross that line. The one that delineated friendship from something more.

Suddenly I couldn’t remember why I had been fighting it for so long, when it was obvious we both wanted the same thing. I knew I wasn’t reading her signals wrong because I knew her, and I knew us, the dynamic we’d shifted into after the coronation, the friendship we’d built even before that, the chemistry that snapped between us no matter what we were doing. I was tired of holding back, tired of pretending that I didn’t want her, didn’t love her.

My hand swept her hair away from her face as I leaned forward and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Electricity zinged through my body, butterflies exploded in my stomach and a feeling of utter rightness settled into my very soul.

I pulled away with a shaky breath, “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that.”

A giggle erupted from her, “You? I was beginning to think it was never going to happen!”

“Do you… want to explore this?” I motioned between us.

“It’s the only thing I want.” She sounded so sure.

“Can I ask….what happened with Liam last night?” I felt sick to my stomach. It had been the first time since the coronation we hadn’t slept in the same room, the same bed. Liam had asked to see her, and she’d gone. I stayed in my own room, not wanting to know when, or if, she got in.

“He proposed.” She said carefully.

I blew out a resigned breath, I wasn’t surprised, really, “Oh. Uh…I suppose I should congratulate-“

“I told him no.”

I froze as adrenaline spiked through me, “What? Why?”

“Why?” She scoffed, “You really have to ask that?”

“Riley, are you sure?” I asked, running my hand down her face, “He could give you everything-“

“I don’t need everything, Drake.” She said in frustration.

There was an intensity in her eyes that froze me to the spot and quickened my pulse. My mouth was suddenly dry. I licked my lips, cleared my throat then asked, “What did you tell him? I mean, did you tell him why?”

“I told him I was in love with someone else, you idiot.” She shook her head with a slight smile.

“You…..what?” There was no way I heard that correctly. Yes, there was an attraction between us, a strong one, and an unbreakable friendship, but I’d never allowed myself to entertain the notion that she might return my feelings, the ones of the romantic variety.

“I told him I was in love with someone else,” She repeated, “but he still wanted to marry me. He offered me a Cordonian arrangement. I didn’t even know what that was.”

“It’s an agreement that-“

“I know what it is now.” She waved her hand in the air dismissively, “He explained it.”

“And?” I held my breath. If that’s what she wanted to do, I’d do it. I meant it when I told her I’d do anything for her.

“I still said no, Drake.”

“But…. why?” I asked, shocked. She could have everything, literally. Liam, the crown, money, privilege, security and me, if that’s what she wanted. 

She tipped her head and gave me a searching look, “Because I don’t love him, Drake. I did, maybe, once. Or at least thought I did. But he hasn’t been there for me, you have, he doesn’t really even know me. You do. I don’t love him….I love you! When are you going to accept that? Or do you not feel the same way? I mean, I thought you did, but if you don’t-“

I pulled her roughly against my body and pressed my lips to hers. I kissed her long and hard and good. I kissed her until she pushed me away, trembling.

“Drake…what does that mean?”

“It means I do feel the same way, Riley. I do! I love you, I’ve loved you for a long damn time. I loved you well before I had any right to, I loved you long before you ever thought about looking at me that way, I swear, I loved you before I met you. I love you Riley Beth Campbell, with all that I am!” The relief and joy I felt at finally saying it out loud, finally telling her, was immense.

She gazed up at me with that smile that had always made me go weak in the knees, but this time I recognized something in it that I hadn’t before. Love. She loves me back, she does. I don’t know how, and I don’t know why, and I am certain I don’t deserve it, but she loves me and it’s everything.

“It’s about goddamned time you admitted it!” She swatted my shoulder playfully.

I laughed, what else could I do? “Have I been that obvious?”

“Very. But it’s ok, because I love you too, Drake Walker.” She told me, “I want you, no one else. Just you.” And this time, I believed her. I was hers, she was mine and whatever happened next, we’d face together.

[zcl01]

haechan

[M] - mature

one shots

slide thru [M]

Lee Donghyuck, goes by Lee Haechan, is your literal ride or die. From high school to college, you two are best friends for the long run. While your relationship has always been platonic, there is something about the wind in his brown locks and the thrills drawing donuts in an empty parking lot that causes butterflies to jump down below. Have you always been attracted to him or did he finally grow up to be your type?

warm

the sunshine remains warm even in the cold, dark night.

sunset

loath as he was to rouse you from your slumber, it was something that had to be done if he wanted to watch the sunrise with you. sometimes, he gave in to your sleeping face and didn’t wake you in time for the sunrise, which you always half-heartedly complained about.

foe-ney

office romances are one way ticket to unemployment. therefore, you and donghyuck have to mask your relationship by pretending you’re rivals - however, can your secret last through the annual christmas party?

baby face [M]

You and Haechan have been enemies ever since highschool, when debates between you in class would get heated. Now, you’re in a sorority and he’s in your brother frat, NCT House. Trivia nights are supposed to be fun at the campus bar but you and Haechan always take it personally, and your friends see the the sexual tension, even if you and Haechan don’t. Johnny and Jaehyun concoct plans to force you and Haechan interact, frat boys lie, and even if Haechan gets you on your back, you’re never going to stop calling him the nickname he hates so much: “baby face”. 

lee haechan and the slytherin royals [M]

royal slytherin!haechan has an obsession with the lower class hufflepuff!y/n. haechan’s royal blood permits him to talk to anyone that his family deems unworthy; this includes y/n’s family. though they know they can’t be seen with one another, that doesn’t stop them from seeing each other in secret. what happens when the slytherin royals come for a visit and find out about the two?

ha, that’s funny cause you’re in a witch costume

after a dare from your friends, you enter a metaphysical store on Halloween night and find yourself intrigued with the store’s cute worker who’s ironically dressed as a witch

the element of freedom

avatar!y/n x airbender!hyuk

in the mirror

it’s all a sick twisted fairytale in his head, that’s what they all say. but haechan knows you really loved him, and he knows you’ll always be his. (maninthemirror!hyuk)

and i love her just like that

You've known Lee Donghyuck your whole entire life. While he would call you a total maniac and you’d call him a menace to society, there’s a certain bond that brings you two together-- and no, I’m not talking about the obnoxiously deep friendship your mothers share and try to force down both of your throats-- it’s the obvious urge of competitiveness that both sticks you together and breaks you apart just the same. In other words, hate and love, so it seems, aren't that far from each other in the first place.

romancing

running a romance advisory podcast with lee donghyuck means clashing and feuding with him because you’re too hopeless while he’s too realistic. practically everyone in campus listens to it, which is why you have no idea that your co-host has started asking the show for love advice since he’s fallen for someone. for all you know, lee donghyuck does not fall in love, but you don’t know what’s changed.

i like the moon more

he was the sun, but you liked the moon more. Fluff/enemies to lovers.

24 hours with you [M]

A 24-hour peek into the life you spend with your husband, Lee Donghyuck.

series

i’m cold

In which Prince Donghyuck's parents are forcing him to get married and he decided to propose to the first girl he sees to shut his parents up.

tiktok series

a series of tiktok pranks played on haechan

the abduction of persephone

your sister is about to marry the man of her life, the wedding is in three days and you don’t have a date. Nothing weird, but I forgot to mention that you had told your parents that you were bringing your boyfriend. A boyfriend that you don’t have anymore, because he had suddenly decided you were “too much” for him and didn’t want to make you waste anymore time - one month before the wedding. You should have been the happiest person on Earth, your sister was about to get married and, since you didn’t want to bring any attention upon your lonely entrance, you had opted for something crazy. Crazy, like hiring Lee Donghyuck to be your fake-boyfriend. 

psycho [sm!au]

in which chaotic good angel!donghyuck loses a feather from his wings everytime he sins and having a lawfully evil demon!girlfriend isn’t the most virtuous thing an angel can do.

drabbles

i think he knows

can’t take my eyes off you

hogwarts!au

crush

dessert [M]

miss you [M]

grocery shopping

it’ll be alright

comfort 101

bicycle [M]

for the rest of our lives

wedding preparations (but we’re already married) [desi!au]

dive into you [M]

fake dating donghyuk [sm]

hypothetically speaking

timestamps

[3:10]

[3:03pm]

[11:47pm] - M

[2:45pm]

[11:00am]

[11:21pm]

[5:30pm]

[00:27]

[5:32pm] - M

[9:00pm]

[10:00am]

[18:29]

[1:15am]

[12:03] - M

[3:47pm]

[9:39am]

[2:13pm]

[7:18pm]

[10:12pm]

updated 2021.11.01

i do not claim to own any of the works linked above as they are sole property of the respective owners.

[shirophantomvox]

Random date night with Illumi, Hisoka, and Chrollo

Hello, anon! Ask and you shall receive! This prompt is very interesting and I will try to keep it in character as much as possible. To sum this up, Hisoka would take you to an ice cream shop, a carnival, or apple orchard while Illumi would rather go to an art or historical museum. Chrollo would persuade you to attend a book reading/author signing or go hiking. Depending on who you are and what your ideal date is, I’m sure you’d find them all fun. Going to a carnival or apple orchard is my go-to since I’ve barely been because they’re all in the suburbs. These headcanons are explained much more than the others. That is why Chrollo and Illumi seem to be short, but they’re not. Also, I can’t wait for Halloween because these headcanons are going to be amazing. I am extremely sorry if there are grammar errors! Taking classes on Zoom is frustrating and now my brain has to relearn everything that I lost in 3 months! Before we get started, I have a few announcements.

This post is more laid back than my other headcanons because I tried to keep it as canon as possible.

I want to thank you all for 65 followers! It means a lot! I’m happy to see that a lot of you enjoy my writing and like it enough to follow me! I have a challenge for you! When I reach 100 followers, I will host some type of writing event here...but I need ideas. I’ve seen some pages do specials where you can send an ask and pretend like you're talking to a character and I respond with what they’d say. SEND ME IDEAS! I WILL CREDIT YOU!

I will be stepping back a little more than before. I’ll still be logged in and re-blogging but as far as writing posts like this...it may only be once or twice a week. You see, I’m in college and I’m struggling financially and I have to work on scholarships. If you all send me an ask, be patient.

Voltron posts will only be created based on asks. I will not be writing posts about VLD if no one requests them. I do not receive any feedback from it anymore and no one seems to like them.

Now, let’s get into the post.

Let's start with Illumi first.

Headcanon 1: Illumi has a secret admiration for different types of art but he specifically enjoys pop art and surrealism. He has commented on how surrealism makes his brain twist and his feelings swirl as he tries to figure out the piece and what inspires it.

He prefers not to participate in tours as he likes to digest the art at his own pace.

Headcanon 2: In his spare time, he paints on a canvas. His art style consists of both surrealism and abstract art. For a person with a dark personality, his compositions always contain bright colors and abstract techniques that leave you wondering about his TRUE personality. He is truly a good man with a bright personality but after being abused for so long, those behaviors/personalities have been shoved so far down his throat that they may not come back up.

He has a bad habit of asking you what you thought about every single piece of art you passed. The conversations were great but this is a date after all. The playful conversation slowly turns into a lecture about art. Although you loved your bf’s dictionary-like brain it also drained your energy.

One of his favorite artists is Vincent Van Gough. Although he favors surrealism, Van Gogh’s art style was mind-blowing to him. So amazed that he buys several Van Gogh t-shirts from the gift shop.

His favorite piece created by Van Gough is “Starry Night”.

He notices that you are becoming bored and decides that it is time for MORE excitement, one that you are certain to enjoy.

“Where are we going,” you ask, pretending to be interested.

“Down to the basement. We are going to have a bite to eat.”

Since Illumi rarely smiled, when he did smile it drove you wild. The anticipation of what his next move was going to be is what drove that wildness. Being a bounty hunter was thrilling already but dating a smart, badass assassin was totally out of your league but it worked out.

Headcanon 3: Illumi’s idea of being romantic is dramatically different from yours. He believes just spending time with you on the couch was enough. He is correct; but if you have the time and funds, your time together should be a little spontaneous. You insisted on dates outside of the house because his family will not stay out of your business.

“Illumi, I am too hungry for more trivia.”

He chuckles. “Don’t worry. So am I. That is why I’ve decided to take you to a wine and cheese party.”

Huh? Wine and Cheese at 3PM? That’s ok. When was there a time limit on when you can drink alcohol?

Illumi has indirectly attended parties as such when he was 15 years old. He never drank, but he watched as his mother’s friends (surprisingly) talked about business and their children. This time, you weren’t going to talk about business for once. Instead, you two were going to actually talk about what couples discuss.

Headcanon 4: When introduced to alcohol for the first time, Illumi immediately stated how he hated brown liquor. That includes Hennessy, Jack Daniels, etc. It makes him sick to his stomach. He prefers to drink Smirnoff mixed with fruity drinks like strawberry or pineapple.

He loves it when you make these drinks for him on a summer day.

Hence the title wine and cheese, you both go to a stand-up table, place your brochures down, and actually have a wonderful conversation not involving work or hunting.

Illumi smiled a few times, more than usual. Whenever he appears to be softer even around you, that is because he has mellowed out and doesn't have the overbearing weight of his family on his shoulders. You set him free.

Hisoka

According to a one-shot that another manga artist created, they expressed that Hisoka was found on the side of the road, was taken in by someone that worked at a local circus, and learned Nen in a matter of days. Hisoka’s clown look and having the skills of a magician proves that this has to be canon in some way.

Headcanon 1: Given this potential backstory, going to a carnival is his go-to every summer. He wants to take you to a circus but saves that for you as an engagement gift.

Everyone with a heart knows that whether or not you’re in a relationship or not the carnival is fun as hell! Expensive fried food, elephant ears, funnel cake, ICEE’s, rides, and stuffed animals are to die for!

Being at a carnival relaxes him so his bloodlust isn’t activated unless someone bumps into him and causes a scene.

Headcanon 2: PDA is something that Hisoka does well; he doesn’t overdo it but does it enough where people get the impression that you are a couple and aren’t “best friends”.

While completing a mission depending on how rough it may be, he insists that you tag along to see how he handles the situation. You’ve already seen his ruthlessness from Hunter’s exam but he insists.

His sense of pride gets the best of him sometimes. Sometimes his head is so big that it reminds you of a large birthday balloon.

Headcanon 3: ANYWAY, given his nature, he is very adventurous, dangerous, and courageous. If he wants to go on the Demon Drop, he’ll do it and you DO not have a choice in the matter. He’ll tease or guilt trip you into doing something that you would not like to do.

“Well, you wouldn’t want me to cling on to someone else, would you?”

“No. Of course not,” you reply.

“Let’s go then, scaredy-cat.”

As a hunter, you’ve seen worse. Why are you so afraid to go on a ride?

Headcanon 4: At apple orchards, cornfield mazes are one of his favorites. You cannot for the life of you figure out how to get out but he can. He grabs a scarecrow and scares you from behind. That annoys you but is nothing compared to later on that night.

Oh. My. God. It’s haunted house time!

“Hisoka, I’m not going in!”

“Why not? I’ll protect you.”

“Because they’re monsters and I already have to deal with one.”

It took him a second to catch on that you were talking about him.

“That’s going to bite you in the butt, kitten.”

Headcanon 5: Like Killua, Hisoka has a sweet tooth. Don’t allow his buff appearance to fool you!

He LOVES caramel apples, elephant ears, funnel cake, freshly squeezed lemonade, fudge, and cotton candy. How can this man manage to stay in shape? The world may never know.

Headcanon 6: He isn’t one to play by other people’s rules but he sets his own rules with your relationship that you both must obey. One of those rules says that neither of you can be on your phones while together.

Headcanon 7: Hisoka insists that you both wear either matching pants or matching shirts to avoid unnecessary flirtation.

He isn’t jealous but on “us time”, he doesn’t want to lose a single second.

Headcanon 8: Hisoka only jumps in when necessary. Given that you’ve passed the hunter’s exam and work as a bodyguard, he knows you can handle your business. If the person can’t take a hint, then he steps in. They almost back up immediately considering Hisoka is towering over them.

When the moon shines, you both go to the car and off to sleep in your comfy king-sized bed.

Chrollo

We all know that Chrollo loves to read! What does he specifically like to read? What Genre? Does he like to read alone or with other people?

Although Chrollo is a thief and must be hidden in the shadows, the authorities have called off the search for him for at least 3 years. Slowly but surely, he begins to find himself in the outside world again.

Chrollo once discussed a book with the Phantom Troupe when they were being transported to another place for a mission. He read “Tears of a Tiger” by Sharon M. Draper.

The reading sessions are opened with an affirmation and a reason to be thankful to be alive. He says he is thankful for the troupe, glances at you, and smiles. No one catches on to that sly face except for Phinks.

Headcanon 1: Chrollo is very silent and shy to an extent. He only associates with people he knows and trusts. You are the social butterfly at this moment.

Chrollo tags along behind you like a shy child, holding your hand while you stick out your free hand to greet everyone.

Today, the book club was going to read “Divergent”.

Headcanon 2: Although he loves to read, he hates it when others read out loud. Most people are drably read and it annoys him. After a while, he takes over. Chrollo was tense the first 30 minutes of the meeting because two cops were there but neither of them noticed it was him.

Headcanon 3: Chrollo often acts the part of the character that he is reading in the book. His tone, attitude, and emphasis on certain words keep the group engaged. He is complimented on his acting!

“Good Job, honey,” you whisper.

He responds by tightly squeezing your hand.

His tone was so impressive that the host insisted that he read for the entire night. He was ok with that because in between reads he was often distracted by a lovely pair of jeans and shoes you had on. You were into writing, so hearing others read and act out the characters helped.

Headcanon 4: In some settings, Chrollo is very braggadocious. He insisted that the group read one of your stories so you could be provided with feedback.

“We’d be delighted to view your story, y/n!”

“It will be fun!”

The book club wasn’t a stereotypical club that only consisted of soccer moms but instead consisted of men and women who were involved with a business, law enforcement, health, etc. This was an open space for everyone to relax and forget about their demanding jobs.

After the meeting, the group went to dinner at a nearby pizzeria. You all enjoyed large pizzas, beer, salads, and dessert. How could your stomach (or anyone’s stomach) hold that much?

Chrollo laughed so much that it made you question if he was your actual boyfriend or not. He even engaged in conversations with the two off-duty cops! For once, you helped Chrollo experience the greater things in life; true love, friendship, and happiness.

“Thank you,” he whispered and slyly placed a kiss on your hand. “For everything.”

[obscure-sentimentalist]

[This... is not what I intended to write when I opened my doc yesterday, and starts to drift a bit outside my usual fare. But these two were feeling particularly flirty and decided to steer me where they wanted to go, so have a quick little teasing Flommy moment to wind down 2021.]

(vaguely) part of the Secret Relationship Flommy 'verse; follow-up to this and this

“The next time I get the idea to host something like a ‘sorry-we-didn’t-tell-anyone-we’re-dating’ dinner with our friends, please remind me that it’s a bad one?” Felicity groans. She flicks excess water from her fingers into the sink, before pressing her hands to the small of her back to support her aching spine.

“See, the expectation of there being a next time makes me a little hesitant to sign off on that arrangement,” Tommy points out, giving Felicity a lightly teasing look as he wipes down a floral-printed ceramic dessert platter. “Being the other half of said formerly-classified relationship, I’m not exactly thrilled to entertain the thought of being traded in.”

The small pop from Felicity’s lower back makes her sigh in relief, but she doesn’t linger in the satisfaction. “I’m not saying that specific theming would be reused,” she says, removing one hand from her back to swat Tommy’s elbow just below the cuff of his rolled-up sleeve. “I mean any rationale I use to convince myself that pulling together a big meal in my own home is the best way to bring people together. Tell me that bar trivia would be much more fulfilling. Or axe-throwing.”

“Axe-throwing,” Tommy repeats, slowly rocking his head up and down in an exaggerated nod. “We’re talking about taking our friends—a group of vigilantes who by-and-large already prefer ranged weaponry—to go axe-throwing.” He frowns, eyes cast up in thought. “I can’t tell if that’d be perfect, or completely chaotic.”

“We’ll find out if it ever comes down to that.” Felicity’s tone goes grim at the mere thought of said finding-out, but she remains firm in her decision. “For now, it’s staying on the ‘better choices’ list.”

Dried platter gripped in one hand and dish towel in the other, Tommy makes a gesture of surrender. “Noted. And assuming that we’re nixing future dinner parties because of the mountain of dishes generated, I now have much more incentive to remember.” Tossing the towel over his shoulder, he flips the patterned side of the platter around to face Felicity and raises his eyebrows in silent question.

“Second cabinet on the right, top shelf.” Once it’s clear Tommy is following the direction, Felicity’s hands disappear into the soapy basin to fish out more dishware. The handful of forks that emerge are simple enough to rinse and drop in the little cup hooked over the end of the drying rack, so she doesn’t wait for Tommy to return to the sink.

A wise choice, because when he does, getting back to work is not at the top of his list.

“Given your silence regarding the reason for this change of plans, I’m going to take it that my guess was correct,” Tommy murmurs, sidling up behind Felicity and snaking his arms around her waist. She can all but feel his grin once his chin settles on her shoulder, and that’s more than enough to make it contagious. “What’s my prize?”

“That wasn’t a guessing game, and even—” Felicity trips on a rising giggle as Tommy nuzzles into the exposed space between her neck and shoulder, “even if it was, that was a gimme. No prizes offered when you already know how I moan about cleaning all the bowls and pans from just a batch of cupcakes.”

“A compelling argument for denying me my victory.” Tommy’s lips replace his nose against Felicity’s pulse point, and he presses them in a gentle kiss to her skin. “I do know, and I also know it’s not the kind of thing you like to mo-…”

“Hey,” Felicity cuts in, forcibly jolting herself out of the melty state into which Tommy’s embrace-lips-presence have put her. She plunges her hands back into the sink in the hopes that the lukewarm water will combat the heat in her cheeks, ignited by Tommy’s unabashed attempt to latch onto her thoughtless word choice. “Still have plenty of dirty dishes to get through here. The sooner they’re washed, dried, and put away, the sooner I stop complaining about them.”

It’s Tommy’s turn to be vocal about his displeasure, if the small whine vibrating along Felicity’s shoulder says anything, but he obliges and releases her from his snuggling grip.

“That’s a tall order,” he sighs, sliding back over to his station and tugging the towel down from its perch over his shoulder. “And maybe I find your complaining enjoyable. It was, after all, the lightbulb moment for the hypothetical Team Arrow axe-throwing outing.”

Surfacing a dinner plate from the foamy depths of the sink and rinsing it under the faucet, Felicity slowly turns her head to shoot Tommy a narrow-eyed glance and a wry smile. “Is this your not-so-subtle way of reopening the prize conversation?”

The expression reflected back at her is much cheekier.

“Incentive is always helpful,” Tommy acknowledges, “and I’m sure we can think of some way to earn it between now and the very.” He leans in ever-so-slowly. “Last.” Closer. “Dish.”

Felicity can only match that with a growing grin, and knows she can come up with something.

“Win-win scenario,” she proposes, pivoting just enough to calmly lean in until their noses touch. “We reach that last dish in the next thirty minutes, we’ll talk prizes.”

“Call it twenty, and not so heavy on the talk part,” Tommy counters, a spark of challenge gleaming in his eyes.

It’s one Felicity will take, as she returns with an assenting tilt of her chin. Maybe she isn’t as sworn-off of hosting large dinners as she thought, if these are the stakes they’re looking at in the clean-up.

(They’re certainly better than axe-throwing.)

[fugaciousgloom]

I’m bored, so here’s some of the pregame headcanons asd plotlines I was talking about.

I’m just going to go by who comes to mind first:

Maki:

Collects information for money, mostly about her peers.

Runs a podcast about Danganronpa murders and motives.

Favorite Danganronpa series is Ultra Despair Girls, she thinks it’s criminally underrated.

Only friends with Kaede, Rantaro, and Shuichi, but considered popular because Kaede and Rantaro are.

Carries a switchblade/pocket knife on her at all times.

Has been suspended twice for smoking in the school bathrooms.

She purposefully started acting out after almost getting adopted from the orphanage because she didn’t want to be adopted.

Has made multiple attempts to run away with Shuichi, but has always been caught.

Shuichi:

Kyoko kinny and will fight any haters.

Outcasted at school for strange, obsessive behaviors.

Gets into petty fights a lot and has to have his ass saved by Maki every other day.

Listens to Maki’s podcast religiously.

Sneaks out with Maki and her friends to see Danganronpa episode premieres that play in the town square.

Has every murder, motive, killer, and victim memorized and quotes characters a lot.

Can be really possessive and is aggressive to anyone who gets too close to his close friends and Maki.

Kaede:

Really, really sadistic.

Ibuki and Sayaka were her favorites and she cosplays as them a lot.

Rich Girl™.

Has auditioned for Danganronpa at least three times since Freshmen year.

One of, if not the, most popular girls in school.

Has a twin sister that hates Danganronpa.

Begs Tsumugi to recommend her for Danganronpa.

Himiko:

Most people in school either fear her or hate her.

Will not hesitate to slap a bitch.

Always has candy on her to keep her blood sugar up.

Gets really bored really quickly.

Has no interest in watching Danganronpa, but auditioned anyways just for the thrill of it.

Pretty laid back until you piss her off.

Tsumugi:

Works at Danganronpa studio as a costume designer and advertiser

Is rumored to have killed someone.

People approach her to try and get ahead in casting or meet past killing game participants, even though neither are in her control.

Pulls out her Monokuma and Junko voice randomly to surprise people and amuse her friends.

Hosts Danganronpa servers from multiple platforms and runs the official Danganronpa social media accounts.

Kokichi:

Despises Danganronpa, but pretends to like it to fit in.

Only friends are Shuichi, Himiko, and Angie.

Lumped in with the weird kids.

Cares about everyone a lot, but acts aloof.

Bad Liar™, but lies a lot anyways.

Was friends with Miu and Rantaro in middle school, but stopped when they both became popular.

Has never smoked or drank in his entire life despite the pressure from his friends.

Tenko:

Angie and Rantaro were the ones to introduce her to Danganronpa.

Sakura Stan.

Lives in a very toxic, misogynistic household with her father and three brothers.

Flirts to get her way.

Tried to teach herself Aikido, but quit after her father caught her.

Used to be popular, but an incident occurred between her and Kirumi that made everyone in the school outcast her.

Angie:

Rumored to be possessed by a demon.

Loves the occult.

The school weird kid.

The only open Lebsian in the school.

Monokuma has always and will always be her favorite.

Usually lumped in with people like Korekiyo, Kirumi, and Kokichi.

Korekiyo:

Awkward as fuck.

Covers his face out of shame.

Has violent, angry episodes where he lashes out at anyone nearby.

His classmates are lowkey afraid of him.

Rumored to be a serial killer.

Despises every kid in school besides Angie and Himiko.

Has a sick sister who's been in the hospital since he was a little kid.

Kirumi:

Extremely egotistical and self centered.

Everyone in her school thinks shes a bit of a weirdo.

Auditioned for a main role in Danganronpa.

Often talks about her plot to win Danganronpa and get the prize.

It makes most of her classmates uncomfortable.

Desperate to be popular.

Miu:

Has an attitude and is bot afraid to speak her opinions.

Always wanted to be a scientist, but was made fun of as it contrasted how she presented herself visually.

Soda kinny.

Is grossed out by the thought of sex, but acts as if shes done it a million times before.

Honestly doesn't even like Kaede or her friends, but stays because it keeps the target of bullies off her back.

Makes fun of Kiibo every chance she gets.

Kiibo:

He is a human.

Rarely shows emotion, but he feels a lot of emotions.

His father owns a tech company and is often away. Because of this, they don't talk much and Kiibo doesn't know much about his father.

Bullied harshly. They call him a robot and even go so far as to threaten him.

Smart when it comes to math and science, but has trouble with more creative subjects.

Rantaro:

Rich and popular.

Girls confess their love to him every single day, but he turns them all down.

His parents are literally never home since they travel for work, so he hosts most of the parties.

Kept hanging out with Tenko after she was outcasted because he sympathized with her.

Closeted gay, but openly flirts with guys in his grade (mostly Kaito). Everyone assumes he's joking.

His sisters are also really into Danganronpa and encouraged him when he told them he was auditioning.

Gonta:

Very intimidating.

Always scowling.

He's actually a big teddy bear, but people still avoid him.

The only person that hangs out with him is Ryoma, who sometimes drags Kirumi to sit with them.

Likes bugs because he thinks they are misunderstood like him.

Once saw a student squash a spider and body slammed him.

Afterwards, rumours spread that he would lose control and attack anyone randomly.

Ryoma:

Has given up on life.

Approached Gonta because he didn't care if he was attacked (and was kind of hoping for it, honestly) and accidentally became friends with him.

His girlfriend died because of a local gang and he felt he couldn't do anything about it.

People think he has an addiction to cigarettes, but they're actually just candy cigarettes.

Always liked Leon and Mondo.

Kaito:

Infamous bully.

Targets anyone and everyone that's not in his close friend group.

Has sent multiple people to the hospital.

Secretly has an interest in the stars and can list off useless trivia about space.

A total closet case.

Lives with his grandparents who are very traditional.

Surrounded by toxic masculinity at home, so he puts himself out there as manly.

The only friend he "bullies" is Rantaro because he keeps making passes at him, but he can't bring himself to do anymore than light teasing and it drives him insane.

[crowmero]

MCL UL final review

2020 was the year I took the resolution to make peace with MCL and the last thing I wanted to do before taking a break from the game was finishing UL season. I also wanted to follow tetrakys example just to make it more meaningful for me.

For starters I want to thank my boyfriend because he just got super interested to know more about all the games I enjoy or used to and just encouragement to keep playing if I feel like having a hour for myself to enjoy something because he knew how I was super busy and worn out with work at the time. I think he deserves credit on this because he was there supporting me in all this process and was the truly person who would hear me talk and rant about the game and hype with me at a time I didn’t have anyone to hear me because everything was complicated and some of my friends who played the game were also trying to come to terms in their own private way. It was wonderful to have someone cheering me in a positive way, to enjoy the things I wanted to have fun with without regrets. Thank you my dear!.

I feel like 2020 and 2021 have a impact in my general relationship with otome games, between some of my favorites games ending and me slowly drifting away from them. I feel like I’m not the same person that I used to be and that things have changed too, but I don’t feel bad about it. I wish eventually I could go back to many of the games that I used to enjoy but I wonder if in the future there would be another game that would make me hype so much and I that I would devote and dedicate as much of myself as I used to.

Also a lot happened since 2018 and how much hurted for all what happened with MCL. I was tired of feeling bad about it so I felt like I have to come to terms with it. I have carried a lot of weight for other things in my life but never for a game. Is the first time that something like this didn’t worked as a way to cope but more as a way to hurt us. I do wonder a lot of things but are things that probably will never know. The only thing that could have made perfect my way out from the game if that we weren't in the middle of covid and trapped at home.

All that said, let's start talking about every topic on the list below:

LIs and routes

Non-LI characters

Favourite episode

Favourite scene

Favorite Outfit and/or Favourite illustration

Conclusions

LIs and routes

Priya

Priya was my main LI and the one I was more excited about when UL launched before knowing the true about who she was replacing. I’ve get to date her and fulfilled that fantasy. This was the season were we got to know her better, apart from knowing that she was not that good with art (and working on it) and that she loved to write fiction in her free time. I loved that she got more context to her motivations on becoming a lawyer and her family past life on india. 

I think for me, the flirting was subtle but it was enough to understand, or maybe was because I was into her since many others just viewed her as a good friend. But that was also actually cool for me, it was cool to have at ally, specially with the assault situation at the start of the game. She was fierce and protective and smart and caring. 

But also I felt like the game keep pushing her aside or putting her in the back burner. Several times I was quite annoyed for the little time we get to spend with her (I mean, yes this was a general issue with all the LI’s since all five have to make an appearance in the short span of the episode) and the game will cheat on me when we have a good moment at her side making her run away because he needs to do/to be somewhere else. 

I think since the season focused too much on Nath, Priya was one of the characters that got neglected and the sad part is that we actually had time in the last episodes that could had be filled with more trivia, more learning about her. We also didn’t get to meet her parents or family and get to know more about her past than what was said.

Hyun

Hyun is a character I didn’t expect to like on the long run but ended appreciating a lot. He become my second favorite after Priya. I think was the character that got me more confort looking at his illustrations. I wish I knew him better and I think he deserved more, it makes me feel bad that people look down on him as a character. 

He is really nice! I really have a change of heart with him. I get that the game will push him onto us, but he is not bad at all. He is really thoughtful and worries about Candy and has cute details with her. Also my boyfriend is like him *shot*. I don't really get the hate on him, I think is just because he is the most normal of the love interest, thus why people find him boring or plain (because he is not a rockstar, not a bad guy, not our teacher). 

So he is like "the safe guy" you choice in real life because he is not full of BS and drama, he is just normal and tame, and some people just want that, but I get that doesn't work as a fantasy for some people. He is the guy who is prepared for everything and is there for you if you need him. Still impressed to where Hyun finds the strength to organize a party after all the stress with the thesis and cook for a whole army.

Castiel

I have really few thoughts for Castiel since my Candy and him don’t liked each other much in high school and the few moments I came to feel ok with him was because he was Lysandre’s best friend (My Candy’s LI). He  really changed, he become more calm and collected and overall mature while he softened his original nature. It was a surprise he was not the first to start a fight but Nathaniel. I think I was lucky to spend time with him since he was more busy with his own life and personal business.

There were really sweet moments from him like when he give us his old MP3  while we are in the infirmary, and some more chill like when we are waiting for the oral presentation at the end of the season and we share some company. We also find that he tries something with Candy if we’re not dating him, so that was unexpected and thrilling, it was a surprise he have this feelings for Candy or he wondered for her all this time. On the bad side, he tried to patronize Candy sometimes or just butt in Candy’s business with unrequested help and I’m glad Candy called him out on that.

Rayan

I don't find him creepy, I was actually interested in him because I'm almost his age and I find also interest in more older characters like him. Also I reflected that I can relate to him in some personal stuff (My thing wasn't as tragic, but I can understand him). Sadly I think his personality type is not for me and that's why I was kinda disappointed. What I was thinking that could have worked better with him is that instead of making him feel interest for our character since the start, for me would be more natural that our character makes the first move instead. So in that way, people who wanted to go for him from the start could unlock this path and players who don't want that, just carry on without worrying about him. I understand that people could change his mind over the course of the game and choosing his path from the start could be extreme, but also the option in episode 8 was not better. I don't think that an option like the one I suggest is that crazy. Overall, I don't think he was creepy, he just feel odd for me, and everything happening with him in a romantic way just didn't make sense if you're not into him, even the drama is pointless. Also It's weird because I don't feel he is the creepy type at all, he was just victim of the writers who forced everyones to be in love with Candy from the start instead of just building a relationship more naturally. But yeah, they needed to move the story quickly, no time to bother that much.

Nathaniel

While revisiting my past notes about him, I more come to the conclusion that I really hated him and his guts in this season. It was worse because this whole season focus on him and how much he changed as a person. I was forced to deal with him and... I saw that as a waste of my time and AP.

I think Candy was really reasonable with him (I clearly remember how Candy would confront him and he just will go on circles and nonsense to try to avoid giving answers while acting like a poor lost soul). I also had to put with his nasty behavior and babysitting him when things got worse like when he was stabbed. Like at some point I couldn’t care less but the game would keep shoving him on my face.

I’m surprised myself of having a heavy negative opinion about him. The sad thing is that despite my Candy being dragged in his whereabouts, being dragged for other characters like Amber (because Candy is the salt of the earth) to look for him and all the things, at the end Nath manages to disentangle himself all alone without our help or presence needed, and I understand how disappointing that was.

Like I feel sorry for the poor souls who loved Nathaniel in HS just to have a alien put on his skin and be someone completely different. I know this change also helped to bring attention to new players who love this kind of characters or he acted as a replacement for the old players in the crowd who needed to fill the gap that the old deleted characters left.

Non-LI characters

Chani was my favorite and I think was the favorite for many on this season. She became one of Candy’s BF and she also is caring, smart and supporting. I loved her own whole aesthetic and vibe, I wish I could have such a good and interesting friend like her. The episodes I enjoyed the most involved her (included all the weird trio wet dream haha) and she actually make me feel better and reassured in general while confronting all the bad arcs and misfortunes of the season. She also gift to us a pretty amulet and was one of the few extra items we got for free like in the HS times.

Yeleen was a character than for starters I really wanted to get to know better and become friends with. It makes me sad all the hate she received and also I got myself some angry person calling me out for liking her (that was awkward buddy). But i loved her developed and how she changed as a person. The bad side is that I wished we could develop a more intimate relationship with her, but I’m happy with the good influence that was Candy for her and she take the bull by the horns at the end of the season. Her farewell letter was really touching.

A side character I liked from the beginning was Morgan because he was pretty handsome and I wish we knew more about him since he was also good vibes but got eclipseted when he becomes Alexy’s boyfriend. I still remember when we though he was Kentin in the trailer.

I don’t really have positive opinions for the rest of the cast or I just really don’t care much. The other character that got a bit of redemption in my eyes was Rosa. It was hard to be friends with her because how much she changed as a person but also how much her new self contradicted with her past self. It was worse because she was there supporting and cheering my relationship with Lysander since she was dating his brother Leigh in HS but in UL was pushing me to look somewhere else. It was also weird for me to be hanging of with Leigh but not Lysander when we weren’t that close to Leigh in the past. I still believe that what happened to Rosa (the drama!) It was done so that we felt pity and sympathy for her. The thing that probably make me feel better about her was when she organized that date at the beach for my Candy and Priya, it was sweet, it was the moment when I really felt guilty about how I feel about her.

We should talk about Amber and how much of a failed and inexistent redemption arc was that? Adding that when we got on the topic of cyberbullying she got to be on the spotlight but we couldn’t talk about what happened in HS. Also she was dragged my Candy around for the sake of Nathaniel and she also give us a big scare when she faints in that bathroom stall...

Favourite episode

For some reason, Episode 11 got good grades from my part as chillest long trip (I HAVE TO TRUST MY OWN SELF ON THIS) but of course Episode 16 was second best because the sex dates (If only we didn’t have to deal with Nath at the start of the episode...)

Episode 11 really got me thinking in a lot of things and make me remember some good memories. Chani was incredible in this episode, she really cares a lot about Candy. I wish a moment to chill right now the same way Candy and Chani go out to eat sushi and to the snake room, I miss doing this kind of things before Covid hit my country and everyone. In the same way, Chani has some very wise words to offer, things right now are so crazy and been stuck at home is just making everything just worse, taking care of you mental health is difficult, social media doesn't help either (Rosa did the smart call there deleting her social media) and fandom spaces right now are not doing that well.

In general, I enjoyed how chill was everything for Candy and how she focused more on herself than the rest of the world. Like I wish she focused more on herself that in trying to save the world. All with Castiel was a trip from start to finish. All the description of the new video got me thinking in whatever video from MTV from the 2000's! I'm also surprised with how smooth he was in the scene in the apartment, was not difficult to me to imagine all the situation, and for a moment I wanted, really wanted to go his way, but since Priya is waiting for me and because I didn't expect of my HS mate to be soo into Candy, I stopped and leave. Was a interesting develope. It also got me thinking how some old classmates would think very different of me right now that from the child I was 15 years ago.

An well, we got to the Priya's moment, and... I really don't get why all that jealousy with Tara haha, my Candy is not like that at all, BUT I really wished more time with her (I know, the drama), but this episode really got us the perfect ending we didn't get in the past episode, just my Candy chilling, hugging and kissing her beloved.

When I played episode 16 at first was with Priya and later did a replay with Hyun and honestly, Hyun date was bananas! I wish I could do all the dates to see how they play because all look cool on their own way. I didn't expect my Candy to be this horny for Priya (?).

After the traumatic events in the start of the episode, we get to chill with Chani because she is such a good friend and she also craft us an amulet to protect us from all the terrible things that happen   Everything gets better in our date with Priya. We celebrate that she would be able to do her bar exam and we spend the day chilling on the park chatting, but Candy falls asleep in the middle lol. Priya invite us to spend the night since her roomie left for vacation. Our Candy reveals she still owns her HS underwear (?) so she proceeds to buy new one (I know underwear is expensive but five years is a lot, those things have holes already). We cross paths with Hyun and is hilarious, he was so embarrassed lol. Back in our date, time to get really nervous. I'm loving that all this characters are now into horror (Thanks Chino!) and Priya propose to watch " The haunting of Hill House". Anyway, it was hilarious how everything played because Candy rEaLly WanT It! but at the end, Priya falls asleep and Candy is too self conscious of Priya sleeping half naked next to her that she couldn't close her eyes all night long. Then morning arrives and everything gets really hot and yeah, I didn't expect that Candy was that thirsty omg. Coolest ending.

--

Hyun date was bananas! I have to say it again because was so fun and cute all along: the fact that Candy surprised Hyun in the Cosy Bear since he have to work that day, that he is up to solve conflict with actual talking when we got a cheating scare, that he is a good person to helps people, even novices in online games. Yeah we also learned his weird thing for shoes that don’t reflect in his actual fashion lol. AND THE DATE! It was so hilarious that they were about to watch the wrong version of Toy Story! POOR HYUN! This dude was fucking prepared for the day, he brought everything in that magic bag, the ending was hot and satisfying, he really surprised me.

Favourite scene

NATHANIEL SHOWS IN THE MIDDLE OF CANDY’S STUDY SESSION WITH EVERYONE THERE AND PRIYA IS ABOUT TO KILL HIM BECAUSE MY CANDY CONFIDED ON HER AND NATH IS COMPLETELY CLUELESS ABOUT IT AAAAH YEAAAAW!

This was the indiscutible winner because despite there was great moments to talk about, this was the only that really make me feel actual excitement for this game (IS WEIRD I KNOW!).

Favorite Outfit and/or Favourite illustration 

Illustrations

This priya Illu is one of my favorite among the rest.

This one was when I noticed Hyun’s great body.

This is illu with Priya is also very sweet too.

I felt really touched with this illu with Hyun.

Candy’s expression is so funny.

This was one of the cutes too and really funny<3

Honorable mention

I think this was one of the most controversial Illus we got and hot too.

OUTFITS

Ep 5 & 6 (and I forgot to add Ep 4!) but a big part of this season clothes were incredible.

Ep 11 & 12

Ep 15 & 20

Honorable mention

Ep 9 party!

Conclusions

Was I angry and disappointed when I started UL?

Yes

Have I made peace with it?

Yes, that’s what I wanted to achieve doing this. I also feel like there is not much I can do or think at this point, I’m kind of resigned.

Did this stop me from enjoying UL?

The “angry and disappointed” part sure played into my original run and perception of the game. I think that this was the case for many others since the wounds were open fresh at that time. But it really took me until the middle and end of the third season (!) to change my perspective (aka like 2-3 years later). I would said that after all that time what bothered me the most that was stopping my enjoyment of the game was how long it takes to play it for free and how that limits you from the whole game experience.

Would I have enjoyed it more if BV hadn’t done us so dirty?

Of course! I ended enjoying the change of tone. I do think many players were precisely looking forward to see our favorite characters in a different phase of their lives. When the company lied to us is when everything burned. I think is a matter of opinion at this point: if Lys, Armin and Kentin stayed, I wonder how people would have taken this whole season since there was a lot of negative critic and people saying that it was for the best that the old boys weren’t there because they probably would have ended totally changed like Nathaniel. They also could have ended in the back burner like the new LI’s and that also wouldn’t be fair. But I’m not sure how much of that negative critic is fueled by resentment or is biased by nostalgia since many didn’t bothered to play and just took what others were telling them without making their own opinion. For me was important to make my own opinion.

This season had their ups and downs, was hard to navigate with all the imposed changes, it was baffling to see how all the characters changed for good or bad, the dialogue options we got where I couldn’t relate at times especially at the begin, the thoughts on reflecting in all the very good things we got that also make me think I wished Lysander was around for all that.

I definitely don’t like the idea of replacing Lysander with Priya, both characters were unique in their own way and both deserved love and respect. Now that the first generation of My Candy Love ended it’s weird to be in this position were everyone is throwing a party around you in slow motion and feeling you don’t belong there because you weren’t lucky enough when picking your LI.

I was thinking on coming around at some point to play LL in the future (who knows) despite right now I don’t think I can make myself to do that and because I have the feeling that I will got more of what I got from UL. UL ending was fitting for me as a “what if...” My Candy got a different path in life where Lysander is not around and having the extra of looking forward to a happy bright future. I still sincerely wish that I could have had more than what we got.

[chyrstis]

Hanarky for the ship meme? 👀💕

@geronimo-11 @amistrio @ma-sulevin @risenlucifer @himbopike

Let me just say that to get one ask is awesome. To get five asking for the same pair especially when it’s these two? <3 You’re all fantastic for asking, and I’m all too glad to dive into this for them.

Hana Vao / Sharky Boshaw

--

General:

Rate the Ship -  

Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs

How long will they last? - These two are full-on set on driving into that sunset together, and this last until they’re old and gray.

How quickly did/will they fall in love? - It’s pretty fast for both. Sharky was a little love-struck if not during their initial intro, then shortly after, wondering who the hell this woman was, yelling Die Hard quotes while handing him molotovs, and why he didn’t have a chance to meet her sooner. Hana on the other hand was immediately charmed by his brand of absurdity, and after a week or two on the road, found she didn’t want to go a day without it. It didn’t take much longer for feelings to set in after that.

How was their first kiss? - Oh, it was a doozy. Entirely on accident, especially since she just wanted to thank him for always being sweet to her (and for finding coffee, b/c going without it’s been rough), and wanted to kiss his cheek. No big deal. She lays one right on his mouth instead, and the residual shock and the holy shit of it all makes her immediately exit stage left. The kiss they share later on down the line’s one she’s much more content with, b/c there’s no grey area, no doubting it at all, and the minute he returns it she’s almost overwhelmed by it. Sharky’s easily in the same boat, b/c this isn’t wishful thinking, or him hoping for something that isn’t there. It’s her wanting him, and once he can shut his mouth for longer than a few seconds at a time they get to making up for all the times they should’ve kissed before.

Wedding:

Who proposed? - Sharky! It’s years down the line, but he finds a way to make a ring for her, and after checking to see if it fits, immediately proposes to her on the spot.

Who is the best man/men? - There’s no official ceremony, but Sharky would’ve wanted Hurk there for it, if possible.

Who is the braid’s maid(s)? - Hana would’ve definitely asked Grace.

Who did the most planning? - Sharky! Hana had no damn clue what he had in mind, or was planning, but he actually managed to get a little misty-eyed while watching a proposal scene from one of her movie picks, so...

Who stressed the most? - Sharky. Though the poor guy didn’t get hit with most of it until he’d slipped the ring onto her finger.

How fancy was the ceremony? -

Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 | Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.

Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? - N/A (Hurk Sr. gets an honorary mention here, though)

Sex:

Who is on top? - Both like the other on top so they’ll definitely switch, but Hana’s probably there the most often.

Who is the one to instigate things? - They’re both equally guilty of this with varying degrees of subtlety, and Hana’s absolutely burst out laughing at a few of Sharky’s attempts, but always gets right to kissing him soon after.

How healthy is their sex life? -

Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now - (hey, they’re making up for lost time here)

How kinky are they? -

Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head

How long do they normally last? - A good couple of rounds if they’re in a safe place, and time’s no object.

Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? - They certainly try (though she grouses at Sharky whenever he gets a lead on her, leaving him wearing the worst shit-eating grin)

How rough are they in bed? -

Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it.

How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? -

No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.

Children:

How many children will they have naturally? - Two! Gabrielle, and I’m still trying to zero in on a name for their little boy. Rocky? Jack? Kurt?

How many children will they adopt? - N/A

Who gets stuck with the most diapers? - These two try to split this duty right down the middle.

Who is the stricter parent? - Hana, which is a feat. XD

Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? - Also, Hana, b/c no matter what she and Sharky got up to before this, it’s really for the best that neither of the kids try to emulate that.

Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? - It’s a team effort, and any no-cult AU would totally involve Sharky handing bags of chips and jerky to each kid with Hana on his heels ready with a sandwich or two.

Who is the more loved parent? - They’re both pretty equal, but Gabby loves working with Sharky in the Pyrotechnics lab big-time, while Kiddo #2 loves racing around with Hana (and is a movie trivia buff in the making)

Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings? N/A - Hana would be dragged kicking and screaming to them and hate it.

Who cried the most at graduation? - N/A due to the Collapse, but Sharky might win this one. He certainly sheds a happy tear or two whenever the kids hand him gifts or show him cool things they’ve made, and any award they’d earn? Whoops, he’d be a goner.

Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? - Hana’s up to bat first going through legal avenues, but if she can’t manage to wing it, Sharky’s ready to step up to the plate.

Cooking:

Who does the most cooking? - They both would be take-out junkies, but Hana can make most of the basics.

Who is the most picky in their food choice? - Neither, really. She’d tease Sharky about deviating any from his jerky-heavy diet, though.

Who does the grocery shopping? - Probably Hana, but she’d drag him along for it too (and they’d race carts in the parking lot)

How often do they bake desserts? - Not frequently, but Hana would every once in a blue moon attempt a cake or brownies, and post-Collapse Sharky tries really hard to find a way to make that happen.

Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? - Meat, meat, meat.

Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? - Sharky, and although he’s not much of a cook, he’ll save her extra desserts for their anniversary week. Once they’re out he tries to go a little fancier, though, and doesn’t burn things to a crisp 60-70% of the time?

Who is more likely to suggest going out? - Sharky.

Who is more likely to burn the house down accidentally while cooking? - Sharky.

Chores:

Who cleans the room? - They’re both messy, so they try to take turns with chores.

Who is really against chores? - Sharky. He’s not thrilled with any of it, but puts up with it since

Who cleans up after the pets? - They don’t start off with pets, but Hana can’t help but feed a stray cat or two once they get to the surface, and gladly takes care of any messes they make.

Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? - Sharky, the sneak.

Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? - Both would usually be okay, but Hana does stress a bit more about cleaning when a certain someone John tends to visit.

Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? - Sharky would probably find the dollar while trying to sweep things under it, to be honest. XD

Misc:

Who takes the longer showers/baths? - Hana. It’s where she can unwind, and it only gets longer if she has company (which she usually hopes for and Sharky 100% delivers on)

Who takes the dog out for a walk? - If moments with Boomer count, Hana would totally go jogging with him, and did a few times while heading out on patrol.

How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? - Hana’s a Halloween junkie, and loves throwing parties, so that's a must even when they don't have many actual decorations to hang. Sharky won't hesitate to help her find some prime picks, though, and can whip up some great ones in a jiffy.

What are their goals for the relationship? - Have the other’s back no matter what, and make the other the happiest they’ll ever be.

Who is most likely to sleep till noon? - Sharky.

Who plays the most pranks? - Sharky.

[strangesmallbard]

part 2 of my ideal s13 episode concepts, assuming yaz is the sole companion:

(they’re getting Very Long, so i may go back and fill out the original concepts!)

13.6 - The Angels Take Los Angeles: the vibe is very stylized, kitschy hollywood meets the ominous high stakes of the weeping angels. ep begins with yaz tardis skyping ryan, saying thirteen has been weirdly distant again. thirteen overhears, decides that they need some FUN. they wind up in roughly 1998. montage w/ music of: selfie at the hollywood sign, buying souvenirs at the big farmer’s market, the star walk (and thirteen listing every celebrity she’s met,) and finally, the griffith observatory, where they see a planetarium show. thirteen laments that they came before the samuel oschin planetarium was built, yaz leans in & whispers that’s alright, i’ve got the real thing anyway.

the day winds down, yaz decides to broach the doctor’s Mardy Mood when suddenly, thirteen sees a sculpture that definitely wasn’t built by sculptors during the depression era. they discover the angels want something stored in the observatory—a power source. thirteen is caught in grief and manages to explain more about the ponds than just “the angels are very dangerous, trust me.” yaz devises the plan that traps the angels. with help from an interning grad student who knows the building, they save the day together.

back in the tardis, thirteen apologizes for being cagey. they have a good conversation about friendship, support, and boundaries. when yaz goes to sleep, thirteen nearly calls the shadow proclamation to turn in the power source, but hesitates. she takes out her mysterious device.

final shot: a familiar figure watches the parked tardis from a distance, wistful & contemplative. she taps the vortex manipulator on her wrist and vanishes.

13.7 - Ice Age........2! yaz and thirteen on an alien planet experiencing an extinction event. the tone is contemplative, not too heavy. bright blue tones. icy landscapes. yaz brings up the possibility of global warming, but thirteen isn’t sure that’s happening this time. it’s important to note: they’re wearing giant parkas & thirteen has a backpack in the shape of a smiley face.

they wind up on a science base run by humanoid aliens. one of the scientists, a stern older woman, is a famous guest star. she advises them to move on: the scientists have exhausted all options. they’re having an “end of the world party” before the last transport arrives to them to a spaceport colony. the scientists invite yaz & thirteen to join; both are incredulous that the team is just giving up.

yaz joins the party to get more info while thirteen snoops around the base. they play card games; something similar to DDR, play music, eat dehydrated food. she offers them a new pair of eyes, and they vehemently turn her down. she learns about how a red giant stole their first planet and how this one will become uninhabitable despite their efforts. she also learns about this team-turned-family; old and young, with diverse backgrounds. when they talk excitedly about their spaceport plans, yaz is taken aback.

meanwhile, thirteen is searching for answers. we can hear the party in the other room. she tests (eats) the soil, she tests the ice. she finds an anomaly and the shot cuts to the tardis; thirteen in front of her mysterious device, carefully siphoning from the power source the angels wanted in 13x6. she shows yaz her plan excitedly. the sun, yaz, it’s too far away. if we use this to nudge the planet’s coordinates just a bit to the left, that’ll buy them time.

yaz is thrilled at first, but then hesitates halfway through planning. do they have that time? i mean, how will that affect their timelines?

thirteen is teetering on the edge of timelord victorious; this time, however, there’s no explosions or loud background music. just muffled party chatter and thirteen, tense at the shoulders. she goes: she’s run through the diagnostics, of course she has! yaz couldn’t possibly understand, this will buy time and won’t impact the timeline significantly. this will work.

yaz looks right at thirteen, asks if this is about gallifrey, what happened when she left the fam. i was there, doctor. i saw it burning. thirteen is still tense, her hands are fidgeting. it’s not the same, yaz. when we can help, we do.

yaz paces. she looks out the window. shot cuts outside to the still, icy cold planet. it’s silent. back inside: yaz sits next to her. i know it’s not, but. i’ve saved earth plenty with you. and i know these kinds of endings. i used to...not care if my own world ended before.

thirteen is startled out of timelord victorious mode. she’s awkward again, but her hands are still. her eyes are deep-set, serious. there’s no universe without yaz. she squeezes her hand and softly says i didn’t know. i’m sorry.

yaz squeezes her hand back, accepting her apology. they talk about her past a bit; the urge to keep moving forward despite overwhelming emptiness. it’s hard to celebrate something like that, she thinks aloud. maybe this is what they need to move on. maybe this is why we’re here this time, so someone else remembers.

in thirteen’s responding stare: this isn’t gallifrey. this isn’t the timeless child, sacrificed to build the timelords. quieter than usual but definitive, almost stern, thirteen says this time, everybody lives. she powers down the lab, pockets the power source, and lets yaz lead her back into the party.

montage of the party: raucous & weighty, a wake. thirteen is subdued at first, until someone challenges her to DDR. yaz challenges her next. they listen to stories about the planet, about their families. someone challenges thirteen to shots until they realize alcohol doesn’t really affect her. montage winds down into thirteen by the open sun roof, talking to guest star about the sun anomaly. 

guest star laughs, not unhappy at all. of course we found it! can’t do too much about bloody gravity, can we, traveler?

lasts shot of the party scene: thirteen watching yaz—curious, a bit affectionate, now that the lights are dim and no one can bear witness—before turning her head up to the stars. we see a flash of timelord victorious before her expression becomes oddly serene. that’s us. a couple of travelers. 

as the scene ends, the camera pans out; beautiful shot of the tardis on a sheet of ice, underneath double moons.

the next morning; yaz rushes into the tardis with an idea. the transport vehicle arrives for the team; yaz exchanges goodbyes. the doctor bounces around the console, finishing the idea: a digital time capsule that will survive nearly anything the universe throws at it. they give it to the Stern Lady Guest Star, who is bemused; she asks where they’ll bury it. yaz suggests they carry it with them.

second-to-last shot: thirteen and yaz helping the transport leave. buttons to push, etc. they wave. they watch the transport leave the atmosphere; low, but hopeful music playing. huddled together in their parkas, thirteen takes a deep breath. after a few seconds, yaz gestures with her head to leave.

last shot: wide view of the landscape, music still playing; we see two figures following their own footsteps back home to the tardis. 

we hear slightly muffled voices: think i could go for some good weather, how about space florida?

you know, i’m sort of feeling sheffield, 2021. tea at mine? dad isn’t cooking, i promise.

oi, i like your dad’s cooking. it...

fade-out.

13.8 - “Yasmin” - found footage style, we follow yaz making video diaries ostensibly for her sister to watch later. the tone starts out light: first shot is her bedroom, and we follow her all the way to the games’ room. she points to a wii remote. i beat her at mario kart yesterday, don’t let her say otherwise. (today it’s Yaz’ TARDIS.)

she enters the console room where thirteen is tinkering, goggles on and a bit greasy. there’s banter. for a moment we see thirteen as yaz sees her: hair askew, bright smile, glowing in the light of the tardis, engine grease on her cheekbone. there’s a “you’ve got something on your nose” moment.

then, of course, someone in need of help pings the tardis. well, the doctor. she gets a text that says “help us, doctor,” which is all sorts of curious. yaz flips the camera to herself and says: “alright sonya, you ready for this?” while the doctor gives a cocky grin to the camera. the tardis leaves the time vortex with a great jolt, the opening credits run.

they land in front of a rickety farm house. the gate swings, ominously. a cow moos. the camera takes the scene in; thirteen pops up to give trivia about the era, which is.....earth, approximately 2014. britain.

yaz makes a face at the camera before they open the door.

the house seems regular, aside from abandoned; there’s a plate of molding food on the table. an outfit laid out on a bed, covered in cobwebs. scans turn up a “particle curiosity” in the air, but no one who could have sent a text message.

they decide to spend the night in the house, just in case. thirteen puts up sensors. they sit next to each other on the couch; yaz sets the camera on the table and there’s some planning before the camera abruptly goes dead.

we pick up later into the night—yaz is asleep. thirteen pulls a blanket over yaz; the footage starts skipping strangely, lines and shadows and distortions. she offers apologies to sonya; the censor picked up something and she’s modified the camera.

just as thirteen starts to awkwardly smalltalk about dimensional fragmentation camera censors, there’s a piercing shriek, more distortions. yaz wakes up; there’s scrambling and then: a face, screaming, glowing blue eyes.

the genre abruptly careens into found footage-style horror. yaz gets the figure to chase her around the house, nearly taunts it, until thirteen can hold it off with a Barrier that won’t last. yaz and thirteen argue about their mutual appetite for recklessness, thirteen’s duty of care, yaz’s protectiveness. the camera is abandoned, viewing them from an odd angle. it catches thirteen’s hand reaching for yaz, pulling back before yaz notices.

through clues in the house & rebooting an abandoned iphone, they discover what happened in this house. a young woman, a teacher—vivacious and funny if her texts are anything to go by—moved into this house ten years ago. then, she vanishes without a trace.

thirteen recognizes the date she disappears but doesn’t know why. the figure breaks in, forcing them down into the basement. there, they happen upon a gruesome sight that shocks thirteen: a powered down toclafane from the simm!master arc in s4.

she realizes that the date corresponds to the original paradox—and realizes that the creature is the vestiges of the young teacher, trapped by dark matter in a paradox that shouldn’t exist anymore. yaz mentions she used to have a nightmare about the orbs as a young kid every night for a week.

there’s Plot Stuff as they figure out how to fix the paradox for good. turns out, the creature is mad at the doctor, but thirteen won’t shoulder this burden for the master. he orchestrated that and thirteen did the best she could. she’s too angry to connect; it’s yaz who connects to the young woman left in the creature. who wanted her own adventures. she’s afraid of dying for good. yaz says she’s sorry, and the creature believes her.

the camera is abandoned on the table. the distortions have stopped. the sun rises. there’s a fast forward and yaz & thirteen are at the kitchen table, drinking “coffee.” (it still tastes good, anyway.) the aftermath of an argument. they mention the master. before the camera dies again, thirteen asks yaz if she has any new nightmares. she’s soft.

the last scene: yaz and sonya curled up together on the bed. sonya is shook. yaz is like, yeah i told you it was a lot. but sonya is shook because she had the same nightmare as a kid too. she asks if the doctor meddles too much, if they’d all be safer if she weren’t around. 

yaz contemplates. she says: nothing in the universe is safe. she can’t save everyone, neither can i. but we try. and i feel safe with her. in more ways than one.

sonya teases yaz about a crush. yaz goes “no way!” but looks briefly devastated.

before they fall asleep, yaz remembers something. she asks sonya if she can borrow her phone. 

ending credits: found footage of thirteen singing taylor swift on the tardis, doing some repairs with her greasy goggles on. yaz laughs.

[the-littlest-goblin]

Excerpt of a WIP based on this glorious post by @essektheylyss

I’m determined to have the story fully drafted before I post the first chapter, so I was lamenting that it wasn’t ready in time for AU day of @essek-week when the wonderful @mithrilwren​ pointed out I could just post a preview to whet people’s appetites. So, here’s ~1,000 of 18k words and counting!  

tw: underage drinking, drug use, panic attacks     _______________________________________________________________

Despite all evidence to the contrary, Essek did not actually enjoy parties. He attended so many because they offered him three things, none of which was pleasure: the opportunity to make money, more time spent away from his house, and the illicit thrill that came from shucking off the mask of perfection he wore five days a week and donning a persona that would give his mother a stroke.

If she could see him now…if his father could see him now. The thought sent a shiver of fearful adrenaline down Essek’s spine as he passed along yet another dime bag, this one to a tiefling boy covered in a generous layer of body glitter. Barely an hour into the evening, and his supplies were already running low as his wallet grew fat with the cash of rich suburban teenagers desperate for a taste of rebellion.

He could hardly judge them, really. He was one of them. It wasn’t like he dealt because he actually needed the money. He’d just realized early on that providing goods for the underground high school economy brought him much more satisfaction than being a consumer. 

He caught a slurred “Thanks,” from the tiefling before the boy withdrew, no doubt going to share his prize with friends. Essek stuffed his payment away and turned around, eyes combing the room for the next potential customer.

He wove his way artfully through the crowd, dodging sweaty dancers and sticky puddles of spilled beer, all the while keeping an inviting smile plastered on his face. The expression was well-practiced from spending hours upon hours in church services, exchanging pleasantries with his mother’s congregants and pretending like he didn’t think the whole practice was bullshit.

He lurked at the edges of the party, making himself available without having to initiate any conversations. He was a known entity to enough of the people here, including the host, that even first-timers only needed to ask around briefly before knowing that he was the person with what they were looking for. 

It was mostly a weed party, but he did trade a couple tabs of LSD to some veteran customers. Claudia had requested that things not get too out of control when she’d invited him, so it didn’t take long for him to tap out his supply. 

It was a relief to ditch his empty coat to the pile of jackets in the closet—it was hot in here—but it also left him in the unfortunate position of being closed for business. Which meant he was just another party guest, an extreme introvert stuck in a house full of business contacts at best, strangers at worst.

But anything was better than going home, where his mother would surely still be awake, so Essek found himself a drink and resigned to spending the remainder of the evening huddled awkwardly in a corner by himself, pretending to text.

Only a few minutes passed this way, however, before something intriguing caught his attention. Among the sea of tight, black fabrics, Essek saw a figure in a baggy sweater retreating hurriedly from the dance floor. He was moving impressively fast for the amount of obstacles in his way, and if it weren’t for the telltale, copper-red hair, Essek might not even have recognized him.

Caleb Widogast did not belong in a place like this. He belonged in the other part of Essek’s life: in dusty school libraries, and at quiz bowl tournaments hitting the buzzer for ten correct answers in a row. And, maybe, occasionally, in Essek’s dreams, but that was neither here nor there. 

Before he could think better of it, Essek found himself dodging and weaving to chase after him. He followed the beacon of color around the bend to the front of the house and up the staircase, where he saw the heel of Caleb’s shoes disappearing behind a closed door. Hesitantly, he approached, stopping himself just short of reaching for the doorknob.

What exactly was he planning to do? Ask Caleb why the hell he was here? Challenge him to a trivia contest? 

Finally start a real conversation with the boy whom he had been admiring across auditoriums for months but had never been brave enough to actually speak to?

Essek’s heart beat in his throat at the prospect, but as his cowardly hand inched away from the doorknob, he realized the blood in his ears was not the only sound he was hearing. 

Caleb had not pulled the door fully closed, and through the slight crack, Essek could hear tight, shaky breaths coming in arhythmic patterns.

It only took him a second to recognize. This was a sound Essek had heard coming from his own lungs many times, in the dead of night when his mother was asleep and he let his composure crack enough to feel the perpetual pressure on his chest, instead of just the numbness that had been drilled into him for so long.

With this realization, Essek finally pushed the door open, jiggling the knob a bit as a warning so Caleb wouldn’t be too startled by his entrance.

He walked in slowly, still unsure of himself, and closed the door behind him. It locked with a soft click, ensuring their privacy. If it were him, Essek would not want anyone witnessing his weakness.

Which probably meant he should leave Caleb alone, but he couldn’t bring himself to abandon the boy, looking piteous and miserable sitting on the floor of a bathroom with his knees tucked up to his chin.

He was staring at Essek with an expression like he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Even through the panic attack, he was able to muster an impressive level of incredulity to his voice as he said, “Thelyss?”

“Hi,” said Essek dumbly.

[tabloidtoc]

OK, November 23

You can buy a copy of this issue for your very own at my eBay store: https://www.ebay.com/str/bradentonbooks

Cover: Jeff Bridges opens up about the fight of his life 

Page 2: Contents 

Page 3: Contents 

Page 4: Lori Loughlin’s life behind bars -- Lori’s been having a hard time adjusting to her new reality

Page 6: The holiday season will look a little different for Prince Harry this year -- originally the plan was for Harry to travel to England around Christmastime and Meghan Markle reluctantly agreed though she was far from happy with the idea but now with new travel restrictions in place due to Covid-19 she’s told him there’s no way they’re leaving California which is crushing for Harry who was looking forward to spending the holidays with the royals especially since he missed out last year and he’s been horribly homesick these last few months and he misses the holiday traditions he grew up with even though he loves his life in America with Meghan and son Archie 

Page 7: Newly single Kelly Clarkson has been swooning over country crooner Brett Eldredge her collaborator on the flirty new Christmas tune Under the Mistletoe -- they spent lots of time together in the studio and on the phone and really bonded while they were cutting this sexy song, Brad Pitt’s most recent ex-girlfriend Nicole Poturalski has started talking to friends about what happened between them in detail and it’s an embarrassing mess for Brad who prides himself on privacy, after 16 seasons as colleagues and sparring BFFs on The Voice Adam Levine and Blake Shelton are besties no more because there was a lot of talk between them about keeping in touch and hanging out after Adam left the show but amid lingering tensions neither has made an effort and Adam may not even be invited when Blake marries Gwen Stefani

Page 8: Ever since Sofia Richie split for good from Scott Disick she’s been out every night with some really shady types to the dismay of her dad Lionel Richie who is not liking what he’s hearing about her partying and dating habits -- Sofia has already jumped into a new relationship with Cha Cha Matcha founder Matthew Morton and is hanging nonstop with his crew -- Lionel thought breaking free from Scott would mean a calmer life but it just sees like she’s gone off the rails, Betty White is already gearing up to celebrate her 99th birthday in January with a low-key yet reverent bash, she’s been linked to several Hollywood hunks of late but Lily James just wants her old beau back and she’s regretting breaking off her five-year relationship with Matt Smith -- since the split she’s been linked to Dominic West and Armie Hammer and Chris Evans and the onslaught has only made her miss Matt more -- Matt’s always had her back and Lily knows she made a mistake letting him go but Matt feels duped regarding all the rumors about her and other guys but she swears nothing happened and that she misses him

Page 10: Red Hot on the Red Carpet -- stars wow in romantic ruffled gowns -- Keke Palmer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kirsten Dunst 

Page 11: Lupita Nyong’o, Halsey 

Page 12: Who Wore It Better? Renee Bargh vs. Alessandra Ambrosio

Page 14: News In Photos -- Paris Jackson posed for a portrait in Beverly Hills days before releasing her debut solo album 

Page 15: Adam Brody with his newborn son in Malibu, pregnant Jinger Duggar stepped out in Venice with husband Jeremy Vuolo and their daughter Felicity for lunch, Lady Gaga on stage at a drive-in concert in Pittsburgh 

Page 16: Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell headed out for brunch with one of their twin daughters in Encino, Camila Cabello held on tight to one of her three pups while chasing another one who escaped from his leash in Miami, Pierce Brosnan playing golf in Hawaii 

Page 18: DJ Diplo took a dip in the ocean in Miami, John Legend took his Ford Mustang out for a spin with wife Chrissy Teigen and one of their dogs in Beverly Hills 

Page 19: Bella Thorne and boyfriend Benjamin Mascolo in Rome, Scott Disick was Ace Ventura for Halloween in L.A. 

Page 20: Ruff Life -- stars show love for their canine companions -- Ariel Winter and her latest rescue Cobey, Jamie Chung and her dog, soccer star Alex Morgan with her dogs Kona and Blue 

Page 21: Nev Schulman cuddled up with Dancing With the Stars partner Jenna Johnson’s dog Ziggy, PLEASE ADOPT, DON’T SHOP  

Page 22: Shawn Mendes on a walk in Miami, Kate Mara stopped by Target with her daughter, Ellen DeGeneres dressed up as a nurse who is her favorite superhero 

Page 24: Skai Jackson headed to rehearsals for Dancing With the Stars, Elizabeth Lyn Vargas of Real Housewives of Orange County gave a tour of her home, Joe Jonas strolling daughter Willa around the neighborhood 

Page 25: Thomas Brodie-Sangster attended the premiere of Stardust a biopic about David Bowie in London, Donnie Wahlberg and Steve Schirripa filmed a scene for Blue Bloods in Brooklyn 

Page 26: Taking over duties from Prince Harry his stepmother Duchess Camilla arrived at the Field of Remembrance to commemorate those who lost their lives in the armed forces in London, Amber Heard enjoyed a hike with her dog in L.A., Renee Elisa Goldsberry and Sara Bareilles and Paula Pell and Busy Philipps filmed a scene for Tina Fey’s upcoming series Girls5Eva in NYC 

Page 27: Offset delivered free food to voters waiting in line on Election Day, Ciara in Seattle 

Page 28: Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have finally become husband and wife in a low-key ceremony in the backyard of their L.A. home with just a handful of family and close friends like Steve Carell and Emma Stone were in attendance -- Ryan wore jeans with a button-down shirt while Eva wore a red dress from her own collection -- now that the party’s over Eva and Ryan have been talking about having a third child

Page 29: Reality hit Love Is Blind hooked viewers with its OMG premise but the show’s married cohosts Nick Lachey and Vanessa Lachey were decidedly less riveting and their presenting style was laughably wooden and stiff and while the duo is slated to return for the show’s second season Nick and Vanessa have been put on notice to spice it up, Tori Spelling is freaking out at the prospect of her husband Dean McDermott spending six months alone in Toronto which is the same town where he cheated on her seven years ago -- Dean has signed on to star in Canadian TV show Lady Dicks and while Tori should be thrilled that that he’ll be bringing in some income for their often-struggling family of seven she is preparing for the worst 

Page 30: While it appears Nina Dobrev and Shaun White have spent 2020 in hardcore flirt mode Nina’s friends have cautioned that this is a dead-end romance because Shaun shows up and posts pictures of them on social media but the fact is they’ve barely spent any time together and they hook up and then he goes back to his own place -- Shaun rarely invites Nina to either of his two Hollywood Hills pads and is proving his flaky reputation is legit, things are looking up for parents-to-be Kit Harington and Rose Leslie after a rocky start to their marriage the two are finally in a happy place -- Kit has stopped boozing and this baby has put a fire under him to be more accommodating and besides helping update and baby-proof the couple’s 15th century countryside manor Kit’s been more attentive to Rose in every way, Love Bites -- Erika Jayne and Tom Girardi split, Maya Erskine and Michael Angarano are engaged and expecting, Ashlee Simpson welcomed her second child with husband Evan Ross 

Page 32: Cover Story -- Jeff Bridges: I’m not giving up -- how the beloved star is coping during his brave health battle 

Page 36: Katherine Heigl why she disappeared -- the reason Katherine walked away from the spotlight ad how she found her way back 

Page 38: Home Alone turns 30 -- in honor of the holiday classic’s milestone anniversary secrets and trivia about the movie and its stars 

Page 40: Feel the Burn -- fitness fanatic Morgan Coleman is here to take your home workout up a notch 

Page 42: Healthy Holidays -- how stars stay fit and feeling their best during the festive season 

Page 46: Style Week -- Olivia Culpo has teamed up with her siblings on an exclusive collection for Macy’s 

Page 48: What’s Hot Right Now -- Madewell wants you to Make Weekends Longer with its new sustainable MWL collection 

Page 49: Steal Her Style -- Drew Barrymore 

Page 50: Dress the Halls -- festive pieces to rock through the holidays even if you’re celebrating at home -- AnnaSophia Robb 

Page 54: Entertainment 

Page 55: Q&A -- Jake Tyson

Page 58: Buzz -- Just weeks after Kim Kardashian West was slammed over her 40th birthday bash Kendall Jenner received similar criticism for throwing a jam-packed soiree for her 25th birthday 

Page 60: Sound Bites -- Cameron Diaz on having a baby at 47, Conan O’Brien on the props that were stolen from his late-night set, Sacha Baron Cohen joking that he and his wife Isla Fisher are not A-listers, Anne Hathaway on the embarrassing ways she handled the lockdown 

Page 61: Florence Pugh on her close relationship with her Black Widow costar Scarlett Johansson, Christine Quinn on not being bothered by negative comments, Chelsea Handler on crushing on New York governor Andrew Cuomo 

Page 62: Horoscope -- Lisa Bonet turned 53 on November 16 

Page 64: By the Numbers -- Colin Jost

[angelasscribbles]

Sunday Six 7.3.22

I had really hoped to get a chapter or two up today, but real life has intervened, so instead I'm just going to drop a couple of teasers here.

I hope everyone is enjoying their fourth of July weekend.

As always, spoilers are under the cut.

My Best Friend’s Girl Chapter 19:

“Riley, what’s wrong?” I asked in concern, sweeping her into my arms without a second thought.

There had been a time when I would have been hesitant to touch her, unsure if she’d want me to. Now I simply wrapped her in my arms, knowing instinctively exactly what she needed. When had that happened? It had been a gradual shift, born out of months spent in each other’s company, first at the palace then Lythikos, Applewood, Ramsford and finally random hotel rooms scattered across the U.S.

Long days of casual conversations, months of getting to know each other, trivia night, pool parties, shopping in the capital, inside jokes, discovering each other’s likes and dislikes. Nights full of drinking, joking, and sometimes real conversations, about politics, religion, our respective childhoods, our hopes, dreams, fears. Long walks in the gardens, through the hedge maze at the palace, exploring the vineyards in Ramsford, watching her bust her ass on the ice in Lythikos, holding her at night as her heart broke, laughing with her in the sunlight as it started to heal.

I had thought that I’d been in love with her from the first moment I’d laid eyes on her. I now knew that wasn’t true. I’d been enthralled, enchanted, infatuated. All of those feelings had been new, exciting and thrilling. But this was something more. What started out as friendship, and attraction, had grown deeper, fuller, richer. I knew this woman, I knew her, and I loved her, inside and out.

The King’s Punishment Part 3:

“So, what do you two have to say for yourselves?”

The men spoke at the same time,

“It was Liam’s fault!”

“It was Max’s fault!”

Riley lifted an eyebrow inquiringly, “Well, one of you is either lying or sorely mistaken.”

“Him!” They chorused together.

“Riley,” Liam was using his reasonable diplomat voice, “He provoked me into it, and I’m like ninety eight percent sure he did it on purpose.”

Riley turned toward Max, “That true, Max? Did you provoke him? On purpose?”

[lovelyirony]

"You found me crying on the kitchen floor in the middle of the night next to a broken jelly jar" and "my parents are coming over in 10 minutes please put some clothes on"

Helen Cho was the Perfect Student. Her notes were the stuff of envy, never had less than a B+ in any class, and always treated others around her with kindness. She was friends with Jane and Bruce, and then soon got absorbed into Bruce and Jane’s other friend group. 

There was just one thing that she couldn’t quite get an A in, and that was talking to her crush. 

Sharon Carter was the prettiest girl that Helen thinks she’s ever seen. With a brilliant smile, a very cute leather jacket, and combat boots, Helen could barely shape words to form a possible discussion.

Sharon also happened to be her neighbor, who liked to wave to Helen whenever she saw her, blasted music from her car, and was also friends with Maria, who Helen was getting closer to. 

So, interaction was unavoidable. 

“You could just say hi,”  Jane mentions. “You could definitely say a one-syllable word.” 

“I’d probably mess up and do something completely awful,” Helen moans. “Like maybe I’ll try to talk to her about weird things.” 

“That just means she learns more about you,” Bruce says, taking a sip of coffee. “But you can’t avoid her. Maria’s hosting a house party at hers tomorrow night, and you’re coming.” 

“I have homework!” Helen exclaims. 

“You’re ahead on the coursework,” Jane responds. “And you can do the history homework the morning of. It’s all about World War II, so you can ask Steve if you want help.” 

Helen agrees, although her mind is racing. 

Sharon, of course, looks great. She always does. Helen likes the blue shirt she has on, and the eyeliner. 

“You should tell her that,” Jane says. She’s been sipping on a drink for a while, trying to get the courage to talk to Thor’s new friend Valkyrie. “I think I’m going to ask Thor’s new friend about herself.” 

Helen circles the room and eventually gets waved over by Sam. 

“I was wondering when you would come over and talk,” he teases. “Listen, we need to settle a debate. What is your opinion on using sharp cheddar cheese on a cheeseburger?” 

“Don’t listen to him, he’s an idiot,” Sharon argues, laughing. She has a beautiful laugh. “He thinks that green bell peppers on pizza is good.” 

“It’s the texture!” Sam yells. 

“They taste gross,” Helen agrees. “Plus, sharp cheddar can overpower the burger. But are we talking grilled at home or restaurant?” 

“Restaurant.” 

“Depends on the other things they put on it,” Helen says. “If they put on everything, then it’s okay. But if it’s just that, it’s a shit burger.” 

“See?!” Sharon exclaims. “Helen gets it, which is why she’s the coolest person here.” 

Helen finds it easier to talk to her after that. Even if she does stutter a little bit when Sharon sits closer to her on the couch when Maria shows up and they start settling down for the night. 

Helen and Sharon listen to Tony tell some wild tale about some of his engineering society buddies and the newest project. 

“Rhodey couldn’t be here, but listen…” 

The stories divert to different people, and Helen listens as best she can before the sleep hits her. 

“You falling asleep?” Sharon asks. Helen nods. 

“Just a little bit. I can get up to get some soda…” 

“Eh, it’s too comfy for you to move,” Sharon says, smile easy. “Here, just use my leg. Sam! Pass me a blanket.” 

Helen is kind of freaking out. She sends a raised look of slight panic to Jane, who laughs from her position nearly on Valkyrie’s lap. 

“That’s all you, Cho.” 

“What do you mean, Jane?” Sharon asks. 

“Nothing!” Helen says. “Just something that we talked about earlier. It’s nothing.” 

“Interesting,” Bruce says, smiling. He’s cuddled into one of Thor’s arms, completely content. “Carry on.” 

Sharon smells like mint. Helen likes it. She thinks maybe that she could stay there for forever. 

She gets woken up by Sharon over her. 

“Hey, time to wake up.” 

“Why?” Helen asks sleepily. “It’s comfy. You’re comfy.” 

“I’m givin’ you a ride home, sweetheart. Up you go.” 

Sharon’s car is comfortable. Helen nods off on the passenger seat. Sharon looks very pretty in the low street light. Her hair looks nice. 

Helen sways as she gets out, smiling goofily. 

“Bye, Sharon. Love you.” 

Sharon laughs, and waves. 

Helen wakes up and realizes she said that. Which, in the grand scheme of things, is not a big deal. People say that all the time. 

But it’s Sharon, who looks very good all the time and oh god she also told her that she was comfy who says that?????? 

At school, things are better. Sharon teases her about it. 

“So, you get very interesting when you’re sleepy.” 

“Oh god,” Helen groans. “I’m sorry if I said anything that was weird.” 

“Nah, you’re cute when you’re sleepy.” 

Helen’s face turns a bright red, and she has to bend down in her locker in order to avoid Sharon seeing the entirety of that comment’s effect. 

Jane is at her locker next, smiling. 

“You’re so whipped. It’s hilarious.” 

“Well so are you with Val!” Helen says. 

“Yeah, but she knows about it. And I’m completely fine with that, really, it leads to so many good things like–” 

“No!” Helen says. “Do not wanna hear it!” 

“I was gonna say dates but I see what you’re thinking,” Jane says, laughing. “But seriously, talk to her.” 

They actually do talk more. Sharon comes to more events, and Helen becomes more comfortable chatting with her. She’s really funny, honest, and they have the same taste in humor. 

This all culminates to the end of the school year. There are finals, and Helen is stressed. She really puts her all into tests, because she wants to get the best possible score for the best possible scholarships. 

Studying does hard things to you, it really does. Helen’s been stressing about her chem exam, because the teacher didn’t mention a lot and what if she fails and then her college tells her that she’s a gigantic failure who should just live in obscurity possibly in the middle of Vermont–

She breaks a jelly jar. 

Her parents are gone, and there’s no one there, and she broke a jelly jar. 

There’s a knock on the door. Helen doesn’t know who it is, but she peeks through the blinds. 

She knows it’s Sharon, and she looks a mess, but she just really needs someone to help her. 

“Honey, what’s wrong?” Sharon asks, bringing Helen into a hug. 

“I just…I’m too stressed. I worked up too much about tests and now I-I’m going to f-fail and no college will w-want me!” Helen says, tears forming. “And I broke a j-jar and I can’t remember where my dad put the broom, and–and–” 

“It’ll be okay,” Sharon says, smoothing tears away from Helen’s face. “Let’s go find the broom, okay?” 

They clean it up, and Helen sits as Sharon sits by her. 

“I’m sorry,” Helen says. 

“You have nothing to apologize for, you know that. I’m just happy I was here to help.” 

Helen leans against her, and Sharon presses a kiss to her forehead. 

“I’ll help you study next time. You do great things, Helen. You care so much for people, and you know that you’re good at school. Anyone would be lucky to have you, and everyone else will be jealous.” 

They don’t get together then. Sharon looks like she might almost kiss Helen, and maybe she would’ve. But Helen has to bid her a goodnight. 

Sharon actually asks Helen to the spring dance. She gives her a sweet sign, candy, and asks her if she wants to have coordinating outfits. 

“How do you mean?” 

“Matching colors,” Sharon says. “I was thinking about wearing a suit, but what were you thinking about wearing?” 

She’s not going to lie: Helen’s brain short-circuited for more than a few moments. Sharon in a suit…that’s a powerful image. 

“What color would you want?” 

They decide on blue. It’ll be cute. Jane grins widely as she drags Helen to different stores. 

“I don’t even know what I’m wearing, but I’m making sure you look so cute that you’ll make her fall into your arms.” 

“I think I’d fall over.” 

“Nah, love makes you strong. Now come on, I think I found a dark blue dress for you.” 

Helen loves the dress. She can’t stop twirling and practicing poses, and her mother loves it. 

Sharon won’t show her the suit until the day of. 

And it’s great. The sleeves are rolled at the elbows, and she’s paired it beautifully with red lipstick. 

“You look great,” Helen says, smiling. 

They take pictures together, and she can’t stop the little thrill that goes through her when Sharon holds her waist just a little bit tighter. 

The dance is fantastic. Some head over to Tony’s, and then Helen and Sharon head over to Sharon’s for a sleepover. 

It ends up being a bit sleepless. 

“I can’t believe you look so amazing every day I see you,” Sharon murmurs. 

“What? Have you seen yourself?” Helen asks. “You look…amazing.” 

“Oh yeah?” 

“Yeah.” 

There’s a brief silence. 

“I’m just gonna say it,” Sharon says. “I really kind of want to kiss you right now because I like you. Is it mutual, or…?” 

“Get over here,” Helen breathes, grinning as Sharon starts kissing her. 

Sharon’s gotten Helen out of her dress before they hear a phone buzz. They stop, both checking. 

Sharon’s face pales. 

“My parents’ event got cancelled and they’ll be home in like two minutes. Get some clothes on!” 

Helen scrambles, and ends up wearing one of Sharon’s shirts and her old pajama shorts. 

“Hey girls,” Mrs. Carter says, smiling. “Good to see you, so sorry it’s early.” 

“No problem at all,” Helen responds sweetly. What event got canceled?” 

“Oh, a couple’s night at a bar,” she says. “It was trivia night.” 

“You could always do trivia at the bar down the street,” Sharon suggests. “Because they do it until, like, two a.m.” 

“Already trying to get rid of your mother?” Mrs. Carter responds. “What have you two been up to?” 

“Eh, nothing,” Sharon says. “Just got home, changing out of dance outfits. You know the drill.” 

They exchange a few more pleasantries, and then Helen nearly bursts out laughing. Sharon grins, crawling up to bed. 

“Well, guess the excitement is over for the night.” 

“I suppose you’re right,” Helen says, smiling. “But hey. There’s a new place downtown that’s supposed to serve killer shaved ice. Wanna come with me?” 

“Helen, I’ll go anywhere with you,” Sharon whispers, turning off the light. “Anywhere at all.”