#I'm quite worried that she started with good novels though

[nishicchikouchi]

HUEHEHEHEHEH. A friend of mine whose read ORV is now reading LCF. HEHEHE. She ship joongdok. And also starting to ship alcale. I have introduced ao3 to her last week. I sent the link of the tags for both. I haven't recommended a fic yet. I'm gonna break her in hehehe. HUEHEHEHEHEH

[aprilsprincess]

you are in love | cedric diggory x fem!reader (part 1)

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Cedric was content with what he had. He was prefect, quidditch captain and the unspoken partner of yours. He wouldn't want to risk a thing with you because everything is so good as it is. But when other students are thrown into the equation, at the end of the day, is he truly yours?

warnings: two dummies in love, reader is a Gryffindor

word count: 2.5k

a/n: This is my first fic published so I'm nervous!! But I'm going to try to make multiple parts for this one because it was just getting too long and I have so many ideas for Cedric (bc we were robbed!) Also not proofread! ₊˚⊹♡

Fred pushed the list of self made “Prettiest Girls at Hogwarts” in the new first years’ faces. The tiny moving portraits of the Hogwarts girls looked a little silly in the first years’ minds but the twins insisted that pictures solidify their case.   

“These are who you lot should be aiming for,” he stated with confidence, utterly prideful of the list, “aside from y/n of course, she’s off limits.” 

“Off limits? She said she didn’t have a boyfriend while she toured us though?” a small first year girl chirped. The twins exchanged a knowing look before chuckling slowly. 

“The beautiful Gryffindor prefect, my little unknowing friends, is off limits because ah, right on time as usual” George dramatically cocked his head in your direction.  

You had been eating your breakfast alone quite peacefully when you felt someone in yellow dawned robes slip into the open seat beside you. 

“Cedric Diggory, Hufflepuff prefect, quidditch seeker-“ 

“And captain” George sang. 

“And just all around dream boy. All the girls think he’s bloody fit.” Fred concluded. 

“He has kind of an unspoken dibs on y/n. Has had one since last year when they became prefects. No one has even tried to make any advances on her cause of it.” 

“Why’s that?” the first years were now all huddled close to the twins, listening with intense interest. 

Fred rolled his eyes, “because look at the bloke!” A couple of students from neighbouring tables looked curiously in the direction of the loud proclamation. Looking around he leaned in closer to whisper, “Rumour has it he’s planning to put his name in for the Triwizard Tournament this year too. He’s as fit they come!” 

“Not to mention he’s so bloody nice that you can’t even hate the bloke for being so perfect.” George finished as the rest of the table nodded along, absorbing the precious information. 

“He’s not perfect you know.” Everyone whipped their head to see Hermione chiming in, not even looking up from her books. 

“If he was the dream boy you all say he is, they would’ve been together by now. Personally, I think he’s too comfortable for his own good.” 

“What’d you mean by that Hermione?” Fred asked. 

She shut her book with a thud and sighed, “Yes he’s attractive in all ways, but how long do you reckon he’s going to keep stringing her along like that? He’s been flirting with her for as long as he’s known her but won’t do anything about it. It’s sad really.” 

The twins paused while exchanging confused looks, not understanding what was so sad about the two perfect prefects’ relationship. 

“Ugh, boys!” Hermione, exasperated, gave up and opened the thick novel to continue her literature. 

It’s not like Cedric didn’t like you. He liked everything about you, but Hermione was right, he was comfortable with how things were. He wasn’t cocky, not in the slightest, but he was always far from worried when it came to you and other guys at the school. Everyone knew about you two, so he’s never been challenged for your attention. He in all honesty, guiltily enjoyed the lack of complication that the two of you had when it came to your relationship status. There wouldn’t be anything to lose if he didn’t start anything, so he stayed in his comfort with you. 

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“Morning y/n!” Cedric’s presence instantly made you feel relaxed and warm. 

“It’s such a pleasure seeing you here at my house’s table this morning Diggory.” you teased. It wasn’t completely unnatural for Cedric to join you at the Gryffindor table, but he usually felt that as a prefect, sitting at his own house table was almost a requirement. 

“I came bearing quite honourable and exciting news y/n,” he was beaming, so excited that it seemed like he was going to jump out of his seat, “I’ve decided to do it this year. I’ve officially made up my mind that I’m going to throw my name out for the Triwizard Tournament.” 

He was ecstatic, to say the least, and it was difficult for you to match his energy as you had just heard the worst news you could’ve expected from him. The Tournament has had students die while participating, so it wasn’t surprising that you didn’t want the boy you cared so much about to have a chance at it. 

He caught onto your uncertainty fairly quickly; you were obviously smiling but it didn’t reach your eyes. He let out a breath and carefully reached for your hand. 

“I know that you may feel hesitant about it but believe me, I know the risks but there is so much for me to gain from this experience. So please trust in me y/n.” his pleading eyes were too difficult to resist. 

“I do, I do trust you Cedric,” you mustered as much support as you could in that moment, “the Goblet would be stupid not to choose such a fine competitor.” Your words seemed to satisfy Cedric as he jumped out of his seat, gave you a quick kiss atop of your head and sped off to the Hufflepuff common rooms. 

He had made his mind up and the only thing you could possibly do was to try to hex that stupid over-gloried cup in your mind as you prayed to Dumbledore for Cedric’s name not to be pulled.  

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The news that students from other schools were coming to Hogwarts excited the masses. It wasn’t every day they got to see such new faces. Especially faces as attractive as the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students. 

Everyone was bursting with excitement in the Great Hall, awaiting anxiously for the foreign students to arrive. You on the other hand were busy glancing at Cedric who was chatting happily with his housemates. 

“You’re staring you know.” Hermione’s deadpan voice made your head turn to face her, your eyes lingering just a second longer on the Hufflepuff table. 

“Honestly y/n, we have some of the greatest wizarding students coming in for a tournament that only happens every five years and your focus is on Diggory? Merlin y/n if anything, focus on the OWLs instead.” Hermione wasn’t annoyed, but instead truly baffled as to how you could easily ignore such a large celebration for one boy. 

You held up your hands in defense, but before you could retort, Dumbledore had already started introducing the new guests. 

The vision of blue overwhelmed your senses and you were stunned for a second, only being snapped back to reality by the hollering of the surrounding boys. You shifted in your seat in an attempt to see Cedric’s reaction to the Beauxbaton girls, but the rowdiness of the male students blocked your vision. Sinking back in your seat pouting, you wondered if Cedric was enjoying this as much as the other boys were. I mean, Ron was practically drooling. You didn’t have much time to sulk over the issue as you got simultaneously shoved on both sides by Hermione and Ginny. You craned your neck to see what was causing this female commotion. 

“Oh Merlin y/n, it’s Viktor Krum! And he’s even better up close!” Ginny whispered excitedly. You stared at the older boy not really impressed but you giggled with Ginny nonetheless, feeling left out of the Viktor-Krum-is-so-handsome festivities that were happening at the table. 

From across the grand path of new students, Cedric stared at you as you giggled and whispered with Ginny. Following your line of sight, his eyes were met with the stiff, soldier-like, famous Viktor Krum. Groaning, he hung his head in his hands as the noises of the Great Hall faded in his ears. He was beginning to think, maybe he was, in fact too cocky when it came to you. 

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Your friends were whispering excitedly in the courtyard when you had joined them. 

“What’s got you lot so excited?” you asked while squeezing to sit between Hermione and Ginny on the ledge. 

“Viktor Krum! What else?” Ginny chirped excitedly. Just at the mention of his name, the other girls squealed in pure bliss. You observed your young friends’ excitement happily. You hadn’t had much time to observe the new Hogwarts guests, as the reality of Cedric putting his name into the goblet this year became more and more clear to you. A warm hand delicately tapped your shoulder from behind you, breaking you from your worries temporarily, and you looked up and behind to see Cedric standing behind you while giving you his most infamous, heart-stopping smile. 

“Ladies” he nodded to the group of girls in acknowledgement before bringing his full attention to you. Content, you leaned your head back into his chest as you looked up at the boy who seemed to be radiating sunshine. 

“Cedric! What are you doing here?” you were beaming. He looked like honey. You couldn’t really describe it, but he was just so warm and so sweet. Beautiful really.  Especially in the courtyard sun. 

“I thought you could perhaps lend me your potions books for today?” he grinned lopsidedly at you as you sighed and pulled out the heavy book. How could you ever say no to this boy? 

“You’re the champion of my heart y/n, you know that?” you laughed when he clutched his heart with his free arm. Your heart bubbled with warmth. You let yourself bask in the feeling only for a moment when Ginny moved to head back to the common rooms first. Feeling rather amorous, you told her you would meet her back there soon. You wanted to share your bubbly feelings with someone and Ginny always loved listening to it. 

“Not just your heart Diggory.” Hermione teased quietly seeing that you were distracted with Ginny for a moment. She gestured Cedric towards a pair of Durmstrang students. One in particular seemed to be taking quite an interest in you. As the Durmstrang boy kept glancing at you, Cedric’s hand on your shoulder unconsciously became a little stiffer and he pulled you a little closer. 

Cedric then bent down to reach your ear and whispered lowly, “I really do appreciate it y/n. You’re not only the champion of my heart but also the one who holds my mind, body and soul in all completion.” The cheesiness of his words had you giggling. You knew he didn’t truly mean what he was saying, but the light tinge of pink on your cheeks was evident. 

Stretching back up to stand Cedric held his gaze on the Durmstrang boy, feeling rather confident and accomplished as he watched the boy’s friend pat him on the back consolingly as they walked away. 

“Oh, Merlin! I forgot that I told Ginny I’d meet her in the common room!” you frantically gathered your things and hollered rushed goodbyes. “Don’t forget to return my potions book Cedric!” you reminded and he chuckled lightly to himself in response. 

As your sporadic figure grew smaller in the distance, Hermione turned to face Cedric. “You know Diggory, every guy at Hogwarts may know of your guys’ relationship, but the ones at Durmstrang don’t.” Hermione stated matter-of-factly, making Cedric’s grin falter. 

“What’s that supposed to mean Granger?” Frustrated, Hermione groaned, “It means that although the boys at Hogwarts don’t fancy y/n, that doesn’t mean that the boys at Durmstrang won’t. You can’t pull that kind of stunt again with every Durmstrang boy she comes in contact with. Godric, boys are so dim sometimes!” she huffed as she turned on her heel to leave. 

Cedric rubbed the back of his neck, feeling quite sheepish for being caught in his rather childish act. Hermione was right though, he wouldn’t be able to keep every single guy away from you. So what was he supposed to do? 

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The night of the choosing of names came all too fast for you. You knew he put in his name. You knew he really wanted this. And for some reason, you felt like you knew he would be picked. This weighed heavily on your mind and you honestly could not for the life of you, pay attention to who the other two victors were. 

The paper flew out and Dumbledore caught it. The dread in your stomach increased to a nauseating level, the chatter of the students ringing in your ears and then the room went quiet. It wasn’t actually quiet but suddenly you weren’t able to hear the cheers of your peers as you watched the boy you yearned for so dearly, walk through the aisles in celebratory fashion. Your head started spinning, how many students had entered their names? What were the odds? How was it possible that the one student, the one student that you couldn’t risk being out in that tournament, had gotten picked? 

Cedric was on top of the world at that moment. He wasn’t too interested in becoming legendary or glorified through the Tournament but was simply elated to bring pride to the Hufflepuff House. He would be lying though, if he said that he would gladly take on the glory if it meant you would see him as such. Thinking of you, he searched quickly for your head in the crowd. When he finally spotted you, his grin widened but as he saw your fallen and disconnected expression he grew concerned and tried to move his way through the crowd to your spot. Unfortunately, it was a lost cause as the Goblet erupted once more and the wave of confused students swept Cedric further away from you. 

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“Krum’s got a yes!” Cedric turned his attention away from his house tablemates to the rowdy group of Durmstrang boys that were chirping excitedly. 

“Who’s the lucky woman Viktor? I mean half of this school wants to be your date to the Yule Ball! You have to tell us who you ended up asking!” the boys leaned in eager to hear more about Viktor’s proposal. 

“Who else, I asked the pretty Gryffindor I said I would ask.” he replied shortly, seemingly unamused by his friends. 

“Bloody hell, he’s asked y/n!” Cedric whipped his head around to the first-year Hufflepuff who had also turned to listen in. Cedric’s facial expression dropped. 

Glancing at Cedric nervously one of the older Hufflepuffs questioned the girl, “How in Merlin’s Beard would know that? Krum didn’t even say that he had asked y/n.” 

“It’s obvious!” she smiled as she hurriedly reached into her pocket and fished out a piece of paper. 

“Prettiest…Girls…At…Hogwarts” one of the Hufflepuffs read aloud slowly. Unbeknownst to you, the twins have not only been solidifying their list with the Gryffindor first years, but ALL the first years. 

“Look!” she pointed to your tiny moving portrait on the paper. 

“It says right there: y/n, 6th year, Gryffindor. If Viktor Krum had been talking about a pretty Gryffindor, it had had to be her. She’s a prefect, he would absolutely go for her!” the tiny girl smiled proudly at her findings as if she had cracked a hard case. 

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Sitting alone in the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric was deep in thought. 

Had Viktor Krum really asked you to the ball? Had you really said yes? He knew he hadn’t asked you at all but he had assumed it was only natural that the two of you would’ve gone together. Right..?

The more he questioned you and himself the more miserable he became.

[hypermania]

transcript of the full thread:

"A very long thread: To the League fans, We found out this news along with you on Friday. I see the pain and anger and worry out there, which for the LGBTQIA+ fans of the show is of course compounded by what’s happening across the country right now. #ALeagueOfTheirOwn

So the first and most important thing to say is: Before anything, before you fight for the show or each other, please take care of yourselves. Reach out to your community and ask for help if you need it. You aren’t alone. Please be kind to yourselves.

As I’ve been thinking about what’s happened, I come back to a quote from Penny Marshall’s film: “The hard is what makes it great.” Making this show is so hard and so great. There’s quite a bit to say about what’s been hard, but at this point that’s in the past.

Of course, if we have an avenue to do it well, we will continue the show, and I love seeing the noise you’re making in support of that. The noise matters!

And it’s hard for me to imagine there wouldn’t be a home for a show that thanks to you was in the Nielsen Top 10 for three weeks, was the top show on Amazon for a month and in the top five for six, that was recognized by critics as something special, that’s been recognized…

…with awards from GLAAD, HRC and a million other organizations, that was on a million year-end top ten lists, and that has a built in and deeply passionate audience.

Amazon is pursuing different kinds of programming, but to the rest of the world this show is a hit and has huge value and even greater potential. But first things first, we have to win this strike and get a fair deal before we can explore what comes next.

But for a moment, I want to talk about what happens if the world didn’t quite change quickly enough for you to have all the seasons of this show that we want to give you.

If we don’t find a good path forward, I will still know that League did what it came here to do and, in its own small way, changed the world.

And that’s because of all of you, and the light you continue to shine on the show — How you let it matter to you, how you let it become a mirror, how you let it change you.

I’ve never experienced a response to a show that’s as deep, personal, creative and meaningful as what the fans have done with League. When we were making the season 1, we all wondered and worried about whether people would accept it on its own terms next to the film.

They have, and you did that, and so much more. You lit up the internet on your first watch throughs of the show, when you realized where it was going (and made all of us laugh in the process).

You wrote enough fan fiction for 100 novels and created an outpouring of art and creativity that could fill its own museum — I’ve truly never seen anything like it.

You lifted up a 95 year old who had just come out of the closet and made her into a celebrity who gets recognized wherever she goes. Every time any member of the cast appears at anything, you turn it into a convention.

You stop Abbi wherever she goes, and though I’m a happily inconspicuous person, and you constantly find me and stop me and give me gifts that now have a shelf in my house.

When thousands of you appeared to see D’Arcy at the stage door of The Thanksgiving Play over its run, you turned it into the hottest queer bar in New York. You made Max’s suit and Chante’s beautiful performance into a movement.

A mob of you went to Pittsburgh and saw all of our locations. You dressed as the characters and made our characters into one of the biggest halloween costumes of last year.

You came out, you changed pronouns, you started living more openly, you gave sermons in church about the show, you opened bars, and you got a truly mind boggling number of tattoos that say “to the five” and “rob the bank.” What else am I forgetting? I'm sure you'll remind me.

But most importantly, you made a community, you found each other and found joy, which of course is what the show is about. In many more ways than I would ever have let myself imagine while we were making it, you literally bring the show to life every day.

Thank you for making our work mean something bigger. We’ve heard from so many different kinds of people around the world who are watching League.

But, in a time when all queer people are personally and politically under attack across the country and HRC has declared a “state of emergency,” my biggest fear is that the many queer fans of League will take this reversal as one more invalidation, one more blow, one more…

…effect of the general politicization of our identities. Most of us grew up feeling invisible, and as we gain strength, the predictable backlash forces are trying their hardest to get us to go back underground.

In case anyone needs to hear it: You are not small, niche, modest, off-putting or marginal, and neither are your stories. You are multitudes, you are building, and your stories are universal. You are the most rapidly growing audience and consumer group in this country.

You are powerful. You are the future, and the people who don’t recognize your importance now will feel be clamoring to catch up in a few years. As Chante said so beautifully when we received the Human Right Campaign Visionary award, you are the main characters. Be proud.

Be angry if you that’s how you feel, but know that we are going to win, and don’t ever let this moment or any other make you small. The biggest lesson of the characters in this show is that, in a world that had no space for them at all, they LIVED. (Continued)

They found love, they did the things they loved, they won. You’re doing the same thing, and just like them, you are heroes. We are still fighting for League. But whether we win or lose this one, I’m so proud.

From the time when we began working on the season, Abbi, Deta and I said to each other — Let’s not hold anything back, for as long as we get to be here, let’s do this the right way.

We got so many notes wondering if the exploration of the queer world of the 1940s or Max’s world would be better saved for season 2, if people needed to start somewhere a little more familiar. I’m so glad we didn’t listen, cause now I’m sitting here without any regrets.

And no matter what happens, the people behind League aren’t going anywhere. Give us a minute, we will be back with more for you to watch and read and feel. We’re going to win.

And you’re not going anywhere either, because what you’ve built and what you are is bigger than this show. It’s the story of our community, that comes to us through the hidden history that League shows just one small part of: The bars got raided and shut down.

But the people didn’t go anywhere, and they opened a new bar, and out of those spaces came music, cinema, dance, culture — What we now see as mainstream was birthed from the spaces our predecessors were forced to hide in. They made joy there."

[heyidkyay]

And I'm petrified of being alone, now |

Part Ten

Matty Healy x reader

Summary: She’s just trying to get by, really. What with being a single parent to her four year old son whilst simultaneously trying to kick start a successful career as a radio presenter. She’s got everything she’s ever wanted though, friends close by, a mum who’s merely a phone call away, and of course her baby boy. What else is there to wish for? But then, it’s not long before her relatively normal life gets upended and turned on its head, and she’s suddenly forced to deal with situations she’s never even thought to imagine.

What happens when one mention of a certain controversial singer on her show sends a flood of unexpected challenges her way? 

Authors Note: It was in the drafts and it's been a while so I thought I'd post. Might not hear from me for a bit though after this, so I hope you like the next part. Thank you for all the love on this one.

Masterlist

A warm bout of light filtered into the bedroom through a small gap in the curtains. It gave the space a sepia feel, tinting the light bedding and walls a warm hazel colour. Creating a haze of skittering beams above me.

It wasn't much, the room. It simply held the necessities I thought I needed seeing as I didn't spend too much of my time in it, other than when I needed to dress or sleep. I’ve really had too many other things occupying my time during the past few years that have kept me from worrying over the state of it.

There was a rickety old dresser, which sat in the far corner and had been something I'd picked up during my time at uni. Student accommodation had been lacking and so Finn had decided, quite early on I might add, that it would be in our best interest to find ourselves some cheap furniture to fill it with.

In truth, we’d actually had to lug the pesky thing all the way down a dual-carriageway and across a roundabout, after having spotted it advertised in the window of our local offy. It held a good few memories though, like when the pair of us had jumped up onto it at the first sight of an eight-legged pal, or the time I’d walked in to find him getting railed over its top.

Then there was the large mahogany wardrobe that had been purchased from a wholesaler not very long after I had finally gotten a newly born Teddy settled into the tiny flat I'd rented out in Hackney. 

It had been cramped, what with the bathroom having been the size of a broom cupboard and the only bedroom having led straight into our ‘fun-sized’ kitchen. But we'd made it work. In fact, it had practically been a Godsend during those nightly feeds- six steps and I’d been right by the cooker!

The wardrobe had been a much needed purchase though, and one of the first things I had bought solely for myself since I’d moved out of mam’s.

Then there was the side table, sat next to the one edge of my bed that hadn't been backed into a wall, which held a reading light, a three wicked candle and a couple of novels with folded and refolded receipts sticking out the sides as page markers.

I had garnered quite the collection of books, I could admit, all of which seemed to line up haphazardly on the opposite wall. I tended to smile whenever I caught sight of its heavy shelves, a reminder of all the havoc that had gone into them whilst putting them up. It had taken me three whole days, and even though they were still a tad lopsided, I still gazed upon them in pride.

A woeful plant burdened my windowsill, a slither of its olive coloured pot barely seen from behind the billowing beige curtains. Whilst cushions sat in disarray across the hardwood floor below, having been tossed every which way the night previous.

There were dirty clothes in the hamper by the half-opened door and a basket of clean, partially folded, washing in a chair sitting beside the wardrobe. 

The room wasn't completely tidy, but not a tip either.

Humming groggily to myself, I began to stir from the deep sleep I’d lost myself in and used the ball of my palm to rub tiredly at my eye just as a furrowed line creased between my brows. 

It was far too quiet, I deemed, and must've been later than usual too because Teddy normally had us both up long before the crack arse of dawn. So I sniffed once and then went to turn over, just to check the time as I always did, but couldn't stop the way I stilled completely at the sight that greeted me.

Because in bed, right beside me, laid another body. One hidden deep beneath the weighted duvet and my favoured blanket, but a body nonetheless. 

Shit.

It appeared in the remaining foggy haze of last night, I had quite simply forgotten about the man I'd invited back home. And into my bed, it seemed. As well as the ill-timed events that had led up to it, too. 

My breath hitched when the man suddenly moved in his sleep and I did my very fucking best not to express any of my thoughts or feelings outwardly. Desperate not to actually rouse the sleeper. 

Instead, I inhaled. Once, then twice. Before finally, I gathered enough courage and strength to slowly inch myself all the way down to the very end of the bed. Mindful not to drag the duvet down with me.

Once I was standing- still fully clothed, I might tack on (thank you to small miracles!)- I allowed myself a second to just peer down and admire the dark, curling locks that now sprawled across my pale pillowcase. As well as the slither of skin which poked out from beneath the bed sheets. 

In all honesty, I couldn't actually recall the last time I'd shared my space like this, so freely it almost felt effortless.

Quickly though, I blinked myself out of those sorts of thoughts and took another, much needed, deep breath. The flat was still as quiet as it had been a moment prior, but I was careful to tread incredibly lightly when I turned to grab the nearest set of clean clothes. Then, cautiously, I started to tiptoe my way out of the bedroom.

Standing in the hallway, with a wooden door now planted firmly between me and my overnight guest, I threw my head back in silent ire. Questioning just how, why! I had gotten myself into a situation this stress inducing, a situation I had not been in since my days at uni. I could only  just begin to imagine how this would all pan out once everyone was finally wide awake and Teddy had-

Oh God, Teddy!

It was painfully embarrassing to admit that I had just about worked myself into a right state before it finally hit me that Teddy was, in fact, still with Finn. At his flat, not even ten minutes away, and not down the hall, sleeping in the same space as a fucking strange bloke he’d never even set eyes on.

So with that anxiety riddled train of thought now settled, I found that I was ultimately calmer and took a deep breath before resolving to head off to the loo before anything else happened to occur. Or before I sent myself into another full blown panic attack.

I wandered down the rest of the hall into the bathroom and went about my business before stripping out of last night’s clothes. I couldn't stop myself from wincing at the laddered tights I’d since tugged off, those which would surely have to go straight in the bin, and then stepped into a pair of well-worn joggers as well as a newer jumper I’d found during the early summer sales.

It was a long and thoughtful process that had me deciding that I should start on a pot of tea, because if I couldn't sneak my way out of this entire affair via the front door, then tea would simply have to do. Us Brits, hey?

But first, I needed to find my phone.

The thing wasn't too hard to locate. I found it lying on the kitchen counter when I walked in, charging, and did my best to recall the events of the previous night as I puttered around to fill the kettle.

There had been the phone call.

Then Finn taking Teddy.

The tube ride to the bar.

Ronan... As well as everyone else.

And then, Matty had appeared out of nowhere and turned my entire sodding night on its head.

"Christ." I heard myself grumble under my breath, feeling as though I had aged an entire year in a single night.

The hangover I was now supposed to be nursing was teetering around the edges of my mind, a headache oncoming I reckoned seeing as though my shock had hit it clean off onto the verge upon waking up. But still, I found myself rubbing at my temples for a brief second before splaying my palms out on the cold counter in an attempt to calm my brewing emotions.

"Could tell you a few ways to reach him, but I don't reckon he's the sort to make house calls..."

I startled at the sound of the unexpected voice and snapped my head straight up to find Matty standing in the doorway to my kitchen. The man had apparently foregone trousers, choosing instead to make up for the lack of material on his bottom half with a pair of thick socks and an oversized jumper I knew had been draped across my dresser only moments earlier. 

I couldn't find it in himself to complain though, not that I would've. Matty looked far too indecent standing there, morning light illuminating his milky skin and shadowing his already dark, tousled hair, watching me through bleary eyes.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Is what I chose to reply with, heartbeat still a little erratic, pulsing in the curve of my throat. I reached a hand up to tug on an earring, the other arm moving to wrap its way around my torso.

Matty’s lip quirked upwards when he stepped further into the room, just as the kettle whistled away to a boil.

"You're alright." He waved off, and shook his head lightly as he made his way over to where two mugs had since been placed on the counter. Two mugs I’d put down without much thought as to whether or not he was sticking around long enough for a brew.

Still, I hadn’t needed to fret over it, seeing as I was forced to watch on as Matty brewed the tea himself; popping a tea bag into each cup and steeping them in hot water. He then cocked a questioning brow in my direction which startled me into motion.

"Sugar’s in the tin.” I told him softly, pointing in its direction, “You'll have to make do with skimmed milk though I'm afraid, got none of that oat shit."

Matty snorted in retort and crossed the floor to open the fridge, looking almost too at home in my austere, little kitchen. Especially when the jumper he wore rid high enough up his thighs to expose the edging of his tight, black boxers.

I looked away.

"Might be a bigshot, babe, but a decent cuppa means actual milk." Matty tutted, paying no mind to the homage of colourful drawings on my fridge door as it rattled shut, and then returned to his station to pour an ungodly amount of milk into one mug. He hovered the bottle over the other.

"Just a splash, please. No sugar." I told him quietly and he hummed in turn, stirring methodically before he fished the teabags out and into the bin.

I took my mug rather cautiously once Matty had picked up his own and taken perch on top of my countertop, feeling a bout of unease at seeing the singer so comfortable in my humble home. What must he think of it all?

I tried not to stress anymore than I already had and took a small sip instead, looking at the way the man opposite fiddled with the old school radio that resided on the closest shelf. It was something I'd brought along with me from back home, it had belonged to one of my grandfathers, I wasn't sure which, but it tended to soothe me whenever I cooked in the late evenings, or during the long nights when Teddy was up all hours. 

The warm tea soothed my dry throat and eased some of that tension I still had coiled in the line of my shoulders, enough so that I felt the need to start up another conversation just to fill the lingering silence.

My tongue darted out to wet my bottom lip and then I cleared my throat, cradling the hot mug in my hands.

"So, about last night..."

I was overall quite surprised to see the way Matty's entire mood immediately shifted upon hearing my opener. His lethargic demeanour- mostly down to having just woken up- stiffened entirely and sharpened his tired eyes and soft lips.

"Last night." Parroted Matty, voice low and tinged with a slight rasp that I hadn't paid much attention to a minute ago. It held power, though toneless. 

I paused, if only for a moment to weigh my next words. It was important that Matty understood that last night had been a bit of an overreaction on my part, that I’d misstepped whilst drunk, and not something other. I couldn’t deal with any of that right now, if ever. No one needed to know the extent of what had gone down.

"Ronan, he's... well, he's just always been a bit protective."

Matty stared back at me, his face utterly blank. Enough so that I actually startled slightly when he scoffed. It was a loud sound that echoed off the tiles, before his jaw set sternly and his narrowed eyes met my own. “Hang on, you're actually choosing to defend that dickhead?" 

I blinked in return, gaping in truth, at the realisation that I’d completely forgotten the fact that I'd explained much of what had happened, drunkenly, to Matty on the cab ride home. The same journey which had ended with not only Matty escorting me up to my front door but me also inviting him inside. 

Couldn’t he have just been a gentleman and declined? Left me to choke on my own sick and perhaps allow me to die with the little dignity I’d had left?

It wasn't anything like most would've probably imagined though, the whole me asking him up thing, that much I knew. My intentions hadn't been anywhere near illustrious and I certainly hadn't set out to lure the illusive singer into my bed. I’d merely wanted some company after all that had happened that night is all, scared to be alone with the guilt, even.

Which was honestly a first for me. It had always been so much easier for me to just deal with my many thoughts and complicated emotions alone, behind closed doors and far, far from judgement. 

It seemed that the alcohol had addled my mind slightly.

I couldn’t help the sigh I gave then, nor the way I curled up further into the wooden chair I’d since sat in.

"No, just-"

Matty scoffed again, this time cutting me off completely. "Well, it sounds as though you are, darling."

I went to argue but found I couldn't- not that Matty gave me much of an opportunity to though. No, the man simply stampeded on, didn’t he?

Were all rock stars this pigheaded?

"I mean, for fucks sake, Mouse! What were you thinking? I've met my fair share of arseholes but he was no doubt one of the biggest, toed right in line beside me when I was off my face, in truth. He was so fucking arrogant, controlling and- moody! My God, he was a downright moody prick, too. And those were just my thoughts before seeing the aftermath of what went down at the end of the night!” 

He shook his head vehemently.

"And protective, really Squeaks? I'm sorry to say this, babe, honest I am, but you might need a reality check, mate. He was downright possessive. Glaring at you the entire night only to try and stake his claim the second you were alone."

I gritted my teeth, unhappy with the way Matty had portrayed everything.

"He's a friend!" I tried to defend but Matty, who had since quietly settled his mug down in spite of his obvious anger, jumped off the counter and stepped forward.

"More like deranged!" He spat back, "I saw you! I was fucking there! I had to look into your eyes, see the blinding panic, the fear. Don't tell me that he's a friend, not when he caused a reaction like that. I mean, you can be intimidating when you want to be- all sweet like, subdued, and intelligent. You're all these fascinating things rolled up into one oversized jumper, and yet, you let someone like him walk all over you? Treat you like you're his property or something." He scoffed once more, shaking his head like he couldn’t believe the words he was having to spew.

I stared long and hard into his dark eyes before I couldn't stand to any longer, instead I turned away to blow out an unsteady breath.

Matty was right, I knew that much, alright? But it didn't mean I had to enjoy having to admit to that. Having someone else in on a secret I’d kept for so long, one I hadn't even realised I’d been keeping, not really. It all just felt like a little too much to be dealing with all at once and so early in the morning to boot. Because in actuality, I didn't want to face up to the fact that I had actually allowed someone to treat me that way. To know that other people had finally been a witness to it. Seen me that weak.

I had vowed long ago to never let another person put me in such a state of vulnerability. But here I was, a-fucking-gain.

I heard Matty sigh before socked feet dragged closer and I felt a gentle hand come to rest at the bow of my elbow. He sighed again, softer this time though, when I only continued to stare resolutely out of the kitchen window.

"I'm sorry for blowing my top, yeah? I just- it annoys me, to see you wash your hands of it so easily. As though you believed what he'd done was okay."

I swallowed thickly.

"You deserve better than that, okay?" Matty added.

I had to glance up at the ceiling to blink away the mist in my eyes, but did finally dip my head in silent acknowledgement, pulling away slightly so that I could take a moment to gather myself.

Matty didn't move when I crossed the kitchen floor to riffle through my cupboards, rooted to the ground almost, but he was spurred into action only a few seconds later.

I’d just placed a carton of eggs on the side and moved to turn on the hob when the old radio stuttered to a start. It let that silence I so hated fade away, and gave me the kick I needed to carry on.

"How'd you like your eggs?" I asked, and felt more than saw Matty’s relieved smile. He just had a way of taking up all the space in a room, as though he were its own gravitational pull and everyone else just had to be aware of his every cue. 

I hid my own, however tiny smile, as best I could.

"Fried. Got any bacon?"

And just like that, things evened out and our 'talk' was seemingly long forgotten. To be honest, I actually got so caught up in the normality of it all, the radio playing, the sidestepping, the easy smiles, that I completely forgot about the world around us. Everyone else that lived beyond these four walls.

It was just as we’d finished up eating and Matty had jumped up to grab our plates, that a familiar alert sounded. I glanced away and was reminded that life had in fact continued on without us.

I hurried over to where my phone was still sat on the side and worried at my lower lip when I saw the many notifications which lined the dimming screen. The newest was from Finn.

Messages now Finnleyyy Awake yet drunkard? Got a little man here ready to head home, well fed and only a little dirty!

It was instantaneous the way my gaze darted up to where Matty was now standing by the sink, only a tad surprised to find him making an attempt at the washing up. He must've felt my eyes on him though because he turned to flash me a grin over his right shoulder a second later. I tried my best to smile back, but the thought of Teddy meeting Matty, and of Matty meeting Teddy... just didn't sit quite well with me.

My thumbs flew their way across the screen to type up a speedy reply. 

Messages now Just woke up Sort of got a visitor? And before you start, no it wasn't like that, but I promise to tell you more when you get here Can you give me half hour??

It was only a little embarrassing, having to mention my overnight guest, especially whilst knowing it was the same man Finn had been blatantly teasing me about these past few weeks, but I really didn't want to have these two parts of my life crossover. Not right now.

With everything I understood about Matty and his past, I had to be certain that he was the kind of person I wanted my son to be around. The kind of person my son was safe to be around. And I was nowhere near sure where I currently was on that scale.

Matty was unreliable. His job had him everywhere and nowhere at once, up all hours of the day, and on a bus most months out of the year. That was something I really had to consider here. 

Because I really was just trying to be brutally honest with myself. No matter how genuine Matty might've seemed in his recent efforts, I also knew that he was bound to get bored of our dubious friendship sooner or later, and that Teddy tended to get rather attached quite quickly. And I wouldn't stand by and watch my son get hurt when Matty finally chose to walk away. It was tough, him only having so few people constantly around, I wished so greatly that I could give him the big family I’d always dreamed of, but new people always had me so weary.

I breathed out a quiet sigh of relief when Finn finally messaged back giving me the okay, as well as the expected hard time.

Messages now Finnleyyy Ah I'll be sure to rinse you of every detail, you lazy sod! And Teds will be fine, we'll stop off at the park on our way over

Matty popped up right beside me then, just as I exited my messages, and I was merely thankful that I'd managed to avoid him seeing anything that could have led to questions. In an attempt to both evade and act casual, I scrolled down further to see who else had texted. 

"Anything interesting?"

I blinked up at him, mouth now suddenly agape, then to my screen, then back up at him.

"Erm, you might want to see this." I told Matty as I all but threw my mobile into his hands. 

The Sun 07:34 HOTHEAD HEALY IS BACK AND MAKING HEADLINES WITH DARK HAIRED BEAUTY

MTV 08:02 MATTY HEALY SPOTTED AT LONDON BAR WITH NEW FLING!

The Mirror 08:11 A WILD NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN FOR 1975 SINGER AND FRIENDS TURNS SOUR

In all the new texts I’d gotten Jamie had been the one to send the first few articles, but one seemingly spiralled into another, like a spider spinning its deceitful web.

Matty’s sudden bout of boisterous laughter startled me though, the sound so unexpected, and I shot a hasty look over to find an amused smile dancing on his lips whilst he shook his head.

"Erm," I attempted, but stopped there when I realised I didn't quite have the words, or rather no actual clue on what to say.

"Same old story." Matty told me, shrugging it off as though him being pictured simply standing next to Indra, the friend of a friend from last night, in a crowded bar was enough to warrant such a spectacle.

"But you barely said two words to her!" I retorted when Matty handed me back my phone, surprised by his utter nonchalance.

He only shrugged again! "All publicity's good publicity, and all that crap. Besides, I know the truth, the people who matter know the truth," He dipped his chin over at me then for some reason, "And so does she. They'll find something, or someone else, to hound soon enough."

"What, so it really doesn't bother you then? Being made out to be this person you're not."

"A slag, you mean?" Matty teased as a mischievous smile limned his lips. 

Tutting, I could only roll my eyes at him before I forced myself to my feet and wandered over to the sink. The bigshot singer made an abrupt noise of indignation when he realised that I really did intend to redo all of his hard work.

"Oi, I already did those!"

I couldn’t hide my smirk as I rinsed the plates off properly, honestly glad for the distraction. "And you did quite well, what with it being your first try."

Matty scowled halfheartedly, but I took note of the faint blush that flushed the back of his neck. Seemed like I wasn't too far off in my assumption.

"So, what did Jamie have to say about it all then?" Matty quipped, swiftly changing the subject.

I let him have it, not saying a word more on the topic before I went to dry my hands. "What I think you mean to ask is, why did he text me?"

"Well, yeah." Matty replied with another single shoulder shrug, "How did he even know that we were together?"

"Made a good guess?" I supplied simply when I found that I didn't really have the answer to that particular question. 

But privately, I reckoned that maybe Jamie hadn't realised that Matty and I had been together at all. I hadn't been photographed in any articles, from what I'd seen at least, and neither me nor Matty had had any contact with him until right now. 

Maybe Jamie had just wanted to let me in on what was happening, on the know, perhaps he'd wanted someone to rant or share his frustrations with. It wouldn't have been the first time. 

So I made a mental note to message him again later, when Matty was long gone and I had time to stew on all of this.

"Enough about him anyway, what are you up to today?" Matty asked me as he jumped backup into the counter. I consciously avoided looking at the way his thighs pressed against the granite, the tattoos that marked the length of his skin.

"Apart from bleaching your arse off of my countertops?" I snarked back and snorted when Matty merely wiggled his arse in retort, "I've got a couple of things to sort today."

"Work things?"

I hummed my general assent but avoided meeting Matty’s eye, not wanting to outright lie. I really did have plans though, plans to waste the day away with Teddy, grab a late lunch, and maybe head off to the cinema to watch that new superhero film he'd been yapping on about for the past two weeks. Only, I couldn't tell any of that to Matty.

"What about you?" I asked instead (always so polite!) as I went about the kitchen, clearing away what remained of our cooking session. I'd rather get the majority done now, than fret over it later.

"Not much." Matty mumbled as he ran a fingertip along the edge of a nearby cupboard, kicking his feet up when I swept past. "Avoid Jamie, dodge a couple calls, maybe meet up with some friends. Think Ross got the new FIFA, so might bug him for a bit."

I hummed around a small smile, returning the dry cutlery back to its rightful drawer, "That Danny guy?"

Matty flashed me a knowing smile. "Mayhaps."

"Mayhaps?" I mimicked, shooting him a questioning brow.

"It's a combination of words, Squeaks. Emphasises the meaning!"

I snorted. "I'm sure."

Matty chuckled quietly to himself before he finally pushed himself off of my kitchen side and back onto his feet. "Well, I'd best get out of your hair then. Leave you to do your important work and what not."

I faked a sigh of evident relief and dodged the swat he aimed at my arm, grinning as I rounded a table chair.

"Don't act like you won't miss my Godlike presence, darling." Matty looked down his nose at me mockingly as he made his way over to the doorway.

A belly laugh bubbled up out of me upon hearing that and Matty all but lit up at the sound. "Godlike? Wow, it's nice to know that fame really does get to some people’s heads."

Matty cut his eyes at me and with a mirthful smile, flipped me off. "Dick. I'm just gonna head up and get changed. That alright?"

I dipped my head, feigning wiping down the table before I glanced up to watch him walk away, finding my smile never faltering even after Matty had disappeared from sight.

It wasn't too long later when he popped back up again though, all dressed up in a pair of expensive boots and the tight trousers he'd been wearing last night. I didn’t miss the flash of my jumper that had been hidden somewhere behind the zip of his jacket though, but I didn’t say anything, pleased that he’d taken a liking to it. 

Looking at him, it didn't even seem as though he'd been out drinking all night, or that he'd just rolled out of the bed of some other. He looked rather lovely like this, still a tad bit sleepy- it was all in the crook of his smile, you see- and soft.

"Well, I'd best be off then." Matty announced from where he was now stood idling waiting in the hallway. 

I propped myself up against the bannister and found myself wearing an amused smile, drinking him in. "Best be."

He grinned back over at me and just when it felt as though he was about to reach out, he stuffed one hand into his jacket pocket and pointed at me with the other. "I'll text you later, yeah? So make sure to actually reply this time, all right?"

Rather dramatically, I blew out a large breath and crossed my arms over the ball that sat atop the bannister’s wooden beam. "Seems like a hard task..."

I laughed when Matty shot me a particularly nasty glare, but relented.

"I'll be waiting on your many messages, my dear." I corrected, doing my best to feign the doting wife sending her husband off to war, even going as far as to clutch at my jumper in a pained goodbye.

"You’d better." Matty smirked and when I took a step away from the staircase, he decided to take that as his leave.

Though it was just as he was halfway out the front door that he paused and turned back to chance a glance at me, ring clad fingers toying with the latch on the inside lock. 

"We might've dropped the subject but, just know, if I ever see that ginger prick near you again I will put my fist through his face hard enough that he'll be shitting out my rings." And with that Matty dipped his chin at me once and let the door swing shut behind him.

I wasn’t ashamed to say that I stood there in the silence that encompassed the house for a very long moment, before my lips finally quirked upwards and I let myself laugh. 

It seemed that everyone was right, Matty Healy truly did have a way with words. Only, the wrong kind.

[purplesoulcollection]

Unnatural Love

Part 9 (2) Synopsis : Name has being transmigrated into the world of I'm Not That Kind Of Talent without ever reading the novel. She's not being reincarnated as a human but as a devil as well. Hi There! I want to let you know that this fanfiction story isn't solely my creation. I borrowed the concept from @quqiwo2. I haven't actually read the novel either, just some spoiler to the end.

I hope you'll excuse my spelling and grammar mistake, because English not my first language.

"Adele, just a heads up that I need to participate in the hunting competition next week." He surprised me with the news when I least expected it.

“Hunting? Sounds like fun! What's that for?”

Deon's reaction to my question wasn't a happy one; he seemed really stressed and overwhelmed by the news.

"The emperor hold a hunting competition to inform the world that the empire is not afraid to hold a contest in the middle of war." He spoke in the monotone way, looks like someone drop him to the grave and sucks his positivity.

"Oh, that sounds complicated. Are you okay with that?" I genuinely worried about him, ever since he brought this topic, he don't look too good for me.

He pressed his finger against his temple, looking quite pitiful with stress written all over his face. All I can do is offer him some comfort with a gentle stroke.

"It was tiring. The Emperor sent me a gift of clothes that I couldn't refuse to wearing!" He finally yelled, that’s likely the root of his stress.

"Is that too revealing for you?"

He shook his head and covered his face with his hand. "No, just the color..."

"Bad? "

"Too striking..."

Is that bold color on Deon really working for him? If it’s not a great match, maybe he should reconsider wearing it.

"Let me see, you give it a try later. If it's suitable for you, it might be the best for you!"

"Adele, don't you too... Remember already nagging at me too..."

"Who’s Remember?"

"My butler. The old man I talked to this morning, that's his name."

Remember is the head butler's name earlier?

Fix, I'm in a story made by earthlings. The English word doesn't really seem to fit as a character's name.

This definitely confirms that Deon is the main character of this world. No female character appeared at him makes this original story the mc is the male, not the female one.

"Adele, you tend to drift off into daydreams quite a bit, don’t you??"

"Oh, not quite! By the way, I’m feeling so famished, a nap makes me miss the food."

"As I thought, so I asked for lunch to be prepared."

And I was faced with luxurious food typical of nobles. A bowl of corn soup, some chicken in gravy, a dessert, and a piece of bread. It's just the right amount for one person.

"It's already cold, should i ask servant to reheat it?"

"You don't have to worry about that. I can still enjoy it even if it's not warm anymore." I quickly reject his idea, this is looks fine for me.

When I see the cutlery on the table, it really makes me wonder. I have no idea about the proper table etiquette, and it all seems so complicated. I glanced at Deon, giving him a look that said I was completely lost.

He who understood about my trouble after seeing me glanced at the cutlery said, "Just eat your way. I won't judge you."

So I used a spoon that was the right size for my needs and ate with gusto. Deon just looked at me eating hungrily.

"Have you eaten?" I asked Deon, with a mouth stuffed with food.

'If he hasn't eaten yet, perhaps I could share a little with him.'

"I’ve already had my meal, you were the one who overslept!."

'Has he now started to mock me, even though he always appears so weary himself in the devil world?'

"It can't be helped, I'm tired. Having no sleep at all really do the wonders."

"But you sleep too much, can you sleep tonight?"

I pressed my finger to my lips, contemplating whether I would get any sleep tonight or not, "No... I guess."

I can already imagine what I should do at night, maybe take a walk in the garden. because I won't have a fever like humans. The little perks in many disadvantage to became a devil.

"Want to go for a walk?" asked Deon, interrupting my thoughts.

“You want to go for a walk? I think you're tired already.” My voice soared with happiness. if Deon wants to join me, why not?

"If you can't sleep, it will affect my sleep cause I'm light sleeper."

"Okay. Let's go for a walk." I'm really excited to have my tour guide in this new world! I'm eager to learn about the human world during the kingdom era—what were the people like back then?

This could very well be my final moment of tranquility. I need to savor it to the fullest. Nothing can hold me back from my adventures.

"Done, madam. Please see the results, madam." The servants mentioned that they had finished making me look absolutely perfect.

I felt a mix of excitement and reluctance as I approached the mirror.

Ever since I became a servant of the devil, I hadn’t really looked at my reflection. My gray skin made me shy away from seeing myself, no matter how much I tried to convince myself otherwise..

But I'm human now. Let's look at our human version.

I couldn't help but admire myself the moment I caught a glimpse in the mirror. I turned out to be a very beautiful human being...

My hair was still a purplish silver color but I finally saw the face of a human whose beauty I could appreciate as a human being.

I was eager to snap a quick photo before switching back to my devil mode. However, there’s no camera available here, so I buried my futile hopes

Finally, the waiter's choice of dress was a pastel purplish pink dress. But I also realized that this dress suits me. Makes me look pretty and slay.

"Thanks for dressing me."

"No need to thank Madam, this is our duty."

I then turned to look back, noticing the way the skirt of the dress danced around me. The swaying of my skirt only added charm to my natural beauty and make me more confident than before.

"Madam, Master has been waiting outside."

“He's outside? I'll be right out.”

I quickly put on the small earrings that the maid had provided. I chose round pearl earrings. Feeling that my appearance was perfect, I hurried to go out. Want to quickly show off my new appearance.

"Deon!"

I shouted as I walked quickly towards Deon. He, who was initially arranging his gloves, turned to me.

Wow, he looks amazing, even though he's all covered up and the only thing you can see are his striking red eyes. But the his mysteriousness and coolness really being topped up.

He fell silent while opening his eyes wide. Not even saying a word for me.

Was he surprised because I was strange, even though I was already become human?

“How's my look? Is it strange for you?”

He simply averted his gaze, avoiding a proper look at me.

I moved towards him with such intensity that he couldn't bring himself to meet my eyes fully. I did my utmost to present myself as beautifully as possible.

"You are... good." He says that with shy and tried to hide his face even if he already use the a cloth mask.

But I still don't understand the implied compliment that he can't expressed.

"What type of compliment is that, Deon? Tell me whether am I beautiful or ugly in your eyes...?"

I'm so eager to see him compliment me, you know? Women looks the best when her lover praise her!

But he didn't meet my expectation, "Let's go! "

He ran away from me before he could give me a compliment, and I have no idea where we're headed.

"Wait for me, Deon!" I try to catch his super fast walking, but it's not so easy with this dress.

"DEON!"

To Be Continued

[animehouse-moe]

Link Click Season 2 Episode 4: Let It Unfold

As we enter into the heart of this season in terms of story, the opening of this episode does struggle a little bit with some all-too-convenient exposition about Qian Jin, which thankfully the latter half makes you forget all about. Potentially a bit of rough writing to give viewers information, as we slip into the past we shed those struggles and present a more expected but refreshingly different plot line. Certainly still a good episode, and certainly still a good bit to talk about.

So like I said, the episode itself doesn't start off incredibly strong by any means. It details all the information leading up to the current events: the phone missing, the picture Lu Guang has, Qian Jin's past, and so on and so forth. I don't think it's explicitly bad, but it feels like rushed writing for the story. A big old exposition dump from multiple parties, it feels like. Personally, I definitely believe they could have done a better job with conveying the information, but I also think it would take considerably more screen time to do so which is where this tradeoff stems from in the first place most likely.

Anyways, I'll just quickly expand on a few of those key details here.

Qian Jin's contact with Xixi. They're obviously aware of one another, but apparently were not working together explicitly at this moment. Qian Jin's surprised to hear that his lackey doesn't have Liu Min's phone, but isn't unaware of who's calling or shocked at the phone call when (presumably) Xixi makes contact.

Qian Jin's past. A by the books cop that gets turned sour after the death of a loved one. It's not a novel story by any means, but is clearly the foundation for some sort of interaction with Lu Guang and Cheng Xiaoshi. It does make me wonder though if Xiao Li will play a role in talking down Qian Jin, or if Cheng Xiaoshi will take over Xiao Li himself, since he's the one who oversaw the murder case.

And the last piece: the weight of Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang's powers. Not quite exposition, but definitely the most important piece of dialogue through this front half. It continues to establish the regret and grief the pair feel over their previous forays into the past, and their hesitation and wariness of continuing with it once more. It's the natural conclusion from the first season, so I'm glad to see it referenced so heavily whenever the past arises between these characters.

Anyways, into the past we go with Cheng Xiaoshi as Xixi. I think similar to the first half there's not a world of stuff to talk about, but overall it's the much stronger and more put together sequence in the episode. The struggle of a single mother with a mute daughter is felt rather quickly through the story, and Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang are firing off piece after piece of information for the viewer to soak up.

Overall, it's a really solid sequence that teleports viewers back into the season 1 mindset as we explore experiences of the past and their regrets, challenges, and fears. Considering how well fitted it is to the overall idea of this season, I'm really curious to see how they move forward and how often we find ourselves diving back in time.

Regardless of my thoughts though, as I just said there's quite a bit of info here and there to take in, so let me highlight it really quickly.

We'll start off with this interesting notion. By pulse alone, the doctor could tell something was different with Xixi. This itself means that when Cheng Xiaoshi takes over the body of a person, they exert physical changes to some degree. Arguably only temporary changes, but a stronger pulse and physical capabilities were shown here specifically.

It's also just funny because Cheng Xiaoshi was worried about this specifically.

Next up is the eyes of the mother. This one makes things more complicated, as she shares the same eye color (but not pupil shape) with Lu Guang. Equally as interesting is the fact that Xixi's original eye color (that reddish-pink) does not come from her mother, but presumably her father? Considering that, is it possible that Xixi's father is the source of Lu Guang's abilities, and that the father (who has Xixi's eye color) is the one chasing Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang? That presents the question though of why a father would attempt to kill his own son, which is the right kind of dramatic for Link Click, if not a bit of a stretch.

Next up is our first callback to the opening, our stuffed animal. I know it doesn't look exactly alike the 3D one because of the style, but if you pay attention the design on the ears is the same. A rounded triangle on one, and a star on the other.

This indicates to viewers both the number of pasts we visit in this season, and also the order of them. We've started with the stuffed animal, will move onto the gun, and finish with the diary. Now, I'm unsure of who the diary may belong to, but I'm somewhat confident that the gun story will be related to Qian Jin who's past we learnt of today.

The next piece is this curious question: the deceased owner of a phone that was texted information about Qiao Ling. The name is Liu Lan, which has the same surname is Liu Min. Are they actually related? Is Liu Min the real brother of Xixi? It raises an incredible interesting question of just how things came to be, and if it actually is Liu Min that's Xixi's brother, or if there's any relation to Lu Guang. Incredibly curious detail to reveal, that I'm very interested to learn more about.

And last but not least, Cheng Xiaoshi's realization. Is it Liu Min's father that touches Xixi's mother on the shoulder? Or is it someone else that Cheng Xiaoshi would recognize? Whoever it is, their expression relays the notion to the viewer that Cheng Xiaoshi knows the person that's in front of them at this moment.

From here, we end the episode with (presumably) Xixi waiting for Cheng Xiaoshi to discuss things with him. Are they planning on airing out all of the pasts to provide a reversal of events? Knowing the past they now aim for the future? It's an interesting question to pose, but without knowing what it is that (presumably) Xixi wants to tell Cheng Xiaoshi, it's hard to say for sure what direction we'll be moving in with the next episode.

Building a mystery atop several smaller mysteries, all the while taking into account timelines and order of events can be challenging. So far though, Link Click S2 seems to have a pretty confident read on how it wants things to go down. At times it might be a little too literal with how it hands out information, but at its core it still aims for the heart like season 1 did, which leaves me very hopeful for how things go as we continue on here. Very much looking forward to the next episode.

[lamuradex]

40K In 42 Days Update: Week Four

@the-wip-project

Less than a week remains!!! I've really enjoyed this so far, because I always like having a good excuse to write rather than just because I should.

So okay, what's my score this week.

Wordcount Last Week: 35,618 Words - 89.0450%

Wordcount This Week: 40,550 - 101.3750%

Woohoo! I've done it! I've got the majority of a novel written in 40 Days. I'm quite happy about that.

But I'm also not done.

As I said in the previous entry, I'm going to do my best to finish this novel before the end of the contest. I've got like five chapters left, but since there's only 5 or so days left, I'm not overly hopeful. Still, I'll do what I can. Who knows, maybe I'll just get in a writing frenzy.

Now, the snippet of what I've been writing. This time my main characters, Gideon and Maddy, are preparing to confront a wretched man who seems to be stabbing them in the back for no good reason. All the while, Gideon's getting a little worried about Maddy being involved.

Enjoy, and I wish everyone luck for the final stretch of the contest.

The Bitters Mansion loomed like a thing that could really loom. Like a cathedral or a gallows. There wasn’t much point comparing it to something else, because its looming was just that absolute. At least it was when you had even some idea of the things that happened inside it. And in that case, you likely moved and avoided the looming altogether. It was never good to be in the shadow of something that loomed, because there was usually a terrible reason why it was looming, waiting, ready for victims of its grim work.

Gideon stopped and wondered what the fuck he was talking about.

Him and Maddy were across the road, getting ready to go in. A grave and wretched place, haunted by the actions of the man who owned it. And Gideon knew the stories. Everyone knew the stories. And that was why most people steered clear of Alfred Bitters. Even people were just property to him.

“Last chance to back out,” Gideon offered. “I am begging you, please wait out here.”

“And what if something happens to you?” Maddy countered.

“Then you can go and get help or avenge my death. You can’t do that if you’re in there with me.”

“I got us into this by accepting Bitters’ deal, Gideon. I’m helping.”

Gideon looked over, but any pride that she was behind him was tinged a deep and dark regret. Regret that he couldn’t talk her out of it, regret that she was here at all, and regret that he taught her to be that stupidly brave to begin with. At least he thought he taught her that….

“Maddy, are you really sure about this? Do you not just want to go home? Because you don’t have to be like me,” he counselled. “You don’t have to do this.”

Maddy looked a little surprised, but bounced back well. “I’m not being you, Gideon. I’m old enough to make my own choices. And I’m choosing to take responsibility.”

Gideon tutted. “God, forsake the nun that taught you guilt, Miss Anthorne.”

“God ain’t got nothing to do with it,” Maddy said confidently. “Now, let’s head in.”

“Alright. If I can’t dissuade you…” He gave her one last moment to renege. She didn’t. He continued. “Then we need a plan.”

“You’re making a plan? We don’t usually.”

“Needs must as the devil is driving towards a cliff.” Gideon said sourly. “I’ll go an in by myself and meet-”

“I said I’m coming with you-”

“Meanwhile!” Gideon cut of her objection. “You split off and flank them. Once we’ve got multiple angles on him, we’ll be in a better shape. Got it?”

“And what if he has security with him?”

“We’ll burn that bridge when we come to it,” Gideon pressed on. “You ready?”

“Sure. Now let’s do this. Bitters is getting his head kicked in,” she smirked.

Gideon didn’t argue, though the enthusiasm bothered him. He was starting to suspect Madeline couldn’t feel the terrible looming of the house. The ignorance of youth, he guessed. To him it was like walking under a guillotine.

[otobabe]

Omg girlie (gender neutral) I was not expecting you to include Kondou!!! If you have others you’re thinking ab def tell us!

ugh kondou is just so good!!!! and that's not just my daddy issues talking!!!

More praise thoughts/headcanons~

(from) Harada: He's infatuated with his partners, that much is certain. Especially in the beginning of a relationship (or fwb situation) he's full of compliments that make you feel like you're in the center of a nsfw fairytale, examples like "oh my god you're adorable" and "you really know how to get me going". Later on, if you express interest in exploring~ and more praise, he'd get really into praises that emphasize size differences or age differences. "I love to see your little hole taking my big cock so well", "My older man/woman/partner is so good at teaching me new things", "What a cute little princess/prince/majesty you are, riding daddy's big dick so well " (yes i am assigning sano both milf fucker and daddy kink, this is my barbie dream house)

(to) Souji: in the right moments you'll send shivers down Souji's spine with a "Souji-kun~ you look so cute like this~", praises with a teasing edge, almost on the brink of sounding degrading, can get him blushing and embarrassed from how hard he gets hearing it come from your mouth. He likes to banter and has more attitude and walls up than most can bear, just make sure if your praising him it's playful and not too serious or accidentally hurtful ;)

from) Amagiri the type to kiss you mid-moan then send you reeling with his low voice telling you "Quiet now, I want to hear how wet you are for me/I want to hear you take in my thrusts". Erotic, deep, sensual, that's the game Amagiri plays, but it comes out naturally. Nothing he says will sound like he read it from some '50 ways to get in their pants' how-to book. He's kinky, but classy, urging you on both with his words and his fingers, and it's a pleasant surprise when you catch him teasing you with a hint of a smile like, "don't give in now, I'm just getting started".

to) Motoyama: To be friends with Iba and to have taught Iba many many things over their lives, Motoyama has got to have some special characteristics, one of those is that he loves to be praised. Iba might praise his partner often, but as far as his bestie goes it doesn't happen often but is very genuine when it does, and that's something Motoyama craves in romantic experiences too! I know I said this about Nomura as well, but it's true for both of them: Motoyama looooves to be called a "pretty boy", he doesn't have that haircut for nothing. He's also a reader and though he's not normally reading romance, he does love praises with a little more substance to them, "You're intoxicating", "i love how obedient you are", "you look so silly squirming like that, but don't worry, I know you can endure this<3", all examples of words that will keep him straining in his pants 💖

more praise headcanons below the cut!

from) Ootori: Ahhhh Ootori Keisuke, my sassy "30-something" plot device lol. He's such a tease, you'd be surprised how much filth can come out of his outwardly-polite mouth. This tea drinking, romance novel reading, aristoCAT is all about shmoozy words in bed. Honestly, he's quoting from stuff he's read before and hoping you won't notice. "You look as beautiful as the morning glory's flower, my love~ Your legs are opening up for me quite nicely~", whenever he opens his mouth it makes you question whether or not you should expect better from him, or whether it's exactly the kind of charming corniness you need in your life (it is). He wants to come home to you trying on some new lingerie and praise "what a thoughtful little slut you are<3", he wants to bring you almost to orgasm over and over again and then tease that he "loves how needy you are".

from) Kimigiku: Ugh the most perfect femdom is here!!! She can give you gentle or kinky, it's all about giving YOU what YOU want. While not exclusively a service top, she does love to give a lot of coaxing like "doing so good, princess/prince/majesty" and "i'll take care of you cutie, i promise, just give me one more, I know you can". Now let's say you've touched her nerves a little this week: stayed out a little late with your coworkers, or gave her attitude a couple times... She's more than willing to tie you up and taunt you, telling you "Oh, I'm sure you can get out of those restraints yourself, right? Such a big strong man/woman/lover that I have". She'll degrade you and make it sound like the most enchanting curse you've ever heard; "I love using you", "No one else could ever match up to you, my biggest whore<3", "You don't need to cum, right? It's enough just to please me, right?"

from) Yamazaki: Hakuouki's own sweet little romantic nerd + killer spy <3 Idk if anyone else was surprised that he's canonically supposed to be 30 but I was when I first saw it lol! He's experienced: with sneaking around, one night stands, keeping things quiet, but when he finds someone special he turns into a blushing mess. His duality also pertains to praise, he likes hearing it and giving it, and he also likes giving and receiving degradation, just not normally at the same time ;). If you want him to he'll definitely put on his spy persona in bed for you! That said, he loves to assure you "Don't worry, you're safe with me, you can let it all out, you sound so beautiful", and loves to make little promises in bed when you're pleasing him like "That's my baby, I'll reward you so well for this. I love to see you full of me".

to) Yamazaki: Like I said, I think he's a duality-pleasing man. Praise him in bed and he's working double time to please you. Very enthusiastic when hearing what you like, if you tell him "I love it when you give me head", he'll make sure to spend extra time pleasing you down there~

to) Miki: Beat up his ego a little bit. Unlike Souji, Miki is a brat who can take what he gives. He's down with being called a slut/whore/etc or being referred to as your sex toy. If you top him it's a secret turn on of his to get embarrassed so saying "I know it hurts but you're taking it so well!" is an insta-nut. He's also into hearing you egg him on when he's being a brat and rub it in when he gives in, "You're such a good listener when I give you what you need, huh?" and "Can't you beg sweeter than that? Or is it beneath you even when you're already on your knees for me?"

from) Miki: Aaaaand he gives as good as he gets~ His mouth is filthy, and he's shameless when it comes to fucking you. Brash and abrasive, he'll tell you that "you look so beautiful with my cock in your mouth" with a haughty smirk on his face and he knows his confidence is a turn on in this case. He's not pussyfooting around what he means, with "you can beg better than that, little slut" often proceeding a later groan of "your screams sound so good baby". If you've been flirting or sexting before meeting up, he loves to throw in a "I've been waiting all day to put my cock in you" as soon as he walks through the door.

[onwriting-hrarby]

some updates

hello everyone! i hope you're fine and enjoying the last month of spring. as for us, this may-june reminds me of the pandemic, in which it rained until mid-june. it's nice, though, since we're in a very dry season with water restrictions. i had missed rain, somehow.

twitter/fandom

some of you have noticed that i'm not on twitter anymore. i tried it again, but i don't think it was worth it. although i'm convinced my harasser(s) is subscribed to me on ao3 and checks my tumblr regularly (for i hadn't announced "for you" on twitter when i received hate comments) twitter was, again, giving me anxiety. also, when i decided not to be on fandom, i had begun finding twitter boring, because i didn't want to interact there a lot. it's strange to craft a tl anew, again, and overall, i reiterate, i think i'm happier just writing my own headcanons with no influence of fandom. i should have told 2021 hera this, as she was convinced that being in twitter was "the move" to do.

anyways, i'm fine. i love experiencing fandom as a little guilty pleasure, something more private and fun. it makes me less afraid, too: i had been wanting to write "for you" since i first began liking aot, but i was always afraid of what the fandom would say. such a lot of time lost, and now i'm writing it knowing that the aot haze is somehow passing by.

liquid confidence

i am feeling a little bit discouraged with this story. i didn't like some of the comments i received, and it made me doubt whereas i was doing a good job. somehow, since i was very stressed and didn't have time to write, all the scenes and dialogue and sentences i had in my head dissipated before i could even write them. on monday, i decided to come back at it again, but as for now, i'm slowly, slowly making progress (that means, i haven't written since monday). not being in twitter/having lots of fandom experiences doesn't make me rush, either. i'm not particularly worried that it's been a month since i updated. i want to do a good job, and i'm just not in the mood, right now. maybe i need to watch a romantic movie, or listen to taylor swift non-stop.

i thank all of you who had commented and liked the story (i will always be surprised, though, at the ratio kudos-hits) and i hope i can upload soon.

for you

damn, this was a bittersweet feeling. the most comments i received were from anon haters (and they kept on pushing that the fic was a failure). i'm not writing rivamika for numbers, so i don't really care, and i also think this fandom is very committed to their ship in ways that i'm not committed to ships anymore, so i trust that when people read the first chapter (which is fully levi/mikasa) they will like the story more. i have also resigned myself to receive anon hate whatever i do, so i don't particularly care about it anymore: that's why i have opened the comments to guests, too (always moderated). i'm sorry that people might see the hate comments, but i have to accept them in order to report them to ao3 for abuse.

i think i found two of the harassers in twitter, though. i'm not sure. they can rot in hell, and i know they will follow and comment everything i do. if that's the way they want to pass on time... they are sad people.

that being said, for you is progressing slowly, too. i'm sorry, because i really like writing it.

own writing

i've owned that if i want to be a published author i need to get rid of insecurity. i've slowly been doing this since the year started ("not giving a fuck"), yet sometimes the self-pressure takes over me.

i am turning "instead they said" in an original story, so this is taking quite a lot of time. i am also writing my new novel. i also revised the other novel i had in my drawer, and i think i want it to send it somewhere.

i hope we can read each other soon.

hera signing off.

[thatalmostopsorceress]

[Review] I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang [240308]

I just finished binging I Hope This Doesn't Find You by Ann Liang in a day. It was absolutely amazing. I loved every second of it.

The way the author captures every emotion Sadie feels is so captivating, so realistic, so... perfect. I found myself tensing up with when she was worried; I found myself staring intently at the screen of my tablet, my brows furrowed; I found myself smiling along with her.

It was so satisfying reading this novel: the misunderstanding trope wasn't dragged out or annoying, every scene played in my mind exactly like a movie would, and the imagery used was nothing short of spectacular, flowing with the scenes and written in the perfect tone.

The character development was absolutely lovely – something very refreshing and satisfying – they were the opposite of cardboard-plank characters, they all had a purpose to serve and they acted as real humans did, they weren't too childish, too mature, too plain or too flashy.

As I kept reading, I found myself falling in love with the characters more and more – the vanity of Julius, the relatable-ness of Sadie, everything about Abigail... One thing I found especially delightful was how, even though Julius and Sadie were enemies, they were quite the same. [Spoiler Starts] They both loathe the thought of someone pitying them, they both try so hard to be so perfect, they both are equally as obsessed with each other, they make each other feel alive – they just live their lives in different ways. [Spoiler Ends]

Being of Chinese descent, I Hope This Doesn't Find You was even more fun due to the 汉语拼音 embedded within the text – I could hear every word spoken out so smoothly, it was truly an enjoyable experience that evoked immense joy within my heart.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel! 10/10! I feel the constant need to gush about it.

Some of my favorite annotations that I made reading it (I'll add my fav quotes another day):

Chapter 1: slay Julius | young and rich, tall and han- | ah girl u ok ah

Chapter 2: girlie what | um girl you're a bit tad bit teeny bit uh obsessed | sus

Chapter 3: I love this guy he's so silly | RIP Sadie, rest in peace our soldier | #relatable I have hot hands

Chapter 7: #slay | HSHAHAHA

Chapter 8: he can scrub !

Chapter 9: oh no! hee hee

Chapter 10: i like how we finally have a normal ml w/o tragic backstory

Chapter 11: liar you're obsessed too <3 | he's so silly how jelly | CS student aye #relatable | we like em cats

Chapter 12: ew

Chapter 13: yoi

Chapter 14: YOI!

Chapter 16: jelly season 2. | haHA | I love this woman :)

Chapter 17: I LOVE ABIGAIL T-T!!!! | ♡ chill gal

Chapter 18: aw not salty? | yeah. salty. | GIRL WAKE UP. U. P. UP | oh my god can't you SEE | oh Abigail how I love you lol

Chapter 19: awie | slay Rosie | SHE'S REFORMED!!! | Julius is just like Sadie aeaeaergh

Chapter 20: OH MY GOD IT'S HAPPENING YALL!!!!!!! | hee hee

Chapter 21: SLAY MAX!!!!!! | ♡ character development | !!!!AEAEAE | bro prolly took 9 min & 40s crying and squealing & blushing | ♡[scribble]♡♡♡♡♡ | Stan julius for clear skin ♡

One question kept popping through my mind as I read this novel.... Where is my Julius Gong? I'm a top student (sadly, I'm not any kind of athlete or leader, though I do work out). I get good grades. Relatively. So, uh, God, where can I order a Julius Gong? dfjkdshjfksdf (I'm an agnostic, by the way)

[clairelsonao3]

Happy STS!

I haven't gotten a chance to read what you've written so far, but I'm curious as to your process. What was the source of inspiration for your current WIP? Did you start with characters who wouldn't stop talking in your head? Flashes of moments? Images inspired by music? What do you fall back on when you need to be re-inspired?

Happy STS and thanks for the ask!

No worries, my ongoing WIP on Ao3 is over 100K posted words, so I by no means expect you to. 😂

Good Slaves Never Break the Rules is the long-time-coming perfect storm of three main influences.

First, I started writing it almost eight years ago to entertain myself on a transatlantic sea voyage (that's worth another whole post altogether), and some of the characters and early situations (I won't say specifically which ones!) were inspired by the unusual dynamics that pop up when strangers from vastly different origins and roles onboard are pressed together in a small space with no choice but to work and spend time together (very soon, my imagination wildly diverged from what actually happened however 😂).

Second, for a long time, I've been an avid reader of pretty much any and all slavefic (there's a lot on Ao3, both fanfic and original) and much of it is good. I always especially liked the alternate universe ones that had slavery transposed to a modern setting. But for all of that time, I could never find THE story I was looking for, the one that uses many of the common whumpy slavefic tropes (although this was long before I was in the whump community, that was just a happy accident) but is also a preferably M/F romance, using a very different type of male MC who, despite being a slave and the target of pretty much constant abuse of all kinds, has much more in common with conventional romance heroes than the perpetual helpless victims that slaves tend to be in fiction. And the female MC, rather than being some powerful dominatrix type who can do whatever she wants, is an ordinary girl who is also oppressed in a way by the society she lives in, is blind to its wrongs, and has to have her eyes opened to be brave enough to stand up for what's right. And though power dynamics are always at the forefront, the MCs come to see each other as equals. So this was also one of those "I guess I'll write it myself" moments.

Third (and I don't think I've ever had a chance to discuss this on this blog before, so thank you!), having studied the classics, for many years I've been enamored with the ancient Roman comedies of Plautus and Terence, who tended to use slaves as main characters -- and I do mean main characters. They're active, clever, funny, charming, often manipulative (but always for the right reasons), perpetually involved in zany plans and schemes, and they're anything but victims. I'd written a few things inspired by these plays previously (including a quasi-historical short story and my very first novel, also historical and of a writing quality typical for an 18-year-old, many years ago), but now that my writing skills are far more advanced, I thought it was time to try again, using a modern alt-history setting this time. Plus the plays themselves are just really fucking funny, and my story incorporates a lot of humor (and a lot of really dark stuff, too, but that's usually how it works with me).

As for getting re-inspired? I also had to do that quite recently after writing and posting a monster chapter and needing a break. What helped was rereading some of those earlier scenes that I was really excited about, and doing some tag games on Tumblr (including the Q&A I tagged you in) that allowed me to just have fun writing in my characters' voices and kind of re-re-discover them.

Thanks for a great ask!

[carica-ficus]

Day 30

Date: 30/11/2023 Final word count: 50,088

Even though I have managed to complete this years NaNoWriMo with a day to spare, I've decided to write this small post at the very end to commemorate this huge achievement.

If somebody told me at the beginning of November that I would be able to write out 50k words for a story I had only been mulling over for a few months, that has just been a simple idea with one minor scene in mind, I wouldn't have believed them. I had little to no worldbuilding, little to no plot, and little to no characters, but I still managed to create something this extensive in such a short period.

Granted, this means I'll have a lot of work to do in order to prepare a working novel, but as far as a first draft goes, I'm relatively happy! There's no where else to go, but up.

It's also been helpful to remember the words from Bridget Collins at the end of "The Betrayals" where she mentions she wrote 60k words before scrapping it and starting all over. So, if my favorite author managed to write a whole novel and do it all over in order to better it, so can I!

There's quite a few important creative decisions in front of me, the biggest one probably revolving around choosing the language for the story. I love writing in Croatian and this is a very Croatian/Balkan/Slavic story, so I want it to truly represent my country, but the simple truth is that English is more accessible, and seeing as one of my writer friends just got a deal to have his novel in English translated to Checz, it might just be worth it...

I might formally start rewriting after New Years, but we'll see. I'll be working on another really exciting writing project at the beginning of the year which will be my priority.

So yeah... Successful NaNo, all in all! I'm happy and excited, but also a little worried about other life stuff. I'm really hoping that 2024 turns out to be as good as 2023, if not even better. There's a lot of work ahead of me, but I'm ready to rise up to it.

If you've participated in NaNoWriMo this year, regardless of whether you won or not, I hope you had fun, I hope you learned something and I hope you're proud of yourself! And I hope your future writing endeavors are successful, and that you keep enjoying the creative process of it all! <3

[gamesception]

let's read rgu chapter 21, part 1.

Late again today. Slept in plus lost time doing more set up of the new toy. I'll make a separate post about that later. In the mean time, we've started chapter 21, or I guess volume 4 of the graphic novel collections, out of I believe 5.

I'm a little confused by that, because I'm pretty sure we're not doing the Black Rose arc. There's just not time enough to do that AND have a final confrontation with Akio. On the other hand, if Akio is the only thing we're doing for the rest of the manga, 7 chapters feels like maybe too much. But we are doing actually new stuff now - threatening Utena's friends with an arson attack is something that never happened in the anime, and is a solid move for raising the stakes and drawing audience heat, though as I mentioned last time if he had made Anthy do it I think that would have been more dramatic, drawn more heat, and fit Akio's character better. But then again, I don't really know this version of Akio yet.

this chapter in the scan opens with a brief recap. I don't know if the original manga chapter started with that, or if it was something added to the reprint volume.

We also get this recap here showing manga Anthy much more enthusiastically agreeing to follow Akio's orders.

the tag team manipulation of Utena starts with Anthy arranging for Utena to wake up late & be late for classes, stopping Touga from acting as utena's squire by redirecting him towards student council responsibilities, only... wasn't he supposed to quit the student council?

Anyway, Anthy doesn't wake Utena, but wouldn't you know it Akio just happens to show up with his Fancy Car just in time to give Utena a ride.

Only, Akio couldn't have known exactly when Utena was going to wake up, so now I'm imagining him just idling outside her dorm for like two hours, a stupid smarmy grin on his face the whole time, thinking "I'm so clever and devious!"

But Akio doesn't actually take Utena to class, instead taking her out on a joyride to take in scenic views in the area.

Akio's laying it on a little thick here, and you might criticize Utena for falling for it, except this bastard has been literally grooming her since she was six years old to be specifically vulnerable to exactly this kind of behavior. But Utena is savvy enough to think of how Akio is behaving similarly to Touga, who she knows was manipulating her - though she hasn't pieced together that Touga's whole manipulative affect was stolen wholesale from this bastard here.

Mentioning Touga briefly cracks Akio's mask, though.

"My former apprentice! How dare at fool defy me for your sake!"

I choose to read Utena's expression in this panel as being concerned by Akio's change in demeanor rather than struck by the sort of compliment, but it could be either way.

But before that tangent in the conversation can go any further, Utena slips and trips into the water, soaking her shoes, and Akio...

Yeesh. It's doesn't go any further than that, but still.

Back home Utena and Anthy have this conversation, where Anthy directly asks if Utena's falling for Akio. What is she thinking here? Is she afraid for Utena? Jealous over Akio?

Either way, Anthy's upset enough to go to Akio about it. It's still not clear here whether she's afraid that Akio will hurt Utena, or leave Anthy for her. For his part, Akio seems completely unaware of her concern, focused more on trying to come up with the absolute creepiest and grossest dialog possible, as befits 'Prince Licky-Licky'. "Your body will have to be put to Good Use"... Gross. Gross, Akio. That's gross. Go to jail.

That line - "What if she doesn't want to?" does definitely sound like Anthy being sincerely worried /for Utena/. But Akio's so wound up in his masterful manipulations that he doesn't catch the decidedly not Rose-Bridely thought.

...

There's more to this chapter, but I'm kind of burnt out and busy today, and this post is late enough already, so I'm going to end off here and finish the rest tomorrow.

[lottalottie]

charlotte la bouff is a 30 year old human based on lottie from the princess and the frog. she is an influencer with no powers. she uses she/her pronouns, and all of her memories are intact !

INFO.

full name: charlotte jenny la bouff

date of birth: august 7th, 1993

hometown: evermore

zodic: leo sun, virgo rising, aries moon

sexuality: heterosexual, heteromantic (so she thinks)

education: high school graduate

occupation: influencer

height: 5'2

hair: blonde

eye color: green

tattoos/piercings: earlobes

markings: n/a

mother: jennifer la bouff

father: eli la bouff

siblings: n/a

pets: stella, basset hound

PERSONALITY.

positive traits: faithful, optimistic, generous, poised, friendly

negative traits: egotistical, gullible, pampered, ditzy, impatient

likes: sweet tea, romance novels, fairytales, dresses, dancing, country music, fresh baked goodies, manicures, taylor swift, big hats, all things pink, plusses, cute charming men

fears: never falling in love, losing tiana or her father

dislikes: sweating, waiting, sneakers, jeans, runny mascara

hobbies: daydreaming, reading, shopping, taking selfies

aesthetics: peaches, fluffy pink comforters, high heels, doodled hearts, pink frosting cupcakes, azaleas, boots, sparkly tiaras, beignets, pearl necklaces, feather boas, miss dior eau

HEADCANONS.

lottie is a sweetheart. she's someone who is naive, generous and too kind-hearted for her own good, though she may not seem it from a first glance. it would be easy to assume she cares more about the way she dresses than someone else's well-being, but that's just not true. spoiled, charlotte was also loved growing up. she never had to want for her parents affection. she was her daddy's little princess and the apple of her momma's eye, and they taught her how to be as good as she looked.

sometimes she forgets that everyone isn't the same as her. she expects people to treat her how she would treat them, which can lead to... problems.

the hardest thing she has been through was losing her momma. she was only around six when she passed away. playing with tiana was truly the distraction her little heart needed to cope through it all. she misses that woman so much, still, and she wishes her momma was here to see the young lady she grew into. she still loves her with her whole heart. she just has to love her from afar now.

she keeps waiting for some beautiful man with beautiful eyes to sweep her off her feet. sometimes she thinks she lets her imagination go too far. when she's out walking stella she often imagines bumping into a cutie with a dog of his own. they'd strike up a conversation, their pups would start playing together, and that would be that. at the ice cream parlor, she imagines the man before her in line asking her for help with selection. she cracks an innocent little joke, his eyes meet hers, and the world stops.

she knows that she is a strong independent woman who doesn't need a man! but is it so bad to want one?

she just... loves love. and she knows there's someone out there for her. hopefully in evermore.

lottie loves flowers - she grew up playing in an absolutely beautiful garden that was started by her mother, and it feels wrong to not be surrounded by floral scenery. though she doesn't have a yard for all that here, she has plants sitting in almost all of her windowsills. she doesn't have quite the green thumb her momma did, but they're all managing... for now.

marilyn monroe is her hero.

charlotte doesn't really... do casual. even her bedtime outfits consist of pink satin pj set and a 'messy' bun without a hair out of place. she has to do her makeup to go to the grocery store. it isn't that she's worried about being seen natural. maybe a little. she just loves looking her very best. it makes her feel her very best. she's not judging anyone who is there in their yoga pants, though; to them, she would say, "you look as pretty as a peach, darlin'!"

she has lots of southern phrases. i feel like that goes without saying... but i'm gonna say it anyway.

probably one of very few people you'll ever meet that says "bless your heart" unironically.

her favorite past time is romance novels. there's nothing better than pouring a nice tall glass of sweet tea, grabbing a copy of pride and prejudice and cozying herself into a hammock. she could lose herself in stories for hours. hoping one day she's part of one.

she has a sweet tooth... but specifically baked goods. she's not so much of a candy person. she does like chocolate, but specifically bon-bons and fancy little boxes - not hershey bars. her favorite, though? a nice warm apple pie. a chocolate chip croissant. sweet enough to eat the whole thing without getting a toothache. if she's being real specific, her favorite is anything tia bakes her. that girl bakes with love.

she rarely calls tiana by her name. it's always tia.

she's thought of working as a florist or something for a living, but honestly, running her social media is a full time job and one that she can't let go of. it boosts her ego, but it's also creative and it's fun.

[lurking-latinist]

Hello Aurelia,

Siena Sevenwits here! Not long ago you turned me in the direction of Spotify for Big Finish - now that it's Christmas I have a little listening time. I was wondering if I could ask for a rec or two, if you have time and inclination? I'm, er, wondering if it's a good idea to get into 6, 7, and 8 by means of audio rather than TV. If I'm barking up the wrong tree, ah well.

My Whovianness on television: Got into Doctor Who casually around 2010, and been rather on and off. I've seen a fair-ish amount of Doctors 1-4, rather more of 5, and only tiny bits of 6-8. I am aware of all the major Who-impacting plot points even from the later eras, could tell you a few sentences about each of the companions from those adventures, etc. As for New Who, I came to Doctor Who via 11, whom I know extremely well, and some 10 here and there. I've listened to a smattering of Big Finishes with 5.

What I'm looking for: I'm especially intrigued by 7 & 8, though I'm open to persuasion about 6. I don't have a lot of time to watch TV right now, but have time to listen while I do chores, which is partly why I thought this might be a good way to get into these incarnations. I love clever or atmospheric adventures, though humour is welcome too. Good character development is awesome. I'd prefer single rather than multi-doctor stories. Really I'm looking for a good starting place and, you know, confirmation that this is actually a good idea without watching the shows first. I also don't mind listening to adventures that spoil things from the show.

Siena!! This is the best ask!

The good news is that it is a great idea to get into 8 by means of audio--there is only audio! (Well, and novels and comics, but those are separate continuities.) There is the TV Movie, which is the Eighth Doctor's first story and only full-length appearance in a televised medium, and you can certainly watch it if you want--it's a corny good time--but you really won't miss anything at all by starting directly with 8 on audio. He is the audio Doctor.

The converse to this is that 8 has been in a lot of audio, so you'll still need to narrow it down. I'm assuming you don't want to start with any of the boxsets (sets of usually four hour-long stories), which are expensive and continuity-heavy. Instead, you'll probably want to start with one of the two 8 runs that are available free on Spotify: his adventures with Charlotte "Charley" Pollard and Lucie Miller.

For Charley you'll start with Storm Warning, which is a very enjoyable listen. It's definitely a good starting point--I would say it's similar to, say, The Eleventh Hour in that it introduces a basically new Doctor and new companion, and it's intended to be a doable jumping-on point. From there you can listen to Eight and Charley's stories sequentially--there is a 'season' arc, so be sure you listen more or less in order--they're all part of the Main Range, so just pick out the Main Range stories with Paul McGann in them. But you can skip Minuet in Hell, it's really bad and not part of the season arc. The arc concludes in Neverland and the infamously long, complicated, and multi-Doctor Zagreus, but don't worry if you just want to read the wiki summary for Zagreus. At that point if you want more Eight and Charley you have to start spending money, but the next several adventures are quite cheap on the Big Finish website, so it's not a bad deal at all (and you get to download and keep the files, it's not a streaming situation).

Eight and Charley's stories are dramatic, romantic (in the 'literary style' sense, although occasionally in the 'love' sense as well), and often historically inflected--she's an eighteen-year-old runaway schoolgirl and would-be 'Edwardian Adventuress' whom the Doctor rescues from an airship crash in 1930. Their plotline is the first Doctor/companion ship that's anything like canonical, although it's always framed as a tragic romance: their love is impossible but their friendship is real. Their stories are formatted like Classic Who stories in that each story consists of four half-hour episodes, which can be handy if, for instance, you have a half-hour commute or task.

Some of Eight and Charley's other best stories are The Stones of Venice, Chimes of Midnight, and Seasons of Fear.

Alternatively, you could start with Eight and Lucie instead! I'm somewhat biased because I love Charley and could never quite get into Lucie as much, but I did enjoy her stories and would listen again. Her opening adventure, the two-parter Blood of the Daleks, is also a perfectly workable jumping-on point, and from there you'll listen to the stories in the 8th Doctor Adventures series. Lucie's a young English woman from 2006 (so then-contemporary) who's placed in 'witness protection' by the Time Lords and forced to travel with the Doctor after she gets accidentally involved in some time nonsense. Initially skeptical of him, she eventually comes to be great friends with the Doctor but never stands for his nonsense--think a somewhat younger Donna. She has a lot of adventures after the season that's available on Spotify, which I haven't listened to all of, but I'm told she gets some really emotionally devastating story arcs. But she's also very snarky and funny. Her stories are one or two hour-long parts each, so formatted more like a New Who story.

With Eight and Lucie, I particularly remember enjoying Phobos and Human Resources.

So Eight is the best Doctor to start with on audio, because he's so very on audio. But there is a story arc with Six and an audio-original companion that is also a fantastic jumping-on point, and assumes no knowledge of Six's TV run. In The Marian Conspiracy, the Sixth Doctor finds that a time anomaly appears to be affecting middle-aged history professor Dr. Evelyn Smythe. He goes to investigate the anomaly's origin in the Tudor period, which happens to be Evelyn's specialty, and she invites herself along! I adore Evelyn and think everyone should meet her, and she and Six have some of the best audios honestly--Jubilee and Doctor Who and the Pirates are both deservedly famous. The writing and characterization issues that you may have heard about in Six's TV run 100% do not apply to the audios. But if you're more drawn to Eight than Six, you might as well start with Eight. Six and Evelyn will be there!

There are also plenty of Six audios with his TV companions Peri and Mel, but most of those aren't designed as starting points. Although my own starting point with Six was ...ish, which is a Peri one, and I turned out all right.

Seven doesn't have a sort of audio reboot like Six and Eight both do, so most Seven audios (especially the early ones which are free) include his TV companions, Mel and Ace. But the Seven and Mel stories certainly require no knowledge of TV continuity. The Fires of Vulcan is a particularly fun historical of theirs in which the TARDIS gets lost in ancient Pompeii. His stories with Ace do tend to draw on her TV characterization more, but if you know basically who she is, you should be fine to listen to any of their early ones that draw your attention. Additionally, Seven and Ace pick up a third companion, Hex (it's short for Hector), who is a nurse from 2021 (which was a long time in the future when they made it!). Hex is a part of some very long-term story arcs, and it's best to listen to the Seven, Ace & Hex stories in order if you want to do that.

I realize this is a lot of information in not very parsable form, but fortunately @circular-time's website VHSWhovian has a very useful Index of Free Big Finish on Spotify.

Enjoy!

[geniequestria]

Down in Roseluck's basement. Daisy and Lily have their hooves wrapped around each other as they shiver in fear. Just moments ago, their dear friend Roseluck was with them, but then in a freak instance. A magic flash enveloped their fellow flower pony, her screams traumatizing her two friends as she vanished before their very eyes. Now quite worried about the safety of their friend, they seek each other for comfort. It's been at least a good few minutes since Roseluck had disappeared

"L-l-l-l-lily, i-i-i'm s-scared! I... t-t-think the s-s-s-s-Storm King has k-k-kidnapped Rose!"

"I-I don't know what to do! This is a disaster!" Lily held Daisy close, fearing that they might be next. It took everything in her willpower to not faint like she usually would in a stressful situation. "W-why… why would he kidnap Rose!? What if… what if she's not the only one who was taken?! What if we're next!?" The horror of the situation was making her mind jump to some very dark conclusions. "W-w-we have to get s-somepony to help! Oh, but what if he's already gotten to Princess Twilight and the others too? I wish we knew if she was at least safe...."

As if on cue, and conveniently after Lily's wish. Another bright flash appears, both mares freak out and hug each other tighter in at least an attempt to save the other from disappearing or at the very least going with them. For if the Storm King is going to enslave them, best they try to have a friend with them. The flash soon disappears as fast as it came in, and they each peek one eye out. And see they're both in the basement still, relieved that neither of them were captured too. Though then they look at the center of the room, and they gasp.

"Hi girls!! I'm back!" Roseluck cheerfully smiled with her hooves raised in the air as she returned to her friends, seemingly safe, and oddly joyful as ever.

The sudden flash caused Lily to scream… that scream of terror is soon replaced by one of joy. Tears filled her eyes as she saw Roseluck suddenly appear in front of them. "ROSE!! YOU'RE OK!" Lily wiped her eyes. 

They were both half filled with joy, but also quite unnerved. As Roseluck had not returned as she had looked before she came back. An exotic garb had adorned her face, ears, and hooves... and her lower half was completely gone! Where her hindlegs and tail would be was a floating, waving different kind of tail that started from Roseluck's hips and were anchored by a vase.

"We thought the Storm King had taken you, and that we'd be next! What happened and..." She now got a good look at Rose's attire and the fact that she was floating above them… along with the vase she was supposedly coming out of. Her mind once again jumped to conclusions. "NOOOOO! ROSE HAS BEEN TURNED INTO A FANCILY DRESSED GHOST! THE HORROR, THE HORROR!!!" She looked like she was about to faint once again.

Roseluck quickly flew to Lily's side. "No no no no! It's ok! I'm not a ghost! Nor am I dead, if anything, I'm the exact opposite! I'm immortal now! But girls, I have so much news to tell you!"

"News?! You mean like... good and bad news...?!" Daisy shivered

Roseluck giggled "No! It's more like I have good news... AND EVEN BETTER NEWS!" She beamed an infectious wide grin and raised her hooves in the air.

"So… you're not a ghost… whew… ok..." Lily calmed down a bit but this new appearance was still a bit off-putting to the easily skittish mare. "Wh-what kind of good and even better news do you have? And… how did you become immortal? Or get these new clothes? Did..." she gasps again "Did you MARRY the Storm King to garner a deal with Equestria?! A-and he's given you powers and a new outfit!?" Clearly she can't help herself but jump to conclusions, that or she's been reading too many romance novels.

Daisy raised an eyebrow, that guess was a bit over-the-top even for Lily's usual conclusions.

Whereas Roseluck giggles outloud. "Hehe, that's not it either! But I'll start with the regular ol' good news. The Storm King has been defeated! I don't know how exactly. But I just met and got word from this mare named Starlight that told me as well as Twilight and friends that the Storm King is no longer a threat! Equestria is in the clear!"

"w-w-w-w-w-WHHHHAAAAAAAT?! You m-mean... we're... s-s-s-safe?! But… wait… How is that ONLY the good news?!" Daisy has a skeptical face, feeling like like this has to be too good to be true

Lily did feel a bit sheepish about her out there guess. But this news was welcome indeed. Lily beamed, pulling the two into a big hug. "That's wonderful! We don't have to live in fear of him now!" She let out a very relieved sigh. "But I'm with Daisy, how could there be BETTER news than that!? Equestria's been in a tizzy since his declaration of invasion!"

"Tee hee! Coincidentally, it involves the same mare who broke the news! I don't know her past or anything, but she's absolutely amazing! She happens to be a real-life, honest-to-goodness genie! AND SHE TRANSFORMED ME INTO ONE TOO!"

"W-W-W-W-WHAAAAAAAT?! GENIES?!" Now that made Lily's guess seem normal by comparison. Even if the evidence seems to be staring right in front of them, the attire, Roseluck's missing lower half, and the vase on the floor that Roseluck seemed to be connected to. 

At least Lily's guess was based on a Beauty of the Beast-type fantasy that can technically happen in Equestria. As there have been, albeit fairly rare, cases of Ponies romancing dragons and yaks. But genies seem completely out of the question. Even for a magical land like Equestria. 

Lily's mind felt like it had just short circuited, this was almost too fantastical to believe even for her. "Genies are real?? YOU'RE A GENIE NOW?! CAN YOU GRANT WISHES AND DO ALL SORTS OF IMPOSSIBLE THINGS?!" Even with floating proof right there in front of them, it would take more time to really sink in. "So this Starlight must be absolutely incredible! Some kind of hero genie to work with the Elements of Harmony! That would also explain why you're floating from this vase!" She points towards Rose's vessel. 

Getting a good look at it, she's quite impressed by the quality. "I have to say it looks quite impressive too! Got your cutie mark on it! Though it does look a little different… that's weird... Still! Imagine what we could do for our shop if we had more like yours to sell flowers in! I think they'd look great in them, and we could have the flowers painted on like yours too!"  Something comes across Lily's mind "But I'm still confused, why were you taken in the first place?"

"Apparently, Twilight and friends wished from Starlight for me to be there, and they asked me to receive the Element of Kindness. Twilight apparently wanted me to substitute for Fluttershy for some reason. I admit that because of both the Storm King being defeated and becoming a genie has made me so happy... I forgot much of what Twilight told me! But regardless of the circumstances, I was blessed with overwhelming feelings of kindness! I passed down free roses to everypony I saw mere moments after receiving the necklace!" She beamed a grin, and had stars in her eyes.

"SO YOU'RE THE ELEMENT OF KINDNESS NOW TOO!?" Lily felt like she was going to faint from information overload, if she wasn't seeing Rose in front of her right now, she wouldn't be believing any of it. "I just… I can't..." She put a hoof to her head. "This is just so much to take in, Rose.... you're gonna give me a heart attack! Next you'll be telling us that you're going to be crowned a princess or something even more insane! I don't think I can take any more shocks!"

Daisy just about has a migraine from all this information filling her head, and much of her is admittedly a little skeptical of all of this being true. "I don't know, Rose... this seems all so farfetched... I think you need to back it up with some solid proof..."

Roseluck nods "Understood,  it should be easy enough to prove! All I need to do… is to grant a wish from each of you. So go ahead, girls. What do you desire?" She smiles in anticipation for her first granted wishes.

"A wish? Yeah! That would give us both solid proof this is all real!" She puts a hoof to her chin. "But what do I wish for....?" Lily looks very focused, thinking on what might be good. (Do I get something for the shop? No… no, I'd like to improve that with all three of us working together, that's what makes it fun...wait I know!) As if a light went off in her head, Lily speaks up. "Ok Rose, you know how we always have our fair share of panic attacks? I always hoped that some day these fainting spells and freak outs would come to an end. SO, I wish you could make me less prone to fainting and being so freaked out from every little thing! I know it's not like something physical, but that should still work... right?" 

Daisy herself seems deep in thought as she thinks what she should wish for first. "Say, wait, before I make the wish... you aren't like... limited to 3 wishes and then you're stuck in a cave for thousands of years are you?! Because if that's the case... I'd rather make no wishes at all..."

Roseluck shakes her head and smiles "Nah, don't worry Daisy! That was just a narrative limit for stories like Aladdin. As otherwise the heroes would win too easily, actual genies are far more free then you could ever believe! You two could have as many wishes as you want, so feel no need to pressure yourselves"

That comes as a relief to the both of them. "In that case, I'll start with something simple. I heard Lily mention your vase. And I have to agree, it's a beautiful vase. I wish we each had one of our very own!"

Lily smiles at Daisy, thinking that both of these wishes are good, one being physical the other being more internalized. And the explanation of how genie wishes really work makes Lily a bit excited for any future wishes to come. With Rose being their friend, they'd have access to infinite wishes, but she didn't want to take advantage either. 

Roseluck takes some time to think over both these wishes. And after a brief self-deliberation, she begins to giggle madly. "Hehehehe.... ahehehehehe~. I was hoping you both would ask for a wish in this manner~. Cause I know just the thing... that will grow two seeds with one drop of water!"

Lily’s thought process was shaken as Rose began to laugh. It sounded almost… villainous. "R-Rose? Why are you laughing like that?" She'd never heard such a tone from her friend before. Her mind jumped to conclusions yet again "Don't tell me… were you… possessed by some spirit?! The storm king has returned to haunt you for taunting him?! Your laugh is scaring me!"

Roseluck immediately calms down her laughter "Sorry Lily, I didn't mean to scare you. I was just thinking how much I was going to enjoy granting these two wishes, and how happy the three of us will be… for all-time!~ But let's start off with Daisy's wish..." 

Roseluck raises her hooves that glow with red rose-colored magic. 

"D-don't scare me like that!" She did calm down a little but she was still on edge hearing her friend sound like that at all. Watching her use magic for the first time did put some of these thoughts aside. Being earth ponies, the thought of ever being able to cast a spell only seemed possible in their wildest dreams. She looked in awe at the magic coming from Rose's hooves.

Soon, two vases fade into existence right in front of Daisy and Lily. Each one painted the same color as their respective coats and a stopper of similar color to their manes and tails. Neither of them had the cutie mark insignia like it does on Roseluck, but they otherwise matched the exact shape and size as Roseluck's own vase.

Daisy approaches her vase with stars in her eyes. She could see a warped reflection of herself with how clean and smooth it was. "Wow...." is all Daisy could mutter as she observes the vase from up close.

"Amazing!" Lily trotted over to her own vase, there was a shine to it that she couldn't take her eyes off of. "It's so… pretty. Guess we'll have to paint our marks on it, huh? That could be a fun project! Oooh, and we could sell something like this for the shop! Personalized vases!" Before she let herself get distracted any further, she looked back to Rose ``Oh right! Now it's my turn right?"

Roseluck nods "Mmhmm, and believe it or not. The secret to your wish... will be found inside your vase~. And Daisy, I know you have some of your own fears even if you don't jump to conclusions as often as Lily does. But in a way, I still granted Lily's wish for you too! Inside these vases, are the secret to all of us never fearing anything ever again!"

Daisy raises an eyebrow in skepticism "Something... inside these vases... are supposed to clear any fear of ours for good? Even for a genie this sounds unlikely..."

"Why don't you open the vase for yourself then, Daisy? And take a look inside~" Roseluck smirks.

Daisy shrugs "Well... if you say so..." Daisy takes off the topper with her mouth and looks down into the barrel. At the same time, Roseluck secretly locks the door to her basement from the other side with a brief flick of a hoof behind her back.

The way Rose explained how her wish was granted confused Lily. "The answer is… inside the vase? I didn't think it'd be something physical that would just make us not so scared… but why not just bring it out here? I'm with Daisy on this one, it just sounds really unlikely..." She watches as Daisy opens her vase first. There's a faint 'click!' in the distance but with Lily and Daisy focused on the vases, they couldn't hear it. 

In the rather dimly lit basement, Daisy can't see anything but pitch black with not much light shining in the vessel for her to see what's inside. 

"What do you see Daisy?" Lily asked curiously

Daisy moves her head away from the vessel to look toward Rose

"It’s too dimly lit in here to see anything in there, Lily. But either way… I don't know about this, Rose... there doesn't seem to be anything i-i-i-i-iNNNNNNNN HEEEEEERRRRR-AHHHHHMMMMMMMMMHHHHHHHMPPpphhh!" 

The vase pulls in Daisy's nose, and quickly muffles Daisy's shrieks as her mouth enters. She puts her hooves on the edges of the vase instinctively to try to pull herself out, but that only helps the vessel faster as her own hooves follow her head and neck.

Knowing full well this was going to make Lily run straight for the door, or failing that, a corner of the room. Roseluck opens Lily's vase and points it towards her. 

Lily screamed when she witnessed her friend's face and head stretch straight into the vase that Roseluck had created for her "DAISY!!! ROSE, WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!? WHY DID THAT HAPPEN?!" Her heart rate skyrockets, immediately panicking as her fight or flight responses take over. She fumbles about with her hooves, trying to run, but the door wasn't getting any closer… in fact it felt like she was getting pulled back. 

"No, NOOOO!!!" She looked back to see that Rose had opened up her own vase, and it was sucking her in! Her blond tail elongated first, followed by her hindlegs. She looked like she was about to cry. "Rose, we're your friends! Wh-wh-why are you doing this to us?!"

"I understand your fear, Lily. But this is a necessary step in the process, and I don't mean in a face your fear kind of way. Allow me to at least clear your last feelings of uncertainty. I am giving you two none other than the kindest gift I can think to give… we will all be genies together! Making each other's wishes come true, and spreading this joy to others like a flower spreading its pollen... And with the power we will have, nothing will ever scare us again!" Roseluck knows that Lily's fear isn't going to make this easier. Roseluck was just about entirely willing throughout her entire transformation even before her hooves touched the vase, so she's not entirely aware of the vessel's ability to make even the most reluctant ponies bend to its will. But she hopes once Lily is released, she'll understand.

At the same time, Daisy's hindlegs and pony tail have been lifted off the ground. Daisy's hooves kick wildly for a moment before they slowed down as if suddenly Daisy began to accept her fate. For Lily, more and more of her tail is pulled within the vessel. Dragging her slowly towards the vase's opening. Her hindlegs swirl around each other and merge until Lily has the same sort of half-body column of smoke that Roseluck has had the entire time.

"That all sounds nice… B-b-but that's not what I wished for! I didn't ask to be a genie! It's not what Daisy wished for either! Please, j-just make this stop, Rose! This isn't like you at all!" Despite her tail and hindlegs getting sucked in already, Lily still tried to run, she knew it was futile but she had to try anyway. 

She could see that Daisy had already been sucked in about halfway in, panicking similarly to her… then she stopped. "D-Daisy?! Rose, this is just horri..." The elongated tail that was her hindlegs connected to the vase at last, an electrifying tingle rocks through her body, her mind opening up like a flower in bloom. "Horri.... Hoooooo~ ....wh-what is this~? It's the... furthest thing from a horrible disaster..." 

Her scared expression shifts to a pleasured looking one. Lily stopped trying to run as she let the vase now suck her in further. up past her hips. "R-rose, why didn't you start with this.... instead of… ooooh~... scaring us....?"

Roseluck lets out a small gasp seeing how quickly Lily turned around "Huh... I'm as surprised as you are if I'm honest, Lily... when I was being transformed. I wasn't even scared, I was still reeling from the effects of the Element of Kindness overwhelming me. I did remember it being particularly.... pleasurable when it got to where you are now. But I didn't know it'd be capable of calming you so quickly, so I apologize... Granted... I imagine the fact I didn't warn you when I thought you'd be kicking and screaming the whole way in is rather deceptive of me... but I promise I held no ill intentions. Just let your vase smooth all your fears and worries away~"

Next to Roseluck and Lily, Daisy's hindlegs straighten up in one last kick before they slip into the vessel. All that's left was Daisy's green ponytail, which quickly gets slurped up like a noodle by the vase. The vase's stopper falls onto the opening, sealing Daisy inside. Daisy's cutie mark, albeit slightly changed, starts fading onto the side.

Lily puts her hooves behind her back as she floats vertically above her vase. The sensation and tingling only increased the more of her enters the vase. She starts getting pinched down, her body making an upside down cone shape with her shoulders and head being the widest part of her body while the rest of her body seems to have formed a near triangle above her vase. She squirms as her forehooves enter the vessel, but not as an attempt to escape. The pleasure's simply making her shake in ecstasy. 

Most of what Rose told her seemed to fall on deaf ears. Her mind was too absorbed by the pleasurable feelings to really understand. But she did hear the apology "It'ssssss fine now… I forgive… oooooh~… you, Rose." All of her fears, worries, doubts, they all seemed to just fade away as she was sucked further in. As she leaned her body back, the sensations continued to get stronger, until... "AAAAHHHH~!!" One last moan that echoes throughout the basement as the 3rd member of the trio completes her genification.

Like Daisy's vase, the top for hers seals it shut, the three lilies that made up Lily's cutie mark slowly took shape on the vase with all of them being stretched downward. 

Both vases rumbled as they were fully sealed, the transformation having been complete. All that needed to be done now was for Rose to let her flowery genie friends bloom into a new phase of their lives.

Roseluck claps her hooves together and thinks to herself (That was fun! Can't wait to do this again but as a proper genie trio!). She then lifts open the stoppers, the vessels trembling before releasing two different shades of pink  with green and blonde sparks rising all the way to the ceiling. The ends of the smokes form into the silhouettes of the two flower ponies, before the both of them fade in, Daisy's veil and leggings are green while Lily's are a bright white. The two let out long satisfied sighs as their emergence completes.

"That... was certainly a ride... but a ride I wouldn't mind going on again~" Daisy's eyes go lidded as she basks in the transformation she just received.

Lily bursts out of her vase, the magical clouds that emerged with her looking like pollen that had just been released. She takes a moment to really adjust to this, examining her new jewelry and white veils. The genie magic flowed through her freely, in her mind it felt as if she'd been unshackled from her previous thinking. There was no longer fear within her, but excitement. "Gosh, I feel like a whole new me! It really was scary at first, but now I think I could take on just about anything! But most importantly...." She swirls around the other two, pulling them into a hug "We can be together like this, forever!!"

Roseluck and Daisy return the hug. "I'm glad the both of you love it, too! Now how about we relax, and make the gardens of our dreams within our vessels... and tomorrow... I think we should make plans to visit Junebug~" Roseluck suggested with a smile

Daisy beamed putting her forehooves on her cheeks "Ooooo, yes! Junebug must absolutely join us for this! Flower ponies, pollinating the world with our wondrous magic!" 

"You didn't tell us we could do that! Oooh I know just how I'll be setting it all up too! This will mean we can grow anything in any season without worry!" Lily's eyes lit up at this plan. "That's a wonderful idea! With Junebug with us, we can make the world a better, more flowery place! Why keep this all to ourselves?"

The trio then each enter their own vessel to construct a field of their favorite flowers all around them. Roses, Daisies, and Lilies respectively. When they were done, the trio entered eachother's vessels and marveled at every one of their best friends' fields. They'll have plenty to do and talk about, before they let in a 4th pony in on their wonderful transformations and endless, never-ending gardens..

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SIDE STORIES

FOLLOW THE FLOWER TRIO TO WHEN THEY VISIT JUNEBUG