#LanzMiaShio

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs: Post Production - Vampiric Woes

Primary Pairing Trio: LanzMiaShio Words: 678 Rating: T AU: Vampires, Monsters, Theater Prompt: Last

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Summary: Mia is still figuring out Shioriko

Author's Note: Bonus second entry for the 31st

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“Hey, Buzzard!”

Shioriko flinched.

“Quit yer circling. You’re making this jackalope nervous.” Mia undid a few buttons and pulled open her collar. “If you’re thirsty just say so.”

The vampire stared at Mia’s neck for a long moment.

“Well?”

Shioriko startled out of her trance. “Sorry, no. I… uhm…”

Mia sighed. “Look, I know Lanzhu’s off doing whatever with some patron or something. But she’ll be back before long and I’m not all that busy today. So if you need a little pick me up, it’s fine. I’ll be fine.”

Mia knew she was a being a bit gruff, but she really disliked seeing her girlfriend like this. Shioriko was a very straightforward woman who told the truth and called things as she saw them, even if it sometimes hurt someone else’s feelings. Except when it came to expressing her own needs and desires. She was diligent, stoic, and disliked being a burden on others.

What was frustrating was Shioriko seemed to fail to realize how much others were willing to do for her. Lanzhu had given up her prestigious position as a Hunter, strained her relationship with her parents, and jeopardized her ability to return to Heaven, all to protect a feral vampire and help her recover. Mia, while far more recently having joined the relationship, relatively speaking, had just given up her mortality to be with the vampire. And the angel of course, but that was a different issue.

Additionally, both Lanzhu and Mia both offered their blood, willingly, to satiate the vampire’s Thirst. Of course, Mia had just inherited a bit of the Thirst as well, but that was a different issue. In Mia’s case specifically, despite Lanzhu being able to provide all Shioriko needed, Shioriko still desired the blood of those she loved. And Mia liked it that way. Hell, she loved it.

Shioriko shook her head. “No, that’s not it…”

“So then what’s buggin’ you?” Mia let go of her collar. “I know there is an eclipse later today.”

“You’re thinking of werewolves. Nico-san and Ryo-san may have trouble. But the moon has no effect on vampires. I think.”

“I see. Is it your necklace? I hope that isn’t causing issues.”

“No. Definitely not.” Shioriko clutched the cross around her neck.

“That’s good.”

The necklace was one Mia had found at a recent festival the trio attended. Hindsight being what it was, it probably wasn’t in good taste to propose giving a silver crucifix to a vampire. Even one protected from most weaknesses by drinking the Holy blood of an angel. But Shioriko accepted and had happily worn the necklace every day since.

“Surely you’re not anxious about opening night?”

“…”

“I mean it’s not like this is your first time in a lead role. And it certainly won’t be your last.”

“…”

“You’re going to be fine. Just as always.”

“…”

Mia pursed her lips. So, she’d figured out what was bothering her girlfriend. And offered words of comfort. But Shioriko was still distressed. What else could Mia do?

“Say…” Mia spoke after an awkward moment of silence. “Do you think maybe drinking a little might help calm your nerves? You know, like how some eat chocolate or drink tea or booze or whatever?”

Shioriko’s stare settled on Mia’s neck again. But this time, it was different. The desire was plainly evident in her eyes.

“Come on.” Mia beckoned, pulling her collar again. “And hey, if it’s just for comfort, not nourishment, and you’re worried about me recovering, why don’t I just drink your blood after?”

“I’m not sure if it works that way.” Shioriko admitted, closing the distance and leaning in.

“Well then Lanzhu will just have to help us both.” Mia resisted shrugged to avoid inadvertently pushing Shioriko away. “Besid…” She flinched as fangs pierced her skin “Besides, she’ll probably want to have us drink from her too, so she won’t feel left out.”

“Mm…” Shioriko’s hum sent a strange sensation down Mia’s spine.

Once the two were settled, Mia smiled. She was getting used to dealing her girlfriends’ eccentricities.

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Author's Note Continued: Still feeling out LanzMiaShio. I'm pretty sure I have the LanzShio side of the triangle figure out well and good. And although I haven't written as many of them, I don't think I would struggle much with LanzMia interactions; more or less swap Mia in for Shioriko's straightman dealing with Lanzhu's antics. It's the MiaShio side where I think I'm weakest, so writing scenes like this can help. I hope.

Anyway, had to write this to get in the last few prior prompts for my personal challenge this Promptober. Not complaining, mind.

Prior Prompts Used: Festival Vampire Leaves Eclipse Time Buzzard Moon

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs: Post Production - Monster Children?

Primary Pairing Trio: LanzMiaShio Words: 466 Rating: T? AU: Theater, Angels, Vampires, Monsters Prompt: Dhampir

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Author's Note: Primary entry for the 30th

Summary: LanzMiaShio discuss various half breeds

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“So…” Mia said, setting down the tomb she had been reading, “If the child of a human and a vampire is a dhampir, what would be the child of an angel and a vampire?”

“Wouldn’t that be a Nephilim?” Lanzhu asked.

“That would be a human and an angel.” Shioriko corrected. “Specifically, a fallen angel.”

The three women were gathered in their office at home. Lanzhu was doing some paperwork for the theater. Shioriko was reading through a new script. And Mia was taking a break from composing by exploring Shioriko’s collection of books on monsters, cryptids, supernatural beings, and the like.

“I thought Nephilim were children of angels and demons?” Mia asked.

“I think that is only in modern video games.”

“Huh…”

“Why do you ask?”

“I was just curious after reading this entry about dhampirs.” Mia shrugged. “And I guess I got to thinking that with as long as you two have been together, I’m surprised you don’t have children.”

“I fail to see how that would be possible.” Shioriko stated solemnly, although she felt a bit of heat rising in her cheeks.

“Surly Lanzhu could just miracle it, right?” Mia waved her hands as though casting a spell

“Mia!” Lanzhu spun in her chair. “That’s a great idea!”

“What?” Shioriko blinked.

“Shioriko! We should do that!” Lanzhu lunged across the room to tackle Shioriko, nearly knocking her out of her own chair. “Lanzhu will help research the necessary miracle to perform!”

“Lanzhu…”

“And then Shioriko and Mia could have a child as well!”

“I fail to see…”

“Miracle!”

Shioriko sighed.

“The child of a vampire and a jackalope…” Mia pondered aloud. “A vampalope?”

“Mia…”

“Jackapire?” Lanzhu suggested.

“Lanzhu…”

“Say, would Mia and Lanzhu’s child be a Nephilim?”

“You’re not a fallen angel.” Shioriko pointed out, exasperation tinting her tone. “Somehow…”

“And I’m not human.” Mia added.

“Nephilope?” Lanzhu guessed.

“Are you two actually serious about having children?” Shioriko couldn’t help asking.

“Yes.” Both of her girlfriends responded in unison.

Shioriko blinked.

“I mean I know my parents want me to be a parent eventually,” Mia said. “so the Taylor legacy can continue and whatnot. Although I’m not sure how my new immortality would affect things.”

“And Lanzhu didn’t know Shioriko and her could do something like that.” Lanzhu admitted.

“Even though as an angel, you’re capable of miracles?” Mia raised an eyebrow.

“But it would probably be some super special sort of miracle.” Lanzhu insisted. “Like one that can only be performed at a certain time of day, or in a particular place, or under the light of an eclipse, or…”

“I’ll… start looking through my books.” Shioriko offered.

Lanzhu cheered and hugged Shioriko tighter. Mia offered a smile and a nod of thanks. And Shioriko wondered what she was getting herself into.

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Author's Note Continued: I will admit that I hadn't put much thought into the children of the monsters in this AU, as opposed to the pages of notes I have for my canon compliant works. But when I looked up dhampir to remind myself of what it was, I couldn't help wondering Mia's opening question. Thus this scene was written. And I've no idea how far down the moon rabbit hole I want to dive for it.

Also, Eclipse was the prompt from '21 and Legacy was from '22.

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs - Post Production: How to Handle Immortality?

Primary Pairing Trio: LanzMiaShio Rating: T Words: ~2.6k AU: Theater, Monsters, Vampires, Angels Time Frame: ??? Content Warning: Talk about vampire stuff

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Author's Note: The reason for the ??? in the time frame is that I'm not honestly sure where I want this in relation to the main story just yet. I hadn't planned on writing much of the rival theater, and started PoH before I really knew much about the R3birth girls. I'll figure it out when I get back to writing more of said main story, instead of over focusing on backstories and world building.

Summary: Shioriko tells Mia the story about how she became a vampire

Reminder: Shioriko is a vampire, Lanzhu is an angel, and Mia is a jackalope. Lanzhu co-owns a theater down the street from one owned by Dia and Umi, and the other two work there.

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“Three hundred years…” Mia murmured.

Shioriko nodded matter-of-factly, obviously far more comfortable with the story she was telling than her audience.

Mia’s head spun a little as she continued to process the magnitude of what she had just been told. Three hundred years. She hadn’t even been alive three decades yet. And she certainly hadn’t missed over half of it stuck in a state of… whatever the heck one would call the state of a starving immortal unable to die of said starvation. Delirium? Nigh unending waking coma? It was truly hard to comprehend.

And yet, Shioriko sat there, curiously watching Mia’s reaction as though she hadn’t just crushed her with the most emotionally traumatizing tale ever told. Of course, unlike Mia, Shioriko had another century… and a half… geez… to acclimate to her new life… unlife? and come to terms with all the time she had lost.

Oh, right, there was still more to the story.

“So, you two made it to Seinaru Mori.”

“Yes.” Shioriko confirmed.

“And did they accept you?”

“After a lot of… effort on Lanzhu’s part.”

Mia raised an eyebrow. “Effort?” She repeated.

Shioriko chuckled. “You know how demanding she can be.”

Mia rolled her eyes.

“I tried to tell her it was fine and that we could just find somewhere else to live.”

“Let me guess, that just made her fight harder.”

“Pretty much.”

“She really hasn’t changed much, has she?”

“No, she hasn’t.” Shioriko smiled fondly.

“So why did you come to Tokyo? From the way you two have described it, Seinaru Mori sounds like a paradise.”

“It is. We’ll have to take you there sometime when it’s less busy at the theater.”

“So…”

“Lanzhu got bored.” Shioriko shrugged.

“Yeah, that sounds like her.”

“So, we started traveling and staying in different places. Sometimes for months. Sometimes for years. And on a few occasions, even longer.”

“Wasn’t it dangerous to leave Seinaru Mori? You said the Hunters were forbidden from doing anything to you there, right?”

“The Hunters here in Japan are different,” Shioriko explained, “because the monsters here are different. Far more monsters are able to live peaceably among humans than anywhere else in the world, so there is less need for Hunter intervention. So long as we don’t cause a scene, they leave us alone.”

Mia nodded.

“As for me, as a vampire, so long as my hosts are willing, they won’t do anything.”

Willing hosts… “Rina says most of her hosts are technically unwilling,” Mia pointed out, “but that it’s fine because she takes so little from them and makes up for it with quantity.”

“Correct.” Shioriko affirmed. “Individuals like her, or Karin-san, who survive on qi, or the Konoes with dreams, are able to take a negligible amount from any one host that it can be reasonably deemed harmless. Were they to take a more noticeable amount and cause harm in doing so, I’ve no doubt the Hunters would take action.”

“I see.”

“Unfortunately, I do not have a harmless way to drink blood, so I must rely on willing hosts.”

“What about blood banks?”

Shioriko shook her head. “I do not wish to cause a disruption to such a vital medical supply chain.”

“Ah.”

“Thankfully, since Lanzhu rescued me, I have been able to find willing hosts.”

“But you really only need her.”

“That is not an incorrect statement.” Shioriko confirmed. “As an angel, Lanzhu is capable of regenerating the blood I drink. She can do this indefinitely, as far as I can determine. Also, as an added bonus, the Holy essence in her blood has alleviated many of my vampiric weaknesses.”

“Like sunlight.” Mia recalled the first morning she had awakened beside her girlfriends. She had panicked at the rays of sun coming in from the open windows, only to be reminded that she had seen Shioriko out in the daytime before.

“Correct. However, this could be an unusual case where my prior affinity with Holy as a mortal somehow carried over, despite the Unholy nature of the vampiric curse. We have not tested the viability of Lanzhu’s blood being consumed by other vampires.”

“Oh?”

“Lanzhu doesn’t wish to share her blood with anyone else other than me.” Shioriko explained. “She sees it as being far too intimate an act, and I cannot disagree with the sentiment.”

Mia furrowed her brow. “But if you turned me into a vampire…”

“She would be willing to share with you as well, obviously.”

“But I don’t have an affinity for Holy. At least not that I am aware of.”

“We would have to test your reaction.”

“Hm…”

“If it is adverse, you would have to just drink my blood instead.”

Mia thought for a moment. “So, if you drank mine, and I drank yours, would that not be some sort of infinite loop?”

“It would not work if it was just the two of us. I will still need to drink Lanzhu’s blood to keep us going.”

“Huh…” Mia still felt like she was missing something. “Then wouldn’t Lanzhu’s Holy still end up affecting me because you’re drinking her blood?”

“Highly doubtful. Despite my mortal affinity for Holy, as a vampire, my blood is still very much Unholy.”

“So, you’re some sort of Holy filter?”

“That may be one way to look at it.” Shioriko didn’t seem certain about the idea.

“Also, didn’t you say Lanzhu would use her blood to purify water and stuff?”

“Yes.”

“Isn’t that allowing someone other than you drink her blood?”

“That’s different.”

“How?”

“The blood in that case is merely a convenient material method of delivering the necessary Holy essence component to her purifying spells. It is not being used to sustain or nourish. Pricking one’s finger with a dagger for a drop or two of purifying essence is not as intimate as letting someone drink your blood directly.”

Mia nodded as she recalled her own thoughts upon first witnessing Shioriko drinking Lanzhu’s blood, and the strange feeling of being left out of something. And the desire to give of herself to someone she loved.

“Wait,” Mia recalled something else, “you said hosts, plural. There have been others?”

“Yes. Though Lanzhu may be capable of supplying all I need to survive, I cannot help craving the blood of those I love, like you.”

Mia felt a small smile tug at the edge of her lips for a moment before it stopped. “But there have been others besides me.” A statement more than a question.

“Correct.”

Something twisted within Mia. She had already assumed that Lanzhu and Shioriko had other lovers before her in their century and a half of life together; Lanzhu probably had other lovers in their three centuries apart. It made sense that they hadn’t stayed just a couple with how easily they had welcomed her in. But hearing it confirmed so casually… no that wasn’t the right word… stoically? impassively? Shiorikoy? In any case, Mia felt like she shouldn’t be bothered by the idea. And yet she was.

“Many, in fact.”

“What?” Mia balked.

“Most were short lived.” Shioriko stated. “Very short lived.” She amended with a sigh. “I believe Lanzhu was far too pushy about granting them the gift of immortality.”

“Lanzhu? Pushy? Never…” Mia couldn’t help a bit of sarcasm to distract herself from the other unwanted emotions.

Shioriko nodded knowingly. “Although I must say I find it strange. With so many myths and legends about mortals seeking immortality, fountain of youth, mermaid flesh, alchemy, etc, when faced with the opportunity, they’ve all turned it down.”

“Perhaps they don’t want to be cursed with vampirism?” Mia suggested before thinking better of it.

“That… may be right…” Shioriko averted her gaze.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”

“It’s alright.” Shioriko shook her head.

“So, you have made the offer to me.” Mia decided to say.

“Yes.”

“But I don’t think Lanzhu has been all that pushy about it. At least not any more pushy than she is about anything else.”

“I believe you are the first to feel as such.”

“So, why the insistence on making another lover immortal?”

“Lanzhu is greedy.”

“Ha!” Mai couldn’t help a short burst of laughter at the point-blank, Shiorikoy delivery.

“Lanzhu is what now?” A voice came from the bedroom door.

“Lanzhu.” Shioriko acknowledged. “Welcome home.”

“Hey.” Mia greeted as Lanzhu strode over to the bed.

The trio went through what Mia had come to know as a fairly standard home greeting. Despite the three girlfriends having been able to see each other at multiple times through the day, the fact that Lanzhu ended up arriving home at a different time than the others, she behaved not all that dissimilar to a puppy. This meant Lanzhu would actively seek extra affection as if to make up for their time apart, going so far as to pout, or even vocally whine if she felt the amount was insufficient. It was a trait Mia had first found annoying but had since come to anticipate and even enjoy, though she wasn’t above calling Lanzhu out on the behavior if she went too far.

“Shioriko was just telling me about how she became a vampire.” Mia said once Lanzhu seemed satisfied. “And how you two ended up in Japan.”

“And how Lanzhu is greedy.” Lanzhu said as she flopped onto the mattress between the other two.

“For wanting another immortal girlfriend, yes.”

Lanzhu grinned up at the women sitting next to her. “Lanzhu has a big heart. And she wants Shioriko to be happy.”

“…?” Shioriko tilted her head.

“Lanzhu could see how Shioriko looked at the others, so she would invite them to be with us.”

“I… I…” Pink began to dust Shioriko’s cheeks.

“There were some that Lanzhu liked first, but I would only invite those I knew Shikoriko would like as well. Like Mia, for example.”

“Me?” Mia blinked. “Wait, is that why you dragged me halfway across the world? To give me like a gift to Shioriko?”

“No.” Lanzhu shook her head. “Lanzhu wanted the best playwright for her theater, and she was willing to search the entire world to find them.”

“She treated talent scouting like a competition and did not wish to lose to the other owners.” Shioriko stated.

Lanzhu pursed her lips and furrowed her brow for half a second before donning a boastful demeanor. “In that case, Lanzhu most certainly won, as Mia was also the best composer. And that was why you were brought here.”

“I see.” Mia said.

“Of course I cannot say I was surprised Shioriko ended up falling for Mia.” Lanzhu turned the teasing back to a blushing Shioriko.

“And you didn’t?” Mia couldn’t help asking, wanting in on the teasing.

Lanzhu laughed. “Of course I did. Didn’t Lanzhu just say she fell first?”

Oh, right…

Lanzhu kicked her legs up before dropping them down and using them as leverage to pull herself up into a sitting position.

“Lanzhu loves her Shioriko and her Mia.” The angel wrapped an arm around each of her girlfriends.

The vampire and the jackalope responded, nearly in unison, with affirmations of their own.

“So,” Lanzhu turned towards Mia, “has Shioriko’s story helped convince you to become immortal to stay with us?”

Ah, she’s being pushy again. Mia thought to herself. But that’s just Lanzhu being Lanzhu. However… “Not really.” she admitted. “If anything, it’s probably a deterrent. I don’t want to lose three hundred years of my life like…”

“You won’t.” Lanzhu stated, suddenly serious.

“We will never let that happen to you.” Shioriko added, matching Lanzhu’s tone.

Mia held the gaze of each of her girlfriends for several long moments. There was something behind their stern expressions. Pain? Regret? Had Mia set something off within them with her statement? Still, it didn’t change the truth of what she said. She really didn’t want to go through anything like what Shioriko had experienced.

But despite her concerns, Mia knew she could trust Lanzhu and Shioriko.

Lanzhu was bossy, headstrong, and charged fearlessly forward, dragging those around her along for the ride. But if not for that leadership, Mia would probably still be holed up in her tiny New York apartment, sulking in her failures, instead of celebrating her successes at a theater in Tokyo.

Shioriko was a stubborn, stoic, rule-following perfectionist who barely understood the concept of fun when Mia first met her. But she was also incredibly willing to help others achieve their best results. It had been her suggestion that Mia try composing musicals in addition to writing scripts, as she had apparently seen something in Mia’s skills that Mia herself had missed. And she had agreed to help Mia find suitable roles when she was able to move past her stage fright.

And somewhere along the lines, Mia had grown closer to Shioriko and Lanzhu, eventually realizing she had fallen for both of them. She had tried to ignore her feelings as not only were they already together as a couple, but they were also powerful immortal beings while she was a mere mortal jackalope.

Then she accidentally walked in on Shioriko drinking Lanzhu’s blood in the latter’s office. The events that followed were still a bit of a blur to Mia, but Lanzhu had dragged her into the office, spilled the beans that Shioriko loved Mia in return, and convinced her to let Shioriko drink her blood; the latter not being all that difficult as Mia had just come to realize how jealous she had been that Shioriko only needed Lanzhu’s blood. Lanzhu next hired movers and Mia found herself living with them that night.

That was months ago. And Mia’s love for her girlfriends had only grown in that time. Obviously, there had been some challenges, and she had learned many more of their quirks. But eventually, Mia had come to enjoy… or at least tolerate, all of the oddities of loving and living with an eccentric angel and a stoic vampire. And part of her really did want to be with them forever.

“Mia?” Lanzhu’s voice brought Mia back to reality.

“Sorry, I just… uhm…” Mia hedged.

“…?” Both Lanzhu and Mia stared at her expectantly.

“Alright.” Mia finally said after a moment. “You can turn me. I want to be immortal and stay with you two.”

Ah. Those smiles…

Lanzhu was the first to react with more than just a grin, as she cried out happily and tackled Mia down onto the bed. No real surprise there, and Mia couldn’t help a smile of her own at the exuberance.

“I shall prepare the ritual.” Shioriko said. “We can proceed Sunday night, as that will give you the next two days to recover.”

Monday and Tuesday were the weekend for those at the theater, so those with a traditional work week could enjoy the performances on their weekend. But why would Mia need both days to recover?

“Is it really that traumatic to turn?” Mia voiced her thoughts.

“It can be.” Shioriko confirmed. “However, I have read of several rituals that can be used to ease the change. That is what I need time to prepare.”

“Lanzhu will help.” Lanzhu offered.

“I am counting on that.” Shioriko nodded.

“Anything I can do?” Mia asked. “It is for me, after all.”

“Yes. We can work on it together.”

Together. Yes. Mia would be together with Shioriko and Lanzhu forever.

As for right now…

Mia felt a definitive shift in her girlfriends’ demeanors as Shiriko slid down beside her and Lanzhu. And she knew immediately what was coming.

It didn’t matter that she and Shioriko had been awaiting Lanzhu’s return so they could figure out dinner plans and settle in for the evening. There was a different hunger in the air now. It didn’t matter that soon they would have all the time in the world for such things. What mattered now to Mia was Shioriko and Lanzhu, and expressing their love for each other.

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Author's Notes Continued: I’m still kinda muddling my way through how I want vampirism works in the PoH world. There have been so~ many depictions in media throughout the years. Rules about what blood can and cannot be consumed. Various weaknesses or explanations for their absence. Different interpretations to the curse’s connection to the world’s religions. Etc.

I believe I’ve kept most of the exposition explaining such things in conversation form, so if I decide I want to write some fun new idea that happens to contradict something I’ve had someone say, I can thus handwave it away as that character simply being wrong. Honestly, that can work for a lot of stuff about the various monsters and crytpids and whatnot in PoH.

Also, I wrote in my notes above that I’m not entirely sure where in the timeline this chapter will take place. I probably will have to happen at the very earliest in the middle of the main story, unless I decide to let Rina and Mia meet earlier as well. And on the other side, “That was months ago” could turn into years ago. I guess it depends on how much I decide to write about the R3birth girls in PoH, or really in general.

And I do want to write more of these three. The Niji OVA gave me a lot of ideas for their inclusion in Tri-Arame, especially showing them living together. And I’m still developing how I want to introduce them in Unstable World. And I’ve written some of their background stuff for Melody Air. I guess as always, it comes down to a matter of time and energy and how much of both I can dedicate to all of the ideas churning around in my mind.

[ryqoshay]

Tri-Arame - Side Story: Whose Wheel Is It Anyway?

Primary Pairing: N/A Considered Pairings Trios: YuuAyuSetsu? EmmaKanaKarin? LanzMiaShio? AiRinaMia? Secondary Pairing: ShizuKasu Rating: G? Words: ~1.6k Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki AU: A monster theater in Shizuku’s mind Time Frame: Sometime during Shizuku’s 2nd year in high school Event: Femslash February 2023 Event Source: @femslashfeb Prompt: Third Wheel

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Author’s Note: Going a little meta with my own works this time for this entry for the 6th. I don’t think anything is required reading to understand what is going on, but there are definitely Easter Eggs to be found for those familiar with my other fics and event collections.

Summary: Shizuku wants to write about a third wheel

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She practically slammed the door on her way out, hoping that would let her pretend what she just saw was a dream. Her heart pounded as she leaned back against the wall. She wanted to create some space between her and what lay just beyond, but she was unable to find the strength in her legs to move, the thought weighing her down as it inked its tendrils across her mind. She heard movement from behind her, then, the turn of the doorknob…

Shizuku lifted the pen from her notebook and tapped the end against her lips. Should the she in this scene be Ayumu? She pondered silently.

The real-life scenario on which this chapter was based had been Ayumu arriving late to an A・ZU・NA practice session and opening the door to find what she initially believed to be Setsuna about to kiss Shizuku. Although she hadn’t slammed the door upon her exit and there had been no knob to turn. Ayumu also had not leaned against the wall wanting to run, in fact the only reason she had stopped was that she had run into Yuu, literally.

And speaking of Yuu, Shizuku intended to swap in Yuu for herself for the scene she was writing. That was another difference from what had actually happened. Perhaps that could be the reason Ayumu wouldn’t run in this scene? Because Yuu was in the apartment with Setsuna, not in the hallway to be run into.

Shizuku giggled as she recalled the real event.

Of course, the drama that little debacle had caused hadn’t been much fun at the time, but it was more amusing now in hindsight; even Ayumu had been willing to admit as such after a while. It turned out Shizuku and Setsuna were acting out a potential twist in their subgroup’s play that proposed a forming love triangle among the characters of the beast, the maiden, and the newly added witch. And Setsuna, who passionately dove into the idea of possibly emulating a scene from some anime, and Shizuku, who always took her acting seriously, may have been a bit too believable for Ayumu at first glance.

The idea was eventually scrapped after a lot of debate among several members of the idol club. Strangely enough though, the strongest opponent to the scene had been Kasumi. And that had been before the two of them started dating. Looking back, Shizuku realized it was just another sign she should have noticed that indicated Kasumi’s feelings for her.

Shizuku glanced down at her notebook and returned her thoughts to what she was writing.

The scene was to be set in the world of a doujin that she, Setsuna and Yuu had made last year, with a lot of help from Ayumu and several others from the club. That doujin had focused on a Halloween party where all of the attendants where alternate universe versions of members of the idol club. Each was a different type of monster, though they were all able to take human form, and they were dressed in costumes of the monster type of a different attendant. And instead of idols, they were actors at a theater. Or, at least some were, others filled various roles around the theater.

Despite the doujin intended to be a fun one-shot exploring a world of monsters and their possible interactions based on the actual personalities of the girls of the idol club, Shizuku became obsessed with the idea. And started writing additional scenes in secret. Stories that explored possible romantic relationships among the characters, far beyond the friendships the original doujin portrayed.

To that end Shizuku had settled on this AU having Yuu and Ayumu starting off as dating and eventually pulling in Setsuna to form a trio. It wasn’t that farfetched an idea, considering how the three behaved these days. Granted, they had not made any formal announcement that they were dating, but something had definitely changed recently among them, possibly during Ayumu’s trip to Europe. For as much time as they had spent together during their second year, they seemed nigh inseparable now.

Geh, she was getting sidetracked again. Where was she? Right, a third wheel scene… She tapped her pen this time against her notebook.

Would Ayumu be a third wheel in a scene like this? She and Yuu were already dating at this point in the story, though they were definitely both falling for Setsuna. Would it actually be more of a cheating theme? Shizuku felt her lip curl into a sneer, that was not the intent of the scene at all. She didn’t mind writing some angst or drama or pining or maybe a little bit of hurt and comfort, but she was less comfortable writing about her friends cheating, even fictional, monster versions of them.

Maybe she should swap Ayumu and Setsuna? That would make Setsuna the third wheel of the scene, which would make more sense given the context of the overall story. But would it make more sense for the individual scene? Ayumu wasn’t an actor at the theater, she was the head of the hair and make up department. She wouldn’t have a reason to have Yuu help her rehearse. For that matter, Yuu wasn’t an actor either, but she would definitely still be willing to help either Setsuna or Ayumu rehearse. But at least one of the women needed to be an actor, which meant Setsuna.

Perhaps the scene could take place at a point in the time line after Ayumu did become an actor? No, that wouldn’t work either, as Shizuku had planned to have her be inspired to become an actor by Setsuna, after the trio started dating.

Shizuku continued to the ponder her dilemma.

Would it be wrong to use a different trio? Sure, the inspiration may have been Ayumu, Setsuna and herself, but she had already made a swap for Yuu. Maybe she should just swap everyone?

Maybe the former third years? But none of them were actors in the AU, so none of them had a reason to rehearse. Granted, the Karin of the real world had expressed interest in acting and Shizuku was willing to help where she could, but the fictional AU Karin worked administrative duties at the theater. So perhaps they weren’t rehearsing a kiss scene? Perhaps Emma and Karin could be dating and just going in for a normal couple’s kiss when Kanata walks in?

Shizuku realized she hadn’t actually decided how those three would come together in the overall story, they just already were together by the time of the Halloween party doujin. Not that the doujin had made mention of this fact. But that left things open for Shizuku. She could have two of them start dating and invite the third, not unlike the former second years. Or maybe they just mutually decide to get together? Maybe something more… dramatic?

How had those three come together in real life? Wait… were they actually together? That certainly felt like the direction they were heading the last time Shizuku had caught up with any of them, but nobody had heard from them in several weeks…

Oh… more dramatic. What if it wasn’t a kiss that was about to occur? That’s right, they had made Shioriko’s monster type a vampire. Shizuku could have either Mia or Lanzhu walk in on her drinking blood from the other. Hrm… Lanzhu and Shioriko were childhood friends, so perhaps Mia could be the third wheel?

Then again, Mia could also work as a third wheel for Rina and Ai. Maybe? Rina’s monster type was a jiangshi, so while she didn’t drink blood, she did feed on qi. But would Ai make a good third wheel? For some reason, Shizuku felt Ai would simply welcome Mia into the fold with open arms. And that didn’t work well for as a foundation for a third wheel that was to spark a bit of drama before everyone eventually got together.

So… maybe it was to be a Lanzhu x Mia x Shioriko story after all? Shizuku pressed the tip of the pen back to the paper.

Move. Mia commanded her legs, though to no avail. Move, damnit!

The door opened. Too late.

“Shizuko?”

No, that was wrong, it was supposed to be Lanzhu saying Mia’s name.

“Are you writing shippy stories about our friends again?”

Arms draped over Shizuku’s shoulders and a chin dropped onto her head.

“Oh, the monster theater one again?” Kasumi sighed. “I still can’t believe Shizuko went and made her cute little Kasumin into a gremlin for that…”

Shizuku smiled, twisted her torso, and reached her hand up to pull her girlfriend down into a kiss, immediately pushing up as Kasumi reciprocated. “Kasumi-chan is the cutest gremlin I know.” She said as she dropped back down into her chair.

Kasumi pouted. Shizuku chuckled.

“Anyway, the bath is yours.” Kasumi straightened back up.

“Thank you.” Shizuku acknowledged. “Let me just get a few more lines out of my head and onto paper.”

“Well don’t take too long. Shizuko promised we could go through some of the pictures from the photoshoot and choose a few to keep.”

“Sounds like Kasumi-chan just wants to look at pictures of herself.”

“And Shizuko!” Kasumi insisted as she grabbed her tablet and climbed onto Shizuku’s bed.

“Mm…” Shizuku hummed a happy affirmation.

“I remember there were some really good ones of you this time around… like…” Kasumi swiped a couple times before pausing. An expression of admiration spread across her face. Genuine admiration. “Like this one…”

Cute…

Shizuku couldn’t help a bit of admiration of her own before it was replaced by the urge to join her girlfriend for some snuggles and photo browsing.

Yes, the story could wait. Well, mostly… Shizuku spun back to her desk, flipped a page of her notebook, and quickly scribbled out a hasty outline of her ideas so she wouldn’t forget all of them. Then, she hopped up and dashed over to the dresser to grab her pajamas.

“Shizuko?”

“Be right back!” Shizuku said as she almost ran out of her bedroom to take a quick bath.

---------

Author’s Note Continued: So, for starters, the italicized paragraphs were directly lifted from a chapter I wrote for Idol Fanfic Heaven’s Fantastic Departure event last year. And yes, that was a LanzMiaShio scene.

However, just as Shizuku thought first about making it a YuuAyuSetsu scene, so did I. The episode with Future Parade had not aired by that time, so it wasn’t in the context of the beast, maiden and witch play that Shizuku wanted to have A・ZU・NA perform. That just felt like a fun way to reference a shot from the second season that I’ve wanted to write about for a while now. I ended up shelving that idea, though, as I was still being indecisive about how I wanted to progress the timeline of their relationship, and I went with a different ship.

That said, I do still want to write something about that blink-and-you’ll-miss it scene in the middle of Future Parade. And now, having written this scene, I kind of want to write a YuuAyuSetsu version of it for my monster theater AU.

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs: Post Production - Heavenly Hiraeth

Primary Pairing: YohaRiko Implied Pairings Trios: YuuAyuSetsu, LanzMiaShio Fandom: Love Live Sunshine, Nijigasaki Words: 646 Rating: G AU: Angels, Demons, Monsters Time Frame: Sometime after the main story Prompt: Hiraeth

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Author's Note: Primary entry for the 8th

Summary: Yoshiko isn't feeling the best at the festival

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“Ayumu-chan! Set…” Riko called, only to realize her coworkers couldn’t hear her over the din of the festival.

“I wonder what Ayumu is gonna make for her girlfriends.” Yoshiko pondered aloud.

“Eh?”

“She just bought a bunch of yarn from that vendor.”

“Ah.” Riko recalled her friend’s love of knitting.

“Anything catching your eye, Riri?”

“Mm… not yet…”

The couple continued to meander through the crowded path, scanning the stalls for souvenirs.

“Oh, Lanzhu-chan is here as well.” Riko said.

Yoshiko flinched at the mention of the angel’s name but elsewise subdued her instinctual reaction. Lanzhu had been surprisingly civil to her, if a bit narcissistic, but that was just angelic nature. And while part of Yoshiko wanted to reciprocate, just being within that Holy aura made her feel…

No… not now… I’m on a date with Riri. We’re having a good time…

“Yocchan?”

“I’m fine.” She lied.

Damn. Yoshiko realized she had chosen the wrong direction to look. The pink-haired celestial was right there, not ten meters away. However, something else drew Yoshiko’s attention; Mia, holding something out to Shioriko. Yoshiko’s brow furrowed with recognition.

Why in the Nine Circles of Hell is that damned jackalope giving a silver crucifix to a vampire?! And why isn’t the angel stopping them? Are they all idiots?

Shioriko touched the pendant and… nothing happened. She smiled and Mia slipped the chain around her neck.

What. The. Hell.

Yoshiko’s mind reeled as she tried to process what she had just witnessed. Then her stomach churned as she realized how close she had gotten to the angel. And…

“Yocchan?”

“Uhm, I’m actually kinda hungry.” Yoshiko decided to say. “And look over there, a choco banana stand. My treat?” She grabbed her girlfriend’s hand.

Riko raised an eyebrow but said nothing while letting herself be led toward the food stalls.

---------

“Yocchan.”

Yoshiko clenched her jaw. She knew that tone was coming. The couple had just arrived back at her apartment for the night.

“Would you please tell me what’s gotten into you tonight?”

Yoshiko sighed. “I’m sorry, Riri.”

She had done her best to keep up a cheerful façade for the rest of their time at the festival, but it seemed Riko knew her too well already and had seen through it. Hindsight being 20-20, she probably should have just asked to leave early.

“It’s… hard to explain.”

Arms gently slid around Yoshiko’s waist from behind and a chin landed on her shoulder. “Would you be willing to try?”

“It’s ███████.”

“Eh?”

“It’s an untranslatable angelic word.” Yoshiko scoffed. “And apparently, having fallen, I’ve lost the ability to pronounce it. A foolish mortal tried to translate it once and ended up creating the entire language of Enochian, which… don’t get me started on that mess… The Welsh came close with their own <hiraeth> but…”

“Can you describe it?”

“Well, to oversimplify, it means longing.”

“Longing?”

“For Heaven. For His presence. That He instilled within us.”

“… Oh…” Riko tightened her embrace.

“One would think that severing my Heavenly tether would allow me to escape that curse, but I guess that is just a fallen angel’s luck.”

“Uhm, if I may ask, why do I not feel it as well?” Riko inquired. “Are we not of the same ilk?”

“You were born in Hell.”

“Yes.”

“You are unaware of the Glo… nature of Heaven, and thus are incapable of experiencing ███████. And may you forever remain so.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You’ve nothing to apologize for, Riri.”

“But if I cannot empathize, is there anything else I can do to help?”

“Just… be with me.” Yoshiko said, turning in Riko’s arms so she could face her and return the embrace. “Help me remember why I am better off here than there.”

“Alright.”

“Thank you, Riri.”

How long the fallen angel and demon stood together in the entryway, neither knew, nor did they care.

---------

Author's Note Continued: Whenever I read a word as being untranslatable, but Google translate happily spits out a translation, I know I'm going to end up with multiple tabs open researching a deeper meaning. And that's exactly what happened here. Not complaining, mind.

Anyway, I've seen many movies and shows that depict angels, fallen angels, and demons who were once angels, as having a built-in need for Heaven and/or God that they cannot ever truly shake. There is a fantastic rant from Dogma that unfortunately ended up on the cutting room floor, but can still be found around the net, that describes this feeling better than anything else I've seen. And while there was no way I could capture anything close to the power of that rant within the confines of a 4k character limit event entry, I do hope I at least got the sentiment across.

I will probably expand on this scene when I get around to adding it to the PoH:PP collection proper.

And finally, day eight of getting both prior prompts in. Festival was from '21 and Yarn was from '22.

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs - Post Production: Shioriko Stares

Primary Pairing Trio: LanzMiaShio Rating: T Words: 734 AU: Theater, Monsters, Cryptids Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki Parent Fic: Putting on Hairs - Post Production Time Frame: ??? Event: Promptober 2022 Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord Prompt: Buzzard Content Warning: Vampire stuff and vocabulary that may offend some of my readers... according to Word

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Author’s Note: Primary entry for Oct 10th

Summary: Shioriko stares at Mia

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She could feel her eyes boring holes into the back of her head.

Nobody could stare like Shioriko, as far as Mia was concerned. Nobody had as wide a variety of stares as Shioriko. There was her resting, mid-distance stare. Her disinterested stare. Her interested stare. Her very interested stare. Her confused stare. Her bemused stare. Her amused stare. And so many more. And truth be told, Mia loved them all.

And recently, Mia had become more aware Shioriko’s hungry stare. Specifically, directed at her.

Mia had no idea how often vampires had to drink blood. Nor did she know how or why Shioriko was able to consume normal human food, albeit in far smaller quantities than nearly everyone else she knew. She’d been caught off guard by how little she knew about vampires, or at least the type Shioriko was, more often than she cared to admit over the last few days. Hell, she hadn’t even known drinking Lanzhu’s angelic blood had made her immune to the sun.

But Lanzhu had said they would meet the same time next week after Shioriko had first drank Mia’s blood. Did that mean Shioriko only needed to drink blood once a week? But Lanzhu had also said that Shioriko had still wanted Mia’s blood despite having drank her fill of hers. Could Shioriko consume more than she actually needed to survive? Certainly, many living beings were capable of overeating, but vampires were undead, so maybe they played by different rules?

Mia shook her head to clear it. In doing so, she realized the sensation of being stared at was gone.

“Taylor-san?” the orchestra conductor asked.

“Sorry, what part were you having trouble with again?”

Mia shifted to get a better view of the score held by the conductor. Her position allowed her to steal a glance over to where Shioriko had been rehearsing with her fellow actors. Sure enough, her girlfriend had moved elsewhere.

---------

The hairs on the back of Mia’s neck stood on end.

Mia clenched her jaw. All day. Every opportunity she got, Shioriko had stared at her. Just stared. Nothing else. Not even a word.

Sure, she knew Shioriko could behave distant or disconnected at times. And sure, she had come to love the stares as a trait of one of the women she loved. But they were dating now. Surely that warranted something a more, right?

Mia tensed as she heard her girlfriend approach, stop, and loom over her chair. Staring.

“Gods damnit!” Mia spun. “Stop hovering over me like some damned buzzard! I’m not a roadkill rabbit to be scavenged!”

Shioriko flinched, nearly dropping the bag in her hands, and stumbled back a step. “My… My apologies, Mia.” She straightened and offered a curt bow. “I… shall take my leave.”

Mia sniffed. How had she missed that aroma? Had she really been so distracted by the staring that she hadn’t realized Shioriko brought food?

“Wait!” Mia called as the other woman turned.

Shioriko paused.

“Were you… bringing lunch for me?”

“Yes. Tsubasa-san ordered again from the Kousaka Kafé. I suspected you missed the message, so I brought ours here.”

“I see. Thank you, Shioriko. And uhm… sorry for shouting at you.”

“I’m sorry for staring.” Shioriko cleared space on Mia’s desk.

“Were you wanting to drink my blood?”

Shioriko blinked. “How… did you know?”

“I’m starting to learn your stares.”

Shioriko blushed. “Oh…”

“Anyway, you should have just said so.” Mia undid her collar button and pulled it open.

“I… can’t…”

“Why?”

“Because Lanzhu isn’t here to restore you.”

“You need Lanzhu for what now?” A voice came from the door.

Mia laughed. “Your timing is perfect.” She said as her other girlfriend strode into the studio. “But you’re back early?”

“Lanzhu sealed the deal with ease.” Lanzhu boasted, setting her own bag down. She glanced between the others. “I see. Well, go ahead, Shioriko. I’ll take care of Mia after.”

Shioriko nearly lunged at Mia.

For her part, Mia laughed again before letting the still strange sensations take over.

---------

Author’s Note Continued: Still kinda feeling my way through this trio, to be honest. The R3BIRTH girls have been slowly growing on me as of late; their three latest songs definitely got many replays to get me through my work nights when they came out.

However, the idea of Mia worrying about being “just” a little jackalope in a relationship with two extremely powerful, immortal beings definitely lends itself to a lot of exploration. And said exploration may very well help my headcanons for them over in my non-AU works. Or my other AU’s.

In any case, they are indeed fun to write.

[ryqoshay]

Melody Air - Fly High: Sùdù Wāixié

Primary Pairing: N/A, Rina & Mia Secondary Ships: AiRina, LanzMiaShio Rating: G, unless curses bumps it up to T? Words: 597 Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki Parent Fic: Melody Air - Fly High Time Frame: Sometime after the main story AU: Airline Event: Promptober 2022 Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord Prompt: Cattywampus

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Author’s Note: Bonus 2nd entry for Oct 5th prompt

Summary: Rina helps Mia work on a plane

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“<Shit!>” A curse in English echoed through the hangar.

Ktaclang!

“<Damnit!>” Another curse accompanied the sound of a tool clattering to the cement floor.

“Mia-chan?” Rina asked, stepping through the door.

“Wah! Rina?!”

More clattering.

“Are you alright?”

Rina moved toward the plane she assumed Mia was working on. It was not a model she knew offhand and assumed it was a custom build. However, she could tell it was built for speed, as it looked like little more than wings and cockpit strapped to a jet engine.

Rina rounded the plane and found Mia sprawled on the platform of her lift that was currently level with a sizable access hatch open in the side of the engine.

“I’m fine.” Mia stated, though her tone indicated otherwise. “Sùdù, however, is not.”

“Sùdù?”

“The name Lanzhu insisted on giving this girl.” Mia patted the side of the plane. “Anyway, I told her she should let me fly our collection here, but she kept saying it would take too long and decided to have them all shipped here instead. And now Sùdù here is all cattywampus after the shippers mishandled her and God only knows how long it will take me to get her airworthy again.” She let out a frustrated sigh. “To say nothing of the upgrades I wanted to install.”

“Upgrades?” That caught Rina’s attention.

“Yeah, to make her fly even faster. Despite her name, she hasn’t broken Mach 1 yet.” Mia suddenly grinned. “But what I have planned will get her <screamin’ like a bat outta Hell.>”

Rina wasn’t familiar with the phrase, nor another word Mia had used a moment ago, but she had a pretty good idea based on the context.

“Anything I can help with?”

“Help?” A tiny spark of hope flashed across Mia’s face. “Uhm, yeah, sure. First, could you grab that socket I dropped?”

---------

“Rinari?” A voice called from the door. “You in here?”

“Ai-san.” Rina replied. “We’re over here.”

“We?” Ai rounded the plane. “Ah, Mia-chi, fancy meeting you here.”

“It’s… my hangar?” Mia responded, seeming a bit confused.

Ai simply laughed in response. “Anyway, I’m here to collect Rinari for dinner.”

At the mention of food, Rina realized how hungry she was and wondered how long it had been since she last ate. She had completely lost track of time as she and Mia worked on Sùdù and talked about planes and mechanics and all manner of similar topics. She had learned that Sùdù had been built from the ground up, primarily by Mia, as well as many other interesting things about the small private fleet Mia, Lanzhu and Shioriko owned. It had been an extremely enjoyable day, lack of nourishment notwithstanding.

“<Damn…> I didn’t realize how late it was…” Mia commented.

“Wanna join us, Mia-chi?” Ai asked. “There’s a new burger joint Rinari and Ai have been meaning to try.”

That got Mia’s attention. “Uhm, sure. But, would you two mind if Shioriko comes with us as well? With Lanzhu still in Hong Kong, she’ll get lonely eating alone… Even if she would never admit it.”

Rina decided not to comment that the same seemed to apply to Mia.

“Of course!” Ai agreed. “Shioti is absolutely welcome to join us. The more the merrier!”

“Right. I’ll send her a messa…” Mia cut off as she noticed her grease covered hands.

“Don’t worry, I got it.” Ai assured. “You two go get cleaned up.”

With that, Rina and Mia headed to the wash station to get ready. It looked like the evening would also be enjoyable, Rina decided.

---------

Author’s Note Continued: Not to be a prude or anything, but I’m typically not one for cursing in general. Nothing against those who do, I just find myself avoiding it in my own lexicon. Anyone familiar with my fics may have noted this, with a rather glaring exception of HtHaN’s The Incident where Nico drops a few F bombs, which was entirely intentional on my part and I felt it fit well with the tone of the chapter. Not entirely sure why damnit doesn’t bother me as much, so that often has become my go to curse when i believe one to be necessary. That all said, Mia canonically curses, so I may write more if I do more with her.

Anyway, I didn’t have the space in the character limit to drop too much exposition on Mia’s background here, as well as her role in Melody Air. But perhaps that will be explored in more depth when I write about her bonding with Rina in this AU, to mirror how she did in SIFAS.

And finally, I mistakenly broke from my chapter naming scheme for this one, so it may be changed, likely to just Wāixié when I integrate it into the MA-FH collection. Or maybe I’ll leave it. We’ll see.

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs - Post Production: Day Don’t Break Yet

Primary Pairing Trio: LanzMiaShio Rating: G? Words: 652 AU: Monsters, Cyptids, Angels Fandom: Love Live Nijigasaki Parent Fic: Putting on Hairs - Post Production Time Frame: Sometime after the main story Event: Promptober 2022 Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord Prompt: Daybreak

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Author’s Note: Bonus second entry for the first prompt. It’s been a hectic month already, so all I’ve been able to do is post to the Discord channel. Thus, please forgive the burst of posts... I’ve still managed to find scraps of time to types stuff out on my phone or tablet.

Summary: Mia notices the sun rising and...

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Mia opened her eyes.

Wow… what a sight. Two lovely women laying beside her. Lanzhu and Shioriko. Her girlfriends. The two she loved most.

She could write a song about it. Maybe a play if she included everything leading up to it. With some artistic flourishes of course; the stage demanded its share of melodramatics.

She could see it now. The prima donna singing about being dragged around the world by a bossy friend to open a business. A large group song about a rivalry between them and another business nearby. A smaller group song where members from each side find peace in a neutral area.. The prima donna getting a solo about falling in love with the bossy friend despite her already being in a relationship, with lyrics implying she had fallen for her girlfriend as well. Then a grand finale with the couple accepting her into the fold.

A play based on actual events. Mia chuckled to herself.

But would the audience believe it?

Honestly, it still felt a little unbelievable.

For a moment, Mia wondered if she should include some of the more… supernatural aspects of the events. Would that bolster the audience's suspension of belief? If they could stretch their imaginations far enough to include some mythical madness, they could deal with some of the seemingly miraculous events among the characters. So long as everything fit for how the characters were presented, it would be fine, right? After all, the theater up the street constantly included supernatural shenanigans in their plays, and their audiences loved it.

But a jackalope accepted into a relationship with a vampire and an angel? That… may still be too unbelievable. And yet, here they were.

Lanzhu had wasted no time in inviting, or rather insisting that Mia move in with her and Shioriko. Literally the afternoon after Mia had caught Shiroriko drinking Lanzhu's blood, Lanzhu told Mia she had hired movers for her. Mia was to pack what she needed for the night and they would take care of the rest the next day.

She was as bossy and pushy as ever, though Mia knew it was just how Lanzhu dealt with awkward social interactions. And under different circumstances, Mia may have resisted, but she couldn’t see a reason to, as it was something she knew she wanted.

Movement caught her eye.

Light poured through the window and crept along the floor.

Daybreak. Not Mia’s favorite time, but if this was her new morning view, perhaps she could get used to it.

But then, she felt herself frown as her gaze found Shioriko…

Wait… Sunlight. Shioriko was a vampire.

Damnit!

Mia changed into her jackalope form and hopped over her girlfriends. From the edge of the bed, she launched herself toward the window. In midair, she shifted back, grabbed the draw rod and yanked.

“Ehhh?” Lanzhu yawned. “Mia? What’s with the racket?”

“Sun… Shioriko…”

Lanzhu laughed.

Huh?

“Nnn…” Shioriko stirred. “What’s…?”

“Mia just saved your life.” Lanzhu said.

“…?”

“Why would you be so careless as to leave the curtains open like that?” Mia accused.

“…?”

“Sun. Vampire.”

Shioriko yawned. “I’m not vulnerable to that anymore.”

“Ever since she started drinking my angelic blood.” Lanzhe declared proudly. “And really, you’ve seen her during the day before.”

Mia flushed as she remembered. Geez… she really didn’t think clearly this early in the morning…

“But thank you, Mia.” Shioriko said, rubbing her eyes. “Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.”

“Now come back here.” Lanzhu slid away from Shioriko and patted the area between them. “We don’t have to be up for a little while yet.”

Still embarrassed, Mia moved to take the offered spot. Shioriko and Lanzhu snuggled in once she was settled, the former back asleep instantly while the latter contented in playing with Mia's hair.

Mia allowed herself to enjoy the affection. Perhaps some other day, she could break out her other concerns. For now…

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Author’s Note Continued: I first started writing for this trio earlier this year during IFH’s Fantastic Departure event. And surprisingly posted the first fic to the ship tag over on AO3. Now, several months later, I’ve written a little more for them. And I would very much like to write even more, so long as my µ’s muse cooperates, of course.

[ryqoshay]

Putting on Hairs - Post Production: New Blood

Primary Pairing Trio: LanzMiaFangShio Words: ~1.3k Rating: T? AU: Theater, Monster, Cryptid Parent Fic: Putting on Hairs - Post Production Time Frame: ??? Event: Fantastic Departure 2022 Event Source: Idol Fanfic Heaven channel on Discord Content Warning: Some discussion and depictions of vampire stuff

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Author’s Note: My eighth entry for the prompt-agraph event.

Also, Fang being a vampire was mentioned in a Promptober entry, Much Ado About a Fang, but I don't believe I've mentioned Lanzhu or Mia's monster types; angel and jackalope, respectively.

Also also, apparently, I made the first entry over on AO3 for this ship. TheRev28 beat me to YuuAyuSetsu by a few days, but I'm honestly surprised there wasn’t at least one other R3birth OT3 fic posted before mine. Maybe I ordered the girls wrong in the tag?

Summary: Mia may be jealous of something between Shioriko and Lanzhu

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She practically slammed the door on her way out, hoping that would let her pretend what she just saw was a dream. Her heart pounded as she leaned back against the wall. She wanted to create some space between her and what lay just beyond, but she was unable to find the strength in her legs to move, the thought weighing her down as it inked its tendrils across her mind. She heard movement from behind her, then, the turn of the doorknob…

Move. Mia commanded her legs, though to no avail. Move, damnit!

The door opened. Too late.

“Mia?” Lanzhu asked, stepping into the hallway. “What was that all about?”

Mia opened her mouth to reply but stopped as she realized she had no idea how to feel about what she had just seen; Shioriko drinking Lanzhu’s blood.

Mia knew Shioriko was a vampire even before meeting her, as Lanzhu had casually informed her as such when she dragged her halfway across the world to open a theater in Japan. She also knew Shioriko and Lanzhu were childhood friends, if such a concept could be applied to one such as Lanzhu; Mia still hadn’t learned the details surrounding Lanzhu’s descent from Heaven, other than it had been voluntary, unlike the fallen angel working at another theater up the street.

So of course, it stood to reason that Lanzhu would offer her own blood to Shioriko. Mia had figured such things had been going on for years. However, just now, witnessing it live, in front of her eyes, something had changed.

Somehow, Mia felt like she was being left out of something, despite how close she had become to the other two women. And she wasn’t sure she liked the implications of that feeling.

“Mia?” Now Shioriko was poking her head out of the doorway. “Are you alright?”

Mia couldn’t tear her gaze away from Shioriko’s eyes, which burned a deeper red than usual, like smoldering embers of a flame that had recently been quenched. Was that the residual effects of her vampiric bloodlust? Wait, was that the right term? Somehow it sounded wrong.

“I’m fine, I just…” Mia insisted, turning, finally, to walk away.

“Never seen Shioriko feed before?” Lanzhu’s voice asked from behind.

Mia stopped in her tracks. She turned back to find Lanzhu waiting, somewhat impatiently for an answer while Shioriko quickly averted her gaze and blushed. Something in Lanzhu’s tone hit the wrong chord for Mia.

“Of course I haven’t.” Mia snapped, more aggressively than she intended. “Why would I? Isn’t that something you should be doing in private anyway. Why didn’t you lock the door? What if someone other than me walked in?”

Lanzhu laughed. “That would have been fine, everyone here knows Shioriko is a vampire and needs to drink blood to survive. And who best to fulfill her needs than an angel such as Lanzhu, who can regenerate anything lost far faster than a mere mortal.”

“So she really does just need you…” Mia bit her tongue to cut herself off as she realized she hadn’t wanted to say that out loud.

Lanzhu raised an eyebrow. A moment later, a sly smile turned her lips. “So, Mia wants to let Shioriko drink her blood as well?”

“No, I…” Mia cut off again as she noticed a change in Shioriko’s eyes.

The flames from earlier had been restoked as the vampire’s gaze settled on what Mia believed to be her neck.

“Oh ho~…” Lanzhu observed. “It seems even after drinking her fill, Shioriko is still thirsty for the blood of those she loves.”

What was that?

Shioriko blinked, dousing the fire in her eyes while heat instead erupted across her cheeks. She ducked her head before retreating back into Lanzhu’s office.

Love? Had Mia heard that correctly? Were the feelings that had been growing within her since moving to Japan reciprocated?

For her part, Lanzhu stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on Mia’s shoulder. “Come.” She said as she began to guide Mia toward the door. “Perhaps it’s time to get you initiated.”

“Does it hurt?” Mia found herself wondering aloud.

“A little, at first. Or maybe a lot, maybe it’s different for non-celestial beings.” Lanzhu shrugged. “But after that, it feels really good.”

“Will it turn me into a vampire as well?”

“Well, she can’t turn Lanzhu…” Lanzhu furrowed her brow. “Perhaps Shioriko can explain better?”

The two turned to the other occupant of the office.

“Oh, uhm, it depends on how much I drink.” Shioriko spoke up, still seeming a little flustered from before. “A little to a moderate amount, you’ll be fine. If I drain a lot, you’ll become a vampire. And if I drain you completely, you’ll become a ghoul, a thrall under my direct control.”

Mia’s eye twitched. “Not that last option, thank you. Perhaps the first?”

“Oh, you don’t want to become an immortal like us?” Lanzhu inquired.

“Uhm… maybe later?”

Lanzhu hummed neutrally as she suddenly reached over to unbutton Mia’s collar.

“L-Lanzhu?!” Mia stepped back.

Lanzhu chuckled. “Well, Shioriko can’t really drink properly through your shirt, now can she?”

“I know that.” Mia growled. “But I can do it myself.” She stated, finishing the last couple buttons.

Immediately, Mia became aware of a presence beside her. Shioriko? How had she closed the distance so quickly?

“Seems Shioriko is already wondering what rabbit blood tastes like.” Lanzhu commented, wholly unnecessarily.

“Jackalope.” Mia corrected. “Are you really going stay here and watch?”

Lanzhu hummed neutrally again. “It’s my office.” She pointed out.

Mia sighed. “Fine.” She then turned her frustration toward the vampire looming over her. “Are you going to drink or just stare?” She pulled her collar open more to emphasize her point.

“Are you sure it’s alright?” Shioriko’s voice was strained as she seemed barely able to control her urges, but was trying her best to remain respectful.

Mia felt a little bad for her outburst. “Yes, it’s fine.” She said, intentionally more gently than before.

Shioriko’s eyes flashed with burning desire before she leaned in.

Mia flinched as fangs pierced her skin, but then… Lanzhu had been right. The sensations thereafter were almost indescribable. A strange mix of calm and ecstasy, and an undeniable desire for more. Mia couldn’t help wrapping her arms around Shioriko to pull her closer.

So, this was what it felt like to give of herself, literally, to sustain someone she cared about. It was far better than the jealousy she had felt earlier at the bond shared by the two women she had come to love.

Somewhere amid the haze of sensations, Mia realized she remained uncertain as to Lanzhu’s feelings for her, but if Lanzhu was willing to share something like this with her, that had to count for something. Right?

And then, all too soon, it was over.

“Thank you… for the meal…” Shioriko said in a satisfied tone as she stood back up.

A handkerchief appeared in Mia’s field of view as Lanzhu reached forward to wipe Shioriko’s mouth. Lanzhu then turned her attention to Mia.

“How do you feel?”

“Drained.” Mia admitted.

“Well of course.” Lanzhu laughed. “But perhaps Lanzhu can help a little with that.”

?!

Lips pressed against Mia’s and a warm, rejuvenating energy flowed into her.

“How about that?” Lanzhu asked with a self-satisfied smile as she pulled away.

“…” Mia opened her mouth to reply, but nothing came out.

Lanzhu laughed again. “Well, we can’t have you lounging about all day recovering, now can we? It’s still early and there is plenty of work to do.” She said as she stepped around her desk. “So let’s get to it.”

“Right.” Shioriko recovered quicker than Mia and nodded curtly before turning toward the door. “Are you coming, Mia?”

“Uh, yeah…” Mia stepped in behind the other woman.

“Oh, and girls.” Lanzhu said from behind them, causing them to pause. “Same time next week?”

Embarrassed affirmations were given before Shioriko and Mia finally left Lanzhu’s office.

But as Mia made her way to her studio, she couldn’t help feeling good about the recent turn of events. Her bond with Shioriko and Lanzhu had become stronger, and that made her happy. Perhaps she could use this newfound happiness to inspire a new song or scene. And with those thoughts in mind, she got to work.

---------

Author’s Notes Continued: Another new ship for me. And of course, it's another OT3. I've honestly been hesitant to write much about the R3birth girls as I am still embarrassingly behind in the SIFAS main story and their anime debut is still a ways in the future. (Edit: Or was, at the time I originally wrote this.) Hopefully, I've portrayed them at least somewhat accurately, or at least accurately enough given the AU situation.

That said, I’m not honesty sure how much I’ll be writing about the “rival theater.” I do have some plans for future shenanigans with Anju and her spying familiars. And I intend TubaHonk to become a thing in the PoH universe. But who knows what ideas future events may inspire.

Also worth mentioning, Lanzhu shares ownership of the “rival theater” with Tsubasa and Sarah. Mia is their primary playwright and while I haven’t completely settled on a role for Fang, she will likely end up as an actor; I care less about avoiding casting conflicts with the other theater than I do over at the Sonoda Kurosawa theater.

And finally, yes, I know the girls of R3birth are not technically rivals anymore, but they kinda sorta started out as such, so they’re at least starting at the “rival theater.” Whether or not one or two end up at the SK theater remains to be seen, even by me.