#but most of them don't quite fit what I have in mind for my MC or OCs

[misc-obeyme]

We need a character customization option in the game, seriously, it's a bit offensive to me to not be able to get my character designed.

Ok, I understand the artists' fandom out there who can do it, but what about those who aren't talented like that? Even if I asked my artist friend to draw my MC for me, it probably wouldn't work since I can't just keep asking them every day for my fanart or whatever. seriously, I think we should let the dev's know about this issue.

Well, it would be nice to have a character maker in the game. I love that kinda thing, let me design a lil cutie because I can't draw one myself!

Buuuut it'd take a LOT of work to add something like that to the game and at this point, I don't wanna add anything to their list. I mean, look how long it's taking for us to be able to date the three newbies! I just don't trust them not to take forever. Plus can you imagine if they decided to do it 3D model style? I can handle those for the little short WW situations, but much more than that and I'd be like this is not worth it lol.

However, I totally agree that it would be a nice feature to have! One can always commission artists to draw their MCs but man if I don't get nervous thinking about doing that... I do have one amazing art piece of my MC (you can see it in their profile~) because the artist was kind enough to offer to draw them for me (I basically lost my mind over it too lol).

Anyway, your desire is totally valid and I too would love such an option! For now, though, I fear picrews shall have to suffice~

[ira-hydrangea]

Replaced Mc? Not Really... Never Part 3

Summary: Everything is now ready. Just one final strike before they can take the fruit of their hardworks.

Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 4

Obviously with the rumors plan failed. Nobody believes Eva and now her reputation is at risk. So she changed her plans. To get rid of MC once and for all.

Since no one believes her, she just needs to make it so they will have no choice but to believe her.

Luckily, she has a puppet fit for that. There is this one boy that is naive enough to believe her no matter what. He is annoying but if can change your words then making him do your bidding will be an easy feat. Who else but Kalim?

"Eh? What do you need to do with that kind of flower?" Kalim asks surprised. Eva is meeting with him in his dorm.

Currently, Eva trying to convince Kalim to bring her the Moonlight Flower. It's a special flower that only bloomed once every year and the time for each flower to bloom is different. The flower has a beautiful blue petal with a red hue right in the middle. Almost similar to the lotus.

"I'm just curious~. This world has always fascinated me and especially the flowers. At least before Mr.Crowley found the way back, I want to see every magical thing in here. Can you please do it for me, Kalim?"

Kalim then stays silent for a while before smiling. "Sure~ I don't mind. Besides, MC never really sees that kind of flower too so I can also gift it to them."

Eva clenched her fist when hearing about Mc's name. What is so special about them? They are also the same magicless human as her yet why do people here always put them in the greater light.

"Thank you so much, Kalim~. And speaking about Mc, can you tell me more abou-"

"Kalim. Your father called and wished to speak with you on the phone as soon as possible." Jamil said while emerging from the shadows.

Eva didn't fond of Jamil. Sure, he is beautiful but in the end, he is just a servant to Kalim. What she wanted is to marry into a rich family in this world, preferably royalty so Jamil is on her blacklist.

"Oh? In that case, I'm sorry Eva but I need to go now. Don't worry, I will send the flowers to you tomorrow."

Eva waves her hands with an angelic smile toward Kalim before hardening her eyes and smirk.

"Yes... Deliver it to me soon, my dear sultan. And I would use it very well~"

The Moonlight Flower although beautiful, they have some composition to make it quite a strong poison. Not lethal but it is enough to convince anyone that the symptoms are very serious.

Eva planned to use that potion for her plan. She can make the potion on her own because she only needs to follow the books.

Now she can't wait for her plan to begin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mc! Thank you for accepting my invitation to my small tea party!" Eva said with a beaming smile.

"Thank you for inviting me, Eva. I'm so excited to finally able to talk with another person from my world." Said Mc.

Eva then pulls Mc towards the seat. On the table, there were already so many sweets and tea that she prepared especially for today.

They talk for a very long time while laughing. When students see this scene, they would think that there both are old friends.

"So, Mc... You have stayed here longer than I, right?" Eva asked as she stirred her tea.

"Yep. I have stayed here for almost a year now."

"Oh! That would explain the fondness that most of the students have for you." Eva said and her face turn cold.

"And I truly despite it..."

"... Eva?"

"Mc, I really didn't like how you easily win the affection of the student without doing any effort. It's... Annoying... That's why." Eva then calmly sipped her tea before smiling back at Mc.

"I need to do this." With that, she suddenly coughed while standing up making the table turn around and spill everything on top of it. The sound immediately attracts the few students along with the dorm leaders as they immediately go to check.

There they saw Eva kneeling on her feet while Mc looked horrified. Before hearing a shout from Eva.

"I- I never intended to take away your friend's attention. B-but how can you *cough* be so cruel to poison me *cough* *cough*. I thought we are friends." Eva said as she collapse and Lilia immediately caught her. She smirks in her heart thinking that this finally works.

"N-no... I'm not-"

"Mc! How could you?! To think you would be this cruel to do something like this!" Riddle immediately shouts.

"No! You all get it all wrong! This is a trap!"

"ENOUGH! Mc, I'm usually very lenient towards you but this has already gone too far! You disappointed me too."

One by one the supposed friends of Mc starts to reprimand them as Eva smile victoriously as she watches the show from the side while snuggling towards Lilia. Until Ace can be heard laughing at the scenario.

"Pfft- I'm just can't Pfft- Bahahaha! Oh! To think this is the ultimate plan that girl can plan. Where did she even get this idea? A novel?" Ace laugh while Eva look confused.

"What?"

"Ace... You are not supposed to laugh. And to think I spending so much time teaching all of you to act." Vil sighs desperately. Lilia then chuckled.

"... Wh-what is going on?" Eva look confused as she looked at Lilia but Lilia just looks at her coldly with glowing red eyes and drop her from his arms.

Sebek immediately runs towards Lilia with a sanitizer ready and a box of tissue. Lilia accepts it gratefully.

"Ha... To think I would touch something so dirty with my hands. You better pay for my hard work very well, my dear." Lilia said.

"Just what on earth is going on? *cough* Why are you all looking at me like I'm at fault? It's not me but Mc is the one that tries to poison me."

"Hey. It's kinda pitiful seeing her like this, right Cater?" Ace asks as he smirks towards 'Mc'. Eva watches with widened eyes as Mc start to change form toward one of the familiar students, Cater Diamond. He just give a peace sign towards Eva.

"Too bad, dearie~ But the one that you want to frame is currently sleeping safe and sound inside the Diasomnia. It's really a waste of your good acting though. But don't worry, you still have something very useful for us." Cater said with a smile. Eva just look at them dumbfounded before processing Cater words.

"What do you mean... Useful?"

This time Vil is the one that steps up and kneels to her face level. "You see, Eva... You have something that is needed to ensure our love Mc survival in this magical world. The poor one has been sick recently and needed a cure. This is why we need you. More specifically, your heart~"

Eva just slap Vil's hands away in fear. If that means that everything has been planned all along. Her arrival in this magical world has been staged just so MC can survive all along. So she is only a puppet? A sacrifice?

Eva starts to think about the worst possibility until she starts to cough again but this time, she let out some kind of weird black ink. She looks horrified.

"Ah... It seems the fruit will soon be ripe for us to pick." Lilia said with a smile.

"P-please! Anyone save me!" Eva then looks around to see every single student but can only get scared as every single student have this smile towards her.

Why? Why? WHY?! She just wants to have a happily ever after!! She was supposed to have it and live like a princess just like in the fairy tale. THE PROTAGONIST SHOULD HAVE BEEN HER! B-but why... She gets turned into a villain!

Her coughing starts to get worse. As more and more ink flows out from her mouth. Malleus then stood in front of her and with a smirk looking down at her.

"Be hateful my dear. Hate the fact that you easily fall for us and our story. And hate how you have been playing around just like a lamb."

That is the last time Eva remembers before the darkness consumes her. The last voice she remembers are...

"Don't worry we wouldn't kill you~ You can still live without your heart~"

Okay. So the next part will maybe the last part of this AU. I'm will open a brain rot for extra chapters later. Hopefully, this is up to your expectations. AND THANK YOU FOR EVERY KIND WORD AND SUPPORT! Reading your comments always makes my days even better.

This is the taglist but I'm sorry if there is someone that still not getting tagged. I try to cross-check it so many times to make sure that none is being missed out.

Thank you for the support and maybe leave a comment and don't forget to reblog!

Taglist:

@ladykitsunesworld @shutsuyuri @lilqi @fancyhawk45 @probablynoposts @justakiro @blue-yucca @love-thanatopsis @sxftiebee @salty-salty @zlatolait-writes @feiktn @redrosetrappola @littlewitchwonderland @ilikefanfics4 @deemayaz @unre-lated @deessenya @viostar2095 @sumiko0-0 @clovers-anxiety @fluffimemes @celestialbluebed @deadflycomputerlogs @percea @mouchie @nadjababygirl @migirizuki @h3apm3ch4n151m @rebloging-everything @crazyyanderefangirlfan @mikkies @iameliseposts

[himbeereule]

Орлёнок Demo Release

Finally, the demo is here! It's not exactly January anymore, but better late than never, right?

You can play it right here!

I also made a post on the CoG forums, if you want to check it out: Link

Features include:

Meeting your family! And getting bullied.

Getting executed!

Rising from the dead!

Celebrating life by slaughtering some rebels!

(Being extremely miserable!)

Feedback:

This is, quite obviously, a work in progress. It is made available so that you, the reader, can give feedback that improves the game.

So, while you can - and should - obviously tell me whatever you want, a specific list of what I need most in terms of feedback can be found here:

Language. English is not my first language (actually, not even my second one), and I mostly read non-fiction academic works when I read in English, so my writing is certainly not at the level it should be. If you have any concrete issues, please tell me, and I'll try to learn how it can be improved.

Spelling. I don't expect much in the way of outright errors, but I do know that I mix up British and American English all the time. The intended style is American English, so please point out spellings that are wrong in that regard.

Inconsistencies. There are a lot of variations between scenes, and I'd like to make the story as immersive as possible; so, if a phrasing, a character's behaviour etc. feel like they don't fit into the choices you previously made, please tell me. In detail, if possible, otherwise I won't be able to amend it.

Sensory descriptions. AuDHD makes my brain process sensations, including visual impressions, very differently, which means I often end up forgetting those exist. Please tell me about scenes that lack description in that regard. (My first grade elementary school report card called my writing 'efficient and devoid of feelings', and I'd very much like to move past that.)

Technical problems. The code should be pretty solid, but with how complicated it is, it'd be weird if there weren't at least some problems. If you find them, please try to include as much detail as possible when telling me about it. (CS Quicktest and Randomtest are not usable due to the complexity of the code, lol.)

You liking the story. I remain thoroughly convinced that I am a worthless person who isn't able to, nor deserves to create anything, and currently my only motivation to continue this project is derived from pure stubbornness. So, if you, for some reason, actually like this demo, please tell me. It won't change my mind about how bad I think it is, but it will force me to continue in order to avoid being even more of a disappointment.

Additions. If I like your idea, I'll probably add it right away; if I'm unsure, I'll do a poll. You can get me to do almost anything if you say you're sad if I don't do it.

Formatting. Although I try to playtest as much as possible, it's not that easy with how many variations there are, and in VS Code it's sometimes hard to see how well or badly readable text passages actually are.

CWs/TWs (v0.0.1):

Graphic violence and gore

Attempted sexual assault (against the player, avoidable, f!MC only; also against an NPC if massacre route is chosen (is dealt with quickly))

Suicide attempt (by the player, avoidable; f!MC only)

Loss of loved ones

Massacre of civilians and/or PoWs (avoidable)

General misery

(please let me know if you think this needs additions)

As of yet unfinished content:

Autistic variations do not exist yet for the latter part of the demo

Only one of three locations for taking a walk available for now

Tooltips are incomplete

Asexual is not available yet, as it requires a lot of additional scene variation text

Special (psychopath) routes are missing from some scenes as they were added late in development

Choices that are locked and marked as (WIP) are unfinished

Interaction routes for Semyon/Selena, Mikhail/Marina and Leon/Leah. They are top priority for the first set of updates

It is recommended that you play this with a stable state of mind. If you choose the suffering paths because it's relatable and/or as a coping strategy, please make sure you have support available and avoid triggering yourself too much.

The whole point of this game (apart from the dress-up part) is that, no matter how bad things get, you shouldn't stop fighting. It's your enemies who deserve destruction, not you.

Please keep in mind that I am both literally insane and pretty reasonable, so: if there is anything you find grossly offensive, don't assume I meant anything bad by it. Just explain to me why you think it shouldn't exist, and if I am convinced, I will amend it.

[tales-of-wocdes]

I’ll be honest, while it make make sense for the MC’s recovery, as an adult reader I’d be pretty uncomfortable reading about a child being put in diapers and/or soiling themself in detail. It’d be a huge turnoff for me and I don’t think I would continue to read. Just in general my personal preference as a reader is to lean away from anything that infantilizes the MC more. On one hand, I recognize that their circumstances would mean they’re not on a typical developmental pathway compared to other 7-8 year olds. On the other hand, I think your writing already does an excellent job of capturing that while still doing justice to the MC’s age. They feel like a traumatized 7-8 year old who’s immature and confused because of what happened to them, not a 3 year old, is what I’m saying. I guess just personally I think a diaper or pacifier would sort of ruin that characterization for me, I’d much rather prefer the MC to gain some agency by learning how to navigate the bathroom on their own via wheelchair or rely on more age-appropriate toys for comfort. That said, these are just all my own thoughts as a single reader. Obviously other readers disagree with these preferences, and ultimately I respect that it’s your choice as the author to have final say about what does/doesn’t go. My point isn’t to try to threaten you with a loss of readership— I just want to express my own perspective and ultimately it’s your choice to make! I am really invested in this story and quite enjoy your writing, so I also trust that you know what’s best for your work.

Thank you for these thoughts. I appreciate it. This is valuable feedback and info about reader preferences, even if it is just one person :D I have a feeling you are hardly alone here.

The long post queue allows me time to think, but I don't really go back and edit my answers which are the immediate thoughts most of the time :D That would take a lot of extra time. This however, I think I will let jump the queue because I did say I would get back to you all on this and I think it is better addressed earlier on. And for me it has been several days.

I am willing to consider all suggestions, and appreciate receiving them (at least so far :D) but ultimately it is up to me to decide what I believe to be appropriate or what fits. I retain the right to always change my mind and thoughts mature over time. And here, I agree with you. A pacifier or diapers is not something I see happening in the story, even as an optional extra. Why? Because as you said, MC is immature and very confused but 7-8 years old.

Something to fiddle with? Yes, that could happen. Some kind of chewing necklace? Perhaps. I have been googling and indeed such things are available for older children and even adults. Sensory necklaces/toys I think they are called. For example in the shape of just a tube, or something that look vaguely like a fang. Age appropriate toys? Absolutely. Cool magical toys? Even better. I would be happy to hear ideas about those.

A "gift" from a totally out of touch "grandpa" that thinks giving a child something like a magical suit of armor is a good thing? That gets confiscated by Havard due to property damage? Absolutely... I wonder if there is a way to write random events... I'll look into it. This is btw, something I came up with just now. It is not something I have planned.

A "bathroom arc"? No. After a brief bit of thinking, I don't really want to write it at all so I won't. And I have a feeling that many people would not like reading it if I did force myself to do that. A comment in passing about odd bathrooms are for MC? Sure, that sounds fine to me, but leaving the gritty grimy reality-checks for something else is probably better.

This is all basically flavor text, which is one of the better aspects of interactive fiction but does not need to have a significant effect on the plot :D I want to accommodate reader preferences and offer up a pretty good level of choice, but there is still an overall direction I want to go.

[34saveme34]

SMG3's search history - what could it be???

my mind isn't the best rn (I'm sick) but this once again on my mind

And I think it's a bit trickier than we think but I'll try my best to list the possibilities

some important things to note about his search history:

Luigi liked whatever he was looking at

4 understood it faster than Mario. note the "What, I don't get it-"

emotional reactions 3 tends to have certain things (will get into it more)

the fact that he only really acknowledged 4 when he went back with the memory wiper

Mario commenting "what the hell was that search history" I hate you, Mario, you could've said something more interesting about it, that could give something away off of it.

So yeah, these were the things I wanted to point out

since Luigi liked whatever he was looking at, and we know this man likes men the most, especially big men, I think we can easily assume it was something gay. I'm sorry Jenny SlipperyT truthers, besides not like there isn't any gay mc porn so, still a chance

HOWEVER

something really important I want to point right back at "What, I don't get it-" Mario's comment is very specific here. If it was like raunchy ass hardcore gay porn, he wouldn't say that. He would've screamed immediately, being freaked out. So it's something REALLY weird that isn't immediately obvious. However 4 and Meggy knew way faster which gives away that maybe whatever 3 was looking at they were more familiar with.

Now, there's quite a few things that people in this show we've seen freaking out over. One being especially true is fanfiction, but

and here comes in my 3's preference thing- he didn't seem to like that stuff either, not even for a single second

However may I present to you..... something that might blow your mind...... something you maybe didn't think of

THIS episode

and actually the part that the thumbnail shows

when they are looking at the cakes

you might be like "But, dude, he is also flabbergasted about it?"

Really?

this ALWAYS struck me as odd

right after seeing that stuff, Mario is understandably under trauma while 3 immediately goes into planning to make cakes like that of himself

and Mario's reaction makes it feel like 3 wants to make them like the last ones, like yes you can interpret it in a different way, but my way of seeing it is also just as valid

aka the idea that 3 likes some weird ass shit, perhaps sometimes things that might not come off as sexual at first, or even cursed in some sense.

Now... the point you are waiting for me to address. The fact that he only really focused on 4. That gives me gay vibes, Idk how else to look at it. The idea that he was mainly scared of 4 seeing his search history doesn't help either. It only makes him look more gay. Like Mario and Meggy were literally right there, he could've said "Hi guys" he didn't have any noticable reason to only address 4. So what makes sense? That his search query had to do with 4 in some way. No other way to go about it. There's a thin sliver of chance that he only addressed 4 because he did search this weird shit on his computer and not anyone else's. But I don't think that's enough ground to make it more valid than it being connected to 4. Like, this reminds me of someone denying 4's queerness saying that the line "what will you do when you bring over a girl and/or boy?" as boy relates to the homies in a platonic way, as if, dude, keep being homophobic.

so what do we know?

it's gay

it isn't immediately noticable that it might be sexual in nature

it connects to 4 heavily

Now I present to you...... The combination of wonderbread and smg4

the wonderbread kind of fetish thing when you don't immediately realise there's a fetish going on, which fits well with 3's rather interesting taste

which might for example suggest perhaps characters that look similar to 4 in specific situation, it can go many ways but it has to be gay, considering Luigi's reaction, canonically said he is scared of women (in SMG4's search history)!

so yes what I'm saying is that 3 has some sort of weird fetish regarding 4 that definitely looks gay, he would definitely want to hide something like with his life after all

Although I still find it weird how comfortable 3 was to search that stuff at 4's computer

also might I point to also the fact he APPARENTLY has his credit card linked to 4's pc as well, as revealed during the 2023 wotfi prep stream??? he is AWFULLY comfortable at 4's pc

I don't know why he would that, like... he isn't actually stupid, were his feelings making him this stupid? Was he getting some kind of sick pleasure out of doing it at 4's room? We may never know, considering how stubborn 3 is and also a big damn liar

[666writingcafe]

A Deal With Death

This week has proven that the demon brothers are completely hopeless without MC. According to them, things started out okay, but then a couple of them got in a fight, resulting in a significant part of the House of Lamentation getting flooded and everyone having to sleep in the living room.

During their visits, MC makes sure I communicate their exasperation to them, and I can't say I blame them. I mean, I'd expect seven grown men to be able to take care of themselves, but apparently not.

Today's been quiet, though. Other than Barbatos occasionally poking his head in, no one's stopped by their room today. In order to pass the time, I've been telling MC stories about me and my older sister Candy. They're amused for the most part, so hopefully I'm helping them take their mind off their current predicament, even if it's only for a few moments.

Just when I finish recounting one of many traps that have backfired on me, someone softly knocks on the door.

"It's unlocked!" I holler. The door remains shut for about a minute before slowly opening, creaking as it reveals the one brother who has yet to visit MC.

"I have food," Lucifer murmurs, lifting up a to-go bag high enough for me to see. "I wasn't sure what the state of things were, so I brought enough for the three of us."

"I'm surprised your brothers haven't kept you updated," I reply as he walks over and sits in the chair on the other side of MC's bed. He shrugs.

"After the third day, I told them to not tell me anything unless Zephyr woke up." He reaches in the bag and hands me a plastic container and utensils. I'm pleasantly surprised to find it contains stewed zombie dragon liver. It's a fairly popular dish in reaper cuisine.

"I figured you'd like that better than the demon food you've been forced to eat during your stay here," Lucifer explains softly. "I myself am still getting used to it." I take a bite. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's pretty decent. The fact that someone went out of their way to get something I might like is the important thing.

Lucifer pulls out his plastic container and sets the bag off to the side. After a few minutes of silent eating, he states,

"You must think I'm a horrible person." Thankfully, I've swallowed my food before he said that, because I would have choked otherwise.

"No, of course not! Whatever gave you that idea?"

"The fact that I didn't stop through earlier."

"From what I've heard, you've had your hands full." Lucifer sighs.

"That's an understatement."

"So, give yourself a break. I seriously doubt Zephyr's the type of person to give you grief for not showing up sooner."

Exactly. Quit beating yourself up.

His eyes widen as he looks over at MC. Is he able to hear them?

I know you're stressed. This is a very scary situation, and you've had to remain strong for your brothers. Solomon and Barbatos have been working really hard to figure out a way to wake me up, so hopefully we don't have to deal with this much longer.

Lucifer turns away so that I don't see his face, but I still catch him rubbing his eyes.

I'm a little surprised it's taken this long for their mental connection to manifest itself. Then again, MC may have blocked it on purpose in order to avoid suspicion. I know I didn't believe them when they first told me that they were Lucifer's heir to the Ring of Light. It's only after extensive research that I accepted it to be true. For one, there's no one in the Devildom good enough to create a perfect counterfeit of that, and the ring MC gave to me for safekeeping fits every description of it to a tee. And then there's the fact that it glows whenever they expend a lot of magical energy. There's only a handful of rings that link themselves to people that way, the Ring of Light being one of them.

"You okay?" I ask him once he faces me again.

"I'll be fine. I just have a lot on my mind at the moment." He momentarily resumes eating, but just as quickly he stops, staring directly at me.

"Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course. That's part of my job." I've learned long ago to not question people when they request my services, especially if they're in positions of power. "Do we need to step outside?" Lucifer glances over at MC, appearing deep in thought.

"That won't be necessary. Some of it relates to Zephyr, so it wouldn't be right of me to exclude them."

Your secret is safe with me.

He softly smiles, emphasizing just how tired he is. He probably hasn't gotten much sleep, poor thing. I'll have to make him some of my special tea when we're done here.

"It has to do with my sister. I gave up my freedom to ensure that she could live a full human life. It was either that or permanent death, and I love her too much to have her die unnecessarily." He takes off one of his gloves, revealing Diavolo's mark boldly seared on the top of his hand.

"Does it hurt?"

"Sometimes. He hasn't used its power a whole lot. Only to get me to relax when I'm overly agitated, and only after he's exhausted all other options." Interesting. I know plenty of demons that would abuse that kind of power. Then again, the prince hasn't exactly played by those rules, has he?

"But that's neither here nor there," he continues, putting the glove back on. "Initially, I thought that all of Lilith's soul went into her human body, but it appears as though it's split in half."

"That can happen," I tell him. "Magic has a tendency to separate from the soul when it transfers from one body to the next. Sometimes that magic ends up in an object, but most of the time it just kinda floats, waiting for the most compatible soul to latch itself onto."

"Does it have to be a fresh soul?"

"Not necessarily, although that's the most common method of transference."

"Does the soul also have to be floating in the air, or can it be inside someone?"

"There have been times when magical energy enters the soul while it's in a body, but that's very rare."

"But not impossible."

"No, not impossible." Where is he going with this?

"This might seem far-fetched, and maybe my grief is making me see things that aren't really there, but I feel like part of Lilith's soul has made its way inside Zephyr."

Shit, shit, shit. How the fuck am I suppose to dig my way out of this? Solomon told me that Barbatos, Diavolo, and I are the only ones that are allowed to know MC's full backstory. If Lucifer found out the truth...

"Merely asking out of curiosity, what makes you say that?"

"Have you ever seen a demon produce white energy?"

"Well, no, but--"

"And then there's the time where I glanced at Zephyr's face, and they looked exactly like her."

The energy is left over from my days as a human. That was one of the only things the organization couldn't change. I'd have ended up dead otherwise. As for your sister, it probably is your mind playing tricks on you. Grief can be rather cruel sometimes.

Damn. Solomon's never been able to lie that well. I'm not surprised that Lucifer buys it. If I didn't know better, I would have as well.

"You know, one of the last things she ever told me was that someday I'd meet someone that I loved so deeply that I'd be willing to throw everything away for them, and then I'd finally understand how she felt," Lucifer recalls. "At the time, I dismissed it as immature angst, but now I think she was actually telling my future." He takes MC's hand and wraps it with both of his.

"The truth is, I miss you, Zephyr. It's lonely without you around. Please, wake up." Suddenly, MC's surrounded by a bright, white light that forces me to close my eyes. Even then, I can still see it. It lasts slightly longer than a flash would, and I open my eyes just in time to witness MC quickly sitting up, gasping for air.

Taglist: @lost-in-time-wanderer, @fuzztacular, @dianedancer18, @sweetbrier2908, @flare-love, @completelyshatteredbrokenmschf, @thunderlightning351, @l3v1chan, @anxious-chick, @5mary5, @expressionless-fr, @tenkobitch, @interconnectedmatrix

[shai-manahan]

Hollowed Minds Progress Update 1/02/24

Hi! I hope you're all having a good year so far! I planned to post this last night but I was too anxious over having to return to work lmfao (with the holidays being over and all). Anyway, I know it's been a year since my last update; believe me, I'm upset about it, too, and I'm trying to make up for that.

To be completely honest, aside from my health, one thing that's been stopping me from progressing steadily was my attempts at improving the way I write. I was struggling to find my own style the entire year, experimenting over and over (sometimes without rest, like an idiot), and I know that probably sounds stupid, but writing as a craft is so special to me that I want to be better at it.

It did backfire, though. A lot. Mostly because I couldn't maintain a balance between this and irl stuff.

The thing is, I plan to write trad novels and short stories in the future. I plan to go back to writing screenplays, too. I don't think I'll ever stop making IFs, but there are things I want to write about that I can never do through this medium (and the same is true vice versa). This is also why I tend to keep editing HM while trying to push through with newer updates; this is the only way I can learn more about what I wish to do in the future. This is my chance to practice and experiment, before I get anything published and make the kind of impression I aim to make.

And I think I finally found the style I love to use the most this time.

I feel ready now to post progress updates regularly at least every two weeks (this one doesn't count). I was ashamed of my slow progress for quite a while, but I know I can start moving forward again. I'm also just eager to show you the story I've always wanted to share, and that'd never happen unless I push myself so :').

You're free to ask for progress in case I miss doing this btw, just. don't be an ass about it lmao. And feel free to send asks as well!

So far, this is what I'm trying to improve for the posted demo:

conciseness

strengthening the settings and the descriptions involving them

revising a few dialogues that do not fit the characters at all

readability and making some details clearer

overall pacing of ch2's first part

the nightmare scenes

reassessment of which variations would be most important to the plot and MC's characterization.

everything else I cannot think of right now

I think I'll dedicate a week or two into finishing whatever needs to be cleaned up so there'll be less game-breaking bugs that might happen for the new content. But after that 👀

That's all for tonight!

P.S. recently bought a lampshade and damn. this is definitely much better for my eyes when I write.

[once-in-a-blood-moon]

Obey Me Boys as Tarot/Oracle Decks I Own

Is this stupid? Yes. Am I doing it anyway? Absolutely.

To make a long story short, I have a problem and I compulsively buy tarot and oracle cards, so I have...quite a few. So, I was looking at them and thought, "which ones would fit the characters?" And now look where we are! :) I do have exactly fifteen decks and had planned originally to assign decks to the new side characters as well, but I, A. got tired and B. couldn't find one that fit Mephisto, so I just scrapped that idea altogether. Anyways, here's what literally nobody asked for!

Disclaimer! I did pick out cards that I thought matched the characters as well, based on both meaning and look. I'm not going into detail on all of the cards either...because I will ramble forever. I'm did my best to keep these as brief as possible!

Lucifer - Archangel Animal Oracle Deck

Okay, so this could've been a great deck for Simeon or Raphael, but out of what I had, this fit Lucifer the best! It ties back to his origins of being a seraphim. I did pick a card or two that have Archangel Micheal and Raphael in them, and they do fit Lucifer in needing to let others in and to not let pride get in the way of being dependent on others.

Mammon - The Illustrated Crystallary Oracle Deck

Mostly picked this one due to the fact that crystals can be expensive and high-dollar, which Mammon would be into and exploit (and he has). If not him, this one might've gone to Solomon, but I had a better one for him >:) I picked Mammon's cards based off his greed and his love for the MC...and which crystals would cost a pretty penny.

Leviathan - Mystical Manga Tarot Deck

My tried and true deck. It was either this one or my Skyrim tarot deck, so I went with this one. It felt more him to me. I picked the Seven of Cups, the Hanged Man, the Hermit, and the Nine of Swords for Levi. In some cases, the Seven of Cups gives me feelings of envy for choices that may seem out of reach or wanting it all when you have to pick and choose, so I went with it.

Satan - The Language of Flowers Oracle Deck

This is the best I had for Satan, but I feel like he'd be quite knowledgable on flower language. I had several other cards that I had in mind for him as well, namely Action - the Venus Fly Trap, but I wanted to keep the number of cards to four, so... Also, when I first started using this deck, it took a lot of warming up to, (it was shy...if you can believe that or not), which is how Satan is in both games, not shy just...needs to get used to people before opening up.

Asmodeus - Romantic Tarot Deck

This is the pairing that kicked off this idea. This deck is new, my mom gifted it to me for Easter! She's a sweetie. And I kept think about how Asmo would adore the art and vintage depictions in the cards. Since the cards aren't labeled, I picked the Lovers, the Two of Cups, the Empress, and the Three of Swords. Most of these are "romantic" in nature, or with the Empress, embodies confidence and embracing femininity. Three of Swords because of how dramatic and tragic love and can be, and I'm sure Asmo has had his fair share :(

Beelzebub - Moonology Manifestations Oracle Deck

This is my second Moonology deck, my other-half, if you will. (Another gift from my mom:)) I really don't have much to say about this deck for Beel, but I figured it would be fun to assign the twins with these decks. The cards were picked based on his feelings of guilt of his past from the Celestial War.

Belphegor - Moonology Oracle Deck

My first Moonology deck! I think this was the first oracle deck I ever got, so it has a special place in my heart. I obviously had to give this one to Belphie since his theme revolves around the moon and space. Notice in both Beel's and Belphie's I picked one Gemini card each, hehe...

Diavolo - Dragon Wisdom Oracle Deck

Considering Dia's demon form is draconic (dra-ICONIC! Heh, anyone?), this seemed right. I'm less familiar with this deck since it's not one of the primary ones I use, but it was fun to go through it again like it was new, lol. There was another card I almost picked for him, Initiation. But I thought these ones fit best.

Barbatos - Celtic Healing Oracle Deck

Once again, this is one of those scenarios where this was the best I had for Barb. There's a strange energy to these cards, mysterious and timeless almost, a little spooky. Kinda reminds me of him in some way. I'm the least familiar with this deck as it's relatively new and I haven't really used it yet, so apologies for lack of substance with this one.

Simeon - The Field Tarot

This was a gift from a friend of mine. It was theirs originally, but they so thoughtfully handed it down to me, and I use it quite a lot! This deck felt very mellow and light compared to my other ones. Very minimalist, so I thought it fit Simeon's vibe. To note: the Perspective card is this deck's Hanged Man. The Three of Cups reminded me of the og Purgatory Hall gang.

Solomon - Oceanic Tarot Deck

Based on his love for marine life and his...past with the ocean, how could I resist! Also, didn't mean for two of the cards I picked to be king and queen of the same suit, but I thought they fit his personality and way of living. The suit cards are pretty basic, featuring some marine life behind the pictures and whatnot without having too much imagery.

Luke - Tiny Tarot Deck

Come on...I had to. I put it in my hand so you could really get the perspective of how small it is. It's cute! I didn't pull any of the cards out since the box struggles to hold them in and I'm afraid of getting them everywhere, but they are your standard Rider-Waite-Smith deck! I probably would've picked the Sun or the Six of Cups for him, something along the lines of youth and vibrancy. (MY GOD, MY VEINS LOOK LIKE A STAR WTH?? I just noticed that, omg) Well...that's new...

[chrystalwynd]

This is one of the first stories I ever wrote. Chrystal Heights was a work-in-progress at the time, so it’s not really mentioned here. I’m not sure how well it holds up- it’s got a lot more inner-reflection than my typical story- but it’s short enough that I’ve decided to post it here.

Political Necessity

words: 2900

mc mf body-swap

      The smartly dressed doorman touched the brim of his cap with one gloved hand, then turned and opened the door for me. I strode past him with a polite nod but didn't stop to speak. All the doorman saw was an attractive high-level socialite and that's all I wanted him to see. I could have stopped briefly to chat to solidify the image in his head, but that would have been a mistake. Doormen in these posh settings were trained to recognize my type and I couldn't afford that. That is to say, my client couldn't afford that.

      Not that I knew who my client was. I only knew him as "Roger". That Roger had money was a given, since even an hour of my time runs two thousand dollars. Roger had reserved me for four hours. Roger hadn't seen me yet, but I fit his modest list of his requests, the most important one being the ability to remain discreet. That meant Roger was either a television evangelist or governor of the state. Since I was given a code word to get through security, that suggested a high-level politician.

      My modest heels click-clacked over the polished marble tile floor. Moments after I gave the code word I was escorted to a private keyed elevator. The ride up was so smooth it seemed the elevator was barely moving. Then the doors slid open to reveal an opulent setting of casual good taste.

      I stepped out of the elevator and glanced around, unsure of what to do next. I had expected to be met by a servant but possibly my client didn't wish anyone else to know of my visit. Then a door opened and "Roger" entered the room.

      Roger gave me a moment to digest his identity. Then he said, "Follow me," and he turned around, disappearing back through the doorway.

      I walked to the door and followed Roger down a short hallway. My mind whirled. Roger wasn't just any politician. My presence was taking on a whole new significance.

      We entered a den. He took a seat in a comfortable looking recliner and indicated a sofa with a nod of his head. I sat down and waited.

      "You know who I am," he said.

      Hell, yes, I knew who he was. Possibly the next president of the United States. I felt a little out of my league, but only a little. I didn't let any of that show on my face as I nodded and said, "Of course. You're Roger."

      He smiled briefly, without real humor. "Yes. And you're called Jade."

      I smiled. "Yes. Because of the color my eyes." That was what I told clients, anyway. Those from my agency said the name was a reflection of my personality. They consider me jaded just because I don't believe in love. Or honest politicians. Or the Easter bunny.

      "They're lovely," he said, almost clinically.

      "Thank you," I said. "And, I should add, that who you are outside the bedroom doesn't concern me."

      "Thank you for that, but the fact remains that I am who I am. For this reason and others, I must again emphasize the need for discretion." He mused briefly. "You are rated 7 stars on the Pharaoh's Club website and you reportedly do not maintain social media accounts. You come highly recommended by the Governor of...well, the governor of another state. This all speaks very highly of you, of course, but there may come a time beyond tonight when you feel that it could be quite lucrative to break our confidence, although not for the reasons you may think. So I must ask you again...are you prepared to offer full discretion for...whatever may occur this evening?"

      I laced my fingers together and placed them on my lap. My eyes held his and I simply said, "Yes."

      He nodded and said, "Thank you." He paused for a moment, apparently contemplating his next words. Then he stood up. "I would also like to make sure we are in agreement about your service. You are here with the understanding that your body is mine for the next four hours; within reason, of course. I guarantee you will suffer no physical injury or permanent markings of any kind while you are in my service. Do you have any...restrictions...I should be aware of?" He looked at me intently.

      I mulled over that for a moment, then shook my head. "I don't do pain and, ah, bathroom activities are out, but otherwise, my body is yours. And, of course, no permanent markings."

      Roger nodded again. "Excellent." He poured two glasses of wine, handing me one. "My situation is unique, beyond what you know. As you may or may not know, my wife was crippled in a tragic accident in her early twenties."

      Something had been tickling my memory and suddenly I knew what it was. Roger's wife was in a wheelchair. So she couldn't perform and he wanted to get some, so he hired a prostitute. He might not be husband of the year, but it was understandable. "Yes, I know. I am sorry."

      He waved off my condolences. "Thank you, but unnecessary. The service I am going to ask you to provide has always been performed in previous years by a close friend of my wife's. Unfortunately, this friend passed away two years ago."

      I nodded again. He was trying to justify cheating on his wife, perhaps to himself as well as to me. It was wasted on me, however. It wasn't my concern.

      Then he said, "But today is Susan's birthday. I can get her anything she wants, of course, but what she desires requires...a third party. Yourself, in this instance."

      I wasn't expecting this. Apparently he was hiring my services for his wife, not himself. Interesting. I wondered briefly what I could do for his wife that he couldn't, then put it out of my mind. It wasn't my concern. "That's fine, Roger. Perhaps I could meet your wife?"

      Roger nodded. "Yes, it's time. Follow me, please."

      I stood up and followed Roger to what I assumed was the bedroom. It was a well-lit room, very expansive, with a sectioned plate window offering an incredible view of the bay. The furniture was modern and comfortable, and everything was spaced in such a way that a wheelchair could easily move through the room.

      Then I saw Susan. She sat in a high-backed modern wheelchair, electric if the various wires and electronics were any indication. She had to be her early forties, but despite being crippled for nearly twenty years she had retained her attractiveness. It was immediately obvious why I had been selected as well. With our similarities in hair color and body type, Susan and I could have passed for mother and daughter. I must have resembled Susan from twenty years earlier.

      "Susan has very little voluntary movement available to her, outside of some slight head motions and the fingers of her right hand, which she uses to guide her wheelchair," said Roger, standing next to me.

      My eyes instinctively moved to Susan's. Like me, she had deep green eyes. Fascinating eyes. In fact, I was having trouble breaking eye contact. After a moment, I realized I couldn't break eye contact at all.

      I felt a tickling at the back of my head, then a very strange sensation of my head filling with liquid. My eyes widened slightly as I realized the liquid was actually a presence. Susan's presence. I fought the invasion with panicky desperation. The sensation of Susan's presence didn't disappear, but it seemed to stop filling my mind.

      Please said a woman's voice inside my head. Please!

      I struggled to keep the liquid from filling my mind further. "No!" I said to the voice in my head.

      Please! said Susan's voice. You promised!

      I stood my ground, breathing heavily, not able to move but keeping the presence at bay. Roger stood beside me, but did not say anything. He seemed to be waiting to see what the outcome would be.

      Please! said Susan's voice once more. I just want to make love to my husband!

      And then it clicked.

      I stood frozen for several moments as my mind wrestled with indecision. Could I really do this? Roger should have told me. Okay, he really couldn't have, but still. Loss of control...bad. I'd be trapped in my own body. The thought made me shudder. Trapped in my own body like...

      ...like Susan.

      I forced myself to relax, my breathing less ragged. I felt my heartbeat gradually slow down. Then I took a deep breath, steeled myself and eased my mental controls. I felt a surge of grateful exaltation as Susan's mind fully integrated into my own. I couldn't "read" her thoughts, or her mine, but I sensed we shared control of my body. I let my mental presence shrink further until Susan had nearly full control of my body.

      It was a very strange experience when my body suddenly began moving on its own, responding to Susan's thoughts rather than mine. I found myself turning and placing my hands on Roger's cheeks. "Hi, honey," I said, looking into his eyes. Then I pressed my lips to his for a kiss.

      Roger was stiff and unyielding at first, obviously trying to adjust his thinking. Then he relaxed and eased into the kiss. Finally, he pulled back. "Susan? It's really...you?"

      I said, "In the flesh, baby. Well, Jade's flesh. Isn't she gorgeous?"

      Roger smiled at that. "Not as beautiful as you, sweetheart."

      Mentally I rolled my eyes. It sounded like a bad love scene. Alright, so it was sweet in a way, but still, come on! But hey, it was Roger's money, and if he wanted to spend eight grand on an act of "love", he was welcome to it.

      My hands slid my dress off over my head, then slipped off my panties and bra. Roger finished undressing as well and looked over my body with those calculating eyes. Then he smiled.

      "We made an excellent choice, dear," he said.

      I said, "Yes, we did! She looks just like I did at her age. Just before...well, you know."

      Roger took my hand. "It's your birthday, sweetheart. Let's not dwell on that now."

      I smiled. "Good point, hun. Oh! Let's see what I can do in this body!" Then I dropped to my knees in front of the naked Roger. I wrapped my fingers around his cock and then slid my tongue along his already thickening shaft.

      I felt Roger's hands on my bare shoulders as I slid my mouth over his hardening cock. Soon my lips were sliding up and down his shaft with enthusiastic energy.

      All this effort in the name of love was cloying to me, but one thing I do know about is blowjobs. Susan may have desired Roger with a love higher than the mountains and wider than the sea, but she didn't know shit about blowjobs. And if her man was going to spend eight grand on her for her birthday, the least she could do was say "thank you" the right way, and this wasn't cutting it. I expanded my presence just slightly, enough to take control of my mouth back from Susan. Then I tapped into my oral knowledge and put it to work through my lips.

I don't know if Roger understood what had happened, but the effect on him was electrifying. He came to life suddenly, his hands grasping my bare shoulders with urgency. My now tightly-wrapped lips slid up and down his hard shaft, my tongue sliding over the sensitive underside of his cock. Roger's breath quickly grew ragged and his balls were swelling in my hand.

      "Honey," he said, "It's...it's too good...I'm going to..."

I tried to pause but Susan had control of my head, and my head continued to stroke my mouth up and down that hard shaft. Moments later Roger groaned and I retracted my presence from my mouth enough to let Susan have the experience of swallowing her husband's load. She did so enthusiastically, not missing a drop, and I felt my belly filling with Roger's cum.

      I couldn't read Susan's thoughts, but I sensed her excited feelings of achievement. I was actually touched. Being able to provide this kind of pleasure for her husband was giving her happiness beyond measure. She truly cared for Roger in a way I couldn't begin to understand. It made me wonder if there was maybe something to this love stuff.

      Roger sat down on the bed to recover. I let Susan have nearly full control then and she and Roger chatted about little things, just basking in each other's company. Then Roger lay me down and began to kiss my breasts. He did this until my body was squirming. Then he kissed down my bare belly until he got to my pussy. I could feel Susan's tentative excitement as Roger smiled. Then Roger began to use a surprisingly skilled tongue on my clit.

      Susan's presence in my mind became a heated thing. I was used to heated sensations coming from my clit but Susan hadn't experienced anything like it in at least two years, and she was going crazy with overwhelming need. I left her to it, however, as I had an idea of my own I wanted to try.

      Although Susan was occupying my body, there was a thread of consciousness linking my mind to her body. I followed that thread to Susan's body and let myself integrate into her form, leaving only a small trace of my consciousness in my own body.

      There was a sudden disconcerting shift in vision. Suddenly I could see myself laying on my back, knees spread, bare feet on Roger's shoulders. I could see Roger licking between my legs, a very intense expression on his face. I could see my hands in my hair, my lips parted as I began to moan, the beginnings of a devastating orgasm obvious. Except it wasn't me. Right then it was Susan.

I realized I couldn't move. My mind screamed at my useless legs to move, to stand up, but it was like trying to knock over a wall by throwing a glass of water at it. The side of my neck itched. It was maddening. My chin was wet with drool. My back ached because I was leaning slightly to the side and my ass had slid away from the back of my wheelchair. My arms were dead weight. With exhausting effort I was able to move the fingers on my right hand slightly, and I felt overwhelming triumph when I did so.

      I felt suffocated. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. I was scared.

      And then I saw Roger lifting his face from between my legs. Strong Roger. A man who felt deeply and believed in love. And did things for love.

      Come back, said Susan's voice. You can't stay there.

      "How do you stand it?" I asked.

      I stand it because I have to, said Susan, And because I couldn't bear to leave him. Now come back.

      I followed Susan back to my own body. Only then did it occur to me that Susan could have pulled fully into my body, taking over completely and leaving me trapped in her useless body. I shivered at the implications. And suddenly I realized why Roger had insisted on complete discretion. It wasn't his career he was worried about. It was his wife's life.

      As I filed back into my head I suddenly realized I was getting laid. Alright, alright, making love. Roger was on top of me, stroking his once-again hard cock into my pussy with gusto. In fact, he was pounding me silly. I was wriggling and bucking in heated response, and Susan didn't need my help this time. It occurred to me that, in a strange way, Roger was celebrating his love for his wife at this moment, and he had earned it. Roger was actually one of the most moral people I had ever met, and this merging of our bodies was a reward of sorts for his unending and sacrificing love.

      Cloying? Yes. But when Susan trembled and then exploded into orgasm, she wasn't alone.

      The dual orgasm was undoubtedly beyond anything Roger had experienced before, and it caused him to groan and begin filling me- and Susan- with his hot cum. Too soon we were spent, and I wrapped my arms around him and just let Susan enjoy his closeness.

      Afterwards I stood and began getting dressed. Roger and Susan had said their goodbyes, so to speak, and Susan had returned to her body. I actually felt a sense of loss, though I was glad to have full control back.

      I slipped on my heels, then looked over at Susan. I walked over and circled behind her chair, then adjusted her body so her back was straight and her ass was closer the back of the chair. Then I dried her chin.

      Her eyes closed for a slow blink of gratitude. I kissed her cheek.

      "Thank you," said Roger.

      "You're welcome," I said. I meant it.

***

      Roger paid me in cash.

      "I can't write a check or transfer a sum like this to your account. I hope you understand. I will provide you with a bodyguard and a chauffeured ride home," he said.

      I nodded. I held a briefcase with ten thousand dollars in cash. Roger had included a tip for exemplary service. A sound business move.

      "Same time next year?" I asked.

      Roger smiled. "We may have a Washington address at this time next year."

      "I'll pay my own way," I said, "And I won't take the train."

Roger chuckled. I shook his hand and made my way towards the keyed elevator. I knew who I was voting for in the next election.

THE END

[foxwitchaine]

Which is your most loved character in Miraculous Ladybug?

Buckle up, buddy, it's gonna be a while. Or not, given how the showrunners treat the cast. Let's just say that before Season 3 aired (cough, Chameleon, cough) I was rather indifferent to most of the cast. But now that it's been about five seasons going on six, I've got a better understanding of who (read: what the writers want) the characters are. All the pomp and circumstance aside, let's get to it

1.) Marinette Dupain-Cheng

I'm cheating a little, I know. But girlie gets so much crap thrown at her in the show, I just had to give her a little love. Never mind the fact the writers seem to have it out for her just for existing (which is a whole other can of worms I won't touch). Matter of the fact is, I see myself a lot in Marinette. I too stress myself out by overthinking the simplest things and need my partner Rafe to help bring me down to earth. I think Marinette is an excellent protagonist who is treated unfairly by both the fandom at times and the writers. But mostly the writers.

At the same time, though, I won't sugarcoat her flaws. Flaws are what makes characters feel human. No, they don't need to do things that sink them to unlikable levels (the stalking allegations towards Marinette by the fandom). But little mistakes like talking before thinking, missing the mood of the room, not always checking the time, things like that we do every day. What I can't wrap my head around is why the writers have given her Qrow Branwen levels of bad luck in her everyday life. It's very Wattpad-levels of writing skill (I say this knowing full well I've published The Wolves in the Woods on Wattpad).

Marinette deserves better than what the writers have done to her.

2.) Luka Couffaine

I won't lie. I was rather lukewarm to Luka when he was first introduced. He didn't quite make an impression on me when he first debuted. However, in light of the recent red flags shown by the canon love interest Adrien, he's unironically proven himself to be a better match for Marinette. It might just be me personally, but I'm not fond of overly aggressive suitors. I like men (yes, men; age myself, why don't I) who treat their women with respect. Which includes taking "no" for an answer. Luka is a strange case where the secondary love interest fits the MC better than the canon love interest. And for that, I place the blame entirely on the writing team.

Because seriously. How do you make a secondary love interest match your heroine better than the official one? It's mind-boggling.

And again, thanks to the writing of the show, Luka's personality is pretty much a blank slate. What little there is, the fandom has pretty much turned into a better character than what we see on the show. I find it very telling overall that the fandom prefers Luka over Adrien when it comes to matching Marinette with someone.

3.) Juleka Couffaine

Yet another one who was done so dirty by the writers. Juleka, alongside Rose, is one of the few classmates who I don't like reading about in salt fics since, like most of Bustier's class, she's not inherently a bad kid. She, like so many of the other female teenagers in the show, get the short end of the stick in terms of writing (I can't be the only one seeing a pattern here). I find Juleka's aspiration to be a model despite her shyness to be a very compelling storyline... in the right hands, given what we saw in Reflektdoll. Again, had it not been for Alya wrecking things, we could have seen a plot where Juleka got to come out of her shell on her own. It's a pretty logical next step after overcoming her photo curse in Reflekta, but the writing team is allergic to writing compelling female characters.

I also really love her relationship with her brother Luka. But then again, I'm a sucker for well-written sibling love.

What many writers, not just in Miraculous Ladybug, miss is that male-female relationships don't always have to be romantic. More often than not, you can write a really compelling male-female relationship without going the romance route. Like best friends, siblings from another mother, heck even adult friendships.

There were so many ways they could've handled Juleka's character instead of what they did.

4.) Kagami Tsurugi

Speaking of patterns I've noticed...

Jokes aside, Kagami is another one done dirty by the writers. And it all boils down to the fact she was literally created to be Adrien's substitute girlfriend. I wish I was kidding. I can feel the bile in my throat as I write this out. Kagami ties with Marinette on "most screwed over by the writers" alongside Chloe, but I'd rather see them be friends and ditch Adrien altogether.

Why can't female love rivals be friends instead of bitter enemies. But then again, female rivalries tend to be rather nasty in real life, too. See how many women competed against each other for the position of queen in olden times. Or queen consort. Whatever position of power there was available to women at the time. Or whatever accomplishment there was to be had. Anyways, this isn't the first time girls have been pitted against each other for a guy in fiction, and it unfortunately may not be the last.

Just like Marinette, Kagami deserved better than what the writers did to her.

5.) Nathalie Sancoeur

She's an icon. What can I say? Nonsensical "romance" with Gabriel aside, Nathalie's one of the few female characters who stands out from the Miraculous Ladybug cast without the aid of a man. I know. Very telling, isn't it. Not just her design, but her personality, too. I find Nathalie to be more of a charismatic villain than Gabriel, tellingly enough. It's not just how she helps him commit acts of evil. But how she's very cool and level-headed in what she does. Even her kinder acts, such as convincing Gabriel to let Adrien attend school (wow, not doing yourself many favors, Gabe) are met with cool indifference.

If that's not a recipe for an iconic villainess, I don't know what is. But like everything else, she was butchered by the writing team.

Seriously. Do they have something against strong women or something? I've never seen a supposed girl power show treat their female characters with such contempt before. Even allegedly problematic shows like Puella Magi Madoka Magica didn't have this problem (I say allegedly because it's subject to opinions I might not share).

Honorable Mentions

None this time, because MLB has very few actually likable characters.

[barbwritesstuff]

Anon who was asking about increasing powers yesterday. I feel like its not so much not being able to choose freely that feels frustrating, as it is the current requirements for gaining powers. I don't mind having restrictions on being able to learn powers in concept, and I think having them be tied to the world and your characters actions/choices is a pretty neat idea, I just think the current implementation just isn't quite clicking with me. The chapter 1 choices are somewhat better as I see the logic behind them. And while it's definitely a bit sad I can't always pick the combo of starting stat boost and background content I feel would best fit my character, it's not the biggest issue, not really that much of a bother. Chapter 5 is really the where I have my issue. Basically, while I can see why allying with the relevant trainer would enable a character to increase a power they wouldn't necessarily be naturally inclined to, I think I'm failing to see the other half of the requirement, which is why a character who is more inclined to one of the powers couldn't improve that power on their own, so the requirement ends up feeling somewhat arbitrary. There's also the element where it feels like another way the game is skewed in favor of less reluctant characters, since a reluctant character is far more likely to not make any alliances, and then just not get to increase a power in Chapter 5.

But knowing that I'm not totally locked out of path of the beast forever for not choosing to be a criminal or ally with Illya does make it somewhat less annoying, so thanks for the info.

I understand where you're coming from, but I'm not going to change my mind on this. Five years for a vampire to develop a new power is quick. If most vampires were doing that every 5 years, they'd be gods by the time they're 50.

But that's not the case. Lawrence Blackwell was 200ish when he fought the werewolves and he was only just able to give shadows form.

MC doesn't realise this, but if they have even one power by 5, they're a very impressive fledgling. Having two powers by that age is incredibly unusual and the only way I can see that happening is via rigorous training.

I also don't think reluctant vampires can't be allies and/or train with other vampires. You don't have to like being a vampire, or kill, or anything to get any of these allies. You just have to tell them that you'll stick up for them in court.

That said, I get it. Iliya is a bit of a prick when you first meet him, being a criminal isn't an easy pill to swallow, and I understand not wanting to engage in even the lowest level of politics... which means you will have to wait a little while longer to get super strength.

All that said, you don't actually need powers to play the game. I was even thinking of putting an achievement in for players who finish the game powerless.

Powers are get out of jail free cards and/or things that'll activate useful hints or flavour texts.

You'll end up in more sticky situations without powers (and the end game will be harder) but it's still totally doable.

Other choices matter more when it comes to actually changing the story. For example, what tribute you decide will pretty much determine the next couple of chapters.

I hope all of that makes sense. 💙

[misc-obeyme]

Hi. It's me, Lucifer's gay awakening. [don't kill me]

Okay but like, how are you doing as of late? :D

I have once again came back from the depths to share thee ideas from thy mind after a few hours of agony (studying).

When I listen to the song "Angel of Music" from the Phantom of the Opera, I automatically think of Lucifer. I don't know how, I don't know why. It's probably because of how much I see Lucifer in the phantom, and how I just imagine MC directly calling him for help like — recalling the time where people still prayed to him as one of the most respected angels in the Celestial Realm.

With the lines:

Angel of Music, guide and guardian Grant to me your glory (who is this angel?)

Like: what if the person you weren't praying to wasn't an angel, yet still treated you like such? I know it's a stretch, but the brothers angelic tendencies are still present amidst their years of being demons. Like, you're asking, who is this angel? When in fact it was never one to begin with.

Tell me if you want to know more about this since I'm still thinking and trying to explain my other ideas on this ;v; And again, stay safe and healthy whenever and wherever you are :DDD

Bonus: I see Satan as Raoul and that's my HC for his fake name whenever he pretends to blend in with the human realm.

- 🎹

Hey there, 🎹 anon! I'm doing pretty good! I hope you've been doing well!

Oh, yes. Phantom of the Opera was one of my hyperfixations back when I was like... in middle school ahaha let us not discuss how long ago that was. I read the book as an adult and I was like what is all this?? It was good, but very different.

Anyway, Angel of Music is a very interesting comparison for Lucifer. I mean, this is the part where Christine still thinks her benefactor is nice and therefore thinks of him as an angel or at least as someone who will help and protect her. Only to find out later he's a guy who lives and writes operas in the sewers. And then he kidnaps her. Hang on, is the Phantom yandere? I kinda feel like he fits that archetype?? OOooor I'm just crazy which is also possible.

Moving on!

I would say the big difference between Lucifer and the Phantom is that Lucifer actually was an angel at one point. And I think an argument could be made that he is still partly an angel. Certainly demons who are fallen angels seem to be distinctly different from demons who aren't. As evidenced by the vampire event, where only fallen angels were afflicted with the curse or whatever. That means there must be something intrinsically different about them, right?

And like... Lucifer also plays the piano. Not quite as dramatic as a big ole organ perhaps, but still relevant.

But you know, musically inclined, kinda evil, deeply tormented, they got all that going on.

Also Satan as Raoul is everything to me lol!

[cadybear420]

Cadybear's MC Wardrobes: Jo Hunter, ILITW. Featuring some edits by me!

How this series goes: With each book, for a MC I'm invested in, I'll assess each of their in-game outfits. How much do I like or dislike the outfit? Is this something that suits my MC's style, or does it make me go "My MC would NOT wear/own this"? And for the outfits that my MC would not wear or own, how would I alter or replace them? I'm not going to use screenshots from the actual game because I can't be arsed. Also I want to use the different sprite expressions to express how my MC would feel about each outfit.

I like to think this is a good opportunity to elaborate on my MCs' dress styles, and show off some edits :D

Now it's time to give the spotlight to the wardrobe of a different MC from Evie! Let's see how the outfts of ILITW live up to her standards!

Ch 1: Pajamas

I like them, they suit her. Tank top and sweatpants are perfect for her.

Verdict: Part of Jo's wardrobe. Keep it as is.

Ch 1: "Paint it Black" Premium Starter Casual Outfit

This outfit is pretty stylish. But for Jo, it's probably a bit too much, as much as she loves a good rebellious look. Plus she would noooooot like that short skirt. With very very few exceptions, I don't think she'd care for dresses or skirts unless they were maxi or floor length and fairly loose.

Verdict: Not quite a part of Jo's wardrobe. Maybe save some of the jewelry pieces, but ditch the rest.

Ch 1: "Da Bomb" Free Starter Outfit

Sooooooo PB has this terrible habit that I really hate where whenever they give the f!version of a GOC character (usually MC) an outfit with a cool/tough-looking jacket, they almost always have to pair it with a crop top. Looking at you: Cas Harlow, ID MC, Channing Lowe, TH:M MC (double offender), HSS:CA MC, KND MC (even though she's genderlocked but still), Kaine Bell. I mean, it's pretty par for the course for GOC character outfits in general, but it's especially annoying in this particular case.

I wouldn't mind it so much if they did the same to the m!versions, but of course they don't because "wimin must show skin beecuze wimin sexee, must be sexee because wimin, but mehn can not show off thighs or hips or tummi beecuze mehn being sexee in ways that aren't about muscles and strength is ghey, har de har har har".

I know I already bitch about this issue a lot, but I bring it up because you can expect me to de-croptopify each of these sort of outfits whenever they come up.

Of the four starter outfits, this is the overall style I find the most fitting to Jo's character in the ILITW timeline: a tough but chill "cool guy". Luckily. not only does the cropped part not really show in the dialogue window, but I also don't have to spend diamonds on it. So I can in good faith use the outfit in the game.

Verdict: Only partly in Jo's wardrobe. Alter by lengthening the top, then use as her default casual outfit for ILITW.

Here's the outfit in Jo's style. This is her official casual outfit for ILITW.

Ch 1: "Sweater Weather" Free Starter Outfit

It's a decent outfit, but again, Jo does not like skirts that are higher than maxi-length and are form-fitting.

Even that aside, the overall style isn't quite for her.

Verdict: Not quite a part of Jo's wardrobe. Save the belt, but ditch the rest.

Ch 1: "Rock N' Roll High School" Starter Outfit

Everything about this one is awesome (the shirts especially), except for the short shorts. I think the tights do improve the look, but still, it's just not her thing. Guess PB decided if they couldn't have a croptoppified tough f!outfit, they'll make it shortshortsified instead lul.

Verdict: Only partly in Jo's wardrobe. Alter by replacing the shorts and tights (and save for ILB/ILW).

Here's what this outfit would look more like in Jo's style. This is what I think would be her casual outfit in ILB and ILW.

Ch 8: "All That Glitters" Premium Outfit for Britney's Party

The dress fabric? Very nice. The heart choker necklace? Cute, though it's not quite Jo's favorite style... but she probably wouldn't be against wearing it. The purse addition? It looks very stylish, and is a very unique touch for a Choices outfit too. The dress length? Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

Verdict: Only partly in Jo's wardrobe. Alter by turning the dress into a top and adding pants.

This is how the outfit would look in Jo's style. Though I think she'd also be fine with going to the party in her regular clothes like everyone else does.

Ch 12: "Lovely in Lace" Premium Homecoming Dress

Definitely not for her at all.

Verdict: Jo would not own this. Ditch it.

Ch 12: "Coming Up Roses" Premium Homecoming Dress

God I love that shade of pink. I think Jo would like it too. I do think the net-looking thing around the chest is a bit odd, but overall it's a neat dress. And it meets Jo's skirt criteria perfectly.

However, it feels a lot more like a prom dress rather than a homecoming dress. I'm gonna headcanon she wears this for senior prom. With also maybe a little addition...

Verdict: Part of Jo's wardrobe. Keep it as is (but save it for prom headcanons, and maybe add some form of blazer to it).

Although she wouldn't mind the dress as it is, she'd prefer it with a blazer. She likes wearing formal/suit jackets over long dresses.

Ch 12: "Casual-Tee" Free Homecoming Outfit

Apparently some people found this ugly. IDK why. I quite like this style of top, and I find it fairly fitting to Jo's preferred style for homecoming.

Verdict: Part of Jo's wardrobe. Keep it as is, and use as her official homecoming outfit.

BONUS ROUND: Unused Underwear

Definitely one of the better f!underwears PB has given us. Personally I like it, but Jo on the other hand isn't really a panties girl.

Verdict: Only partly in Jo's wardrobe. Alter by replacing the panties.

Here's the underwear in Jo's style.

ILB: Stealthy Hoodie

Unlike Evie's 2 outfits in HSS:CA, I don't think it's worth it to make a new post just for this one outfit Jo wears in ILB.

Anyways, I like this outfit, it's cool. Looks very cozy.

Verdict: Part of Jo's wardrobe. Keep it as is.

[quaranmine]

6, 12, and 25 for the mcytblr fic author asks?

6. Do you like using the mcyt multiverse as a concept? (all SMPS and MC content exists in the same universe)

Yes!! To the point where it will bother me if I can't make them all fit, lol. Usually I like to keep the Dream SMP, Hermitcraft, Evo and Life Series all within the same universe. I like MCC as an event where people from these servers can intersect. Empires though is a problem to me, as it often contradicts things quite heavily due to the characters' lore. So whether or not Empires (S1 or S2) is canon sort of depends on what I am writing. I also often disregard random one-off SMPs as well--I'm not going to try to figure out how Rats SMP fits into Hermitcraft fits into Empires, it's just a nice little series in its own right.

12.Funniest comment you've ever gotten in a piece of work?

I think the funniest is when I posted a Firewatch AU chapter and @ivi-prism sent me a screenshot of her fake-buying plane tickets to Texas on an actual airline website to come kill me

Also I do find it pretty amusing that I am so loudly fixated on fire lookouts that I am aware of more than one person who have started reading my fanfic without even being familiar with Hermitcraft LOL

25.What works and/or authors in the fandom do you recommend?

Well, I've got to rep some of my friends first! Ivi is the creator of this ask game, and you should definitely check out her works -- Off-world vacations is a sweeping dsmp x hermitcraft crossover that has been in the works for years, great for Fundy fans. chrysalizzm is one of the most talented writers I've ever met, and I've seen firsthand the incredible research and depth and soul he's poured into the wasteland series. another excellent writer is prismartist, who probably has something for everyone since they've written life series, hermitcraft, dream smp, qsmp, and empires.

Really though, I need to get better at actually bookmarking my favorite works. I often kudos and then lose them oops

I have to recc definitelynotshouting's hunger au, although I feel like that's quite well known in the fandom already (for good reason)

sunlight over me no matter what i do by odaigahara is a GREAT oneshot, but mind the gore and body horror (grian cuts off his own wings to get rid of watcher influence)

I'm pretty fond of a specific subset of Watcher!Grian stories where the old Grian died and a Watcher/something else just kind of uhhhh took over his body with his memories? So I must recommend tempering by sixteenthdays, as well as You Say You Feel Hollow (and you know it's 'cause you are) by writing_and_worrying. still slightly similar in concept but not quite the same is the body is an object by ruffboi. And it's probably distinctly different enough that it shouldn't even be grouped here, but I also adore Covet by Oceanbreeze7 for a good Creature-y Watcher!Grian.

I like Enderwoah's Jimmy/Bad Boys fics. The two I have in my bookmarks is i've got problems (not just the ones that are little) and i can see the pattern (but i don't know what i can do)

Finally, I don't always blog about hermitshipping but I do sometimes read it, so I'll leave you with a scarian fic that has killed me like three separate times: Baby, just let me bleed in peace by mossman_mothman

[alj4890]

Right by Your Side

(Maxwell Beaumont x MC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one shot.

For @moodmusicmonday 's Luck of the Draw with the song

A/N I fell hard for this song while trying to think of something for it. So many different Choices books came to mind for this but then as I listened to the lyrics over and over, I kept going back to TRR book 2 and the mess with Riley's reputation and how Maxwell stood by her from the very start (and of course the running LOL) So, here's what my Maxwell shipping heart needed from the beginning of that storyline.

Masterlist

Right by Your Side

Riley felt numb that first night at Ramsford. Perhaps she was still in shock from having guards drag her away as if she was the most vile criminal ever to come to Cordonia. Maybe it was because everyone had seen pictures of her in her underwear and they would forever be on the Internet.

Or, was it because Fate had stepped in to keep her from having to make a decision?

She flopped on her stomach when the image of Liam standing before her in the hedge maze came to mind.

I don't need to wait any longer to make my choice. I love you.

Was that fear she felt in that moment? Was she afraid of hearing what her heart would say if he were to actually pop the question?

Was it because the man standing before her was not the one who had been by her side all along?

The one who came rushing to the airport to stop her from leaving?

Riley buried her face in her pillow. Hot tears began to stain the satin pillowcase as she muffled her cries against it. She didn't want to answer that. She didn't want to address any of the thoughts going through her mind.

Then why did I tell Bertrand that I was innocent with Tariq but I am in love with someone else?

She knew deep down that was the truth. That was the only good thing to come out of this horrible night.

She'd finally spoken about what was truly in her heart.

*****************

The next morning...

Half asleep, Riley mumbled for whoever was knocking to come in.

Maxwell poked his head in.

"Hey blossom."

"Hey."

He walked over and sat down on the edge of her bed. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

She pushed herself into an upright position.

"I'm fine, Max."

"Are you fine fine or fine?" He asked.

Riley couldn't help but smile. "I'm definitely on this side of fine fine but not quite there yet."

That dimpled smile of his she adored appeared, lighting up his entire face.

And her heart.

"Good." He crawled across her bed to settle comfortably next to her. "I can't stand to see you with tear streaks."

"It's not my best look." She tried to joke.

He draped his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her close. "You know you're gorgeous, but yeah. Tears and your skin do not go well together at all."

She laughed while gently elbowing him in the ribs. "Thanks ever so much."

"Anytime." He jumped to his feet when they heard an all too familiar throat clear from the doorway.

With a disapproving glance to his brother, Bertrand walked in with a breakfast tray.

"What's all this?" Riley asked.

"Breakfast in bed!" Maxwell told her.

"Maxwell convinced me that when a young woman goes through something traumatic, that she needs rest and ample sustenance." Bertrand explained.

"Guys." Riley blinked back tears. "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble."

"You are no trouble." Maxwell argued.

"Well..." Bertrand paused when Maxwell glared at him. "It isn't necessarily you, that is the trouble."

"The trouble is the situation." Maxwell added to try to smooth over his brother's words. "Not you."

Riley wiped at her tears. "This is why I should go back to New York. Look what happens when an outsider comes here."

She forced herself to look up at them.

"I don't belong in your world."

"You do!" Maxwell argued, jostling the tray as he sat down beside her again. "You fit in our world perfectly."

"Not perfectly." Bertrand corrected. "But we can fix that."

"How?" Riley asked.

"By teaching you everything a lady of the Royal Court would know." He explained. "Once you blend in with the other ladies, we'll be able to find out who sabotaged your moment to become queen."

Riley paled some. "I appreciate that, but I don't want to be queen."

Bertrand grimaced. "Be that as it may, you'll never truly be free to be with whomever you want if scandal is associated with your name. No Cordonian family would allow it."

Riley blinked as his words sunk in. "I see."

"Plus," Bertrand continued. "The Beaumont name has been tarnished because of our sponsorship of you."

"Oh no." She buried her head in her hands.

Maxwell was quick to comfort her.

"Hey, don't worry about us." He hugged her close. "I've made a mockery of the name Beaumont more times than I can count."

Bertrand rolled his eyes over that bit of family history.

Riley couldn't believe that not only was she in what seemed an impossible situation but that she'd somehow also lost her chance to be with the man she was secretly in love with.

"I'm so sorry."

"It isn't your fault." Bertrand gruffly argued. "But we are going to need your help to right this wrong. And," his stern demeanor softened, "you are a Beaumont."

"I am?" She asked.

"You're stuck with us." Maxwell winked at her. "For better or for worse."

"Definitely for the better." She winked back with a tremulous smile. "So? When do we start the lessons?"

"Once you've had a chance to eat and get ready for the day." Bertrand told her on his way out. "Meet us in the ballroom."

"Yes, your grace." She dipped her head in thanks.

A slight smile appeared on his lips. "Perhaps our training won't take as long as I once thought."

He bowed and left her alone with Maxwell.

"Give it to me straight." She pleaded. "How bad is my reputation and how horrible are these lessons going to be?"

Maxwell hesitated, raising his hands like a scale weighing each option.

"Crap." Riley flopped back on her pillows.

"It won't be all bad." He told her. "I'll be there to help you through it and to find ways to escape the boring lessons."

Riley rose up on her elbows. "That takes care of the lessons, but what about when I am back out in public?"

"Tell you what." He reached for her hand. "The moment it gets too much for you, just say the word and BAM! We run out of there."

"Really?" Her smile grew at the thought. "You'll run away with me when a noble is acting like a jerk or I accidentally mess up?"

"Yep." He squeezed her hand. "On my honor as a Beaumont."

"Then I think I can get through this." She sat up straight and began to pour some coffee into her cup.

Maxwell watched her settle in to the breakfast he and Bertrand had painstakingly prepared with a great deal of relief. His room shared a wall with Riley's and he'd heard her crying off and on during the night.

It was a slash to his heart as he thought of her in here alone, probably blaming herself for everything that happened.

Around four in the morning he decided that he was done playing the simple escort. From now on, he would protect her from the direct cuts and slurs that those of his rank would hurl her way.

Even if it meant irreparable damage to his family name, Maxwell would do anything for Riley.

*****************

Madeleine's home...

Riley's stomach churned. She wanted nothing more than to beg Bertrand and Maxwell to take her back to Ramsford so that she could hide there forever. She knew though that if she was to ever have a chance with the man by her side, she would have to find a way to get through this.

Swallowing nervously, she paused in the open doorway of Madeleine's ballroom. Her eyes darted over the familiar faces. Heads were already bent toward each other while fingers pointed at her. The few reporters allowed within the event had their cameras poised to capture the first images of Riley being called out for daring to return.

Just as fear made her legs twitch to run in the opposite direction, Maxwell settled his hand over hers. She looked up and saw nothing but pride in his eyes.

"You're doing great." He whispered, squeezing her ice cold fingers. "Keep your chin up. Here comes, Adelaide."

After the greetings, Adelaide stepped back from the pair, critically studying the way they stood together.

"Don't you make a cute couple?"

Riley immediately jumped on that. "We do, don't we?"

"We do?" Maxwell's eyes widened.

He wasn't certain if he more surprised by Adelaide saying it or Riley agreeing.

"The cutest." Riley added with her first genuine smile of the evening.

Maxwell tried to excuse the conversation as Riley probably needing something to latch on to help stop the gossip of her with Tariq. He didn't mind being the new source that Cordonian's biggest gossip would have spread around before they even walked across the ballroom. If that's the role Riley needed him in now, then he was more than ready to play it.

To prove his point, he kept his hand over the one she had resting on his arm.

"Ready?" He asked when they spotted Liam and Madeleine.

"As I'll ever be." She mumbled, instinctively moving closer to Maxwell. "I really need to talk to Liam and clear things up. Don't you think?"

He hesitated. He knew how much his friend had fallen for Riley. It would hurt Liam to hear she didn't return his feelings. Yet wouldn't it hurt more to wait until he saw her with whomever she was in love with?

"I think you should, just not right now." He barely nodded toward the nobles staring intently at them. "Not with this audience."

"You're right." She released a sigh. "I guess I have to wait. If only he had called me after everything happened, then I wouldn't be so nervous to how he'll react."

What if Liam refused to let her remain in Cordonia? What if he wouldn't let her try and clear her name? She'd never be able to be with Maxwell if that happened.

Lost in her tormented thoughts, she found herself dipping into a curtsy before the royal couple.

"Lady Riley." Liam lifted her hand to his lips, eyes revealing a wealth of adoration for her. "We should talk-"

"To our newly arrived guests." Madeleine finished for him.

"Right." Liam shot a pleading look at Maxwell.

Riley cleared her throat. "Congratulations you two."

Madeleine beamed at her while hugging Liam's arm close against her chest.

"Thank you. Liam is such an attentive fiance."

Riley managed to somehow not roll her eyes. If the countess had any idea that she wasn't wanting him back, then she probably wouldn't put on such a show.

"I can't imagine him being anything less." Riley managed to say with a straight face.

"We really must go greet our other guests." Madeleine told them. "Enjoy the party."

Maxwell released the breath he was holding once he and Riley were left alone. "That went well."

She chuckled. "Honestly I expected her to brandish a scarlet A while screeching for guards to throw me out."

Maxwell's grin brought out her own.

"She'd at least have the decency to wait to do that until they start serving dessert."

"Thank God for small favors."

Maxwell squeezed her hand once more. "Come on. We'll find out seats."

After enduring a brief conversation with Penelope and Kiara, Riley was able to relax for the time being once she was seated between Maxwell and Bertrand. Perhaps she would be able to get through this easier than she expected. She'd hoped to have Hana and Drake on her side, yet they were nowhere to be found.

At least she had Maxwell there to help her wade through this minefield of pompous manners and tradition.

*****************

"One night down." Maxwell collapsed on her bed with an oof.

Riley sank down beside him as she slipped her heels off. "Thanks to you."

"Me?" He shook his head. "Tonight was all you, blossom."

"Yeah, but I wouldn't have been able to get through it without you." She argued.

"We make a great team." He quipped.

"The best." She stressed.

The two jumped when there was a knock at her door.

"You think it's Bertrand?" She whispered.

Maxwell shrugged.

She peeped out the door to see a servant with a vase filled with roses. Taking them without a word, she quickly shut and locked her bedroom door.

"Oh!" Riley buried her nose in the fragrant blooms. "How beautiful! Did you get these for me?"

Maxwell hated that he hadn't thought of doing so. "No. Wish I had."

She set it down on the table, admiring the bouquet.

"There's something wrapped around that stem towards the left." He pointed out.

Riley unfurled the paper. "It's from Liam!"

"What's it say?" He got to his feet to read it over her shoulder.

The pair both felt guilty when they read the new king's heartfelt plea to meet secretly upon his balcony.

"I have to go." Riley folded the note and slipped it into the pocket of her dress. "I have to tell him the truth."

Maxwell felt a new slash to his heart. After these past few weeks of having her to himself, he realized he was falling in love with Riley. He couldn't tell her, since she was already having to let Liam down. The last thing she needed was more stress over her complicated love life. He just hoped whoever she loved realized what they had in her.

"Madeleine placed your rooms as far apart as she could." He explained. "You're not going to be able to sneak over there with all the nobles here."

Riley eyed her window. "There's more than one way out of this room."

"We're on the third floor!" Maxwell exclaimed. "You'll get hurt or worse!"

Riley opened her window and examined her path to Liam's room.

"Riley please. When I said worse, that meant death!" Maxwell pleaded. "Don't-"

She climbed out the window, perched on the edge, and winked at him. "Promise I'll be careful."

"Riley!" He harshly whispered.

He stuck his head out to watch her precarious walk around Madeleine's home. His heart was stuck in his throat when she struggled to reach the railing to Liam's balcony. She swayed somewhat until she got a good grip.

Once he saw her climb over safely, he ran to her bathroom and emptied the contents of his stomach. Maxwell had never been more terrified than he was in thinking he could lose her if she tumbled off the wall. He hoped Liam would realize the dangerous path she took and find another route back to her room. He honestly couldn't take seeing her try to make her way along that narrow ledge again.

******************

"Riley!" Liam rushed to her when he heard her land behind him.

"Liam." She stopped him from embracing her. "We need to talk."

"I know." He took her hands in his. "It's just so good to see you again. I need to tell you--"

"Liam, I'm in love with someone else!" Riley blurted out, unable to hear him say anything nice to her.

The guilt was killing her that she couldn't return his love.

Liam froze. He shook his head as if to clear it.

"I'm so sorry." Riley squeezed his hands before pulling away. "But somewhere along the way I fell in love with someone else."

"Is it Tariq? Is that why he was in your room at Applewood?" Liam asked.

"No! I've never felt anything for him. His being in my room was a big misunderstanding." She explained.

"Then who-"

"He doesn't know how I feel." Riley hedged. She needed to tell Maxwell how in love she was before anyone else found out. "And unless I can clear my name, I won't be able to be with him."

Liam folded his arms and leaned against the wall. His lips that had once been in a delighted smile were now in a firm line.

"Then we must do all we can to help you clear it." He decided.

Riley's eyes burned with tears.

"You'd, you'd do that? For me? After I just..." She lowered her head in her hands while shaking with sobs.

Liam gently took her in his arms, softly shushing her apologies.

"Riley, I want you in my life in whatever capacity you allow." Liam admitted.

It hurt to say he would settle for being her friend. He hoped that perhaps she would one day return his affections as time went on. But for now, he'd do what he could to keep her, protect her, and clear her name.

The two briefly discussed what to do during the engagement tour.

"How did you get over here?" He asked.

When she pointed to the narrow ledge, he paled over the danger she'd placed herself in.

"There is a hidden set of corridors through here." He opened a panel in his room to reveal the path servants traveled in the early morning hours. "At the end of the hall there is a door that opens out into the main loft at the top of the stairs."

"Thanks Liam." She hugged him. "And not just for an easier way back to my room."

His lips curved in a sad smile as he looked at her. "No need to thank me. Goodnight, Lady Riley."

"Goodnight."

*****************

Venice, Italy...

Bertrand and Justin were once again telling Riley how to act to continue to win over nobles.

"We're making progress." Maxwell repeated to her. "Not only with your reintroduction to society but in finding clues toward whoever is behind the pictures."

"Do you think she'll be there tonight?" Riley asked.

"It's the biggest event in town. Everyone will be there which means the press will be there in droves." He explained.

Justin wished them luck once they left the limo.

Bertrand went on inside, giving them a moment alone.

"You okay?" Maxwell asked.

"I..." She shook her head with a laugh. "Honestly, I wish we could get out of here. Go enjoy Venice at night."

Riley looked about, longing to be anywhere than on a mission.

"Cordonia is the first European country I've ever visited. Now I'm in Italy and I wish I could experience it as a tourist." She snorted softly. "An average, maxed out her credit card to get here, tourist."

Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "You want to run away?"

Her head jerked up to look at him. "Could we?"

"Say the word, and we will use all our training to get out of here." He told her.

Riley couldn't help but giggle over the memories of their early morning runs around Ramsford.

Maxwell began to over exaggerate his stretches.

"Stop!" She burst out laughing, feeling all her tension melt away.

"Gotta get limber if we're to run." He explained with a smile, his dimples deepening over being able to make her laugh.

"You're crazy." She teased. "And I am so ready to call your bluff."

"Not bluffing." Maxwell corrected. "I promised you I'd run away whenever you needed us to." He leaned down, nose nearly touching hers. "So, m'lady? Do you need to run away?"

Riley's breath caught at his face so near her own. She could see all the different shades of blue in those ocean colored eyes of his. She could detect the light splash of cologne he preferred mixed with the cinnamon Altoids he was known to munch on whenever nervous.

She longed to lean forward the few inches and kiss him. She wondered what he would do. She assumed he would be shocked at first. Would he participate in the kiss once he got over the surprise? Would he admit he felt something for her?

Or would she walk away in embarrassment and heartache?

Maxwell realized his mistake the moment he got too close. He should have thought through his actions instead of just going with whatever he felt in the moment. Her face, the one he adored, was already hard to keep from staring at. Now he was able to see every single feature that held his attention.

Her eyes, green as the first leaves of spring, shined with warmth. The freckles that dotted along her lightly tanned skin dusted her upper cheeks and bridge of her nose. Her lips, petal pink with the bottom slightly plumper than the top one, parted as if ready to be kissed.

What would she do if he allowed himself to accidentally (on purpose) lean more forward so that his lips could brush hers? Would she gasp in delighted surprise or would she shove him away in disgust?

"There you two are!" Hana ran down the steps to embrace them, unknowingly breaking the sexual tension developing. "I was worried I would have to go in by myself."

Maxwell and Riley forced themselves back from one another. Both knew they couldn't run away now, especially with Hana so relieved to see them.

"Shall we, ladies?" Maxwell held his arms out to them.

The three got in line to be photographed.

**************

Riley somehow managed to get through the dinner without jumping out of her seat to confront the photographer. Maxwell sat across from her, smiling in encouragement each time her eyes met his. He was the only thing keeping her calm. She wasn't certain how she impressed both the Italian noble and Olivia, barely paying attention to what she said in response to the wine and Cordonia joining the EU. Yet somehow, she'd managed to rack up more points in improving her standing in Cordonian society.

If only it mattered in her having a chance to be with the man she wanted.

Bertrand seemed so proud of her performance. Would he still be if he knew she wanted his brother?

Riley longed to bang her head against the table. She was utterly exhausted from playing the part of a proper lady turned secret detective. She was bored hearing the small talk of the other ladies of the Court.

Then Penelope opened her mouth and asked her about Maxwell.

"What?" Riley bit out.

"Do you think Lord Maxwell would be interested in making a match with me?" Penelope repeated.

Riley glared at the model perfect woman. How dare she even think she could be with Maxwell! Didn't she listen to the rumors that he and Riley were a couple? That that was the reason they were always together now???

Riley was ready to tell her to back off. Then she caught sight of Bertrand off in a corner observing her and somehow tempered her answer.

"No offense." Riley tried to control her voice. "But you're not really his type."

"Oh." Penelope's lips formed a perfect pout made for lipstick commercials. "What is his type?"

"Someone gorgeous. Lots of fun." Riley felt her own heart drop over not being his type. "Someone who appreciates his sweet ways and how he--"

"So someone like you?" Penelope interrupted.

"Me?" Riley stared at her immediate sworn enemy. "Um..."

"Shh!" Hana softly shushed them. "Here he comes."

Maxwell bowed his head to the group. "Ladies? If you would excuse us, I need to have a word with Lady Riley."

"Of course!" Penelope beamed at him then at Riley as she followed the others across the room.

"What was that about?" He whispered.

"I'm not sure." Riley couldn't decide if Penelope was as horrible as she thought. "What's up?"

"Things are quieting down, so now would be a good time to find the photographer and do a little interrogation." He explained.

"Okay." She looked around the crowded place. "And how do we do that without drawing attention?"

"Oh, we're going to draw attention." Maxwell's grin turned mischievous. "Just the kind that doesn't let anyone know what we are really up to."

He led her to a less crowded area where a group of the press were near.

"Your call on what we should do to draw their eyes this way?"

Riley looked up at him as she considered a few options. He could always pretend to be throwing her out of House Beaumont or...

"You should propose to me."

Maxwell stilled. His eyes searched hers to see if she was messing around to only see a shuttered almost vulnerable look in the green depths.

With her hands clasped, she quickly told him he could then pretend to be confessing his love for something else, like gelato.

"Okay." He audibly swallowed.

"I'll give you the signal when I see the photographer." Riley added.

"Sounds good."

He cleared his throat loud enough for some people to glance over at them.

"Lady Riley?" Maxwell gently took her hands in his. "There's something I need to confess."

"There is?" She asked.

He nodded, completely serious at this moment. "I should have seen it happening, yet I was blind to what was standing right in front of me."

"Maxwell, what are you..." She trailed off when he swept down to one knee.

The press surrounded them, each trying to snap pictures of the romantic moment.

"I want to shout it from the rooftops." His smile bloomed. "That I love..."

Everyone waited with baited breath.

"Gelato!" He exclaimed.

Riley choked back a laugh as everyone else expressed their dismay.

As the group left them, grumbling over the lack of drama, Riley spotted the photographer.

"There she is!" She whispered, yanking him up.

The woman noticed the two and took off running.

"After her!" Maxwell nudged Riley into action.

The pair dashed out of the restaurant and down the dark streets of Venice in hot pursuit.

"I can't believe we're gaining on her!" Riley puffed, hiking the skirt of her dress higher to give her legs more freedom.

"I knew our early mornings would be worth it!" Maxwell teased.

They cornered the woman and got a credit card number of the one who paid her for the pictures. This only created more questions for them to find the answers to.

"We did it!" Riley launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight.

Maxwell stumbled back against a wall the moment her body collided with his.

They both stilled, save for their excited breaths. Their eyes met and before either could talk themselves out of it, their lips met in a desperate kiss.

Maxwell's hands slipped into her blonde hair as his lips moved over and over hers, memorizing the taste and texture of her mouth.

Riley kept her arms around his waist, gripping him as close as she could.

They broke apart to catch their breaths, hearts racing with more than just the mad dash across Venice had caused.

"Riley?" Maxwell couldn't make himself ask the question he needed an answer to.

"It's you." She breathed. "It's always been you. I fell in love with you with all the dress fittings and early morning wake up calls and--"

She moaned into the heat of his kiss. Her arms slipped around his neck as his hands drifted down her body.

"I love you." He muttered against her mouth. "So much."

Riley sank into his embrace, her leg wrapping around his hip as they kissed.

"We really need to find somewhere else to continue this." Maxwell groaned when she moved against him.

"My room." She stepped out of his arms. "On the train. Now."

He pulled her close to his side. "You're not worried someone will see and hear us?"

"I hope they do." She paused when it hit her that he might not want that to happen. "I'm sorry. I forgot that you can't be with me until my name is cleared."

"What are you talking about?" He asked, nudging her chin up.

"Bertrand said no family would allow me to be with anyone with my name associated with scandal." She reminded him.

"That doesn't matter with me." His smile gave her hope. "Don't you remember? You're a Beaumont."

Her eyes widened. "You mean..."

"It doesn't matter if we ever clear this scandal up." He pressed his lips to hers. "We can be together out in the open because we're Beaumont's. Let them try and say anything."

Tears sparkled in her eyes. They were for the first time in a very long time, tears of absolute joy.

[666writingcafe]

Exam Prep, Part One

Barbatos

"Your professor has informed me that lately you have been struggling with the lab portion of your seductive speechcraft class," I calmly tell MC, who sighs.

"I can block advances just fine, but actually trying to seduce someone is proving to be quite difficult," they explain. "I don't feel like I'm sounding genuine, if that makes sense. I mean, I never had that much luck with it in the human world, and it seems like I've not had to work super hard here, which still baffles me, but that's a topic for another day." Interesting. I didn't realize they were that introspective. Most humans aren't.

"If it's any consolation, you're doing better than some other demons."

"Like Levi?" I allow myself to smirk, amused by their observation.

"Exactly. Leviathan either can't bring himself to seduce anyone at all, or he pulls from existing media and provides out-of-context lines that don't fit the person he's talking to. From what I've heard, you at least are trying to be original. We--your professor and I--just think that there's room for improvement."

"Of course."

"So, for today's session, I want you to try to seduce me." Of course, that's the moment Diavolo decides to walk past the room MC and I are in. My back may be turned to him, but I can still sense his energy.

You may watch, but do not disturb us.

Understood.

"What?" MC asks, appearing both confused and terrified.

"I am one of the oldest and most powerful demons in the Devildom. If you can manage to produce some sort of effect on me, then you'll pass your exam with flying colors."

"But I don't know that much about you."

"A demon never has a lot of information on a particular human when they first encounter one, but they can use past experiences and context clues in order to be successful."

"I see." In order to ease their nerves, I kindly smile at them.

"Just try the best you can." MC closes their eyes and begins one of the breathing exercises that I taught them.

Why are you doing this? Diavolo just can't resist the urge, can he?

Their power is heavily tied to their emotions.

That isn't what I'm talking about, Barbatos.

Would you rather I have them seduce you, Young Master? Silence. Excellent.

MC opens their eyes, and immediately something seems different about them.

"You do so much for Lord Diavolo, the brothers, and the Devildom at large," they state. "Any other person would have gone insane from the sheer amount of responsibility, and yet you stand here before me with a cool, calm demeanor."

"Practice," I respond.

"You have most people fooled into believing that this life is easy for you, but not me. I know that you work a thankless job that forces you to put everyone before yourself." They're glowing, which isn't entirely unusual for them, but the color's different this time. It's not completely white like it normally is.

"Deep down, you want someone to take care of you. You have been forced to hold yourself up for so long, and you are utterly exhausted. You feel completely alone, like there's not a single soul in the entire universe that would want to take the time to get to know who you truly are." As they step closer to me, I can see spots of pink mixed in with their white light. I don't know how, but I think they've managed to tap into a portion of Asmodeus's power.

"I want to help you, not because I want anything in return, but because I care deeply about you. You deserve to have someone love you unconditionally." MC gently grabs my hand and leans closer to me. "All I ask of you is to let me in. Allow me to grow closer to you, Barbatos."

One might expect MC to take the opportunity to kiss me, but instead they remain still, staring into my eyes. My heart begins beating faster, and I find it harder to focus on my surroundings. In this moment, I finally understand why everyone seems so enamored with MC. I don't even have a pact with them, and yet my mind is begging them to give me an order to follow.

As MC steps back, the glow emanating from them begins dissipating. They're returning to normal.

Why can't I?

"Barbatos? Are you alright?" Shit. I'm on duty. They're not supposed to see me in this condition.

"You'll do just fine, MC." My voice sounds hoarse, and I have no idea why.

Someone's caught feelings.

I would appreciate it if you didn't tease me, Young Master.

But I'm not wrong.

That is irrelevant.