#from the initial misunderstanding and animosity

[astrologysaysno]

Obsessed with scent-blind omega sqh. But seriously HOW THE FUDGE DID NO ONE LOOK AT HIM AND GO "hey, can he even smell the scent? Maybe we should tell him what we're doing? " I volunteer a baby disciple who does not give a Single Frick about what the others think appropriate when someone else is hurting. Who just goes and full on explains in extreme detail what has been happening and does let him misunderstand anything. Maybe he's already a peak lord by then. There is no miscommunication on My Peak, Shizun.

For context to everything, I have not read SVSSS actually, I came for Shang Qinghua, stayed for Shang Qinghua.

But what I do understand about SVSSS and the PIDW world is that

EVERYONE IS INCAPABLE OF COMMUNICATING HEALTHILY

Combined with a society that holds norms and tradition in high regards, I imagine that no one really has the moral elasticity to question the context of what would be in the eyes of most, as a deviation of important social etiquette.

There will always be those with the capacity to step back and contemplate, but for the most part, a lot of people in the SVSSS world feel like they have their personal assumptions about something get in the way of actually learning the full nuance from the short snippets of the story I have actually read.

We see it with Shen Jiu and his animosity to Yue Qingyuan

We see it with Liu Qingge and Shen Yuan and his animosity with Shen Jiu

We see it with Shen Yuan again when he meets Luo Binghe again post-abyss.

We see it with Shang Qinghua and Mobei-jun.

Personal knowledge and perspectives have a tendency to override the scientific process when you're so confident about it that you feel no need to question further.

Personally, I would love to see the idea that, BECAUSE of a lack of an initial impression, or in Shang Qingua's case, a complete understanding of how each person perceives, miscommunication is resolved because someone took the time to actually step back and take everything in.

I would imagine this would also make Shang Qinghua a great mediator in my idea of Strange Omega Qinghua, because with him, there's a dimension of conflict he is immune to experiencing and so could be much more helpful in mediating arguments and accusations because his lack of typical omega capabilities lead to new routes that would previously be unheard of for anyone else.

[bethanydelleman]

Both Pride & Prejudice and Much Ado About Nothing work so well as enemies to lovers because despite surface animosity, it's clear that both end couples really respect each other and for good reasons. I think you could even argue that with Beatrice, she spars with Benedick because she considers him a worthy opponent.

When Hero and Ursuala plot to make Beatrice fall in love, Hero instructs her to speak of Benedick and "praise him more than ever man did merit" and yet when Beatrice finally speaks, she doesn't disagree with their high praise, she says of Benedick:

For others say thou dost deserve, and I Believe it better than reportingly.

Benedick likewise after his eavesdropping on Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio's praise Beatrice says:

They say the lady is fair; 'tis a truth, I can bear them witness; and virtuous; 'tis so, I cannot reprove it; and wise, but for loving me; by my troth, it is no addition to her wit, nor no great argument of her folly, for I will be horribly in love with her.

Similarly in Pride & Prejudice, once the misunderstanding about Wickham is cleared away, Elizabeth is able to acknowledge to herself how much she respects and likes Darcy:

She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both: by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been softened, his manners improved; and from his judgment, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.

Darcy also finds that he admires Elizabeth, after initially dismissing her:

But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she had hardly a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness.

All of these characters also hear and accept criticism of themselves. Both Benedick and Beatrice hear they are too proud to accept love, which they both overcome. Elizabeth learns that she judged Darcy without sufficient information and Darcy that his behaviour was not that of a gentleman. Their mutual acceptance of this criticism and their growth as people leads to their ultimate happiness.

Unfortunately, those who reproduce this trope often forget to build this foundation of respect and the acknowledgement, either personally or publically, that the characters have been wrong. Instead we get characters who mid argument begin ripping each other's clothes off. No growth, no understanding how they have been wrong, it just becomes "thin line between hatred and love" instead of "we grew towards each other".

[novlr]

Hello. Not sure if this was asked yet, but do you have any advice on how to write enemies to friends, then friends to lovers, considering there was romantic tension between them before when they were enemies? Thank you very much in advance!

The enemies to lovers trope is a beloved narrative device, especially in the romance genre. As a creative writer looking to explore this trope, there are key elements and techniques to consider in order to craft a believable and engaging story. Here’s how you can turn animosity into affection and keep your readers hooked.

Understanding the trope

Before diving into writing, it’s important to understand what makes the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope so interesting. It’s a classic plot device where two characters start with a contentious relationship and, through various plot developments, end up falling in love. This trope thrives on tension and the gradual breakdown of barriers, creating a rollercoaster of emotions for both the characters and the readers.

What are the key components?

Conflict: The bedrock of this trope is the initial conflict between the characters. It can be rooted in a misunderstanding, ideological differences, or a rivalry.

Chemistry: Despite the conflict, there needs to be an underlying chemistry that hints at the potential for romance.

Character development: The evolution of the characters’ relationship must be believable. Their growth, both individually and together, is crucial to the plot.

Pacing: The shift from enemies to lovers should be gradual and well-paced, avoiding any rush that could undermine the build-up of their relationship.

Build authentic tension

When writing ‘enemies to lovers,’ the tension must feel authentic. Readers can easily spot forced conflict or chemistry, so it’s vital to create situations and dialogues that naturally showcase the friction between your characters.

Create obstacles: Design situations that challenge the characters and force them to interact in high-stakes scenarios.

Dialogue: Use snappy, charged dialogue to convey their conflict while also revealing their begrudging respect or fascination for each other.

Inner conflict: Develop the characters’ inner conflicts to add depth to their external quarrels and eventual reconciliation.

Have a strong turning point

The transition from enemies to lovers should feel earned. It often involves a pivotal moment where the characters’ perspectives shift, allowing them to see each other in a new light, becoming friends

Shared experiences: Design scenarios where the characters have to rely on each other, creating a sense of camaraderie.

Vulnerability: Allow the characters to show vulnerability to each other, which can be a powerful catalyst for changing emotions.

Moments of understanding: highlight moments of empathy and insight into each other’s motivations and vulnerabilities.

Foster the romance

Once the groundwork for the characters’ relationship shift has been set, you can focus on fostering the romantic connection.

Mutual respect: As the characters overcome obstacles, their respect for one another should grow, forming the basis for their romantic feelings.

Intimacy: Create instances where the characters share intimate moments or thoughts, further deepening their bond.

New Conflicts: Introduce new conflicts that can only be solved together, cementing their status as a team.

The payoff

The ultimate goal in the ‘enemies to lovers’ trope is to deliver a satisfying payoff that feels both surprising and inevitable. Here are ways to ensure the romance culminates in a fulfilling resolution:

Growth and sacrifice: Show how the characters have grown since the beginning of the story and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other.

Full circle: Bring their relationship full circle by referencing elements of their initial conflict, now resolved through love and understanding.

Public acknowledgment: Include a scene where the characters acknowledge their feelings for each other in a significant way, often in public or in front of previously opposing forces.

[it-happened-one-fic]

Hours in the Moonlight: Somnolent Gloaming - 11. Need Only Wish

Summary: Bumping into a weird, pushy vampire last night hadn’t really been that odd. And it had all turned out fine thanks to Sebek. Which was why there was no way you could’ve been prepared for what greeted you as you arrived at the Diasomnia clan tonight.

Series Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ series/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ sfw/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire

Word Count: 1747

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

Silver greeted me just like he had the night before, blinking in an almost tired fashion as he glanced around. First looking behind me before meeting my gaze, “Did Mr. Schoenheit not escort you here this evening?”

I shook my head quietly, a slight smile on my face as I entered the building and did my best to ignore the stares of the vampires. Their stares were worse than usual, though….

Some gazed at me and Silver with open hunger, others with wary curiosity, and some with outright animosity. 

The latter option was new, but I didn’t look their way as I spoke, calmly answering Silver’s question, “No, the only reason he was with me last night was because he’d come over for a visit.”

Silver nodded calmly, taking my coat and hanging it up before walking with me away from the foyer. And the longer we walked, the more vampires seemed to emerge to stare at us, and I felt myself starting to tense slightly and fight against the urge to shift awkwardly.

“You should know, Sebek told us what happened yesterday,” Silver’s words were soft but had me stiffening even as we walked.

In hindsight, it was obvious that Sebek was a bit of an informer, and I should’ve known that he would tell Malleus about what had occurred with the other vampire as soon as I left last night. 

Silver continued, his voice as calm as ever even as his steady gaze slid my way, “Malleus was quite upset and spoke to the entire clan. There shouldn’t be any more issues.”

His stare was almost meaningful as he looked at me, and I felt myself nod, leaning over slightly and half-whispering my words, “Was it bad?”

Silver’s gaze held mine before he lifted one shoulder in a half-shrug, “I’ve seen Malleus lose his temper before, but this one has been one of the worse examples, yes.”

I grimaced slightly, feeling distinctly guilty only for Silver to shake his head, almost like he’d read my mind, “You aren’t to blame. Malleus has never liked for particular humans to be targeted, and father has always taught him that humans are not to be treated as food.”

I nodded, not entirely sure of what to say. But then I heard it. The quiet whispers that started to echo out from the doorways behind us.

“So he favors a human?”

“I thought he favored Silver, though?”

“Maybe he wants one he doesn’t have to share…. But to think he would grow so angry over them.”

“They must be his then.”

“But aren’t they the one Schoenheit has been protecting? He walked them here just last night….”

“Well, even if Schoenheit kicks up a fuss, we all know who will win a fight. That human is as good as Lord Malleus’s.”

I swallowed, doing my best to ignore the whispers even as I felt Silver’s gaze on me. We both stayed silent, though. Walking through the headquarters as the two lone mortals surrounded by vampires. 

“You’re here,” I looked up as soon as I heard the slightly familiar low voice, making eye contact with Lilia, who stood in front of the same room where I’d initially met Malleus and Sebek. I hadn’t even realized until now that Silver and I hadn’t been walking towards the library at all, but here instead.

I’d been too busy trying to ignore all the stares and whispers.

Lilia wasn’t wearing his usual smile, and I felt myself shifting uncomfortably before walking over to him, meeting his gaze hesitantly as I spoke softly, “Is this as bad as I think it might be?”

A smile flickered across the man’s face, and he tilted his head, “Only if anyone takes offense or misunderstands.” He paused, glancing past me and Silver, his eyes somehow flashing despite the lack of change in lighting, “Let them say what they will.”

With only those words, he opened the door. Revealing Malleus sitting just like he had been when I first met him, in the throne-like chair beside which Sebek stood. But this time, Sebek looked a little more uncomfortable, and Malleus wore a frown.

Green eyes flicked over to where I stood as soon as the door opened and Malleus beckoned for me to enter with a slow rolling of his gloved fingers into his palm. And it was odd to see him this way again. 

Even though I hadn’t been here for very long, I’d already grown used to him after the chats we’d had in the library. And though he was an odd one, he wasn’t frightening in any way.

Or at least he hadn’t been.

But now, he was imposing. Rather like an ancient king who held sway over everyone present and whose words would dictate precisely what might come next.

I couldn’t be sure if a barrier had been erected between us to quell the rumors that were obviously circulating about what he might think of me, or if he was just angry, though.

“Sebek told me what happened,” He spoke calmly, but there was a low undercurrent to his voice that promised the potential for danger.

Sebek’s gaze darted over to me in an almost apologetic fashion, and I chanced a half-smile at him. An action that caused him to press his lips tightly together before his gaze shifted back forward.

“I apologize for what has occurred, little Hunter. It was no way to treat a guest,” There was remorse in Malleus’s voice, and I shook my head.

“But it was to be expected, Hornton.” Sebek’s eyes widened at the nickname, but with just a single motion from Silver, he stayed silent. After all, a smile had flickered across Malleus’s face at the mere sound of the nickname he’d accepted.

I spread my hands sort of helplessly, not entirely sure of what to do in this situation. But somehow, something told me that whatever I said carried quite a bit of weight right now. If nothing else, the atmosphere and the way Malleus’s gaze rested on me as I continued implied that, “Vampires will always notice my presence and be affected. It’s happened at every clan.”

My words brought a frown to Malleus’s face, and, for a moment, I thought I’d made a mistake. But then he spoke, his voice soft as he shook his head slightly, “And does it not bother you?”

I smiled at his confused words. But they reminded me of Vil’s frustration over my situation and my general reaction to it. And it was honestly touching. After all, what bothered me was something I considered often, even if others might not always notice it.

Did it bother me that vampires were perpetually attracted to me by the scent of my blood? Yes. 

Did it bother me that Crowley had probably forced me into being his personal vampire hunter because of my innate ability to attract vampires? Yes.

Could I change it? Not really. And that was fine. 

I could accept my situation without throwing a fit over the already spilled milk. And when it got difficult, I knew I had friends I could lean on until I recovered.

“I can’t say that it doesn’t ever bother me. But it’s also just the way things are, and I can’t really change it, so I don’t see much reason to kick up a fuss,” Off to the side, I could see Lilia smiling at me. I didn’t get to see Silver’s reaction, though, which was the one I was truly curious about, as Malleus stood with a certain degree of finality to his motions.

“I see. Sebek, Silver, Lilia,” All three men straightened at the sound of their names being called, and Malleus gestured elegantly towards the door, “Please. Leave us.”

Sebek frowned but did as he was told. Though in a rather slow manner, as he brushed by me, only slightly glancing my way. 

Silver also did as he was told, though he lingered longer than Lilia, who walked as calmly out of the room as could be.

And then I was alone with Malleus, who gazed at me thoughtfully.

“Silver and you both…. You confuse me,” Malleus walked towards me, his gait slow as he gazed at me. And despite the fact that something told me that I could speak freely with him, I somehow felt that right now I should stay silent.

“You’re both so fragile… So fleeting, and yet you do not hesitate to accept your position without any real fight.” He came to a stop in front of me, a slight frown on his face as he stared at me. Almost like he was searching for something. 

His gaze was filled with questions as his eyes scanned mine, and when he spoke again, there was confusion with a distinct undertone of frustration to his voice, “Why?”

I felt myself smile at both his question and him before I responded, my voice coming out surprisingly soft and slightly amused, “I never said I’d just let myself get hurt. I just don’t know how to change it. I’m not going to complain about something without doing anything about it, because then I’m just perpetuating an issue. So until I find a way to handle it, that’ll be that. I’ll just keep on going forward and do what I can.”

His eyes widened slightly before he smiled, “Do what you can… And evaluate the clans to handle the insanity issue?”

I nodded, confirming his words. Because that was what I was doing. I was trying to solve this mystery of why so many vampires were turning into bloodthirsty monsters in order to protect both myself and my friends.

He sighed, his hand reaching out to rest softly on my shoulder, “Very well. Then do what you can, little Hunter, and know you have my assistance whenever you need it.”

A smile curved across his face, and he leaned forward, startling me slightly with the way his eyes glowed in the darkness of the room and his fangs glinted in the tiny bit of moonlight filtering through the curtains on the window. I almost stepped back as he smiled at me, something perfectly villainous to his expression as I swallowed and stared at him with widened eyes. Hardly sure of how to react to his words: “And should you ever tire of this life, you need only wish for it, and I shall guide you fully into this world of night.” 

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[nicnak20]

Passive:

*Two passive aggressive apartment neighbors. But when one has a new pasta sauce recipe that the other happens to try, feelings begin to develop- more than just mutual.*

The air in Apartment Building 3B was thick with unspoken tension. It wasn't the heavy, dramatic tension of a thriller, but the lighter, more persistent kind – the kind that clung to the shared hallways and festered behind closed doors. Nicholas, residing in 3B Apartment 202, and Yn, in 3B Apartment 204, were masters of this particular brand of neighborly animosity. Their passive aggression was a delicate, almost balletic dance of subtle jabs, polite smiles that didn’t reach the eyes, and carefully crafted noises designed to irritate but never quite cross the line into actionable complaint.

Nicholas, with his dark brown hair perpetually tousled in a way that somehow managed to look both deliberate and charming, and warm brown eyes that could melt glaciers when he wanted them to, was, by nature, a kind soul. He was the sort of person who would offer his seat on a crowded bus, who volunteered at the local animal shelter, and who genuinely believed in the good in people. Yet, with Yn, his inherent sweetness seemed to curdle into a mildly sarcastic politeness. He’d hold the door for her in the hallway, a touch too long, a smile stretched a little too wide, while making a pointedly loud phone call about needing ‘peace and quiet’ to concentrate.

Yn, on the other hand, was a mirror image of Nicholas’s gentle nature. Her heart was as warm as sunshine, her patience seemingly bottomless. She’d spend hours listening to her friends’ woes, baking cookies for her colleagues, and always had a kind word for the elderly woman downstairs. But when it came to Nicholas, her warmth became a glacial coolness punctuated by overly cheerful greetings that dripped with saccharine irony. She might leave a ‘thoughtful’ note on his door about the ‘fascinating bass vibrations’ emanating from his apartment late at night, even when he was fairly certain he’d been reading with headphones.

Their passive-aggressive game had started subtly. Perhaps it was the shared wall, a conduit for every cough and dropped spoon. Maybe it was the unspoken competition for the best parking spot. Or perhaps, it was just the frustrating anonymity of apartment living that allowed for misunderstandings to fester. Whatever the genesis, it had become their peculiar, unspoken dynamic.

One Saturday afternoon, the aroma of garlic and simmering tomatoes began to waft through the building. It was a rich, vibrant smell, laced with basil and something indefinably savory. It permeated the hallway, seeping under doors and tickling noses. Nicholas, nose twitching, realized the source was drifting from Yn’s apartment. Normally, he’d have ignored it, perhaps even subtly opened his window wider as a silent commentary on ‘apartment smells’. But this was different. This wasn't stale takeout or microwaved popcorn. This was… intoxicating.

Later that evening, Nicholas found himself restless. He’d tried to order pizza, but even the smell of greasy pepperoni couldn’t quite displace the lingering scent of Yn’s mysterious sauce. He found himself pacing, an unusual agitation stirring in his chest. Finally, curiosity – or perhaps something more primal – won out.

He grabbed a small, clean container from his kitchen, feeling a little ridiculous. He walked down the hallway, his footsteps hesitant. He stopped outside Yn’s door. He could still smell it, stronger now, making his stomach rumble. Taking a bracing breath, he knocked.

Yn opened the door, a dishtowel draped over her shoulder, her expression initially guarded. She was wearing a simple dress, her cheeks flushed from the heat of cooking, and for the first time, Nicholas actually saw her, beyond the neighborly facade. She was lovely. Her kind eyes, the ones usually narrowed in polite suspicion towards him, were wide with surprise.

“Nicholas?” she asked, her voice a little breathless.

He swallowed, feeling a bit foolish with his empty container. “Hi, Yn. Um… I know this is going to sound… strange.” He shuffled his feet. “But… that smell. From your apartment. It smells… incredible.” He cringed internally. Smooth, Nicholas, real smooth.

Yn’s guarded expression softened, a flicker of genuine surprise replacing the usual polite indifference. A faint blush rose on her cheeks. “Oh,” she said, a small smile playing on her lips. “You mean the sauce?”

“Yes! The sauce! It smells… amazing. Like, seriously amazing.” He felt his own cheeks heating up. Was he actually complimenting his passive-aggressive neighbor on her cooking? This was unprecedented.

Yn actually chuckled, a soft, warm sound that was completely unexpected. “I made a new recipe. It’s… well, it’s been simmering all day.”

Nicholas, emboldened by her smile, took a small step closer. “Look, I know we’re, uh… neighbors. And things haven’t always been… neighborly. But… could I… maybe… just smell it a little closer?” He instantly regretted it. Too forward. Way too forward.

But instead of slamming the door in his face, Yn’s smile widened. “Smell it closer? Nicholas, I’ve made enough for a small army. Why don’t you come in? I can give you a taste. And… maybe we can… actually talk?”

He blinked, stunned. Actually talk? Beyond forced pleasantries and veiled insults? This was… unexpected.

“Really?” he asked, his heart doing a little flutter-kick.

“Really,” she confirmed, stepping aside, gesturing him in.

Nicholas stepped inside her apartment, and he was immediately enveloped in the glorious aroma. Her living room was cozy, filled with warm colours and soft cushions. It felt… inviting. Not at all like the battleground he’d mentally constructed in his head.

Yn led him to her kitchen, which was small but spotlessly clean and filled with even more tantalizing smells. On the stove, a large pot bubbled gently, the source of the heavenly scent. She ladled a small portion into a bowl and handed it to him with a spoon.

“Here,” she said, her eyes suddenly shy. “Try it.”

Nicholas took a tentative spoonful. The moment the sauce hit his tongue, his eyes widened. It was… phenomenal. Rich, complex, bursting with flavour, with a hint of sweetness and a subtle spicy kick. It was the kind of sauce that made you close your eyes and savor every nuance.

“Wow,” he breathed, genuinely awestruck. “Yn, this is… this is incredible. Seriously.”

A genuine smile bloomed on her face, lighting up her entire expression. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I wasn’t sure about the oregano, but…”

And just like that, the dam of passive aggression seemed to crumble. They started talking. About the sauce – the recipe, the ingredients, the inspiration. Then, hesitantly, about other things. Their jobs, their hobbies, their families. Nicholas learned that Yn was a graphic designer, loved hiking, and had a mischievous sense of humor. Yn discovered that Nicholas was a software developer, played the guitar, and volunteered at the local soup kitchen on weekends.

They talked for hours, the bowl of pasta sauce between them, forgotten. The initial awkwardness melted away, replaced by a surprising ease, a comfortable rhythm in their conversation. They discovered shared interests, similar values, and a mutual appreciation for quiet evenings and well-brewed coffee.

As the hours passed, they even tentatively addressed the elephant in the room – their past neighborly… friction. It turned out, it had all been a series of misunderstandings, fueled by the thin walls and the inherent distance of apartment living. Nicholas confessed that he’d thought Yn was deliberately slamming her doors at odd hours, when in reality, her door just had a faulty latch. Yn admitted she’d been annoyed by what she perceived as his late-night TV watching, unaware he was simply a night owl who preferred documentaries to blockbuster movies.

They laughed, a genuine, easy laughter that filled the apartment, chasing away the lingering shadows of past misunderstandings. They realized their passive aggression had been a ridiculous dance of avoidance, a misguided attempt to establish boundaries when all they really needed to do was talk.

As the evening deepened, Nicholas found himself completely captivated by Yn. Her kindness, her warmth, her intelligence – they were all even more radiant up close, without the filter of neighborly antagonism. And Yn, in turn, found herself drawn to Nicholas’s gentle nature, his easygoing charm, and the genuine warmth in his brown eyes.

When it was finally late, and Nicholas reluctantly stood to leave, Yn offered him the rest of the pasta sauce in his container. “For later,” she said, her smile soft.

He took it, their fingers brushing for a fleeting moment, sending a surprising spark through him. “Thank you, Yn,” he said, his voice a little husky. “For the sauce. And for… everything.”

“Thank you, Nicholas,” she replied, her gaze holding his. “Maybe… maybe we could… cook together sometime?”

His heart did another flutter-kick. “I’d really like that,” he said, his smile mirroring hers.

He walked back to his apartment, the container of pasta sauce warm in his hand, a warmth that spread throughout him, chasing away the old tensions. He opened his door and stepped inside, the familiar space suddenly feeling different, lighter, brighter. He placed the sauce in the fridge, a silent promise of future shared meals.

The next day, Nicholas found a small note slipped under his door. It was handwritten, on a piece of pretty stationery.

Nicholas,

The recipe, if you’re interested. And maybe next time, we can try making it together?

Yn.

Attached was a neatly written recipe for her incredible pasta sauce. Nicholas smiled, a wide, genuine smile that reached his warm brown eyes. He knew this was just the beginning. The passive aggression was gone, replaced by something far more delicious, far more fulfilling. Something that had started with a smell, blossomed over a bowl of pasta sauce, and was just beginning to simmer into something truly beautiful.

He couldn't wait to cook together again, and to discover what other flavors, both culinary and emotional, they could create together. The aroma of possibility, sweeter than any basil or tomato, filled the air between Apartment 202 and 204, a testament to the transformative power of a good recipe and the courage to finally, truly, talk.

[hanakolikescandy]

Dazai, Chuuya, Akutagawa, Atsushi, Poe, Yosano and Fukuzawa with an ability user S/O

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**Dazai Osamu:**

- Dazai is both fascinated and wary of the reader's ability, recognizing its potential for immense power and destruction.

- He often engages in intellectual discussions with the reader, probing their thoughts and analyzing the intricacies of their ability.

- Despite his usual aloof demeanor, Dazai secretly admires the reader's strength and resilience, finding solace in their quiet presence amidst the chaos of Yokohama.

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**Nakahara Chuuya:**

- Chuuya's fiery personality clashes with the reader's icy demeanor, leading to frequent arguments and misunderstandings.

- However, beneath the surface animosity, there is a mutual respect for each other's abilities and dedication to their respective causes.

- Chuuya is protective of the reader, often stepping in to shield them from harm during dangerous situations, much to their chagrin.

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**Akutagawa Ryunosuke:**

- Akutagawa sees a reflection of his own struggles in the reader's ability, fostering a sense of kinship and understanding between them.

- While initially wary of each other, they gradually form a bond built on shared experiences and a mutual desire for redemption.

- Akutagawa often seeks the reader's advice on controlling his powers, recognizing their wisdom and insight gained from years of mastering their ability.

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**Nakajima Atsushi:**

- Atsushi is intrigued by the reader's ability, marveling at its unique properties and versatility in combat.

- He admires the reader's courage and determination, often looking to them for guidance and support during challenging missions.

- Despite their differences, Atsushi and the reader share a deep bond forged through shared experiences and a mutual desire to protect those in need.

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**Edgar Allan Poe:**

- Poe finds the reader's ability to be a source of inspiration for his literary endeavors, often incorporating elements of their powers into his stories.

- He enjoys engaging in philosophical discussions with the reader, exploring the nature of their abilities and the moral implications of using them.

- Poe harbors a deep respect for the reader's strength and resilience, viewing them as a symbol of hope amidst the darkness of Yokohama.

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**Yosano Akiko:**

- Yosano appreciates the reader's ability to provide support during medical emergencies, utilizing their powers to create makeshift ice packs and control bleeding.

- She often teases the reader about their stoic demeanor, encouraging them to embrace their softer side and express their emotions more openly.

- Despite their differences in approach, Yosano and the reader share a strong bond forged through mutual respect and a dedication to saving lives.

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**Fukuzawa Yukichi:**

- Fukuzawa recognizes the reader's potential as a valuable asset to the Agency, entrusting them with important missions and responsibilities.

- He provides guidance and mentorship to the reader, helping them navigate the complexities of their abilities and the dangers of Yokohama's underworld.

- Fukuzawa sees the reader as a beacon of hope for the future, believing in their ability to bring about positive change in a world plagued by chaos and uncertainty.

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I hope you enjoyed this post! (((o(♡´▽`♡)o)))

[howtomuslim]

“Peace Be Upon You” — The Power Of Peaceful Greetings

Recently I was walking through some tight, dark streets I’ve never walked through before, it felt eery and foreign to me, with strangers sitting on the side staring at the unfamiliar intruder barging their neighbourhood. Feeling uncomfortable and feeling the gaze piercing a hole through me, I tried avoiding eye contact and stared at the floor until I suddenly remembered this saying:

“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread (the greeting of) peace amongst yourselves.” — Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) (Sahih Muslim)

I gathered up my courage and greeted them with the greeting of peace. “Assalamu Alaykum! (peace be upon you)” I waved with a smile at the group and was reciprocated with an even better greeting of peace and cheerful smiles by the group, whose attitude had completely changed.

No longer was I a stranger, and nor were they to me. 

That was the profound effect of a simple greeting of peace! 

This simple greeting and way of life was something I hadn’t found outside of Muslim countries, having lived in many places around the world, including Europe, I often found people looked at strangers with animosity and people seldom greeted their own neighbours, let alone strangers! 

This greeting, prescribed in both the Quran and Hadith, serves as more than a polite exchange — it is a bond that unites Muslims worldwide and serves as a means to soften hearts, fostering friendship and dispelling animosity among people.

The Origin of “As-Salamu Alaikum”

The phrase “As-Salamu Alaykum” comes directly from the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quran itself. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says:

“And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (at least) return it equally.” (Quran, 4:86)

This verse illustrates the importance of returning a greeting with an equal or better response, emphasising the positive reinforcement of goodwill and kindness. By using peaceful greetings, Muslims not only comply with Islamic etiquette but also strengthen relationships and foster mutual respect.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) frequently mentioned the significance of spreading peace among people. In one well-known hadith, he said:

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak a good word or remain silent, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his neighbour, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his guest.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Another hadith mentions the great reward of the Islamic greeting. A man once asked the Prophet (PBUH) about the best actions in Islam. The Prophet responded:

“Feed the hungry and greet with peace those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Here, the Prophet extends the greeting beyond just family and friends, encouraging Muslims to greet everyone, familiar or unfamiliar, with peace. This practice helps bridge social divisions and reduce prejudice, making every person feel respected and acknowledged.

By greeting each other with peace, we can break down barriers of animosity and misunderstandings. This small yet powerful act has the potential to transform a tense interaction into a positive one. When someone greets another with “As-Salamu Alaikum,” they implicitly convey a message of goodwill, disarming any hostility and signalling openness.

Psychologically, offering peace disarms defensive feelings and creates a sense of safety. Both parties feel a sense of shared purpose and respect, reducing any initial feelings of judgment, bias, or hostility. The greeting sets a peaceful tone, creating an environment where people are more likely to listen to and respect one another.

By embracing the greeting of peace and sharing it with sincerity, Muslims can continue building bridges of understanding and harmony, dispelling animosity and contributing to a community rooted in respect, kindness, and unity.

For more about Islam visit: https://www.howtomuslim.org

Islamic Resources: https://www.howtomuslim.org/catalogue

Why Islam: https://www.howtomuslim.org/why-islam

Who was Prophet Muhammed (PBUH): https://www.howtomuslim.org/prophet-muhammed

[robfinancialtip]

Chelsea's path of coming to terms with trauma is most likely tied to health difficulties and finding healing through forgiveness and grace. Chelsea initially refused treatment but found inspiration in Eastern ideals of health and healing, which she learned about in a global religion class. This scholarly research led to a friendship with a Buddhist professor and significant discussions about forgiveness and grace.

Chelsea's initial shift in perspective came from the idea of forgiving her body for all it had been through. This implies a struggle with physical health or physiological betrayal, for which she previously carried animosity. The realization of forgiveness went beyond herself to encompass forgiving others—family and friends—who may have struggled to comprehend or support her during her trauma. This journey is motivating and inspiring, emphasizing the value of forgiveness in personal recovery.

This forgiveness process appears to be transforming, resulting in a significant shift in Chelsea's perspective on her experiences and relationships. It displays a growing empathy and acceptance for herself and those who may have unwittingly caused grief or misunderstanding. Chelsea's worldview, which was first influenced by resistance and even bitterness, has evolved into one marked by compassion and reconciliation through the lens of Eastern philosophical concepts. This metamorphosis is a motivating illustration of how alterations in viewpoint may lead to significant personal progress.

Chelsea highlights the powerful power of forgiveness and grace in overcoming personal obstacles and transforming attitudes. It demonstrates how academic learning, human relationships, and contemplation can promote healing and progress. Chelsea's tale is a moving witness to the power of forgiveness, demonstrating how it may lead to a more sympathetic and forgiving attitude toward life's challenges.

[cosmicanger]

didn’t u and winter have beef? y u keep posting him?

(received 27 sept 2024)

This bullshit again? Despite Winter's initiation of an abuse by proxy campaign against me, I no longer harbor personal grievances toward anyone Black on this platform. In 2024, it's Tumblr—who truly cares if some people dislike you? It's time to grow up. Many are facing significant challenges right now, and it seems that some users here need to engage with real life more earnestly.

My recent posts featuring Winter was simply a recognition that he stylish sometimes; I have no animosity toward him or his friends. My previous comment about getting a life was not directed at those genuinely struggling, as the actually poor (not cosplay poor people do on here) unemployed often remain indifferent to conflicts between bloggers. Rather, it was aimed at those who seem to have little else to occupy their time.

The reality is that most users here are drawing from a myriad of sources—Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and various similar or the exact same archives. We should move past criticisms about repetitive content as long as proper credit is given. I genuinely wish Winter success; I can’t say the same for nonblacks on here. While some Black tumblrinas may irritate me, it's essential to clarify that any perceived animosity I have is directed solely at nonblacks who express hostility toward me.

Ultimately, I have far more pressing matters to attend to than to dwell on whether anyone dislikes me or misunderstands my actions in 2024. I encourage those who engage in cowardly anonymous messaging to find a hobby and invest their energy into more meaningful pursuits

[lopsonminolta]

Reflections on Twofold

Well, I’ve been meaning to write my thoughts on the recently-released visual novel Twofold for a week now, so here they are. I’m not very good at analyzing media in general, but I’m gonna try my best here. Note: major spoilers ahead.

I obviously am a bit biased: I love the game. I love how it shines a light on all the beauty and love that can be found in the mundane, and how it shows us how happiness can be found in spite of the grief and loss we all experience. It also shows us how these things can change you as a person, and how you can grow from it all in a healthy manner.

Olive is a perfect canvas for Caprice and Millie, and they find both of the girls at a time when they clearly yearned for change. Caprice motivates Olive to find new ways to express themself, and Millie works with Olive to understand how to express themself in a more structured manner. Both impart in them a kind of boldness that young adults often lack, and is ultimately what pushes them and the others through the plot. Olive already had all of the ingredients to become a strong, dedicated, and loving person, all they needed was that final bit of love that both girls offer to them.

I really like how both routes go about showing this. In Caprice’s, there’s a focus on exploring new ways of expressing oneself. While that in and of itself is great, the route does show us how far one can get by just doing that over and over again without going in-depth into any of them. This is very much obvious when it comes to Caprice, who, when faced with her incapacity to deal with the main plot point, tries to cope by adopting yet more ways to express herself, like dying her hair blue. She knows enough to paint a picture of the situation, but can never nail the details down as perfectly shown by her asking Eileen to paint Adelaide’s portrait. And Olive, who’s been thrown into the middle of this abruptly, who’s relationship with Caprice is still in its early stages, who’s still trying to come to grips with who they’ve become thanks to the experiences of the semester, struggles to find ways to help Caprice to nail these down.

Millie’s route, (which was my favorite one), is an excellent mirror to Caprice’s. She asks for organization, structure, focus from Olive, and they quickly rise to the task. Olive and Caprice often feel like a “duo of individuals” who help one another grow in parallel, but Olive and Millie are a team and they grow as one unit. All the lessons learned from the writing club translate into a dialectic that guides them towards truly understanding the main plot point, breaking it down, and identifying/executing solutions to them. Millie got the details right, but could never get a full picture, and Olive coming in with a fresh perspective and giving her the opportunity and room to see that perspective was all she needed to finally break away from the rut she was stuck in.

Caprice’s route is jovial, lighthearted at times, and deals with the sort of emotional struggles that a younger person may find themselves with due to a sheer lack of life experiences; Millie’s route is more mature and portrays an earnest attempt of a young adult finally reclaiming that last bit of agency that so often eludes such folks. Caprice’s route, populated by people who love her, forces others to understand her better and spurs them into action; Millie’s route, who often shows her in hostile environments, be it due to animosities or misunderstandings, forces her to take initiative and have her attempt to talk things out in a way that encompasses all of those involved in the main plot point. Both are sad in their own way: the girls feel alienated from those around her, and when you pick one of the girls, you can’t help but feel sad for the other, doubly so after playing both routes.

I really appreciate that the game goes out of its way to never paint anyone in particular as a villain. This is, after all, a story about grief. It doesn’t even represent grief itself as bad. Indeed, it’s shown as a way to overcome certain obstacles—a painful one for sure, but a necessary one sometimes. Caprice and Millie’s parents fail to handle their situation appropriately, yes, but they’re genuinely good and likable people, their actions don’t stem from parental incompetence or lack of emotional intelligence… They’re grieving too, just like Millie is, and they’re not sure how to talk about it with the two girls. It’s frustrating that they put the burden of dealing with this situation onto Caprice; they failed to take into account that Caprice is still young and lacked the emotional intelligence to handle it all correctly. That’s on them for sure, but they immediately relent as soon as they’re called out or are put in a position where they know that the right thing to do is to do things themselves. It’s frustrating that they took so long to process all of this, to the point where it started affecting their own kids, but grief demands time and active effort, and they were both single parents just trying to find happiness after suffering such a tremendous blow…

Being young and in grief is never a healthy combination. Being young and already being asked to let go is sad. Being young and being forced into developing the emotional intelligence to navigate a cruel world and a tough situation is heartbreaking. Twofold cuts through all of this with beautiful language, with a grounded understanding of love and relationships, and it tries to show that if you let love in and you give love in return, things might just turn out alright in the end.

While Twofold does most things right, I do feel like there’s a few things that it could’ve done better. It’s a bit odd that everyone knows that Olive is non-binary, even people who’ve just met them. It felt too transparent, unrealistic even. As a non-binary person myself, I’ve essentially given up on telling people my pronouns as the likely outcome of that would be them getting it wrong, so seeing things working out like they do for Olive with zero effort felt like the game was unintentionally downplaying that facet of a lot of non-binary people’s lives.

Another thing that I feel could’ve been done better is making Darren’s transness more explicit during his introduction. I get that Darren himself would’ve been apprehensive about telling Olive outright that he’d transitioned seeing as he hadn’t seen Olive in a while and barely knew them, but still, when it comes to things like this, I do think that breaking immersion is justifiable.

There’s also a distinct lack of involvement from August in Millie’s route. While it does go hand in hand with Olive and Millie assuming agency over their lives, it’s still a rather noticeable absence, and I do feel like both of them would have benefited from talking to her.

Finally, I feel like Olive’s arc mostly wraps up once the semester’s grades are published. I wish there was more growth and participation from Olive in Act 3, I wish they’d been given more chances to reflect on their own past, too, on their family. I understand why that didn’t materialize, though: as a small team, you can only accomplish so much, and priority was given to Millie and Caprice.

Before I sign off, I need to give a quick mention to Perfect Circle, the game’s epilogue. It is one of the most heartfelt and heartbreaking things I’ve read in a long time. Though it portrays an unimaginably bleak situation, it out of all other parts of the game tries its best to show beauty in life regardless of circumstances. The visuals of it make that especially clear, and all I can say is that it’s easily one of the biggest payoffs I’ve ever experienced in a story.

I wish nothing but the best for this game and its team. Prost!! The game is out there, may it bring happiness to many people besides me.

[mativaldez]

MATILDA 'MATI' VALDEZ — the allegiant.

pronouns & gender: cis woman & she/her

sexuality: pansexual

birth date: august 6th, 1993

birth place: chicago, illinois

neighborhood: south side

occupation: manager at no man's land

family: gemma collier ( 12 ), caleb collier ( 5 ), scarlett collier ( 3 )

relationship status: separated

Since her bio is on the main, I won't post it below and instead will have a tldr to make it easy on y'all! I'll probably also just use this as my way of keeping track of things! Putting my information along with connection ideas, plots, and established here as well!

BACKGROUND —

Born into the world of the Devil's Disciples Motorcycle Club

Unconventional family: Escort mother and initially uncertain father who was a member of the club

Mother passed away in a club operation when Mati was eight

Modest life in a tiny apartment on Chicago's south side

Became pregnant at 18, married the father, and had a daughter named Gemma

Worked at a local diner, while her husband became a club member

Developed into a fiercely protective mother, prioritizing her children

Welcomed two more children: Caleb and Scarlett

Separated from her husband due to relationship issues and club-related risks

Became a manager at No Man's Land, a local bar

Loyal to the Disciples, but increasingly questions the life she wants for her children

Resided in a mobile home on the south side and cared for her ailing father

Stubborn and determined, she saw herself as untouchable but yearned for a better life for her kids

Determined to balance her loyalty to the club with her children's future

Not one to start conflict but prepared to confront it when necessary..... aka, I don't start shit but I can tell you how it ends....

CONNECTIONS —

Brooke, Peyton & Haley: So because I'm a sucker for OTH I would love for some three girlies friendship. They're Mati's best friends, who have been a constant presence in her life and are like sisters to her. They've known each other since before Gemma was born, and their bond has weathered its ups and downs. One is a godmother to Caleb and the other to Scarlett. They're with each other through thick and thin and would go to great lengths to protect each other. Club Connections - Like Family: Mati has grown up around the club and developed strong, brotherly/sisterly bonds with several club members. They share fun-loving banter, engage in goofball antics, and enjoy each other's company, creating a strong sense of camaraderie within the club. These connections are akin to siblings who have stood by her side throughout her life, offering support and friendship. Club Connections - Not So Positive: On the flip side, Mati may also have some club connections that aren't as positive. The reasons behind the animosity can be plotted out, whether it's past disputes, misunderstandings, or differing views within the club. These connections add tension and conflict to Mati's life, reflecting the complex dynamics within the club. Because who doesn't love some good old animosity, right!? Friends, Confidants, Drinking Buddies, Protectees and Little Siblings-like, etc: Mati has a broad array of positive connections, including friends who provide her with a support system, confidants with whom she can share her deepest thoughts, and individuals she considers like little siblings. She is a natural momma bear and is protective of those she cares about, making her a reliable and nurturing presence in their lives. Brief Fling: Mati had an emotional affair during a particularly low point in her marriage with someone who was close to her. They had always wondered what it would be like to cross that line, and circumstances led to a series of moments together. This connection could be explored further of course! Think of all the angst. Patrons of No Man's Land: As the manager of No Man's Land, Mati has regular interactions with patrons of the bar. These connections could range from regular customers she knows by name to individuals who have shared stories or laughter over drinks.

PLOTS —

Sometimes it's fun to just dive into things. These can be chance encounters and we just start here or stuff to do with our already plotted out connections.

Playing hooky and getting high down by the water one night and talking about life.

Challenging someone to a drunk game of pool at the bar, both getting a little tipsy and pouring out life's problems.

Mati rescues a friend from an unwanted conversation with someone, providing a fun escape or vice versa.

Spending a night in jail because of something silly and fun they did, reminiscing about the adventure. (Gives OTH vibes tbh)

Karaoke night at a local pub, with Mati unexpectedly signing someone up to perform.

A spontaneous road trip with friends to a nearby town, filled with unexpected adventures.

Mati organizes a charity event at No Man's Land, bringing the people together for a good cause.

A friendly competition at the bar, like a karaoke showdown or a dart tournament.

A car accident that involves Mati and another character, leads to a series of dramatic events or not-so-dramatic events.

A small club operation goes awry, leaving Mati and others caught in the crossfire. Something small ofc (if allowed).

A mugging incident where either Mati is mugged or sees someone getting mugged. Something small ofc (if allowed).

A devastating fire breaks out in her mobile home park. Something small ofc (if allowed).

ESTABLISHED CONNECTIONS —

positive

tba

negative

tba

romantic

tba

non playable

Manuel "Manny" Valdez (father)

Elena Silva (mother - deceased)

Gemma Collier (daughter)

Caleb Collier (son)

Scarlett Collier (daughter)

[rotationalsymmetry]

Ableism, Language, and "Reading Comprehension"

A lot of times people get social justice motivated language changes completely wrong. They think it's about not looking bigoted and aim to make the change as cosmetic as possible. And so you get a language shift, where what words mean change so that ableists can keep saying the exact same things they've always said, and believe themselves to not be bigoted, because they're no longer using the wrong words.

When language changes in the name of justice are done right, it's not a superficial change, the surface level change in words is tied to a much deeper change in what is meant and how people see the world.

So when I say I would like to encourage people to avoid using "stupid" as an insult, and any variation on stupid -- from words like "moron" and "imbecile" and the ever-present "retard" to phrases that merely imply dumbness, like insulting people's "reading comprehension" -- what I do not mean is finding a different word that means the same thing. I mean using the language thing as a touchstone for changing your worldview from one where being stupid is a bad thing and where smart people are superior to stupid people, to one where what you do can be shameful but what you are never is. Nobody should ever have to feel ashamed for a thing that is outside of their control.

People do not choose how intelligent they are -- or rather, intelligence is somewhat mutable (probably spending an hour a day watching the Discovery channel will make you somewhat smarter than spending an hour a day watching mold grow on your walls, idk) but a large chunk of intelligence is either innate, and/or environmental in a way that may be under collective control but is into under individual control. (Kinda like weight actually -- weight is somewhat affected by the choices individuals make, but is mostly about some combo of genes and environmental factors beyond individual control.)

This is especially true for people who are the least intelligent: someone who's got a clinically significant level of the stupids did not choose to be that way.

As such, using "stupid" as an insult (even or perhaps especially when directed at people who are objectively not particularly low intelligence) is telling a group of people that a thing about who they are that they did not choose and is not under their control, is shameful and worthy of degradation.

And in general calling people stupid isn't accurate. I might have the initial thought that it's stupid for a politician to introduce a bill forbidding abortion for ectopic pregnancies, but chances are the problem is not a failure of intelligence, but rather something else entirely, perhaps active maliciousness or at best intellectual hubris, an unwillingness to check one's assumptions.

Specifically, "reading comprehension." I am somewhat sympathetic in that I too do not especially enjoy it when what I've written is misinterpreted, and that does seem to happen an awful lot on this hellsite. But I also get frustrated when I'm having a spoken discussion -- in person or on the phone etc -- and I'm being misunderstood, and I've never heard a spoken-discussion misunderstanding get attributed to a lack of audio comprehension. (Nor would it be a good idea to do that -- communication failures can be failures on either end, a failure of understanding or a failure of clear self-expression, and generally misunderstandings in non-argumentative contexts get worked out without animosity. It's the aggression and again perhaps intellectual hubris that are the problem, if someone misunderstands and keeps their opinions to themselves or engages respectfully the problem is very different.) I am forced to the conclude that the difference is that telling someone their audio comprehension is bad does not work as an insult -- does not work as a pwn, does not assist in feeling like you've won the argument -- whereas telling someone their reading comprehension is bad does, because reading comprehension is an academic skill and therefor saying someone has bad reading comprehension is calling them dumb.

(Which by the way is an ad hominem -- if your opponent is dumb, that neither automatically means you're right nor, if you want to have the sort of argument that might conceivably point towards the truth, does it exempt you from having to actually make an argument. Anyways.)

Here look. People who are "dumb" -- who rode on the "short bus" to school, who spent some time in "special needs" classes and/or who dropped out of school entirely or who never went to school in the first plac, who have learning disabilities and/or developmental disabilities and/or intellectual disability, people who aren't well educated, people who aren't actually less intelligent but for whatever reason come across that way -- are people. And deserve to be treated like people. And not insulted about something that should be considered morally neutral, in the same way that my nearsightedness is morally neutral and my naturally slow walking pace is morally neutral and height is morally neutral and being disabled in ways that don't affect intelligence is morally neutral.

And as with other things, having called people stupid in the past isn't so much a personal failing as a collective one. We live in culture that overall presents intelligence as a form of moral virtue and stupidity as a form of moral vice. Not doing that is swimming upstream, it takes effort, conscious choice.

I want us all to be free, and it can only happen if we address all forms of oppression, including, specifically, ableism against people who are, or are perceived as being, unusually low in intelligence. I want to live in a world where stupid is considered a neutral part of human diversity, and where people who get seen as stupid are treated as fully human and valuable and worthy of respect.

And idk if that overall means using blunt words like stupid more often, it's not my term to reclaim, but it sure as fuck means using stupid as an insult has to stop happening. And ways of calling someone stupid without using the word "stupid". And the conceptual change under the semantic change has to happen too, we have to not see stupid as an inherently demeaning thing to be.

[snow-system-wol]

Following S'ria and Menphina in Garlemald from the quests "How the Mighty have Fallen" to "No Good Deed".

(the longest single S'ria Snippet piece, at around 4k)

Ao3

(warnings for panic responses and general Garlemald depressingness)

S'ria had thought he was past much of the long-ingrained hatred, whittled away through years of time spent with Cid, Lucia, Maxima – hell, even Gaius. He was fully prepared to help Garlemald, knowing that civilians had hardly done anything wrong (gods knew the propaganda could be incessant) and they did not deserve the brutality and the tempering foisted upon them by the Telophoroi.

That resolve did not last as long as he'd have liked in the face of loyal Garleans, whose minds were yet their own and still utterly consumed by the words their empire had fed them. S'ria could blame the constantly bitter chill for eroding his sanity and patience, but he feared that he hadn't approached this as openly as he'd intended.

But gods, the mistrust would've put anyone on edge.

Licinia's initial accusation was alarming – that their magics and the ones destroying the minds of her fellow countrymen were one in the same. S'ria wondered whether that was merely a knee-jerk reaction borne of ignorance, or if that was a rumor that had actively been sown to breed further xenophobia. It seemed an important distinction, to know what opposition they may face. If everyone thought the tempering was their fault... That could prove difficult.

It's strange... S'ria was well aware that Garlean sensibilities would teach pureblood citizens many things about someone like him -- uncivilized, inferior in every respect, not even worthy of being treated like a person... But he hadn't truly considered that civilians may fear him. 

They calmed though, and accepted aid – maybe. There was an animosity that was so barely concealed, and S'ria knew full well that their desire to simply "help" would be met with skepticism at best. Their paranoia was... a familiar sensation to him, and few people in the world ever had perfectly pure intentions.

He loved the twins dearly, but he feared that Alphinaud's earnest altruism may only put them more on edge – better to seem a little more… believable. Telling them that they hoped for any not loyal to the Telophoroi to survive, simply to spite their enemy, would likely be accepted long before a truly charitable explanation would.

Possibly. Or maybe it would've made things worse.

S'ria knew Licinia was hiding something – someone – but what was he to do about that? The voice he heard didn't sound overly distressed, just weak, so he doubted it was any kind of captive… and so he left it at that. S'ria didn't understand why any member of their group wouldn't be allowed to take in the warmth of the fire with the rest of them, but that seemed far too much of a thing to press at this very delicate stage. Not when she, quite frankly, clearly hated S'ria.

Meeting the tappers was an almost welcome break from interacting with those at Victor's Spoils, if only to speak with some people who greeted their group with less hostility. Ah, well, less hostility after they tried to kill him, but it was a misunderstanding and no one had died, so fair was fair.

A part of S'ria was, illogically, almost jealous of this group. The labour was hard and they hadn't had a chance to leave the country even now, but S'ria couldn't help but think… if he had been brought to Garlemald for this sort of work instead, perhaps things would've been different. But he was a weak child then, it would never have been his fate anyway.

The walk back made S'ria suddenly conscious of the fact that Alisaie being by his side meant Alphinaud was alone, and seeing the area by the fire unattended was enough to make his breath quicken. 

S'ria supposed maybe they should've known better, but the point was that they were out here to try.

Trying had led to Alphinaud clutching his shoulder while blood seeped through his fingers, stood over a group of injured but still very much alive attackers. It was only with a great deal of reminding himself that the aggressors were subdued that S'ria managed to calm himself. No more violence was needed here.

Oh, how S'ria had not missed Garlean sensibilities at all – and it concerned him that he suddenly understood and remembered a bit more about their social standards than he had moments prior. Any little bits of knowledge pried from memories would need to not start an avalanche of recalling, not here, not now.

The word that stuck with him so much was "purity". There was so much emphasis put on purity of one's heritage, on being a trueblooded Garlean and anything else was undeserving of dignity. (And despite the fact that they treated mixed race offspring with little more regard than they did their mothers, they seemed ill-inclined to avoid such things during their occupation.) That status was a coveted trait…as if there was anything pure about it to maintain.

And yet, these lot claimed that anything was better than allowing their magics or their ways to taint them, that it was an act so fundamentally wrong that any proper Garlean would sooner die. They seemed very determined to have their way on that one. The two missing sisters didn't bode…very well.

He wasn't yet at the point of saying that those who seemed so determed to die should be left to it – but for gods' sake, what was even going to happen when they found the girls? What then?

S'ria was hesitant to leave Alphinaud behind to heal himself and the others – the attempts to heal them via magical means may just provoke more violence rather than allowing him to help – but he could handle himself now that they'd lost the element of surprise. The sisters certainly wouldn't benefit from S'ria loitering around at Victor's Spoils.

If it wasn't so damn far below freezing, the tracks leading across the ice would've put terrifying images in S'ria's head. Drowning in a frozen lake seemed a horrific way to go. The ice seemed frozen for at least a fulm down at least and was fully solid under his feet. He was glad that neither his last moments nor Licinia's would be spent in water so cold that your lungs refused to draw air even if you found the surface again.

On some level, S'ria had known that it was hopeless even before they'd started to search. Perhaps it was better that it wasn't a near miss. There was no "just a minute faster" to question here, these bodies were ice cold – even in this temperature, it wouldn't be so quick. It hurt him, but not as badly as it could've. It'd been… a humane enough death, all things considered. They must've bled out very quickly. It was a brief punch in the gut and then he could breathe again – maybe it helped that he'd never really expected this search to go well.

S'ria wished the same could be said of the twins. They seemed devastated, and S'ria would've taken some of that turmoil off their shoulders if he could've. The gods knew they'd blame themselves for this.

From the moment their postures had changed upon processing the scene, S'ria had wanted to draw them close – but who knew if that would go over well, with both of them in a state that rivaled the worst he'd seen either of them in. The closest he could compare to was Tesleen and the Crystal Braves for each of them, and S'ria did not want to make either of them feel worse.

Alphinaud wanted the bodies properly taken care of. S'ria wasn't sure that was for the best, to return carrying their bloodied corpses, but Alphinaud was not likely to walk away without trying to do what little was left. S'ria could honor that.

Licinia would not have liked to have been buried with the aid of magic. It was more for the twins than for her that S'ria labored to drive a shovel through permafrost, but neither did he wish their last action here to be one of disrespect. He felt eyes on the back of his neck the entire time. Did they even bury their dead in Garlemald? Perhaps they did something else entirely, like cremation or the like, and this was only another misstep.

So be it.

It was a painfully cold walk back. What had Lucia promised him for his search efforts? Warm soup upon his return? S'ria hardly had an appetite, but he'd take the warmth all the same. After this many hours, he felt near frozen through.

It felt odd. During this trip so far, S'ria had been (to put it bluntly) the psychological weak link of the group. He was very aware of the fact that he was somehow doing better than Alphinaud and Alisaie in this exact moment, and that was…alarming. For all of Alisaie's boldness and Alphinaud's pragmatism, somehow they'd both refused to explain to Lucia what had happened. S'ria would not begrudge them this one, it was an easy enough burden to accept, telling her in their stead.

He tried his best to stay objective, even if his ability to do so wavered throughout his report. Lucia was never easy to read, as meticulously stoic as she could be at times, but there was something in her expression that S'ria didn't know how to interpret by the time he was done explaining.

They all needed food and rest.

What they did not need was Jullus. S'ria just wanted to rest, so badly, and here was this young soldier bickering with him. It felt as though they were having two damn conversations – one where they kindly offered to let him leave unharmed with supplies and a separate one where Jullus felt that there were negotiations occurring.

S'ria couldn't help but feel immensely frustrated every time he opened his mouth. If it weren't for the fact that the contingent's goal was to establish a working relationship, that meeting their Legatus would be helpful, then S'ria would immediately have told him to bugger off.

That wasn't the case, though, and S'ria knew well enough to keep his mouth shut and not undermine Lucia as their commander.

S'ria knew the twins were going to volunteer and insist on it. He would never let them go alone, of course, but… it was a trap. Just three people only, leaving to an unknown location with a man who so clearly hated them? It was a terrible idea.

It was such a terrible idea that Fray clamored over it, seething in the back of his mind with the vague threat to wrench control and let none of the three of them follow through with this. S'ria couldn't blame them, only to hope that they'd let it happen regardless. Even if it was a truly terrible idea that seemed hardly worth it even in the best case scenario.

Perhaps the only thing that made Fray stay their hand was the fact that Jullus seemed to have no idea who any of them were, even S'ria. "A sellsword and two children", indeed.

(Alisaie and Alphinaud rankled at that, but both seemed to think it to their advantage to not inform Jullus of their actual ages.)

As they traveled, S'ria once again got the sense that loyal Garlean soldiers lived in a reality just adjacent to the one where the rest of them resided, hearing whatever they wanted to hear as long as it affirmed their set beliefs.

Perhaps that was harsh? They were only doing their best to survive.

S'ria could understand his doubt over any cure for tempering, even if the stance taken was somewhat callous. (But he didn't have to kill tempered soldiers, was he truly so uncaring to the idea that they could be saved still? Was proclaiming them a lost cause really what felt best?)

(S'ria did at least realize in that moment, while outraged at the idea of this needless death, that he was properly capable of thinking of imperial soldiers as victims at the very least. He hadn't be quite sure if he'd manage that or not, even trying to come into this mission with an open mind, but the tempered very much had his pity.)

S'ria understood that they weren't trusted, but it was still so frustrating that he wouldn't even listen to the twins. Wasn't admitting the limitations of the cure more believable than claiming it could fix even those with fully corrupted bodies? The prior claim, that most could be saved, remained true and... while S'ria was in no rush to explain who they were, Alisaie and Alphinaud had seen many tempered even far more corrupted than this, they knew what they were talking about. These people need not die. 

S'ria had to remind himself that viewing the twins as children, beneath him, could be very useful if needed... but no matter – at least the annoyance served to keep his blood pumping a little warmer. And maybe serve as a distraction to his nerves.

His body was quick to remind him, after all, that he'd hardly had the chance to warm up before heading back out here.

 

The legatus could've been worse, S'ria supposed, but that wasn't high praise. Quintus was everything S'ria had expected – calmly arrogant and utterly assured of being right. Would they have walked into such as obvious trap if they did not bear good intentions? More importantly, surely the world not ending was enough of an explanation of the Alliance's motivations that foul play need not be immediately suspected? It quickly became clear that nothing would come of this.

Any possibility of common ground being found crashed and burned when Quintus asked Alphinaud – if he cared for peace so much, why would he not advocate for Eorzea submitting to the Empire's rule? If Quintus truly, truly could not comprehend the answer to that question, was so numb or naive or deluding himself about the very real suffering that kept constantly occurring, then there was no point in speaking to each other at all.

Quintus clearly agreed, declaring negotiations over. At least the sound of a dozen soldiers readying their weapons meant that S'ria could stop waiting for things to go wrong. Hostages, that was what had come of whatever this was meant to be – perhaps meant to barter for food and supplies that had already been offered in the first place. They seemed to have no concrete plans yet aside from not allowing them to leave.

If anyone suggested that S'ria should speak to another Garlean faction and try to provide aid or seek common ground, putting himself at their mercy in the process, he thought he might just say no next time.

He hadn't even been paying very close enough attention to Quintus speaking any longer. He was more concerned with regretfully considering whether Fray intervening back at Camp Broken Glass might've been for the best, so the next words shattering through his mind were met with no preparation.

"Collar them."

S'ria would be hard-pressed to explain what his mind and body felt like for those next few seconds. Time felt very slow as his blood turned to ice in his veins and the adrenaline rush to his head was enough for half his vision to go spotty. The scars on his neck burned with phantom pain of something that blessedly lay just outside of his memories.

No. No. No, this wasn't going to happen. Alisaie and Alphinaud briefly dropped entirely from the equation, with him fully ready to leave them behind to cut his way out of here before a single person could lay a hand on him – or if escape was impossible, at least die before letting someone clamp anything around his neck. 

Quintus waved off the soldiers, warning them off from approaching S'ria and he could breathe just faintly easier as he realized they weren't going to try it. Good for their sake, he supposed – the result would not have been bloodless. He could feel the pressure in his skull subside as the frantic attempts of others to wrench control away and engage fight or flight ceased.

S'ria wasn't sure which would've stepped in... but allegedly he'd gone completely meek and pliant way back during the Crystal Brave's betrayal, and that seemed the worst possible response in any given situation going forward. That was safely avoided, this time, it was all right.

His lungs tightened anew as he realized they'd considered abandoning Alphinaud and Alisaie while in that blind panic. How could he even think that?

It was clearly obvious to Quintus how much S'ria cared for those two. In the same relief-inducing statement in which he suggested trying to put a collar on S'ria was impractical, he also clarified that their only leash on him would be psychological. And he was entirely correct – S'ria had no desire to see what happened when the shock function was activated, and even less desire to see it demonstrated on someone he cared about.

S'ria wondered how obvious his full body trembling was. He hoped it'd be misinterpreted as rage, or else his mind and flesh were betraying far too many weaknesses to those who likely had no aversion to exploiting them. The dregs of terror along with the rush of relief were a potent cocktail that left him unsteady on his feet and less present than he'd like.

S'ria took back any concessions he had made while taking on this entire mission – tempered or not, there was something deeply wrong with the people that still remained in this country.

Menphina was unsure if S'ria meant for this, which of them had been the catalyst, but perhaps she was brought out by S'ria's concern for the twins. Jullus seemed aware of the change on some level – the Warrior of Light softening around his previously raw edges into a sort of soft worry, S'ria's accent giving way to Menphina's (to say nothing of the noticeable pitch change.)

She wondered what he may think of all this and whether he thought his confusion was well-concealed or not. He'd seemed a touch intimidated to learn who this "sellsword" actually was, so it was surely just more fuel for the fire to hear S'ria's "Limsa-Lominsan-enough-ish" accent slip back into hers, fully unaltered since the last time they were in this country.

She was sure it was not lost on Jullus that she sounded… distinctly more like an upper class Garlean citizen than like those without good lineage or gil. In fact, she spoke not unlike Jullus himself. Of course, no miqo'te would ever have been allowed in that part of their society, so let him make of that what he will.

She'd never explain, if he decided to ask. S'ria was safest if no one who meant them harm knew too much.

Never mind the fact that Zenos already did know to some unknown extent, which was deeply and truly regrettable – though less dangerous than it sounded. What would be a far more alarming problem was if any of that had found its way to Fandaniel.

Zenos, with their rematch not yet taken, would not intentionally toy with S'ria's triggers in any way that would dull S'ria's edge during the fight – she was reasonably certain at least. If Zenos was to win, he would not want it to feel like he only bested S'ria via the path of least resistance. Killing S'ria while his will to fight was broken seemed just distinctly unsatisfying for his wishes.

(Menphina hoped fervently that she was right about that much.)

Fandaniel, on the other hand… held no such concerns.

No, Menphina should not be spending so much time worrying about what-ifs while they were in a situation that warranted her full attention.

If push came to shove, Menphina hoped that someone else would step in if things escalated into violence. She had never learned how to fight. (Maybe that was a mistake. Or maybe it was a mistake to think she could bear to hurt someone.)

Perhaps, actually, it would be better if she was left to handle it actually. The words and threats hurt, but she could bear them (better her than S'ria, repeated like a mantra) – it was the fact that she was quite perilously close to being struck that concerned her. She was scared of the pain, yes, that'd never been her burden to bear, but she feared more for what may happen if anyone dared to lash out. Fray would hardly let that go.

Alphinaud's request that they help the ill and wounded was very welcome, a task that she knew how to do and would gladly assist in. She'd been considering it before he even asked… except there was scant little they could do.

The unit refused any attempts to secure outside aid, even to keep the weakest of their people alive, supplies were few, and Menphina feared that exercising even  a tiny amount of white magic would prove… disastrous, the moment her patient realized what was being done. Besides, many of them might never consent to treatment via magical means, and that was not a line she wanted to cross while the wounded remained conscious enough to object.

 

Ah, while Menphina did want very badly to assist the sick and wounded in whatever way she could, this particular option was… unfortunate. The body already fared so poorly in this climate, so Alisaie's suggestion that they both wade waist-deep into icy waters was borderline horrifying. Despite already shivering while dry, she took off G'raha's scarf and placed it somewhere relatively dry – while G'raha's scent had faded from the fabric by now, Menphina was sure S'ria would be none too pleased if the fabric got dunked in frigid pond sludge.

And sweet hells was it cold. The water was numbingly painful, but being out of it was even worse, with it feeling like any dampness would freeze over instantly. As glad as Menphina was that they'd found something decent to help the people there, she still huddled so close to the fire afterwards that she risked accidentally touching it.

It was always interesting to experience things, with her own past actions having been so limited in scope – interesting but often unpleasant and very strange. If Menphina had an allagan tin piece for every time she'd spoken to Garlean soldiers around a base in S'ria's stead… well, it was just an odd coincidence that it'd happened more than once now.

It wasn't all terrible, once she started to become less frozen through. Jullus wasn't so bad, not nearly as much as S'ria had made him out to be. He was just a kid, really (in her eyes, at least), and training hadn't driven all of the compassion out of him. He was clearly both concerned and grateful for their somewhat hazardous efforts to find ceruleum – even if he might phrase it in ways that sound more pragmatic than that.

Jullus was just another grieving young one that wanted his family and home back, same as everyone else in the war, and as long as he didn't take that desire far enough to go to dark places, then Menphina could be okay with that. 

While searching for more ceruleum, as startling as it was to hear his voice, Menphina was glad that Thancred and the others were trying to keep an eye on them. (Glad and terrified. She didn't doubt their skills, but Jullus had been very clear that catching anyone following them would have been considered an act of hostility and knowing that Thancred had actually done so was… well, Jullus hadn't noticed him then or now, so it was fine.)

She wasn't sure if there was a plan, or just to sit tight and see. Menphina agreed that their safety and well-being was the most important thing they could maintain – the twins most importantly, in her opinion. Just… she didn't like the situation much.

"Whatever demands the Garleans make, indulge them." Menphina knew Thancred didn't mean anything by it, but his choice of phrasing made her stomach twist. It wasn't like that, she had to remind herself – if nothing else, with Jullus as their keeper, he still seemed too principled to condone senseless cruelty (an admirable trait, in wartimes, she'd give that much.)

 

Shivering in the bunker, S'ria slid back into place with a jolt, nearly bumping into Alphinaud in his brief disorientation. He laughed tiredly.

"I would've hoped to have been warmer by now, but no such luck."

"Oh, S'ria! We'd been concerned. Are you well?" Alisaie seemed genuinely glad to have him back. That was sweet, as long as Menphina hopefully didn't feel any sadness over that reverse side of that idea. It was still... odd for this to be considered a somewhat normal thing, with both himself and others knowing and being okay with these strange moments.

"Yes – just a bit tired and out of it. I remember enough, no need to be concerned." S'ria wrapped his scarf a little more securely around himself. "And damned cold, but you already knew that."

Alphinaud and Alisaie both nodded very resignedly. Yes, with the heaters all but running dry now, it was awful.

S'ria just wished, more than anything else, that being reunited with the twins was not so brief. He'd suspected it would come to this from the first – while Jullus only now changed the twins' status from envoy to prisoner, they'd had the damned collars on the entire time regardless. And the cruelty of everything was just so… why accept freely offered charity for fear of owing anything when one could just take it all by force. As if Alphinaud had not already all but begged the legatus to allow for supplies to be sent for their sick and wounded.

S'ria wasn't sure Jullus could even go through with pressing the button to set off the shock collars, the way his face froze and hands shook. He didn't want to find out, though. For one moment he considered it – lunging to rip the control out of his hands in the hope that it was the only one for this set of collars, removing any chance of them being hurt. But if he was wrong, oh, they would pay the price.

S'ria hated to let them out of his sight, alone with only men who hated them, the only protection afforded to them the dubious rights of a hostage. Jullus had guiltily insisted that no harm would come to them if they were compliant, and S'ria wanted so badly to be able to trust those words. 

Perhaps, with the twins separated from S'ria, the next person to accuse him of offering an olive branch with ulterior motives would get a different and far clearer answer – that his goodwill had rather run dry, and the only thing that now maintained his willingness to help was honoring the wishes of the kindest among the Scions

[robinwinged]

The Anon Before Christmas by @foolishlovers combines the best of the Enemies to Lovers and Hidden Identity tropes and blends it with the wholesomeness of a Fandom AU to create a perfectly cozy and heart-warming Christmas read. It’s basically a Secret Santa version of You’ve Got Mail but actually done right, where the developing romantic feelings feel organic and fitting both online and in real life, and where the eventual identity reveal is properly welcome and celebratory rather than stilted and awkwardly shoehorned in. I tend to be picky about my Enemies to Lovers reads, because often times authors tend to drench the narrative with sexual tension instead of actual communication and resolution of the initial animosity, but this fic stokes the ineffable couple’s growing affections through clearing up of misunderstandings and tender conversations instead, making the romance beautifully believable and the ending that much more rewarding. I’m also a sucker for fluffy domesticity, which The Anon Before Christmas delivers in wonderful doses, whether it’s Crowley’s budding infatuation towards our bookshop angel or the unbearably sweet and (mostly) healthy friendships between the rest of the ensemble. This fic is told through Crowley’s perspective, and Jane absolutely nails his voice, with just the right amount of snark, bite, vulnerability, and niceness (and his famous aversion to being called nice heh heh). The elevated reflectiveness and introspection make it supremely easy to slip into Crowley’s head and feel every flutter, every indecision, every frustration and self-doubt in stunning clarity, which also doubles as making the miscommunications feel a little less painful since you get where Crowley is coming from so well.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for the fic equivalent of a Christmas advent calendar, being opened with a steaming cup of tea curled up snug under a fuzzy throw blanket. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to the Ineffable fandom! 🎄

The Anon Before Christmas by foolishlovers (M, 58k, complete)

When Crowley’s friend, blogging buddy and business partner Anathema announces her annual Secret Santa Exchange on Tumblr, she is very adamant Crowley should join this year. The old-fashioned (but admittedly compassionate) man he gets assigned to send anonymous messages to every day until Christmas sounds awfully similar to the fussy bookseller that his friends adore, yet Crowley tries to avoid at all costs. But surely his friends would have mentioned if Aziraphale had taken an interest in the Bad Omens fandom as well… right? Or: An Enemies to Lovers Secret Santa Tumblr AU.

[amcsociety]

A Captivating Delight: 'She Loves Me' Shines at 42nd St. Moon

She Loves Me, the enchanting musical currently gracing the stage at 42nd St. Moon from June 8 to June 25, is a true gem of theatrical craftsmanship. With a book by Joe Masteroff, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and based on a play by Miklós László, this production offers a delightful journey into the world of romance and unexpected connections.

"She Loves Me" is a heartwarming musical that tells the story of Amalia and Georg, two employees at a 1930s European perfumery who are constantly at odds with each other. Unbeknownst to them, they are also secret pen pals who have fallen in love through their heartfelt letters.

As the story unfolds, Amalia and Georg navigate the challenges of their workplace while unaware of their deep connection. Alongside their colleagues, including the charming womanizer Kodaly, the eager-to-please Sipos, and the vivacious Ilona, the characters find themselves entangled in a web of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements.

Through a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings, the truth behind Amalia and Georg's pen pal relationship is eventually revealed. As their love blossoms, they discover that true love often hides in unexpected places and that their initial animosity was merely a facade for their true feelings.

Filled with memorable songs, including the beloved "Vanilla Ice Cream" and "She Loves Me," the musical showcases the complexities of human relationships, the power of love, and the transformative nature of forgiveness. With its enchanting setting, endearing characters, and timeless themes, "She Loves Me" captures the essence of romance and leaves the audience with a warm and joyful heart.

Under the skillful guidance of director Peet Cocke, the cast brings the story to life with remarkable talent and infectious energy. From the moment the curtain rises, the chemistry between the characters is palpable, immersing the audience in their intertwined lives.

Leading the ensemble with grace and charisma, Sophia Alawi portrays the endearing Ilona, capturing her character's vulnerability and resilience. Riley McFarland's portrayal of Georg is equally commendable, his heartfelt performance capturing the essence of a lovestruck romantic. Together, Alawi and McFarland create a captivating and believable connection with their co-workers at Maraczek’s Perfumery, igniting the stage with their blossoming love stories.

The supporting cast shines brightly, each member leaving an indelible mark on the production. Nick Nakashima brings depth and warmth to the role of Sipos, while Jourdan Olivier-Verde's portrayal of the charismatic Headwaiter is brimming with charm and charisma. Marah Sotelo delivers a stellar performance as Amalia, effortlessly capturing the character's wit, charm, and longing for love.

The creative and production team's efforts are truly commendable, with Daniel Thomas leading the way as musical director, ensuring the melodies and harmonies soar with precision and emotion. Leslie Waggoner's choreography adds an extra layer of elegance and fluidity to the production, seamlessly blending with the narrative. The work of Adriana Gutierrez (Costume Designer), Kia-Hao Lo (Scenic Designer), and Brittany Mellerson (Lighting Design) beautifully create the atmosphere and visual tapestry of the show, transporting the audience into the world of the 1930s European perfumery.

Tanya Telson's stage management expertise keeps the production running smoothly, while Emma Gifford's assistant stage management brings precision and organization to the backstage chaos. Stewart Lyle's technical direction ensures a seamless integration of technical elements, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.

"She Loves Me" not only boasts a talented cast and crew but also benefits from the inclusion of members of Actors' Equity Association, guaranteeing a high level of professionalism and expertise on stage.

She Loves Me at 42nd St. Moon is an exquisite musical experience that radiates warmth, charm, and undeniable talent. This production's ability to transport the audience to a world of romantic yearning is a testament to the skill and dedication of all involved. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this enchanting tale of love and destiny—it's an evening of theatre that will leave you with a heart full of joy and a smile on your face. Tickets are available at 42ndStMoon.org

Full Cast and crew are:

Sophia Alawi* (Ilona), Milo Boland (Ensemble), Bekah Lyn Broas (Ensemble), Ben Chau-Ciu (Ensemble), Will Giammona, (Kodaly), Daniel Gilmer (Busboy/Ensemble), Riley McFarland* (Georg), Nick Nakashima* (Sipos), Roeen Nooran (Arpad), Jourdan Olivier-Verde* (Headwaiter), Deborah Rosengaus (Ensemble), Monica Slater (Ensemble), Marah Sotelo (Amalia), and Lee Strawn* (Mr. Maraczek). Creatives and Production team are Peet Cocke (Director), Daniel Thomas (Musical Director), Leslie Waggoner (Choreographer), Tanya Telson (Stage Mgr), Emma Gifford* (ASM), Brittany Mellerson (Lighting Design), Adriana Gutierrez (Costume Designer), Kia-Hao Lo (Scenic Designer), and Stewart Lyle (Technical Director). *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers.

[ameliejohn]

Teri Meri Dooriyan: A Tale of Entangled Fates

“Teri Meri Dooriyan star plus” is a captivating drama that delves into the intricate web of relationships and the unpredictable nature of destiny. The fate of the three Brar brothers, Angad, Garry, and Veer, is deeply intertwined with the three Monga sisters, Sahiba, Seerat, and Keerat. This engaging narrative explores the complexities of love, family pressures, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

An Unfortunate Union:

Amidst familial expectations and societal pressures, Angad and Sahiba find themselves bound together in marriage. However, their union is far from a match made in heaven. Driven by misunderstandings, resentment, and a history of dislike, the couple embarks on a tumultuous journey filled with constant conflicts and emotional turmoil.

The Power of Destiny:

While Angad and Sahiba initially struggle to find common ground, the narrative explores “Teri Meri Dooriyan star plus” the concept of destiny and its role in shaping their lives. Despite their initial animosity, fate continues to bring them together, forcing them to confront their differences and discover the hidden depths of their connection.

The Unbreakable Bond:

As the story progresses, the viewers witness the gradual transformation of Angad and Sahiba’s relationship. They begin to realize that beneath their differences lies a shared history and a deep-rooted bond. The journey of self-discovery allows them to explore their emotions and transcend their initial disdain, gradually paving the way for a profound connection.

Parallel Narratives:

While Angad and Sahiba’s story forms the central narrative, “Teri Meri Dooriyan” also weaves the tales of Garry and Seerat, as well as Veer and Keerat. Each couple faces their unique set of challenges and obstacles, serving as a parallel to Angad and Sahiba’s journey. These intertwined storylines explore the multifaceted nature of relationships, highlighting the complexities of love, sacrifice, and redemption.

Redemption and Forgiveness:

As the drama unfolds, the characters undergo personal growth, transforming their individual journeys into tales of redemption. Angad and Sahiba, in particular, evolve from bitter adversaries to compassionate partners. Through introspection and understanding, they learn to forgive each other and themselves, discovering the power of empathy and forgiveness in healing fractured relationships.

Lessons Learned:

“Teri Meri Dooriyan” serves as a reflection of real-life situations, emphasizing the importance of open communication, patience, and empathy in fostering healthy relationships. It teaches us that love can often be found in the most unexpected places, and true transformation begins with self-awareness and acceptance.

Conclusion:

“Teri Meri Dooriyan” is a compelling drama that intricately explores the lives of the Brar and Monga families, presenting a tale of love, destiny, and redemption. Through the complex and interconnected relationships of Angad, Garry, Veer, Sahiba, Seerat, and Keerat, the series demonstrates the power of forgiveness and personal growth in overcoming deep-seated conflicts. As the characters navigate through the hurdles of their intertwined destinies, they discover that the bonds formed through adversity and understanding can lead to a love that surpasses all expectations.