#i really hope that they give MC an actual story arc next book | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

jerzwriter · 3 years ago

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Delaying the Inevitable - Chapter 23: Evolution

Book: Open Heart (Post Series)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey x F!MC, Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Rating: Teen +

Summary: In this chapter: Friends gather to celebrate new beginnings; Vivian has plans; Ethan looks forward to a new start, Casey & Tobias revel in theirs and they all try to navigate the changes at Edenbrook.

Category: Extended Series (WIP)

Warnings: Language

A/N: Permanent note: This is a love triangle – that means Casey loves more than one person through the series. She won’t make her choice until the final chapter. So no, it’s not a foregone conclusion at any point until then. Some are Team Ethan, some Team Tobias, as the writer… I’m Team Casey.

A/N 2: This chapter is transitioning us into a new arc of the story, I don’t think I’m breaking anyone too badly this time around. Enjoy it while you can 😊.

A/N 3: I love the engagement this story brings. Keep sending DMs, Asks, Anons but, let’s try to keep them civil. I hope you enjoy this week’s chapter.

SERIES MASTERLIST

CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS

If you wish to be added or removed from tags, please let me know. Comments and reblogs are always appreciated. 😊

(If you missed the supplemental scene between chapters 22B and 23, you can find it here. This is a mature scene intended for readers 18 and over, and it is NSFW. )

The morning sun was shining through Tobias’s large bedroom windows. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he was not waking up alone. For the first time in all his thirty-seven years, he was waking up next to someone he loved.

He grabbed the remote control for his new blinds from his nightstand. He just had them installed last week and he smiled, perhaps his recent dream about them was a fortuitous omen. He gently exhaled when saw Casey, nuzzled under his protective arm. He now had his confirmation; it wasn’t all a dream. His eyes shut and he returned to sleep, he didn’t want to wake her, but more importantly, he never wanted this moment to end.

Casey didn't wake for another two hours and, when she did, Tobias was fast asleep at her side. She looked around the room while wiping the sleep from her eyes, and then she smiled. This really happened. She was in his room, in his bed, and in his arms. She placed a gentle kiss on his chest and rolled on her side hoping to watch him sleep. But her plans were quickly thwarted when he began to stir.

“Oh, go back to sleep,” she muttered.

“You’re that anxious to see me?"

He grinned and stretched his arms, letting out a final yawn before he rolled to his side, mirroring Casey’s position. Resting on their elbows, they simply stared into each other's eyes, as if each was trying to take in their new reality.

“You really don’t want me awake with you?”

“Of course, I do," she said while her fingers delicately grazed his cheek, “I just had hoped to watch you sleep for a bit.”

“You know, I essentially look the same. But my eyes are closed,” he smiled.

“No. You look absolutely angelic when you are sleeping. But, as much as I love you, Tobias angelic is not your M.O. in real life.”

“If you hadn’t prefaced that with saying you love me… I might be hurt. You'd be correct, of course, but I'd still be hurt.” He placed his hand on her cheek. “You love me.”

Letting out a shuddering breath, he leaned over to give her a tender kiss. “You’re going to have to be patient with me, Casey, I’m having a hard time accepting that this isn’t a dream. You don’t have any regrets, do you? You don’t think this was a mistake.”

“Tobias. I played the song. I asked you to dance. I said I love you first. I asked you to make love to me,” she giggled, “I asked you to do it again, and then again. And you did… quite well I might add.”

“Well, thank you,” he chuckled.

“Anytime. But no, I don’t have a single regret. Do you?”

“Me?”

“You’re the only one here, T.”

He looked thoughtfully at the ceiling and sighed as Casey’s brow began to furrow with worry.

“Actually, I do have one regret.”

“Oh? You do?" She asked, a bit alarmed. "What… what is it?”

“Well,” he rolled back on his elbow to look her in the eyes. “I never even got to ask you out on a date.”

Casey smiled and pushed him leaving him on his back again. She snuggled under his arm and wrapped hers around his chest.

“You frightened me... you jerk! But while you may not have asked me, in a way we did date.”

“Oh, how so?”

“What is dating besides two people going places and getting to know one another? You and I, we went to lots of places together, and we certainly got to know each other. So, it’s kind of like we were dating all along, we just never knew it.”

“You know what,” he grinned, “I like that.”

“I do need to ask you something now though. I know it is early and all, but, are you OK if we make this exclusive?”

She took his face in her hands and smiled.

“Oh, Tobias. We already are.”

Taking her in his arms, he let out a soft growl and they began to roll around on his king-size bed.

“This is the best New Year’s Day, ever!”

“It sure is,” she smiled.

“My Mom is going to lose every single bit of her shit when she finds out.”

“Oh my God! You’re right! Quick, come sit here!”

She leaned up against the headboard and patted the spot next to her.

“What are we doing?”

“Just pull the sheet up and cover yourself. This has to be cute, not pornographic.”

“Well, not until our relationship is a little more established, at least, then, I’m game.”

“You’re such a jerk,” she laughed.

“Selfie time. Say cheese.”

Click.

“What are you doing with that, Casey?”

“Sending it to Vivian, of course. Do you want the honors, or shall I?”

“Give me that! After decades of her nagging the shit out of me, I am going to be the one to do this.”

“Hey, Mom...Happy New Year… attach picture… sent.”

Casey giggled. “How long do you think it will be before…”

Ring.

“You were saying?”

Ring. Ring.

“Good morning, Mom!" He said boisterously, " And a very Happy New Year to you!"

“Unless you’re playing games with me, which I think you know better than to do, it most certainly is! Now, was that a figment of my imagination, or did you just send me a photo of you and your future wife basking in the afterglow of what I assume was a night to be remembered.”

“It’s real, Mom. It’s real.”

“Oh, my Lord…. I need to sit down, I’m a bit dizzy. You… and Casey… if you’re joking with me, so help me, Tobias!”

“What? And end up disinherited? Potentially disowned? No way!”

“And you decide to share the news by sending me a photograph? Although... those smiles… mmmm… those are some smiles. Wait! You did clear sending this to me with Casey, right? Please tell cleared it with her first.”

“Relax, Mom. There was no need to clear it, it was her idea.”

“Oh, thank God! I don’t want you mucking the whole thing up on me already.”

“The amount of faith you place in me is just overwhelming.”

“Good morning, Vivian!” Casey yelled exuberantly from the other side of the bed.

“Is that, is that Casey… put, put her on the phone.”

“She wants to talk to you,” he said handing Casey his cellphone.

“Hey there, Vivian! Happy New Year!”

“Yes, you too, but enough about that. Casey! So, you and my son? He’s not making this up, is he?”

“Nope, not at all. It’s me and Tobias.”

She took his hand and smiled, giving him an audible kiss on his cheek.

“Oh, was that a kiss? I’m not hearing things, right? That was a kiss.”

“It was, would you like me to give him more?"

“Yes, please do, but after we hang up. Show some decorum! Oh, Casey, this is the best news I have received all year!”

“Well, the year is only about 11 hours old?”

“Exactly, and now, we do nothing but make it better. I need to call the caterer.”

“No! No, Vivian, I think we should hold off on a caterer… at least for now.”

Tobias’s head flipped back in laughter.

“Oh, I knew this was coming,” he said shaking his head.

“Casey, my beautiful girl, it is best to be prepared. There isn’t much time to get ready. Springtime in DC would be so lovely. The cherry blossoms in bloom, with my connections I can have a full….”

“Uhm, Vivian, Tobias wants to talk to you, it’s been lovely, hold on…”

Casey hit mute before giving Tobias back his phone.

“OK, she has us getting married during cherry blossom season! This cherry-blossom season!”

“Really? That’s like 4-months away. I can’t believe she’s willing to wait that long,” he smiled. “Give me the phone.”

“Mom,” he said leaving the room for privacy, “you know I love you and it makes me happy to know you're so thrilled, but you’re nowhere near as thrilled as I am…”

“That’s debatable, but go ahead,” she interrupted.

“… in any case, please, please don’t do anything to scare her away. We’re together less than half a day. I think talking to her about our wedding may be a bit premature.”

Vivian sighed loudly. “Fine! But don’t dawdle on this! You are not twenty years old, Tobias. You are a grown man who knows what he wants, and you've found it. Valentine’s Day is but six weeks away. That would be a lovely day to propose! I’m more than happy to help you search for a ring.”

“I’m surprised you haven’t purchased one already,” he said rolling his eyes.

“I heard you roll your eyes, Tobias. Don’t get wise with me. If you like, I have your great-grandmother's ring in the safety deposit box. So technically, I do have one at the ready.”

“Mom, as delightful as this conversation is, I’d really like to get back to my girlfriend.”

“That’s fine, I have at least fifteen people to call. They’ve been waiting on this news as much as I have. Now, tell Casey to get out of the large guestroom. I plan on visiting and it's time we are all where we belong: me in the large guestroom, and her in your bed, where she belongs!”

“Oh, God.”

“One more thing, my post-holiday bash will be taking place in the DuPont townhome in two and a half weeks. I've let it slide that you haven't attended the past couple of years, but I expect you and the future mother of my grandchildren to be in attendance for this one.”

Tobias ran his hands down his face.

“Mom, please don’t call her that to her face. I don’t even know if she wants kids, much less if she wants them with me.”

“Oh, Tobias, please stop with your nonsense. What, and deprive this world of the gorgeous, simply gorgeous children the two of you would produce? I won’t have it. Now go to your girl.”

“That’s the plan. Bye, Mom.”

Shaking his head, he made his way back to the bedroom to warn Casey. He plopped down on the bed with her. Plopped down… on the bed… with her. He would never refer to it as his bed again, and as overjoyed as he was to have her there, it already felt like the most natural thing in the world.

“So,” Casey asked, “on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the highest, how happy is your mom right now.”

“At least a 25.”

“It’s so cute though.”

“For now. Speaking my insane mother… now that we are, uhm, a we, my mom expects us both to be in attendance at her post-holiday soiree. But if it’s too much for you, I can get you out gracefully.”

“Tobias Carrick, do you not want me there?”

“Oh, hell no! Casey! Having you on my arm is something that’s... wow... you know damn well I want you there. But I realize that the event, and my mom, it could be a bit much.”

“A bit much? Getting all dressed up, having you on my arm, and attending a fabulous party with Vivian? That sounds divine!”

“Divine until she decides to blindside us and announce our ‘engagement’.”

“Oh, shit. I forgot that could be a possibility…”

“A distinct possibility. With her being a DC socialite, it would make the local papers by the morning.”

“Oh my. I mean, can’t you talk to her, and explain we really want to be there, but….”

“I can try. But it’s times like this I truly miss my dad. He was the only one who could assure that it would not take place.”

“Maybe I’ll talk to her, we’ve gotten close. Heck, she didn’t tell you when I told her I had feelings for you….”

His eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

“She what… you told… she didn’t… Goddamn! She really would ditch me and adopt you if this didn’t work… not that I have any intention of this not working, mind you. But two can play at your little game, because your dad knew how I felt, yet….”

“HE DID NOT!”

“He did.”

“Our parents hate us.”

“Nah, I think it’s the opposite. They just really wanted this for us but didn’t want to interfere. If we blew it, that’s one thing. If they blew it for us, quite another.”

Smiling seductively, Casey rolled over and kissed him.

“Nothing was going to put this at risk,” she smiled seductively.

Tobias pulled her close and slid his hand up her body until it cupped her right breast and she moaned softly.

“Oh, God, I am so ready for round four, you?” he growled.

"Please..."

Ding Dong.

Casey's eyes shot open. “What was that?”

Ding Dong.

“It’s the doorbell,” Tobias said with disgust.

“Ignore it! Maybe they’ll go away!”

Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!

“Son of a …. Let me go get that!”

Tobias pulled on a pair of pajama bottoms and slid into his slippers while Casey remained in bed, hoping it was just a neighbor delivering a misplaced package.

Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong! Ding Dong!

“Hold your damn horses! I’m coming!” he yelled.

"SURPRISE!!!"

The moment Tobias opened the door, their friends paraded in, barging right past him. Each carried copious amounts of food and drink.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

“Uh, what are you doing here?”

“We’re here for New Year’s Day brunch! What else?”

“Last I checked we weren’t hosting a New Year’s Day brunch.”

“We….” Bryce said wiggling his eyebrows. “You know that whole ‘you never need an invitation' thing you told me at the holiday party? Well, here I am.” He gave Tobias an obnoxious kiss on the cheek as he walked past him.

Raf was right behind him. “As for the brunch, we brought everything. You don't have to worry about a thing."

“Nothing except that Casey and I, well, we were about to...."

"About to what? As if I have to ask," Jackie smirked. “T!!! Look at you all sexy with no shirt on! Now, just take it easy... I'm sure you've done plenty of that last night and I'm sure you'll be doing plenty more after we leave."

Her smiled became even brighter as she watched his cheeks turn a bright shade of crimson.

“Heyyyyy!” Elijah yelled, “I had the day off, so I was able to come up to Boston for this momentous occasion too!"

"So, the news has traveled then," Tobias laughed, "Good to see ya, buddy."

“Tobias, I didn’t approve of this! I told them we should call first, but there was no stopping them,” Sienna said apologetically.

“And you know me, I am just here to make sure they don’t get too out of hand. Plus… I am curious to see what happened between my old boss and my good friend. Not gonna lie.”

"Do you want us to demonstrate?"

"Oh, God! NO!"

Tobias looked down the hall to make sure no one else was piling in, then rapidly shut the door, just in case.

“It’s OK guys! Just make yourself comfortable! I mean, you’re not intruding or anything…” he bellowed down the hall.

“T! What the heck is all that noise!”

Casey came barreling down the hallway, wearing nothing but the pajama top that matched the bottoms that Tobias was wearing.

The friends exchanged knowing grins. Everyone except for Sienna who lifted her hands to cover her face.

Bryce started to clap, loud and slow, as the others began to applaud and wolf call.

“Oh, what the hell,” Tobias said throwing his arm around Casey. “We may as well go along with it, it’s not like they haven’t figured it out.”

Casey shook her head, her hands clasped over her nose and mouth.

“You are all unbelievable. Don’t for a minute think that I am not going to get every single one of you back for this!”

“Me, I’m just a little disappointed that there is no banner or confetti,” Tobias laughed.

“But there is champagne,” Aurora said taking the bottles out of the bag next to her. “Plenty and plenty of champagne!”

“Well, I better go get dressed, I can’t exactly sit… or even move this.”

“Come on, sweetheart. I’ll walk behind you to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.”

“Hey, you two,” Bryce yelled, “if you’re not back out here in ten minutes, we’re coming to get you!”

“Ah, this is going to be fun,” Jackie said popping open the first bottle of champagne.

____________________

Ethan left Naveen's party just after midnight. He attempted to sneak out earlier, but the host wouldn’t have it.

“I suddenly don’t like the idea of having no one to kiss at midnight,” Ethan argued.

“I’ll kiss you,” Naveen smiled.

Harper looked at Ethan quizzically, “I mean, if it’s the only way you’ll stay…”

“I’ll stay,” he sighed, “as long as the two of you promise not to kiss me.”

“Personally, I’m insulted,” Naveen deadpanned.

Ethan actually cracked a smile, which made both of his friends smile in return. When midnight arrived, Harper and Naveen nodded at each other, before reaching up, both giving Ethan a kiss on either cheek.

“The deal was…” he yelled.

“Oh, shut up or we do it again,” Harper laughed.

Naveen poured champagne into their flutes in preparation for his toast.

“May this year provide good health and good fortune so that we can stand in this very spot a year from now and recall how this was one of the happiest years of our lives, and,” he said looking directly at Ethan, “we all have the ability to make that happen.”

“Cheers!”

“Ethan,” Harper smiled, “Your news honestly made my night. I’m looking forward to having my old friend back.”

“Well, I think you’d prefer the 2.0 version; the 3.0 isn't too popular, but the 1.0 wasn’t all that wonderful either, was he?”

“I don’t know, my boy, I loved all three versions the same, it’s just 2.0 seemed to be the happiest and that’s what we want for you.”

Ethan finished his champagne in one gulp before placing the empty flute on the tray of a passing waiter.

“I’m very fortunate to have each of you,” he smiled. “I will make every effort to not take advantage of that again.”

“You better not,” Harper said with a wink.

“Now, I stayed for midnight as promised, but I am honestly very tired, and I’d like to head out.”

“Are we still on for lunch tomorrow?” Naveen asked.

“Yes, I will be there.”

Ethan walked down the long driveway and slid into the driver’s seat of his car. He sat silently for several minutes as the seatbelt indicator chimed in his ears. He turned to the empty seat next to him. This wasn’t the first New Year’s Eve that it sat vacant, not by far. He had spent many years denying himself love from others; including spending the past three without Casey when she would have gladly been at his side. Because of nothing outside of sheer stubbornness he had denied himself so much. But this was the first year that the sight of the empty seat made his heart ache. Yet, instead of feeling hopeless, he was finally starting to believe that he had the power to start anew. He made a vow then and there, next year at this time, he would not be leaving this party alone.

_____

He stumbled out of bed uncharacteristically late the next morning and begrudgingly got dressed for his lunch date with Naveen. He was surprised he insisted on having it at his home the day after his party, but then again, the house was large enough for them to enjoy a spot that did not show signs of the previous night’s revelry.

Naveen opened the door gregariously.

“Good afternoon, Ethan! So glad to see you!”

“You saw me just last night, Naveen. You may want to contain your enthusiasm.”

“Nonsense! I’m always happy to see you! Come, let’s sit in the sunroom, I had heating installed last year, so it is no longer a three-season room, it is an all-season room!”

“In Boston, that’s not a bad idea.”

“Exactly,” Naveen chuckled leading the way.

“I'm actually grateful to have some time to spend alone with...”

“Happy New Year, son!” Alan stood to embrace him.

“Hello again!” Harper smiled.

Ethan turned to Naveen. “What is this? An inquisition?”

“Almost, at least initially,” Naveen said patting him on the back and leading him to a chair. “It was going to be an intervention. But, since you reached the right decision on your own last night, it wasn’t necessary any longer.”

“But we thought it would still be nice to get together for a celebratory, and preparatory, luncheon,” Harper smiled.

“And like I will ever give up a chance to spend some time with you!” Alan smiled.

“We know you’ve become friendly with Floria. She has spoken with me to express her concern about you on several occasions. So we asked her too, but she felt it was inappropriate,” Naveen said.

“For an intervention, perhaps, but for a lunch? Is she aware there was a change?”

“I did text her, but I have not heard back,” Harper replied.

“I was originally going to include Tobias, too,” Naveen started, “but given….”

Ethan pressed his lips together and looked down.

“Truth be told, it wouldn’t have been a bad idea. I know things are… tense right now, but he tried to help me as much as each of you did after I fell apart. I know it won’t be easy, but I hope we can work our way toward being friends again someday.”

"For what it's worth, Ethan, he still thinks of you as a friend, you just have some... things... you need to work out between you."

“You two worked through it once before son, it’s not impossible to do it again,” Alan advised.

“Yeah, well…” Ethan chuckled, “there are new dimensions involved now.”

“Time has a way of healing,” Harper said. “Look at us. I’m sure there was a time when you would have said we would never have the level of friendship that we share, yet here we are.”

“I guess time will tell,” he said sadly. “Well, what do we do at this party? Is there any form of entertainment?”

“Sorry to say, Ethan, but we are the entertainment,” Alan laughed.

“And this is what you arranged to cheer me up?” He smiled.

“We’re working with what we have, my boy,” Naveen laughed.

“And since we are here,” Harper said putting her glass on the table.

“Oh, no, I know that look,” Ethan shrugged.

“Yep, and you’re going to hear me out. I’m so glad you’ve decided to take the next step. But, as someone who has benefited from therapy myself in the past, I have to stress just how important it is for you to be open and honest. I mean with yourself, as well as your counselor. It only works if you put in 100%, Ethan, and I hope you’re committed to that.”

“I have to echo Harper’s sentiments. I have full faith that you can do it, but we know being true to your emotions is not always your strong suit.”

“And you know if you ever need us to be involved, we all have your back,” Alan smiled.

“I do know all of that, but I’m grateful to each of you for caring enough to share it with me, nevertheless. I threw my life away last year and, while it will never be the same, I hope I can at least move forward.”

“Hey, who knows what the future holds,” Alan said taping Ethan’s knee, “It could even be brighter, we just never know. Don’t always assume the worst.”

“I’ll try, Dad. I’ll try.”

Ding Dong.

“Hmm, I wonder who that could be,” Naveen said standing to head to the door.

Ethan stood from his seat. “Sit down, Naveen, I’ll go get it for you.”

“I’m still capable of answering the door, young man” he chuckled.

“Did you ever think I might be trying to get away from all of you?” Ethan smirked. “Seriously, sit down. I’ll be right back.”

Ethan answered the door to find a woman walking away in the driveway. He stepped outside to take a better look at who it was.

“Floria?” He called, “Floria where are you going?”

Displeased that she was caught, she turned around slowly with her shoulders hunched.

“I’m sorry, I was trying to make a clean getaway.”

“A get away from what?”

“I… I have no business being here.”

“Well, from what I understand Naveen invited you, so you have every right to be here.”

“No,” she said now standing before Ethan, “I don’t. It was kind of them to invite me, but I’m far from being a friend. At least, you don’t consider me a friend, so I should just go.”

“Well, why did you come?”

She stood frozen before answering, “Because, I consider you a friend, even if the sentiment isn't returned. I wanted to be here to try to help if I could. But now that I’m here, I think my presence would only make things worse, so I’m going to go.”

“Floria,” he said taking a hold of her arm as she turned to leave, “come in. Stay.”

“Are… are you certain?”

“Look. I know our history is…”

“Toxic as fuck?”

“Yes," he laughed, "that would cover it. But you’ve been trying to be kind and, right now, I’m no one to judge someone for bad behavior in the past since I have my own share of it to take account for. If I want people to give me another chance, then perhaps it is incumbent on me to offer the same grace to you.”

She smiled softly, “Well, if you put it that way.”

“I do. Please, come inside and join us.”

The two walked silently to the sunroom.

“Floria decided to join us after all.”

“Oh, how delightful!” Harper greeted, “Come sit down.”

“Yes, may I get you a drink?” Naveen asked.

“Just water thank you.” She looked across the way and saw Alan staring at her skeptically. “Hi, Alan. It certainly has been a long time.”

“It has,” he answered tersely.

Ethan rolled his head. Of course, the last his father knew about Floria stemmed back to their time in med school. He hadn't taken the time to fill him in since.

“Dad. Floria has been working at the hospital for some time now and… she has gone out of her way to befriend me when I needed it.”

Alan turned to his son, his face showing that he remained unconvinced.

“If you say so.”

“I do.”

“Well, I hope that you’re right.”

“You know what, I brought some canapes for us to share. Floria, why don’t you come to help me bring them out?”

“Oh, sure Harper. I’d love to.”

As soon as the women were out of sight, Alan turned to Ethan.

“Son, what on earth are you doing entertaining any type of a relationship with that woman? After all she did to you!”

“Dad, we’re friends, it’s nothing more….”

“Even so, I don’t think it’s a good idea. Not after all the damage she caused.”

Ethan sighed, his annoyance becoming apparent.

“Dad, I don’t want to get into it. But you were awfully quick to forgive the one woman who inflicted more damage on me than any other, and you did it again and again. You’re all sitting here giving me another chance after I have yet to do a single thing to earn it. All I am asking is that you trust my judgment in this instance."

Alan turned away.

“Dad. Floria and I are not the best of friends, we're certainly not more than that. I have been keeping her at arm’s length but, people aren’t exactly breaking down my door trying to befriend me these days, and you need to leave it to my judgment.”

“You’re a grown man, Ethan. I have no choice but to do what you ask, but promise me, promise me that you will be careful.”

“Of course.”

“That’s all I can ask then.”

The awkwardness that fell upon the gathering when Floria arrived quickly dissipated over lunch. Most of the conversation turned to upcoming plans, funny stories from the past, and a lot of encouragement and support for Ethan as he embarked on his journey toward healing. Though still highly suspicious of her motives, even Alan had to admit he was impressed with the encouragement Floria was providing to his son.

After coffee was served, she was the first to announce she was leaving and Ethan offered to walk her to her car.

“I’m sorry about the uncomfortable atmosphere at the beginning of the afternoon.”

“Oh, there is no need to apologize. Honestly, I can’t blame Alan one bit.”

“Well, I can. I’m a grown man and he has to respect my decisions.”

“Ethan, you were a grown man in med school too. And look how well that went when you became involved with me.”

“Well, we’re not at Hopkins anymore. Are we? People can change and if I’m willing to give you a chance, then he has to accept it.”

“So… you’re giving me a chance?”

“I thought that was apparent.”

“Ethan, you really never know with you.”

He smiled, “I guess that’s something I should work on in therapy.”

“Perhaps,” she smiled.

“Listen, why don’t we get lunch one day this week at work.”

“I’d like that.”

“Then consider it a plan. I’ll look at my calendar and let you know which dates work best.”

“I’ll do the same.”

“OK, get home safely,” he said tapping the hood of her car.

Floria got into her car and watched Ethan walk back into Naveen's home before she drove away.

____________________

“Well, I hate to tell you all this, wait… actually, no, I don’t hate telling you this at all. You are all being kicked out. Now. You have annoyed us, questioned us, and prevented us from engaging in … activities … all damn day. So, I am officially kicking you out to get some couple time with my new, amazing girlfriend.”

Casey grinned up at Tobias and he leaned down to place a kiss on her lips.

“I’m beginning to regret my part in bringing you two together. This is going to be nauseating, isn’t it?” Jackie asked.

“Oh, it’s going to be obscenely nauseating,” Casey replied as she continued to stare at Tobias.

“I’m glad you used the word obscenely,” he smirked while grabbing her hips.

“And on that note, I am having a rare moment of agreement with T, because I want to get the F out of here,” Bryce stated as he stood up to leave.

“Wow, if this is all we have to do to get rid of you!” Casey grinned.

“Hey, if the two of us getting affectionate is going to scare you away, then we won’t be seeing much of each other. Because we have some time to make up for!” Tobias yelled pulling Casey closer.

Bryce shook his head as he chuckled.

“Look, I am busting your chops, but in all seriousness, I am so glad you two idiots finally got together. Because I love you both, I think you’re good for each other, and most of all, I don’t have to listen to you anymore T.”

“Was it that bad?”

“Not really. But after nearly a year of it…”

“A year!!” Aurora, Elijah, Jackie, and Raf yelled as Tobias gave Bryce a death stare.

“Oh, wow, would you look at the time? I really do need to go!” he said slipping out the door.

“Don’t worry Lahela, I do know where to find you!”

“Not after tonight! I’m entering the witness protection program!” He yelled from the elevator banks.

Tobias closed and locked the door after everyone piled out. He turned around to find Casey staring at him curiously from under her lashes.

“So, I supposed I owe you an explanation,” he said.

“You don’t have to explain a thing, Tobias.”

“Yes, I do. Come, let’s sit on the couch.”

Once seated he took both her hands in his before he began to speak earnestly.

“I have been in love with you for a very long time, Casey. Longer than I had any right to be. And, as much as I am over the fucking moon to be with you now, I… I truly hope I never made you feel like…”

“Tobias, stop,” she interrupted, “I didn’t even know. By the time I saw signs, I wasn’t in a relationship and I was already developing feelings for you. I couldn’t allow myself to believe that you wanted me to. So, no, you were ever inappropriate, and you never pushed me. I’m here because I want to be.”

“You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear that.”

“T, I need to ask you... was the woman you were crazy about? Was I the reason you weren’t dating anyone else?”

Tobias's cheeks flushed.

“I told you she was amazing,” he said as he stroked Casey's hair. “I told you there was no one else like her, and I didn't lie.”

Casey stared tenderly at him as she took his face in her hands.

“I hate knowing how much that must have hurt you. I never imagined… I would never want to...”

“You never hurt me, Casey. Never. The situation did, but never you. You didn’t ask me to fall in love with you and, to be honest, I didn’t ask to. We don’t control our hearts. Besides, none of it matters anymore because you’re here. Truly here, with me.”

He leaned in to gently kiss her cheek.

“But we should talk about something. I hoped to this morning, but the bozos barged in on us,” he grinned.

“They’re just happy for us, and a little nosy AF,” she said reaching over for a kiss.

“Mmmmmm,” he groaned pushing her off of him, “if we keep this up we won’t talk at all.”

“Would that be so bad,” she said seductively as she attempted to climb back onto his lap.

“No, but we could delay this fifteen minutes or so, right?”

“Fine! Be the damn grown-up,” she said sitting up straight and holding a pillow in front of her. “But make it quick,” she smiled.

“Shit, when I’m the grown-up, that’s a bad place. But, this has to be discussed. So, we’re together now...”

“We certainly are.”

“Do you want to let people know? I’m thinking about you, not me. I’m personally ready to take out an ad in the Boston Globe, and you know my Mom would follow with one in the Washington Post, but…”

“But work, but gossip… and Ethan.”

“Yeah, those things.”

“We don’t have to make an announcement, but I don’t want to feel like we’re hiding either.”

“Why don’t we keep things close to the vest for a bit. We don’t have to scream it from the rooftops, no matter how much I want to. But I have to be honest, if asked, I am never going to deny you.”

“I actually like that,” she smiled, “I’d never deny you either.”

“Now, let’s address the elephant in the room.”

“Ethan.”

“Yes, Ethan. Case, I honestly do feel a little bad. I don’t want to hurt him and I know I am so violating bro code. But what I feel for you, it goes too deep, I can’t ignore it.”

“I know, believe me, I know. Even after all that happened between us, I don't relish the idea of hurting him either. But what I feel for you… I’d rather pick up and go to another hospital, or even move if it became too awkward because I have to take this chance on us.”

Tobias embraced her tightly.

“Case, that makes me feel... I ... I was afraid of being a rebound.”

“Oh, Tobias Carrick,” she said pulling away to look at him, “in no way, in no shape, and in no form are you a rebound! Don’t ever, ever say or think that. What I feel for you, it’s real. I already loved you. You were already one of my very best friends. Sure, it wasn’t this, but you’re not just some guy I met, you’re one of the most important people in my life. The only reason I hesitated is that I’m terrified of hurting you, or you hurting me.”

She was surprised herself when she began to cry. “I had to let go of the fear, but now I realize, it’s always going to be there a bit. I never want to lose you, T.”

“I promise you won’t. Let’s make a vow to each other, right here, right now… our friendship will always come first. It takes precedence. I want us to explore “us”, I want us to move forward and I never want to lose you. But if God forbid, we don’t work out, let’s promise each other to never let go of what we had before.”

“I promise, T.”

“Good, then there is nothing to be afraid of. I love you, Casey.”

“I love you too.”

He leaned over to kiss her, the kiss growing increasingly passionate. Casey fell back into the couch, his full weight moving on top of her when she began to softly whimper.

“Do you want to take this to the bedroom?” he smiled.

“No, we’ve already christened that room, several times. I think we should do it right here.”

“You’ll get no arguments from me… but there are a lot more rooms in this place.”

“And we will get to every last one,” she laughed pulling him closer.

____________________

The next morning found them sharing shy glances and smiles over scrambled eggs and toast at the kitchen table.

“What are you smiling about?” Casey asked.

“Me? I’m smiling about how amazing last night was, and how I can’t wait to get home from work for an encore.”

“Do you think we can wait that long? Maybe I can meet you in an on-call room?”

“Casey, as much as I would love to, I think we should try to wait until we get home.”

“Fine, I’ll try, but no promises. I mean there are locks on the door, for crying out loud.”

“You’re insatiable, aren’t you?”

“Are you complaining?”

“Not even a little,” Tobias smiled. “Case, before we go in… there is something I should tell you.”

Casey’s face grew concerned at his tone. “Sure, what is it?”

“When Ethan and I had the confrontation, before Thanksgiving, you know things got heated and we said things, and… I told him I was in love with you.”

Casey’s eyes grew wide. “You what?”

“I didn’t do it intentionally. He accused me of some things, and it got heated, before I knew it, I told him. I also said that you were unaware of how I felt and, as of now, he doesn’t know any different. I just wanted you to know.”

“So, what you’re telling me is that my ex knew you loved me before I knew you loved me?”

“Well, as we established yesterday, quite a few people knew. I’m sorry if this upsets you, Casey, I didn’t intend for it …”

“It doesn’t upset me, Tobias. It does make things more… interesting. I don’t think we should wait forever before we are transparent about us, because I think people will see it. But, still, we have the right to get used to the change in our relationship ourselves before we add that level of drama to things. Thank you for telling me.”

“Hey, this relationship is going to be about honesty, OK. Nothing can’t be shared between us.”

“I like that. But I also like being on time for work, shall we?”

“Say no more, your chariot awaits.”

____________________

Both Casey and Tobias did their absolute best to act like it was any other day when they entered the team’s office, but it was hard not to notice the glow on their faces. Ethan appeared to notice something different, but he immediately dismissed it. Harper, however, couldn’t stop looking between the two of them.

“Well, Happy New Year team,” Ethan started, “Tobias, Casey, I’m sorry we didn’t get to see you at Naveen’s party.”

“Yeah, I’m sure we missed a good time, but there is always next year.” Casey smiled.

“If we’re lucky. But on to work. I had to change up the schedule today. Tobias, you’ll be working on cases with Harper, and, Casey, you’ll be with me.”

Ethan saw Casey's eyes widen in discomfort.

“It’s only because Olivia Santora was admitted again. Since we were on her case together last year, I think it’s best that we handle it...”

“It’s fine, Ethan. Patient care needs to come first.”

Tobias gave Casey a sympathetic smile. Harper accidentally met Ethan’s eyes as she turned to see if he had noticed. He did.

“Well, I guess it’s settled then. Let’s just cut this short and get on with our cases.” _____

“I was just so shocked that the symptoms started up again, I really thought that after all this time I was in the clear,” Olivia grimaced.

“Well, Ms. Santora…” Casey started.

“Olivia, dear, we know each other better than that.”

Casey smiled, “Of course, Oliva, we always knew it was a possibility, your condition is something that has to be managed for life. It looks like you came in early enough that we can get through this and get you back on track.”

“I don’t disagree… may I call you Olivia too?” Ethan asked.

“Sure, but she is still nicer to me.”

Everyone chuckled.

“Well, I’ll never argue that Dr. MacTavish has the better bedside manner. I also agree with her in her belief that you have an excellent chance of making a quick recovery.”

“You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that!”

“Casey, why don’t I go in and put in the labs. I can meet you at our next consult in 15 min?”

“Sounds good.”

Ethan left the room and Olivia began speaking freely.

“You know, it is so nice to see you again Casey.”

“It’s lovely to see you too, I just wish it were under different circumstances.”

“I’m just glad you’re still here! Last time, your residency was coming to an end, and you didn’t know if you’d be sticking around. And no offense to Dr. Ramsey, he’s a wonderful doctor and nice enough, but he’s not you Casey.”

“Well, Dr. Ramsey is one of the best doctors there is, and, though his bedside manner can sometimes be lacking, he truly cares about his patients more than anyone I know.”

“Anyone except you.”

“OK, well, maybe,” Casey laughed.

“Has something happened between the two of you?”

Casey raised an eyebrow, “Uhm, between me and Eth, Dr. Ramsey? Oh, no, we just….”

“You broke up, didn’t you?”

“Olivia, how did you even know we were together to begin with?”

“It was impossible to miss. And now, it’s impossible to miss that things are no longer the same.”

“No, Casey said sadly, things are no longer the same. But it’s OK, things are fine now.”

“You’re happy?”

“Yes, I am,” Casey replied.

“Then, that’s all that matters.”

Tobias stuck his head into the room.

“Hello, I’m sorry to interrupt. Casey, we all need to regroup in the office in 10, the results we were waiting on came back and Ethan wants all there to review them together.”

“OK, thanks, T. I’ll be in as soon as I’m done.”

When Casey turned back to Olivia, she was smirking and giving her the side-eye.

“What?”

“Is that handsome doctor the reason you’re no longer together?”

“You mean Dr. Carrick?”

“Or, T, as you called him…”

“No. He is absolutely not the reason why Ethan and I are no longer together.”

“But he is the reason you are happy now.”

“He’s one of them. And you are far too observant.”

“Or nosy, you can say it, my family would. It’s just my gift.”

“Well, right now my gift is leaving so you can get the rest that you need. Dr. Ramsey & I will be back when we have your results in, OK?”

“Sure. And Casey?”

“Yes,” Casey said turning her head before leaving the door.

“Your taste in men is exquisite.”

“Go to sleep, Olivia.”

_____

Later in the day, Casey and Ethan were walking back to the diagnostic office to review Ms. Santora’s test results.

“You know, my coffee maker is broken, and I could really use a cup, want to walk over to Derry’s review the results there?”

Casey’s unease was immediately detectible, and Ethan wished he could take back his words.

“Well… do any of the other physicians or offices have a coffee machine? Someone must.”

“No, most people around here don’t have refined tastes when it comes to coffee, they are content to drink the swill in the break rooms. But the cafeteria coffee is at least drinkable, I don’t think I’ll die if I have one cup there today. What do you say?”

“That works,” she half-smiled.

Casey found a table in a secluded corner of the nearly empty cafeteria while Ethan went to get their coffee. When he returned, he placed a chocolate chip muffin in front of Casey. He knew they were her favorite. She stared at it, almost perplexed.

“I just, I know you like them and, I figured you might be hungry, it’s nearing dinner and we didn't get a lunch break today."

“Thank you, Ethan, but you didn’t have to.”

“I know, but I wanted to.”

Casey was surprised to find that she was far more at ease working with Ethan than she expected she would be. They talked about their cases freely as she took notes and they formulated theories. For a moment, it reminded her of a time long ago, when she was just an intern, and he was just her attending who had taken a special interest in her. During that time, a friendship appeared to be budding. They were comfortable together, even cared for one another, but nothing more was expected, nothing more was at stake… at least not on the surface. But as their review progressed, and she had caught him gazing at her a little longer than he should on a couple occasions, she once again became anxious to leave.

“I think we have a treatment plan in place, and I think she has a good prognosis.”

“I don’t disagree, you really were onto something with the vitamin B deficiency playing a role. Great catch.”

“Thank you, Dr. Ra… Ethan.”

He smiled sadly, realizing she almost didn’t know what to call him anymore. He more than understood, he didn’t know himself. He had stopped himself from saying Rookie on more than one occasion, he knew he no longer had the right to say it. He had been so cruel to her after their break-up, he rarely even used her first name. He needed to do that. It would have been impossible for him to do otherwise and not break down, but now he could see it from her perspective. How it must have felt to go from being the love of his life to being dismissed as Dr. MacTavish, in the space of a week. He knew there was no way of making up what he had put her through, and he didn't know if there was a way that he could finally forgive himself, but someday he wanted to give her the apology she sincerely deserved.

“So, outside of work, how are you doing, Casey? You look… well.”

“You’re still practically a poet,” she said rolling her eyes. He took pleasure in the genuine smile that came to her lips.

“I’m doing good, Ethan. I really am. How about you?”

“Slightly better. Thanks. I listened to the opera you gave me several during the holidays. I am still shocked that you managed to find it. It’s just remarkable.”

“Well, I’m glad you like it.”

“I missed seeing you on New Year’s Eve.”

“Oh. Like I said, we... I decided to stay home. I wanted a quiet night in. Did you enjoy the party?”

“In an unusual way. I did some thinking that night, about me, about what happened with us, about so many things and… Casey, would you be willing to talk with me, not today, but maybe one day soon? There are really some things I’d like to say.”

Casey slouched in her seat but quickly straightened up.

“Maybe one day in the future, Ethan. I will try to get to that point. But I’ve said it before, that day is not now and unless I come to you and say it is, I really have to ask that you don’t ask me again. I don’t want to hurt you, but you keep putting me in a position where I am forced to because, you see, I have to put myself first.”

“I understand. Just promise me that, if the day comes, you’ll let me know. Because I doubt I’ll change my mind.”

“I will, and if you do change your mind, it won’t be the end of the world, so don't ever be afraid to tell me if that occurs."

“Oh, I also have a belated Christmas present for you.”

“I thought I was clear, you didn’t need to get me anything.”

“I didn’t, but I am taking your advice. Naveen put me in touch with a few therapists and, I’m going to be making appointments to see who the best fit would be.”

“I’m really happy to hear that, Ethan. Like I said, all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy and I really hope that you will be one day.”

“I do too.”

Ethan glanced over toward the registers and saw Tobias waiting in line. It seemed like he wanted to join them, but he was apprehensive. Ethan called over to him.

“Tobias, come over and join us.”

He noticed that Tobias looked more awkward than he was used to seeing as he approached them, and Casey did as well. Before Tobias reached the table, he questioned Casey.

“Is everything OK between the two of you?”

“Tobias and me?” she asked startled, “Yes, of course. Everything is fine between us.”

Her eyes lit up as she said it and, though she tried to hide it, Ethan had seen that look too on her face before countless times. But usually, it was meant for him. Now, it appeared it belonged to someone else. As Tobias got closer, Ethan recognized there was a new look on his face as well, one that he had never seen before, at least not on Tobias. Sometimes being a diagnostician was a curse, because sometimes oblivion is a better place to be.

“Hey team,” he said, “should we call Harper down for this coffee klatch?”

“Well, she’s already left for the day.”

“Good for her,” Casey replied. “Not that I don’t love being here, but I’m happy that I get to head home in an hour. myself”

Her eyes met Tobias’s.

“Yeah, it’s been a long day. Vegging out on the couch sounds pretty great right now.”

“Well, you know if your cases are done, why don’t the two of you cut out a little early.”

“Nah, we need to be here in case…” Tobias started.

“In case nothing. I insist. I’m sure you could both use the downtime. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” he said forlornly, “I have paperwork to finish. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

Tobias watched Ethan as he left, and he questioned Casey the moment exited the cafeteria.

“So, how did it go today?”

“Better than expected. He does keep a respectful distance, but he really wants to have a talk with me. It feels like he wants to apologize, but I’m not ready, and I told him that.”

“Well, good. Just be true to yourself, Casey. You have put your own needs first.”

“It took me a long time to realize that. When I was with Ethan, and it was no one's fault but my own, but I found it entirely too easy to put him ahead of me. I’ve learned my lesson.”

“I’m glad to see that,” he smiled. “Promise me you’ll never do that to me.”

“I won’t, but honestly, I think I have to tell you that! You always put me first.”

“Which is where you belong. Plus, with my healthy ego, I wouldn’t worry too much about that if I were you.”

“OK then I’ll take it off my list of worries,” she smiled. “He also mentioned that he decided to start therapy”

"Oh," Tobias’s brows shot up, "really, wow… well, that’s good. I had tried to talk him into that many times since.. you know since…”

“T, you know you have nothing to worry about, right?”

“I didn’t say that I did.”

“I know, but you got a look. Things are the way I want them to be. You’re all mine.”

“Am I now?”

“Yes. And I’m all yours.”

“Then, all is well with the world.”

“You know you’re leaning forward, right? You’re seriously halfway across the table.”

“Well, you’re doing the same thing. You almost look like you want to kiss me.”

“I do. Terribly. But I guess we should sit back.”

“Yeah,” he said pulling back. I don’t think this is going to be as easy as I thought.”

“Nope. But I think we can manage. At least for a little bit.”

“Just a little bit.”

Across the cafeteria, Floria lifted her magazine back up to cover her face, having witnessed the entire scene. Her phone buzzed, it was a text from Ethan.

How about lunch tomorrow, any time after 1:30?

Floria smiled.

Sounds great. Just let me know when you’re ready.

_______________

“So, what do we do you want to do tonight?” Tobias asked as he and Casey cleaned up after dinner.

Cassy glanced at him slyly from across the room.

“I have a few ideas.”

He smirked at her and shook his head.

“Well, while our food settles,” he said taking her in his arms. “Want to watch TV for a bit?”

“Why don’t we just sit in front of the fire and unwind.”

“That is an excellent idea.”

“You know what’s really remarkable?” Casey asked while they snuggled on the couch. “Outside of being overtly affectionate, calling each other sweet names, and have phenomenal sex, it feels like we already were a couple. It’s weird, right? In a good way.”

“Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I have an awkward question for you.”

“What?”

“Do you plan to, you know, move into the main bedroom with me now?”

“Try and stop me!” She grinned.

“Oh, thank God.”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t want to?”

“What the hell do I know Casey? I’m just elated that you will be. Oh, before I forget, did you put in your request for time off for my mom’s party?”

“I did. Do you have to threaten her before we go?”

“I have already done so.”

“Why do I feel like that won’t matter?”

“Because you’re very astute,” he laughed. “No matter, we’ll get through whatever happens.”

“I know we will. Say, want to go to bed,”

“It’s early,”

“I didn’t say go to sleep.”

“Then I’m here for it, let’s go!”

____________________

Ethan sat at the large mahogany desk in his home office. It was later than he should have been up, but he wanted to get a grip on the paperwork that had been piling up. He opened his laptop, the first thing he saw was two notifications for time-off approval. A two-day request for Casey, another for Tobias. The same two days. He sighed deeply and swallowed, and then he clicked approve.

He sat back in his chair, losing himself in thought. He eyed the three business cards, each containing the name of a therapist that came with the Naveen stamp of approval. He picked up his phone and dialed each one, leaving messages to call him regarding an appointment.

When he completed his task, he poured himself a glass of scotch and moved to his favorite chair across from the fireplace. With the warmth from the fire on the outside, and the scotch providing the same inside, he allowed himself to relax in a way he desperately needed, but often fought. He pulled out his weathered journal and began to write.

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elonaackerman · 4 years ago

Note

In a few hour's the spoiler leaks are going to be released for the final chapter of Attack on titan manga and the official translation on April 9th so before all that happens what are you're thoughts and predictions between the character's and the end of the storyline?

https://ww7.readsnk.com/chapter/shingeki-no-kyojin-spoilers-raw-chapter-139/.

Hello Kian ! I see several of your questions about the ending and I must say I was lost myself with everything happening. However, I think I elaborated a good theory now !

Theory number 1: Eren is alive

This is the theory I acknowledge the most. Many people say that Eren not dying would be too strange after he already survived so much times to his expected deaths, but I don’t think so. Isayama loves to take some clichés and to twist them:

Here is a brief list:

- The MC not dying in the first episodes

- The power of will and friendship (which is shown to be useless in the Trost arc)

- The guy protecting the girl (Mikasa is Eren’s bodyguard, not the contrary)

- The main trio sticking together until the end

- The MC being « special »/being the « chosen one » (Eren is an usurpator)

Something very used in films/books is to use the absence of body as a way to cancel the absolute truth of a death. By showing us a body, Isayama can fool us by transgressing this common rule of « body=dead ».

Also Eren’s death in chapter 138 was just serving Mikasa’s development arc climax. It didn’t solve any matter of their world.

You know I feel like Eren was very relaxed when he saw Mikasa approaching to kill him. He probably already knew what she was going to do and even closed his eyes when she did it (you can see it since on the last panel, Eren has his eyes closed). I feel like if Eren acted this way, it’s because he transferred his consciousness to his body (all this time his head was controlling the titan so he may have regenerated a head on his body). It would explain why this concept was introduced to us with Reiner in season 3 and then never used again.

Plus, Grisha said everything would go along to Eren’s plan, but if Eren didn’t succeed, the Rumbling is stopped and hell awaits eldians: they will be killed after what happened, considered too dangerous, more than they already were. And even if the titan power is removed, there will still be a large part of hate and of revenge in the Rumbling survivors’ hearts. I don’t believe the « Code Geass theory » which says that Eren did the rumbling so the world could see Eldians defending it, and stand united with Mahrs against him (in the role of the bad guy), especially since some Eldians sided with Eren and that he exposed them in Revelio or even in Paradise with his devoted Yeagerists. It’s not realistic at all and it doesn’t fit nor Eren’s character, nor SNK spirit.

Eren had defined goals: « exterminate them all », and that’s what he did, he doesn’t seem to want to stop the rumbling on this panel:

Isayama said he didn’t like characters who weren’t true to their goals, that let the story change their plans and motivations too easily. He wouldn’t give to his MC the traits of a writing he despise.

Another reason why I believe the guy is alive is because his POV was hidden all this time. What’s the point of not giving to us Eren’s perspective while his final battle, when it would have been more powerful, if you did not have a big secret/plot twist generator to hide ? I think Eren and Ymir, who smiles like a creep in 138, manipulated everyone: the way Armin came with all the titan shifters in 137 with the help of Ymir was already really suspicious. Kruger, for example, had no reason to stand against Eren.

Chapter 137 was Armin, 138 was Mikasa so we will surely get Eren perspective for 139. And it will be weird if we have it while the guy is dead. Of course we’ll see what happened in chapter 130 between Eren and Historia (I can’t wait for their POVs) and Historia’s baby. The final panel makes me even more sure that Eren is still alive otherwise who on earth would say « You are free » to a new born child ? Eren x Freedom is canon.

• The Attack Titan

We know the path is a place out of time. It’s in this place that titans are sculpted by Ymir, and that’s why I think it makes sense for Eren to be the first owner of that titan: the attack titan is the only one who ascends in the past instead of descending in the future. If physically it seems to be passed down following the classical timeline, all of it is actually playing in the paths. The Attack Titan was only possessed by rebels, directly influenced by Eren’s mindset. It disappeared at a time, and it was also a part of Ymir’s titan: it’s her rebellious part designed to « attack » the world 2000 years later. I think Isayama might add depth again to the title of the story in 139.

• Major deaths

I can’t help but think: why did Eren let Mikasa cut his head and even indicated his location with titan marks ? I think that it’s possible he wants his last friends to fly away from the battle, thinking they have won when they didn’t, so that he can restart the Rumbling without killing them. The survivors would be Levi, Mikasa, Armin and probably Annie. I think Reiner will die to let Gaby eat him, so that Falco and Gaby, representing the future, can be saved.

It makes sense for Reiner to sacrifice himself for his little cousin: he lived for the ones he loved even if he didn’t wish to live himself, and since Gaby represents the new generation, hope, and that she was the potential inheritor of the Armored Titan, I am convinced she is the one who will eat him.

After that the most probable thing is that Levi and Mikasa, who grew incredibly closer, will live together, same for Annie and Armin. Eren will achieve the Rumbling then go back to Historia and we will have that Akatsuki no Requiem ending.

However, a darker possibility is that everyone except Falco and Gaby might die. I am in denial 😄✌🏻

But, I ask myself how Eren will make titans disappear. I think he might have plotted something with Ymir, after all isn’t she free from King Fritz now ? Or maybe Falco will eradicate the worm (bird vs worm is kinda obvious). However I do not think the people transformed into titans will turn back to normal, it’s not Isayama’s style to « bring back » dead characters, it would make Jean’s and Connie’s deaths less tragic. I think that only shifters will loose their ability and the 13 years thing.

Theory 2: if Eren is dead

• Ymir’s manipulation

I don’t wanna believe it but what if all of this was Ymir’s plan ? If he IS dead, it’s Ymir who is the mastermind and manipulated him so that the parasite would die and that she could get out off the paths. « I took the world’s freedom to gain mine » what if it’s YMIR TALKING in 133 ? She could even had sent the dream to Mikasa in 138 so that she would know WHERE Eren was and kill him, all of this after Ymir took revenge on the world. Remember, the titan who protected Zeke came from earth, and Ymir entered in contact with « the source of all organic life », which means she could be the one behind the birds we keep seeing, including the one on Mikasa dream. She could be smiling because her plan WORKED.

Also remember in the paths where Eren was talking to the Alliance ? He was in his kid Eren form, like Ymir, we didn’t see his eyes, showing his slavery and a strange alike-look. Ymir was standing right next to him, in the exact same position, mirroring him as if he was a sort of reflection/puppet of hers. Everybody thought the contrary until now, that Ymir followed Eren. While she was here, Eren was saying that the only way to end all of this was to take his life: what if Ymir made him say that ?

It makes even more sense when Ymir helped Armin with summoning shifters and that they also had their mouths don’t moving.

• Eldian Society ?

The only way to resolve everything if Eren is dead is to create an Eldian empire domination with the rest of the world being weak and wiped out. Everybody would live on Paradise and would be teached about the cycle of hate and the heroes who stopped the Rumbling as new Helos, giving us an explanation of that picture in the opening (it could also be Eren’s society as well meant to not repeat the same mistakes as well)

I hope you liked it ! Let’s not suffer too much during the waiting and organize cottagecore RM and EH weddings with the beach Aruannie one instead of crying 💁🏻‍♀️

#rivamika #snk #aot #ackerman clan #erehisu #levi #levi ackerman #ackerman #mikasa #eren #snk 139

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chemist-ana · 4 years ago

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Chapter 11- The Shopping Trip— Sams POV

Book: The Nanny Affair

Characters: Sam, Ana Schuyler (MC), Robin

Pairing: Sam Dalton (male) x Ana Schuyler (MC)

Rating: 18+

Content Warning: NSFW, Sexual Language, Adult Language, Sexual Situations

A/N This is a brand new series that I was inspired to write. I am going to go chapter by chapter in Sam Daltons POV. This story is completely inspired by Choices The Nanny Affair. I have used most of the dialogue from the actual story, anything written in BOLD was taken directly from the book and therefore is not my writing- credit to our good friends over at Pixelberry! All characters are credit to Pixelberry except for my OCs

Summary: Sofia corners me into taking Ana for the day on a shopping trip, what happens next is anyones guess.

Word Count: 3500

Tag List: @txemrn @secretaryunpaid @lifeaskim @aussieez @pixie88 @thefrenchiemama @sfb123 @mainstreetreader @shewillreadyou @khoicesbyk @lady-calypso @choicesficwriterscreations @somersetmummy @melalicious8383@chrissythadon

I eye Sofia warily as she sticks her hip out, arms crossed, her brown eyes not leaving mine.

“I don’t see what the problem is, Sam. I just want to borrow Ana for the day.” Her voice has a measured evenness that makes me question her true intention.

“Alright, I will take the boys out.” A smile curves her lips at my words.”But, Sofia, please treat her with respect.”

My hands grip the marble counter as she turns to walk away, her heels clicking as she rounds the corner towards Ana’s room without another word.

This is a bad idea…

I quietly follow Sofia, stopping right outside Ana’s door. I can hear their muffled conversation. I take a step closer.

“Fine. Give me the card.” I hear Ana say reluctantly.

“You’re a lifesaver, Ana. I will see you very soon.”

I dart into my open bedroom door before I hear Sofia leave Ana’s room. I wait until I hear the elevator doors close before walking back over to Ana’s room, knocking softly on the partially open door.

“Is it safe to come in?” I ask with a crooked smile.

“Sam, you really are scared of Sofia, huh?” Her lips curve up into a mocking smile. “You’re a grown man sneaking around his own fiancee. You see that, right?”

“I wouldn’t call it ‘sneaking’. More like… walking with discretion.” I slip into her room. “But I am sorry she ambushed you like that. I owe you, big time.”

“Good thing I know just what I want as compensation.” She looks me up and down, her eyes lingering.

“Oh? And what’s that?” I lean against her dresser, crossing my arms across my chest.

“I want you.” She takes a step towards me, her eyes darkening. “Just you, all to myself. Send the kids to spend the weekend with their grandparents, and leave us the penthouse…”

My mind instantly jumps to every fantasy I have ever had of her, spread in front of me on the kitchen counter, her moans echoing through the living room as I pin her to the floor to ceiling windows, and her wet and screaming my name in my shower. I push off of her dresser, taking a step towards her.

“That seems like a… dangerous proposition.”

“That’s what makes it fun.” Her gaze slides up to mine and I can see every speck of gold mixed with her emerald eyes.

“Ana…” I can feel the desire growing before my brain finally takes back control. I lean back, clearing my throat. “For the time being, maybe there’s something more immediate I can do to make it up to you?”

“I’m listening… intently.” Her eyes travel down, lingering on the now-obvious bulge in my pants. Damn, woman.

“I was thinking I could make you breakfast with…. You know, pancakes, eggs, bacon, the works.”

“Sofia would never approve.” She smiles as her eyes rise to mine.

“Sofia isn’t here. I’m willing to risk it. What do you say?”

“I guess making me breakfast is the least you can do.” She says with a sigh.

“Right this way. Chef Sam is at your service.”

I follow her out to the kitchen, my eyes glued to her hips as they sway left to right, her perfect peach of an ass daring me to grab it. I swallow as I watch her slide into a bar stool, my eyes snapping up to hers as she turns her gaze on me.

I take a deep breath, grabbing the apron from the pantry and knotting it around my waist. Alright, it’s been a while, but you know how to do this, Dalton. Impress the lady. I can at least fake it til I make it, right?

I grab some butter and set it to melt in a nonstick. I can feel her eyes on me and I give her a crooked grin.

“Normally I’m the one enjoying the view while you make breakfast.”

“I didn’t notice you were taking in the scenery.” She smiles as she squirms slightly in her seat and a blush spreads across her cheeks.

“I do try to be subtle… even if I don’t always succeed.”

Alright Dalton, pancakes first. I start adding the ingredients to a bowl.

“You have a favorite thing about what you saw?” Her voice breaks the silence.

Ahh, fishing now are we Ms. Schuyler. I will gladly take the bait.

“I’m not sure I can narrow it down to just one thing… between your adorable bedhead and cute little pajamas, my eyes just don’t know where to look.” My eyes flick up and notice her nipples have hardened under her thin t shirt. “But I definitely appreciate how sweet you are with my boys… even when they’re loud and rambunctious before coffee.”

“Sam… I care about them.” Her cheeks warm even more. “That makes it easy.”

“I’ve met my boys, Ana. I’m under no illusion that taking care of them is easy, even if you do have a magic touch.” I give her a wry smile before looking back down at my breakfast preparations. “Would you like to help, or would you prefer to relax?”

“I’ll watch you from over here. This is my treat, remember? I intend to enjoy it fully.”

Oh well, I tried to get her to come closer to me. My eyes swing up to hers and she is giving me a devilish grin as she leans back in her chair.

“Good. I hope I… live up to your expectations.”

“You’re doing a pretty good job so far.”

“That’s because I haven’t set the kitchen on fire yet. I’ve always been a little helpless when it comes to this sort of thing…”

I grab some walnuts for the pancakes and chop them on the cutting board, all while trying to ignore the heat from her gaze.

“You know, for someone who claims to be ‘helpless’, you seem to know your way around a chef’s knife.”

“The chopping part comes naturally from years of working hands-on in a lab. You need the same sort of steady strokes for both. But when it comes to the rest of it… I swear, I’ve never met a chicken I couldn’t burn to a crisp.” Why did I offer to cook for her again?

I flick the walnut pieces into the batter and stir them in.

“Should I be worried about these pancakes? You are going to have to cook them…” She chides.

“You can supervise while I attempt to not burn them.” I give her a small chuckle as I start pouring the batter. Expertly flipping them and cooking them to a beautiful golden brown. I plate her a stack of steaming pancakes. “A little cinnamon, a little honey, top with strawberries…” My eyes rise to hers as she watches me with a smile. “I hope you like ‘em sweet.”

“You know I do. Don’t forget the secret ingredient… lots of love!”

My chest tightens at her words as I turn to present her pancakes.

“Looks delicious.”

I watch as she delicately places a small piece of pancake in her mouth, her pink lips wrapping around the fork as her eyes flutter closed. Who knew watching someone eat could be so erotic…

“Mmmm… so good.” She moans as her eyes open again and meet mine. “Are you sure you’re bad at this?”

“Pancakes are the one dish I’ve perfected over the years. Theres’s a reason I offered to make you breakfast and not dinner.” I smile at the satisfaction on her face.

“And here I thought it was because you wanted to lick syrup off of me.” Her tongue darts out to lick the syrup off of her bottom lip.

I can’t help but groan at her words. “Ana…” Our gaze lingers on each other before I watch her reach for the syrup. I would lick syrup off of every single inch of your skin if I could…

“Whoops! Sorry…” Her eyes grow wide when she knocks the bottle over. She smiles sheepishly as rounds the corner of the bar to help clean up the spill. The sweet smell of jasmine and syrup fill my senses as she stands close to me.

“I’ve got it.”

“No, let me help…” She insists.

I turn to watch her as she insists on wiping up the mess with a napkin. Finally she turns to me, and I realize just how close we are standing to each other. The familiar arc of electricity flowing between our bodies, charging the air.

“Did I get it all?” I ask her breathlessly.

I watch her tongue dart out and lick her lips as she swallows heavily.

“You missed a spot on my neck.” She tilts her head to the side and my gaze narrows in to the delicate curve of her neck and throat.

I lean in, bringing my tongue to her sweet skin. I can feel her heart beating at her pulse point, and she tilts her head further to give me better access.

“Mmmm… so delicious.” I smile into my kisses on her neck. So fucking sweet.

“Wait until you taste the rest of me.” She says, her voice low.

“Oh god…” Her words send desire surging through me as I imagine the small taste I have already gotten. My hands find her delicate waist as I bunch up her shirt trying to expose her soft skin. “Ana…” I moan as I continue kissing her neck.

She twines her fingers into my hair and pulls my lips to hers, kissing me with a sense of urgency and passion that I match stroke for stroke.

“Touch me, Sam…” She whispers against my lips. “I need to feel you…”

My hands find the hem of her shirt and I reach under to explore the planes of her bare skin, relishing in the curves of her back.

“Like this?” I whisper.

“God yes…” She moans.

My hands continue exploring all of the muscles of her back, pulling her tight against my body and my growing desire. Her breathing is accelerating as I can feel her nearing the edge. Oh beautiful girl, the way you respond to my touch is unbelievable… where have you been all my life?

I completely forgot that we weren’t exactly alone in the penthouse when I heard the thunder of bare feet running down the hall. I immediately drop my arms from Ana and take a step back.

“Crap!” She says breathlessly.

I reach up and run my hands through my hair as my eyes scan Ana’s face. Her lips are swollen from our kisses and she is trying to catch her breath.

“I thought Aunt Sofia threw away all our good food!” Mickey yells as he rounds the corner.

“Boys! We made pancakes!” Ana says quickly averting her eyes from mine.

“Score!” Mickey cheers as him and his brother slide into the seats at the kitchen bar.

I watch Ana carefully as she serves two plates of pancakes for the boys, blushing furiously.

“Boys, what do you say to Ana?” My eyes fall on Mickey and Mason as she slides their plates in front of them.

“Thank you! It’s really good!” Mason says with a mouth full of pancake.

“Mmm. Yeah, way better than Aunt Sofia’s- I mean, thank you!” Mickey stops mid-Sofia insult as I narrow my eyes at him.

Ana studiously ignores me for the rest of breakfast as she slowly regains her composure.

When the kitchen has been cleaned and pancakes have been finished, she makes her way towards the foyer.

“Ana, wait! Before you go…” I walk up quickly behind her holding a travel mug with fresh coffee. “Something tells me you’re gonna need the extra caffeine to get through your day.” I smile as our fingers brush.

“Thanks.” She brings the cup to her lips, taking a small sip. “I’ll see you later.”

“Thank you, again, Ana.”

She gives me a small smile before the elevators close between us.

I let out a sharp breath before walking back into the kitchen with Mickey and Mason.

“Well, boys, what should we do today?”

***

I check my phone for what seems like the hundredth time since Ana left the penthouse this morning. My mind wanders to all the possible things Sofia could be saying to her. I turn my gaze up as Mason and Mickey put their batting helmets on.

“Alright boys, are you ready?”

“Ready, dad!” They say in unison.

I shove my phone in my pocket, it will all be over soon… right?

***

Mason and Mickey dash into the penthouse as soon as the elevator doors open. I pull out my phone… still nothing from Ana.

I sit down on the couch, turning my attention to the trees swaying in the wind in Central Park.

Suddenly my phone pings with a text message. I grab it and look at the screen, Ana.

Ana: I don’t think Im gonna last a whole afternoon w/Sofia

I sigh and sit back on the couch.

Sam: What did she do this time?

Ana: What HASNT She done?

Ana: I’m trying to not let her get to me but…

Sam: She wears you down.

Sam: I know the feeling all too well.

Sam: What can I do? Would a distraction help?

Sam: Ana? I lose you there?

When she doesn’t immediately respond, I text her again… what are you? A fucking highschooler.

Ana: Ok, I have to ask… Is our relationship all in my head?

I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose. Fuck

Sam: No, definitely not. Where’s this coming from?

Ana: Just something Sofia said…

Damn it, I knew this was going to be a problem.

Sam: Ana, please don’t listen to her.

Sam: She doesn’t know anything about our relationship. And she’s a master at manipulation.

Ana: I kno I kno, its just she found a sore spot I guess.

Sam: I should’ve know she’d pulls something like this. She was so insistent when she asked. I didn’t want to arouse suspicion by resisting too much.

Ana: Her mind games are seriously next level. At this point, I wonder if her assistant even has a kid.

Sam: Ana, I WILL make this right. Sit tight.

I stand up, sending a quick text to Carter to let him know I am running out and leaving the boys at home. I stuff my phone in my pocket, grabbing the keys to the Porsche and ignoring the many incoming texts as my phone pings in my pocket. Hold tight, Ana. I am coming for you.

***

After stopping at Laudree and getting a box of macarons, I park the Porsche outside of Viver and make my way inside.

“Did you know there’s a gourmet bakery just down the street from here?” I smile as I walk into the back, Ana is bent over her phone on the chaise.

“Sam!” I watch her face light up as stands up, her long legs stepping up to me as she throws her arms around my shoulders.

“I should surprise you like this more often.” I smile as she steps away from me.

“If our think you’re gonna get away with pawning me off on Sofia for an entire day ever again…” She rolls her eyes.

“I guess I’ll just have to come up with another way to surprise you.” I give her a nudge with my elbow.

“Sam, you know how to turn my day around. Thank you for finding a way to show that you care.” She grabs the box from my hands.

“It’s the least I could do, given what you’ve done for me today to show that you care.” I place my hand on her arm and give her a long look. “You need me, I’m here. Okay?”

She gives me a small nod and I watch her melt at my words.

“Is that my boo-bear?” I flinch slightly as I hear Sofia’s voice call from the dressing room. She rounds the corner with a smile on her face. “And you brought… cookies! That’s very sweet, literally. I’ll have to save it for my cheat day.”

“I’m told they’re the best cookies in the city. Consider it my way of thanking you two, since you spent all day preparing for an event on my behalf.” I look at Sofia with a smile. “But since it looks like you’re done already, maybe I can kill two birds with one stone and take Ana home with me?”

“Hm? Oh yes, that’s fine. I have an appointment soon anyway.” Sofia grabs her phone out of her purse and barely spares me another glance.

“Ana? Shall we?”

I watch Ana give Sofia a weird look, which I decide to ignore, before she follows me out of the shop.

I open the passenger side door for her and she gracefully slides into the seat of the Porsche, her long legs look so damn good in this car. I bite my lip before I close her door, climbing into the drivers side and I put the car into drive.

My hand is resting on the center console. I feel her fingers gently brush mine before she intertwines our fingers. I glance down at our hands with a small smile.

“So, you’re going to a charity gala this weekend?” She asks casually.

“It’s not as fun as it sounds, believe me. Even though it’s not official business, it’ll be all shoptalk, all night.”

“With fancy food and fancy drinks and fancy dancing? That doesn’t sound all bad.”

“You’re right, it’s not.” I squeeze her hand lightly. “And with the right date, it could be downright fun. But-“

“You’re going with Sofia.” Her voice sounds sad as she shifts her gaze out of the window.

“Yeah. She has her moments, but she tends to stay laser-focused on business events like this.” I wish you were coming with me though…

“I wish I was going with you. You’d have so much more fun with me. Just like at your engagement party.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing I’m not bringing you, then. You were dangerous that night.” My mind wanders back to her body pressed against mine, the dark look in her eyes.

“Just that night?” I can see her look at me out of the corner of my eye.

“And every night since.” I flick my eyes to hers. “It’s not fair to tease me when I’m supposed to keep my eyes on the road.”

“I never said I play fair.”

“Ana…” My voice almost sounds like a growl as I try not to imagine her body pressed up against me, her hips pressing into mine.

“Fine, fine. I’ll be good… for now.” She smiles before facing forward, our fingers still interlaced.

***

“Are you serious, Sof? You know how big of a deal tonight is.”

“I know, Sam, and I really do apologize. I do not feel well enough to attend.” Her voice sounds quiet and subdued. “I have an idea that would keep my seat filled at the table.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I could bring Ana…

“You should bring, Ana.” My eyes widen at her words. “She was with me when I was practicing, she should know who everyone of importance is.”

“I don’t know, Sofia.”

“I do, Sam, I insist. She won’t look as good at me on your arm, but she is better than nothing.”

I pause for effect.

“Alright, well, I hope you feel better.”

“Thank you, Sam. Don’t have too much fun without me tonight.”

“Bye, Sof.”

I am glad she can’t see the grin on my face as I end the phone call, sending a quick text to my assistant to order a gold dress from my personal shopper at Nordstroms in Ana’s size and to change my tux to one that will match.

***

The doorman delivers the suit bag and the dress box to the elevator and I walk quickly into my room, changing into the tux with the gold accents and gold tie. I take one last look in the full length mirror before turning to the box.

I carefully unbox the dress, damn this is going to look so fucking good on her…

I make my way to Ana’s room and knock softly on her closed door.

I hear her voice on the other side of the door before she swings it open. Her brown hair cascading down her back and chest, wearing that thin t shirt that leaves nothing to the imagination. I clear my throat as I remember why I am even standing here in the first place.

“Sam… you look amazing.” She reaches out and adjusts my lapels and runs her hands down my chest. “There. Now you’re perfect.” Her eyes find mine again with a sigh,

“What would I do without you?”

“Walk around with a wrinkled lapel, I expect.” She laughs softly, such a beautiful sound…

I clear my throat and her face turns serious.

“Ana, I know this is terribly short notice, but… will you be my date to the gala?” I hold my breath as surprise flashes across her face, followed by confusion.

Oh god, say yes.

#choices the stories you play #the nanny affair #choices sam dalton #samdalton #tna #sams pov

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springsaladgaming · 3 years ago

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Progress Update 8/27/21

Happy weekend, all! Time for another progress update!

Though I did get some more writing done on the next Ninelives scene, most of my work this week was on Everlight. I did some planning on some variables and then implemented them into the first chapter, which saw about 5000 words added this week.

So, since most of the work was on Everlight this week, I’'d like to talk about it a bit more. I’ll place it below the cut, for those who aren’t interested in that particular project. And to everyone, have a happy, safe, and healthy weekend! 😘

More about Everlight below the cut.

Like Ninelives, Everlight is not going to be the type of IF where you can get a game over. However, unlike Ninelives, it will have more of a focus on player choice affecting the world rather than being about social bonds. It also stands be a lot longer of a work in general, as there are three major arcs to the story, and some of the choices I have planned can change the outcome of the story very drastically.

Social bonds are still important in Everlight, but there is every possibility of rivalries and bad outcomes for the other characters. I don’t have anything specific planned that far ahead, but I’m not going to discount the possibility that some characters might even be at risk of death depending on a series of choices made.

That’s a good segue into mentioning that Everlight, in general, is A LOT darker than Ninelives. I haven’t established an official rating yet (for either work, actually), but it is very likely to be 18+ for graphic violence and horror elements alone. The story that it is being adapted from has always been dark (and that has a funny double meaning that will be more apparent when the story is introduced), and it covers several sensitive subjects. So this is fair warning, to those of you interested in Everlight, to 1.) pay attention to content warnings, and 2.) over time, communicate with me any content warnings that you think should be included, if they aren’t already.

I do not yet have a comprehensive list of content warnings, but both the rating and content warnings will be included on the Everlight masterpost when the demo launches.

I also want to give a basic breakdown of more of the statistics. I mentioned the personality stats in an earlier post, so let’s talk instead about the skill stats.

I’ve based the stats on Dungeons & Dragons basic stats. It wasn’t intentional at first, but then I realized the similarities and I went ahead and leaned into it. So there are six major stats:

Smarts Charm Strength Fortitude Agility Intuition

So far, I’ve been coding these stats similar to everything else, but this will be changed, either before the demo comes out or shortly after.

My plan is to use Sugarcube’s roll mechanic, so that not every success is determined by a high stat and not every failure is determined by a low one. When the numbers get revamped, each stat will function as a modifier for roll mechanics, meaning higher stats increase your chances of success but don’t guarantee them. For those familiar with D&D, it will work exactly like that. Some options you select will roll a die, add a modifier if you have one, and you may succeed or fail depending on your roll and the difficulty of what you are trying to achieve.

There will also be some occasions where your stats will determine a passive number to determine certain in-line elements. For example, Intuition will aid you in interpreting the thoughts or emotions of other characters. If certain thresholds are met, you may notice tells in their behavior that you wouldn’t otherwise. Ideally, I would like to have small situations using passive checks like this for all stats.

There are a couple other statistics as well, these ones operating on sliding scales:

Addiction Corruption

Addiction is just what it sounds like, and what exactly it refers to will be made very apparent in the first chapter.

Corruption won’t come into play until probably the second or third arc of the story. It’s possible I may even change it or scrap it before then pending any changes to the story I make in the meantime. So, for now, what exactly it refers to will be kept secret.

Other than these major stats, there will be a lot of personalized stats around the MC. There will be appearance variables, of course, as well as gender and pronouns - a lot of the stuff you’d expect. I may include tattoos, piercings, scars, and other physical variables that I have yet to touch on.

I haven’t decided how relationships will be measured in this one yet. There are characters that will be your allies, whether you want them to or not, but this doesn’t mean you have to be friends. I may take a page from Dragon Age 2′s book and do a Friendship/Rivalry system. In this way, having a rivalry wouldn’t necessarily lock you out of romance with the ROs, but that might be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Also, Everlight is pretty likely to have poly routes!

The only reason Ninelives doesn’t have them is because the length of the story isn’t long enough to explore poly routes while still doing them justice. I actually had them all planned before I started writing - I knew which characters would even be possible for poly routes and how they would interact with each other. But then I got to writing and realized that there just wouldn’t be time. Not without it feeling rushed.

Everlight, by comparison, is going to be long. Long enough to absolutely explore poly routes. I still have to sit down and really figure out which characters would be interested in poly relationships and with who, but expect that poly routes will likely be explored in Everlight.

I think I’ve talked long enough for now. I hope what I’ve talked about so far has piqued interest as I am very much looking forward to eventually releasing the demo for this one. I feel like the writing work for Chapter 1 is between 1/3 to 1/2 done, so the demo may come sooner than I thought it would.

#progress update

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carewyncromwell · 5 years ago

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Hey, guys! So I don’t really have enough material in this most recent side quest to work with to create full roleplaying posts for it (largely because the writing for this quest was stilted as all get out and there really weren’t very high stakes)...so instead, I’ll be doing something a little different, and simply writing out my personal rewrite of the quest’s storyline, as performed by my MC, Carewyn. Most of the overall framework of what happened in the quest will still be there, but I will try to flesh out or rewrite some things to hopefully better develop the ideas and help them more smoothly fit into canon. Hope you enjoy!

When Lucius Malfoy first arrived at Hogwarts, Carewyn was immediately suspicious of him. She wasn’t familiar with the man, but she thought that his timing of coming to Hogwarts for an inspection only after the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher went on the run from the law reeked of the school governors and/or Ministry of Magic wanting to put forward a good show of looking after the students for the press, so that they couldn’t be condemned for their inaction.*

* = (Yes, I know this quest is supposed to be aimed at year 2, but...well...I honestly can’t justify why year 2 would be when an inspection would happen. I suppose the Ice Curse was still in effect, but it’s not like the Ministry or the school governors took any action in response to the danger of the Vaults, even though it seems like the perfect ammunition for Lucius to use against Dumbledore. He was able to coax all of the school governors to sack Dumbledore in the name of saving students during the Chamber of Secrets arc later on, so it feels like this could’ve been done here too, if the Ice Vault was still raging. Dumbledore would also have little reason to think we’re “good at solving mysteries” if this takes place in year 2, since we at that point haven’t even successfully dealt with one Cursed Vault yet. So in this version of events, Lucius has only just become a school governor in anticipation of his son, Draco, attending school in the next few years. And because the Statue Vault and Rakepick are currently being tackled by the Ministry already, Lucius doesn’t really have any more action he can take. It also makes very little sense for a five-year-old Draco to be brought along to Hogwarts. His mother Narcissa is a stay-at-home mother, and even in the films, it’s pretty clear she -- and Lucius, at least in the books -- wouldn’t want her precious bb boy being taken care of by a pair of strangers with no experience in child-rearing. And I don’t think either movie! or book!Lucius would want any “bad influences” like protagonist MC around his son at that age, either -- at least by age nine, Draco would be pretty locked into the pureblood beliefs he’s been raised with, and since he’d be attending school in two years, it would give Draco a good preview of what his school life will be like ahead of time.)

Carewyn’s suspicions only heightened when Flitwick summoned her and Ben to the Charms classroom and Lucius Malfoy was there talking to Professor Flitwick. She had been very flattered by Flitwick’s praise of her Charm work...but the way Lucius looked at her when he turned to her...

Even though yes, Carewyn didn’t like the mention of Jacob, there was something else she could sense in Lucius’s eyes -- something intrigued. Although he smiled very pleasantly, there was a definite marked interest in his voice, not unlike how Professor Tofty greeted her upon first meeting. Lucius had definitely heard a lot more than just about Jacob -- but despite this, Carewyn merely gave Lucius a very cool smile in return.

Lucius’s condescension toward Ben for his blood status only made Carewyn dislike Lucius all the more. When he’d left the room, Carewyn agreed with Ben’s distaste for the school governor immediately.

“Professor Flitwick,” she said slowly, “are the Malfoys an old Wizarding family?” Carewyn had heard plenty of stories about her mother’s family and their particular dislike of Muggles, so it seemed logical to think the Malfoys were like them.

Flitwick had confirmed that yes, they were, adding that Lucius could be difficult sometimes. “But he is one of the school governors,” he’d said. “So we simply must cooperate.“

After Potions class, Merula and Carewyn were both forwarded to Dumbledore’s office by their Head of House, Severus Snape. While waiting for Lucius Malfoy to arrive, Merula explained a bit more about Lucius Malfoy’s history with Voldemort, which thoroughly justified Carewyn’s distrust of the man. When Dumbledore and Lucius arrived, however, Carewyn and Merula soon found themselves roped into looking after Lucius’s son, the bratty nine-year-old Draco Malfoy.

Okay -- I know a lot of people liked how Draco was portrayed in the game and enjoyed how he (if you picked to protect his secret) expressed genuine admiration for MC, but...yeah, in this version of events, he’s not nearly so cute. (I mean, come on, in the books, Harry compared Draco to Dudley on first meeting -- this kid has some serious issues with empathy and a real selfish streak. He might be a lot more clever than Dudley, but in my mind, he should be pretty fun to hate at this stage, rather than cute.)

For one, because he’s older, Draco’s in less need of babysitting and more in need of guidance. Lucius thought it only fitting that two such promising students show Draco the best Hogwarts has to offer -- and Draco, being older and therefore even more entitled, arrogant, and condescending than he’s portrayed in the game, was sizing up his competition just as much as he was tailing after them. His father Lucius had told him all about Merula’s parents and about Carewyn’s reputation as a Cursebreaker, so he knew that both girls were incredibly powerful and thus were both people Draco should have in his circle, whether as allies or as pawns. While Lucius was at school, he became very talented at making connections, which has served him well in the present by giving him the power to either sway or pressure people into doing things his way -- and Draco not only is expected to do the same, but the young Malfoy heir is eager to follow in his father’s footsteps and already be the “big man on campus” when he starts at Hogwarts. Even if both Carewyn and Merula will be graduated by the time he starts school, those ties could still be very beneficial down the road.

That being said, Draco and Merula did still instantly end up at each other’s throats. Even if Draco was supposed to “get Carewyn and Merula in his circle,” thanks to his spoiled upbringing by his parents, Draco has no social skills whatsoever, and so has little idea of how to charm people without putting down others in the process. Even though (or perhaps because) Merula was a bully herself most of her school career, she reacted very harshly to Draco’s nasty attitude, and soon the two were verbally smacking each other around with barbed, personal insults.

Despite her growing dislike for both Lucius and his son, Carewyn did everything she could to be the mediating force between them and even successfully distracted Draco by asking about his interests and taking him to the Quidditch pitch. Not long after they arrived, Draco succeeded in snatching a spare broom and started flying around the pitch.

Merula sincerely hoped that he’d fall and break his neck, but Carewyn -- even if she didn’t particularly like Draco -- knew it’d be terrible if he did hurt himself. So she boarded her own Cleansweep (which she’d kept locked in the Slytherin Quidditch tent, in case one of Orion’s players needed a spare broom) and took off after Draco.

Once in the air, Carewyn kept her wand close in case something went wrong. Fortunately she needn’t have feared -- within a minute, she could see that Draco was a very talented flier. In an attempt to distract him away from fighting with Merula, Carewyn suggested that she could teach Draco some flying tricks. Draco was scornful at first, until Carewyn weaved through the stands and threaded the needle through all three goal posts before sweeping into an extreme dive and pulling up mere feet from the ground. She smirked up at Draco, folding her legs over her broom so she could lean back effortlessly with her arms crossed over her chest.

“Ready for a lesson now, Mr. Malfoy?” she called up to him coolly.

The young Malfoy heir couldn’t hide the greedy look in his eye at the thought of learning those cool tricks, nor could he hide how thrilled he was learning how to do an extreme dive.

Once the two had finally come back down to the ground, Draco asked Carewyn if she was on the Slytherin Quidditch team. When she said no, explaining that she just didn’t have the time to devote to Quidditch, Draco reacted with scorn.

“Because of those Vaults, I guess?” he presumed.

He said that his father had told him all about Carewyn’s Cursebreaking, and her family too -- that her brother was a delinquent and her mother had run away from home to marry a Muggle. Merula was actually a bit startled by this, not having heard that particular fact about Carewyn’s mother, but Carewyn herself kept her temper, even as her tone grew cooler and dryer than ever.

“My family may not be perfect, but I’m proud of it, all the same,” she said softly.

What she didn’t add out loud was, “I certainly wouldn’t be proud of my family if I were in your shoes.”

A bit miffed he hadn’t been able to get a rise out of Carewyn, Draco soon enough turned his attentions back to Merula. He ranted about how his father had said Hogwarts was going to the dogs and about how they had so many Mudbloods amongst their ranks. Carewyn stiffened very sharply at the use of the word.

“That is not a word to be used in civilized conversation,” she told him very severely.

“My father says it all the time,” Draco argued.

“Really?” said Carewyn, her lips turning up in a cool smile. “Don’t reckon that’s something you should admit too readily, given your own family’s history -- I wager a fair number of people at this school would hex you to belch slugs for using a word like that.”

Merula's face broke out into a smug smirk. “Don’t give me any ideas, Cromwell.”

This change in topic, however, led to Draco wanting a proper dueling lesson from Merula and Carewyn. Naturally, because Draco didn’t have a wand of his own and they certainly weren’t going to lend him theirs, the two girls refused -- and soon enough, they got word that Lucius was finished with his inspection and would be leaving the school soon.

Of course, that didn’t happen, because sure enough, Lucius’s wand went missing. The prime suspect? The Malfoy family house elf, Dobby.

Carewyn had little experience with house-elves prior to Dobby (only having met Pitts the previous year), so the poor elf’s maltreatment at the Malfoys’ hands greatly upset her. Determined to prove his innocence, she asked Dobby to tell her whatever he could say without hurting himself and -- upon Dobby trying to smack his own head against the ground -- she actually bent down and grabbed hold of him in both hands to try to wrestle him into not hurting himself.

“It’s okay, Dobby,” she kept telling him. “I’ll make sure you don’t get blamed.”

It didn’t take long at all for Carewyn to get to the bottom of who had taken the wand. If Dobby felt he couldn’t tell her who the thief was because he couldn’t speak ill of the Malfoy family, then there was only one possible suspect. Catching up with Merula and Draco, she confronted the Malfoy heir about having taken his father’s wand. Draco denied it at first, but pretty quickly came clean.

“I’m not too young to learn how to duel!” he said. “I wouldn’t have borrowed Father’s wand if you’d just lent me yours!”

After some prodding, Draco admitted where he’d hidden his father’s wand. It didn’t take long for Merula to find it.

Despite the younger boy’s bravado, though, Carewyn could still tell that Draco hadn’t meant for this whole thing to go so far. He wasn’t really sorry about the thought that Dobby could be blamed for something he did -- but he’d enjoyed what he’d learned so far and wanted to stay at Hogwarts a little longer so he could learn some spells.

Feeling some compassion despite herself, Carewyn sat down on the edge of the fountain next to Draco.

“If you give me your solemn word only to use this in a formal duel,” she said very seriously, “I will teach you one spell. Do we have a deal?”

His eyes once again greedy for knowledge, Draco nodded and eagerly agreed. Holding out her wand in front of her, Carewyn told Draco to put his hand on top of hers. Then she walked him step-by-step through the wand movements for the spell “Everte Sactum,” the Stumbling Hex.

“When you cast this correctly, it will hurl your opponent off their feet,” she explained. “That can then give you the time you need to get away, if you’re in trouble.”

Her eyes then narrowed sharply upon Draco’s face. “Remember your word, though -- you will only use this in a duel, not for fun. Got it?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Draco said breezily, but he was grinning from ear to ear all the same.

The group met back up with Lucius Malfoy and Dumbledore in the Headmaster’s Office. When Lucius asked Carewyn who had stolen the wand, she answered simply,

“No one, as far as I can tell. Merula found it on the floor near the Entrance Hall -- no thief to be seen.”

After all, Draco had only admitted to “borrowing” his father’s wand -- not stealing it.

”There’s no evidence that Dobby couldn’t have still taken it,” said Lucius.

Dobby shook his head frantically, wringing his hands desperately as he insisted he didn’t take the wand and never would. Carewyn very gently cut off Dobby’s denials by pointing out that house elves can’t lie to or speak ill of their masters without hurting themselves. The fact that Dobby was not hurting himself while claiming he didn’t take the wand was proof in itself that he didn’t commit the crime. And everyone must be considered innocent until proven guilty...right?

Lucius considered Carewyn carefully, his gray eyes oddly critical and shrewd upon her face -- then he inclined his head in an abridged nod.

“...Wisely said, Miss Cromwell. You could be an excellent lawyer, with sentiments such as those.”

His gray eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly as his lips curled up in a cool smile.

“I daresay that would please your grandfather quite a bit.”

Carewyn’s blood ran cold. Lucius Malfoy was in touch with her grandfather, Charles Cromwell? She’d never met her mother’s father before -- but given that Lucius Malfoy spoke highly of him, she wondered more than ever if she was incredibly fortunate in that...

For his part, Lucius seemed satisfied by how taken aback Carewyn was and, with a flourish of his cloak, swept toward the office door.

“Come, Draco,” he called over his shoulder.

Before Draco left, he paused, turning back to look at Carewyn.

“I won’t forget that,” he said. “What you did.”

He didn’t need to articulate what he meant.

“And I swear -- when we’re both done at Hogwarts, we’ll meet again, Cromwell. And when we do, I’ll be the greatest wizard ever -- greater than you could ever be.”

Despite the arrogance in his expression, Draco was still grinning from ear to ear in a kind of vicious determination.

Carewyn’s blue eyes grew a little smaller as she smirked in return.

“Good ambition. Just keep in mind -- there are many ways to be ‘great.’“

With an offhand scoff, Draco turned on his heel and followed his father, not fully able to bite back the smile still clinging to his lips.

When Dumbledore, Carewyn, and Merula were out of earshot, Lucius spoke to Draco at last.

“She knew you took my wand, didn’t she?” he asked.

Draco, although startled, reluctantly nodded.

“And yet she dared lie to my face,” said Lucius in dark amusement. “Rather effectively, too. Tell me -- what did you think of her, Draco?”

Draco shrugged offhandedly. “All right, I guess. She’s a decent flier -- and her spellwork’s okay.”

“Coming from you, that’s high praise,” said Lucius dryly. His lips curled up in a wry smile. “Seems I was right to think I should keep an eye on her advancement...”

Dobby was so grateful to Carewyn that he said that if she ever needed him, she only had to ask. Carewyn was very happy for that -- she had a feeling that she could use at least one friend in the Malfoy household, if Lucius really had such close ties to her mother’s family.

#carewyn cromwell #gameplay #hphm #hogwarts mystery #roleplaying #lucius malfoy #draco malfoy #merula snyde #dobby #albus dumbledore #ben copper #filius flitwick #my writing #au #headcanon

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scgdoeswhat · 5 years ago

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Unpacking The Elementalists Finale

I’d like to dedicate this to my dear Kane anon (and other TE anons) who have been hitting my ask box up for the last several months. I’m sorry this took forever to get out and I know it doesn’t ease the fact that they ixnayed Kane, but hopefully this makes a little more sense of TE’s abrupt ending.

Without further ado...

I’ve been wanting to make this post since Book 2 Chapter 10, but life has been hectic. TE’s finale finally forced my hand and so here I am, with a bunch of theories, points, and thoughts I've had noted since the book came back from its hiatus. First off, now that TE is officially over (😭) we now know that the hiatus was primarily used to tie up all the loose story lines and to give us a tidy ending. The writing in the second half of the book was more solid, concise, and had a clear cut vision of what the writers wanted and where the plot was headed. As much as I hate to say it, the first half of the book may have been overly ambitious. They introduced the Moral Compass, potentially two villains in Kane and Alma, and a plethora of different storylines. I had a number of people tell me through the first five/six chapters of Book 2 that they were confused with the plot because it became too convoluted and hard to follow along. I think they introduced too many elements into the story, which dragged down the arc. Let’s break down some of these individually: The Moral Compass was something we were all excited to see implemented, because it gave us the potential to be an evil MC. In the end, we know it didn’t make much of a difference, save for dialogue and/or violent options. I think this was originally something intended to be greater than what it amounted to, and part of it is the limitations of the medium that the app is and simply, resources. This also ties into…. The plot involving Kane and Alma. I don’t believe having Kane as the Big Bad was supposed to be as defined as it ended up being. The two Sources were written far more ambiguous in the beginning, with the chance that depending on your choices, you could side with either one by the end of the book and/or series. The hiatus streamlined the plot, discarding elements that were difficult to pull off, including multiple MC point of views that may have held the possibility of being evil or choosing Kane, therefore placing Alma as the antagonist. In a narrative story app such as Choices (as opposed to Lovestruck, where the routes have the same players but different stories altogether), I just don’t think this advanced storytelling would have been doable. These plots are primarily linear, and MC being evil/with Kane/etc, it would present a different set of problems, including the fact that this becomes an entirely different story while there is supposed to be one solid ending. (For what it's worth, I enjoy the MC customizability of Choices more.) Looking at the group of friends, obviously Beckett was incredibly fleshed out while the others were not as much. I wanted to delve further into our friends’ backgrounds a bit more, and I think at the beginning of the book, we were on that path. Aster and her wood nymph family was a perfect example of table setting. We had two or three scenes before the hiatus to go to the forest, and I thought the Wand Wars and their involvement against Kane was slated to be more prominent. I think the writers had something bigger planned, but how would it all tie in if players started choosing the evil choices? Again, having too many choices causes a domino effect that makes it nearly impossible to navigate when the story is supposed to end with a particular goal in mind. The chapter where we can receive the wand was a symptom of ending the book early and I think the execution of the actual Wand Wars scene was lacking the emotional punch the initial introduction of it warranted. This is unfortunate because the setup they had in Book 1 made it seem much more violent, disastrous, and full of hate compared to what was shown (i.e. Attuned just being greedy bastards). We were introduced to Shreya's Serene & Sublime business and the potential of family disapproval and lack of support in the beginning, but everything was tied up with the gala chapter. Looking back, I was curious why it was so easy to get so many financial backers this early into the series, but knowing that TE only went for two books makes much more sense why we knew whether S&S succeeded or failed. (Tangent - for anyone who didn't secure backing, is S&S successful at the end of the book?) I think Griffin, his scholarship, and his decision between Natural Sciences and Thief was also slated to be a bigger subplot. We never met his parents, despite them being brought up very early in Book 1. If TE had gone the originally planned three or four books, I have no doubt his family would've been introduced and MC would have needed to help sway his parents (and the committee for the scholarship) whether Griffin continued on the NS or professional Thief path. Doing the Griffin scenes (even as platonic friends) influenced his standing for the scholarship and not doing them made him lose out to Amy, if I'm not mistaken. Question for everyone regarding Zeph and the Thief captaincy: Does he get it in everyone's playthrough? I wonder if the writers always planned for Zeph to get the captaincy or if Griff would have kept it depending on your playthrough if they had all four books to use. Another big plot point that resolved itself out of nowhere was Atlas and MC butting heads over their Sun Source mother. I was not a fan of this storyline at all. I felt like the disagreements between the siblings was unnecessary drama that came off as forced. They tried to explain Atlas' position, and I understood where they were coming from, but Atlas was very unreasonable with their constant “who cares about mom” shtick.

I think this was something that could have been more impactful if there weren't so many plotlines happening and more focus could have been given to it instead of a few screens of Atlas saying they were pissed off before storming away from MC. This was also a plotline that was directly influenced by the Kane/Alma decisions. If MC sides with Kane, it makes much more sense for MC and Atlas to be against each other as opposed to MC being good/siding with Alma.

Five major subplots were opened, but how do you seamlessly weave these elements into a 17-19 chapter book? In my opinion, you can't. Each time something new was introduced, I felt things were glossed over, despite big chunks of chapters being focused on whichever subplot the chapter was about. Throw in the romance and I think it is nearly impossible to resolve each aspect in a complete manner.

What also hurt was the pacing of the series. This was also seen in Book 1, where sometimes a chapter would span one or two days, only for a huge time jump to occur in the next chapter.

So many ideas could have been explored through the course of four books (which is what I believe they had planned), but all the different elements should have been introduced at different times. Instead, Book 2 was an amalgamation of so many ideas but not enough time, space, or resources to thoroughly hash out and have a satisfactory resolution. For what it’s worth, I don’t think it was having too much Beckett that hurt the series. He obviously kept the series afloat and was one of PB's biggest moneymakers in recent history. Despite the constant complaints on tumblr, people fail to realize that the ENTIRE online fandom (FB, IG, Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Wiki) comprises maybe 0.5% - 2% of the ENTIRE player fan base. It only made sense that PB capitalized on him because their numbers dictated that the resources should be spent in that manner. The fallout from this was that Beckett was the only one who had his storyline relatively complete, and that was due to the spending power of everyone who romanced him. I think what hurt them the most was the multiple storylines and the indecision of which direction they wanted to go. They had a grand idea of the direction through Book 2 (and Book 3, let’s not lie here) but in-game mechanics and the type of game Choices is made it difficult to pull off. The app wasn’t the correct medium for what they envisioned. In my opinion, the overall story arc had the potential to be brilliant, but again, the app wasn't designed for the type of story the writers wanted to tell.

I also think the timing and having a very short turnaround hurt, as well. Players had high expectations and when you factor in the hype around the other books that were also released on Fridays, TE lost some of its sparkle. Most players didn’t get a chance to miss it for the regular 2-3 months we’ve been trained to wait for sequels. (I recognize that I’m an anomaly and the previous three sentences do not apply to me at all.)

Even with all this, I applaud the writing team for wanting to deliver a story that was worthy of a magical world. I love all the Pend Pals (‘Motley Crue’ for me), the familiars, the side characters, loved to hate the villains, and from someone who is not into Harry Potter lore at all, I was absolutely sucked into the magick universe that the writers built. (Metal Att for life ⚙!)

If TE does return in the future (and I REALLY hope it does), I think it will be even stronger than the first two books because the world building is complete. We know almost everything we need to know now. Instead of using a Book 3 to search for Sun Mama, the family is complete, MC and Atlas are attuned to all the elements, and there are so many open-ended questions that Book 2 left us.

If they implement a time jump where MC and the Pend Pals are all post grad/mid 20s, it also gives the writers a chance to move the story from the Young Adult genre to a more mature setting. We saw this in the later diamond scenes, where the writing appeared similar in their vividness (and coding in the final scene - THANK YOU, glorious writing team) to Open Heart, Bloodbound, and A Courtesan of Rome. This removes the restrictions placed on the group of being college kids, and therefore are almost fully developed with their magick, giving the possibility of moving the story out of a university setting.

If you've made it all the way here to the bottom, thank you for sticking with me and apologies for spelling/grammar since this has all been on my phone 😂 I think this comprises almost all my notes I've been keeping for the last 2 months. Feel free to agree or disagree; I just wanted to post my thoughts on this book and series that I love so much.

Now, I'm going to go back to my holiday (don't worry, I didn't write all of this while on vacay lol) and I'll try to answer asks when I have downtime.

#the elementalists #beckett harrington #shreya mistry #griffin langley #aster d'yew #playchoices #choices #beckett x mc #griffin x mc #shreya x mc #aster x mc #zeph hernandez #atlas ernhardt #te

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elriedreamer · 4 years ago

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Read in 2020: May

That month was almost all about fantasy reading marathon, and obviously I coudn’t just read 4 books of 7, so I’ve read a lot. Only one comic here, because I couldn’t find another long enough series that I really wanted to read. Also, for the Native Language at first I took Andrey Rubanov’s Finest, the brave Falcon, but was grossed out by POV character that dropped it after 65 e-book pages and started reading Chimeras instead.

Theodora Goss – The Strange Case of the Alchemist’s Daughter. Last year I’ve read this author’s short stories and as you know my problem with short forms I didn’t like them. But as I was participating in the fantasy reading marathon I decided to try another of her works. And! This book was actually fun to read! Imagine taking Sherlock Holmes, Frankenstein, The Island of Doctor Moreau, Jack the Reaper and probably some other stories I couldn’t identify (I think I’ve read something about poisonous girl when I was in school, but can’t remember), shaking them well and adding a dash of wit on top – and you’ll get the idea. The only downside is that there’s not very much characterization, since there are a lot of heroines, but I hope it’ll be fixed in the second book.

Nicholas Eames – Bloody Rose. The first book of these series was one of the best of the last year, so I had really high hopes about this one. But it was not what I was expecting. Very different tone comparing to the 1st book, not funny at all. I’d still give it 5 stars (because I liked the writing and some scenes were really emotional) if not for characters. The POV character, Tam, is so meh. She’s like a blank page — which is for purpose I believe, I just didn’t like it. The others are also not as charismatic as in the 1st book. Overall it was still not a bad read, and I definitely will read the final part.

Jean-Philippe Jaworski – Même pas mort. This is a fantasy about ancient Celts, and I like Celtic mythology. But since it’s a dark fantasy, I was kinda torn about whether I should read it. And yep, not my thing. I can appreciate the authors obvious knowledge of history and his writing style is good, but the way story is told didn’t make me to care about MC since at the very beginning we know that MC lived very very long life and succeeded in his goals, and the whole story is basically about him, so... Thus, it was really boring for me.

Becky Chambers – The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. I’m gonna tell you what. This is so wholesome and nice and relaxing read, that I couldn’t expect from the space opera genre (not that I read much of that, just a feeling). And maybe there isn’t any global conflict, but I don’t care. The characters are normal people (and aliens) that act normally. The world-building is so interesting and detailed, the way communication between different species is described is phenomenal. I’m gonna read the next books in these series (though I’ve heard they are not about the same characters).

Rachel Ignotofsky – Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World. Should I even comment this? Though now I wanna read something like this book, but more long and detailed. And maybe I liked Brazen more.

J.R.R. Tolkien – The Children of Hurin. Just so you know, I had read The Lord of the Rings when I was 12 yo and through school years reread it like 20 times. Silmarillion — around the same time, but only a couple of rereads. The Hobbit was earlier, probably the last year of elementary school. I haven’t read anything from Middle-Earth world for ten years or even longer. And even this story is incredibly tragic, I was happy to return into this world, and probably should plan to reread the trilogy again.

Yaroslava Kuznetsova, Anna Stein – Chimeras. Vol 1.

Yaroslava Kuznetsova, Anna Stein – Chimeras. Vol 2. This gem wasn’t officially published, which is sad. The world here is a fantasy world with a mix of Tuatha de Danann/Fomori and original mythology, but what unusual is that the story takes place when there are computers and planes. The world-building is brilliant, very detailed, very complex, you’ll know not only legends but historical events, and that was my favorite part. The plot itself was good too, a little slow at the beginning, but interesting to follow, and the ending’s tying up almost everything, only leaving a few side-plots open. The characters are well written, flawed but likable, there is a character growth arcs, there is a really good written redemption arc, the only thing that was kinda disappointing (for me) is Amarela’s storyline, but other than that — no complains.

Fables: Book 6.

#read in 2020 #books

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lunasilvermorny · 5 years ago

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End of year 4

(I know I’m not done with season 1 of the Quidditch story, but it seems like it’ll take a while, so in the meantime, I want to actually progress the story.)

Wait, he hasn’t came back yet? The hell is he doing?

Aww, she looks so proud.

That’s the look of- “At least it’s not Slytherin.”

(Unless you’re playing as one, but I’m not, so it works.)

Such a plot twist...

Yeah, you were only a 1,000+ points ahead. No big deal.

Me: Finally, I got to year 5!

Everyone who’s been through it:

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Conclusions:

(This is going to be a long one...)

In general:

I think year 4 was overall a good one. I liked the pace of the story (a bit slow sometimes, but never enough to make me completely disinterested.) and the fact that it was longer than the previous years made it better to really get invested in the plot.

Now for a deeper dive (with obvious spoilers):

The main plot:

I think the plot of year 4 is the most interesting we had so far. It was darker, but no too much to break the immersion. There were actual plot twists (the whole thing with Ben was very well executed.) and the new characters they introduced were really well made.

However, even though I thought the plot was pretty good, there were some really boring parts. For exampe - the part with sickleworth. I was really looking forward to it, but it was just tedious.

Let’s go search the arrowhead here. Oh, it’s not here? Let’s go there instead. No? Then let’s try this place...

Mind-numbingly boring and a waste of time.

New characters:

Rakepick:

As much as I think she’s a manipulative prick, she’s a great addition to the story. Her problematic methods are in perfect contrast to the other professors and I think it adds a lot to have an irresponsible adult around to enable MC’s behavior, when it comes to furthering the plot in a believable direction.

I don’t like the way she manipulates Merula into doing her dirty work, but again, it makes perfect sense that they would take this direction in order to keep Merula relevant as the antagonist.

Professor Kettleburn:

What more can I say? They nailed it. I love everything that has to do with him. I truly believe they made him justice the way they’ve portrait him. I went over the stuff that JKR wrote about him and they were very faithful to the source material. I think they’re way better at adapting characters that had no presence in the HP books and movies.

So yeah - great job, JC. Honestly.

Charlie Weasley:

Supported by my last statement about the way they adapt characters - Charlie is wonderful. I know that a lot of people find his obsessive talk about dragons annoying and one-dimensional, but in a game where most characters are not explored to a very deep level, I think it was smart to keep a simple and coherent character arc.

I like how calm and easy going he is and I just found myself enjoying almost every interaction MC had with him.

I really liked the fact that he was a huge part of the main story and that he automatically joined us in all the important parts, just like Tulip and Barnaby in year 3. His adventurous nature was very uplifting at times and he just made everything 10 times more interesting.

I can understand why he’s such a fan favorite. Again, great job, JC.

Andre Egwu:

I know that we technically already met him in year 3, but his presence was almost non-existent until year 4, so I consider him a new addition.

Anyway, like the rest of the new characters, I really like Andre.

At the beginning he was a bit annoying, but my impression on him changed very quickly once he had more screen time.

Proving that he’s more than a sassy background character, he showed that he’s a true friend in the main plot and the SQs. The fact that he’s our fashion-guy that always happy to help is already good enough, but his supportive nature in the main plot (giving MC his broom, join her to the forbidden forest) just made it so much better.

Liz Tuttle:

Even thought she’s still not our friend, she was in the background of a few SQ and was introduced in the Polyjuice Potion SQ. The problem is that... that’s it.

Anyone who’s been in my blog more than 10 minutes knows how much I like Liz and how her big of a presence she has in the headcanon, but she’s barely anywhere in the game and it’s such a shame.

I’d like to know her character better and I feel like there’s a missed opportunity. I adore her love and dedication for creatures and animals, and hope they wouldn’t just use it as a joke like- “look at that weird girl that cares way too much about animals” instead of showing it in a positive light.

Old characters:

Ben - I think I like the most what they've done with Ben. The fact that he was the masked “dark wizard” was a true plot twist and even though I suspected it, it still got me.

Rowan - I didn’t like the fact that Rowan was a judgemental arse and that in the end he was right, even though he had no proof and based his suspicions on gut feeling. That’s extremely out of character of him and I hated it.

Side quests:

There were many. Some were just brilliant (the Celestial Ball SQ and the First Date SQ), and some weren’t. (like the Nearly-Headless Nick one and.. I can barely remember, because they were so dull.)

But here’s a very quick recap (because I said all I had to say in the SQs posts):

Nearly-Headless Nick - So damn boring!

Unleash Your Patronus - Disappointing, but not a complete failure.

Polyjuice Potion - I wouldn’t have liked it nearly as much if Liz wasn’t in it... but she were, so I can’t say I hated it.

Celestial Ball - Brilliant! 10/10. Loved it. By far the best.

Rita Returns - Boring.

First Date - Amazing!

Become a Prefect - a bit boring at times, but in general it was a nice little SQ.

Magical Creatures Everywhere - Nice premise, I enjoyed all the creatures and characters involved, but it was just a fetch quest without anything too interesting. No stakes, very basic story. Not the best, but we had worst.

Also, I need to point out that I changed my opinion on Penny based on the SQs. (not only in this specific year.) They put her way too much in placed that she wasn’t belong and it left me more annoyed with her than anything. She was one of my favorite characters and now I just want to skip any dialogue with her, because I’m so tired of her.

The Vault:

This part was very disappointing. The build-up was promising, but there was barely a pay-off. It wasn’t nearly as interesting as the vault from year 3, even though I think it had greater potential.

Also, I hated the fact we had to fight the Acromantula instead of choosing between a fight and a conversation, like Kettleburn advised us.

Oher stuff:

Chimaera - I guess we’ll see it through next year? It felt more like a running gag than anything, but it’s a freaking Chimaera that’s running loose! There’s no way we’re not going to encounter it at some point. Anyway, I thought it was amusing as a background plot to show Kettleburn’s recklessness.

Studying - I know that most of the time it was to learn about things that have to do with the vault, but I still liked to see them sit and study, especially MC with Rowan. It’s a school after all.

Snape and Rakepiclk’s rivalry - it wasn’t written in the best way, but the presence of their rivalry was very much appreciated as a part of the plot. I like how Snape’s view of her stand in contrast to everything she did “to help” them and I think it adds a bit more depth to both of their characters.

The Weasleys - I loved all of their background plots. Such a wholesome addition.

Joking about Rakepick - it’s a very small thing, but I loved every mention of their fear that Rakepick is going to kill them. Very amusing.

Dumbledore’s absence - it just felt too convenient, so MC’d be able to do more things without supervision. It didn’t sit well with me and just felt like a cop-out.

Detention - Even though it was a shame that MC didn’t get her usual 100 house points at the end of the year, I do appreciate the fact that Dumbledore finally punished her bad behavior. Took him long enough, but it’s a start.

Quidditch:

I know it’s technically supposed to be in the second year, but since it’s started when MC was already in her 4th year, I treat it as if it’s part this year.

I think this addition improves the game significantly. The mechanics are fun and the plot is okay.

Penny’s role is very out of place and like I said before, it makes me love her character less and less. The new characters, however, are really interesting. I feel like each brings a new thing that no other character has brought before.

Skye - Although she left a very bad first impression, I think overall she’s okay. Her backstory is interesting and she makes the player want to win, for themselves and for her.

McNully - I think he’s great. Talk too much? Sure, but that’s part of his charm. He’s funny and interesting, and by far contributed the most to get MC in the team.

Orion - Again, it took me a while to like him, but his bs attitude became very comforting at times and I grew to like his weird dialogues.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Final thoughts:

This year was interesting and much more than the previous ones, in almost any aspect. It wasn’t perfect, but if I take everything into consideration, I think it was a successful year and my new favorite.

I know year 5 is way messier and incoherent, so I don’t have a lot of expectations. I’m just glad that we got this far and the story was still interesting enough to keep me going.

#hphm #hogwarts mystery #hphm year 4 #end of year 4 #mc #hphm mc

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shynmighty · 6 years ago

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The New ACOR Chapter.

So... Like many of you I’ve been waiting anxiously for the return of A Courtesan of Rome for the past millenia few months, and it made it’s return today.

And I liked it. I did. But after digesting it a bit it left me with a few opinions. So I’m going to go ahead and launch them into the ether...

(AHOY! THAR BE SPOILERS BELOW!)

This chapter is a LOT to unpack. Because it’s long. But it’s also DENSE.

It starts out with some familiar pacing, picking up right where we leave off with Dad and Syphax. MC makes a choice who she want’s saved. I’m on board. I love making decisions like this and it’s part of what makes ACOR such a thrilling story. I hope this choice in particular has a huge impact later on. For anyone curious, I saved Victus (I’m a dedicated Antonymancer, so I didn’t have the same emotions regarding the choice. Saving MC’s father instead of her friend made more sense for my character.) and I bought the diamond scene with him afterwards where he and MC did the Rite in the water and she told him she was in love with Antony. He was, predictably, horrified and I LOVED that.

After that diamond scene, though... The rest of the chapter put the pedal to the metal, so to speak. The deliberate pacing from before is chucked right out the window. The story lights a cigarette and tells us to hang on to something because there are no seatbelts in this car. Distantly, we hear the sound of sirens.

That metaphor got away from me.

So, yeah... The pacing isn’t great. This chapter should have been the first three chapters of ACOR book 2. We see glimpses of character development, but despite competent writing it’s simply too little to feel satisfying. Because of the breakneck speed of the plot now, we are given three potentially fascinating brand new characters. Up to this point, Caesar and Cleopatra have been exclusively used for foreshadowing purposes, and this is the first time we really get to see them interact with the plot in any meaningful way, so I’m filing them under “New and Shiny”. And Brutus! The guy who historically teams up with Cassius to stab Caesar! He’s finally here! ... Aaaand there he goes after about five lines of dialogue across two scenes. Caesar and Cleopatra get a little more attention, but it feels... superficial? You get a sense of what they’re like, but a lot of their dialogue felt like “WE ARE SAYING THIS SO THAT YOU, THE READER, KNOW THIS IMPORTANT THING ABOUT US AND/OR THE STORY.” There was a moment or two when Caesar would say something about his motives and his vision for Rome (Good, things! Juicy things!) and I’d just think “UGH I want to talk about THAT more!” But you can’t. But you can bang them. So there’s that. Bottom line: I hope we get more meaningful interactions with them next week and a chance to really explore the characters. I want to be fascinated by them the way they deserve.

Luckily, the returning cast is mostly consistent. Syphax, Sabina, Antony... Seeing them again just as I remembered them felt like seeing old friends again. There were two individuals, however, whose returns were woefully inadequate.

I’m looking at you, Cassius and Delphinia.

I don’t want you to think that I hate Cassius and Delphinia. Because I don’t. They are two of my favorite characters in the story. I know. I like Cassius. I’m controversial. Moving on.

Delphinia’s problem stems from a lot of the same issues and Caesar, Cleopatra and Brutus. There simply was not enough time for her. Which is damn tragic. Her arc is one I’ve been following with great interest. She literally talks to a goddess and has leveraged that ability to rise out of slavery and start her own cult. She is a certified, grade A, total badass. Also, she’s MC’s mom. That reunion needed to be five hundred times more emotional. I understand why it wasn’t, they needed to cram as much information into this chapter as possible, but it still felt rushed and unsatisfying, and does not do justice to the journey we’ve been following so far.

And Cassius. Hoo, boy. This really stuck in my craw.

I feel like his whole arc has been leading to that moment where he looks at MC and says something along the lines of “Caesar must die”. I have been waiting for that moment since chapter freakin’ one when they introduced him as a gentle, somewhat naive idealist who believed in the power of law and rhetoric over brute force. Whatever your opinion of him, his journey was carried out magnificently from a writing standpoint. His faith in the establishment he dedicated his life to is shaken, leading him into doubt and paranoia. We see the writing on the wall, we know the end of the road leads him to orchestrating the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar, but it seems so unlikely because he’s so NICE. The classic story of a good man falling into darkness. Juicy character development. I love this stuff.

So I felt super let down when they made that HUGE revelation into a throwaway moment that gets lost in the shuffle of the chapter. That was an important moment for an important character. This moment had no right to fall flat like that. This moment deserved better.

And while we’re on the topic of plots to assassinate Caesar...

What the actual $%&# is UP with MC going off half cocked with her poison? I’m having flashbacks to Chapter FIVE, where I seem to recall we did this exact same song and dance with TERRIBLE results. What happened to all the awesome development that took place in her struggle with Aquila??? This isn’t poetic or things coming full circle. It’s just a plan that SUCKS. And... and... CASSIUS is literally RIGHT THERE feeling MURDEROUS (as we’ve established, grr.) and MC can’t be bothered to... I dunno... plot WITH him??

Oh and we finally found out what happened to Cingerix. I really hope he gets more than ten seconds to explain himself next week. Like everything else, he was kind of treated as an afterthought.

Still reading? Wow. I’m impressed! Thanks for indulging me in my wacky word vomit! 😁

TL;DR Some good, some not so good. I’m happy ACOR is back, but this chapter should have been spaced out better to give all the important stuff in it the attention it deserved.

#ACOR #acor spoilers #a courtesan of rome #marc antony #syphax #sabina #cassius #delphinia #maloneyberry rants about acor

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otome-obsessed-bunny-reviews · 6 years ago

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Be My Princess Edward Review

Hey guys! This is my first time actually writing and sharing my opinions on an otome route that I’ve played. In the past, I have discussed with my friends whether to pass or purchase a route, but I’ve never done a full on review. I hope you like it. I will also have my ask box open on this blog, so if anyone wants to ask questions about a route I’ve played or request I cover a specific route next you can there.

I decided what’s a better way to start off this blog than with reviewing the first otome route I ever played! In 2013 I discovered and played Edward’s route in Be My Princess and that started me off on my otome journey. Firstly, I’m going to start off with a basic summary of Edward’s route (with no spoilers) and then get into my grading process and review. OK, on to the review.

Route Summary: The MC in “Be My Princess” is a college student who is studying abroad in the Charles Kingdom. In the prolog, after being splashed with mud by Prince Keith's car on her way home from class, Prince Edward offers to take the MC to the famous ball that is being held that night at Nobel Michel’s palace as an apology for his friend covering her clothes in mud and driving off. There is no question that Edward is smitten with the MC since their first meeting. The prolog ends with the MC being tapped on the shoulder, where whoever’s route you chose will ask you to dance (unless it’s Yakov or Zain). Edward asks the MC to dance and the two hit it off really well.

During the following days after the party at Nobel Michel, the MC wins tickets to the opera. At the opera, the MC runs into Prince Edward after the Show. When the paparazzi shows up Edward and the MC escape out the back of the opera house to avoid any tabloid scandals. Once they escape Edward and the MC eat macarons and wait for Edward’s butler Louis to pick him up. Before he leaves, Edward gives the MC his Scarf to keep her warm. A few days later the MC goes to the castle to return it to Prince Edward. When she goes to the palace to return it, Prince Edward shows her his rose garden and the two talk for a long time while having tea.

While having tea with Prince Edward the MC accidentally leaves behind her bookmark prompting Prince Edward to show up to her apartment to return it. He then asks the MC to borrow the book that she was reading because he wants to read it. The book was one in a long series so Prince Edward and the MC decide to use a system where Edward will borrow one book at a time in hopes that they can see each other again.

While Prince Edward and the MC grow closer, the Royal Assembly does not think that it’s fitting for Edward to be with a commoner. They pressure him to not see the MC anymore because she would never be seen as a suitable match for Prince Edward because she is not of noble background. From there, the MC and Prince Edward need to make decisions about what to do about their feelings for each other. Love vs. Obligation.

Overall Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 92/100 (A)

Plot: The plot of Edward’s story is one of the sweetest and most romantic I have ever played in an otome game. As a person who loves to read, the plotline with the books was something that I personally love and could see happening. The love at first sight and them finding any excuse to see each other again really tugged my heartstrings. However, there is a major arc in Edward’s story where he does something that I cannot see him actually doing. Edward is definitely a hopeless romantic, however, another one of his main traits is that he is responsible and level headed. To avoid spoilers all I will say is that what Edward did was super risky and I feel like it was mostly done to show off how romantic he can be. All in all the plot though was amazing and I would give it a solid 26/30, and it’s only that low because of my belief that the story did not fit Edwards character in that single arc.

Characters and Interactions: Edward is the textbook definition of a perfect prince charming. He is gentlemanly, loving, caring, sweet, generous, romantic, and is just overall princely. Edward is always the voice of reason and keeps his calm demeanor in almost every situation, especially when interacting with the princess from other countries or in other political situations. He does have one major flaw (if you can call it that) and that is that he is a hopeless romantic. Edward knows that he loves the MC from the second he meets her, and loves to spoil the MC and to regularly make sweet romantic gestures. He definitely falls head over heels and is not afraid to express his feelings. Once Edward falls he falls hard and will do anything for true love. Edward’s personality is exactly what you expect from a game called “Be My Princess,” and he can make any girl feel like they are in fact a princess. I give Edward a 20/20 for his amazing personality and romantic nature.

World Building: Be my Princess has always been amazing at going into the laws and regulations of each individual country, establishing where each country thrives, as well as the different culture and attitudes of all the countries. Edward’s route is definitely no exception. Edward is the prince of the Charles Kingdom and his interactions with the Royal Assembly make the way the country functions seem much more realistic. You also get to see how the Charles Kingdom loves art and music and how it affects their culture. While playing his route you really feel as though you are in the Charles Kingdom. Hence I give this a 14/15.

Satisfaction: I loved Edward’s Route and left feeling super satisfied. By the end, the whole story tied together nicely. The Happy Ending was super sweet and reminded me why I loved Edward so much in the first place. The whole story reminded me of a romance novel (which it kind of is), the story was great and the love at first sight aspect was amazing. I give Edward’s route a 19/20 for an amazing ending that left me amazingly satisfied.

Replayability: Edward’s route is a classic. I have definitely played his route more than once because I love him so much. Edward’s route is definitely not one that I would come back to all the time, but I do go back to it every time I want to read something romantic and sweet. There are definitely no routes like Edward’s route, at least not that could compare to his. The route that I think is most similar to Edward’s route is Lute’s route from “A Knight’s Devotion,” however, Lute’s route does not compare to Edward’s route in the slightest. Because of Edward’s romantic personality and unique storyline, I give his rote a 13/15 for replayability.

Overall Thoughts: Edward’s route is one of my favorite routes ever, and that is not just nostalgia talking. You can trust me on that I have replayed some routes I loved a LOOOONG time ago and have been like “why did I like this.” Edward’s route is truly unique and I would recommend it to anyone who is either a long time player or is just starting out playing otome. The characters are amazing, the world and story are phenomenal, and the characters are extraordinary.

#be my princess #bmp #voltage inc #bmp edward #be my princess edward #otome #otome game #otome review

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lizzybeth1986 · 6 years ago

Note

Sorry for this XD, but 1, 4, 9, 11, 26 and 27 for the salty ask? If it's not too much, of course

Don't say sorry! 😁 Thanks for the ask Nonny and apologies for the delay.

I must caution you, the post is going to be long and and there's too much salt in my responses for even me to handle.

1. OTP in fandom that you just do not get.

IDK I most don't give much of a thought to OTPs that I don't get. Like that is the nature of any fandom, that you can see potential for ships even without a say-so from canon.

What I really don't get is the absurd double standards that I see sometimes - how some fans will pull down other LIs/characters to make a favourite look good, how some LIs will be nitpicked to high hell while others can say the grossest things and not be judged. How one character can be judged for the same thing we will admire in another (I'll get to this later).

It's weird, considering the app literally allows you to choose who you will fall for (unless you're wlw or like a character that's a person of colour in a majority-white cast, in which case they will dangle scraps in front of you once every ten chapters, I suppose). You don't need to trash one LI to justify your choice of another. They're there. Stop tearing down an LI while deliberately tagging the character's tag and ship tags for your notes. Go generate (and promote) content for your own ships and characters instead.

4. A personal NOTP? Are they considered an OTP in the fandom?

Hana x Madeleine. Fortunately, lots of people had plenty of problems with this pair and the way it was written in Book 3. The narrative was subtly pushing that ship over the course of Book 3, but the backlash was strong enough that they got Madeleine to issue an apology for her bullying in the epilogue instead (I doubt they even remember the chocolate allergy scene, given that the MC acts like this information is brand new).

It still left a bad taste in my mouth, because it showed me how little the writers cared for Hana as a character, but at least the fandom made sure it didn't become a ship.

9. Most Disliked Character(s):

Hoo boy. I have a freaking list. Besides the really really obvious ones:

• Drake Walker: has way more privilege than he knows what to do with. Narrative acts like he is the Voice of the Commoner...well. I feel sorry for the commoners that don't get to practically live in court without having to change their attire or yap all day about steak, burgers and whiskey. And whose sisters don't have friends that will fleece their entire ancestral house's already-plummeting finances to keep her house running while her brother trash-talks the same friend in Book 1.

• Damien Nazario: is a hypocrite. That is all.

• Constantine: Almost every apology of his has to come punctuated with an excuse. Even if it involves orchestrating sexual assault.

• Madeleine (TRR) and Mallory (RoE): The demonic duo of People PB Wants So Desperately For Me To Forgive™. Without them even having to earn that forgiveness, too (Nana deserves to be on this list too, except the question of forgiveness doesn't even arise when it comes to her. She is worshipped in this series!). I see a small step towards change in D&D Book 2 with Lady Grandmother, but only time will tell if they will actually execute the "will never forgive you" route properly.

• Penelope: is so, so fucking entitled I just can't. I understood how her condition, and manipulation from people like Constantine and Bastien, got her to the point where she would be ready to harm someone. But I can't for the life of me understand how she can forget this so easily after the tea party.

I was hoping for a redemption arc where Penelope recognizes what she's done and unconditionally tries to make amends in Book 3, but that never happened. There was not a single reference in Book 3 to the harm she did you in Book 1. We had to do an immense amount of coddling to convince her to come for the wedding, and there were consequences if you didn't call her your "best friend" or support her demands. The narrative has Drake Walker...Drake "Ambassadors Go To Dangerous Areas, Lady Kiara (So Get Over It)" Freaking Walker...reassure Penelope in a way that Kiara never gets from anyone in the group, and she suffered a knife attack. Ezekiel is literally created out of thin air as a reward for her.

Why does she need a reward again? Who knows.

• Ajay: Didn't apologize.

11. Unpopular Character that You Like that Fandom Doesn't.

(This is going to be loooong. I'm not sorry. This rant has been really, really building up. It's like a dam).

Kiara. It's popular to sorta kinda like her now, but back when she started showing feelings for Drake she got a lot of hate...hate that I feel bled into the treatment she got in the third book.

It took me a while to warm up to Kiara, but I think what did it for me was her friendship with Penelope. She was protective and supportive, even though she lacked an understanding of what Penelope was going through. I was even more pleasantly surprised when she spoke about her bond with Savannah. There was a warmth and a sweetness about Kiara in Book 2 that we didn't see much of in Book 1 and she slowly won me over. When they spoke about her injuries in Book 3, I was looking forward to seeing that story explored.

I will always maintain that Kiara in Book 3 is what happens when both the writing team and the louder, more vocal portion of the fandom are heartless towards a particular character. Heartless is a heavy word, and a word I don't want to be using willy-nilly, but I've seen enough to come to that conclusion in this case.

Kiara was often called an opportunist and a host of other names in the fandom for not supporting the MC through the scandal. Except that we all forget she never promised anything beyond supporting your claim to being picked as future Queen. She tells you straight off the bat in Book 1 that she is looking for allies and not friends (guess who is often admired for that mindset? Madeleine...well, until she harms Hana for flimsy reasons). Meanwhile we have Penelope being all adorable and happy and congratulating you knowing that you're going to be slut-shamed, humiliated and dragged out of court for a scandal she helped generate. Kiara on the other hand was honest. She wanted a job in the ministry and a bomb married life while she was at it. I'd rather have an ambitious (but won't abuse her power like Madeleine does) Kiara in my corner than a person who lies to my face about supporting me, does little more to help than just tell me who her boss was, then expects me to call her my best friend later.

Kiara had to only look at and flirt with Drake for people to hate on her. Meanwhile Olivia could spring an unwanted kiss on Liam in public, and the fandom would still be blaming Liam for not loving her back. In regular fandom content Kiara was mocked and sometimes suspected of having an illicit affair with Drake, in fanfic that featured her she was often either villainized, or written as the "other woman". Which is okay - fanfic is your own personal sandbox, after all - but it does highlight a pattern.

In canon...Kiara was made a survivor of a terrorist attack and nobody cared. Not the MC, not the country's king, not her closest friends, not the man who got injured at the same ball. It was bad enough that her parents were considering leaving the goddamn country (they should have). She was ignored in her own estate. The MC speaks to her not with sympathy and reassurances, but instead reminds her of her 'duty' and pressurizes her. (@callmetippytumbles illustrates this amazingly in her ask here, having Liam say "have a apple and buck up for Cordonia". No lie there. No lie there at all). All the 'sympathy' goes to a brother who has absolutely nothing to do with court.

She was suspected and interrogated at Lythikos. The MC has the option to be dismissive and to minimize - by labelling her "not as driven" - as Kiara literally pours her heart out about her trauma. Sample this:

(Ngl folks. Reading this was really, really triggering for me. I know exactly what it feels like to have my trauma dismissed like this. It doesn't feel great. Fuck you MC. Fuck you Drake. Fuck you TRR writers)

There are no consequences for doing this to her, btw. She still returns and she still fights at the boutique and she'll still speak very positively about you to her mother. I imagine if Joelle found out the truth of how the group really treated her daughter, she'd verbally destroy them and never support the kingdom again. And she'd be right not to.

On its own that scenario looks bad enough already, but when you hold it up next to how we treat the other ladies? Pure, stinking trash:

Madeleine: A diamond scene to console and encourage her, and all the right options are meant to support her to her parents. If you don't succeed in making her parents understand what she wants, you lose out on their support. There are consequences.

Penelope: A diamond scene to comfort and reassure her that they will not be like Madeleine. Immense coddling from the group. If you don't call her your best friend or altogether be nice and supportive to her, that negatively impacts the way Landon responds to you. AND I have heard that if her parents don't believe Penelope is safe with you, she doesn't even join the tour. There are consequences.

Kiara: No diamond scenes to even figure out how she is or what she thinks. A one-minute scene to convince (emotionally blackmail, actually) her to "do your duty", which will happen no matter which option, then a diamond option for her brother...who exists only because they want to give Penelope a reward for something I still cannot fathom. Her brother's response depends on his own issues and the presence of Penelope, and Hakim and Joelle's depend on what you do at the Festival. Kiara's situation of being an attack victim should have warranted the kind of coddling Penelope felt entitled to, yet when it comes right down to it her plight matters to literally no one.

In Lythikos no special diamond scenes for her either, just an interrogation. While we can choose to view Kiara as innocent in Chapter 11, her leaving is branded "suspicious" by both Drake and the MC by default the next chapter, and Maxwell literally says (disappointment writ large on his face) "jeez, that's one suspect off our list" after we're done. We go to her pretending to be her well-wishers, but in reality we're interrogating a traumatized woman, and not even ashamed when she trusts our untrustworthy asses with her secret.

You get the option to forget what happened to her (for which she rightfully slams you). You get the option to be a trauma-minimizing pile of steaming fecal matter (for which she doesn't slam you, even though she should). No matter what, Drake is your puppet and will agree with you, and you get away with all this. Drake stands there and minimizes her experiences with you, and shows zero remorse for putting an attack victim in that situation.

Like, it's actually quite shameful the more you think about it. Kiara was interrogated. After two traumatic experiences that at the very least should have her questioning whether we are worth her support at all. In a scenario that any fool would realise was at least scary to her if not altogether traumatizing. Madeleine and Penelope feel entitled to good treatment, Kiara has to make do with the crumbs we throw at her. She is never given a chance to speak of this as problematic, and the group never gets truly called out on their bullshit.

Even if you do pick the absolute nicest options...the fact remains that the MC, Duchess of Valtoria (and possible future Queen) and her group of influential friends, ignored the concerns a person who was badly injured at their event, pressurized her into showing support for them, didn't do jackshit to ensure her safety, suspected and questioned her when she rightfully withdrew public support, and dishonestly interrogated this traumatized woman, while still keeping the expectation that she support them. All without earning a shred of that support. They felt zero remorse, every last one of them, for putting her in that position.

Kiara not getting much attention isn't exactly a surprise. She has always been given the least focus among the ladies of the court and Book 3 wouldn't have been an exception...if they hadn't made her a victim of a terrorist attack!! Once they placed Kiara in that position, she deserved to have her concerns addressed, and addressed properly. What happened to her was a highlight of the failure of the security system at the palace and Royal Court, and to have that ignored while we had all the time in the world to address Madeleine's parents' petty family squabbles was disgusting. That there are absolutely no consequences for doing this to Kiara, while there are for not attending to Penelope or Madeleine's concerns, and it all ends with Kiara praising us to her mother, is disgusting. That the writers were more busy trying to backtrack on Driara and make the ship impossible to happen in canon, than on focusing on Kiara's own story in her own estate, is disgusting. And I cannot ignore that the latter decision sprung in a large part from the hate the fandom was spewing on Kiara for most of Book 2. The writers wouldn't have dared to do such a thing to Penelope, and it was clearly because there would be a backlash. They knew they could get away with insensitive writing for Kiara easier than they would with Penelope - and they did.

The other thing is this. Back in Books 2 and 3, loads of people in the fandom used to aggressively ship Liam and Olivia (to the point where he would be blamed for not returning her affections). Loads of people would also find excuses to hate on Kiara once she began to show she liked Drake. Nowadays, it's popular to state that "Olivia deserves better" (I'd be inclined to agree if it weren't for the way that argument is often framed. She deserves a man who loves her completely) - again, in a way that blames Liam for not returning her affections.

Yet, when people speak of Kiara's feelings being one-sided? Little to no blame for Drake there, even though he was rude or dismissive to her more than once (for me, personally, Lythikos was the last straw). Hardly a handful would say "Kiara deserves better than Drake". I can bet if Liam treated Olivia even half as poorly as Drake behaved with Kiara, we'd be bashing that man to the high heavens. I guess it's because it's Kiara who is the recipient of this kind of treatment that it matters to so few. I shouldn't be surprised.

26. Most shippable character?

Hayden xD Mostly because they're so much fun to customize, yet there's a very strong inner core there that does not change and that grounds the character.

27. Least shippable character?

I don't know. Nana?

#salty asks #ask me #trr kiara #anti drake walker #anti damien nazario #anti trr #anti the royal romance #anti trr penelope #anti trr madeleine #long post

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