#i think it this they did better-ish but shes still not the jade i know

[tunas-spriting]

well most importantly to me, the panel art of the latest upd8 was absolutely spectacular!!!!

[sapphire-weapon]

Krauser: I told you again and again: you’re too soft to do what’s necessary! (5 minutes later) Krauser: I’m not surprised you made it this far. After all, I know your potential better than anyone. (5 more minutes later) Leon: /looks Krauser in the eye before driving his own knife into his heart Krauser: I trained you well, Leon. Me, slowly shoving a bagel in my mouth, having watched this scene at least five times now: Me: Me: Me, around a mouthful of bagel: how the fuck did I not see this when I was writing up that “Leon has definitely changed since Raccoon City” post holy shit I’m so fucking stupid /loads up tumblr

So, the thing about Krauser as a character is that he’s an honest villain. He never lies, because he doesn’t have to. That’s not the point of his character. And, so -- yeah. During Leon’s training, Krauser did probably tell him again and again that he was too soft.

And every time he said it, he was right. Not only did RE2 Leon never kill an actual human, he never even tried to -- not even during times in which he rightfully should have. RE2 Leon (especially RE2make Leon) was soft-hearted, gullible, and naive. I could never see RE2 Leon stabbing a person in the heart -- especially someone who used to be a friend(ish).

And that shit is how you get killed in an actual combat situation. Leon is actually incredibly lucky that Ada decided to use him instead of just hauling off and shooting him -- because, even if he’d tried to put up a fight, he wouldn’t have won, because she wouldn’t have even thought twice about pulling the trigger; he would have. And that half-second of hesitation is how you die.

Krauser’s a seasoned soldier, and he knows this. That’s why the first thing that he taught Leon (apparently) was “go with your gut; don’t think.” Leon is incredibly physically capable; he wouldn’t have been able to survive Raccoon City if he wasn’t. Teaching him the actual combat maneuvers was probably the easy part. But I’m willing to bet that training him mentally and trying to turn his mindset into that of a soldier’s was a never-ending source of frustration.

In fact, I kinda feel sorry for Krauser lmao I can’t imagine how infuriating it was for him to look at Leon -- this guy who’s so incredibly capable and naturally good at every action he’s taught -- and know that he’d never be able to put any of the shit that Krauser was teaching him into practice because he’s too much of a fucking dipshit to survive on the battlefield. (I’m reminded of my observation that it looks like Leon’s nose had been broken at some point between RE2make and RE4make, and I would not at all be shocked to learn that Krauser had done it during training, and he had every single fucking right in the world to do it. He was correct in doing it lmao)

But I think what’s lost on both Ada and Krauser (both of whom tell Leon that he hasn’t changed -- at least, until Krauser accepts that change in the final seconds of his life) is that a person can change without losing sight of who they are at the core. When Krauser says to Leon “You haven’t changed a damn bit. What a disappointment.” he says it because, even after Krauser fatally wounded Luis right in front of Leon’s eyes, Leon still tried to talk reason into him instead of treating the situation like the actual battlefield that it was (”Major! You’re not thinking straight!”) and going for the kill right then and there.

In his heart, Leon will never be able to fully stop caring about people. He might become tired and cynical and jaded, but he’ll always want to try to save as many people as he can. That’s the part of him that has not changed and will never change -- and that’s what both Krauser and Ada are referring to. But what they don’t see is the change in what Leon’s willing to do about it.

I’ve talked to a lot of different people about this game, and every single person I talk to all say that they really thought that Leon wasn’t actually going to kill Krauser -- that he’d pull a “no, I’m not like you” and refuse to go through with it. Myself included. But then not only did Leon do it, he did it with his whole fucking heart. Two-handed. He meant it.

And that’s when he finally “graduates” in Krauser’s eyes -- because, chances are, Krauser probably didn’t think Leon was actually going to do it, either. But Leon didn’t just kill Krauser in that moment -- he also killed off that part of his RE2 self that was too afraid to do what needed to be done in order to protect the people he wanted to save.

I mean, after all, RE2 is the reason why we thought he wasn’t going to do it. In RE4, he’s not yet in his “downward spiral of recurring trauma and alcoholism” phase of his character. And RE2 Leon would have never, ever done something like this.

But that’s also why RE2 Leon wasn’t able to save anyone.

But “this time, it has to be different.” And that meant that Leon himself had to be different. Don’t get me wrong; Leon is still Leon, and no one can ever take that from him -- not even the US federal government, no matter how hard they might try -- but he has changed. He’s no longer “too soft to do what’s necessary.”

Now, how he might feel about that change in himself... that’s for another post entirely.

[hotmonkeelove]

My Top Ten Anime OTPs

(plus a bonus OT3!)

Orochimaru x Anko - Naruto

My one ship to rule them all! As far as I'm concerned, they have reconciled and are now an official couple in the Boruto timeline.

Juri x Shiori x Ruka - Revolutionary Girl Utena

They live as a tender, loving, polyamorous triad, rent free inside my head. It has been decided. I have spoken!

Saionji x Wakaba - Revolutionary Girl Utena

Saionji is Wakaba's true prince. She loved him despite his flaws. Why wouldn't she give him another chance after the Revolution, when he's matured into a kinder, calmer person? What, should she end up with that nice guy, Tatsuya, who also hurt her and for whom she feels no passion?

Mitsuki x Chocho - Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

They're the only reason I watched Boruto! Give me more MitsuCho!

Zabuza x Haku - Naruto

I think Haku was always secretly in love with Zabuza, whereas Zabuza forced himself not to care about anything apart from fighting and his own ambition. Even reanimated, he didn't want Haku to know he cared about him. So tragic! I want to see them reincarnated into better circumstances, where they can be together, in peace. That's why I like to imagine Iwabe and Denki are their present incarnations.

L x Misa - Death Note

This one's weird. I used to hate L's guts, yet I found him hot in a messed up/ prison fantasy sort of way. Then a few months back, I read some L x Misa fics and started to prefer him to Light. Maybe it's just AU versions of L? I still think he was pretty much as bad as Light, but at least, like Misa, he had a tragic background that drove him. Light was just an ego-maniac. And of course, I've always adored Misa!

Sebastian x Mey-Rin - Kuroshitsuji / Black Butler

My most recent otp. I had some knowledge of the series and thought Sebastian was hot. But oh, when I sat down to watch the first episode, it was nearly instantaneous! The klutzy, nervous, redheaded maid who pines for him... I want these two to get together! I need it!

Zagato x Princess Emeraude - Magic Kinght Rayearth

My second anime otp ever, from back in the 90s. Along with ZabuHaku, this one still makes me cry. It's so, so sad! And Zagato is still one of the sexiest characters in anime!

Gaara x Matsuri - Naruto

I don't know why this ship gets so much hate. (I've gathered a lot of it is from fangirls with Sue-ish OCs. Being someone who resembles and identifies strongly with Gaara, I feel no personal attraction to him. Maybe I think Matsuri is cute and sweet?) I thought they were so adorable together in the Four Celestials filler arc and have shipped them since.

Neji x Tenten - Naruto

I'm still jaded by Neji's death. So much lost potential! And it's cruel that Tenten did get to be like Tsunade, but in the worst way; they both lost their men to a war while fighting beside them.

Sailor Uranus x Sailor Neptune - Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon

My very first anime ship! Haruka and Michiru are still the yardstick by which all OTPs should be measured.

[davekat-sucks]

Read your rewrite of homestuck and I loved it. I love that it is still true to what Act 6 was but greatly improved. John really did have the ability to get rings for all the characters or I don't know a dead/ doomed godteir feferi could probably have raised the dead. It's stupid to introduce that plot point of her saving someone only for the mayor, who was a mascot character that was never that interesting. The sprites in act 6 were pointless to the point of being stupid. Davesprite and Jadesprite were good but only because this was a plot device used on the main four kids. Rose, Dave, John and Jade deserved special treatment.

Only thing I would change from your rewrite is that the dancestors are still kinda a thing ish. Here's my idea, Aranea is still a ghost. The rest were all destroyed by Lord English or were lost to time. Who cares which. Hell, Maybe the dancestors just had their soul's crushed recently at the amusement of Damara and Aranea is the only one to escape.

When Aranea shows up in the story she talks to Rose alone. Maybe around the time Rose decides to start on her 12 step journey to sobriety. Aranea gives a short explanation of how she survived and then a recap of her friends' story in the same way that Scratch originally talked about ancestors. Quicker, to the point. Everything we got out of the dancestor's life stories, interests, relationships could have been said in one paragraph at most.

Aranea could still have an interest in Jake for his power, but she needed a better more clear motivation. I think Jake needed to work with her of his own free will but he isn't good enough for her liking and then she starts to manipulate him and brainwash him out of desperation. Maybe she is a victory at all cost kind of character? Maybe the years of isolation in space took a toll on her mind? She was by far the worst antagonist and shouldn't have been treated as one, just like she's a threat. Dirk should have actually used his power at some point to destroy a soul, heres a great opportunity to do just that. He could have actually killed her, and not as a manifestation of Jake's imagination, as himself. I still think Meenah is a fun character but she derails the story and her romance with Vriska was a joke when it happened and their breakup was the only payoff. Damara would be an interesting character to fit into the story but she would still just be another servant to Lord English and the empress was enough to fit that bill.

Maybe the dancestors could have still be a thing but as a side comic, not a part of the actual story. I recall a lot of fans enjoying them even though I did not. I feel the same way I do about them as I do all the new trolls in the new media homestuck has. Horuss is cute though.

I think Wayward Vagabond is interesting as a character, since he was the one to lead the revolution to go against his own Black Kingdom. But sadly after his revival, the writers don't write him as an individual and treats him like pet. It shows more with how Dave and Karkat treat him too. They don't see him as a person person. They see him as an object. And the worst part is that they desecrate his grave by keeping Kingdoms despite they had played with him for Can Town to being democratic. Did Karkat and Dave play along as a means to playcate his delusional fantasy? Was it in a mocking way because they will take over Earth C as Kingdoms later on in the future? Either way, they had fun with their toy and were ready to discard his dreams for their own. The only sprite that wasn't useless is ARquiusprite, but only because he is technically an extension of being parts of Lord English. So plot favors him more compared to the other sprites. As well as a joke that even if Equius is fused with AR/Lil HAL, the focus is more on the AI than the troll because the AI overshadows his personality for the most part and Equius being a Void player, his existence is barely there. The only Void player to have acknowledgement from the narrative is Roxy Lalonde. That could work, but confused on parts like how did Aradia became a ghost again if we see that she's become God Tier upon Derse being destroyed? Sure God Tier beings as ghosts is not uncommon as we see in the Dream Bubbles, but how would it get Aradia motivated to speak with the others when she is adamant on staying alive? Not only that, but I still feel miffed about her being the keeper and watcher of Dream Bubbles, when it was technically Feferi Peixies who made it happen. She was nice to her lusus, who was part of the horrorterrors, and it was her kindness that granted her wish to create an afterlife purgatory for her friends. Aradia taking it away because fan favoritism feels wrong. Worse is Meenah Peixies being created as a means to apologize to Feferi fans too. But would have really liked that actual real life Dirk destroys Aranea's soul. Let's kill da hoe! 8iiiiiiiitch! I also wouldn't mind if Dancestors' story is a separate story. Have it really called Openbound.

[kopathefox]

Wisdom|animation meme|ft. Pokemon Violent & sucker/my Pokemon SV au

Characters are:

Kopa (my furry trainersona, he’s still a fox despite me changing Mifkada’s Kopa into a Novabeast)

Suguri (that Zorua who looks different, that’s because he’s a past paradox Zorua)

Linya (the Zoroark shown with 5 other Zoruas)

Zorri, Zorro, Lyka, Rur & moti (the 5 Zoruas shown with Linya)

Rika (as a badger)

Adaman (the Vizla with the glasses, he’s actually a human but im a furry artist so, yeah)

Taxes & Shmoolik (the 2 adult Vizlas who are also humans)

Zorrius (the alpha Zoroark with the scars who was first shown leading Kopa to their territory)

Zara (the biggest Zoroark who has the most scars, she’s Zorrius’s mate)

Lyra (the Zoroark with purple eyes who was first shown with Zara)

Prince (the Zorua with scarlet eyes who was first shown with Zara & Lyra)

Nemona (as a black fox with green spot on the eye)

Penny (as a blue caracal)

Arven (as a blonde cat)

Miraidon (the robotic lizard pokemon)

Zacian (the blue wolf pokemon)

Explain time:

This is more on Kopa’s backstory, after the incident with Loki, he was sent to Paldea, he lived in nature there for a full year (means when he was 11 until 12), he lived in a pack of wild Zoruas & Zoroarks (that purple-black-ish Wolf-fox-things pokemon), there he was accepted by everyone and was a great help for them to survive more easily (due to his Paw legends power and his strong legendary pokemon he was a great help in defense and hunting), Suguri, was a paradox Zorua who ran away from area zero (that’s still in development) was part of the pack for like 2 years (means much before Kopa), he was bullied by some of the Zoruas due to being different (since i heard bullying does also exists in nature, Jade bully Philly a lot), he had no friends until Kopa came, they became best friends ever, Zorrius was a kind & smart leader who accepted them and gave them a lot of rights despite both of them being an outsiders, Zara was also accepting them, Lyra, the daughter of Zorrius & Zara, is also Kopa’s mate, Kopa had sex out of instinct (cuz you know, sex is an instinct in nature), she did too, they both had 6 puppies in total, Linya being the oldest, the 4 others being middle children and Zorri being the youngest, Prince, the son of Zara & Zorrius, was a good friend with Kopa, Suguri, Zorri and Lyka (the 3 others stayed with Linya cuz they were clingy), one time, Rika walked in the forest due to reports of a furry (thats how animals trainers were referred, they didn’t knew whats an animal) living in nature (which was illegal) and then she found Kopa and took him away, making Kopa and Suguri separate (but he did had his pokemon and the Zoruas siblings & Linya) and then Taxes and Shmoolik adopted him (they thought it might be easy to raise him since furries are different than humans, but he was actually hard for them), he hated Taxes & Shmoolik due to them neglecting him (i think having a favourite child is neglecting the non-favourite child), he hated Adaman for being the favourite and being treated better, he held a strong grudge against Rika & Geeta (due to them taking them away), he hated literally everyone in paldea (except for team star, he was a fan of them but didn’t join, and when the adventures of the story begins, you know, the main story, teal mask, indigo disk, mochi mayhem, he began loving Arven as a friend, being a natural friend with penny and Nemona and actively talking shit about Paldean people with the team star bosses)

[lonelier-version-of-you]

Well, that was certainly 50-ish minutes. It was all just rather awful, wasn't it? I'm going to say it now, I can think of very few things to compliment about Casualty at the moment.

Of course, it centred mostly on storylines I either outright hate (e.g. anything to do with Faith) or just think haven't been handled well (e.g. the Teddy/Paige engagement). So it's likely I'd think that. Also, I would've appreciated a CW before the ep. Normally there would be one for one like this, wouldn't there?

Thank goodness for Jacob, who kept an almost unwatchable ep for me afloat. Was his character used well? Not particularly. But I'm glad he was in it at all.

I am tired, though, of Jacob only seeming to be there to comfort or reassure Iain half the time. Can't he have any storylines/scenes that centre on him for once? Can't the show care about his trauma too? It doesn't feel like it. I already ranted about that yesterday so I won't go on about it for that long again, but I'm very bitter about how Jacob's storyline seems to have been forgotten.

The random song use was terribly done and I hated it. I don't necessarily mind songtages. There were plenty of good ones on Holby. There have even been decent ones on Casualty. But this was just terrible. At least "Teardrop" is a good song, if it had been one I hated I don't know what I'd do lol. It did bring me thoughts of summer 2020 Holby, though. Summer 2020 Holby was good, I will forever keep saying that. It was certainly much better than this.

I still just feel very sorry for Natalia, and even for Iain. Faith is just horrible and I'm tired of her making everything about herself. I've been in situations emotionally similar to Natalia's before, so I understand a lot of where she's coming from and feel so sorry for her. Obviously Iain was doing the right thing by not letting her kiss him, but I do get why she must be feeling so alone and upset after that.

Casualty, what happened to the days when you were good at handling disability? Given how the Harry storyline has been handled - IMO, terribly - I'm not at all optimistic that the show will handle anything about Rida's autistic cousin well either. Which makes me sad, because when Rida first mentioned having a disabled relative I was so interested about what the storyline would be and now I'm just like "oh, it'll be handled awfully, won't it".

I miss Jade. I remember her brilliantly done centric ep.

If the Teddy and Paige breakup lasts, I'm glad. There were interesting things that could have been done with this relationship but I don't think the show has done basically any of them. The engagement was almost entirely pointless. I hope both characters get better storylines now.

Max is definitely never going to get any sort of well-done resolution to his storyline or to his ambiguous backstory, is he? His and Jodie's storyline has seemed basically irrelevant recently and surely it can't be more than a few weeks now before his exit. Sigh.

So, needless to say, I'm not very impressed this week. I can only hope next week will be better, and centre characters and storylines I like instead. And while we're at it, can Ngozi please get a storyline?

[swiftletinthecloud]

Alchemy of Souls: Episodes 13-14

Picking up where we left off last week with Uk x Naksu/Mu Deok hug 🥺😍 The way that it’s a hug with Uk just completely wrapping himself around Naksu/Mu Deok to comfort her when she needed it ❤️

The way that Uk uses what he found out about the yin-yang jade to call on Go Won to be his savior 😆

Uk stepping in front of Naksu/Mu Deok to block her from Jin Mu’s view 😍

Jin Mu and the fake Queen not underestimating Uk but still underestimating him. Lol. although we’re going down a tricky path here with them trying to figure out why Uk changed and for whom so they can potentially use that person against him

Crown Prince Go Won not being an idiot and starting to suspect Jin Mu bc he noticed that “intruder” Uk had no sword but “innocent” Jin Mu did!

Uk taking Naksu/Mu Deok’s statement that she can not bear it if he dies as a reply to his love confession and more meaningful than her “I missed you”! Side note tho - him realizing this but then starts to have doubts AGAIN when he sees her smiling with Yul is annoying. Like seriously did we not have this insecurity last week as well? How can you be so confident and then so insecure at the same time! Uk better not have doubts again next week too after ending the ep 14 confident after realizing Naksu/Mu Deok had tried to keep him with her instead of going to his room/ Heo Yun Ok and got back her half of the yin yang jade

The way Naksu/Mu Deok got them out of Jin Mu’s place by begging them not to let Songrim take Uk bc they will severely punish him had me in stitches 🤣🤣🤣

Pls I’m so over Yul’s romantic scenes and him as a love rival. Go Won’s scenes are just better and he’s at least a more entertaining love rival even if he knows he has no chance against Uk for Mu Deok’s affections. Yul had like a summer of friendship and longing but since she’s been back, he said himself: the only person in Naksu/Mu Deok’s mind is Uk so get over yourself, Yul. The more ppl try to separate them, the more Uk and Naksu/Mu Deok will fight to be by each other’s side (unless Naksu/Mu Deok tried to be a Noble Idiot and leaves Uk to protect him. Don’t think she will do that. It’s not in her character but the way she was thinking that if she’s found out it would put Uk in danger have me a little worry)

I’m here for all the Master Lee - Uk scenes and Uk actually getting advices and cared for by a father-ish figure. Pls hopefully this won’t change or Master Lee turning out to be bad or something with his reveal of being a soul shifter at the end of episode 14

The Master Lee - Kim Do Ju - Park Jin love triangle! And Uk’s delivery of it to Master Lee and Park Jin is hilarious 😆 I’m really rooting for Master Lee here if he doesn’t turn out to be some evil manipulative mastermind. 🤞

In all seriousness I was not expecting Uk to lose his last duel even if it was against Yul. Especially with the emphasis on Uk finally being able to master Chisu before the duel. I mean I get why Uk didn’t since it might have been a bit cliché and the audience expecting it for him to defy expectations and win like he did in his duel with Go Won and the writers might have wanted to go against expectations but I still wanted Uk to win 😩

The fact that Naksu/Mu Deok searched night and day in the muddy water for her jade pendant 🥺🥺 Girl might not have said “I love you” verbally to him but she’s so in love with Uk. And then her running to him to show Uk she has her pendant again 🥺❤️ and her actually showing him the pendant after initially hiding it when she saw him laughing with Heo Yun Ok as a reply to his kiss 🥺 Also side note here that’s similar to the side note about Uk above. Like Naksu/Mu Deok, how can you doubt Uk’s romantic interest in you and said he doesn’t see you as a woman when he literally have just confessed a few days ago? I hope that after the kiss and pendant scene they’re now on the same page romantically and stop doubting each other’s interests.

Everyone wondering how Jin Mu plan on tricking the Jin Gate with the fake Jin Bu Yeon, I guess now we know how. I really just want a deserving amount of time spent to explore or a spin off of Jin Cho Yeon and Park Dang Gu being happy and exploring their characters. Like we can go so much deeper with Cho Yeon that we only see glimpses of sometimes of how she’s dealing with an absent father (who is now home but just using her and not really caring for her well-being ), a neglectful critical mother who only cares for her other daughter, and the shadow of her missing big sister. Same with Dang Gu who is so caring to those close to him (Cho Yeon, Yul, Uk, Mu Deok) but have only been used so far for comedic effect for the most part. And he’s heir to Songrim yet no one has been shown to take him seriously and he seems to also be in Yul’s shadow even with his uncle. Park Jin had involved Yul in the whole soul shifter business first over Dang Gu.

Ju Wol and the ferry guy both warn Naksu/Mu Deok that So Yi is dangerous and we know her presence can’t mean anything good for Naksu/Mu Deok, but I hope they defy expectations and team up at some point to go against Jin Mu, a man that used/is using them both.

I hate that Uk and now Naksu/Mu Deok have been forced into promising to do something for another party (Heo Yeom and Seo Yul) without them actually knowing what they promised to do.

Based on these two episodes I don’t think Naksu/Mu Deok will ever run wild bc if Master Lee is really also a soul shifter, we have a precedent of soul shifters being normal and not running wild or petrifying. Also if the ice stone is what keeps soul shifters from running wild then she’s also safe being in Mu Deok/ Bu Yeon’s body. Based on last week’s episode, it was implied that the ice stone was used to bring baby Bu Yeon back to life and maybe that causing her to sense energy and control the sky’s energy. And from what we see with Eunuch Kim, if the ice stone is removed, then the being goes back to being dead so that means the ice stone used to bring Bu Yeon back still has to be in her and that’s what’s keeping Naksu/Mu Deok from running wild since she already has the ice stone. And also there can be multiple ice stones maybe?

I get why Heo Yun Ok is introduced now as a way to get Master Lee and in turn Uk to the palace and led up to that reveal by Master Lee but that’s like so paper thin and she still so unnecessary/ wasted.

Looking forward to next week where Uk and Naksu/Mu Deok can tell everyone to shove it and fight to be by each other’s side.

[phoenixglacier]

Archon Quest Chapter I: Rewritten

(Part of my Genshin Impact Headcanons (things that blatantly go against canon but I’m pretending at true) series.)

Hi guys I really hated the Liyue Archon quest, but I don’t want to because Liyue really doesn’t deserve that. So I mixed it up a little to fix the main problems I had with it.

In this post:

Ningguang is the Geo Archon and Liyue’s Archon. She is “Morax”, with “Ningguang” as her modern name. Details such as Morax being of the original Seven and writing contracts with all adepti applies to Ningguang.

Zhongli is only an adeptus, not the archon, at any point. His original and official name is “Rex Lapis”, with “Zhongli” as the name that he’s using as a mortal.

Mainly, I wanted to remove Zhongli from the position of Liyue’s Archon entirely, because I his character is much more likeable that way (to me).

I’ll be marking parts that are the same as the original version with a *.

So, here’s how I would have the storyline play out in the game with my version of the Liyue Archon quest:

Traveller goes to Liyue Harbour as instructed by Venti*. They aren’t told that there’s any time limit, Morax simply governs the people directly rather than descending once a year. However, few ever get the honour of seeing Lord Morax (Ningguang), and her decrees are mainly spread by her direct underlings and the Qixing (Keqing and others).

When Traveller arrives, they set to work asking the ordinary citizens about Lord Morax and how to meet her. The citizens tell her the same spiel* about how the Qixing control Liyue. Here, the conversation/argument between the citizens is brought up about whether the Qixing should be given any credit compared to the Adepti. They eventually direct Traveller to Yujin Terrace*, because they can pray to the Adepti there.

At Yujing Terrace, there are people milling about, but they have not gathered for a specific event. They walk around and pray and act like normal NPCs.

Traveller makes wishes at the altars as per in-game and talks to some people which gives her insight on what the Liyue people tend to wish for. As she heads to the last altar, the cutscene triggers.

In the cutscene, we see the body of the Dragon Rex Lapis fall from the sky*, but the crowd isn’t originally crowded around the body, rather they move towards the body after they see it fall.

(For this part, basically Rex Lapis is declared dead*, and I’ve chosen to introduce Ganyu here arbitrarily) Ganyu appears suddenly from the sky, attracting the camera view and the attention. She jumps towards the body, and declares that this is the Mighty Adeptus Rex Lapis, and that he has been murdered. She declares that “Lady Ningguang will not forgive the culprit.”

The millelith begin securing the area accordingly, and Paimon panics*. We could have the sneaking quest again, but alternatively we could just skip straight to the next cutscene: while Traveller tries to escape, Childe grabs their hand and tells them “Come with me.”

(Childe had been in the area of Yujing Terrace earlier, but Traveller didn’t have the chance to talk to him yet because he was near the last altar, where the cutscene would trigger when they got close.)

Once they’ve escaped, the same conversation* happens where Childe tells them he’s a Fatui, Traveller prepares to fight him, Childe convinces them that they need his help, gives them the Sigil of Permission for Jueyan Karst, etc. Childe has to convince them that they’re a suspect a little more compared to the original, and amps up the blame on the Qixing*.

Traveller’s Jueyan Karst journey is the same*. However, the dialogue is a little different: the Adepti question why Ningguang sent a mortal to deliver the message to them, then they ask why she didn’t send a message at all. They are more enraged than ever over the death of Rex Lapis, whom they consider to be a friend and ally rather than the one they owe loyalty to.

After that’s done, Traveller returns and Childe introduces them to Zhongli*. It’s similar, but Zhongli explains that he has been instructed with the honour of carrying out the funeral for Rex Lapis, and as such will get to meet Lady Ningguang. If Traveller helps him out, he’ll bring them with him to meet her. Traveller agrees*. Childe is still funding*.

While the whole shopping fiasco with Zhongli could go exactly the same*, I think it’s more fun to merge Yanfei’s quest into it. Yanfei offers her services after Zhongli has trouble obtaining specific materials, and throughout the quest they can run into similar legal/scammy/bargaining scenarios. When Yanfei parts ways with us, she admits that she’s an adeptus but points out that the city needs legal advisors like her more than they need adepti*.

(Adding Yanfei’s quest here would be great because we would be introduced to Liyue’s culture of contracts early on, helping us understand Liyue better and hitting all the significant people anyway. It would also make a nice contrast with Zhongli’s cluelessness, and show the difference between adepti who are stuck in traditional ways vs adepti who were able to adapt.)

Zhongli brings Traveller to dinner, where they’re finally personally approached by Ganyu and invited to the Jade Chamber*. Zhongli says that it seems we don’t need his help after all since we’ve gotten the invitation by ourselves, but asks us to come to the funeral later anyway. Paimon assumes we won’t see Zhongli again until the funeral.

We meet Keqing on our way to the Jade Chamber*. She doesn’t ask us not to side with the Adepti exactly, but instead scold us a little for getting the Adepti involed at all. She says that “The Adepti live so far away from Liyue Harbour that they would never have known if you hadn’t told them.” Traveller also asks her how she knows that the adepti know, since we haven’t seen them since, and Keqing responds that Ningguang must trust the Qixing with this information, since they run Liyue with her.

In the Jade Chamber: (I can’t actually remember much of the dialogue from the original version...) but it should be similar-ish. The scene would probably be extra flashy to emphasise that she’s an Archon at first, then as she insists on being casual the filtering gets casual too. Ningguang tells her how much she trusts her, some of the history of Liyue (them coming together to protect Liyue during the war), and how the Adepti are angry with her about Rex Lapis’ death. She talks about the Fatui and how they’ve been trying to get a foothold here. She notes that she admires how Mondstadt has prevented them from having a hand in their running, but having a Harbringer in their city makes it difficult to push back against them. Ningguang asks Traveller what they think about Keqing, then sighs and says that she is very capable but very young. She mentions Yanfei, and explains that she is unique because she is half-adeptus and also very young. Traveller asks whether she thinks there’s no way for the rest of the Adepti to adapt to modern Liyue, and about Rex Lapis, and Ningguang skirts around those topics.

Traveller gets the information of the second Fatui base from Ningguang’s wall*. After that, actually going to the location is probably in Part 4.

When Part 4 starts, Traveller goes to the base, raids it, and finds the Sigils of Permission*. They are then caught by Childe. In the dialogue that follows, Paimon and Traveller accuse Childe of several things, including goading him that his plan of using Zhongli didn’t work. Childe laughs and reveals what we think is his whole plan: summon an Ancient God to attack all of Liyue Harbour. He says that leaving Traveller to babysit Zhongli was just to distract them, since he knew they would meddle with him otherwise. He also says that Morax, the Qixing and the Adepti are fighting each other now, and don’t have time to do anything except argue.

Traveller fights him*. The fight is pretty much the same, with him triggering his delusion and using Foul Legacy and being introduced as Tartaglia*. After he finishes fighting Traveller in Foul Legacy, he regrets it a little and says that he got carried away, but since Traveller is on the ground (conscious but) he begins the summoning for Osial.

(All of that can still take place in the Golden House with just an extra “Follow Childe” quest or by placing the Fatui base nearby and having Traveller follow a trail to there. I did think it would be cool if the base was in the Guyun Stone Forest instead, exactly where Osial was summoned. So after the summoning, Paimon yells at Traveller to teleport a distance away)

Cutscene where Traveller meets up with Ningguang, the Qixing, and the Adepti*. Paimon expresses surprise that they’re not fighting each other, they say that they’ve put aside their argument until Osial has been stopped, so on*. The fight and strategy would be almost identical, with Ningguang creating the platform and ballistas, and Traveller fighting the Fatui with the blessings of the Adepti.

This next cutscene is crucial. Instead of one of Osial’s attacks destroying the platform, one of the Fatui’s portals opens up behind Ningguang. Childe launches out from it and takes her Gnosis out of her body the same as with Venti. Ningguang’s concentration is broken and she nearly faints, which causes the whole platform to start breaking. Then Zhongli crashes in, catching Ningguang from her fall and immediately attempting to fight Childe. Childe is confused (“Zhongli-xiansheng..?”) and shocked, but Zhongli doesn’t try reasoning with him or saying anything at all, instead trying to fight him immediately. Childe is excited to engage in the fight, while Zhongli gets hurt immediately and is confused at why he’s so weak. However, the fight doesn’t last more than a few seconds, as Childe starts to run and Ningguang (weak and collapsing) tells Zhongli that they have to focus on protecting Liyue first, and the other Adepti go “This aura... Rex Lapis?”

They drop the Jade Chamber on Osial to defeat him*. Now comes the part where they explain everything that has been going on. The Adepti and the Qixing alike demand answers, the Adepti especially expressing that Zhongli has to be Rex Lapis. Ningguang explains most of it:

Some time back, Rex Lapis came to her saying that he wants to die. He’s tired from losing all of his old friends and working endlessly. “While I understand that it is the terms of my contract to serve you and Liyue, is there any way for this contract to end?”

(Zhongli notes that his experience with Yanfei showed him that contracts are much more complicated than they used to be)

Ningguang had agreed, because she thinks that Liyue is much safer than it was when she had signed those contracts with them, and if that was what Rex Lapis wished then so be it. However, she also thought it was too big of a decision to just not make use of.

The plan was that Rex Lapis would fake a very public death. After doing so (killing his original body) the rest of him would go into a human body where he will die at whatever human lifespan he made it to. This would allow Rex Lapis to live as a mortal under the name Zhongli for what to him was a very short amount of time. But because most of him was killed, he lost almost all of his power, reducing him to really just a mortal (still really strong, just weak in comparison to how he used to be as a Dragon and an Adeptus), which he unfortunately only realised the implications of when he couldn’t protect Ningguang from Childe.

The Adepti get angry and teary at Zhongli, saying that they really thought he was dead and scolding both of them for keeping it a secret. We get a few more emotional lines.

The plan was that Rex Lapis would fake a very public death. Ningguang would use this to stir up the people and sow distrust towards the Fatui, using it to drive them out. From her reports of Zhongli, she eventually guessed that Childe was planning to attack her at some point of the funeral shenanigans, which she was prepared for and planning to make use of. In short, she was hoping to get rid of the Fatui by using Rex Lapis’ death as a cover/excuse/catalyst.

But the Osial situation was beyond her expectations, and she wasn’t prepared for that. She doesn’t explain exactly what the Gnosis is to the people present, merely saying that it is important, and Keqing quips that Ningguang looks like hell right now. This launches into the Adepti vs Qixing conversation*.

The Adepti accuse Ningguang of not trusting them and trying to cut them out in favour of these mortals. The Qixing retort that the Adepti were only useful today because they needed to fight, even arguing that Cloud Retainer’s technology could only be put to use in the form of weaponry and nothing else. Madame Ping mediates the most*. Ningguang tells the Adepti that it wasn’t that she doesn’t trust them, but that she didn’t want them to have to get involved when they had already distanced themselves and were living peaceful lives in seclusion. She takes the Qixing’s side, but tries to explain to the Adepti why. The scene ends similarly to the original*. As they leave, the Adepti tell the Qixing and other humans to call them whenever Liyue needs their help.

That’s the end of the dramatic scene. At the funeral, things go pretty much the same*. Traveller hears people talking about the Fatui being the cause of everything* (Ningguang milked the Osial situation completely*). The Fatui are also blamed for Rex Lapis’ death. If the millelith still does make a speech, it would be that Lady Ningguang is cracking down on getting the Fatui out, which is met with positive reactions. Ningguang gives a speech at the funeral which honours Rex Lapis and reminds the people to work together for a new future of Liyue, but it would be less dramatic than the original.

When we talk to Zhongli, he explains some things: When he turned human, Ningguang gave him some money and a job and asked him to practice being human because she intended to give him an allowance to live on in the future. With the limited knowledge he had from never being a human before and the intense studying from a few books on funerals, Zhongli did his best. (He’d also accidentally fallen in love with a Fatui Harbringer oops). Traveller asks him what he’ll do now since he has some years left before his human body dies and he replies that he has absolutely no idea. After some thought, he mentions “I wonder whether Childe will forgive me...”

Traveller probably talks to Ganyu instead of Ningguang for the final ending (the part where they tell them about Inazuma*).

End.

Okay um so some notes about why I made Zhongli not-the-archon:

I was really frustrated that he seemed to not care about the mess he was making in Liyue at all. By making him a normal adeptus, it’s much more acceptable for him to walk away from all his duties because the responsibility doesn’t fall solely to him. Not only is Liyue not falling apart because their main Archon is still there, but he doesn’t bear the actual main responsibility at all.

Zhongli’s cluelessness when it comes to mora doesn’t make any sense if he was supposedly managing the whole country until last year. Plus, Liyue even trades with all other countries, so it’s not like he’s never had to be worried about losing money. By making this the first time he’s really experienced human society, his unbalanced knowledge and behaviour can seem more cute than incompetant. Even his rigidness towards his contracts and the details of the funeral can be explained because he’s probably also been living in seclusion like everyone else.

In the original story, Zhongli stood by while everyone else fought Osial, even though he still had his Gnosis, even though Liyue and all his Adepti’s lives were on the line. In this version, it was possible for Zhongli to interfere in the fight while still losing, because he was already a mortal. It makes him far more compelling because he actually tried to help.

The contract with Signora. We don’t know (yet) what the terms are, so for the the contract is just very annoying. It only serves to convince me that the Gnoses can’t actually be that important. Anyway, dramatic gnosis-stealing scene is what I prefer. At least we can have sympathy for the character - I can’t admire Zhongli for whatever smart decision he made because I don’t know what it is.

Overall, if you change Zhongli to a normal Adeptus, almost all of his existing dialogue reads much better without needing any changes, because the explanation is satisfactory.

Why make Ningguang Morax, then?

Ningguang is already introduced as if she is a god. People tell folktales of her, she displays complex high-level magic that we haven’t even seen Zhongli do (that platform and ballistas), she lives in a literal floating island in the sky that she built, etc. She’s also already running Liyue and doing well at it and has a strong sense of responsibility towards it. It makes sense for her to be the Archon.

Why not Keqing? First of all, Keqing’s elemental and physical abilities aren’t portrayed as particularly special (all of this is based on story bits, not the game mechanics). While she seems capable, the game doesn’t originally give her enough buildup and credit, and she’s portrayed as younger and more stubborn. But most importantly, Keqing is the key person on the Qixing side of the argument, so she needs to remain a Qixing.

Why add Yanfei’s quest in the middle:

The Liyue Archon quest went way too fast without getting us close to Liyue itself. Zhongli’s quest is meant to get us close to them, but he only brings us to people and spouts trivia. Yanfei’s quest embodies the “Contracts” aspect of Liyue so well and it would be really useful to go through that quest before we had to fight to defend Liyue.

If you compare Liyue to Mondstadt and Inazuma, you’ll see that you automatically get close to Mondstadt because it takes a long time to level in the early days of playing. Meanwhile, Inazuma requires you to complete Yoimiya’s quest (which shows the culture of “Eternity” in Inazuma) and Ayaka’s quest (which shows the people whp want to escape the “Eternity” in Inazuma, although Yoimiya’s quest is more important). Liyue doesn’t require any quests in between at all, yet players don’t neccessarily spend time there idly, so it’s hard to get to know Liyue.

Alternatively, Yanfei’s quest could just be a required quest between the parts instead of being integrated into the main Archon Quest itself.

Thanks for reading the Geo Archon Ningguang version of the Liyue Archon Quest.

[jhoudiey]

Inspired by a convo in the writing server and by Mamo's salty Jade, I wrote some fluffy-ish Yoru and Floyd mountain "date" nonsense. No warnings except bad grammar.

_______________________________________________________

“Hey Fugu-chan do you wanna come fight a monster with me?” Floyd had pulled himself through Yoru’s window as usual to interrupt her studies.

“Floyd, it’s 1pm, don’t you have class?”

“Ehhh I don’t wanna go, its the same boring stuff every day anyway” He perched in her windowsill urging her to follow him.

“Where’s this monster?” She grinned and put her books down, Floyd had a point. Fighting was always more fun than studying.

“In the mines where we went camping! I wanna see if I can find another one!” he insistently waved for her to hurry up.

“Still mad you didn’t get to go all out last time, huh?” She stretched out her shoulders and joined him at the window.

“Mhmmm~ Now that I have my magical pen back I want to play some more ehe!” She laughed and hopped out the window behind him.

*

They landed at the mouth of the caves, Yoru letting him down from her talons before touching down on the ground beside him. He sprinted into the tunnels with a grin on his face, shouting for any monsters to show up to play. Yoru flew behind him trying to stifle her laughter, he looked like a kid on a sugar high.

“Eeeeehhhh Fugu-chan this is taking foreverrrrrrr” He whined after half an hour in the caves with no appearance of any monsters. “Can’t you use your magic and find one?” he begged. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“That's not how my magic works Floyd, I can only see through crows, not through rocks. I’m the only bird in these caves so unless there’s a hidden crows nest somewhere I can’t help”

“Huh? Then what good is your unique magic then?” he complained, crossing his arms

“Says the guy who can only deflect magic, wouldn’t stop me taking your head off-” They were interrupted by a low rumbling coming from the path behind them. They turned to the sound, another Overblot monster materializing from the darkness. Floyd cheered, happy that his foe had finally appeared.

“Awe maaaaaan, Floooooyd, you never said it was an overblot monster! I can’t fight this!” Yoru complained as the monster descended on them.

“Eeeh? Why not? This is fun!” Floyd danced out of the way of the monster, hitting it with some magic of his own to keep it away from them.

“I can’t do magic, remember? All I can do is see. My hands and feet won’t do shit to that thing” She pouted, sitting on the ground with a huff, resigned to watch Floyd fight it on his own. He was clearly enjoying himself, hitting it with spell after spell. Yoru watched on in envy, how amazing would it be to be able to do magic like that. She watched him dance around the monster, attacking with reckless abandon, his own unique magic deflecting the attacks thrown at him.

Yoru sighed resting with her head in her hands, eyes following the battle. Floyd really was incredible, so much so it pissed her off. He made it seem so effortless. Fire, grass, water, ice, wind, dark… every kind of magic she’d dreamed of having Floyd was throwing out without a care in the world, this level of effort was nothing to him, when she couldn't even change the colour of a single flower petal. After what seemed like hours the glass head on the monster cracked, it’s ink splashing to the ground. It roared and the walls around them shook.

“Hey Floyd, you should finish up, if this thing collapses the cave around us we’re screwed” she said flatly, watching small rocks fall from the ceiling.

“Okay Fugu-chaaaaan~ Let me show you my special move, just look at how amazing I am!” He unleashed his strongest attack yet, Yoru wasn’t able to conceal her admiration for him. Her jaw dropped.

“Holy shit… you’re actually incredible…” she muttered, more annoyed than ever at how talented he was. The monster crumbled before them, disappearing into ink and sinking back into the ground. Floyd cheered.

“Yaaaayyyy!! That was fun!” he looked exhausted. His hair was a mess and he drenched in sweat, but the grin he wore was one of the biggest Yoru had ever seen. It was quite cute. She nodded at him and held out her arm in case he needed to lean on her, she wasn’t sure how he was still standing after expending so much magic in such a short time. He stretched his arms behind his head, not needing her assistance.

“We should have a fire too! Come on Fugu-chan!” He grabbed her hand and ran from the cave, staggering when they got outside and saw that the sun had already begun to set. “Uwaaahhh I’m tired all of a sudden, carry me Fugu-chan” She laughed. It seemed Floyd wasn’t invincible after all.

She flew to the shore of the lake, setting him down near an old decaying log. Somewhere along their flight he’d fallen asleep. She set to work gathering firewood, setting the wood in a way that would be easy to ignite once he woke up. When that was ready she wandered over to the lake to grab some fish, no sense not eating while they were out. They didn’t have any spices, but grilled fish was simple enough and delicious on it’s own. She wasn’t as proficient as catching fish with her bare hands as Floyd, but it still didn’t take her long before she’d caught half a dozen and brought them back to their impromptu base camp. The sun had fully set by the time she’d gotten the fish onto their skewers and shook Floyd awake so he could start the fire.

“Hmmm? When did I fall asleep?” He whined, confused by his surroundings

“When we were flying over here, you went limp almost immediately after we took off, I almost dropped you” Yoru grinned at him “Now can you get the fire going, I’m starving.” He nodded, using his magic to light the fire as she arranged the fish around it to cook.

“Wait, lemme see your pen” She said suddenly, able to see the once white gem clouded over with black ink in the firelight. She grabbed at it but he snatched it out of reach and shoved it back into his pocket. “Floyd, let me see it” Yoru growled at him, he pouted and handed it to her, he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep it from her if she fought him for it.

“Floyd… that’s a lot of blot… you need to be more careful. If you overblotted I’d have you kill you, I wouldn't be able to stop you with magic”

“Haaaah like you could, you saw how strong I am! Ahaha! What do you know about overblotting anyway, you can barely do magic!” He argued, turning the fish to roast their other sides.

“Hmmm? Didn’t I tell you? I overblotted once as a kid. It sucked”

“As a kid? Did you have magic when you were younger? What happened to it ehe~” He raised an eyebrow at her, curious at how she had lost her magic. She snorted

“No. I got my unique magic really young but I didn’t know what it was so I used it all the time since I didn’t know any better. Dad found me screaming in bed, said I had all these shadowy birds walking over and pecking at me, he still talks about it like it’s the worst thing he’s ever seen.” She rolled her eyes, thinking about Crowley's overly theatrical reactions to the lamest things.

Floyd cringed away from her, throwing his hands up. “Eugh that sounds so gross!” He sat forward again with a smile “But it’s funny knowing even without a lot of magic you can overblot”

“Yea, really funny” She glared at him. “How are you not ranked higher at school though? You’re so amazing it pisses me off”. He smirked at her

“Doing everything I’m supposed to is boring so I just do whatever I want and fail sometimes cause I don’t feel like doing it” He grabbed one of the fish, happily biting into it.

“That must be nice. I wish I could say I’m not jealous of your talent” She bit into her own fish, chewing it more fiercely than was necessary.

“Hmmmm why are you jealous though? You’re really smart too, Fugu-chan” He smiled and chowed down, very much enjoying his meal. Yoru groaned, she wasn't used to compliments.

“...Thanks. ...By the way, didn’t Jade say he wanted to come out here with you next time? Isn’t he going to be mad we came without him?” Floyd's eyes grew wide before settling back to normal

“Eeeehhhh probably, but I wanted to find that monster and Jade wouldn't come with me so it’s his fault anyway” he shrugged, carefully selecting his last fish.

“Maybe he won’t be that mad, it’s not like we really did much mountaineering up here anyway” Yoru shrugged, finishing her meal and throwing sand on the fire. “We should get back though, unlike you, I do have some homework I need to hand in because I’m not allowed to fail”

*

They landed back in the mirror chamber full of fish and tired from adventure.

“Hey, next time you find a monster make sure it's one I can fight too. I can’t help but want to show off what I can do without magic”

“Kaaaaay~!” Floyd sang, hopping through the mirror that would take him back to Octavinelle.

*

“Ahh Floyd, you’re back late, did you enjoy your date? You missed dinner, Azul was worried sick about you” Jade smirked at him from across their bedroom. Floyd flopped into his bed, exhausted. Fugu-chan was right, he’d used too much magic today and was still tired despite his earlier nap.

“Aha! Azul wouldn’t worry about something thing like that, besides he would have been mad at me for going to fight a monster and getting my uniform all dirty”

“Oya? A monster? You never mentioned there was a monster on campus” Jade chuckled

“Ehhhh? It wasn’t on campus, me and Fugu-chan went back to Mount Dwarf to fight with the overblot monster in the caves! It was really fun!” Jade slowly turned to glare at Floyd.

“Floyd… you returned to the mountains once again without me” He exhaled dramatically. “You found yourself a girlfriend and completely forgot about little old me, all alone and mountainless” He let out an exaggerated sigh “I can’t believe my own twin would discard me so carelessly, how cruel” Floyd sat up in bed, a frown painted on his face.

“haaaaaaaaahhhh you said you didn’t want to come! You can’t complain about it now”

“Perhaps it is for the best, I wouldn’t want to be a third-wheel after all... I’ll just make you come with me next time I go...” he muttered to himself under his breath

“Ehhh what are you even talking about Jade?” Floyd laid back down and stretched out into his blankets.

“While crashing a date seems like it would be a lot of fun, I don’t believe Yoru-san is very fond of me, and she does have a habit of getting violent when she’s angry. I wouldn’t care to be on the receiving end of those talons.”

“It wasn’t even a date” he complained, rolling away to face the wall. He hadn’t told Jade about his failed confession at Vargas’s weekend camp so the insinuations he and Yoru were dating stung. “...and she’s not even my girlfriend” he muttered into his pillow.

“Fufufu not yet” Jade chuckled to himself as Floyd started snoring.

[whumpingcrow]

Chapter 6 (Gio POV)

Bad Dogs Sleep Outside

CW: bbu and everything in relation to that, discussion of conditioning/training/brainwashing, trauma/ptsd themes, noncon drug use, noncon/dubcon touching and kissing, lady whumper, intimate whumper, multiple whumpers, physical assault, dehumanizing language/themes, emotional whump, weather whump (is that a thing?), strangulation mention (let me know if i missed anything!)

Everything sounds very far away. It's a thing I keep noticing over and over again, like my mind is a carousel and there's only one little man riding in circles, screaming "Hey! Everything sounds really far away!" each time he goes around. How do I remember what a carousel is? What a bizarre thing to linger around after everything else was beaten out of me. It's so bizarre that I laugh. That sounds far away, too.

"Watcha laughing at?" Rory asks me, her voice a murmer across a million mile void from her throat to my head. I look up at her from my spot on the floor. She's so beautiful, her once electric blue hair is fading out to a light blue-ish blonde, which looks like a silvery halo, the way the light is catching it right now. I smile at her. Nicko should be drawing pictures of her, and it makes me feel somewhat disgusting that I have the one he drew for me taped up to the wall next to the beanbag, because I'm most definitely not living, breathing art that needs to be captured on paper, Rory is.

I can't remember her question, but the fear that ties my stomach into knots because I am so stupid and need to be listening better, also feels far away. Whatever drug she gave me this time is amazing. I never want to stop feeling this way. I want to be as far away from myself as possible all the time, if I could I would get a restraining order against myself. Why do I remember what a restraining order is? Restraining orders and carousels stayed behind but not guitars or names of people I think I used to know? Why'd they have to break me up so jagged like that? None of my pieces fit together anymore, no matter how many times I've tried to glue them back together.

But right now, the pieces of me that are the most functioning are the most shattered and re-mended of all; the sharp edges of training. I remember it all, even if it's just down to muscle memory sometimes. I don't have to try so hard to think about why I'm doing something or what it means, it just is. I do this now, kneeling in front of Rory, tentatively hovering by her leg, making it obvious I want to be closer. I know that, with some of the trainers, being soft like this was sometimes reward-worthy, or at the very least would stop them from hurting me for a little while.

"You're so beautiful," I breathe, realizing that she's still looking at me expectantly, waiting for an answer to the question I'm stupid enough to have forgotten in the five seconds since she's asked it. She blushes, then smiles at me. Her hands find their way to my hair and she runs her fingers through some of the tangles.

"You're such a darling, you know that?" Her voice is like a song, her fingernails scratching behind my ear is driving me crazy. I feel myself pressing into her touch, and I hear her laugh softly. It makes me warm all over. I want her to look at me how she's looking at me right now all the time, jaded blue eyes downcast at me, shining in amusement behind the dullness of the drugs, like sunshine reflecting off shattered glass discarded in a dirty puddle. And I love the way she sounds when she says things like that, that I'm darling. I want her to say more stuff like that, so I keep going.

I lean toward her, tipping my head back to get a better look at her. "Rory," I whisper, "you're like an angel, miss."

She smiles wider at me, then drags one of her sharp nails against my jaw and down my throat. A chill goes down my spine, and I sigh just a little at it. "Why don't you come up on the bed with me, Gio?" Her voice is real low and silky when she says it, it echos across the vast canyon that I feel is separating me from reality. I remember when I first got here, she told me her name was like the princess I was too stupid to know (how fucking irritating that I remember what a carousel is and not whoever Rory was talking about) and I think now that the title fits her. Nicko's called her that a few times, "Princess", and it feels like the most honest thing he's said.

Slowly, I grab onto the too-soft sheets and pull myself to my feet. The ground is nothing but static underneath me, for a second I'm scared I'll drop through it and fall endlessly into hell. I can't help but think that's where I'll end up, and it scares me shitless that I might be going there right now. So I collapse onto the bed next to Rory, keeping my eyes focused on the floor to make sure it's still there.

Rory loops her fingers around my neck loosely and forces me to turn my head to look at her. She's staring holes into my skin, her gaze suddenly so intense it reminds me of Master. I close my eyes. I don't want to think of him, towering over me and watching me with that same look as I would tremble and sob and beg him to just be done already. Rory's finger is right over my pulse, and I pray that she doesn't add any pressure.

She smells like smoke and alcohol and perfume, and her breath is brushing my cheek when she says "It's so cute when you say things like that." Then her lips fall against my cheek, then my jaw, then she moves her hand and kisses over my pulse. I draw in a deep breath, keeping my eyes closed. I wonder if her lipstick is coming off on my skin where she kisses me. And, just when I think I might fall over in the euphoria that comes with her touching me so gently, her lips are against my own, hands cupping my face to keep me still. As if I would ever dream of not letting her do this to me.

She kisses me sloppily, with tongue and teeth, and I'm grabbing hard at the sheets and trying to put myself back into my body so I can actually experience it. But no matter how hard I try, everything is still so far away. "Hey!" The little guy on the carousel screams. "Everything is very far away!"

Even when her hands are sliding down my chest, and over my waistband, I don't really feel it, even when she's taking my lip into her teeth and biting like she's trying to draw blood, it's not my pain, not really. Even when the door opens and slams shut and I hear Nicko's booming voice asking us "What the fuck are you doing?!", it hurts my ears but I don't really process it.

Only when Rory snaps away from me and I feel hands grabbing me hard and ripping me off the mattress do I feel somewhat present, and Nicko is grabbing the collar of my shirt tightly and his furious face is right in front of mine, and I'm afraid.

"Why the fuck are you tounging my girlfriend, you fucking freak?!" He shouts at me. I try my best to cower away from him, but his grip is too tight, he really wants me to see how angry he is. Hot tears are in my eyes, I can't force my brain to come up with an apology, so I just stare up at him as he shouts at me. And then he must decide that yelling isn't enough, and he pulls back and punches me in the nose.

"Nicko stop it!" I hear Rory shriek, but it seems to only egg him on more, and he hits me again. This time I notice that the floor is pressed up against my back, or I guess I'm splayed out on the floor, it's hard to tell, my world feels all upside down. And my face is throbbing, I think, and I can't tell if it's hard to see because of the pain or if I just don't have my eyes open all the way. Through all of that, though, I remind myself to be quiet. Nicko's already so angry, the only thing I can do is stay silent and observe him landing brutal kicks against me, now. I find myself wondering what I did to deserve this, everything is so muddled and confusing I'm not even sure who's hitting me anymore.

"I'm sorry," I plead to the hands, trying to put as much remorse into my voice as I can, but it only comes out mangled and exhausted. Not good enough, they hit me again. I try another time, "ple-please, I'm sorry!"

Then I'm being picked up off the ground, hands reaching out of the dense, fuzzy cloud of confusion surrounding me and pulling me gruffly to my feet. I'm dragged out of the bedroom, I can hear Rory shouting at Nicko to let me go, and I look up to see him glaring forward, not even looking at me. He's livid, even more angry than the day he shouted when I passed out at the shop. My lungs feel like they're full of cement, Nicko is mad at me! I am so stupid and annoying and worthless and

"I'm so sorry!" I sob out. He ignores me.

We pass by one of Nicko's other roommates as he drags me down the hall, he's never said a word to me before, but he always looks at me with vague disgust when he's around. I think his name is Ben. Now, his disgust is warped with horror, his eyebrows twisted into a tight frown and his mouth hanging open as Nicko drags me along next to him. He doesn't say anything. I wish it were Salem. Salem would have said something. I wonder when he'll back from work, if I'll be able to sneak away from Nicko and Rory long enough to see him. That is, if I even live that long. The way Nicko is handling me carelessly, with a drunken, vengeful look in his eyes, I don't have much hope that I will.

He opens the sliding door to the backyard, where snow covers nearly every surface, the porch light soaks all of it in a rusty orange glow. It makes me feel hollow inside when Nicko drags me out there. I'm not wearing shoes or socks, hardly wearing pants, and Nicko seems to only give me thin t-shirts instead of heavy sweaters like he and Rory wear.

The cold knocks my breath away, especially when Nicko tosses me down to the ground. The snow feels almost sharp against my skin, like it's cutting into me. I refuse to make any sound. Nicko is mad enough. He approaches me slowly, I only dare to look at his huge black boots approaching, I don't lift my head, I don't look up at him. I don't deserve to. He crouches down in front of me, sliding his belt out of the loops in his jeans slowly.

"You're fucking sick, you know that?" He says. I flinch away from his voice, and then he's sitting me up, leaning me against one of the wooden pillars holding the awning up. "You don't seriously think she wants you, right? I mean, look at you, you're pathetic. You're not even a fucking person anymore, Giovanni. Do you get that? She doesn't want you..." he presses me closer to the beam I'm leaning against, I feel splinters in my back already. He's so fucking scary like this, and I absolutely hate myself for pushing him into such horrific anger. I'm so horrible. I deserve this. I deserve this and so much more. He brings the belt up, looping it around my neck and the pillar, tightening it so I can't move. If I relax even an inch it would strangle me, I'm sure of it, I'm barely able to get in ragged breaths already. Nicko stands up. "She just wants the attention."

I can hardly see him through tears in my eyes as he stands up, hovering over me for a moment. I want him to let me down, I want to go back inside and put on Salem's sweater that I keep hidden, I want Nicko to like me again, I hate when he's this angry. I say nothing, because I deserve this. Because I'm horrible.

"You'll sleep out here tonight, so you can really learn your lesson."

His blurry silhouette turns away from me. I can't move enough to watch him walk all the way inside, but I hear the door close, then I hear it lock. When I'm sure I'm alone, I start to cry.

[highpope]

Silver Keys - Ch. Two

JJ Maybank x oc ? Soulmate AU / Topper x oc

warnings: none, if there ever are let me know? :)

word count: 2k ish

notes: hello hello im back from the dead for one night only. This chapter is from JJ’s point of view. I promise the drama will have been worth all this wait. (hopefully) as always feedback and reposts are encouraged.

There are two other parts! Read them here - Masterlist.

JJ Maybank was never one for soulmates. Coming from a household of two broken people didn’t make him feel like there was hope for him like the universe was created so people could find their other half or their missing piece. Why isn’t a person whole to begin with?

 His parents weren’t soulmates. He didn’t need some magical musical force to tell him that. One questionable decision and nine months later, a blond boy was brought into the world, helpless. JJ tries to give them the benefit of the doubt, they didn’t mean to have a kid. But then his mom left before he could remember what her face looked like. Before he could memorize the sound of her laugh. He resented her for it, leaving him with his dad. JJ’s dad, who selfishly turned the world upside down and told him to walk through walls to make it out the other side. 

JJ never bothered to ask his dad if he had heard the music. He figured if he had ever, it was long gone now. 

Now, he leaned against the wall, a half-empty beer in his hand, surveying the crowd. He had long ago lost his friends and he was starting to wonder why he did this. Go to parties, that is. If he wanted to be drunk he could sit at John B’s and then pass out on the couch. If he wanted to listen to shitty music and watch people lose at beer pong, he could do it with people he liked. Instead, he was in a sea of kooks and faces he vaguely remembered as people he graduated high school with. They were getting too old to pretend like this was still fun like the universe hadn’t already projected the rest of their lives. But again, JJ Maybank was never one for all that universe shit.

The sunlight through the blinds shined into JJ’s eyes, making him groan and throw a pillow over his face. He had slept on the pullout last night, giving Kie the spare room. Pope was either on the floor or sprawled out on one of the recliners, JJ couldn’t remember. He went to check but was matched by a searing headache. Closing his eyes again he noticed the sound of a car pulling into the driveway. Not two seconds later, June was opening the door to the Chateau. She let the screen door close behind her, making a noise loud enough to make JJ want to crawl inside his own body. 

“Good morning, Sunshine,” June said when he had finally made his way to the kitchen.

“It’s too early for that shit.” He squinted. 

She had left a bottle of water and some ibuprofen on the counter and he made a mental note to thank her when he wasn’t feeling like death itself. 

“Hungry? I can do french toast, there’s bread.” 

“Please,” Pope groans (from the recliner) as he rubbed his eyes.

“Tough night?” June asks, starting to bring another water bottle and meds over to the spot next to JJ. He watched as she walked back to the refrigerator, grabbing the half-empty carton of eggs and milk jug. She placed everything on the counter before standing on her tiptoes to grab a bowl. He noticed her shirt rose when she lifted her arms, exposing her stomach. JJ blinks, hard, and then instantly groans, reminded of his headache.

“I'll take that as a yes.”

Pope had since joined them at the table. He seemed to be handling his hangover better than JJ. The two of them talked about last night while JJ tried to piece it all together. 

Just then John B stubbles into the kitchen, his hair sticking up in every direction, “Morning” he mumbles before taking his seat at the kitchen island. Like clockwork, June sets down medicine and a bottle of water, and JB thanks her. 

“Hey, J, where’d you go last night?” John B asks.

“I just came back early,” JJ says truthfully. 

June chimes in, “What? No lucky girl?” he narrows his eyes at her and she winks in response.

JJ clears his throat, “Nah, got all summer for that. Tourons aren’t even here yet.”

“Really?” Pope questioned, “You walked back?” 

“Yeah, pretty sure I talked to Kie before I left,”

As if right on cue, Kiara comes shuffling out of the bedroom. Her eye makeup from last night is smeared and her hair is falling out of the bun on the top of her head. 

“Speak of the devil,” JJ says when she joins them in the kitchen. 

June, again, gets a bottle of water out of her bag and shakes out some ibuprofen from the jar, “Morning sleeping beauty,”

She narrows her eyes in response. No one messed with Kie in the mornings, especially when she was hungover. JJ wouldn’t be surprised if she hissed at them. There was one time they had all spent the night at the chateau and the next morning she was woken up by the rest of them doing something stupid in the yard. JJ could have sworn fire came out of her mouth. It physically hurt to be yelled at by Kiara.

Now, Kie takes the medicine from June and downs half the bottle of water, nods her appreciation, and walks over to the pullout where she rolls over, pulling the blankets over her head, falling back asleep. Safe for now, he thought.  

The five of them had spent the rest of the day at the chateau. The girls had dedicated the afternoon to watching movies in the living room, while JJ, John B, and Pope sat around on the hammocks, swapping stories from last night. John B had allegedly won at flip cup three times, but Pope called bullshit. 

The two of them had left to get some firewood to build a fire and pick up some food. JJ wandered down to the dock, took his shoes off, and stuck his feet in the water. The sun was starting to set and the reflection on the water looked like something out of a movie. He would never admit that to anyone though. He was just about to go back inside when June sat down next to him. 

“Hey,” she started.

“Hey, how’s Kie? She chill out?”

She laughed, “Yeah. You know how she is.”  JJ nodded. He knew.

“You doing okay?” June asks, bumping her shoulder against his. He could feel her eyes on his. 

“Yeah, just. Rough night like you said.” 

She must have accepted that response because she turned her gaze back to the water in front of them. 

“What about you? Survive your birthday dinner, Ju Ju?”

She rolls her eyes, “barely. My aunt pestered my mom all evening. We were seconds away from the table being flipped.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I wish I was. Happens every time.” 

“I’m sorry,” 

She shrugged before speaking again, “can I tell you something?” 

JJ nodded. 

“I think I heard my soulmate yesterday. Right after you dropped me off. It was the weirdest feeling.”

“Really? How do you know?” JJ’s head was spinning with questions. It’s not like he couldn’t talk to Pope or John B about this, but it was different. They weren’t quite as open as June could be. Or maybe JJ didn’t want to be as open with them. 

“I don’t know. I guess you just do. It’s not even like I knew the song or could even tell you what I thought it sounded like.” She breathed. 

He looked at her now, her face was calm but her eyes were whirling. He could see her formulating her thoughts, trying to wrap her head around what she had heard.

JJ shook his head, “that’s crazy and so fast,”

“Right? I thought so too.” She paused, “J, it was so weird.”

“Good weird?” 

“Yeah, comforting almost.” She was cracking her fingers, something she did when she was nervous. He noticed that she was still wearing the bracelet he had given her in the truck yesterday. He wondered what she thought about the whole soulmate thing. Her parents were still in love, there was no reason for her not to agree. 

“Do you think-” he started, only to be interrupted by Kie yelling at them from the backdoor, “Pizza’s here!” 

“Coming!” June yelled back, pushing herself up and slipping her shoes back on. She reached a hand out to JJ, who was still seated. He took it, even though he didn't need the help and the two of them started back to the rest of their friends.

It had been a week since the pogues had last hung out. JJ had picked up an extra project at the garage and was spending most of his time there. When he wasn’t, he was sleeping in John B’s spare room. But tonight, he was off and everyone was going to the boneyard. 

Almost instantly, JJ pulled out a blunt and his lighter. The sun was in the weird period before it set and was completely dark and the waves were almost louder than the music. Almost. John B and Kiara carried down a few chairs and beach towels to the usual spot just south of where most people congregate. While Pope and June went to get drinks, JJ leaned against a tree, surveying the crowd. It was mostly people they knew from around the island. He recognized a few people from when he used to work at the country club, but the rest were new faces. He caught a girl looking in his direction from across the party. She was short with dark brown hair. He noticed she was alone, too. With one swift nod of his head and a hand through his hair, the girl was already walking over to him.

“Yeah, I really just couldn’t stay in the house any longer, you know?”

JJ nodded his head.

“Anyway, you’re from here?”

“Born and raised,” he replied with a smirk. JJ was trying to pay attention to the conversation, but he wasn’t sure he remembered her name and he definitely couldn’t tell how old she was. Was it Jess? It starts with a J he reassured himself. 

“Are you here with anyone?” Jamie asked.

“Few friends of mine are hanging out over there,” JJ motioned, pointing Jackie in the direction of the pogues. He smiled slightly at all of his friends huddled around a fire. The moment was cut short when JJ noticed Topper and Kelce walking toward them. Almost instantly he got to his feet, muttering an apology to… Jade, and joined the others.

“JJ!” Kie sang when he walked over, clearly the drunkest of the five. She got up from where she was sitting to hug him only to stop short when she noticed the other boys.

“What the hell do you guys want?” She spits. John B stood up slowly.

“Hey, hey,” Topper starts, raising his hands in surrender, “just here to talk,”

“So talk,” Pope said. He was sitting next to June behind the rest of them.

Topper cleared his throat, “June? Can we-” He nodded toward the trees where JJ had just come from. Everyone’s eyes shoot to June who furrows her eyebrows before nodding her head and beginning to get up. Pope stands up with her.

“Look, I just want to have a conversation,” Topper states. 

“It’s fine,” June says, starting to walk off. She 

John B calls out, “You sure?” 

June just nods her head. 

“You better not fucking touch her dude or I swear to-” 

Kie grabs his arm, “JJ,” she urges. June turns her head and gives him a look before walking off with Topper.

tags: @allycat449-blog @ifilwtmfc @sarcasticsagittarius1998

[amphtaminedreams]

The Women of Euphoria and Personal Style: Lookbook no.8

Hi to anyone reading,

I hope you’re well considering everything going on! It feels weird to want to talk about fashion or TV shows or red carpets or whatever when 90% of my Google searches are COVID-19 related but there you go. It’s all about trying to power through as normal (minus the social interaction) and pretend the world isn’t ending, right? Queue nervous laughter.

And as if things aren't shitty enough, production of season 2 of Euphoria has been postponed until further notice. 

Okay, in the grand scheme of things, having to wait a bit longer for a TV show isn’t catastrophic but it does just about sum up the transition from 2019 to 2020 thus far that after HBO redeemed itself by broadcasting Euphoria in the summer following an ending to Game of Thrones that has made the whole series unrewatchable, the glimmer of hope in me reignited by the prospect of series 2 this year has been quickly dashed. 2021, I’m rooting for you, because it doesn’t seem like things are getting better any time soon, and in all seriousness, I think everyone needs a break from the collective suffering of the last few months.

For me (and undoubtedly for many others if the hundreds of makeup looks and styling videos are anything to go by), Euphoria’s effect on the world of fashion and beauty is unprecedented. I really can’t recall a TV show in living memory that has had as much of an impact on the way young people dress. I mean, this might partially be because the style of the characters already kind of caters to and draws from the target audience but also, aside from Blair Waldorf did anybody really give THAT much of a fuck about what anybody in Gossip Girl wore?

The draw of the styling on Euphoria is that it has something for everyone. The style of each of the main girls, Rue, Kat, Maddy, Jules and Cassie, all of whom I’ve attempted (emphasis on attempted!) to base (emphasis on base!) outfits around, is varied and distinctive but still so current and realistic at the same time. It’s also consistent; even if you don’t own the specific pieces worn by any of them, similar shapes and details reoccur enough in different looks throughout the series that it’s not hard to create an outfit which matches your favourite character’s overall vibe without buying anything new. That’s kinda what I have attempted to do here and without further ado, I’m gonna get on with it! First up:

Jules (Played by Hunter Schafer)

When it comes to whose style is the most experimental, Jules is the obvious answer. A lot of her outfits are what I imagine a cartoonist in the near-distant future will envision their cool girl protagonist wearing. Whilst her ensembles are generally whimsical and girly for the most part, there’s usually a few slightly punk-ish finishing touches thrown in there too be it through chunky shoes or bold makeup or that incredible mesh trench coat she wears in the series finale with the trans symbol on the back which, honestly, deserves a moment of silence. 

There are definitely nods to current fashion trends sprinkled throughout her wardrobe too. I'm not going to lie, despite someone at work seemingly thinking it was an insult to tell me I look like someone who does (I still don’t know but this person has a Rick and Morty keyring so I don’t give it too much weight), I’ve never watched any anime. BUT, that being said, given the abundance of anime screenshots posted by all these aesthetic oriented Instagram and Tumblr moodboard accounts, I have a vague idea of what some of the more iconic characters look like and a lot of Jules’ looks seem to be very much modelled after or at least inspired by them. In a way, I see a lot of her looks as a blend between modern “e-girl”, Y2K skater chick (yes, I’m thinking early Avril Lavigne), and 2013 Tumblr “hipster” a la 2014 Joanna Kutcha and Charlie Barker, and though on paper that sounds like a nightmare combination, it works. I know-if that sentence were a Depop description I would’ve just gained 30 followers.

When it comes to my own interpretation of Jules’ style, it’s definitely something I like to channel when I’m putting together a proper OUTFIT outfit. Meaning an outfit I actually put effort into and thus will most likely want to get a good photo in, lol. The way her character dresses is almost quite Christopher Kane in that it’s fresh and unusual but still understated enough that I wouldn’t walk into a room wearing any of these feeling like I’m doing a Rick Owens runway.

I’m not TOO far out of my comfort zone but still at the same time, I’d be trying something new and maybe a little bit more zany than I'm used to. As for noting where any of these pieces are from, only a few have been bought in the last 6 months, but from left to right clockwise I have marked out those that have in case they’re still available (though be wary of the fact that it seems a lot of online clothes stores are still forcing warehouse employees to work in close confines at the moment and so perhaps aren’t operating the most ethically):

LOOK 1

Corset-Jaded London

Shoes-TK Maxx

LOOK 2

Dress-Motel Rocks

Boots-Koi Vegan Footwear

LOOK 3

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 4

Dress-Jaded London

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 5

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 6

Mesh Top-Depop

Hair Clips-Urban Outfitters

Kat (Played by Barbie Ferreira) 

Eurgh, Kat. 

I LOVE THIS BITCH.

If I had to choose my favourite character in the show, it would be a very close toss-up between her and Rue, and though I think Rue might just about nab the top spot for her relatability factor, Kat is the girl I want to be or wish that I had been when I was at school. I mean, there’s definitely an argument to be made in that a lot of what she’s doing with her cam work could be seen as a means of validation (Sam Levinson has basically said everyone on the show has some kind of an unhealthy coping mechanism and I would guess due to the circumstances in which her cam girl career was borne and the fact she’s underage, this would be hers) but I do think in other ways we really see Kat reclaim her power and recognise herself for the smart, capable, gorgeous woman that she is. Honestly, the definition of divine feminine energy, and I would completely let Barbie Ferreira/basically Kat if she was also actually 23 dominate me.

Plus! Her! Style! Is! The! Bomb! Definitely the easiest character to base looks around because if I’m totally honest Kat’s energy is pretty much just what I want to emulate in every day life. 

It’s either pieces that are typically feminine, cutesy, and even slightly preppy at times drenched in everything grunge OR vice versa where you have something semi-gothic and then add a colourful, more playful touch in there that harks back to the beginning of the series before Kat had began to explore her identity and sexuality and dressed slightly more Forever 21.

I’d say, not yet with my whole chest, that on a good day the outfits I put together when making an effort aren’t too far off something Kat would wear, minus the more overtly BDSM touches; if wearing a ring choker in London is enough to get me a creepy comment from a gross middle aged shopkeeper (because I apparently forfeited my right not to be perved on when I decided to buy a bottle of Oasis summer fruits), then you can only imagine the kind of looks wearing a full-on harness would get in my conservative OAP dominated hometown. Not the most doable right now, especially considering the only time I get out is to work and to go for a run. The chafing I could deal with but the horrified glares of pensioners whose M&S prawn mayo sandwiches I’ve ruined by simply being in their eyesight not so much.

LOOK 1-

Corset-Urban Outfitters

LOOK 2-

Bodysuit-Depop

Skirt-Zara

Harness-Ebay

LOOK 3-

Co-ord-Depop

Lace-up Corset-Missguided

LOOK 4-

Dress-Vintage

LOOK 5-

Belt-Ebay

LOOK 6-

Coat-Topshop

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 7-

Fishnet Top-Ebay

Skirt-Urban Outfitters

Maddy (Played by Alexa Demie)

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to do Maddy. I’m scared to be posting this, lol! Alexa Demie has played this character for a single season and she’s already one of the most iconic women to grace our screens in years. This is a huge undertaking and I don’t have the bank balance or the body confidence (lmao) to raid IAmGia. 

And this is where I want to stress: THESE ARE NOT OUTFIT RECREATIONS. THESE ARE INSPIRED BY. I HAVE ADDED ELEMENTS OF MY OWN STYLE INTO THEM. PLEASE DON’T DRAG ME. I KNOW, I’M NOT ALEXA DEMIE. I WOULD NEVER ASSUME TO BE ALEXA DEMIE. I’M NOT ABOUT TO TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN LIKE THAT. So now we’ve got that out the way (wipes bead of sweat off forehead), let’s continue. 

Everything about Maddy Perez is extra. She has very much been established as a centre of attention character, and her outfits are a key part of that. They’re daring, they’re hyper-feminine, and they are always glamorous. We’re told that she competed in beauty pageants when she was younger and it’s clear that level of excess and coordination and glitz and all-round-boujeeness wormed its way into her DNA during that time. Even the “depression” outfit she wears to school following Nate becoming violent at the fair is costume-like, a 2019 Bratz doll Off-White street style collaboration.

Do you know how HARD I had to try to be HOT!? For these photos. Alexa Demie is one of those blessed women who doesn’t have to try at all, and that translates into the character completely. At any given moment, Maddy could add or remove one item or clothing and be let straight into the VIP section of a club, and that, honestly, is inspiring to us all in these dark times. 

One thing I tried to keep in mind is that she always looks polished and coordinated, I.E the kind of look I would prepare for a night out is something Maddy would wear on an average day. Co-ords and delicate prints seem to be more subtle wardrobe staples along with mesh and PVC and glitter and feathers and fur and basically anything that toes the line between expensive looking and tacky. Yes, I am aware we may toe different sides of that line but please let me stay delusional and believe that’s not the case for 5 minutes. Much appreciated xoxo

LOOK 1-

Bodysuit-Jaded London

LOOK 2-

Bralette-Depop

LOOK 3-

Co-ord Suit-Boohoo

Bodysuit-Boohoo

LOOK 4-

Dress-Motel Rocks

Shoes-Schuh

LOOK 5-

Bodysuit-Zaful

Trousers-Depop

Coat-Topshop

LOOK 6-

Dress-Zaful

Belt-Zaful

LOOK 7-

Top-Jaded London

Hair Clips-H&M

Rue (Played by Zendaya Coleman)

I have a complicated relationship with Rue as a character. When I started season 1 of Euphoria, I was like “Oh my god, this girl is the worst. Jesus, she’s so negative and draining and willingly self-destructive and-”

Then, oh my god is this what it’s like to live with me!?

I will say, to my own credit, that I don’t think I've ever been quite as hard to deal with as Rue (a lot less smashing stuff up and a lot more moping), and to HER credit, by the end of the season we come to realise she’s been through a fucking lot and so it makes sense, but wow. I don’t think I have ever seen a teen show handle drug abuse and mental illness in such a brutal way. It’s quite a talent to be able to show a character cause so much pain to those closest to them and yet do so through a sympathetic lens. And issues aside, whether it’s her occasional social awkwardness or her relationship with her family or watching bloody Love Island (still quite surreal to see Zendaya Coleman witnessing the Amy/Curtis drama unfold), Rue is just my favourite character to follow. 

Her style, though. AH. The thing is, I can hardly drag it, because it’s pretty much what I wear when I’m moping about the house-or just any time I can get away with it to be honest-to a T. I want to stay true to character, but that being said, creating a “Seth Rogen”-esque outfit that’s worth posting on here is difficult. So, with the same kind of artistic license that had me wearing berets whilst cosplaying Maddy Perez, here is the best I could do:

I know, I know, it’s probably too much colour and jewellery for Rue but this is as toned down as I could do and I tried to stick with the key silhouettes we see from her throughout the season; I mean, I can’t see her wearing leopard print but the structure of the coat in outfit 1 is very similar to the one seen in Shook Ones pt.II. I think the bottom line when it comes to her character is keeping things effortless and not overly-feminine; you want to mix street style, athleisure and your dad’s wardrobe favourites like your life depends on it. Plus messy hair and smudged makeup, both of which I’ve already got down according to the completely inappropriate number of customers who’ve asked if I'm tired at work so thanks for that guys, and glitter tears. Lots and lots of glitter tears.

OUTFIT 1-

Dungarees-Vintage

OUTFIT 2-

Trousers-Depop

Cardigan-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 5-

Beanie-Depop

OUTFIT 6-

Shirt-Boohoo Man

Sports Bra-TK Maxx

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Shirt-Jaded London

Cassie (Played by Sydney Sweeney)

Style-wise, Cassie is a hard one. When putting outfits for her character together, I found myself gravitating towards a direction that’s probably a bit too bohemian for her character, under the guidance of loose terms like “girl-next-door”, “floaty”, “delicate”, you get the idea. She definitely feels the least fully-realised in terms of all the main girls and I think it’s fair to say she’s probably got a bit of self-discovery to do. Most of her storylines in the season are dictated by her relationships to other people: McKay, Maddy, Lexie, her parents and so on. 

Nevertheless, I tried to stick to the airier, more traditionally “pretty” pieces whilst still channelling the confidence and ease with which Cassie pulls them off. Sydney Sweeney has the most incredible figure and I feel like whilst the clothes the on-set stylists put her in flatter that and don’t hide anything, they’re still the focus. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything more inherently sexual about her character than any of the other main female characters despite the way the men within the narrative view her, and I think it’s a testament to the the wardrobe department that to me she still gives off big modern Disney princess energy and a certain innocence even whilst we hear her being continuously sexualised by her male peers. 

If anything, Cassie probably dresses the most like an actual teenage girl, and her style, whilst less distinctive than the other girls, still does a good job of capturing the youth and romanticism of her character. 

The colour palette of her wardrobe tends to be quite neutral, with a couple of pastels thrown in there, and if there are any details, they’re usually quite dainty. Similarly, Cassie is probably the least experimental when it comes to her makeup; we don’t really see her wearing the bold eyeshadows or liners or gems like the other girls at any point.

OUTFIT 1-

Bodysuit-Motel Rocks

Hair Clips-Bershka

OUTFIT 2-

Dress-Jaded London

OUTFIT 3-

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 4-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Hairband-H&M

`OUTFIT 5-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Jeans-Zaful

Headband-Primark

OUTFIT 6-

Top-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Dress-Urban Outfitters

Hair Clips-Boohoo

SO, I guess that’s it for my Euphoria lookbook! As always, let me know what you think (nicely pls, my ego is fragile lol) and I’d love to hear your opinions on the show too! I really haven’t got this excited over a new TV show in ages and I just think that it does everything so excellently-from the writing to the cinematography to the soundtrack, you can tell each element is so carefully and purposefully constructed. It immerses you into the dramatic highs and lows of being a teenager in a way I haven’t seen since UK Skins and I never thought I’d watch a show which held a candle to that. 

In terms of what I’m doing next, I’ve got a very delayed fashion week masterpost in the works as well as something to fill the Met Gala shaped hole in our lives, which I hope to get up over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you read to the end, THANK YOU! And I hope you’re staying safe and AT HOME where possible. I know this self-isolation feels never-ending and if I’m honest, it is having a hugely negative effect on my mental health, but NHS staff are doing their very best with the shitty recourses they have and whilst it seems that our government have thrown workers under the bus once again, we can all do our bit to combat that by slowing the spread of the virus. Also thank you to anybody who’s out working now in such a scary and uncertain time! I work at a grocery store and can say from experience that the best way to show this thanks is just through kindness and following employee’s instructions without giving them grief for it. Everyone’s scared right now and the best we can do is pull together and look out for each other, as difficult as that might seem at times.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, and like I said, stay safe! Thanks once again if you read til the end or even if you’re just here for the photos. Appreciate it more than you know either way!

Lauren x

[dashhoney25]

E. Part III

Hazel

Turning over in your sleep, you instantly jumped as you opened your eyes seeing a figure in the bed next to you. Turning on the lamp that rested on the nightstand, you realized Erik had finally come back to bed. Clutching your chest as your heartbeat slowed, you turned off the lamp and let out a sigh of relief.

A feeling of anger washed over you as reality set in. This nigga had the nerve to kiss you, lie to you, leave you, and come back to bed as if nothing had happened. Lowering yourself back into the covers, you buried yourself inside and snuggled against the pillow. Getting into a comfortable cold spot, you heard Erik stirring in his sleep. As you tried to focus on going back to sleep, your mind began to wander at the thought of why Erik lied to you. "Was he with someone else?" "Did I cross the line questioning him about work?" You thought.

As the pending thoughts ran wild in your mind, you felt Erik's arm sweep over your body, and a pull at your lower half. "Don't let him do this to you, not now." You thought. Your body wanted to pull away, sticking your leg out first to allow your body to follow; Erik's leg intertwined with yours and pulled you into him. "Haze" he groaned, your body instantly stiffened at the sound of his voice. "Did he really just say my name?" you thought as your eyes opened staring at nothing but darkness. Erik placed a kiss on the back of your neck and nestled his nose in the crook of your neck inhaling deeply. You sighed heavily, giving into the warm greeting.

"Jackass" you thought to yourself as you rolled your eyes. He had you just like that, like putty in his hands. Pulling out of Erik's embrace you turned to face him, your hands trailed his upper lip, feeling air escape his nose as he exhaled. Your thumb grazed his thick, plump bottom lip that caused an unexpected emotion. You felt lead to kiss him, tempted to take in this moment to interrupt his slumber. Caressing his face, your head rested on the pillow that you two now shared as your forehead gently touched his. You placed a gentle kiss on his nose as you felt your heartbeat quicken, Erik didn't stir at all. Getting rid of the inhibition, you pulled your leg from Erik's and wrapped your leg around is waist, and caressed his cheek. Inhaling deeply, you pressed your face against his slightly and placed a soft peck against his lips.

Erik instantly inhaled and felt the pressure of your lips against his and pulled away quickly, realizing what you had done he quickly pulled you back into a kiss and held you close to him as he snuggled against you. "Mhmm, goodnight" he said in a raspy voice. You knew you'd regret doing this in the morning, but having Erik hold you throughout the night, it took you to another place where nothing else mattered. All you wanted was Erik and his attention, you loved his body next to you and the feeling of being his. You felt protected, as if nothing could ruin this bond that you two had shared over the years. You and Erik were perfect, you didn't mind the boundaries but it pained you to think that maybe because you've been reluctant to intimacy, maybe that caused a rift between you two. Maybe that's why he's so secretive, maybe you two can't be open with one another about your personal lives is because you two can't strip down in front of each other and express yourselves; just the two of you, or maybe... maybe he's interested in someone else and doesn't know how to tell you just yet. Whatever the case may be, you tried your hardest to not get involved with Erik past a platonic friendship, but each kiss and hug, and a flash of his dimples tugged at your heart strings, harder and harder each time.

Hours later, you slowly rose out of bed and checked your phone. It was 9:30am, you turned around to see Erik still asleep. Getting out of bed, you opened your duffle bag and grabbed some clothes and your toothbrush. With your belongings in hand you were on your way to the bathroom when you noticed a wad of cash on Erik's nightstand. Dropping your things you eyed the nightstand and quickly grabbed the cash and counted it. "What the fuck?" you questioned. Putting the money back, you picked up your clothes and took it to the bathroom. Placing your clothes on the counter, you grabbed a washcloth and bath towel and turned on the shower. Fifteen minutes later, you stepped out of the shower and grabbed your towel. "Good morning" Erik barked, causing you to jump. "What the fuck are you doing in here?!" You yelled wrapping yourself in the towel quickly. Erik chuckled, "What kind of greeting is that?" he questioned sarcastically grabbing his toothbrush. Ignoring him, you wet your toothbrush and placed toothpaste on the bristles and brushed your teeth.

As you two brushed your teeth together, Erik noticed something off in your demeanor, he knew something was bothering you; anytime he tried to steal a look from you, you'd avoid any eye contact. You two finished brushing your teeth, Erik broke the silence while you tied your hair into a messy bun. "What's on your mind?" he questioned. "Where were you last night?" you asked. "What's with the questions Haze?" Erik deflected. Rolling your eyes you grabbed your clothes and walked into Erik's closet, slipping on your clothes. You walked into the bedroom and placed your dirty clothes into the duffle bag along with your toothbrush. "So you not gonna answer me?" Erik asked following you. Zipping your bag, you placed the bag on the bed and sat down to put on your pair of Nikes. "So you went for a walk and you come back with $400?" You questioned with a raised brow. "Why the fuck you go through my shit?" Erik asked angrily. "Why lie?" You asked raising from the bed getting in his face, "I thought we were better than that" you admit. Erik shook his head, "I'm not gonna explain myself to you Hazel. I'm too grown for that shit and you ain't my girl" Erik said walking away heading into the kitchen. "Who said I wanted to be?!" You yelled angrily. You placed your phone in your pocket and grabbed your keys and duffle bag. You walked out of Erik's bedroom and walked into the kitchen.

You sighed and Erik turned around, "So you leaving?" he questioned grabbing a bowl of Frosted Flakes cereal. "I can't deal with the lies Erik, I think it's best if I go home" you say simply. Erik could tell you were hurt, "Haze" he called out. "I stopped by to see a friend to get some money for Adonis; it went a little longer than I expected" Erik admitted. You looked at Erik confused, "Adonis has his own gym, why would he need money from you?" You questioned. Erik grabbed some milk from the fridge, "Look you asked me where I was last night and I told you. Happy now?" Erik asked sharply, pouring the milk over his cereal. "Nah, but whatever. I'm going home" you say walking to the door. "Aight" Erik said nonchalantly.

Once again, you knew that Erik was lying like why would he leave the house at 1am to get money for his brother Adonis? Adonis is a personal trainer who owns his OWN gym, why would he need money from Erik? To your knowledge, Erik's unknown job doesn't pay that well, or does it? You decided it would be best to go home to clear your thoughts and try to make sense of why Erik had been so secretive and detached from you. It's bothered you for awhile that Erik has changed, but could you tell him that? No. Erik doesn't understand your feelings, he plays with them and will use his charm to "acknowledge" how he makes you feel. Erik thinks that everything is a game and you're sick of it.

You reached home and got comfortable in bed when you received a text from your friend Marissa.

Marissa: Lounge tonight @ 10?

Each month, you, Jade, and Marissa would go to the lounge to catch up, sometimes Erik would come to crash the party to talk shit and even bring Adonis. You replied to Marissa and let her know that you'd be coming tonight, she also admits that she's got some tea on her eventful night that she wants to share with you. Eager to hear her details, you agree that you two will catch up tonight to discuss the details.

That night. . .

Not in the mood to drive, you decided to take an Uber to ride downtown to the lounge. Arriving, you walked in and found Jade enjoying her usual cranberry and vodka. You two hugged and sat at the bar. "Want anything to drink?" she questioned. "Girl just the usual, the amaretto" you responded. The bartender walked over and Jade gave him the drink order. "Have you heard from Marissa?" Jade asked. I gave a look, "You know she claims she has some tea for me" I said rolling my eyes. "Let me guess, she's hopped onto someone else's man" Jade joked. The bartender came back and placed your drink down, "Amaretto sour?" he said. "Thank you" you responded. Taking a sip, you sighed and shook your head. As the lounge became flooded with people, in walked Marissa and Erik; hand-in-hand. Jade noticed the change in your facial expression as you got up with your drink and walked over to the door. "Hey Marissa" You said attempting to sound cheerful, "Erik" you said simply. Erik stared at you blankly as Marissa hugged you. Jade walked over and made small talk with Marissa as you stepped away to finish your drink.

Erik walking in with Marissa was a total shock. Erik always complained about Marissa's "hoe-ish" tendencies and couldn't stand her thick accent let alone how ditsy she acted. You tried to keep your composure and not express any emotion towards the two of them arriving together. You were knocked out of your thoughts when you felt a tap on your shoulder. "You okay?" Jade asked. You shook your head, "I'm fine" you replied as you two headed back to the bar. "You think Marissa's tea has something to do with Erik?" Jade questioned. You shrugged your shoulders, "I don't know" you said placing your cup down as the bartender approached you; "Another one please?" you questioned. "How are you and Erik?" Jade asked. "He's been really weird lately. I can't put my finger on it, but he left in the middle of the night and came back with a wad of cash this morning, claiming that the money is for Adonis" you replied. Jade laughed, "Oh really?" she questioned. "Exactly" you said taking your phone out and to text Erik.

Hazel: Meet me by the pool table in 5?

You locked eyes with Erik as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He glanced at it and tucked it away putting his arm around Marissa whispering in her ear as she giggled. You instantly felt your heart drop. The bartender came back with another drink and you quickly took a sip. "How are you holding up?" Jade asked changing the subject. "Huh?" you questioned shifting your focus. "How have you been holding up?" Jade questioned again. "Since Vic?" You questioned. "I'm fine." You said staring into space. "Haze, it's normal to feel like this, you don't have to pretend like you're okay. We all have our moments" she said rubbing your shoulder. "You don't get it Jade, Erik was the closest thing to me since Vic and I broke up." You said trying to hold back tears, "You know Vic cheated on me Jade" you reiterated. "I know, and again; I'm sorry you had to go through that" Jade consoled. "We spent 3 years together, he called off the engagement and said he couldn't walk down the aisle with me knowing that he had hurt me." Taking a deep breath you continued, "It took everything in me to get over him, you know how much I loved him. "

"I know Haze, we don't have to talk about this right now, let's just enjoy the night." Jade said trying to cheer you up. Shaking your head you took the last sip of your drink and placed it on the counter. "Jade I just don't understand how we could be so close and share so much but still know so little about each other? Can you believe I don't know what he does for a living?" You questioned hysterically. "Hazel, let's not start this tonight, alright? Let's save Erik for another day. I know its upsetting to see him with Marissa, but talking about his inconsistencies won't change anything." Jade said, "Look, there's Adonis, let's stop by the hookah lounge and sit in his section" she interjected. You really didn't want to talk to Adonis, considering he's a spitting image of Erik but to appease Jade and try to enjoy the rest of the night, you agreed.

"Fine, but I need to stop by the restroom first. I'll be right back" you said getting up from the bar, walking to the restroom. Handling your business, you walked out and ran into Erik who was coming out of the restroom as well. "What's up?" he questioned staring you up and down. "What the fuck are you doing with Marissa? I thought you couldn't stand her 'hoe-ass' " you questioned angrily. Erik rolled his eyes at your little tantrum. "Hazel I'm not doing this here aight. I told you earlier that I had to take care of business" he said attempting to calm you down. "Business? So you talk shit about her to me, bring her here and you're all over her like a piece of meat. I'm sick of you lying to me Erik, are you fucking her?!" You questioned, hoping he'd spare your feelings.

"Nah, but I will tonight. Just because you asked." Erik said winking at you. You felt your blood boil and took his hand before walking off, "Please don't, you've ruined enough of my friendships as it is" you pleaded. "And maybe a few that you don't know about" he said before walking away. Erik's response cut at your heart like a knife, and of course, he knew his response would eat away at you like a parasite.

Taking a deep breath, you walked over to the hookah lounge to meet up with Adonis and Jade. "Nice of you to join us" Adonis greeted. A feeling of disgust crept upon you as you sat next to him. "What's this?" you asked referring to his drink, "Hennessy" he responded. Without hesitation you picked up his glass and drank the remainder of his glass. Jade looked at you in shock. "Hazel!" she yelled. "What?" you asked shrugging your shoulders feeling the brown liquor burn your chest. "Excuse her Adonis, she's acting out tonight. I'll pay for your drink. I'm so sorry" Jade apologized. "It's cool. If she can handle the Henny, she can handle anything" Adonis said flashing his smile at you. You rolled your eyes at him and pulled your phone out of you pocket scrolling through old messages between you and Erik. Adonis leaned over your shoulder, "You wanna socialize with the rest of us or continue to be in your feelings?" he joked, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Order me another glass of Hen, and I'll think about it" you snapped. Jade got up and sat next to you, "I'ma need you to slow down hot tamale, I saw that shit between you and Erik by the bathroom. Don't be mean to poor Donnie alright. You already owe him another drink, play nice. Don't let that nigga ruin your night over Marissa's hoe ass." Jade said. "And he said he's gonna fuck her tonight!" You said hitting Jade in the knee getting upset. "Why would he say some low-down shit like that Jade?!" you said getting upset. "Haze, don't waste your tears on this nigga tonight. Definitely don't drown yourself in liquor, don't let him see you like this! He knows what he's doing Hazel!" Jade said. "Look, just enjoy this time with me and Donnie, smoke some hookah and relax." You shook your head in agreement and watched as she took her seat next to Donnie.

Adonis passed you the hookah as you inhaled the smoke and held it for a moment before exhaling as the cloud covered your face. "You still want the Henny?" he questioned. "Nah, I'm okay" you said looking away. Adonis moved closer to you, and you felt his presence. You turned to meet his gaze. "What?" You questioned in annoyance. "I don't wanna get in your business but..." "But don't Donnie" you said staring at him blankly. "If you're gonna sit next to me, you gotta chill out with that Erik shit" Adonis barked gruffly taking another pull of his hookah. You instantly felt your blood boil as he mentioned Erik, even worse, they're twins so no matter what Adonis says or does; you couldn't forget Erik if you tried. You got up and put your phone in your back pocket. "I'm gonna head out Jade, I'm gonna call an Uber" you say before walking away. Jade glared at Adonis in confusion and threw her hands up. "I tried, I can't get her out of this funk D" she said defeated.

Adonis got up and followed you to the balcony as you took out your phone to book an Uber. "Hazel?" he called out behind you. You glared at him. "Why you being so hard on me tonight? I know I didn't do anything, but whatever you got going on with my brother you need to dead that shit. I can't change how I look but damn, can you try to enjoy tonight without referencing him?" Adonis questioned you. "You don't even know that half Donnie" you said booking the Uber. "Try me. I've known you since we met you three years ago. Why you still follow up behind him like this?" Adonis questioned. "Why do you think Donnie? Erik is all I've known, and since Vic, we've gotten a lot closer over the years" you admitted. "So let me guess, you fucked my brother" Adonis insinuated. "That's none of your business" you said trying to hide the reddening expression on your face. Though you two had never been intimate, you two still shared intimate moments.

"I wouldn't doubt if you did. You seem more hurt over losing Erik than you do Vic" Adonis exclaimed. "Don't go there D, Vic cheated on me!" you said getting in his face. "And you always had Erik by your side, it took you no time to get over that. Don't play like that Hazel" Adonis smirked enjoying the view as you were close to him. You stepped away from Adonis, "Why are we even discussing this right now?" you said trying to change the subject walking away from him. "Because you're butt hurt over him being with Marissa and dismissing you. I saw that shit by the bathroom. Just let that shit go and enjoy yourself. You can still be friends with him without keeping tabs on him. Erik is gonna do Erik regardless of what he tells you, so don't believe shit he has to say" Adonis said. You sighed. "D, I know you're right. I just don't know anyone else but him, and you know I'm not friendly" you admit. "We'll work on it, but for right now, stop bringing his ass up and quit giving me the cold shoulder. Now come back and chill with me and Jade aight?" he said taking your hand.

"I can't, I called an Uber, I'm gonna be leaving in a few" you say. "Cancel it. I'll take you home. Let's just have a good night." He said taking your hand, walking you back to the couch. Sitting back down you noticed Jade was gone, checking your phone you received a text from Jade.

Jade: Something came up sis, I'm sorry. I'll call you when I make it home ok?

Sighing, you cancel your Uber and put your phone back in your pocket. Adonis noticed the change in your facial expression. "Everything okay?" he asked. "Jade had to leave, she said something came up" you say. Sighing, you leaned back in the couch and eyed the crowd at the lounge. "You wanna get out of here?" Adonis questioned. You looked at him with longing eyes. "Yes" you replied.

[halloweenismyfav]

《 Here's Mallory's relationship list! Up next is Thorn's. I included my other OCs here too, along with RSA! (You can clearly see which ones I've thought of more) This is a long one, so buckle up. 》

Mallory Robinett's Relationships

Heartslabyul

Riddle Rosehearts: Mallory has a strange fascination with Riddle. She was a Disney gal when on Earth, Alice in Wonderland being her favorite movie they made. She kinda hated the Queen of Hearts since she was all high and mighty, but when she saw Riddle...all she thought was "omg smol tsun tsun". After his overblot, she held him close and allowed him to hide his tears. Riddle finds her obsession fascination with him a bit odd, but he's seen weirder in his own dorm, so he just lets her do her thing and is her friend nonetheless.

Trey Clover: "Big brother Trey". That's pretty much it. One time, Mallory told Trey about chocolate-hazelnut wafers and how she loved them back on Earth, so he made them for her after. She was delighted and it's become tradition for them since. He's basically her big bro. It's pretty wholesome.

Cater Diamond: Mallory finds Cater a bit annoying, she won't lie. She just finds the whole "influencer" thing a bit odd. Other than that, she doesn't entirely mind Cater. They don't talk all too often however, so they don't know each other too well. Mallory hopes to have that change before they graduate or before she goes home.

Ace Trappola: If these two are seen together, you may wanna run. Mallory and Ace are pretty much inseparable after finally getting along during Heartslabyul's episode. Mallory will admit, she finds Ace attractive, and she's said it to him before on a couple occasions. She may feel more than just that, but she doesn't like love and stuff like that, so she tries to ignore her rapidly beating heart whenever she's with Ace...

Deuce Spade: Deuce is one of the few people who sees Mallory's sweet side. She always makes sure he stays in line and if he starts to go all delinquent-mode, she pulls a "pull it together major". Of course, that's only if he starts to go overboard. Mallory knows what it's like to feel like a disappointment to a parent, so she reassures Deuce that it'll get better if he's truly wanting to be better.

Thorn Valley: Oh, these two despise each other. The only thing they can agree on is that they dislike Leona and that's pretty much it. Some people at NRC like to say they're like an old married couple(mainly Cater) and they always have to clarify that they hate each other. They can tolerate each other during events like Fairy Gala and such, but even then, they'll still bicker.

Savanaclaw

Leona Kingscholar: Another person Mallory hates! She finds Leona's laziness a menace, while he gets a kick out of annoying her. Their relationship is similar to how Vil and Leona act to put it bluntly. They do have similar humor though, so it's strange whenever someone else sees them laughing together.

Ruggie Bucchi: One time Ruggie stole her sandwich and she makes sure he'll never live it down. Knowing he had a rough time back in the Afterglow Savana however, she tones it down by a lot. She knows he's a gremlin, but she also knows that he's a human like anyone else and tries to treat him with some kind of kindness and respect. They don't talk all too often, but they've talked enough to be considered a bit more than acquaintances.

Jack Howl: He gives her piggyback rides more often than you would think, but it's always cause she asks if he can. He can't say no to her face, he doesn't know why, so he goes along with it. He finds her more as his sister than anything, Mallory finding the feeling mutual. She loves to hang out with him and Epel, but the one time that Jack offered her to come with him and Vil to jog, she backed up ten feet and said no.

Octavinelle

Azul Ashengrotto: Mallory was infuriated when Azul took Ramshackle away from her and Grim for those couple days. She was doing that thing where she was telling Adeuce and Jack to "hold her (nonexistent) earrings" or to "hold her back". After finding out his backstory however, she softened, even if only by a bit. Her relationship with him got better after Scarabia's incident.

Jade Leech: Mallory doesn't like Jade, but she doesn't hate him either. He's probably the most tolerable person in Octavinelle to her. She was also close to slapping Jade once. She doesn't interact with him too often, so she can only go off of how he was during Octavinelle and Scarabia's episode.

Floyd Leech: Floyd is the vain of Mallory's existence. During the Octavinelle episode, she almost slapped him into oblivion. She honestly can't tell who she hates more, Thorn, Leona, or Floyd. He's constantly trying to "squeeze" her like he does with everyone else and she can't stand it. She doesn't like to talk to him and tries to avoid him when she can.

Marius Seymour: Mallory doesn't entirely mind Marius. She kinda finds his sadistic-ish personality a bit annoying, but she's learned that it's a reoccuring thing in Octavinelle. Marius' sadism isn't as bad as the other three. She lowkey ships him with Ashe and isn't shy about it. She finds him kinda fun to be around and likes to eat with him at lunch from time to time.

Scarabia

Kalim Al-Asim: The first time she talked to him, she knew that he was so precious and was wondering if he belonged at RSA. He's also one of the few people to see Mallory's sweet side. She can't bring herself to be sarcastic with him, so she acts almost entirely different with him. It basically goes as such...

----

Mallory: *being all sweet it Kalim*

Everyone else: Wow...

Mallory: What?

Everyone else: You're just so nice to him...

Mallory: Oh, I'm sorry, do you want me to yell?!

Everyone else: No-!

----

Jamil Viper: Mallory's...indifferent to Jamil. She almost slapped him after his overblot, yes, but she doesn't entirely hate him. She knows he was in Kalim's shadow for so long, so she doesn't have too much against him. She still isn't happy with how he treated and hypnotized Kalim, but she tries to let it go as much as her heart and brain will let her. She doesn't talk to him much after his overblot, but if she needs to talk to him, she won't throw a tantrum.

Pomefiore

Vil Schoenheit: At first, Mallory thought that she'd hate Pomefiore, especially Vil. But...she saw and heard how much effort it took for Vil to get to where he is now, so she has a lot of respect for him. For Ghost Marriage, he chose an outfit for her so that she fit the theme of the event and she actually liked his outfit choices. It was a dress, which she tends to hate, but she genuinely enjoyed wearing it. She may not talk to him a whole lot, but she respects him greatly. After his overblot, that respect and empathy went up even more.

Rook Hunt: Mallory, like many others at NRC, finds Rook weird and creepy. She already found the fact that he has photos on his walls creepy, but then he lists off her, ADeuce and Grim's height, class, and seat number. She tries to avoid him at all costs, similar to Floyd. She hates how he randomly pops up behind her and the others too.

Epel Felmier: Mallory loves Epel! She likes to hang out with him, Jack, and Deuce. She's trying to learn how to carve apples, though she's gained many cuts on her fingers because of it, the cuts always bandaged up by Epel. Since she's taller than him, she likes to use him as an arm-rest from time to time, much to Epel's demise. All in all, she adores him and wishes the best for him.

Ashe Aspen: Mallory finds Ashe fun, but they don't talk as often as she'd like. He's really tall, so she likes when he gives her piggyback rides too. She's witnessed his truly scary side, and she's sworn to never make him mad since. Similar to Ruggie, they may not talk much, but they've talked enough to be considered a bit more than acquaintances.

Ignihyde

Idia Shroud: Best of friends. Specifically BGFFs, "Best Gamer Friends Forever". Idia introduced Mallory to a bunch of games in Twisted Wonderland and she couldn't put them down. They talk whenever they can and everyone is shocked when Mallory says she's Idia's friend. She likes his hair a lot too.

Ortho Shroud: Mallory finds Ortho like the younger sibling she never had but always wanted. She always makes sure he's ok, telling him that he can come to her if he ever needs to talk. She also thought that he did amazing during the VCD Auditions.

Diasomnia

Malleus Draconia: She knows for a fact that if she was still her same seven year old self, she'd want him to give her a piggyback ride so she could hold his horns. Mallory finds his innocent outlook on some things adorable, but more in a sense of "wow he's pure" rather than romantically. For the most part though, their relationship is the same as it's portrayed in the game.

Lilia Vanrouge: They have a relationship like Mallory does with Riddle, just flip it around. Lilia seems to be fascinated by her, seeing as she's a human from another world while he's a fae who's lived for hundreds of years. She may be taller than him, but he always floats above the ground so he's at least her height. She finds him fun to hang with, so she's fine with his strange fascination.

Sebek Zigvolt: She finds him too loud, but she appreciates his devotion to Malleus. Sometimes it concerns her, but other than that, she respects it. They don't talk often, but she kinda wants that to change soon. Other than that, he's the member she's the least close to.

Silver: They're cuddling buddies and don't even know it. Mallory spends a lot of time in Diasomnia, so naturally she is close with the dorm's members. She likes to crash in Silver's room at times, so that's how they became secret cuddle buddies.

Other

Dire Crowley: Mallory finds it kinda fun to toy with Crowley, but found it incredibly annoying when he left to go on vacation during Scarabia's episode. Although it's something she'd never admit, Mallory sees Crowley as that fun and strange father she never got to have.

Divius Crewel: She hates him with a lot of her being. She hates how he treats them all like dogs. However, when there are those few times he's nice to her and makes sure she doesn't make an explosion in Alchemy, she's thankful.

Mozus Trein: She finds his class pretty boring, but she loves playing with his cat. She does appreciate when Trein gives her extra help if she doesn't understand something revolving around Twisted Wonderland's history.

Ashton Vargas: Mallory is a bit indifferent to Vargas. While he can be nice to her, she finds him a bit odd. She does however appreciate how Vargas makes sure she takes care of her physical and mental health.

Libi Koko: Libi and Mallory are pretty much the best of friends. Since Libi is one of the few females in NRC with Mallory, it feels nice that she can talk to someone who understands some issues they may have that the guys don't. They have a lot of inside jokes and, again, Libi is one of the few poeple who have seen Mallory's sweet side.

Che'nya: Prank duo, right here. If they're together, it's like an Ace and Mallory situation, but worse. Since they go to different schools, they can't talk often, but they managed to exchange numbers who knows when just a bit after the Heartslabyul incident. Sometimes, Che'nya likes to give Mallory hugs, but he's always invisible and know one except Mallory can tell he's there. He likes to tease Mallory a bit, much to her slight demise, so she's started to do the same. It's an endless cycle now.

Neige LeBlanche: Mallory already adored Neige the first time she met him. Her first thought was "he's baby. I must protect". They may not talk often, due to being in different schools, but they exchanged numbers to ensure that they still had the ability to talk. Neige is in a situation similar to Kalim in terms of how sweet Mallory is.

[kung-fu-headcanons]

Lily angst where lily goes with Po in the spirit realm but doesn’t come back due to the affect of the jade zombie transformation holding her back and li Shan is so distraught because his precious little warrior is gone because they were too late to stop the jade infection for her

NOOOOO 😭😭😭

Lily wasn't even supposed to go in the first place, this was something that was supposed to be Po and Po only, but Lily kept insisting otherwise

Her chi powers were still a secret, which was why it was so important for her to stay away from Kai, because her powers would be a huge benefit for Kai, or so they thought

Because her powers were still pretty unstable, so even if someone acquired them they'll either be overwhelmed by them or the powers will just cancel out, depending on the person

Lily, being the headstrong, arrogant, proud panda she is, insisted that her powers could help a lot with defeating Kai, I mean she literally had chi power which is indeed powerful

Po kept telling her "no" but it was getting more and more obvious that Lily wasn't gonna take "no" as an answer

Besides, she claims that she deserves to assist in freeing everybody from Kai's jade curse because they're her friends too, and she isn't wrong-

So Po takes Lily, but tells her to only interfere if absolutely necessary

Despite having quite different personalities, they're both like "WOAHHH. THIS PLACE IS SO COOL REEEEE" 😂

When they meet with Oogway, he prophecies that a sacrifice will be made, but he doesn't specify (like the way he is-) which leaves Po and Lily confuzzled, and also worried, because it could mean one of them won't make it out alive

Well at least he confirmed that Lily coming here had been the right decision.. ish..

Anyways, so they encounter Kai, and Po tells Lily to stay back, much to her annoyance and dismay

How is she supposed to get her chi powers under control if she never had a chance to use it???

But she does stay back, however she makes sure that she can see the fight at all times, because if anyone is gonna lay a single finger on her brother, well, let's just say, you won't have that finger anymore

Lily is trying hard to keep up with them and she falls back once, when she catches up to them again, her brother is trapped, and ahem, you have chosen death, my friend

Lily sneaks up from behind and kicks Kai, hard, and while he's distracted she quickly sets Po free of the chains, but doesn't have any idea what to do about the jade zombie transformation, which freaks her out but she has more important matters to deal with rn

Well luckily for her back in the real world they've figured it out

Kai turns his attention to Lily instead, because honestly, what better way is there to hurt the Dragon Warrior than take his own sister away from him?

He doesn't know about her powers so that's good but like- still-

Anyways, the chi starts to work on Po, and he's able to free himself, but they need to get Lily out of the jade zombie transformation as well-

The pandas™ have realized that to and they're panicking, trying to figure out how to do the same for her, but its- not working??

Was it because Po was using the chi power they generated, because Lily's chi powers didn't align with theirs, or perhaps Lily herself was downright refusing it? Time was running out...

Po defeats Kai, but Lily is gone.. he doesn't see her anywhere. Doesn't know if it's because she actually did end up dying, got turned into a jade zombie, or perhaps, she made a last minute escape? She is known for being sneaky, but idk, it's virtually impossible to get out of the jade transformation...

When he inquires Oogway about it, he just closes his eyes and shakes his head sadly, "Some sacrifices had to be made". And then sends him back without saying anything else- because I think the rest is pretty self explanatory...

So now Po bears the sad news that Lily is gone, and he wasn't able to save her.. they got everyone back except her...

Like said in the ask itself, Li Shan is absolutely devastated and he just screams in despair because he had just reunited with his daughter, only for her to be lost...

[faejilly]

I was tagged by @la-muerta​ & @facialteeth​ & @thedivinemissema​ for the WIP/Title Game

rules: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. send me an ask with the title that most intrigues you and interests you and i’ll post a little snippet of it or tell you something about it!

AND THEN  by @shadoedseptmbr​ @msviolacea​ & @ravenclawnerd​ for the “stories you want to write... but for some reason haven’t yet”

so this will be a mish-mash of both? The WIPs will mostly have blurbs in this case (to fit the second meme) but you are still welcome to ask follow-up questions, if you’d like ;) Assuming you make it through the list, it is uh. Not Short.

Anyone who would like to play with their WIPs, please consider yourself tagged in either or both of these. :D

Misc Fic Folder:

“untitled document” - where I’m working on fictober fills so I have word-counts for my GYWO tracker. I am not working on these because Brains Are Dumb and also Going Back To Work Is Exhausting

I made a file called “YULETIDE!” which has nothing in it but I’m determined to finish this year so that is definitely technically a thing in the Unending WIP List of Doom worth mentioning. (Tho obviously that’s all I could say even if I had started, because anonymous.)

“coda-fics, rewatch!” -yes, that exclamation mark is important! it’s to keep me motivated! (it didn’t work). Much like untitled, this is for putting stuff so I can do word count tracking even if I don’t know what I’m doing. Currently I think it just says “MARYSE” because I was working on my SH 1x6 coda-fic and then got distracted and haven’t typed anything up yet. (Yay notebooks? Boo notebooks? Not even sure at this point.)

WNIP (works not in progress) Folder:

“TOG” - I had one vivid mental image of how Nicky & Joe met (blood-stained evil smiles?) but then no idea for a follow-up story and also the fandom is insane and I’m not sure I want to deal with all of *gestures vaguely* all that

“Shan Xia Notes” -for a TTRPG that never quite got off the ground; she was a semi-tragic selkie who was still in love with the evil queen/lady who stole her skin and I got to play her for like one session and she was surprisingly chaotic neutral, which wasn’t at all what I’d been expecting. But the game never really got off the ground, so I never had enough info to really delve into writing backstory fic

“post-Kruschev” -Kruschev’s List was the last episode of Scarecrow & Mrs King, and I was debating writing an epilogue in place of the s5 we never got, to try and tie up some loose ends, but the fandom’s three old-ladies in trench coats and I never quite worked up the gumption to get it anywhere

“Code Realize warm as silk sequel” -there is literally nothing in this file except “SEX! Only a little angst” because I wanted to write some “we can’t actually touch each other” smut but never actually did. 🤷‍♀️

BioWare (also all Not-In-Progress Anymore)

“seb/adelaide”, “Theia” & “DAI Erana” -these WIP folders were cannibalized for ficlets for the last few times I did fictober, and while originally I had ideas for longer epilogues for all three of them, at this point I don’t think any of the remaining bits could support a story any longer.

”whispers in the dark” -Maia Ryder never really got much fic at all; the cancellation of any further Andromeda stuff was really disheartening, and at this point I’d have to play the game again, and I don’t think I’m gonna manage that any time soon

”TSP” -a Mass Effect 3 Shepard AU collab project that kind of went off the rails, and our mutual brains/lives never quite seem to line up so we can try and rebuild it ”Ngaio & Tane” -my one truly ruthless Shepard (Alliance background, who romanced Traynor) whose father Tane Shepard was, I think, in PsyOps, and I wanted to figure out their complicated relationship but never really did know where I was going with it

”JE Zu & Yaling” -so I’ve rambled about my Tragic Sagacious Zu Romance Thoughts regarding Jade Empire more than once (#Icy Yaling should have most of it) but apparently I want to yell about it more than I want to actually write it? Whoops.

”CI sequel: 5 times fic?” -Cruel Intentions is a kinkmeme fill that I started and then it sat for like five years before I actually finished it, and I liked the ending, but it does leave a giant fucking question mark in terms of how those people got from there to where they are after the game, and I kind of wanted to write a proper h/c fic rather than just... leaving them wallowing in all that trauma?

But I didn’t. I don’t even remember for sure how I wanted to frame the 5/1 of it all, besides it being something sad about allowing people to see you or touch you in some way. (Prayers maybe, since I think there was definitely some Sebastian & Fenris & faith stuff going on in there.)

“candles” -Merribela prompt fill that I never was happy with? Not sure what I might do with it at this point, so it’s just sitting there all sad and lonely and neglected-like.

Shadowhunters

pt1: WIP LIST ONLY

“Persuasion” -so I keep trying to write Persuasion AUs in many fandoms because it’s my favorite Austen, but I think I like it too much, I have no real solid concept of how I’d transform it, and if I don’t have anything else to say about different characters within that framework, I have no push to actually write anything? Also this SH version of it suffered from MASSIVE scope creep when I started outlining and it got too big for me to handle so I like, killed it twice? Whoops. This one is really probably never gonna happen.

“oosdt sequel” -I wanted to write more about the Forest That Eats People and Magnus & Alec as Guardians Between Worlds, and also some background Magnus’ Found Family & Lightwood Family Feels (maybe some clizzy?) and I left a Madzie plot-thread dangling from the first one on purpose even but I think this one had too many ideas and not enough focus so it’s sort of sprawling all over a doc with a lot of “???” in it

“procedural-ish” -this was originally going to be a sex-farce. and then it turned more serious. and then maybe kind of copaganda which was uncomfortable in terms of the Everything That Is The News in 2020, and then maybe it was more a Mafia AU and at that point I had self-inflicted tone whiplash and I wished the voices in my head were a little more forthcoming about their plans so I stopped before I brained myself on my computer monitor in frustration.

“I had rather a rose than live forever” -I started a reverse!verse Malec (Shadowhunter!Magnus, High Warlock!Alec) for bingo last year, and I couldn’t quite get it together in time, so I made a moodboard inspired by the bits I’d started instead. I may see if one of my prompts from Bingo this year help me finish it?

“fall fright fest (practical magic  au)” -exactly what it says on the tin! almost exactly a year old & neglected! IDEK ANYMORE (I talked about this one with the WIP meme last time tho: here)

“priest!kink theology?” -I thought it was gonna be smut? I like priest!kink. I have made other people like it and yell at me even! But then I kept diverging into demon!Magnus thinking about Priest!Alec’s faith and as usual, IDEK ANYMORE *laughs*

(If they’re remotely canon-adjacent or divergent, a bunch of these are in here because I need to rewatch the show to get the pacing/timing/tone right and I haven’t, and I don’t know why, because I enjoy the show, but BRAINS! Are Dumb! So I guess that’s it?)

“I do” -I have tried to write this damnable Malec arranged marriage fic like six different times. I have signed up for fic exchanges and bangs with it, I have rewritten massive sections, trying to change tone or structure or POV or whatever, and it basically comes down to they like each other too fast and I keep not gutting it enough to get back to a useful pace, but by the time I realized that I was on take six and kind of sick of it. I may get back to it eventually

“wing!fic” -canon divergent in early s1, trying to deal with the consequences of Simon’s kidnapping as the Truly Serious Event that it should have been. It uh. Got heavier than I expected with those consequences (considering it was originally just supposed to be Alec’s wings flirting with Magnus) and also see above re: rewatching for pacing.

“2x20 aftermath/date night/pandemonium porn“ -yes that is the actual wip title. It used to be “spite fic” because I was originally inspired by fighting against a lot of fic!Alec characterization that was clearly based more on the books and ATG syndrome than the Alec in the show, which is the Alec I know and like and want to read about. BUT, pacing and etc. again, I think. Also I have somehow entirely lost my knack for writing porn, which makes it difficult to finish something originally intended to be smut!fic. Or even teasing almost!smut.

“rubbish heap” -so this is about three different fics that I realized complemented each other really well so they’re now all in the same file as I try to turn them into the sequel of “with an if in its soul”. It includes amnesia, parabatai lore shenanigans, a s3 rewrite, and some truly awful Owl adjustments that make me wince in horrified authorly delight and pain. BUT, as with the other ones in this file, the scope is large and I normally write short-fic and I kind of just threw up my hands in exasperation. I may have to break it back up into the three different fics instead, if I ever actually want to write it. Them? But also I need to take better notes on s3 to make sure I have what I need in here.

SH Pt 2: Started posting or not yet in hiatus because it’s actually almost ready to be a thing in the real world! maybe!?

“kisses (firsts)” -I actually started publishing this one, a “series of firsts” that was supposed to be kind of relationship milestones and kind of an excuse for smut, and then there wasn’t that much smut and I lost momentum and also dear lords & ladies the timeline is stupid, wtf. I may not ever add to this one, tbqh. It doesn’t stop in a terrible place, and they’re all ficlets so they stand alone all right.

“clizzy epilogue” -this is blank atm, it’s more a reminder for me to keep poking away at my “girls who can’t breathe air, only fire” collection BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO ACTUALLY GET TO THE CLIZZY AT SOME POINT

"mer!alec" -pts 2-4 of a series, but apparently having an actual plan gets in the way of me *writing* the thing, and I haven't managed to throw the half an outline far enough away from my brain to be able to write again. Or something like that.

"ibhww" -if broken hearts were whole is a soulmate fic I started a million years ago, and purposefully set aside to finish some other WIPs because I thought they'd be quick, and now it's just buried under two and a half years of regret and shame so it's hard to get back to it

"iafy" -i am for you is a delightful & frothy semi-epistolary fluff piece that also just lost momentum because Life & 2020 & etc. It's far and away the most popular thing I've ever posted on AO3, which also makes me feel weird sometimes, and I feel like the fact that there's no grand conclusion planned, just a bit more fluff and settling in, might end up being disappointing? Basically, it's the first time I think I've psyched myself out about reader expectations, and until I get over that I'm going to have trouble finishing the last couple chapters. (There really are probably only two more chapters though. IT’S SO CLOSE, I wish I could just... write it. And yet?)

“fake-hating” -I do not like fake dating as a trope that much, I just do not get it, but I love outside POVs and arranged marriages and there’s this delighful tumblr post about how they wished there was more fic about people who were together but had to pretend they werent’, and uh. This may be that? Eventually? I’m not exhausted by my failure to finish it yet, so it’s still in the regular folder rather than the hiatus folder, even though nothing’s been posted for it.

AND I THINK THAT’S IT?

Not as terrible as it could be, but still. MANY WORDS THAT MAY NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY. Posting the equivalent of one’s old ratty sketchbook is always a weird feeling. :D