#just call me cyrano at this point

[nomoreessays]

@sympathischeufos hab das dann mal für dich geklärt. Darfst mich zum Dank zur Trauzeugin befördern✌🏻

(Der Kommentar war übrigens in Bezug auf diese Story unten wie meine Mitbewohnerin nonchalant eine Sinnkrise ausgelöst hat und op hat das gelesen und dachte „my type of woman“ lmao)

[sightofsea]

prompt number 25 for those good omens bitches please AND thank you

thank you so much!!! tried to go for angst but failed. ah well, c'est la vie. it's the spirit of the thing.

25. “It hurts…” “what?” “Loving someone who doesn’t love you…”

“Well it does hurt, is the thing," Crowley says, restarting an argument that had been born outside the theater, raised on the way to the restaurant, and had been on a quick gap year over canapés.

Aziraphale stops fussing with the sleeves of his coat. “What?” 

“Loving someone who doesn’t love you, it hurts," Crowley clarifies. 

Aziraphale goes back to fussing. "Yes, I suppose it does," he says, then shakes his arms out. Perfect. "But I don't see what that has to do with how dreadful that production of Cyrano was."

Crowley holds the door open for him, and all the warm air inside the restaurant is quickly replaced with a brisk chill that bites the nostrils. Aziraphale says a quick thank you, and Crowley goes back to arguing. He walks along with a small jump in his step, shoulders to his ears as if trying to lift himself off the sidewalk. Aziraphale loops an arm around the demon's elbow, to keep him grounded.

"I'm just saying," Crowley says. "I'm all for criticism. Love criticism, me, but I don't think he was being that overdramatic. It really does feel like that sometimes."

"He was wailing!" Aziraphale argues back. "Rending his garments, throwing himself at the walls--I'm just saying, there's something to a subtle performance."

"Sub--subtle performance?" Crowley lets that percolate in delighted disbelief. "Bit rich coming from you."

Aziraphale's jaw pops open, feet's coming to a standstill, and he unhooks himself from Crowley's arm. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asks. It's intended to come off as mildly offended, but lilts a little to the left. Crowley stares at him, and Aziraphale tuts. "Oh...!" He stomps back up to Crowley and hooks their arms together again, bringing them back to their familiar trot. "That is besides the point."

"No it's not," Crowley says. "You love drama. You love those books where they go on in the hillside, waving poetic and, and diving off of cliffs."

"Yes, but that's books," Aziraphale says. "That's fiction in its purest form. This is performance, it must have some grounding in reality. You can't honestly say you've ever acted like that in the name of unrequited love."

Crowley hums, and is quiet for a few moments. They turn into a nearby park, and everybody considered mugging the flash bastard and his posh twat boyfriend suddenly find their wallets heavier and their thoughts elsewhere.

"Maybe I have," Crowley says, all mumbled and high pitched. "Who's to say?"

Aziraphale does a double take. "Really?" Crowley nods, looking straight ahead. Aziraphale hesitantly points to himself. "Over...?"

It's now Crowley's turn to do a double take. "Wh--no, over Napoleon. Yes, over you!"

"Oh, well that makes me feel terrible!" laments Aziraphale, who is beginning to feel something rise up within him that he's too proud to admit to but most would call 'flattered'. "That you did all that screaming and wailing over me."

Crowley shifts as if trying to shed his skin. "Mm."

"All that--all that rending of garments and throwing yourself about." Aziraphale puts his free hand on Crowley's hooked arm. He tuts. "And over me."

Crowley lets put a creaking sound of embarrassment, and tries to wave away his confession with his free hand. "Okay, that's not--"

"That you were overcome by...by such enormous affection and love," Aziraphale continues, near giddy with it now. "For me!"

Crowley stares at him, deadpan. "You're enjoying this."

"I'm not," lies Aziraphale. He schools his face as best he can--which is to say, quite portly. "I'm feeling...quite guilty."

"That's not your guilty face," Crowley says. "That's your...that's a different face. A smug face."

"Not smug," says Aziraphale, smugly.

"Delighted, then."

Aziraphale tuts, shaking his head. "Not in the least. I'm quite overcome with agony, as I imagine you were." Crowley hums in disbelief. "Again, over me."

"Alright, alright," says Crowley, who does his best to gesture wildly with one arm lovingly held captive. "I take it back. I take it all back. There was no wailing or garment rending or any of that. I was perfectly fine with it." He expects a response to come. When it doesn't, he turns to see Aziraphale looking distinctly put out. Something seizes in Crowley's chest, and the words come out before his brain can bar the door. "Okay, I screamed at a tree once about it. Does that satisfy you?"

"Mm," says Aziraphale, still displeased.

"Maybe had a...good cry, or three," admits Crowley.

Aziraphale softens. "Oh, did you really?" he asks, curiosity sliding from smug to concerned.

Crowley bristles at the genuine emotion. "Oh, what, and you didn't?" he asks defensively.

"No, I have," says Aziraphale, soberly. He blinks up at Crowley before surveying the landscape, no doubt imagining lonely nights and cold mornings scattered over many the millennia. Crowley imagines them as well.

"You...so...yeah," he says. He supposes he's won the argument, but it doesn't feel like it. "We both..."

"We've both suffered over each other," Aziraphale says. His voice is heavy with guilt, and not for the first time, the two of them think of the same thing. 

Crowley distinctly remembers the slam of the bookshop door, and winces at it. Sounds get clogged in the back of his throat. "Y-Yeah," he says. They walk along another few steps, before stopping. "Not...not any more, though," Crowley adds, half statement and half question. He brings his free hand over Aziraphale's.

Aziraphale squeezes his arm lightly and smiles. "No," he whispers. "Not any more."

Crowley smiles back--because it's dark and there's plausible deniability, because he's in love, who's to say--and moves to cup Aziraphale's face. Aziraphale's already ahead of him. The kiss to short, soft, and simple--a reassurance, more than a declaration. For a moment, there's a break in the chill night air, and all is warm.

They part, and continue their walk in tandem. "You still think the play was shit though, don't you?" Crowley asks.

"Not in so many words," Aziraphale admonishes, which is to say, yes.

[mimisempai]

This unavoidable between us - Chapter 4/8

Chapter Summary

Let's sleep on it. 

Once awake, Crowley is sure of himself. Better remorse than regret. 

Even if it breaks his heart.

On Ao3

Rating T - 3020 words

Masterpost here

Day 3

No plans

At the agency, when he had opted to do nothing in the middle of the week, Aziraphale had thought it would give him a little breather, a day or half-day to be on his own. After all, he wasn't used to being accompanied, especially not so intensively. But now, he told himself, he didn't want to spend a day without seeing Anthony.

Aziraphale thought this was even more fitting given the current situation. With a day without plans, they could be even more open with each other.

He wondered how Anthony felt after last night, after all they'd shared quite an emotional moment. At least it had been for Aziraphale. 

He called the room service and ordered breakfast for two before knocking on Anthony's door.

Crowley, for his part, had had no trouble falling asleep, but he'd woken up early, which had given him plenty of time to think things over. He hadn't lied to Aziraphale, he wanted to explore their relationship further. He couldn't deny the desire he felt for the other man, who surely had noticed it, just as Crowley had noticed it with Aziraphale.

But he also knew that in three days it would all be over. Even if Aziraphale hadn't made it clear, Crowley knew they'd probably never see each other again. Several small clues left little doubt as to the outcome of this week. But Crowley thought back to Cyrano, to what he'd said to Aziraphale, and knew that deep down, he'd made up his mind.

It is said that it is better to live with remorse than with regret, and Crowley would rather have had seven days of making the most of every minute with all they had to offer than to spend his life wondering what might have been and regretting not taking his chance. He would suffer, but less than if he hadn't experienced it at all.

Serene and content with his decision, he rose to dress.

When he was ready, he waited to hear from Aziraphale as he had no idea of the day's program. The previous day's discussion and what had followed had distracted them from any other topic. Not that Crowley was complaining - it had been a delightful evening as were all the moments he spent with Aziraphale.

He had reached that point when he heard a knock at the door and went to open it to find himself face to face with Aziraphale.

Aziraphale immediately pulled Crowley to him and kissed him gently before releasing him, saying with a sweet smile, "Good morning, Anthony, did you sleep well?"

Crowley returned the kiss before replying, "Good morning. I slept like a log."

Aziraphale smiled, looking pleased.

"If you haven't had breakfast, I invite you to join me in my room."

"Yes, with pleasure."

Together they went to Aziraphale's room, which they crossed to the balcony where the breakfast table had been set.

Crowley asked as he poured the coffee, "So, what do you want to do today?"

"I thought we'd just go for a walk, anywhere we want. What do you think?" 

"Good idea, sometimes it's good not to plan anything." 

"You say that to someone who usually wears suspenders and garters."

Crowley bursts out laughing.

"Oh, I see, so you're in a reckless mood today?"

"You could say that," Aziraphale replied. "It's true, I've been doing a lot of things the last few days that I've never had a chance to do before."

Crowley asked, "Because of your work?" 

"Not really, as you know I'm pretty free with my bookshop, let's just say mostly because I didn't have anyone to share it with."

Crowley nodded in understanding before replying, "As you know, this is all new to me too. Even this work is new. That is, if you can call it work."

Aziraphale, trying to hide the fact that his throat was tightening slightly, asked, "Now that you've done it for the first time, does it... does it make you want to do it again?"

This was without counting the intuition of the man in front of him, who asked in a teasing tone, "Why? Would it make you jealous?

Aziraphale rolled his eyes, trying to hide his embarrassment, for yes, he had felt a tinge of jealousy.

Crowley chuckled softly and continued, "No, I won't do it again, it's just a one-time thing. It was really to help my best friend and I'll be honest, it was the idea of spoiling my sibling that finally convinced me to do it."

Aziraphale nodded, choosing to ignore the feeling of relief, then said softly, « Your sibling, if you're willing to talk about them, of course, it sounds like you care about them a lot?"

Crowley's face darkened slightly, but he quickly collected himself before replying, "It's a bit complicated, like all family stories. My father, um... well, let's just say he wasn't a very nice man, and he made my mother, my sibling and me suffer a lot, physically and morally. And it got worse after my mother died."

Crowley paused and ran his hand over his face. Aziraphale caught his hand and said gently with a caring expression, "You don't have to talk about it if it's too painful."

Crowley shook his head, he didn't know if it was their bond that drove him, but he wanted to tell Aziraphale everything. He wanted him to know all about himself. Not to mention the fact that Aziraphale was someone to whom it was so easy to open his heart.

Crowley said in a slightly emotional voice, "It's painful, but I'd like to talk to you about it."

Aziraphale nodded before saying softly, "Okay, I'm listening. Take your time."

He didn't let go of Crowley's hand as he resumed his story, "As soon as I could support us financially, I took my sibling with me and we never went home again. It hasn't been all roses and butterflies, but we got through it. That's why I want Muriel to have everything they could ever dream of."

Aziraphale raised his hand and cupped Crowley's cheek, saying with emotion, "I'm sorry you both had to go through this, but I'm also glad you made it through." Aziraphale stroked Crowley's cheek with his thumb and continued, "You really are an amazing person, you know that?"

Crowley, embarrassed, leaned his cheek into Aziraphale's hand and murmured in a slightly hoarse voice, "Thank you."

They stayed like that for a few moments before resuming their breakfast, the conversation lightening by the time they finished.

After emptying his cup of coffee, Crowley asked, "So, have you decided where we're going?" 

Aziraphale wiped his mouth. 

"Although I've been in London a long time, I've never been to Regent's Park, do you fancy it?"

"I've never been either. So let's go there." 

"A first for both of us, perfect!"

Half an hour later, a taxi had just dropped them off in front of the park, and they began to stroll through it, hand in hand, chatting or marveling at one feature or another, the conversation between them as smooth and comfortable as ever.

They had been walking for about an hour when Aziraphale stopped and asked, "Is there anywhere in particular you'd like to visit?"

"I get to choose? But you're the customer!"

"Will you do something for me, Anthony?" 

Crowley, seeing the serious look on Aziraphale's face, nodded.

"I'm listening."

"Could you please try not to mention the fact that I'm the client for the rest of our time together?"

Again, Crowley sensed the kind of sadness he sometime felt hidden beneath Aziraphale's words, so he replied gently, "I promise, Aziraphale."

"So, I'll ask you again, is there anywhere in particular you'd like to visit here?"

Crowley thought back and his eyes lit up as a memory came back to him.

"Actually, I've always wanted to see the Japanese Island Garden."

Aziraphale, curious as to what motivated Crowley's enthusiasm, asked, "Oh, really? And is there any particular reason?"

"Well, yes, but you'll find it a bit sentimental. My grandmother lived with us until I was five, and every night she would tell us the story of the day she first met my grandfather, in great detail. It was in this Japanese garden, and to my childhood eyes it seemed like a magical place. I've grown up since then and know from experience that life and relationships are rarely magical, but I've always clung to that memory like a lifeline, and now that we're not so far from it...".

Aziraphale smiled, touched by the sincerity of the memory, and replied softly, "And we'll go to the Japanese Gardens.

After a quarter of an hour's walk, they found themselves in a place that was indeed magical. A narrow Japanese bridge crossed a small river and was surrounded by so many trees and greenery that it was almost impossible to tell that they were in the city. It was the beginning of spring, and the cherry trees were blossoming, adding to the magic of the moment.

They stopped in the middle of the bridge, leaned against the railing, and took in the view. Aziraphale put his arm around Crowley's shoulders and Crowley leaned against him. Aziraphale wished that time had stood still at that moment. Now that time felt like it was slipping through his fingers, everything he felt was intensified, every sensation multiplied a thousandfold.

"Hm? What are you saying?"

Aziraphale froze for a moment, realizing he'd been thinking out loud. Fortunately, Crowley was also lost in thought, so Aziraphale was able to make something up quickly.

"I was thinking, there really is something magical about this place."

"You're right..." Crowley turned to Aziraphale and, cupping his face between his hands, continued, "Really magical. " and then closed the distance to kiss Aziraphale tenderly. Then he pulled back and took his hand, leading him along. They walked through the gardens for almost two more hours before returning to the hotel. On the way back, they stopped at a small restaurant for a light meal.

All the while, they had been discussing everything and anything, finding points of agreement and disagreement, each defending his own opinion but always respecting the other. 

It was hard to believe that they'd only known each other for two days. 

It was well into the afternoon when they arrived back at the hotel. 

They hadn't let go of each other's hands for more than five consecutive minutes since leaving that morning, as if both of them, aware of the fleeting nature of their encounter, wanted to make the most of those moments.

Arriving outside their rooms, they were about to let go of each other's hands when Crowley suddenly grabbed Aziraphale's.

"Aziraphale," he cleared his throat, his voice a little more hesitant, "will you accompany me to my room?"

Aziraphale nodded and followed him. 

As soon as he turned around after closing the door, he found himself pressed against it as Crowley pressed his lips to his with eagerness.

Aziraphale returned the kiss with equal eagerness and wrapped his arms around Anthony's neck, deepening the kiss. They remained like that for a long moment, the kiss lingering, their lips parting only long enough to catch their breath.

Finally, Aziraphale pushed Crowley back slightly, placing his hands on Crowley's waist and pressing his body against Crowley's. 

He murmured against Crowley's lips, "It may be silly to ask, but does that mean what it means?"

Crowley just laughed softly.

Aziraphale continued, "I was going to ask you if you were sure, really sure, that you wanted to go on before something happened, but..."

Crowley pressed himself against Aziraphale in a suggestive way and replied, "The answer is yes." 

Then he took Aziraphale's hands and, as he led him to the bed, continued, "I've spent a lot of time thinking about what I want to do. 

My conclusion is simple: I don't want to have any regrets. I know there are no promises and we'll most likely never see each other again, but-"

Aziraphale shook his head, interrupting him in a slightly sad voice, "Not likely, Crowley, surely. Do not misunderstand the inevitability of our parting in the end." 

Aziraphale didn't want Crowley to be under any misconception. He couldn't give him a hope he knew would be shattered. 

"I know, Aziraphale, I know," Crowley reassured him, looking into his eyes before continuing, "more than that, I want to enjoy what I can experience. Even if it's fleeting."

Aziraphale studied his face for a few more moments, then nodded, "As long as you're aware of that, then I'm more than willing to continue what we've been doing."

Crowley looked into his eyes and replied, "So am I." Then, with a playful smile on his lips, he added, "Would you like us to move someplace where we can be more... comfortable?" 

Aziraphale replied with the same playfulness in his voice, "That's a good idea, because when I'm done with you, Crowley, believe me, you'll be glad to be comfortable..."  

Aziraphale pushed him towards the bed until Crowley's knees met the bed, where he let himself fall before sliding up. Aziraphale climbed onto the bed and, once on top of Crowley, captured his lips in another passionate kiss before pulling back slightly, panting.

"Forgive me if I sound...incredibly pragmatic...in asking you this, but it's important for me to be sure.... Do I have permission to touch you as I please?"  

He rested a finger on the top button of Crowley's shirt, as if waiting for permission to undo it.

Crowley's voice was hoarse with lust as he replied, "Permission granted. More than granted. On one condition, however."

Aziraphale raised an inquiring eyebrow.

"That I also have permission to touch you as I please."

Aziraphale chuckled.

"That goes without saying."

Then he began unbuttoning Crowley's slightly rumpled shirt, moving slowly forward, kissing the bare skin that was gradually exposed. He looked into Crowley's eyes each time he opened a new button, watching every reaction on the man's face.  He could feel Crowley's breathing getting more and more erratic as he went down.  Finally, the shirt was undone, so Aziraphale grabbed Crowley's hands and pulled him into a sitting position.  Once his lover was seated, Aziraphale gently pushed the shirt off his shoulders until it fell to the bed.

Then he moved back until he was sitting on his heels and looked at Crowley, murmuring admiringly, "Anthony..."

Crowley's chest was lean and muscular to perfection, finely sculpted.

Aziraphale, clearly in awe, breathed, "You're beautiful." 

Crowley could only blush at the intensity of Aziraphale's gaze and shook his head as if to deny what Aziraphale had just said. Seeing this, Aziraphale took his chin and looked him in the eye, "Know, Anthony Crowley, that I never say things I don't mean. So when I tell you you're beautiful, all you have to do is believe me."

Crowley laughed softly and, finding Aziraphale absolutaly endearing in his willingness to convince Crowley of his own beauty, could only raise his hands in surrender.

Aziraphale, seeing all this beauty before him, this beauty that he was allowed to touch as much as he wanted, felt as if he were standing in front of a table filled with the finest delicacies and he could not decide which to start with.  So he took Crowley's hand and gently kissed the inside of his wrist, but when he released Anthony's hand, Anthony grabbed his sleeve before sliding his hand up his arm to his shoulder and finally, following the half-open collar of his shirt, to the first button. 

"You're way overdressed."

Aziraphale swallowed, a little concerned as he watched Crowley's fingers move from one button to the next. Aware of his own appearance, he said hesitantly, "I'm afraid I can't give you a figure as perfect as yours." 

"What are you talking about?"  

Crowley straightened and knelt across from Aziraphle, parting the lapels of the shirt before sliding them down the other man's arms. Then, after tossing the shirt to the side, he gently ran his hands over Aziraphale's chest and then over the slight curve of his stomach. He leaned over and planted a light kiss just above Aziraphale's navel before lifting his head and saying adoringly, "You're gorgeous. So gorgeous. I can't believe all this softness is just for me."

Aziraphale's cheeks turned scarlet as Crowley placed his hands on his chest and pushed him back until he lay back as Crowley straddled his thighs.

From there, Crowley rained kisses all over Aziraphale's body, raving over every part his lips met until Aziraphale squirmed beneath him and said, "If you keep this up, I won't last long.

Crowley pressed a kiss under his lover's ear and whispered, "Who says this isn't what I want?"

Aziraphale shook his head.

"But you? It's only for me."

Crowley pressed another kiss under his chin.

"What about me? Everything is perfect for me. And I enjoy it as much as you."

He pressed another kiss, this time to Aziraphale's mouth, before spreading another shower of kisses as he worked his way down his lover's body, which soon became nothing more than an incoherent mess of grunts and moans.

In the end, it was Aziraphale who was glad to be comfortable when Crowley was done with him.

*********

Later, much later, as they lay in each other's arms, Aziraphale turned and brought his face close to Crowley's, planting a light kiss on his lips before saying softly, "Thank you...it was...actually, words are not enough to describe it." 

"I know..."

Crowley kissed him back before wrapping his arm around Aziraphale, pressing him against his chest.

"Don't thank me. The pleasure was all mine."

"Not all yours. Mine too."

They both chuckled softly before falling back into a comfortable silence.

Aziraphale curled up against Crowley, his hand tracing invisible curves on his lover's chest, Crowley occasionally planting a kiss on Aziraphale's hair.

Soon they both drifted off to sleep.

Neither of them dreamed.

Probably because no dreams could rival the reality of what they had just shared.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable fan fictions Masterpost : here

[star-arcana]

How Kieran and Carmine from Pokémon SV's DLC storylines can be adapted to the Pokémon Horizons Anime part 1!!! SPOILERS AND LONG READ

Hello, here, Star-Arcana again with another follow up theory on Pokémon Horizons Viole(n)t future, with part one being linked here, if you wanna read this:https://www.tumblr.com/star-arcana/760633493950758912/my-view-on-how-pok%C3%A9mon-horizons-could-end-a?source=share

Anyway I wanna come to a rather personally interesting to me, how the anime is going to use Kieran and Carmine, as well as their storylines in Horizons.

For now, Horizons is all about Liko learning to understand Pokémon and together with her friends, Roy, Dot and the other Rising Volt Tacklers, find out the mystery of Lucius and Laqua before the explorers will do it. Once they are defeated, I doubt this will be the end of Liko and her friends, they will go on other adventures, and might end up meeting Kieran and Carmine, starting a new story arc for the heroes.

I don't wanna summarize the events of Teal Mask and the two Indigo Disk storylines, so I will give you two links to these stories for those who wanna know:

Teal Mask: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyaTKHz3I2I

Indigo Disk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ksJyVD0fSs&pp=ygUxUG9rZW1vbiBTY2FybGV0IGFuZCBWaW9sZXQgSW5kaWdvIERpc2sgZnVsbCBzdG9yeQ%3D%3D

Epilogue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7lxS3yXsR4&pp=ygU6UG9rZW1vbiBTY2FybGV0IGFuZCBWaW9sZXQgSW5kaWdvIERpc2sgZXBpbG9ndWUgZnVsbCBzdG9yeQ%3D%3D

With that out of the way, to the potential adaptation of the SV DLC storylines. It is a rough idea, not a fully thoughtout story, mind you, so with that outta way, let's a go:

Most likely the arc with Laqua will be concluded and a new story begins for the heroes. Liko and her friends will go with the Rising Volt Tacklers either to Kitakami or the Blue Berry Academy. I forgo Kitakami, because that would just be a repeat of the DLC and that would be mega boring, so I wanna do something cooler:

Our Heroes go to the Blueberry Academy first and there meet Indigo Disk Kieran and Carmine, the former in his heel-turn phase and Carmine being, well, Carmine.

So after the events in Laqua, Liko and her friends go to the Blueberry Academy and will have to meet up with this school's champion to guide them through the academy, as discussed with the headmaster Cyrano and Friede, who is here to study something and meet old friends from his younger days, probably Briar as well, who wants to study Terapagos. Also here, in this story, it follows Liko still, and became her 7th Pokémon, like with Volo's Girathina. The other Volt Tacklers will here offer courses and also bond with the BBA students like Crispin and Lacey, oh and Captian Pikachu is getting a lot of attention, sometimes unwarranted.

Anyway Liko, Dot and Roy were supposed to meet up with the Champion of the BBA for their welcome ceremony, but he has been delayed, due to him having issues with one of the kids here, as that trainer failed to bring for an assigment 6 Pokémon, because he is having a difficult home life, only bringing a florette with him. The Champion takes no excuses and order his ace, Incineroar to get that loser out of the his sight and attacks the Florette when it wants to resist, despite being intiminated by Incineroar. Liko and her friends hear the commotion and intervenes with her now fully evolved Meowscarada,and ordered her to use Flower Trick to stop Incineroar and saved the boy, who ran shortly away and thanked her. Incineroar wonders what happens and then sees Meowscarada, and fells in love. However his trainer did not fell in love, and was angered by Liko, and ask her why she interrupted him, with her countering that he cannot treat People as servants. He then gloats that he is the League's Champion, and that he can do whatever he wants, he is the strongest. Then Dot and Roy point out that, wait, wasn't he supposed to greet them? Kieran is now shocked that these 3 were those should have greeted? Dot calls him out of his poor leadership and that he should take more notice on his peers, with Roy saying that he is late, and they waited for a long time here. Kieran gets annoyed and ask them to just shut up about it, but Liko won't let Kieran go for having bullied his classmates and that he should be ashamed of what he did, with Roy joining in, as well as Dot, even threatening to tell the staff about it! Kieran, now having his honor attacked, challenges the 3 for their "insolence".

Starting with Dot, who sends her now fully evolved Quaquaval and Tinkaton to battle, but loses to Kieran's Incineroar and his Grimmsnarl, who have far better team work than the two. Roy is next with his fully evolved Skeledirge and Kilowattrel, but also loses, albeit somewhat more closely, due to having type disadvantages and Kieran being better at dual battles. Then Finally Liko is up with her Meowscarada and fully evolved Hatterene taking up arms against Incineroar and Grimmsnarl. However Incineroar is infatuated with Meowscarada and immobilized by love whereas Grimmsnarl can't deal with Hatterene's fairy type magic and defensive skills, in addition to her and Meowscarada working far better with healing pulse ensuring the Grass Cat's survival against Grimmsnarl, as Kieran tried to take it down, so that Incineroar will come back to his senses. This fails and Grimmsnarl is taking out by Hatterene having just in time sense it's aggressive intent, beating the ogre. Meiwscarada and Hatterene have an easy time with an infatuated Incineroar and he loses. Kieran unsurprisingly is defeated by Liko, and is now under the shock that he is not the main character of this story. He gets really mad at this, but is given once chance by Liko to change; If he stops bullying others, they won't tell what he did, and keep it secret, as well as his loss here, to which he relunctantly agrees. Carmine, who had been watching the whole scene from the distance, smiles, now seeing something within Liko that will fulfill whatever goals she has. Thus their story starts!!!

Afterwards the crew will be guided by Kieran, still embarrassed by his defeat at the hand of the MC, and is also rattled by Incineroar's considerate behavior to Meowscarada, who actually begins to like the Wrester Cat, and might be into him too, all the while Liko notices this. They meet the Elite 4, and Carmine, who are interested in them, but Drayton and Carmine notice that Kieran looks rather insecure with the 3 new students, with Roy almost slipping that Kieran had been defeated, but only Carmine understood it, as she saw it all. Dot came to befriend Lacey, due to the latter finding her Quaquaval adorable and learning that she is Nidothing (something Liko is oblivious too, as she talks with Crispin and Amarys) and Lacey finds it lovely! Roy talks with Drayton and he seems interested in the young guy who boast to have fought Rayquaza, peeking his interest. Liko all the while notices that the elite 4 kind of do look cautious around Kieran, except with Drayton, who is more or less annoyed by Kieran being a bit more strict with battleling and nearly gave away his loss when he said to Drayton, that defeat will come when you are this overconfident, making her think that maybe this will not the end of her rivalry with Kieran.

Anyway after this day, when Kieran is alone with Carmine, he vents at his Life-sized, self-made Nidothing plushie from his Grandma that he lost to Liko, and that she will rat him out, if he bullies another child, which Carmine finds amusing that he still talks to his toys like this, about his failures as a battler, to which Kieran retorted what would she know about me. He then blames his Incineroar for being incompetent, and it almost looked as if his Pokémon deliberately lost. Carmine laughts, revealing to having observed Incineroar's interaction with Meowscarada; that he is in love with Liko's Pokémon and because of this didn't wanted to go all out on her, which terrifies and disgusts Kieran, because his Pokémon lost because of love. He drills his Pokémon and said that Meowscarada doesn't love him and that he will never have a chance with her, she uses him and only Kieran knows him best, saddening and hardening the Fire Starter. Carmine tries to tell him that this is too far, and can't let others suffer because Ogerpon rejected him, which makes Kieran angry and tells her to shutup, Carmine leaves frustrated at her brother's deterioating mindset, saying he will hurt everyone with his obsession of power and victory and that she misses her younger brother.

Having overheard some of this, Liko bumps into Carmine, who remembers how she bested her brother, and gratulates her on beating Kieran, who had been unstoppable lately, with even the former Champion Drayton having lost his title to him. Liko also noticed this decides to tell her a rather biased story of how he failed to capture a powerful Pokèmon in their homeland Kitakami, and since then has grown obsessed with Power in order to make up for his failure. He had not taking much sleep, has hardly talked with her, and at best it comes to fights between them, he pushes his friends, his family and his Pokémon away, and is worried for him, begging Liko to just stop him. Liko due to this story views Kieran now as a sore loser and a meanie, who only bullies Pokémon around because one Pokémon didn't wanted him, and needs to learn a lesson. Then Carmine gave Liko a "good luck charm" that could help her. Liko thanks her for this and hopes it will help her beat Kieran and put him in his place. She leaves, with Carmine makes a sinister smile. Then upon seeing Kieran attacking a student for having made fun of his Incineroar obviously being into the new Girl's Pokémon and that he might have a crush on her. Incineroar looks a bit afriad, and tries to stop Kieran, with him yelling at his Pokémon to let him be. Seeing this without context, Liko is furtherly enraged and tells him that he is being a horrible trainer to his Pokémon, that Incineroar only wants to make him happy and protect him, and that it is no wonder Ogerpon rejected him, he is just being mean. Meowscarada also stands up for Incineroar, and he begins to blush, with Meowscarada at this sight, also starts to miraculously blushing, but looking away. This angers Kieran, and asks her if she got that from his sister, to which she said yes. He tells her that she doesn't know the full story and has no right to judge him. Liko then challenges him to a battle, to teach him a lesson to which he agrees and make it official. If he loses, he stops bullying other trainers and will apologize to everyone he hurt, and especially his Pokémon for using them like this, and if she loses, she leaves this Academy. They agreed and declare it an offical battle

Roy and Dot wonder why Liko has become so agressive and she reveals that he does it all because one Pokémon rejected him, with Dot thinking that maybe his sister didn't tell you the whole truth. Roy on the other hand is more supportive of the battle, but tells her that this is a Pokémon battle, and should be fun. Liko tells them that we will all see the truth once the battle ends and there will be a lot of fun, no worries. Meowscarada looks nervous, because she never had seen Liko this way before, and she actually looks worried for her. They begin training and her Pokémon notice how determined she is, and agree to help her, with Meowscarada and Hatterene showing some doubts. They train until evening.

Meanwhile at the same time, Kieran has since the start of this challenge trained his Pokémon harshly and endlessly, and teaches them to not let their emotions control them, especially Incineroar. Drayton with Carmine appears and he find it ironic that he would lecture, as the most rage-filled trainer his Pokemon self-restraint. Kieran tells him to buzz of, if he has nothing else to say, which he does after saying that maybe he should consider to visit him, if he wants to know how being ex-champions is like. Carmine urges her brother to rethink this, maybe he is overreacting and that he just needs to take a break from battleing, but all this achieves is making him angry at her, for she ratted out that he kept training this hard to make up for his failure to capture Ogerpon and that she didn't tell the whole story!!! Carmine says that this is unnessesary, because his story is like his persona fake, he should return to the guy before he went obssessed with training. Kieran having enough tells her to get out, and that he will defeat Liko, and that he is finished with his sister. Carmine, dissapointed, leaves. Kieran continues training with them until midnight.

The battle starts in the arena, where everyone, including the faculty watches. After few exchanges between Liko and Kieran, if they really wants this battle, with both saying yes, and after Kieran starts screaming, he sends his Pokémon, but they end up losing to Liko's Pokémon, one by one, while she also begins to lose some of her Pokémon, leaving each with only 2 Pokémon each on both sides. While all of this is happening, Kieran gets a flashback of his defeat at the hands of Ogerpon, whom he admired, with the back then Torracat and Morgrem, panting heavily. He sends out Incineroar and Grimmsnarl against Liko's Meowscarada and Hatterene, who aren't intiminated by the Fire Cat, due to being resillient, as well as knowing deep down, he is not this monster that Kieran wants him to be. This infuriates Kieran and he orders his Pokémon to viscously attack Liko's Pokémon, but she evades that and counters it, leaving his Pokémon wounded. He begins to use more support moves and thus begins to get the upperhand with Hatterene being nearly knocked down and Meowscarada having to deal with a Spirit Break rushing Grimmsnarl. Liko orders her to use Play Rough to get the fairy type and thus sends the Dark/Fairy type flying and nearly K.O. Incineroar, who is still having affections for her, with Meowscarada's look making it harder for him to hold back, but Kieran snaps him out and tells him to use flareblitz, which he does and nearly beats her. But Meowscarada barely survives that attack, and with Hatterene using Healing Pulse, restores her friend's energy, but faints. Kieran now overjoys that Liko has one Pokémon left, with his two still standing. He asks her if she ever regrets having fought him, but Liko says that she wont succumb to a bully and someone, who doesn't fight with the heart of a Trainer. Kieran dismisses this and order Grimmsnarl to use sucker Punch, while Incineroar uses Flareblity, but Meowscarda plays a flower trick to cover the battlefield in smoke. Them she uses acrobatics to attack Inicneroar and gives a massive Meow-sound which makes Kieran order Inicneroar to use Flare blitz at her. But this was a trick, as the Pokémon that was hit was Grimmsnarl, and it knocked it down, all the while weakening Incineroar. At the apex of this battle, Kieran grows desperate, declaring that Incineroar better not let hm once again rattled by this, and terastalizs it, but Liko does the same with Meowscarada, and with a final clash between Flower Trick and Darkest Lariat. The clash was too fast for the eyes, but it was clear that Meowscarada avoided it, while Incineroar was surrounded by flower bombs and with a little wink, they explode, fainting it. Kieran lost the battle.

Liko is the winner and Kieran is heartbroken about this defeat, with him not understanding why she has defeated him once more. Liko tells him that his Pokémon fought under high pressure and because of this couldn't fight at full potential, especially when training too much. Especially his Incineroar had it the worst, fighting between Meowscarada and him. He needs to understand that his Pokémon only want to make him happy, and has not to push them, himself and anyone around like this. She knows how it is, when you fail, and offers her help. Kieran defeated was considering it, until Carmine gave a signal, by which the Good Luck Charm appeared out of the Pocket. It turns out that this was a Rotom Phone containing recorded videos of her brother playing with his Nidothing plushie and revealing embarrasing secrets like him dreaming of eating with Nidothing on a zeppelin, and belittling his Incineroar as love struck and that Meowscarada doesn't love him and uses him, which angers the Grass Cat. The stadium is in shock and some of them began to laugh, whereas our heroes are in total shock, with Dot being red about the Nidothing parts. Liko also sees a recorded speech of her where she said that he has to be taught a lesson, and a fake voice of thanking Carmine for this "gift", namely the Good Luck Charm and that it will help her beat Kieran. Kieran stands up and is infuriated with Liko, asking if this was all a plan of her to make him give up on Pokémon and the academy, to have him now lose twice and embarras him in front with these recordings in the academy. Liko denies this, and said she didn't knew it was a Rotom Phone. But he doesn't believe her, and tells her that she is nothing more than a bully sent by his horrible sister to break him, terrifiying Liko with this. Kieran then confesses that he actually was considering her offer of making amends, and that maybe she was the one he could trust the most, but now he sees her as a mean bully, who like everyone, took advantage of him, and that appearently, being kind was too much asked of her. He runs away Crying, declaring he will never ever hold a Pokéball, with Liko in vain calling him to wait. Liko now feels embarrased and guilt-ridden for having played a role in his humiliation, with Incineroar also running away in grief, with Meowscarada following him.

Carmine congratulates her and tells her how proud she made her, now her brother will never waste his life at battles anymore. Liko is disgusted with her, why would she do this to her own brother. Carmine tells her that Kieran had been cruel for a long time and Pokemon battles have nearly wrecked his health, he needed to leave that life and quit for his own good, he, in her eyes, needed a real humiliation. Liko understands wanting to get back at someone who hurts others, but this was too far, and not what he needed, he already saw his lesson. Carmine retorts he will get over it and return to Kitakami with her, this school was stinking anyway and will return to her as the brother he was before. Liko now seeing what she really was, no longer wonders why he became this way, his sister had no faith in him, and should be ashamed of hurting her brother like that. Liko immidieately ran off to find Kieran.

Kieran is still angry and sad at her, for having ruined his life as trainer, and that all what he wanted was to not be weak, after Ogerpon rejected him. Liko tries to calm him down by saying that Ogerpon is just one Pokémon and no reason to get worked up over this. Angered, Kieran says that hse knows nothing of Ogerpon, absolutely nothing about his struggles or even why he wanted that Pokémon. He tells her that in Kitakami, a sect known as the Loyalists (the main antagonist in this story), control all aspects of life and want everyone to venerate the 3 loyal Pokémon of Pechurant, their cultural hero. They are really brutal and corrupt, always asking for tribute and enforcing harsh laws of not allowing any foreigners in, and look down on anyone who isn't like how they want them to be, like himself for instance. He was shy and not really socialble, which is why he was hated by the others, with only my sister standing up to me, but then retorts that Liko has seen how much of a help Carmine was with her stunt. Kieran then tells her that Incineroar, when it was a Litten, was found by him on a lost cage traveling near the road. He took it in and raised it, with much of the village looking down on him for this, as this Pokémon was neither native to this region nor approved by the spiritual leaders, sensing "evil" within that Cat. He still kept it, but everyone, including his family asked him to drop it, which he refused. Eventually he also found a Impidimp, being chased by my neightborhood until it found me, and upon listening to his venting, became his secound Pokémon, forming thus a trio with the three. One day,they meet Ogerpon, a Pókemon that was seen as an evil Pokémon for having killed the 3 Loyal Pokémon of Pechurant, and that because of this, is an outcast, like he was. He sympathized with her,never believing his village's tale, and one fateful day, found her. He befriended her and wanted her to be his Pokémon to beat the Loyalists with, but he always failed. His Pokemon evolved at one fateful day, believing to have grown strong enough to beat Ogerpon, but it was enough. Still Ogerpon was impressed and seemingly wanted to join Kieran, but then seemingly left with a happy smile, traumatizing him forever. He then grew angry, and swore to become the best battler there ever was to proof that he can defeat Ogerpon, and the Loyalists with enough training, freeing Kitakami from them and becoming a hero. He went for this reason to the academy and after having crushed the elite four, his Pokémon evolved, and after some time, became stronger and stronger. He wanted shortly before her arrival to return to his home, but she knew what happened next. Now he can't train anymore, he is just weak and his Pokémon don't like him anymore, they just like Ogerpon didn't followed him, and he admits to having been a jerk, I just wanted perfection, and pushed others for it, so that they follow me...but he admits that being a foolish dream of his, he could never inspire anyone or be a hero, even his best friend ended up liking some stranger's cat more than him.

Liko realizing that this brutal devil was just a broken hero who wanted simply to have a free life where he can be himself, tells him he is wrong about his Pokémon, and himself. In the two battles she fought with him, his Pokémon always gave their all for him, and while yes, Incineroar likes Meowscarda, he tried his hardest to put his feelings behind for you, and it took me and my Pokémon's full strenght to take him down, and that hardly anyone challenged her like this since her battle with Gibeon, and as intense as it was, those battle with Kieran were fun. Liko also tells him that ultimately true heroism comes from standing up for yourself and following your heart, even if it hurt. She also apologizes for having misjudged him and that she really didn't wanted to punish him with the recordings, just beat him. She begs him to believe her, and even if he was defeated, he would not be a lesser trainer than her, he tried his very best, as did his Pokémon, even with all that pressure. Maybe he should trust others to help him more, to make his route easier, since no one can by himself do everything, even she needed to work hard. Kieran seeing sincirety in her eyes, thanks her for her kind words and apologizes to her for his behavior, and that he will make it up to his Pokémon, his peers and to her. Liko then reflects on him liking Nidothing, which makes Kieran embarrased, but she confirms that she is a mega fan of her as well, and the two begin to quickly bond, with Meowscarada joing with Incineroar, both holding hands. Kieran says that now, these two Cats are a couple, confirmed and all laught happily about this union of love.

Part 1 is over.

[she-karev]

Playing Cupid (Japril Season 16 Imagine)

Previous Part Here

Age Rating: 12+

Chapters: One of Two

Fandom: Grey’s Anatomy

Ship: Jackson Avery x April Kepner

Canon Episode: Season 16 Episode 20

AN: I decided to shift the focus to Japril because I strongly believe they missed an opportunity to bring April in after Jackson was shot. Amber in this story represents all of us Japril shippers and she is basically gonna be Cyrano to this couple that deserved better writing. The next chapter will be posted tonight so be prepared.

Summary: April is surprised to find Amber at Jackson’s apartment and learns what happened to him. They talk about their relationship problems where April reveals her impending divorce to Amber.

Words: 2541

Amber holds the door open still looking at April Kepner in mute shock who looks at her in visible shock with her mouth wide open. In a stroller between them is Harriet who looks at Amber with a smile happy to see her. Amber snaps out of it and remembers her place.

“April I didn’t expect to see you here…in Jackson’s apartment.” Amber suddenly remembers something, “Wait is it Jackson’s weekend already?”

April blinks before answering, “Um I took some night shifts at the clinic Jackson and I switched the dates, I am sorry I am trying not to be judgmental but what are you doing here in one of my daughters’ homes?”

“No, no it is not like that.” Amber tells her with a straight face practicing this speech she did with Maggie and Andrew when they questioned the nature of her and Jackson’s relationship, “Andrew broke up with me and kicked me out.” April’s face morphs to sympathy, “I needed a place to stay and his is roomier than my brothers. It’s just a friend helping a friend I swear. I thought he told you this.”

“He didn’t. I’ve been busy with clinic and I guess he wanted to figure out the best way to tell me.”

Amber chuckles lightly, “Well it’s an interesting way to find out I guess.”

April looks behind her, “Where is Jackson?”

Amber’s slight grin falls at that question, “They didn’t call you to tell you?”

April suddenly gets worried, “Tell me what? Is Jackson, okay?” Amber realizes she is still holding the door open and talking to her out in the hall. She steps aside and April quickly enters the living room with Harriet in the stroller while she sits in the armchair. Amber takes a seat across from her on the couch.

“Um…there was a shooting today.” April’s face falls at that word shooting and she looks down in silent shock not registering what Amber says next, “He was working with Warren at the PRT but he is fine. A drug addict tried to rob them at point blank and shot Jackson in the leg. The patient died and so did the shooter but everybody else made it out safe. They applied a tourniquet so there was no major blood loss, bullet went through so they just had to debride in the trauma room. The bone isn’t too damaged but Link thinks he should do PT just in case-”

“PT?” April looks up confused just now latching on to the one word that doesn’t make sense. Her mind was paralyzed by shock and growing grief that she didn’t pay attention to what Amber said, “What are you talking about?”

“Ortho doesn’t think it’s too bad.” Amber says on an exasperated edge, “Haven’t you been listening? It’s a bullet through the calf they had to debride in the trauma room but he should be okay after a few weeks.”

April gasps clutching her stomach like it was gonna drop, “He’s-He’s alive?”

Amber quickly nods, “Yes he is, weren’t you listening?”

April exhales in a relieved manner and looks close to tears, “I-I just…when you said shooting, I thought…I thought I lost him like we lost Reed and Charles. Reed and Charles were-”

“No, I know Jackson told me about them and how you two were there during the hospital shooting.” Amber sighs with regret, “I’m sorry I should’ve tread more carefully and lead with he’s okay. I didn’t realize it would bring all of that back for you. Are you okay?”

April swallows and nods, “I am, I am now that I know he’s okay. How did this happen?”

Amber groans at that reminder, “It was a junkie with a gun, she stopped the PRT for drugs and I guess she shot Jackson to make a point. She’s dead so we can’t get our revenge.”

“Well, I believe she’s earning a well-deserved punishment from the red guy downstairs so I’m good.” April gets Harriet out of her stroller and puts her in the play mat with her toys before coming back to talk to Amber, “How long is he gonna be at the hospital?”

“Assuming everything goes well, he should be out with a cast by the end of the weekend. Jesus, I swear with this and Dr. Webber the whole world is going upside down.”

“I saw the video.” April nods in understanding, “How are you holding up?”

Amber chuckles darkly sipping her drink, “Is that a rhetorical question? Because with the bipolar ex, squatting at a penthouse, my teacher possibly having dementia and my brother figure in the hospital with a bullet wound I’m gonna need more whiskey.”

April looks at her in sadness knowing her pain, “I’m sorry. You said that DeLuca is bipolar? Are you sure about that?”

Amber swallows the lump in her throat, “Yeah, I have been on this ride before and I know how it looks even with a manic and not a psychotic. I never knew what it was to be in a relationship with someone with mental health issues but for the last two months I now understand that you don’t matter to them. Their problems become your own because they feel the need to take it out on you because your close targets. It gets frustrating to the point where you just want to get out and leave them to suffer from their own delusions.” Amber sighs with April giving her a sympathetic nod, “I think I understand why my father left my mother.”

“Hey come on.” April starts with a motherly tone, “Just because you fell in love with someone with mental health issues doesn’t make you your dad and it doesn’t make him your mom it just…it makes it a rough patch you can either work through or not.”

“I’m not sure there’s anything left to work through.”

“Listen I’ve seen mental illness with soldiers in Afghanistan. They take on a whole new personality, it’s like somebody else took over. It’s the same thing that’s happening with Andrew only instead of war its genetics causing this.”

Amber sips her whiskey, “I know I’ve repeated that mantra with my mom and brother. I know he didn’t ask for this like I didn’t but he is ignoring it and making it worse. I know you think that’s selfish and I’m projecting my family problems on him.”

April shakes her head, “No that’s not what I think. Neither of you are being selfish here, you’re just tired of repeating this pain. As for Andrew the illness doesn’t make him inherently selfish, what makes him selfish is refusing to do anything before it’s too late.” Amber nods as her eyes begin to glisten. April looks at her in sympathy, “Are you really sure it’s over? There’s nothing to mend at this point?”

“No I made it more than clear he lost the right to beg for forgiveness when he showed up to help Webber instead of trying to fix himself and us.” Amber starts to tear up, “I thought I found the one. He was it for me. He was sweet and kind and handsome and he could handle my crap. He knew what it was like to grow up with a parent who neglected their mental health. I thought I hit the jackpot. Instead, I was so worried I would get my mother’s illness I never for one second considered he could get his father’s. And now he has and he refuses to do anything about and I feel…I feel like I’m broken and there’s nothing I can do to fix it.”

April pulls out a travel tissue packet and hands it to Amber who takes it and wipes her tears, “Thanks I know this isn’t how you envisioned your night going, taking care of a heartbroken resident sleeping in your ex’s guest room.”

“Well, it’s definitely more interesting than what I had in mind.” Amber chuckles while April grins.

“God I am such a mess, not even a hot paramedic asking me out can cheer me up.” April raises an eyebrow, “Wren Jones, I gave her a cast with my number after she asked me out.”

“I’ve met her, she brings patients to my clinic, she’s pretty.”

Amber wipes another tear, “She’s freaking gorgeous but I can’t April. I’m too screwed up to date and I want it to be because I like her and I do but…a part of me thinks about the look on Andrew’s face when he see’s me with someone after he dumped me and the satisfaction it will give me to beat him. But Wren deserves more than to be a weapon in my relationship war. And I don’t know if I can give her what she really deserves. I don’t know if I can jump back in the game so soon after what I’ve been through.

April squeezes Amber’s knee in comfort, “There’s nothing wrong with taking some time for yourself and regrouping and healing. It would be wrong for you to jump into another relationship so soon after your breakup because that will just make things worse for you. Maybe this is a sign for you to get your priorities in order and connect with yourself.”

Amber nods, “Yeah I know I need to step back from the dating game indefinitely…it still sucks though.”

April grins, “Look for what it’s worth I completely understand where you are at right now.”

“No, you don’t.” Amber sniffles, “I know your divorce from Jackson was messy but you found your true love after him.” April frowns as Amber continues, “Your one is perfect, he’s cute, he’s in the business of saving lives, he worships the ground you walk on, he doesn’t make you feel like crap. I mean you pretty much hit the jackpot after your divorce while I-”

“We split up.” Amber freezes and looks up in shock registering April’s fallen face. April sighs and takes a moment before explaining, “We kept trying to tell ourselves that our whole winding road was God's plan to bring us back together. But he was still so angry and so hurt. I mean, I left him at the altar, and then his wife died. You know, you don't just stop feeling hurt 'cause it's a better story if God brought us together in our pain.” Amber looks at April feeling sympathetic, “He denied it for so long. You know, he tried so hard not to hate me. I think loving me, making us a full circle was the story he was writing. I mean, I guess it was the story we were both writing. I mean, I was trying to get past my guilt. He was…He was trying to forgive God for the loss of Karin…but y-you know, ultimately, we learned that…” April bitterly chuckles, “Life just isn't always so tidy. And God's plan isn't always so easy to understand. He's always been so good with Harriet, and I adore Ruby, but we both started working longer hours, just avoiding coming home. And then, his sister got sick. She lives in Philadelphia. So, he and Ruby went to Philadelphia to be with her, and…now she's better, uh, but they're still in Philadelphia. And…they are not coming back.” Amber looks down in guilt over her previous assumption, “So yeah, I get how it feels to be broken beyond fixing. I am about to be divorced for a second time and a single mother again and according to the bible and my family I am a sinner in the eyes of the lord. I am doing about as great as you I think.”

Amber holds out her expensive whiskey, “Here you need this more than anyone I’ve ever met and that’s a lot of people.”

April chuckles, “Thanks but I’m working tonight. Speaking of which I gotta get to the clinic.” April stands up grabbing her purse and Amber stands up to lead her out, “Are you good to take of her tonight?”

“Don’t worry it’s not my first time with her it’s just double the diapers without Jackson around. If it’s okay with you I can take her in to see him tonight before she sleeps, maybe a visit from his little girl will be good for him.”

“Yeah of course, he needs a good end to a day of being shot.” April chuckles darkly, “I swear it’s day like these I could kill him for being so brave and so stupid.”

“You and me both sister and thanks for the talk I think I needed some girl to girl talk with someone who get’s where I’m coming from.” Amber smiles at April gratefully.

“Of course, and if you want, I can help you unleash your rage the right way.” Amber raises an eyebrow, “Gun range, shooting a paper target is very cathartic trust me.”

Amber chuckles, “I’ll think about it. Hey, does Jackson know about you and Matthew? I mean he never mentioned it.”

“No, he doesn’t I’ve been busy and so is he. Plus, he thought it was crazy what I was doing he didn’t say it but I could see it and I’m really not in the mood for an ‘I told you so’ my family already got their share after I told them.” April sighs, “Amber, I would really appreciate it if you didn’t tell him before I did. This is still new, it just happened and I want to figure out how to tell him myself. Can you please keep this between us and Harriet who I already swore to secrecy? Please?”

Amber looks at the pleading face on April and despite wanting to tell Jackson knowing his lingering feelings for April decides to keep a promise after April helped her with her emotional turmoil, “Yes I can keep this between us. I mean it’s not like it’s gonna change his life in any way.” Amber grins to sell it knowing it would be the opposite for Jackson.

April grins, “Okay thank you so much I already fed Harriet so your good there, you just take her to see daddy, read her to bed and she should be out like a light.” April goes to the play mat with a wide smile for Harriet, “Okay ladybug mommy has to go but your gonna see daddy and then you get to have a sleepover with auntie Amber is that fun?”

“Yay!” April laughs at Harriet’s joy as does Amber who can’t believe intern year that little girl hated her and now, she’s the designated aunt.

“Yay! That’s right I love you so much ladybug I’ll see you soon.” April gives Harriet a lot of kisses before walking to the door with Amber leading her out, “Okay call me if you need anything seriously.”

“Don’t worry I will, have a good shift.” April nods and leaves. Amber closes the door before making a raspberry sound and lifting Harriet in her arms so she can get her ready to see her dad. Amber sighs as she carries Harriet down the hall to her room, “Harriet it’s days like this I wonder what my life has come to being thrust into other people’s problems.” Amber closes the door in Harriet’s room.

Next Part Here

[mairaiscarrierofthepaperclips]

Maira Live Reacts!

Read a fic, had some thoughts... Bon appetit.

About a quarter of the way through Descendants of Cyrano by the fantastic @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels I decided to write notes in a kind of live-reaction reading.

Mads, this is for you. Thank you for writing this amazing fic. ❤️

(Spoilers within, read at your own risk!)

I meant to save this as a draft as I was worried about posting it, but Technology™️ intervened, so, here it is? I guess?

Me: *reads scene (Imbolc loves Atton to the core)*

*literally throws phone (It's fine, there was a pillow)*

Me: Fuck me dead, he did not just-

My fiancé: Fic?

Me: Fic. Christ.

*~*

*me reading the scene from between my fingers a la Chimney*

Me: I can't I can't I can't

*~*

Me, to my cat who is asleep on my lap: Evie, boys are dumb.

Evie: *twitches ear*

Me: I'm so glad you agree.

*~*

*the session after The Sexting*

Me: Oh MY god.

Me: Just... come on.

*~*

*after the in-game fight, when Buck comes over*

Me: OH! MY! GOD! YOU! BOTH! LOVE! EACH! OTHER! JUST! SAY! IT! AAAAAH!

*~*

'There's not point in going only halfway to Hell' Me: Boy, you ain't wrong, damn. Get it.

*~*

Me, after the blowjob against the wall scene, literally face-palming over Buck thinking EDDIE ONLY DID IT IN CHARACTER FOR THE GAME like, baby honey sweetie... No.

*~*

... You realise you both admitted you had to 'clean up' after that, right? Right?!

*~*

*hits them both (lovingly) with a clue-by-four* Y'ALL!

*~*

"Can I kill him?"

"I'd rather you didn't."

🤣

I can hear Bobby's deadpan delivery and it is *chef's kiss*

*~*

... Crossroad's demon? Really?

*~*

*Eddie's speech to the Wives of Hell*

Me:... No, no, I'm fine, I'm not sobbing, it's cool.

Me: Oh, no, it's getting too real, oh, gods.

Me: FUCK YES A NAT 20!

*~*

Xedgin called, they want their paladin back.

*~*

*panicking at the thought of the 118 breaking up because of retirement or other captaincies and knowing those are good reasons but still wanting to cry*

*~*

Gold star for that reference indeed.

*~*

'Marry me.'

Me: What the FU-

Evie: *in cat* Mother, do stop yelling, I am sleeping.

Jesus H Christ, Mads, I can't believe you actually went through this as an actual campaign and SURVIVED, my god.

*~*

*keeps reading*

*squeaks at how much they fucking love each other*

*~*

Y'all we're in this temple for the wedding and I'm waiting for one of them to straight up go 'I can't do this' and walk out of the game because it hurts too much and they want it to be real.

*~*

BOBBY MADE POPCORN! 🤣

*~*

Simultaneously weeping and giving heart eyes and feeling my heart break because Eddie thinks he doesn't deserve to say this IRL.

*~*

Oh, Eddie Diaz, my beloved.

(Could say that about the whole fic, but, specifically here)

*~*

'He was bound to slip up' oh this bodes well.

*~*

*gasps* Oh nooooo.

*~*

OH SNAP!

*~*

My boy Eddie Diaz, y'all. I'm so proud.

*~*

I take it back, I choked on my tea when he said the core line TO BUCK IRL I WAS NOT PREPARED!

*~*

“If you say intelligence was my dump stat…”

🤣

*~*

Okay the 'so hot it's almost cold' thing? I get that too, and the one person I told gaslit me about it, saying it was impossible and I was making it up, so I never told anyone again and now I am Holt from B99 yelling vindication! dot gif.

*~*

THAT REVEAL! *dies laughing*

*~*

Seriously, can't stop cackling.

*~*

Watching Chimney have an aneurysm shouldn't be this entertaining.

*~*

Ofc Bobby figured it out, he's the real MVP.

*~*

My heart, right in the feels, damn.

*~*

Fucking great last line.

*~*

And oh good, your friends admitted it, thank all the gods.

*~*

[cctinsleybaxter]

2023 in Books

I need to stop bragging that I’ve got this reading thing all figured out, because man if 2023 wasn’t a year of terrible books. I liked less than half of the 37 I read and nothing quite gripped me in the way it has in years past… but to put it more optimistically I liked a full third of what I read, and the ones I liked best were a fascinating and unexpected silver lining. Without further ado:

Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, trans. Brian Hooker

Tell this all to the world- and then to me. Say very softly that… she loves you not.

I read a couple of plays this year for the first time since college and liked them fine, but there’s a reason this has been adapted five million times. Everyone go watch Megamind right now.

Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

Of all the found footage-inspired horror fiction I’ve read this one makes the best case for existing in its chosen medium, as a 70s UK folk rock band are interviewed about the summer they spent recording what would become their final album [thunder crashes.] It reminded me of a Tana French mystery in its language and ability to make space feel lived-in; the character writing is so strong I realized that at some point I had stopped checking the interview headings to know who was speaking. Hand unfortunately distrusts her audience to read between the lines at a few crucial moments (and ruins what would have been a perfect ending and a deeply affecting scare by gilding the lily, or, in this case, photograph), but I love that she went from seemingly by-the-numbers American YA fiction to a meticulously-researched and truly unique horror novella. Puts other writers working in the genre to shame.

A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin

Reminiscent of the best kind of TCM suspense thriller (and was adapted into one), but could only exist as a book for the kind of narrative tactics it employs. Levin is brilliant at setting and character; I think any one of his contemporaries would have leaned into archetypes for this sort of story, and he instead distinguishes his proper nouns in subtle, clever ways that lend them the weight a noir needs. Can’t wait to read more of his stuff!

All the Names They Used for God by Anjali Sachdeva

I’d like to know why this anthology got hit with what a friend has termed a pottery barn throw pillow cover + a ‘the tiny things we know to be small’ title, because the eponymous story isn’t even called that! It’s just The Names They Used for God, and is, appropriately, about two women kidnapped by a religious extremist group. High risk-high reward; I think taken at their base premise the stories could have been insufferable and are instead strange, compelling, and fantastical. There’s a methodicalness and, I don't know, lack of whimsy? to them that’s unusual for fantasy, but also an absence of any one goal or moral in the way Le Guin speaks so highly of. It made me feel the way I did reading and adoring Kelly Link in middle school, and Sachdeva has a much different style that I guess works all the better on adults. My favorite was Robert Greenman and the Mermaid.

Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Lauren Hillenbrand

Someone recommended this to me via Tumblr anon over five years ago, so let me start by saying if that was you I’d like to thank you properly! This book rules! It was written in ‘99 so falls prey to a very specific kind of jingoism, but the mechanics of that are interesting in and of themself. Seabiscuit the animal is a lens through which to view turn-of-the-20th-century America written from the precipice of the 21st; his story told through the expertly-researched biographies of his owner, trainer, and jockey. Hillenbrand is not only a good pop nonfiction historian, but has been a sports writer since the 80s and I never imagined the genre could be so thrilling as I did reading her work. Horse racing is insane and no one should be riding these things btw.

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

It was one of the great livery-stableman’s most masterly intuitions to have discovered that Americans want to get away from amusement even more quickly than they want to get to it.

Wharton came from old money New York*, was deeply disillusioned with it and pined for rational (i.e., even more insane) social and political scenes, had myriad thoughts about women and gender relations, and held a love for interior design. I learned all of this after reading but it’s apparent on every page; deeply funny and perceptive, fantastic use of language, the moments where it lost me completely nothing if not interesting. What sticks with me the most are a flair for the operatic and an ability to voice both the feeling and consequences of losing oneself to imagined scenarios. Read the pink parasol scene.

*Ancient Money New York; the saying ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ is apocryphally attributed to her father’s side of the family

Owls of the Eastern Ice: A Quest to Find and Save the World's Largest Owl by Jonathan S. Slaght

We’d return to our camp to huddle in the freezing tent and wait for our owls in silence, like suitors agonizing over a phone that never rings.

One of the better pieces of science writing I’ve read in a long time, as Slaght frames rural communities as a quintessential part of ecology rather than a barrier to it. His style is amiable and matter-of-fact (sometimes overly so; the amount of metric GIS directions, help), but he's super engaging and clearly holds just as much compassion for people and history as he does animals and natural landscapes. The Blakiston’s fish owls he’s studying are described as unreal, with hoots so low and quiet it sounds like someone has thrown them under a blanket. You can listen to them here.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Took my breath away and surprised me in a way a book hasn’t in years. I'd read Clarke’s 2004 novel when I was maybe fourteen and had vaguely positive but mostly neutral memories of it, and Piranesi being sci-fi-fantasy that came recommended by Tiktok had me very dubious. I ended up devouring it in the way I haven’t read books since I was fourteen; more of a mystery than the suspected high fantasy, with characters I would do disservice to in trying to describe in brief. While the mystery isn’t difficult to ‘solve’ (I’d argue the book also skews young!), the story ends in a way that’s both deeply unexpected and in the only way it could have.

Honorable mentions

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, trans. Peter Washington

[Jigsaw voice] Every man has a devouring passion in his heart as every fruit has its worm.

I spent so much time running my mouth about this one on Tumblr there’s really not much left to say. I think it’s a work of genius that was physically exhausting to read, and I’m sticking it with the honorable mentions mostly because I remember The Three Musketeers being the better book. If you want to read Dumas- and you should- start with that one.

Jonny Appleseed by Joshua Whitehead

I would’ve liked this more had I read it in my late teens/early 20s, but I still think it’s pretty good and would absolutely recommend to anyone in that age bracket. Things that normally annoy me about philosophical first-person lit fic didn’t matter under the weight of Jon’s narratorial voice. He reminded me a little of Lynda Barry’s Maybonne in his understanding and depictions of community and family; his stream of consciousness letting contradictions sit rather than trying to explain them away (Whitehead also makes sex very prosaic and pretty-sounding while still being frank and gross about it, which is a rare talent!)

The Seeds of Life: From Aristotle to da Vinci, from Sharks' Teeth to Frogs' Pants, the Long and Strange Quest to Discover Where Babies Come From by Edward Dolnik

This one fell in the rankings because the writing isn’t my favorite (think early days Vulture article rather than NYT), but I cannot stop referencing it in conversation. I want to read the whole thing to people and make them understand how truly unfathomable it is not only that every one of us is the product of 1 sperm and 1 egg, but that anyone ever figured out how that process works. When Western Europeans first started using microscopes they studied water; there were gross little bugs in there to watch and enjoy, so when semen was revealed to have its own bugs no one was shocked, but they also weren’t impressed. We would not see one enter an egg until EIGHTEEN SEVENTY-FIVE.  

Killer Dolphin by Ngaio Marsh

The Malaise of First Night Nerves had gripped Peregrine, not tragically and aesthetically by the throat but, as is its habit, shamefully in the guts.

Has made it into my top 5 favorite Inspector Alleyn mysteries. I’m not keen on Marsh’s theater settings (and there are a LOT of them), but a convoluted setup made this one all the more rewarding. The final revelation as to a point of blackmail is visceral and bizarre in a way I haven’t seen from her before.

The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon

We all have dirty hands; we are all soiling them in the swamps of our country and in the terrifying emptiness of our brains. Every onlooker is either a coward or a traitor.

Best read in conversation with other writers, I wouldn’t recommend Fanon as the end-all-be-all introduction to communist and socialist thinking (the fact that he inadvertently describes what was going wrong with the USSR at time of writing is fascinating), but he explicitly invites that conversation and the value and impact of his work really can’t be overstated. Our points of disagreement tend to be in regard to nationalism, not his condonation of violence.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Fascinating to see how Austen was thinking about relationships near the end of her short life. I laughed to see the idea of preferring your brother-in-law’s family to your own was back in full force from my own favorite Emma, as well as an eleventh-hour ‘maybe I should ship the villains??’ My biggest issue is that, like Emma, Persuasion is written in third person limited narration, but Anne is fundamentally Good™ so doesn’t need to learn anything about herself or the world; critic Bob Irvine points out that she and her dashing, misogynistic sailor are beset rather than changed by it. That said I love a people being beset by people (concussed temptresses) places (Bath) and things (cars), and Austen's writing style is really firing on all cylinders here.

[laudanine]

Tagged by @nanuk-the-bat

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

A total of 40 across two accounts

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

394,995!

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Oh, god, you want me to just admit to that shit, openly? Okay, uh, sure. Yeah. 

Beetlejuice

Control

Crimson Peak

Cyrano 

Daredevil

Dishonored 

The Expanse 

Gorillaz

Gravity Falls

Hellboy

Horizon Zero Dawn

Overwatch

Prey

Team Fortress 2

4. Top five fics by kudos

I mean, the fics themselves matter not much at all, imo. I can tell you they are, in order

One) A cute Jesse/Emily Control fic

Two) A porny TF2 Sniper fic 

Three) A sad Stan centric Gravity Falls fic

5. Do you respond to comments?

I try very hard to, but sometimes there's a big delay since my brain isn't CONSISTENTLY functional.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Okay, MOST of my fics are unfinished, but maybe the Octavia/Miller fic that fits just inside of canon, The Last Few Firsts? Or the Prey fic Complimentary Colors, because while my ending is hopeful for canon, man, that canon is GRIM.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Either The Eighth Floor of the Panopticon is a Lost and Found or Parahelion, simply because both of those fics are very alice-of-life and end in an upbeat note. 

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Nope, I sometimes think that you need to get pretty BIG to get hate.

9. Do you write smut?

Yes. Just yes. 

10. Craziest crossover?

I was working on a Supernatural/X-Files crossover based around Scully meeting Castiel and having her faith confirmed and it going WEIRDLY, but it remains unpublished. 

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No, again: I'm a nobody. 

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, but I've had someone podfic them!!!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

I've had friends (HOOT) mentally walk me through plot points (like my Gravity Falls fic), or even give me ideas they didn't wanna write (my current WIP for Fallout 4, centered around STURGES of all people). But that's it. 

14. All time favorite ship?

Tough call, gonna have to cut back to the Source Material for this one and call it a ship I e never written for: Tulio/Miguel/Chel. You know I'm right, objectively.

15. What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

Oh god, yeah, all of em? The least likely to be finished is probably the Crimson Peak one. 

16. What are your writing strengths?

Not much other than a good sense of character tone/voice. I'm pretty proud of some patches of dry humor, but that's a taste thing. 

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Oh you know, everything not character tone/voice..? Uh, plot, pacing, overarching themes, telegraphing anything ever. 

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

My opinion: it's never appropriate to use another language unless the fic is meant to be read without any NEED for understanding that second language at all. If your side characters are speaking a foreign language and the main character doesn't KNOW that language, and you want to play up that alienation? That's good use of foreign language in a fic! If the characters are speaking pigeon, or an amalgam of several languages, but there's enough context that no translation is actually needed? Good use! Other than those, I think you need to write in one language at a time. 

19. First fandom you wrote in?

Wrote in? Probably either The Vampire Chronicles or Heathers.Posted online for? Daredevil.

20. Favorite fic you've written?

Both of my Prey fics, but Lucid Inescapable Rhythms slightly more. It's my least popular fic, for a ship with a total of FOUR fics on AO3 but I'm just super happy with it. The characters were awesome to write for, the universe is weird and sad and pessimistic, the relationship makes both zero sense and perfect sense, I love it. It probably has typos tho…

Tagging: You know how people do that “if you've seen this and haven't participated, I'm tagging you”? I'm doing that. I want to know which of my mutuals are fic writers and I didn't even know it. Tag me as your source. Seriously. Do it.

[daily-poke-headcanons]

Thanks for doing my last ask, really liked your headcanons for the protags, our takes on them have a surprising amount in common! I hope you don't mind one person making more than one request but I saw from another person's ask from a few months ago that you do ship HCs and I think it would be pretty cool if you another one of those. I don't have a specific ship in mind right now tho so I'm just gonna request you do a ship that you personally like a lot that hasn't been done on here yet. (any gen is fine btw)

Sorry it took me so long to answer! ^^' This is kind of an interesting one for me, since I don't ship very many Pokemon characters together (Eloquent Remix is definitely my favorite one). I do have a couple others, though!

Clavell x Cyrano

-They were roomates during their time studying at the university

-Cyrano has always been really flirty with Clavell, but the latter. Uh. Never noticed it until Cyrano pointed it out much later

-Clavell has a nickname for Cyrano as well; "Rano". It was first meant as a payback for being called "Velly", but Cyrano rather liked it, and it developed into a rather endearing, sweet nickname.

-Cyrano offered Clavell a job at Blueberry Academy when he founded it, but Clavell sadly declined, as he wanted to stay in Paldea and raise Arven.

-The two frequently visit each other whenever they can. However, they haven't seen each other as much since Clavell became director. Thankfully, both have a break coming up soon, and they plan to go on a nice, relaxing cruise together!

-Clavell and Cyrano aren't really sure how to define their relationship? They aren't married, but they're sort of past the point of just being boyfriends...they usually just say they're in love when asked

[eartheats]

status: part 3 of 3

((ooc: cws for noriko's General Behavior, mental child abuse, threats of violence, general High Stakes Pokemon shit, some generalized shit talking of ren and the blueberry academy, and some shady ass shit. mild description of body horror in the past tense. maybe a lil cw suggestive because noriko's coworker is a simp.

i would like to state in advance that i have no intention of bringing high stakes into the blueberry academy itself without consulting everyone first! this is. mostly just some stuff in ren's corner of the world of fuckery.))

[part one, part two]

"Oh, hey, you're finally up and about. So, finally ready to admit that this wasn't as thought out as you thought it'd be?"

From the way Noriko chuckles at the peach haired woman, walking into the room with her back straightened and with ever calculated steps as her Gothitelle walks beside her, her answer is very likely already, but-- "Not a chance in the Distortion World, Camille."

"Ahhh, should'a known, should'a known. But that's what I like about you, Nori--you always stick with your gut. Even if it causes setbacks."

Noriko clicks her tongue a bit, chuckling once again before settling again as she walks toward the monitor Camille is watching. "I can assure you that I had everything properly planned for this, setbacks and all. I had plans at least up to the letter J that would have seen us through. It is the only reason I saw fit to act in the first place."

"Guess that makes sense. You're always a damn perfectionist when it comes to setting your plans in motion." Camille seems to stretch a bit, falling back into the old, somewhat beaten down rolling chair she called her workspace.

In front of her are no less than twelve monitors, tracking all sorts of things that Noriko wants an eye and ear on. Given how even with Noriko close by she's keeping track of whatever info she can find with ease, she's clearly pretty good at her job.

"One has to be, when you're doing work like this. Lysandre didn't teach us much, but I suppose I can thank his rash actions for teaching us all caution." Noriko looks to the screens, though, nodding her head in clear approval. "I understand you have a status report for me, is that correct...?"

"Damn right I do, boss lady! Heh. Getting into the kid's device was harder than expected, but I think you'll be pleased with what I snapped up." Camille quickly opens the two videos she took from earlier--the one of Ren's arrival, and the one of Madison's talk with the detective. Both get played, and both see Noriko's eyes narrow a bit as an amused expression takes her face. Camille only grins before she starts talking.

"Looks like the kid made it to Blueberry successfully--which is, y'know. Real fucking bad for our chances of getting the kid back to you. I've been trying to poke around the Blueberry servers for a while but that shit's locked tighter than the Aether Foundation's files. If anyone's gonna break into there, it'll have to be you. Which I'm guessin'..."

"...Is highly inconvenient at best, with everything considered. An outright terrible option, at worst, and one that would almost certainly blow this entire operation out of the water." Noriko sighs a bit, crossing her arms and looking to the feed where Madison hugs Ren with disgust. "...It is no matter, however."

"Yeah...?"

"Yes. Because if this plan goes correctly, I have no need to get the Blueberry Academy involved at all. Not that I would like to, considering that Director Cyrano has my utmost respect for creating such a passionate place for students to learn..."

Noriko leans over Camille, prompting a small flush and a pleased grin from the other, younger woman--no older than 30 by the looks of it, but probably much older. Noriko focuses on the feed with Madison talking to the detective instead. "No, Madison has offered us an even greater boon. If she can find a way down into our basement and to the old warp point I used to use to work between Flare Headquarters and Paldea, we should be able to intercept her and Jacques as they snoop around."

Noriko seems to pull a notebook out that carries a map within it of the house, and she places it down where Camille and she can both look. "The only way into the house is through the front door; I always ensured this when I bought the house long ago. It'd be far too risky for them to get into the basement any other way without risking structural integrity, so once they're ensnared, we can block their escape by breaking into the house ourselves. And if we do it quickly enough, the ball will be in our field."

"Okay, I like where this is going. Gonna let me break some limbs on 'em?"

That gets Noriko to laugh a bit, her look going darkly amused. "Do what you will with them. Jacques has always been rather delicate, so he might not be much fun for you. But Madison...go for her hands. I'm sure it'll be nostalgic for her."

"You are always so good to me." And boy, does Camille look smug as she lets that out, grinning with just a little too many teeth out to look sane. "But what about the kid? Ain't they your primary objective?"

"Oh, you think that the second Ren sees their so-called friends in danger that they won't act rashly?" Noriko's smile goes wretched, something in her eyes completely gone cruel in nature. "Why, I wager that even if the academy tries to prevent their escape, they'll take a joyride on a Pokemon and leave it in Xerneas' hands."

"We won't have to worry about them not falling for the bait. Their good heart will see them right where I need them to be."

And that gets Camille to laugh--ever barking laughter that fills the room, and finally, the camera at least pans out to some of the other workers around. It looks like a couple dozen at the very least...

"And this is why I love you, babe! Even if this goes to shit, this is going to be a wild as fuck ride, and I'm here to see it to the end!"

Noriko's look goes slightly exasperated, shaking her head, but she smiles. "Your 'here for a good time, not a long time' mindset isn't exactly good when you're effectively immortal, you know."

"Eh. Good luck gettin' me to let it go. So. When should we be expected to pick up the operation?"

Noriko looks back over the feeds again, pausing a bit as she considers. "...Send a copy of both files to my office. I want to take a personal look through them, and then I can see what we need to do. I imagine we'll have a somewhat flexible time range with this, considering how busy both she and Jacques tend to be, but..."

"I will ask you to simply hold, for now. Focus on training the grunts and seeing if you can't find an easier way into the Blueberry database. I can't imagine Director Cyrano will actually be able to do anything if we act, but if we can at least ensure he doesn't interfere...that will be enough."

Camille shrugs a bit, sighing. "Shame. Kind of wanted to give Cinders a nice battle for once. He's the strongest trainer there, ain't he?"

As if on cue, what looks like a Typhlosion perks it's head up, looking between both Camille and Noriko with some interest. Camille stretches a hand out to encourage the Typhlosion over, earning the creature some petting in the process. Seeing the creature causes Noriko's eyes to soften, briefly.

"...There will be time, in the new world, to seek such challenges. But for now, simply focus that energy toward training the grunts and the other admins. Understood?"

"Got it, got it."

"Good." Noriko chuckles a bit, before running a very intentional finger up and down Camille's neck as quick as she can. "Do well enough, and I will see your loyalty rewarded. Understood?"

Given the heat and the thrilled grin on Camille's face, she seems more than pleased. "Definitely. I'll get started now."

And with Camille getting up and clapping her hands, shouting for all of the grunts in the room to get front and center, Noriko is left alone to focus on the videos that Camille took. The one with her child garners the most interest, as she looks through it, waiting until the transfer bar is at 100% before speaking up.

"Oh, my dear sweet little Lotus...soon. Soon you will be in bloom."

[theparallelcomedy]

The Interview

Okay, let's go over some grounds before anything. First of all, I write, for real. Secondly, I work in a call center even though I am a literature teacher. And finally, I love literature but sometimes I would like that to be my secret. Right on. That's my introduction speech for each non-teaching-related job interview, with some variations of course. It often works because, after the first statement, the recruiter feels encouraged to ask: "Oh, what do you like to write about?” And that's my cue to get past the looking glass to Wonderland. 

The issue is that I've broadcasted the same words so many times, that I got speechless last week when I had this job interview with some academics from a medium-sized university. Two women, one guy. I felt good for the most part because I was just being me, and I thought that was a good thing. I'm smart in an ethereal Piscis way, charming, handsome, and chics love my perfume and whatnot. And between you and me, I'm so into recruiter girls. It's an inherent vice and I can't help it. Maybe it was stoked after one semester of dating an executive woman in a business English school, which experience drove me in a continuum of managers, successful saleswomen, and head home mothers with major studies affairs. And now, I can't avoid flirting in my job applications. 

So for me, it was like a Tinder mission aimed to convince my date that we were the perfect match. Therefore I had to conquer each heart of this party of friendly professors, who by the way were being led by a drop-dead gorgeous teacher, and as God as my witness, she looked like a livin' Viking goddess with all her crimson fire, long hair, and her dragon queen's voice.

So my Valentines were closed, except there was a man on the jury, who was in charge of testing my college background. What can I say, he smacked me down and read my mind as a Vogue editorial: "cut it off with your customer service confidence and show me your best hypothesis about teaching academic writing, you fake prince of the enchanted lands". Ejem, I got trapped in my charade, because as it turns out, getting to be a professor in the university at this point of my life is no more about being sexy and funny.  Sadly, I wasn't funnier back then when I was younger, you know? At the age of summer, when it's supposed you have to enjoy it,  I had been going into winter, just reading books and taking them so seriously… Now it's the opposite:  I try to embrace life in my hands, then I go over the books. Or maybe not.

So, back to the interview, I filled in the jury with my opinions, told some jokes, and made some stories for them, so at the end, I just did what I'm used to doing on a normal day of my life: an attempt to recreate a Moulin Rouge leitmotiv, with a little less drama and more Californication on it. I should have known better: getting a job to teach literature is more about having structure, and theory backup, and less about throwing out tons of thoughts just because you love to be free to connect Cyrano Of Bergerac with Coldplay. 

Regardless, I thought I got the job. My fair lass smiled at me for a victory. For one minute, and while I reached out the classroom exit door, a flashing angel blinded me with this encouraging sensation of hope: you nailed it, now we´re up again, and life is going upstream, baby. But then, outside the office, I took a look at the next candidates: Master teacher faces, Ph.D. graduated tiny eyes, all of them looked like a cloned pack of T.S. Eliott. That was enough to have me down from the zeppelin of Neverland: I wouldn't get the gig because they will. 

You have to deal with it: Some people exist to fill the expectations that you weren't born to satisfy. Besides, I never made a point, I just threw away my shot proving that I am not the person destined to be an academic. But I was the first to notice that, not the jury, neither do my contends, and that's enough for me. I'll let you in on a little secret: Being a writer is like being the one, and being the one is just like being in love, cause no one can tell you're in love, you just know it through and through, balls to bones, quoting the oracle of Matrix. Maybe my life is not always up and up and the victory is a remaining shadow from the past when I was a happy kid playing handball. But if I push harder every day and put my heart into it, no matter what, in every fall, in every dump, maybe the river will forget to go downstream but starts to flow heading toward the stars, where we all should aim.

[elizmanderson]

2022 wrap-up, part 4

part 1 is here

part 2 is here

part 3 is here

istg this is the last part. it just turns out I did more stuff this year than I thought, which is exactly why I do these wrap-ups for myself every year. otherwise I fixate on the bad parts or the parts where I did nothing yet somehow also failed to rest.

travel

new york

I went to NYC for the first time ever for my friend chelsea's book launch! the officially unofficial one that we had for her in central park, since during her official book launch I was at phantom of the opera with another one of our friends who was kind enough to treat me to a broadway show

I saw and did a lot and went many places, but lowkey the highlight of my trip (aside from meeting all my long-time twitter writing peeps <3) was my last evening in the city. I had a drink at the stonewall inn and then wandered around the village, taking pictures of buildings because I was in love with the light on the fire escapes. I turned down jane street without even thinking about it.

after about a block, I was like, "wait, which street did I just turn down," and I went back to the nearest intersection to check. but nope, I'd turned down the right street without looking at my map, without paying strict attention to street signs and landmarks, without even thinking about it. I realize actual new yorkers will 100% disagree with this, but in that moment new york became a little bit mine and I became a little bit hers.

it took me months to recover financially from this trip, even with staying in a sketchy hostel and without paying for my own broadway tickets, but I loved it. a lot more than I thought I would, actually, since I grew up in the country and I'm probably three trees in a trench coat rather than an actual human person.

admittedly when I got back and saw how green the trails on our campus were, I was like "how did I even THINK I liked it there?? they kept all their nature in one place and it wasn't half this green!!" but I seriously did fall in love with the city, and yes I obnoxiously point at the screen when watching media set in manhattan like "I've been there!!" I am That Bitch.

georgia

I mean okay fine I go to georgia every year because my parents live here now. but still. I love savannah and coastal georgia in general, and this year I also visited jekyll island for the first time. I didn't stay long at jekyll, and unfortunately savannah was so cold I might as well have been back home (jk, it was sub-zero at home and a balmy 15 in savannah on the coldest night), but I always love going, I got to see my beloved atlantic, and I once again took a thousand pictures of live oaks just because.

other things

non-book media

movies: cyrano (yes it says 2021 but it wasn't at my theater until february of this year, so we're calling it 2022), bros, thor: love & thunder, ticket to paradise, see how they run, and actually encanto played at our second-run theater so I saw that in theaters again <3

tv: ofmd and only murders in the building, both new comfort shows despite one involving piracy and the other involving murder

musicals: groundhog day: the musical and come from away, and also I'm listing cyrano here in addition to above bc I love the soundtrack and have it in my car along with the other two

personal tomfoolery

we're about to go full-on diary here, but whatever bc that's how I used this blog before I got 500 new followers and ofmd ruined all other uses of said blog, so that's how I'm finishing this post

queer feels

I've both thought about and avoided about thinking about my sexuality and gender even more than I already have in the past 10 or 12 years. I like "queer" for this reason: it covers any non-allocishet identity I might ever need. it indicates that I'm part of the community while giving me space and time to figure out the particulars on my own (and reduces the need for me to come out repeatedly to the same people as I decide on new identities, which is good bc I viscerally hate coming out at all and dream of a world where I wouldn't have to). I like more particular labels for helping me figure out my experience, validating my experience, and finding other people whose experiences are similar.

I'm still thinking through they, although I admit when I asked folks to use it in a pronoun testing room I got warm fuzzies. I've avoided thinking through my gender in detail, but I bought a genderqueer sticker and enamel pin to add to my existing pride stickers and pins. it's just that it's like I have to come out to myself.

I did actually come out to my dad as queer this year. which made me feel feelings even though it shouldn't have been a big deal bc my parents are allies. my dad's literally in his law school's gsa, much to the confusion of the younger folks. I came out via email, in the spur of the moment, which is both a very me and a very internet-dad way to come out. and he basically said, "thanks for trusting me with that, but I already vibed it from your writing."

(I'm paraphrasing. my sixty-year-old, deeply uncool white-guy father didn't use the word "vibed.")

I'm quietly queer, for the most part, but every year I get a little louder. this year, with fascism on the rise and so many anti-queer and specifically anti-trans bills brought forth in so many states and me only just out of the closet to my parents (albeit less deeply in the closet in the first place than I thought I was), I talked more about my queerness than usual. I put "queer" in every single author bio for every single thing for which I needed a bio. I stickered my laptop in pride flags. I put up pride flags outside my office and pride pins inside it and joined the dei committee at work. I'm not a fighter. but I got just a little bit louder.

friend feels

I kinda started thinking some time within the last few years, how many friendships have I maybe missed out on because both of us were too insecure to take the first real step and be friends?

which has highkey always been my approach to romance. I'll get my heart broke a thousand times and still go after every new person I fall for. but when it comes to friendship, I'm like do not.

but I've been thinking this lately.

so with an existing maybe-friend, when an opportunity came along to write him a letter for a retreat he went on, I basically just wrote him a letter like "hey I care about you and I'm glad we're friends." and boom, lo and behold, he came back like "oh my goodness thank you so much for that wonderful letter," and things have been much more comfortable since then. which was a nice lil validation of my theory that sometimes people Do Not Dislike Me, In Fact, but are just as insecure in friendship as I am.

I also made a whole new friend with this new girl at work. the rsd has hit me fucking hard this year, which I do not appreciate. but I keep pushing past it and making an effort, and now I have a nice stash of good encounters stored up for when the rsd tries to bamboozle me once more. she's so welcoming and lovely and kind, so I hope things are also settled there even if sometimes I feel like they aren't because that's just how I am.

anyway, that's my year. there was a lot of weird and terrible bullshit going on locally, nationally, globally, and in the background, but there was some good shit in there, too.

here's to more friends, more books, more birds, more plants, more falling-in-love-with-cities, more kindness and good and little warm gestures in 2023.

[mustakrakisch]

The time has come for some Cyrano rant (part 2)

So, I've seen a theatre play like a few days ago and I have thoughts TM

Some things that happened:

Cyrano is left-handed. Love that for him. Love that for him, didn't make him less of a disaster.

Talking about disaster, he had REACTIONS when Roxane used her teeth to pull the bandage on his hand tight.

Le Bret calling literally "bullshit!" when Cyrano claimed that nobody liked him.

Le Bret: what about the girl with the grapes, hm?

Cyrano: well, yeah okay, her maybe.

which leads me to my next point: Cyrano's weird selfarwareness?? He ACKNOWLEDGES that the girl with the grapes found him somehow attractive, which does kind of negate the whole point of Cyrano being so convinced that nobody could ever love him because of some physical trait that it sabotages his own luck. In this version he even says it himself when he was dying that it was his own low self esteem holding him back. What.

Lise and Ragueneau are pure gold. I want what they got.

Ragueneau with a huge spoon in his hand: At the last verse, I t-

Lise: *stuffs a pastry into his mouth to make him shut up, because Cyrano is trying to say something*

Roxanne calling Cyrano "darling" and herself "his little friend" after he promised her to take care of Christian. Girl, if words could strike a man down right there! The poor guy!!!

They committed a whole ass scene to Cyrano being heartbroken in bisexual lighting and seeing a lot of happy couples all around. Also, a little boy comes by and gifts him his baloon, because he is cowering on the floor trying not to see any more smooching any time soon. They really did torture the poor guy there lol.

The cadets explicitly challenge Christian to mention the nose in front of Cyrano as a kind of test of courage.

The absolute disaster that Christian is with words. I have never heard such a hilarious missuse of stressing words in a sentence. Christian looking DIRECTLY at Cyrano when reciting "and this rose is you" and Cyrano picking up with some flirty poetry, I'M FINE I SWEAR, THEY ARE FLIRTING SO HARD.

Christian nailed the "I love you loads", the whole theatre was laughing so hard.

The Balcony Scene, I can't.

Cyrano: climb, for god's sake!

Christian, gesturing at the completely flat wall in front of himself: Climb? CLIMB??!!!

So they do the thing where Christian stands on Cyrano's shoulders to get his kiss.

Christian and Cyrano hanging out so much with each other that even de Guiche notices and has questions. (You guys ain't slick)

De Guiche was literally about to force himself onto Roxanne. He has her leaning backwards on a bench, so that he can't kiss her, but subsequently has him basically laying on top of her. Roxanne, I know you told Cyrano that you can handle it yourself, but are you sure?

The whole scene of Roxanne and Ragueneau arriving at Arras was a bit eh. It was not Roxanne's idea, she has done nothing of importance so that they could even get there, she is just kind of there without explanation and nobody pays her any mind. I think that's kind of unfortunate, because this scene shows so nicely Roxanne's imaginativeness, bravery and hands-on attitude.

De Guiche has no change of person in Arras, he does not find his bravery.

At Christian's death, they played "Ne me quitte pas", I'm not crying, you're crying! Also, the way that Cyrano drew himself up and away when Roxanne returned with some water and Christian dies in her arms. Like he has to physically take a few steps back and stand straight like a soldier as not to break down right next to her.

After Arras, Lise and her husband take care of Cyrano, making sure that he eats and try to keep him alive by stopping him from the most suicidal of his actions. They truly care about their friend and it's showing.

It was Valvert who delt the deathly blow to Cyrano's head. With a fucking stone. A stone!

The nuns at the monastery spoonfeed Cyrano his last meal, a soup. Funny thing is that even though the nuns take a big part in the scene, Ligniere only reveals herself at a later point when Ragueneau and Le Bret are there as well. Cyrano does not seem to recognize her or knows and has accepted her as just one of the nuns. Both options would be kind of funny considering their former relationship of poetry and drinking buddies.

When Roxanne finally realized that Cyrano loves her, she FINALLY switches from formal "you" to informal "you".

Roxanne: Why didn't you tell me?

Cyrano: Why?? *puts finger onto her lips before she can answer. Slow waltz love song starts playing*

AND THEY LITERALLY DANCED UNTIL CYRANO WAS ACTIVELY DYING. Funnily enough, Cyrano takes the time to dance with all the nuns as well as if wanting and allowing for the joy of so much female attention only at the brink of death.

[27helena-solaris]

Scarlet Pokemon Adventures

(This is based on the second part of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC)

Arriving at the Blueberry Academy, Akari and Director Cyrano were soon met with two female students. One had pink hair and brown eyes, and the other had kiwi-colored eyes and banana-blonde hair. The pink-haired student had answered Akari's question with, "Director Cyrano and Director Clavell got to know each other through their postgraduate work at the same university. Or at least that's what I've heard!" The blonde-haired student looked at Akari Cobra curiously, but as Akari made eye contact with the student, she turned away to look at the stands. The entire school was surrounded by the sea, and was also blue. The kiwi-eyed student often wondered if it was a defense mechanism for the school to be colored this way.

Director Cyrano exclaimed, "Yes! Right! Exactly! Took the words right out of my mouth. Always on point, aren't you, Lacey?"

"Oh, no, it was nothing..." Lacey replied. "Do we have a guest today?"

The blonde-haired student snapped to attention, gesturing to Akari Cobra as she shouts, "ARE WE DUMB??? That's CLEARLY a guest!!!"

"There's no need to be so rude, Kiui." Lacey snapped.

"H-huh? I'm just proving a point! Visitor or not, she's still a guest!" Kiui defends herself. Turning to Cyrano, Kiui begs, "Right, Director?"

Director Cyrano laughs, replying with, "Kiui's right." He then answered Lacey's question. "Akari Cobra is here as part of the exchange program. Make her welcome, eh?"

Kiui's eyes widened to look as big as dinner plates in surprise, muttering, "Well, glitch my neurons..." 

Lacey blurted out, "Hold on - this is the exchange student from the Paldea region?!" 

Kiui looked dumbfounded, holding up her hands in question as she asked, "Okay, what's going on? I have a million questions right now, and I want to shove them for later, if I wasn't so clueless right this second!" 

Kiui's questions was ignored as Lacey turned to Akari and introduces herself, "I suppose I didn't introduce myself, did I? I'm Lacey - one of the second-year students here!" 

Kiui also introduced herself, "My name's Kiui, one of the first-year students in Blueberry Academy. I'm surprised you'd get here as soon as the school turned into a tense environment for students and teachers alike." 

Akari looked confused, but before she could ask, Lacey said, "You must be really special, you know. It's rare for Director Cyrano to remember the name of a new student." 

Kiui murmured, "That...I can confirm."

Director Cyrano jokes, "Hah! Just call me out, why don't you!" Kiui hissed like a Skitty, then covered her mouth as her spirits lowered in embarrassment. Akari managed to hide a chuckle. Kiui was quite an interesting... character, to say the least. "Actually, why don't you explain how things work around here, Lacey." Kiui smirked, before Cyrano added. "And Kiui will help Akari Cobra get settled."

Kiui groaned. "Seriously??? I thought I was gonna enjoy the chaos, not be a part of it!"

Lacey asked, "You... you want ME to do it?!"

Cyrano replied, "Well, yeah. You know this tour-guide stuff isn't my strong suit!"

Lacey reasoned, "Well, that's certainly true... But still, I imagine there must be more suitable than me."

Kiui said, "She has a point."

Akari looked a little upset and confused at this, asking, "So, you don't want to show me around?"

Lacey reassured her, "Oh, please don't take it like - It's not that I don't want to show you around or any thing!"

Kiui said, "What Lacey means is that she doesn't think that she is capable of doing such a task, although she is one of the Elite Four here and has more capability than most to do something so simple as to take a new student - as well as an exchange student - out on a school tour."

Lacey continues, "Director Cyrano just has this bad habit of pushing his duties onto me, you see."

Kiui nodded, adding to her previous statement with, "Also that."

Lacey turns to Director Cyrano, pulling her arms to make a x-shape as she scolded, "And it's just not right!"

Director Cyrano shook his head exasperatingly, saying, "Really letting me have it today, aren't you?"

Lacey then took it into consideration. "That being said... this might be my chance to get to know the new student everyone's talking about before anyone else can..."

Kiui looked disgruntled. "ExCUSE me! I'm right here!"

"That decides it! I will take on this task!" Lacey decided. Kiui looked like she was gonna throw a Mach Punch at Lacey.

Akari and Director Cyrano nodded happily as the Director said, "Excellent!"

Lacey turned to Akari Cobra and announces, "Now then, let's head straight down this bridge and to the entrance! On you go!" Kiui walked next to Akari Cobra, happily looking around the place as if she hadn't seen it so many other times before. Kiui seems quite intent on doing her new job, and if Akari had read her expressions correctly, she would have said that Kiui was enjoying the scenery around them, although she looks quite...somber. Akari would have to confront Kiui about this later. She couldn't say much, however, because after a quick walk, they had reached the entrance of the school. Behind the two, Director Cyrano and Lacey walked up to them, Lacey narrating, "This is the entrance to Blueberry Academy. Our school puts a great emphasis on the art of Pokemon battling. We hold official matches on this central court right here at the entrance - and any student can freely utilize this court if it's not otherwise in use." Akari and Kiui look over at Lacey as she clasped her hands together and exclaiming, "I think it's safe to say that you'll be battling more here than in any school!"

"Exactly! Couldn't have said it better myself!" Director Cyrano praised, causing Kiui to squeak in surprise. Obviously, she forgot that he was there.

Lacey suggested, "Director Cyrano... I think perhaps it's fine if you just leave the tour to me."

Kiui shouts, "HA!"

Lacey continues, "Still...it's really relaxing here, with the sea breeze blowing over you. Even when no one is battling, you often see students lazing about in the stands. Oh, oh, oh! And there's one other quality of our school that you'll likely find very surprising!" Lacey crosses her arms. "Wild Pokemon sometimes Terastallize here!"

Kiui looks at Lacey and gestures to Akari as Kiui said, "Uhh, isn't she from Paldea, where Pokemon already do that?" Akari nodded in agreement, exclaiming, "Really!"

Lacey said, "Oh. I suppose that's not anything special to someone from Paldea, is it?"

Akari shook her head, replying, "No, it's really not." Kiui made a smug look at Lacey.

Cyrano added, "The Terastal phenomenon was first found the Paldea region, after all. But we've taken it a step further than you and your Tera Orbs."

Kiui asked, "Why does that sound menacing?"

Cyrano continued, "We've developed some neat tech ourselves - something that lets us control the Terastal phenomenon ourselves on our own turf!" Akari looks surprised. Director Cyrano asks, "I bet that piques your interest, doesn't it?"

Kiui muttered, "Oh, please, technology's improving and changing every day. There is no way that Akari would be -"

"Yes, it does!" Akari answers.

"Damn it."

"Um, sir, I think it will be easier to understand how all that works after we go to the lower level." Lacey pointed out. "If you could put a little pin on that thought?"

Kiui said, "I agree with Lacey, sir."

"Always thinking ahead - that's our Lacey!" Cyrano praised.

Kiui sighed. "Not this again..."

Looking between Lacey and Akari Cobra, the Director casually suggested, "Oh! You know what? I think it'd be great if the two of you had a battle!"

"Wha-?! Right now?!" Lacey asked nervously.

Kiui demanded, "Yeah, sir. Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"Why not? I'd like to see what Akari Cobra here is capable of." Cyrano said. "And our Lacey is a member of the Elite Four in the League Club we have going here. To say nothing of the influence of her father - one of the Unova regions famed Gym Leaders! I bet you'll learn a thing or two!"

Kiui looked so done with the Director as she muttered sarcastically, "Wooow. That's my swan song."

Lacey looked annoyed as she growled, "Oh, I wish you wouldn't go spreading personal information without asking first!" She proceeds to make the same x-shape from earlier as she said, "It's just not right!"

Director Cyrano walks off as he cheerfully said, "Now, give me a good show now, you two!"

Lacey said apologetically to Akari Cobra, "I'm sorry, but...there's no negotiating with Director Cyrano once he gets an idea in his head. There's no way that he'll move on with the tour until we've given him his battle. Besides, I have to admit I'm a little excited myself at the chance to battle you! Here at Blueberry Academy, we tend to go for Double Battles. Let's give one a try to get to know each other a little better!"

"Bring it on!" Akari challenged. "I won't go easy on you."

"Oooooh, I like this kid." Kiui muttered, standing in front of the front desk to keep a fresh eye on the battle. Soon there was a huge Double Battle going on. Kiui watched intently as a flurry of Pokemon moves and dodging happened. Eventually, Akari Cobra won. "Wow," Kiui whispered. "No wonder she's called a cobra. Every move she lands is like a venomous bite digging into her opponent's skin."

Lacey praises Akari Cobra with, "Well, you beat me soundly!" As Lacey walks up to Akari, she said, "Spectacular! You really are quite skilled. I wish I could have seen you Terastallize one of your Pokemon, though. I'd love to see how someone from Paldea does it! The students here at Blueberry Academy were only recently issued Tera Orbs, so I hope you'll be able to teach us more about them."

Director Cyrano says as he walks up to Lacey and Akari Cobra, "Well done to the both of you! You really battled it out Blueberry-style." Akari attempts to look for Kiui, but she wasn't anywhere in sight. Cyrano continues, "Speaking of style... I forgot I had a uniform for you! You'll feel like you fit in as soon as you're dressing the part!" Akari Cobra receives the official uniform and changes her outfit just to wear it.

Lacey exclaims, "It suits you perfectly!"

Director Cyrano proudly said, "Now that's what I call fashion! Oh, and you can take this as well." Akari received a card called the Indigo Style Card. Director Cyrano explains, "That should give you a few more options when you visit shops and salons and such in Paldea!"

"Now that you look the part - and hopefully feel it too - why don't we head into the school?" Lacey suggested. "You can pick where you want to go from the gates over there." When Akari looks hesitant, Lacey says encouragingly, "Come on! I can show you the pride of Blueberry Academy: our world-famous Terarium!"

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

As Akari Cobra strode into the Terarium, the blinding light caused her to raise a hand to block it. As she took a moment to let her eyes adjust, Director Cyrano and Lacey walked towards Akari, taking their places from either next to or behind Akari Cobra. Lacey said, "This is it. The park beneath the sea that has gained renown around the world... Our own Terarium! We may be underwater, but the projectors built into the walls and ceiling make it feel like we're actually outside, don't they? We've been able to create a comfortable environment for Pokemon through technology!"

Director Cyrano says, "I designed all this myself! And believe me - it wasn't cheap."

Lacey explains, "Within this dome, there are four distinct biomes." Gesturing to the land in front of them, she continues, "Here we have the nice and toasty subtropical Savannah Biome." Pointing to the right, Lacey added, "Then, off to your right, you can see the breezy, tropical Coastal Biome." Waving to the left, (I think we all know the drill), "Further out to your left, you'll see the craggy, crunchy, ragged Canyon Biome." Motioning ahead of the Savannah Biome, Lacey says, "Last but not, waaay out in the distance, we have the artic and snowy Polar Biome!" Turning to Akari Cobra, Lacey said, "Each biome's air temperature and humidity levels are regulated with the utmost care. That's why you can find completely different Pokemon species living in each area!"

Director Cyrano says, "We sure put a lot of effort into it!"

Lacey asks, "Tell me, Akari Cobra, which biome tickles your fancy off the bat?"

"The snowy Polar Biome." Akari answered.

"Oh, so you like it cold, don't you?" Lacey asked.

"Yep! Sure do."

Lacey says, "I'm not very good with the cold myself, but the Ice-type Pokemon can be awfully cute!" Gesturing to a resting place nearby, Lacey continues, "If you need to heal up your team while you're down here, feel free to use the self-serve healing machines we've installed around the Terarium." Lacey turns to Director Cyrano. "Now then. Director Cyrano... Can you explain to us why crystals form here, and how the wild Pokemon are able to Terastallize?"

Cyrano asks in a surprised voice, "I - huh? But don't you know already, Lacey, that..." He pauses, then realizes, "Oooh, I get it! You want me to do the talking." He says, "In that case, let me show you - the reason is actually right above our heads!" Akari looks up to see a large green ball in the middle of the dome above them. Cyrano explains, "That there is the Terarium Core, which presides over all that happens in the Terarium. It contains a fluid that we've jam-packed full of a special material from Paldea. It's constantly emitting Terastal energy - that's what allows Pokemon to Terastallize in the dome!"

Lacey exclaimed, "Wonderful! Well said, sir! That's exactly right!" She turns to the Director. "Though...I still don't know what that 'special material' is, within the Terarium Core itself. It's never been shared publicly, has it?"

Director Cyrano replied, "Ohoho, you want to know? Well, in fact, it's..." He then looked confused. "It's... Now what was it? I've plumb forgotten. Briar put all of it together, so I'm not certain myself."

Lacey looked disappointed. "That's...what I thought you might say."

The school bell rang, with an announcement that said, "Practical battle class will commence shortly in the Coastal Biome. Students participating in this class should make their way to the Coastal Biome now." The class bell rang, signaling the end of announcements.

Lacey exclaims, "Oh! It looks like you're just in time to see a class session too!" She turns to Akari Cobra. "This is too good of a chance to pass up. Won't you join us, Akari Cobra? You can get your first taste of our school's classes."

Akari replies, "Yes! I'd love to!"

Lacey giggles. "I do love to see that sort of passion for education! I'll go ahead and register the Terarium map to your Rotom phone for you."

Boom! Installed.

Lacey said, "It's fun to take a stroll through the Terarium on your own, and I think I'd be more of a hassle than anything if you had me holding your hand... So, yup, that settles it! Please find your way to the class site in the Coastal Biome on your own!"

Director Cyrano says, "Well, doesn't seem like I'm needed here."

Lacey, afraid to hurt the director's feelings, starts to say, "Wait, sir, you don't -"

"But I've made sure that a dorm room has been all set up, Akari Cobra, so don't forget to give it a visit later!" Director Cyrano interrupted. "Oh yes, and one other thing: Could you open your Pokedex app for me?" Akari Cobra complied and opened up her Rotom phone to this app, recieving the Blueberry Pokedex on the app. Director Cyrano turned to face the way he came. "Catch as many Pokemon here in the Terarium as you please - don't be afraid to go Sawsbuck-wild!" As he leaves the Terarium, he said, "It's your student life here at Blueberry Academy, so remember to live it up to the fullest!"

Lacey says, "And there he goes..." She then determinately said, "Well, you can at least count on me to be around when you need me, so there's no call for concern!" Lacey turned to get ready to run. "It's probably time we both head to class! I'll be waiting for you to join us in the Coastal Biome!" Lacey sprints away.

REST OF THE POKEMON FANFIC HERE!!!!

[enchanted-lightning-aes]

not competitive but a little messy maybe there's a movie called the half of it. more it is less about the romance part though, more about the friendship between the guy and girl. there's a bit of confusion and drama, but not big. another movie, imagine me and you. I haven't watched in a long time but I don't think it was competitive. in both situations there's some drama and angst to expect, probably not exactly what you looking for but maybe you can get some ideas from it.

another movie: disobedience. again not sure you're level of competitiveness and mess but these all features M/F/F. I can't think of any ft a gay or bisexual men, probably an indie movie somewhere.

I've heard of half of it on a list i found while checking for some specifics a while ago, heh. it's inspired by cyrano but wlw, right? bc i remember the synopsis mention the main lead writing letters to the li in the guy's stead. or something like that, so i'm down for that.

and thank you for informing me of the other two. i guess i'll check them out at some point. and the way it's just a guy and girl competing for a girl is entertaining. lbr, a guy and girl competing for the same person has so much potential. as a comedy or a drama.

what would i give to see a man being the affection of a guy and girl, who're catty to each other bc of how they like the same guy. sounds a bit toxic but lmaooo, tired of the generic love triangles where it's two guys or two girls competing. idk i'm just looking for popcorn entertainment, lmao.

[pahrak-the-sinnoh-slizer]

[Games in 2023: Pokemon DLC "The Indigo Disk"]

Here it is!  Part 2 of the Scarlet and Violet DLC!  As a refresher for context: I really loved base Violet, and appreciated what Teal Mask had to offer despite it not entirely living up to expectations.  Will Indigo Disk close things out on a high note?  What is the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero?  And how much did I abuse the feature to invite your favorite characters to Blueberry Academy for my own nefarious purposes?

This will contain spoilers for base SV, Teal Mask, AND Indigo Disk!  If you want a tl;dr: Indigo Disk gives you LOADS of fun (and challenging) stuff to do, and despite its story plays things safer than I was personally expecting after the resolution of the base game, I’m still glad I bought the DLC.

Accessing the Indigo Disk content requires beating both The Way Home and The Teal Mask.  This is full-on postgame material, and the levels of the Pokémon you’ll find and fight reflect that, ranging from high 60s on lesser trainers up into the early 80s on the final story foes.  Not to mention all trainer battles here are Double Battles, which adds a significant new wrinkle to how fights are approached.  This is Serious Business.  We also get new TMs, new clothing and accessory options, and more Pokémon!  I felt like there were fewer options unlocked by the Indigo Style Card than the Teal one, but I really liked what was there, plus there are quite a few other options found through other means.  As for Pokémon, the new Blueberry Dex is slightly larger than the Kitakami Dex, and only overlaps with Paldea by around 60 Pokémon as opposed to Kitakami’s Dex being only half new.  Lots of Pokémon are back, including several that are on the Switch for the first time—if I recall correctly, the only ones still left out are Patrat/Watchog, the Elemental Monkeys and their evolutions, and Furfrou.  We’ve also got Dex entries for Walking Wake and Iron Leaves now, which is especially nice alongside the introduction of new Paradox Pokémon rounding out both of those Legendary trios.  As for other new Pokémon, we’ve got new evolutions for Duraludon and Dipplin (surprisingly), DLC mascot Terapagos, and…a new Mythical?!  Huh.  Kinda thought we were done with those to be honest.  I haven’t looked too much into it, but it seems like this guy will actually trigger a sequence of events, which we haven’t seen since…Victini?  Do we count BDSP, or PLA?  Whatever, I’m excited!  There are also old Legendaries to catch; I’d say they’re more accessible than Dynamax Adventures, but the list isn’t quite as comprehensive. (Also they’re all shiny locked.) And, as advertised, every single starter from Generations I through VIII can be caught in the wild here!  …After grinding enough points to purchase an upgrade.  More on that later.

The new map is a special facility called the Terarium, contained within Blueberry Academy in the Unova region.  It’s sort of an artificial nature preserve, divided into four different biomes each full of various species of Pokémon, bigger than Kitakami but not as massive as Paldea itself.  Feels like just the right size!  Each biome is fairly meaty in its own right, with lots of interesting landscapes to explore and some well-designed caves to boot.  One in particular is a reimagining of Chargestone Cave, and it does not disappoint!  The music changes a bit depending on the biome but stays recognizable, mixing in some Unovan inspiration with slight hints of Area Zero to reflect the influence of Terastal energy in the facility.  Oh, and the Flying Taxi on the loading screen is carried by Skarmory this time!  It’s a nice place, a wonderful setting for a miniature Pokémon adventure.

So, the story.  You’re escorted to Blueberry Academy by its Director, Cyrano—I like the guy, reminds me of Cabanela from Ghost Trick, and I LOVE his Honedge scarf! (Sadly, the Honedge line is not in this game.) You explore, meet the school’s self-styled Elite Four, and reunite with Carmine and Kieran, the later of whom has completed his evolution to Jerk Rival and become the academy’s Champion.  The previous Champion, uh, “arranges” for you to challenge the Elite Four for the right to fight the Champ, and we’re off.  The BBE4 can be fought in any order, though they do have listed ranks to suggest a sequence; I wouldn’t be surprised if this was in response to fan reaction over the lack of communication of boss levels back in Paldea.  Each is holed up in a different biome with a different “trial” for you to pass before they’ll fight you.  Not a single one was easy, though I struggled the least with Crispin, true to his #5 rank.  Lacey was the one who gave me the most trouble, though.  They’re all likable characters in their own way, though if I had to pick a favorite…probably Amarys?  Anyway, after beating them you get a shot at Kieran, which was another extremely close call for me, but I managed to pull through!  It was a satisfying little boss rush.

Things then abruptly shift when Briar finally reappears, gathering a small group of students for an emergency scouting expedition into Area Zero, approved by Geeta herself.  It ends up just being you, Briar, Carmine, and Kieran, which…yeah, that makes sense.  Though having Geeta and Rika suddenly show up made me hope a little.  Kieran’s only coming because he thinks catching a Legendary Pokémon of his own will let him finally beat the player, but as this scenario progresses he starts to act a bit more like his old self.  The scenario in question involves returning to the Zero Lab, finding a secret path leading even deeper, and diving into Area Zero’s Underdepths.  Remember how sick it was seeing Area Zero for the first time?  The Underdepths are like, twice as sick.  It’s great.  As is standard fare, you need to defeat a few Pokémon to open gates forward, but what makes these Pokémon interesting is that they’re all Tera Pokémon with the brand new Stellar Tera Type, a type which contains the powers of ALL types.  Stellar-type Terastallization does not change the Pokémon’s defensive Type interactions, only offensive, giving a boost to one move of each type per battle.  So, you use a powered-up Rock move?  Further uses of that and any other Rock move are standard-power.  It’s an interesting way to build upon Terastallization’s versatility, and when used in Tera Raids, it just boosts every single move the Pokémon uses while Terastallized, which I imagine will be immensely helpful if one were to grind Raids for any reason.  Very interesting, and this gauntlet gives you ample opportunity to acquaint yourself with it before you get ahold of it yourself.

At the very end of the Underdepths, your party finds none other than Terapagos…who Kieran chucks a Master Ball at.  Uh, okay, cool.  You then have a boss battle against Terapagos in its Terastal Form, the one with the flat shell made of pentagonal plates, which is way smaller than I imagined it being.  I dunno, I thought it’d be more on the scale of like…Kyogre?  In any case, this round is easy, and Kieran and Briar are both confused and decide to Terastallize Terapagos and see if that unleashes its full power.  It does.  Terapagos takes on its final form, the one Heath depicted in the Violet Book…also weirdly small.  Maybe twice as tall as a person?  Not planet-sized.  I mean, I didn’t think we’d actually get to catch a planet-sized Pokémon, but…y’know.  This is Stellar Form Terapagos, which has an augmented Stellar Tera Type that boosts every move even outside of Raids, and it’s no slouch: it was a close match, but my level 100 Ceruledge with Bitter Blade and Leftovers was able to conquer it, especially with help from Carmine at first and Kieran at the end.  What’s interesting is that this round has multiple phases, with Terapagos taking away your Terastallization to create a barrier several times and changing its defensive Type for good measure.  After a long, hard fight, you’re able to catch Terapagos (it broke out of Kieran’s Master Ball), and as you return to Blueberry Academy, Kieran apologizes and asks if you can still be friends.  Roll credits.

The idea of Kieran, a character who snaps in his obsessive pursuit of strength, is sound in theory.  However, I feel like it was lacking in punch.  The key factor is almost certainly just time: Teal Mask speedruns the formation of Kieran and the protag’s friendship and then immediately shows it fall apart, with little to no time to let it sink in and actually matter to the player.  I stuck to the “Kieran is my friend” angle throughout Indio Disk, but it did feel like an act, and when he says he looked up to you for so long (like, an entire day!) it rang somewhat hollow.  That being said, I do rather like the way he stamps down his sense of failure to help you in the final round against Terapagos.  I guess I like Kieran about as well as I like a good chunk of Pokémon characters at least.  He can’t compete with Arven, though.  Oh and Briar doesn’t go nuts or turn evil or anything, she’s just excitable I guess.

I wasn’t entirely satisfied regarding Terapagos and Area Zero either: there wasn’t a clear definitive answer to any questions that had been raised.  Upon rewatching the ending and the postgame scene at the Crystal Pool, I think what we’re meant to take away is that Terapagos has been sleeping deep in the Earth for a long time, and the impact that formed Area Zero caused its power to leak out.  It is able to manipulate spacetime to some extent: Turo says that his time machine specifically pulls Pokémon from other timelines, which seems to be the truth about Paradox Pokémon.  How this enables advanced robotics and AI, I still don’t quite know, nor does it explain why Paradox Pokémon existed in Area Zero before the time machine was built.  But, it seems that Terapagos did not in fact come to Earth on a meteor, and there’s no particular reason for its abilities to terraform its environment, transform itself and other Pokémon, and bend time.  Which is…kind of a bummer, honestly.  The Way Home took Pokémon out of its comfort zone in a great way, and the Team Star Bosses and Arven were all written surprisingly well; to go from that high point to a standard, lukewarm story about finding and catching a powerful new Legendary…I can’t help but be a bit disappointed.  I hate the idea of getting mad at something for not conforming to my own expectations, so I’ve been trying to consider different angles and find one that leans the most in the story’s favor…but, maybe it’s fair that my expectations were where they were?  I don’t know.  I’m curious to find out how other players feel.

Oh, one other story-ish thing: if you’ve completed the Bloodmoon Beast scenario, Perrin shows up in the Terarium!  Apparently she’s just been hired to take photos for Blueberry Academy’s promotional material; she has another cool thing to show you, but tells you to catch 200 Pokémon in the Terarium first, justified in that she’ll follow you and take pictures for said promos.  I like that there’s a reason this time, her just saying “catch mons first” in Kitakami was fine, I could accept it as a video game thing, but it was very transparently that and I appreciate the effort to dress it up here.  Once you’ve caught enough Pokémon, she’ll show you two photos of strange, unidentified Pokémon in the familiar setting of Area Zero: two new Paradox Pokémon, obviously version-exclusive.  You need to search Area Zero for the locations in the photos, where the Paradoxes are standing there just waiting to be caught.  Unfortunately, there’s only one of each, complicating the process of trading them to complete the Dex…which is a little odd.  You can catch multiple specimens of every other Paradox—they even gave you a second Koraidon/Miraidon!  Personally I’m hoping these will be in Raids later like Wake and Leaves, because I really, really want to train a Gouging Fire…

Anyway, it wasn’t until I completed the story that I really began to interact with the other major feature at Blueberry Academy: the League Club.  I took an initial glance at it and decided to save up my BP (which stands for “Blueberry Points” now), but at this point I had no goal other than to grind for it.  You obtain BP primarily (near exclusively) through completing Blueberry Quests, abbreviated to BBQs, which is terrible but also hilarious.  Whenever you’re in the Terarium, you can bring up a menu that shows your current BP and a list of 3 active BBQs; these include things like “catch a Pokémon,” “take a picture of a Pokémon in X biome,” “pick up X items off the ground,” and such.  When you complete one, you are automatically rewarded BP and get a new BBQ to refill the list.  After completing 10 BBQs, you are additionally given a fourth, special quest for a larger amount of BP, which tend to involve things like picnics and Raids.  There’s a lot to like about this system: it provides constant rewards for microachievements similar to the research tasks in PLA, always giving you a few directions to follow if you so choose, and are much more digestible here.  One thing arises that frustrates me, however, that being repetition.  BBQs are chosen randomly, so if it���s not already on your list, it’s fair game no matter how many times you’ve already seen it today.  There have been several times where I’ve completed task A, to see it replaced by task B, to complete task B, only to see it replaced by task A again.  The first day of doing BBQs I was told to photograph swimming Pokémon at least a dozen times in a few short hours. (And let’s not forget that these photos clog up you Switch album.) I also dread seeing the “make a TM” quest, because in the entire Terarium there is exactly 1 TM Machine and I don’t always want to drop whatever I’m doing to head over to it.  The sandwich-making missions also feel like a hassle, but I’m not the biggest fan of the picnics as is, that one’s definitely just me.  I’ve also seen people say they really enjoyed grinding BBQs, so maybe this entire irritation is just a personal problem.

But once you have your BP, what can you spend it on?  Well, in addition to being used in the school store and cafeteria, there’s a computer in the League Club Room where you can access a list of requests for donations from other clubs, all of which come with a reward.  Essentially you’re paying to unlock or improve features, ranging from throwing styles to camera settings to League Club Room design.  What caught my eye immediately, however, were the options to “improve biodiversity” in each of the biomes.  This is how you unlock the previous gen starter Pokémon as wild encounters.  It costs 3000 BP per biome, with BBQs only very rarely giving you more than 100.  Admittedly it’s not as bad as I initially feared, but since these are more or less required to get enough Dex entries to satisfy Perrin, I would recommend saving up as a priority.  I feel like I should’ve expected at least one more hoop to jump through to get wild starters, but it isn’t really a huge deal.  Small price to pay for unlimited babies.  Additionally, after catching Terapagos you unlock the ability to invite characters from Paldea to visit Blueberry Academy!  The eight Gym Leaders are available right away, but you can also unlock the teachers from your old school, the Elite Four, and even Geeta.  Your guests will hang out in the League Club Room for a bit, and you can speak with them (or the members of the BBE4) to have rematches, get some items, and trade Pokémon with them; sometimes they’ll even have interactions amongst themselves.  I’m a huge fan of this feature: rematches were limited in the base game, and this amends the situation while expanding upon the bonding sequences that gave Uva/Naranja a lot of its charm.  The first one I focused on was Raifort, of course; naturally she hates being in a place as new-fangled as Blueberry Academy, but now you owe her a favor, and she keeps giving you bribes to further butter you up to become her puppet.  She’s great.  She also talks about the Abyssal Ruins, that’s a callback I’m quite pleased with. (Conversations about going swimming in Unova…my gosh, she really is Cynthiacore…)

Catching Terapagos also unlocks a few more things.  Briar calls you to her classroom and explains that your Tera Orb has been upgraded from being exposed to the intense Terastal energy in the Underdepths, enabling you to Terastallize in consecutive battles without ever charging it.  Oh.  Cool!  This gives you the chance to play around with the feature a lot more, and won’t intrude on the online experience at all since you can still only Terastallize once per battle.  And, as teased in the trailers, you can speak with Amarys to upgrade Miraidon to fly freely anywhere.  Forget that crappy glide, you can soar across all of Paldea from high above Glaseado’s peak!  You know that impassable rock wall in the northeast?  I flew all the way up that!  You can perch on the edge, but an invisible wall keeps you from going any further, BUT that’s okay because just being able to get up there is so cool!  I will say, the controls not inverting the Y-axis is weird and unintuitive, but that’s something I can cope with.  The game really sets you free, and it’s so, so great to experience.

Indigo Disk is extremely fun, extremely rewarding, and gives you plenty of new reasons to keep playing SV going forward.  The story is serviceable, a notable downgrade from where SV ended but inoffensive on its own.  Pokémon does tend to be lopsided that way, doesn’t it?  Nevertheless, SV almost immediately became one of my favorite games in the series, and now that we have both waves of DLC, I’m confident in thinking I’ll remain fond of it for a good long while.

It should be noted that an “Epilogue” to the DLC has been announced for January.  The files are there already; I’ve been trying to avoid spoilers, but I’ve seen enough to know this won’t be anything large scale.  We’re NOT getting a secret third wave of DLC here.  But it does seem like this will involve the new Mythical Pokémon, potentially clear up some lingering questions about Kitakami, and expand upon a certain feature of Indigo Disk, so I’m looking forward to it.  Hard to say if I’ll type up a full collection of thoughts for it, but one thing I am fairly certain of is that it’s going to be a fun time.