#the crystal gems own a store

[k-hippie]

A BRAND NEW SIMS 3 WORLD : SHETLAND HARBOUR

And here we are ... At last :D

10 years ago, Rope crafted a remarkable world, inspired by Starlight Shores, and generously given away to the community : Brightwater.

We embraced this gift, transforming and reshaping it, creating an island to eliminate distant terrain, and thus, Shetland Harbour was born ...

While many creators have fashioned stunning Sims 3 worlds with a Northern charm—like Saaqartoq, Greymont Bay, Lillebror, or Plymouth Isles—ours, stands a little apart.

Shetland Harbour is a unique blend : a touch of Aurora Skies, a hint of Moonlight Falls, and a dash of the unfortunate Barnacle Bay, all interwoven with our own vision of course. It is a vast yet easily navigable world, balanced between lightness and richness, featuring nearly all the Rabbit Holes the game offers.

Our aim was to craft a cohesive and vibrant world, one that feels alive and contemporary, with harmonious architecture and a spirit that invites exploration and delight :)

Welcome to Shetland Harbour, a picturesque coastal town nestled between rolling green hills and a fantastic bay … It is a beautiful medium/large-sized world, a community nestled on its own secluded island, accessible only by ferry. The town is known for its charming cobblestone streets, a vibrant fish market, and a rich history dating back centuries, dotted with quaint cottages, a bustling coast, and a grand lighthouse standing guard at the harbor’s entrance ...

This hidden gem is a haven for sheep, but don't let that fool you – Shetland Harbour is far from a sleepy place. With its rich maritime history, the town offers a unique blend of tradition and vibrant local culture.

Designed to capture the essence of a northern European island, Shetland Harbour offers a self-contained community with 100 lots in total : 65 residential lots + 35 community lots. Each Lot ( except the Old Renovated Factory ) is fully furnished.

In addition, there are multiple sheep ( all by Murfeel ) fields here and there – the latter being especially dear to the local culture, a close-knit community, where the ocean's presence is always felt and the simplicity of rural life is celebrated.

Shetland Harbour combines a lively downtown with peaceful suburbs and serene neighborhoods, featuring quaint cottages, charming gardens, and scenic paths through lush greenery.

The town's historic churches, like Old Church, Albert Church or Lux Chapel, are steeped in tales of ancient rituals and ghostly apparitions ... Albert Church, built on a Druidic site, is haunted by druid spirits, while Lux Chapel is known for the ghost of a sailor, seen on stormy nights ...

The mysterious stone circle inside the Graveyard, Ghost Place, adds to the island's mystical allure. Rumored to be a portal to another realm, it activates during celestial alignments, with visitors reporting strange occurrences. Town elders speak of a prophecy foretelling the return of ancient spirits and the awakening of the island's mystical powers. Signs include a rare star alignment, the stone circle's awakening, and three chosen individuals with the island's ancient bloodline ...

• Harbor Bay : The central feature of Shetland Harbour is its expansive bay. The bay is a natural harbor with calm, crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for fishing and sailing. It is surrounded by gently sloping hills and cliffs that provide stunning vistas of the sea. The marina is bustling with fishing boats, sailboats, and yachts sometimes … It’s the hub of maritime activity, with a fish market ( aka Grocery Store ), boat repairs, and a sailing club ( aka Business and Journalism Center )

• Lighthouse District : Right beside the Harbour, stands the Lighthouse Point, this district features historical homes and buildings, including a Norman cottage, a strange Diner and higher into the Hills, a fantastic museum dedicated to the town’s maritime history and a recent Hospital ready to welcome all the citizens of Shetland Harbour :)

• Beaches : The Coastline is dotted with sandy beaches, perfect for beachcombing, picnics, and bonfires. These areas are popular spots for locals and tourists alike. And you may want building some Coastal Houses for your Sims which is possible almost all alongside the sea ;)

• Old Town : The heart of Shetland Harbour is the Old Town, characterized by cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a charming town square. Shetland Harbour's downtown area is a kinda picturesque pedestrian square, and quaint paths perfect for leisurely strolls …The Old Town includes the Town Hall, the Old Toad, the Talking Dog, a Fish and Chips, and even a Geek Store, all of them under the shadow of one of the oldest shop of the Island : the Elixirium ...

• Rolling Hills : Surrounding the town are rolling green hills covered in wildflowers and dotted with grazing sheep. These hills are perfect for hiking and offer panoramic views of the town and the bay. Beware of the fog !

• Forests and Woodlands : To the north of the town are more dense forests and woodlands with waterfalls upstream of the river which separates part of the island. These areas are home to various wildlife and provide a natural retreat for the residents. There are several well-maintained trails for hiking and exploring :)

Come and explore Shetland Harbour all your content ... Whether you're building your dream home, running a local business, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, this unique town promises endless possibilities and a truly captivating experience ...

Download Shetland Harbour today and start your new adventure!

\o/

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

IMPORTANT : Before downloading Shetland Harbour !!!

Shetland Harbour contains custom content. As much as we try to include them into the world building process, we learned with time the necessity of providing a list those items. No worries, we used the same cc creators as usual and added 2 or 3 more. Such as the grey/dark roof we made, based on the terracotta roof of the game and the Wood walls you'll find on different lots, the same as the ones of Oaksoak Hollow ... Or more important, the boats used in the world and of course ... The sheeps ! All you need should be included and/or available down here ;)

1) the ANTS & CC :)

ANTS stand for Absolute Necessary Things & Stuff to enjoy Shetland Harbour :)

Download ANTS and CC ( both are needed to have all the right textures, the right look and feel of Shetland Harbour )

You will need too some of our Rabbit Holes

Not mandatory but nice : our 88 Patterns mostly brick, masonry, concrete and wood ;) A bit of fabric & paper too ...

ATTENTION : if you have played with one of our Worlds, you might see duplicate files. We try to use the same objects as much as possible. Of course, you don't have to install twice. Skip whatever you already have. We use Blams objects for some Sims 3 objects ... so if you already have those objects from any other means, just skip ;)

CREDITS & THANKS due to all the following creators :

ATS, Noir and Dark Sims, pitheinfinite, Brunnis-2, Blams, CycloneSue, HydrangeaChainsaw, Leroy157, Lisen801, Murfeele, Nilxis, PotatoBalladSims, Qahne, TheJim07, Mammut ( from BlackSimsZoo ) BlueCoco, BuffSumm, JomSims, Ladesire, Mutske

2) the Saved Games

They are in the same page than Shetland Harbour itself. You have the choice between Unpopulated and Half-populated. Whatever you choose, we always strongly advice with a save game ;) But as far we know, once we delivered a World, it is entirely up to you to begin a new adventure and make your own challenges with your own Sims :D

Download a save game

3) the Lots ( both residential & community )

Quite a bursting town, Shetland Harbour has 100 lots : 65 residential and 35 community and very important : many small sheep fields ( visitors not allowed com lots )

Download ALL the lots

Some lots are Maxis ones we modified, some lots are our own creations, and for the others, they come mostly from MTS ;) And we are very grateful to those creators who always offer a special flavor to our Worlds :)

CarlDillynson - Bellakenobi - Bast - MySimRealty - stonee206 - Norn - Cutbacks - Ferguson Avenue - SimplySimlish - hazelnutter100 - PolarBearSims - RubyRed2021 - CircusWolf - Moihi - Lasciel

Well, it is time for discovery now and you are ready for sure ! We wish you all the best, all the fun with your new life in Shetland Harbour !

Download Shetland Harbour World

PS : Shetland Harbour is a medium/large sized world of 88MB, and has been tested 1 week long on both Mac and Pc ;)

xoxo - blackgryffin

[project-sekai-facts]

Project SEKAI 4th anniversary: Brand New Your World - recap post

Much like last year, I thought it would be useful to make one long post recapping all of the information about the 4th anniversary updates. Even if there won't be as many major updates and changes as last year, we still will be receiving news about other related projects like the movie during the anniversary thanksgiving festival, so I'll be recapping that too.

Note that all of this applies to the JP server only.

Official site link

Before we start, the next Broadcast Station episode will be held on the 27th, featuring Isobe-san, Jiena, Imai-san, and Daichan. It will be broadcast live from the Thanksgiving Festival. Related event speculation will be done in a separate post, and the stream itself can be found here.

Section 1 - Game Updates

Most game updates will be announced during the aforementioned Broadcast Station stream, but some things have already been announced, such as:

Virtual lives (after lives/holiday lives) will now be held every hour, cutting the long wait times between some showings.

You will now be able to collect character rank XP for an entire unit in one go, rather than going to each member's page individually.

Calendars for songs and events will be released in advance, so we finally will actually know in advance what days songs are being added and what days events will run (though by the sounds of things, event lineups will be kept a secret outside of the unit).

Broadcast Station News

A new game mode has been added, called MYSEKAI. It's an Animal Crossing-esque side game that will be available through the main app. More details on this will be in section 6.

A story completion progress tracker will be added. You can earn crystals and gacha tickets based on your progress

You can now earn gacha tickets through Clearing and Full Comboing songs on different difficulty levels. These can only be claimed on the first time you clear/FC a song of each difficulty from 15 to 37. Autoplay doesn't count and you can earn up to 140 tickets.

All Kizuna ranks will be added! All of them! However, the new ones will not have specific titles or unlockables for levelling up the rank. Instead you will be given a title that says "X & Y Fan". The unlockables will be implemented when relevant.

You can now autoplay during Challenge Show. You will also be able to get CH show rewards up to a score of 2.5 million, as well as increase CH rank up to level 150

Project SEKAI is opening a store on their official website. You will be able to buy gems and get some freebies by using it. You will have to use your apple/google account to sign in. By the sounds of things this will replace the in-game crystal shop

Max character rank has been increased to 160, and as always new titles for max player rank and daily login will be added

As per the norm, character rank missions will be increased

Live bonus has been reworked. You will now be able to recover up to 15 bonus energy naturally (the limit is currently 10), and you will be able to overfill the meter to 999 instead of 99. Bonus energy's effect on event pts will also be reworked, refer to the chart below for the new bonuses

It will now be easier to obtain another vocal tickets. Their cost has been reduced in the event exchange and wish piece exchange, and two tickets will be given out from character rank and birthday lives. However, to balance this, the cost of a solo alt vocal has been changed to two tickets. The amount of another vocal tickets you own will be adjusted accordingly in the update.

Fes cards will now count as event bonus towards the event they were released alongside. E.g, the Rui and Rin Bloom Fes cards will count as event bonus for the upcoming Nene event.

The rewards earned from completing the tutorial will be increased. Existing users will be compensated accordingly.

You will now be able to exchange limited gacha tickets for wish pieces

All stories will now be fully voiced, even for faceless NPCs. Currently unconfirmed if this will apply retroactively

Starting from October, the number of random rerun limited gachas will decrease to one. This is because they ran out of gachas to rerun.

Birthday gacha reruns have been reworked. Rather than rerunning all past birthday cards separately, they will now be lumped into one gacha.

Kizuna rank for Honami/Mafuyu, Saki/Mizuki, and Haruka/Len implemented

Section 2 - Campaigns

Here's a list of all the campaigns and gachas that will be running over the next few weeks.

Fortune Flower Parade

This campaign will be held from September 30th for one month

You will be able to collect Fortune Flowers and Petals from event exchange, live missions, and stamp missions.

You will be able to exchange those items for some other special items, such as costumes, skill up scores that will instantly max out your skill, Character Rank XP vials, and some special wish jewels (i'm not exactly sure of their purpose but they have a unique design)

There are six different colours of petals and each can be obtained through different methods and be exchanged for different items. Refer to the chart below

Present 4 You

To celebrate the fourth anniversary, four presents will be given out to players

Present 1: Five 4* guaranteed gacha tickets will be given out to all players. These will also replace the 3* tickets for any new players.

Present 2: All another vocals will be released on youtube for two weeks. You will also receive two another vocal tickets for every character.

Present 3: There will be an in-game survey asking players to pick their three most wanted prizes from a list for the next couple days. The three most picked prizes will be awarded at a later date.

Present 4: There will be a prize giveaway on twitter. For following their twitter and retweeting the campaign post, there's a chance to win some prizes (they're really random like a gopro and a coffee machine lol).

Other campaigns and gachas

Login campaign: Earn up to 5000 gems and 7 10-pull tickets from logging in for a week after the anniversary.

Operation Welcome to SEKAI will run again

Special Prize gacha: a gacha where you can earn prizes the more you pull in it. This will run between the 28th and 30th of September. It will also have doubled 4* rates.

Stamp missions and paid costume gachas as per the usual

Happiness Package gacha

Limited edition select list and memorial select list (same as last year)

Section 3 - Songs

Anniversary Song

The fourth anniversary song has been announced! The title is Neppu and it was produced by kemu! Below is kemu’s comment on the song (via @/pjsekai_eng on Twitter).

Song Campaign

The song campaign hint sheet has been revealed, and actually has hints again for the first time in a while. The answers will be revealed during broadcast station on the 27th.

Note: blank tiles include special characters

Answers

Mozaik Role -Reloaded- by DECO*27 (L/n cover + 3DMV)

Mesmerizer by 32ki

Kisaragi Attention by JIN (MMJ cover)

Main Character by *Luna

Call Boy by syudou (BAD DOGS cover)

Kimi to Boku no Resonance by nanameueP

Tensei Ringo by PinocchioP (WxS cover)

Blackjack by YuchaP

Shadow Shadow by Azari (N25 cover + 3DMV)

Outside of the campaign, we also have Cat Food by doriko covered by MMJ + Miku.

This year's high-difficulty commission has also been announced. The song is called Seimeisei Syndrome and was produced by Camellia. It will have a master difficulty of 33 and an append difficulty of 36. A preview can be viewed in the livestream archive (for some reason it was not uploaded to Twitter).

Section 3 - Lives

4th live

Project SEKAI's 4th live was announced last month, titled Unison!! The live will be held in two locations: Osaka on December 13th-15th, and Tokyo on January 24th-26th!

A PV can be found here!

The official account for all information about the live is, as always, @/pjsekai_live on Twitter.

Here are some close-ups of the group artwork above, as well as some chibi artworks. The costumes used as the ones that will be available from the Fortune Flower exchange.

A video teaching player the glowstick movements and chants for I'm Mine has also been posted to Youtube!

Connect live

A connect live to celebrate the fourth anniversary has been announced. It is titled Brilliant Stage and will be held on the 6th of October! There will also be a "meet and greet" session after the two performances of the live, similar to Resonance Beats. A short login story to commemorate the live will be available on October 5th & 6th.

A medley of previously unperformed songs will be performed during this connect live. The songs were given as Aioi, Hug, Hitsuji ga Ippiki, CYBERPUNK DEAD BOY, and I nandesu.

Section 4 - Event and gacha

The next event will be Carry These Feelings! Dream Stage, a Nene-focused event. Shiho, Airi, and Toya will be the other rateups! The 3* is Ena based on the event logo. Rui and Rin will be featured as the Bloom Fes cards.

The bfes gacha will be Dream Pick, utilising the same system as last year (you get two extra slots to fill). You will also be able to get Fortune Flowers as a reward for pulling on this gacha.

As mentioned earlier, there will also be paid costume gachas. You will be able to earn Fortune Flowers from pulling in these gachas. Here's a preview of the costumes.

Section 5 - Project SEKAI: The Movie

A Project SEKAI movie animated by P.A.WORKS was announced back in July. More information on that can be found here. A new trailer was shown during Broadcast Station, which can be found linked above. Some new character visuals will be posted below, but aside from that, please refer to the linked post which will go into the new information in further detail.

Section 6 - MY SEKAI

MY SEKAI is a new gameplay feature that will be added during the 4th anniversary. It's an Animal Crossing-esque farming/life sim game that you can play using your Virtual Live avatar. You can build you own SEKAI and house and decorate it however you like! You will also be able to talk to chibi versions of the main characters and interact with them, as well as visit your friends' SEKAIs!

Your MY SEKAI will also have a new feature called the transformation machine! This is where you can exchange some of your excess resources into things that are more useful to you (that's right they finally made the materials exchange).

I do not know how much storage or power this will take to run. I am very sorry for your devices.

Section 7 - Misc News

A livestream leading up to the 4th anniversary has been scheduled for 29th September at 11:30pm JST (2:30pm UTC). The stream will feature Chiruriin, Honchan, Akina, Daichan, and Ruirui.

A digest video of the previous Colorful Lives will be shown on Youtube on the 5th of October at 6pm JST (9am UTC). This stream will not be archived, so make sure to catch it!

[motherismotheringggg]

Hi, I really do love your stories and all that you give, I hope you have a fabulous day or evening. But I did have a request where you had Nicholas and maybe Cooper(or the readers' friend male or female) trying to fight for your love idk or something, and it turns into this mess where you all end having a three-way with each other and the reader can't up their mind and just wants both of them. Also, it would be cool if the setting was a 90s luxury vibe. But again, do have a good day, evening or night.✨️

crystal decadence 💎

summary: this lovely anon request; reader is the daughter of a wealthy family in beverly hills and her family is throwing a dinner party. when her mom invites the two guys she’s been seeing to the party, it open the reader’s mind to a world where she can have it all

type: post grad rich female reader x post grad rich nicholas x post grad rich cooper; set in the 90s in beverly hills

warnings/tags: masturbation (f!), face sitting (f! on m!), there’s more world building than anything

author’s note: IM SO SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO DO THIS 😭 little fact about me, i love a period piece!! anything from the 60s - 90s i just ADORE so this was so much fun to write. admittedly there’s more world building than smut but I'll probably do a part 2 and 3 to have individual smuts with both of them - anywho, hope you enjoy!!

word count: ~9783

taglist: @blackynsupremacy ,@emluvsuxo , @hoffmansgirl , @godzillawillsaveus , @purple-1995 , @ilovecheetahchrome , @nicholaslut

💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎💎

The Beverly Hills sun poured in through the boutique’s tall windows, hitting the glossy tile floors with a golden glow that felt almost tangible. The air smelled of fresh leather, high-end perfume, and a faint hint of gardenia from the floral arrangements that flanked the entrance. Rows of designer dresses shimmered like liquid gems, the silk, satin, and sequins catching the light with every slight sway. Each display felt more like a gallery exhibit than a store, each piece deserving of admiration and awe.

You sat in the swivel barrel chair behind your best friend, Dionne, as she twirled in front of an oversized gilded mirror, her chocolate brown curls bouncing in sync with her movements. The mirror’s ornate frame, covered in gold leaf, practically glowed under the natural light. Dionne’s face was scrunched in disapproval as she examined herself from every angle.

“I like this one, but it does nothing for my figure,” she pouted, tilting her head. Her delicate fingers brushed over the fabric of a soft blush-colored wrap dress that, while gorgeous, wasn’t quite up to her standards.

She turned to you for commentary, something that either agreed with her sentiments or changed her mind, but her face was more pouty than hopeful, there was no changing her mind.

“I think you’ll look great no matter what but we can always go see what they have at Guess,” you suggested, giving her a hopeful look with a reassuring smile.

“They just got a new shipment, and you’d look good in literally everything they make.”

Minutes later, the two of you strolled down the sunlit promenade, every step a subtle strut. The sidewalk’s terrazzo design gleamed under your designer heels, and the rhythmic clack of Dionne’s shiny loafers echoed like a soundtrack to your own personal runway show. The air buzzed with the soft hum of luxury cars idling at the curb, their drivers patiently waiting for their impeccably dressed clients to emerge with shopping bags in hand.

The Guess storefront came into view, its iconic black-and-white logo framed by lush green hedges. The moment you stepped inside, the air conditioning hit you with a refreshing burst, carrying the scent of new denim and crisp linen. A sales associate—all sharp cheekbones and impeccable tailoring—approached with a silver tray of champagne flutes.

“Welcome in, ladies,” he said, his smile as polished as his cufflinks. “Champagne?”

“Don’t mind if I do,” Dionne grinned, plucking a glass from the tray with a practiced elegance that could’ve put an heiress to shame. You followed suit, taking a delicate sip. The bubbles fizzed on your tongue, cool and crisp, just indulgent enough to remind you that you were exactly where you belonged.

Dionne darted off toward the dresses, her eyes sharp and focused like a predator stalking prey. You’d seen her shop a million times before, but every outing was its own spectacle—the slow, intentional grazing of fingertips across fabrics, the sharp “no” she’d mutter to anything less than perfect. You were mid-sip when your phone buzzed in your Fendi baguette bag. With a sigh, you fished it out, glancing at the screen.

Mom flashed across the display.

“Hey, Mom,” you said, balancing the champagne flute in one hand while holding the phone to your ear.

“Hi, sweetheart,” her voice was honey-smooth but edged with the brisk efficiency of a woman accustomed to getting things done. “Are you still out shopping?”

“Yes ma’am, I’m at Guess with Dionne. What’s up?”

“Perfect,” she said, her tone lifting like she’d just solved a puzzle. “I need you to pick up a few things for the party tonight. Just some last-minute items. You know how your father gets about everything being 'just right.'”

You rolled your eyes, but a smile tugged at your lips. “Sure, I’ll grab them.”

“Also,” her voice grew lighter, playful even, “I know you always get bored at these dinner parties so I made sure to invite more people your age tonight. I thought you’d like that.”

“Uh-huh,” you hummed, eyes wandering to where Dionne was now holding up a silky champagne-colored slip dress. She held it against herself, giving you an expectant look.

“You know, Michelle’s son Ethan will be there. And Janine’s daughter, Ashley, you two did cotillian classes together in middle school. Oh! And two of those handsome boys you’ve been seeing lately…”

Your attention snapped back to the call. “Who?”

“Cooper and… Nicholas,” she said matter of factly. “I’ve seen them around you a few times and I know their families so I figured you’d appreciate them being here too.”

Your heart did a double beat almost falling out of your chest. Cooper and Nicholas. Cooper AND Nicholas. The two names bounced in your mind like a neon marquee.

“Are you still there, darling?” your mom’s voice pulled you back to reality.

“Yeah..yeah. I’m here,” you said, fighting to sound nonchalant. You glanced at Dionne, who’d lowered the slip dress and was watching you now with raised brows, her curiosity clearly piqued. “I’ll get everything on your list. I gotta go.”

You ended the call and slipped the phone back into your bag with hands that felt just a little too warm. Dionne’s eyes hadn’t left you.

“What was that about?” she asked, suspicion and delight mixing in her tone.

“Cooper and Nicholas are coming to the party tonight,” you muttered, finishing the rest of your champagne in one long, unbothered sip.

Dionne’s eyes went wide, then her grin stretched slow and wicked. “Both of them?”

“Yes.” You placed your empty glass on a nearby counter, grabbing another from the silver tray like it owed you money.

Her face lit up like she’d just been gifted a Birkin bag. “Oh, girl, you’re in trouble.”

She wasn’t wrong. You’d been seeing both of them—flirtations, lingering touches, stolen kisses, heavy petting in the back seat of their respective BMWs fresh off the lot —but nothing official. And now they’d both be at the same party, breathing the same air, under the same glittering chandeliers.

“You know what?” Dionne’s tone had the same decisive finality as a stylist’s finishing touch. “We’re gonna make sure you’re the most stunning thing at that party tonight. If Cooper and Nicholas want to compete, they’re gonna have to fight over a goddess.”

She yanked a sleek black mini-dress off the rack and held it up to you like she’d just discovered a gold mine. The silk fabric draped like molten lava, daring yet elegant.

“This. This is the one,” she said, eyes practically glittering.

You glanced at yourself in the mirror. The dress’s sharp lines and bold color did something to you, something powerful. Your reflection wasn’t just you. It was her. It was the girl who walked into a party and owned it.

————

The driveway to your home was already lined with sleek black sedans and luxury SUVs, a telltale sign that the party prep was well underway. As you stepped inside, the familiar symphony of controlled chaos greeted you. Maids buzzed about, fluffing cushions, arranging floral centerpieces, and wiping already spotless surfaces. The chefs moved with precision in the kitchen, their crisp white uniforms stark against the warmth of the marble countertops as the aroma of hors d’oeuvres drifted through the air.

When you reached the kitchen, you found your parents deep in conversation. The room was immaculate, bathed in the golden glow of a chandelier overhead that refracted light across the glossy marble countertops. The air carried a faint mix of roasted rosemary and aged wine, a scent that instantly evoked a sense of affluence and occasion.

Your father’s voice carried with its usual self-assured timbre, smooth as the leather of his oxblood loafers, a tone he reserved for strategizing. He stood by the kitchen island, one hand loosely gripping a crystal tumbler of scotch.

“This party will show him everything he needs to see,” he declared to your mother, his other hand gesturing with purpose. The sharp lines of his tailored pinstripe suit caught the light as he moved. “Once he sees my connections, he’ll have no choice but to promote me.”

Your mother stood nearby, her posture perfect, the pearls around her neck gleaming like tiny orbs of moonlight. Her nails—painted a classic red—tapped rhythmically against the stem of her wine glass. She listened intently, her expression serene but her eyes sharp, showing just how much this evening meant to her too.

It was your father who noticed you first, his face breaking into a grin that softened the otherwise calculated air about him. “And if all else fails,” he began, a touch of warmth entering his voice, “the fact that my daughter has joined my boss among the ranks of Stanford grads will seal the deal.” He opened his arms wide in invitation.

You stepped forward, letting yourself be enveloped in his cologne—a heady mix of cedarwood and power—before moving to embrace your mother. “You know I’m not a fan of using my education as a bargaining chip,” you teased, your lips curving into a small smile as you pulled back.

Your mother placed a manicured hand on your shoulder, her touch both tender and commanding. “It wouldn’t hurt,” she replied with an indulgent smile, her tone as polished as the sterling silver trays being carried past by staff. Then, her demeanor shifted, her voice taking on that quiet authority you’d grown up respecting. “Now, I need you to look over the seating arrangements before the guests arrive. There’s assigned seating for dinner, and I’d like your eyes on it to make sure it’s perfect.”

“Got it,” you replied, already glancing toward the dining room. From where you stood, you could see the flicker of candlelight bouncing off the long, polished mahogany table.

The place settings were immaculate: fine bone china with intricate gold detailing, crystal water goblets arranged like jewels, and name cards written in calligraphy so precise it could only have been commissioned. The centerpiece—a sprawling arrangement of deep red roses and soft white lilies—sat elegantly beneath another grand chandelier, a testament to your mother’s exacting standards.

“Don’t forget,” your mother added as she lifted her glass to her lips, “your uncle will be sitting next to Mr. Whitmore. Keep their egos balanced, darling.”

With a soft laugh, you nodded, stepping toward the dining room to inspect the scene. The sound of your heels clicking against the marble floor echoed faintly as you moved, the weight of the evening settling on your shoulders.

The dining room greeted you with the soft glow of candlelight, casting a golden hue over the sprawling mahogany table. The pristine white tablecloth looked almost too perfect to touch, and every detail, from the gold-embossed place settings to the hand-folded linen napkins, screamed elegance. The centerpiece—a lush arrangement of red roses and white lilies—stretched nearly the length of the table, its fragrance subtle but ever-present.

You ran your fingers lightly over the place cards, each bearing names written in delicate calligraphy. You knew your mother well enough to expect near-perfection, but there was always room for a few tweaks, and this was your chance to ensure things aligned with your vision. As your eyes scanned the arrangement, you found your name near the middle of the table, right next to Jason Mitchell, one of your mom’s friend’s sons. An Ivy League basketball player, Jason was pleasant enough, but you couldn’t imagine a night of forced small talk with him.

Just across the table, you spotted Dionne’s name. A smile tugged at your lips—at least your mother had the sense to seat her close. But across the table wasn’t close enough. You quickly slipped Jason’s card out of its holder and replaced it with your own, moving him to the other side. That was better. You and Dionne would have the whole evening to share knowing looks, inside jokes, and quiet commentary about the spectacle unfolding around you.

Satisfied, you continued down the table. Your mother’s place was naturally toward the head, right next to Nicholas Whitmore, a family acquaintance who always managed to dominate the conversation. A few seats down from them, you spotted another familiar name: Cooper. You paused, fingers hovering over his card. Something about seeing his name there sent a jolt of nervous energy through you.

For a moment, you hesitated, chewing lightly on your lip. Cooper was already close enough, but a small part of you—the part that couldn’t resist the chance to tilt the night in your favor—wanted to shake things up. You plucked Cooper’s card from its spot and swapped it with the one next to Dionne, biting back a grin as you imagined her teasing you later. And then, almost without thinking, you reached for Nicholas’s card.

Sliding it into place beside yours, you felt a rush of something you couldn’t quite name—excitement, nerves, or maybe a bit of both. You stared at the new arrangement for a moment, the butterflies in your stomach stirring. Should you change it back? This has the potential to blow up in your face.

Before you could second-guess yourself, you turned on your heel, grabbing a small bowl of fruit from the sideboard on your way out. The quiet clink of your heels against the marble was drowned out by the pounding of your heartbeat as you hurried upstairs.

Your bedroom awaited, a sanctuary fit for a young socialite. The space was expansive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed a stunning view of the city skyline. Plush cream carpets covered the floor, so soft you’d forgone wearing slippers long ago. A canopy bed draped with sheer white fabric stood as the centerpiece, its silk bedding in soft blush and ivory tones. A vintage vanity, lined with your collection of luxury perfumes and makeup, sat to the side, while a wall of custom closets held the curated wardrobe that your stylist loved to call “your personal archive.”

But it wasn’t any of that that caught your attention this time. It was the bouquet of pink tulips on your bed. The sight of them stopped you in your tracks. They were vibrant, freshly cut, and tied with a delicate ribbon. Resting against them was a small handwritten note. You picked it up, the paper soft and expensive beneath your fingertips.

“Can’t wait to see you tonight and make you mine.”

The signature at the bottom was unmistakable: CH, followed by a small heart. Your heart fluttered in response. Cooper. Of course it was him. He always knew exactly what to do. He remembered that tulips were your favorite — a detail Nicholas never seemed to catch on to, despite how many times he’d brought you roses. Roses were lovely, but tulips? Tulips felt personal to you, especially since Cooper knew why you liked them so much.

One sunny morning, a breakfast date with Cooper led to a stroll through the park. The air was crisp, the kind that made everything feel lighter, and the vibrant bed of tulips in bloom instantly caught your eye. You paused, pulling out your sleek Contax G2 to snap a photo, then another, and another.

Cooper chuckled, hands tucked into his pockets as he watched you. “Why so many?” he asked, his tone warm and teasing.

You smiled, lowering your camera. “When I was little, my grandmother used to sit me in her garden while she planted tulips. She was this elegant, no-nonsense woman, but in the garden, she was different. Softer. Tending to her flowers was her favorite kind of hard work. It always felt like our secret world, just the two of us.”

As you spoke, your voice softened with nostalgia, and Cooper listened intently. His usual playful demeanor shifted; the teasing glint in his hazel eyes was replaced by something deeper. He wasn’t just hearing your story—he was falling for you with every word.

The way you spoke about your grandmother, the light in your eyes as you shared this piece of yourself—it was mesmerizing. Cooper’s gaze lingered on you, filled with a quiet adoration that made the moment feel suspended in time.

From that day on, he made a silent promise to himself. Every time he saw you, he’d show up with a single tulip in hand. The first time, he offered it with a shy grin. “One for now,” he said, his voice low and sincere, “and maybe a bouquet later.”

Your phone buzzed, pulling you from the memory. Fully expecting it to be Cooper calling to see if you’d gotten the flowers, you smiled as you reached for your phone. But when you glanced at the screen, your breath caught.

Nicholas.

You hesitated for half a second before answering. “Hey, Nicky.”

“Hey,” his voice was warm, that lazy, playful drawl he always had when he was in a good mood. “Just wanted to say I’m really looking forward to seeing you tonight. I know you’re gonna look amazing. You always do.”

“Thanks,” you said, leaning back against your pillows. Your tone was sweet but eyes drifted to the tulips again, their petals catching the golden hour light filtering through your window.

“And listen,” Nicholas continued, his voice dipping into a conspiratorial tone, “I’ve got something planned for after the party -- If you’re up for it, of course. I’m pretty sure this will make things a little easier for you.”

You let out a breathy giggle. Nicholas knew his spontaneity and charm, aside from his good looks, could win you over. His voice blurred as your thoughts floated back to a different time, another moment when he’d swept you off your feet with his easy charisma and his knack for pulling you out of the whirlwind.

The summer after you graduated college was relentless—interviews and expectations piling on, leaving you breathless. You’d stood Nicholas up that week, overwhelmed by the chaos, but he didn’t seem to mind. He showed up at your door, calm and sure.

“You need a break,” he said, his brown eyes steady and warm. “Pack a bag. Just a change of clothes and a bathing suit.”

You didn’t argue. Moments later, you were in his car, the city fading behind he as Sinatra played softly through the speakers. The scent of saltwater greeted you long before Nicholas turned off the road onto a secluded beach.

The ocean stretched endlessly before you, sparkling under the sun. Without hesitation, you kicked off your shoes and ran toward the waves, laughing freely for the first time in weeks.

Nicholas followed at his own pace, watching you with a soft smile. “Don’t forget to breathe!” he teased, his voice light.

When you ran back, drenched and beaming, he wrapped a towel around you, pulling you close. “You’ve been carrying so much,” he said, his hand brushing your cheek. “But you don’t have to have it all figured out. Life is still beautiful, still yours to enjoy.”

Tears pricked your eyes, and you whispered, “Thank you, Nicky.”

“Always,” he murmured, his fingers lacing with yours as the waves rolled in behind you.

“Y/N…hello, are you still there?”

Nicholas’s voice pulled you back to the present. His tone was gentle but curious, a soft nudge to bring you back. “You okay? You got quiet on me for a second there.”

“Yeah,” you said quickly, blinking away the memory. “I’m here. Sorry, I was listening… I think the red turtle neck would look nice, trust me.”

“I’d wear one of those rainbow umbrella hats if you told me to”, Nicholas replied with coyness, you could tell came with a snide smirk on the other end.

Your lips curved into a smile. “And I’m sure you’d look great regardless,” you checked the time on your side table alarm clock, “And if I don’t start getting ready now, you’ll show up looking better than me at my own party. I’ll see you tonight”

“See you tonight beautiful,” Nicholas said hanging up the phone.

Your phone slipped from your hands onto the bed, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you’d been holding. It wasn’t lost on you how complicated things had become. Nicholas and Cooper had despised each other long before you’d come into the picture. Their families had always been at odds, but the animosity had only grown after the tennis match.

You’d gone to support Cooper, not realizing Nicholas was his opponent. The tension in the air that day had been palpable, charged with more than just competitive energy. When the match ended and they’d both approached you simultaneously, their expressions a mix of confusion and hurt, it all unraveled.

They’d each thought you were there for them. Words were exchanged, chests puffed, and if one of their coaches hadn’t intervened, fists might have flown. It was messy, a little brutish, and you’d be lying if you said it wasn’t kind of hot.

The memory replayed in your mind, and your breath hitched as the details sharpened. You remembered the way Nicholas’s strong hands curled into tight fists, veins bulging along his forearms, his usually calm demeanor flickering with fiery intensity. Then there was Cooper, his jaw clenched so tight you could see the muscle jump, his sharp blue eyes boring into Nicholas like he was daring him to make a move.

Both men had staked their claim over you in no uncertain terms. Nicholas, his deep, steady voice, a calming but commanding presence, telling Cooper to back off because you’d come to see him. Cooper, refusing to yield, had stepped forward, his broad chest rising and falling as he fired back with his own confident assertion that you’d made it clear who you were there for.

The more you remembered, the hotter you felt, a warm tingle blooming low in your belly. You couldn’t stop your mind from drifting to the way they’d looked in that moment—two powerhouses, their towering frames practically vibrating with restrained aggression, both ready to fight for you. The thought sent a spark straight through you, and you instinctively squeezed your thighs together, desperate to quell the growing ache.

But it wasn’t enough.

You pushed yourself off the bed, deciding a cold shower would help clear your head. Your bathroom was an opulent retreat, the centerpiece of your suite. Marble countertops gleamed under the soft glow of chandelier lighting, and the oversized walk-in shower, enclosed in glass, boasted multiple showerheads and a luxurious rainfall feature. You turned the water on, adjusting it to a cool but comfortable temperature, and stepped inside, the mist already softening the tension in your muscles.

Still, as the water cascaded over your skin, you couldn’t shake the thoughts from your mind. The memory of Nicholas and Cooper’s heated argument twisted into something darker, more intoxicating. You imagined them in a different setting, their rivalry spilling into the bedroom. Instead of fighting with words, they’d use their bodies to prove who could claim you more thoroughly, more passionately.

The vivid thought sent your pulse racing. You pictured Nicholas, his strong hands gripping your thighs as he whispered in your ear, his usually composed demeanor unraveling as he sought to make you lose control. Then Cooper, not to be outdone, trailing heated kisses down your neck, his cocky smirk melting into something desperate as he worked to outdo Nicholas, both of them vying for your moans, your gasps, your finish.

The ache between your legs became unbearable. Almost on autopilot, you reached for the detachable showerhead. You adjusted the settings, angling it just right as the water pressure hit your throbbing self. A gasp escaped your lips, and your knees buckled slightly, your free hand bracing against the cool marble wall.

You let your eyes flutter shut, the fantasy playing out behind your lids as the water pulsed against you. The imagined sounds of their voices—Nicholas’s deep, breathy whispers and Cooper’s rough, low groans—mingled with the steady rhythm of the shower. Your hips moved instinctively, chasing the sensation as you rode the wave of pleasure building within you.

The cool tile of the shower wall met your back as you slammed against it, your body arching with the building tension. The relentless spray of the shower head pulsed against you, sending waves of heat coursing through your body. Your hand instinctively reached up, cupping your breast as your fingers found your nipple, squeezing and pinching in rhythm with your escalating pleasure.

Breathy moans slipped from your lips, the sound mingling with the soft hiss of water against the tile. Each whimper was sharp and unrestrained, your breaths hitching as the pressure built higher and higher. Your eyes clenched shut, a desperate attempt to ground yourself, but the name that spilled from your mouth was entirely unexpected.

“Nicholas…” you moaned, the sound raw and unfiltered.

Your eyes snapped open, startled by how naturally it had slipped from your lips as if your subconscious had been holding onto it all along. The thought sent a fresh wave of heat spiraling through you, tightening the coil low in your belly.

Your free hand shot out to steady yourself against the opposite wall, your body trembling as the fantasy took hold. “Cooper…” you whimpered, voice laced with yearning. The thought of both men worshiping your body pushed you closer to the edge. Your lips parted, a soft cry spilling out. “That feels so good, baby…”

The vivid image filled your mind—Nicholas’s boyish grin turned wicked with desire, Cooper’s hands firm yet tender against your skin. The imagined weight of their attention, their touch, tipped you over.

Your body tensed, a shuddering gasp escaping you as the release swept through, leaving your legs weak and trembling. You clung to the wall for support, your breath stuttering in the aftermath. The tension slowly ebbed away, the pulsing water washing over you, grounding you back in reality.

A quiet laugh bubbled up as you ran a hand through your wet hair, shaking your head at yourself. “Get it together,” you muttered with a wry smile, reaching for the towel hanging nearby. Wrapping it snugly around your body, you stepped out of the shower, cheeks still flushed and thoughts lingering far longer than you intended.

----

You and Dionne lingered in the backyard’s conversation pit, the kind of luxurious setup that made you feel like you were in the pages of an interior design magazine. The space was undeniably chic—a sunken circular area surrounded by sleek stone walls, with plush cream-upholstered seating that invited you to sink in and stay a while. Overhead, string lights crisscrossed in delicate patterns, casting a warm, golden glow over the backyard. The faint scent of jasmine mixed with the lingering aroma of grilled vegetables and rosemary from dinner, while the hum of crickets filled the gaps in your conversation.

You’d both done your due diligence, making just enough small talk with the party guests to keep your mom off your back. Now, the two of you finally had a moment to yourselves. Dionne, dressed impeccably in a silky lavender blouse that shimmered in the light, swirled the champagne in her glass, watching the bubbles rise before taking a sip.

“Cooper’s family came in right behind mine,” she began casually, her dark eyes glinting with mischief. “And get this—he had a Van Cleef bag in his hand. When I asked him about it, he didn’t say much, but he did mention that he knew you’d love it.”

You inhaled sharply, a knowing smirk tugging at your lips. “It’s probably the Alhambra butterfly necklace. I pointed it out on our last date,” you said, leaning back against the cushioned seat. “I could practically see the dollar signs in his eyes.”

Dionne laughed, her voice a warm melody against the night air. “Girl, you are so lucky. I mean, seriously. The two hottest guys from our prep school—not to mention they’ve only gotten hotter—chasing after you like this?” She gave you a playful nudge with her elbow. “I love this for you.”

You tilted your head, a wistful smile creeping across your face as you exhaled. “Yeah… it’s a lot to think about.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly with mock seriousness. “So, what are you gonna do? You’ve got to choose one eventually.”

You chuckled softly, taking a sip of your own champagne. “I don’t know, Dee.”

With a grin, she leaned in conspiratorially. “Well, I say you pick whoever’s better in bed.”

You shot her a look, one eyebrow raised, and her mouth fell open. “Oh my God, wait—you didn’t!” She set her glass down on the low table in front of you, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she leaned closer. “Spill! I thought for sure, with all those drives up to the mountains with Nicholas and Cooper, you’d—”

You cut her off, laughing as you waved a hand dismissively. “No, no! Part of the fun is keeping them waiting. You know me—I like a little suspense.”

Her jaw dropped in exaggerated shock, and she gasped. “You’re telling me… you’ve gone all this time and haven’t…?”

You grinned slyly, lowering your voice just enough to make her lean in further. “Kissed them enough to fog up car windows? Sure. Teased them with neck kisses and… other things during movie nights? Of course.” You paused, watching her expression as she hung on your every word. “But I’ve been keeping them on their toes. The tension? The chase? It makes everything so much hotter.”

Dionne burst into laughter, throwing her head back. “You are such a tease,” she said, still laughing. “Pure agonizing tease. But I’m here for it. Whoever you pick tonight is gonna be the luckiest man alive.”

You shrugged with a playful smirk, murmuring under your breath but loud enough for her to catch, “Maybe I’m considering both.”

Her gasp turned into a shocked laugh, loud and unabashed. “You didn’t just say that!”

Before you could reply, the patio door creaked open, and your mom’s voice rang out, cheerful but commanding. “Dinner’s ready, girls!”

The two of you exchanged a look, Dionne biting her lip to keep from giggling as you grabbed your glass. “Coming!” you called back, your voice perfectly composed.

As you stood to head inside, Dionne leaned close and whispered with a wicked grin, “I’m sure you will be.”

----

The dining room was a masterpiece of luxury, with its vaulted ceilings and gilded accents that sparkled under the glow of cascading crystal chandeliers. The table stretched nearly the entire length of the room, draped in an ivory cloth embroidered with golden threads, each place setting carefully arranged with fine china and polished silverware. The scent of freshly cut roses mingled with the faint aroma of roasted vegetables drifting in from the kitchen.

You had nearly forgot that you fixed the seating arrangement; Nicholas next to you, Dionne across from you, and Cooper next her, across from Nicholas.

You were deep in conversation with a family friend about your post-college job search, nodding thoughtfully as you explained your next steps and goals. The sound of laughter and clinking glasses from the party faded into the background, your focus entirely on the discussion. You hadn’t even noticed Nicholas and Cooper making their way toward the table.

Before you realized what was happening, Nicholas was at your side, effortlessly pulling out your chair. His hand—large and warm—found its place on your waist, guiding you gently but firmly back to your seat. The subtle pressure of his touch sent a shiver up your spine, but you maintained your composure, offering a polite smile as you wrapped up the conversation.

His gesture wasn’t just polite—it was deliberate, designed to be noticed. A murmur of approval rippled through the room, subtle but unmistakable. You caught the small smile tugging at your mother’s lips from across the table, her eyes glinting with pride at the display of gentlemanly behavior.

You murmured your thanks as you sat, letting him slide your chair in. His cologne, an enticing blend of cedar and spice, lingered faintly in the air as he leaned in just slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

“My pleasure,” he said, the words brushing against your ear like a secret meant only for you.

Across the table, Cooper’s reaction was immediate and impossible to miss. His jaw tightened, his hand gripping the back of his chair as he glared at Nicholas with barely concealed irritation. The muscle in his cheek twitched, and his eyes flicked back to you, darkened by an emotion you could only describe as possessive.

Despite his simmering frustration, Cooper stayed seated, refusing to make a scene. Dionne flashed you a look of saucy approval, you hid your smirk before the server came over to take your order.

As Nicholas returned to his seat, Cooper’s gaze lingered on you for a heartbeat longer, his eyes tracing your features before he finally turned his attention to the wine list in front of him.

You sat there, calm and poised on the outside, but your heart was pounding.

The servers moved seamlessly around the table, placing delicate plates of appetizers before each guest. The room was alive with the clink of silverware and soft murmurs of conversation, but your focus wavered as your father stood from his seat, raising his glass with an air of practiced authority.

“To community,” he began, his voice steady and commanding as it carried across the room. “To connections that bring us together and strengthen us—personally, professionally, and beyond.” He gestured toward his boss with a respectful nod, his smile warm but calculated.

He turned to you next, his eyes softening. “To my brilliant daughter, whose success continues to amaze us all.” His glass tilted toward your mom as his smile widened. “And to my wife, the love of my life, whose support has made all of this possible.”

The table erupted in polite applause and scattered cheers, and your mom lifted her glass with an appreciative smile. “To family,” she said, her voice bright and sincere. “And to the man who keeps ours grounded and inspired every day.”

The momentum of the toasts carried on as others chimed in. Your uncle stood to wish everyone health and wealth, and a few other family friends added their sentiments about the joys of togetherness and new opportunities. You thought the flurry of toasts had finally come to a close when a brief silence settled over the room.

But then, a low screech of wood against polished floors cut through the quiet as Cooper rose from his seat.

“And a toast,” he began, his voice clear and bold, the room instantly drawn to him. His gaze was locked on you, his hazel eyes shimmering with an intensity that made your breath hitch. “To Y/N, for her beauty and grace.”

The air seemed to still as the words left his lips, his tone brimming with sincerity. “Since the day I met her, she’s done nothing but charm me and challenge me to be a better man.”

Your heart thudded painfully in your chest as every eye turned toward you. You managed a smile—tongue-in-cheek, though your cheeks burned with heat. You could feel Dionne nearly vibrating across from you, barely able to contain her giddy excitement as she pressed her lips tightly together to suppress a grin.

Next to you, Nicholas’s expression darkened like a brewing storm. His fingers curled around the stem of his wine glass with such force you thought it might snap. His jaw clenched visibly, the muscle ticking with restrained fury as his eyes shot daggers at Cooper.

Your mom, ever the master of social nuance, caught your eye with a subtle nod and an intrigued glint in her gaze. Whatever this was, she seemed to think it was not only entertaining but possibly advantageous. Your dad, on the other hand, looked utterly bewildered, his brow furrowed in confusion as he glanced between you and Cooper.

The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, Dionne, raised her glass high, her voice ringing out cheerfully. “To everyone here tonight!”

The collective relief after Dionne’s toast was nearly tangible as glasses were raised, and the murmur of polite conversation began to hum around the table once more. Everyone seemed eager to let the tension dissipate—everyone except for Nicholas, who still hadn’t lifted his glass.

His knuckles were white as they gripped the base of the wine glass, the sharp angles of his jaw working overtime as he stared daggers at Cooper. It was a standoff only the two of them seemed to be fully aware of, the air between them crackling with silent hostility.

Cooper, ever the opportunist, didn’t let the moment pass unnoticed. “Come on, Nicholas,” he said with a sly grin, his voice just loud enough to draw a few curious glances. “Don’t be a barbarian—it’s a wine glass. You just grab it and raise it when everyone else does.”

The jab was subtle but sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife. Nicholas’s jaw clenched so tightly you wondered if he might crack a tooth. His eyes burned with a fury that would have sent most people scrambling, but Cooper only leaned back slightly in his chair, his confidence brimming.

Cooper cocked his shoulders with an ease that was almost infuriating, a smirk tugging at his lips as he shot Nicholas a wink. It was the kind of victorious, self-assured gesture that screamed I’ve won this round, and it left no doubt in anyone’s mind about who had taken control of the moment.

Nicholas finally, begrudgingly, raised his glass, his movements slow and deliberate as if every second of compliance was a battle. His dark eyes flicked back to you briefly, the intensity in them leaving a shiver down your spine.

Dinner had gone smoothly, though the charged undercurrent of tension was unmistakable. The low murmur of conversation, the clinking of silverware against fine china, and the occasional burst of laughter from the adults filled the air.

The dining room was grand, with soft golden light spilling from an ornate chandelier above the long table, casting a warm glow over the elegant table settings and half-empty glasses of wine. Cooper and Nicholas, seated strategically to keep you in their orbit, continued their subtle battle for your attention.

You maintained a composed and neutral demeanor, responding with polite smiles and light conversation. Internally, though, you were keenly aware of their every move. Dionne, sitting opposite you, occasionally met your eye with a knowing smirk, clearly enjoying the game unfolding before her.

She couldn’t resist adding fuel to the fire. Between bites of her crème brûlée, she tossed out quips like, “Y/N needs a man who’s not intimidated by success. Nicholas, are you intimidated by women with success?” Her tone was teasing, but the twinkle in her eye left little doubt she was having fun watching them squirm.

Nicholas smirked, tapping the rim of his glass. “Oh, I’m more than capable of keeping up, Coop. It’s just a matter of knowing how to play the game.” His eyes never left you, the unspoken message clear.

Cooper leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. “It’s not about playing the game, Nick. It’s about winning it.” He raised an eyebrow, letting the words hang in the air as he slid a teasing glance in your direction. "And trust me, I know how to win."

Nicholas chuckled again, the sound low and confident. “Winning isn’t always about being first. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to take your time.” His voice dropped a notch, a subtle invitation lingering in his words.

Cooper wasn’t backing down. “Taking your time? I guess we’ll see how far that gets you when the clock’s ticking.” He gave you a wink, his tone playful yet laden with challenge. “I work better under pressure, you know.”

“Oh, I’m aware,” Nicholas quipped, his gaze sharp. “But we all know who’s got the stamina for the long haul.” His lips curled into a knowing smile as he leaned forward, his voice a bit lower. "Some things can’t be rushed."

Cooper’s grin widened, the tension crackling in the air. “Maybe. But there’s a difference between stamina and strategy. And I’ve got both on my side.” He turned toward you with a knowing look, making sure to catch your eye before adding, “You’ll see what I mean.”

Nicholas shot him a sly glance, clearly not phased. “I think she already has, Coop.” He met your gaze, the connection undeniable, before turning back to Cooper. “But we’ll see how the game plays out.”

You and Dionne could hardly contain yourselves, struggling to stifle chuckles and your face getting hot from tension from the boys but trying to withstand the heat pooling in the pit of your stomach.

-----

The party had gradually wound down, the lively buzz of conversation and laughter from earlier now replaced by a soft hum of voices in the backyard. A few remaining guests lingered with your parents, gathered in the cozy conversation pit beneath the glow of string lights. The gentle rustle of the breeze carried snippets of their relaxed chatter, the occasional clink of glasses punctuating the calm atmosphere. The backyard was a picture of tranquility, the perfect wind-down to an otherwise bustling evening.

You, with a gentle nudge from Dionne, signaling that with everyone outside it’s the perfect time for you to get away with Nicholas and Cooper to your room. You put your hand on Nicholas’ thigh at the dinner table, speaking just above a whisper for him to join you in your room. You see the excitement bubbling in him, but it quickly diminished when you invited Cooper as well.

What had started as a laid-back conversation about clothes and music had spiraled into a heated argument between the two -- it was loud and abrasive but exactly your plan.

You sat on the edge of the bed while they stood on either side of you and argued.

“God, everything about you is so trite,” Nicholas scoffed, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

Cooper’s lips twitched into a sardonic smile. “Trite? Coming from you?” He gestured toward Nicholas, his voice steady but biting. “That’s rich coming from like the Ivy league frat trash."

Cooper’s gaze darkened. “Everyone knows how many times you got arrested for disorderlies, daddy came and bailed you out each and every time and now you have a cushy job at his firm because no one would hire your ass! ”

Nicholas straightened, stepping forward, his voice low and dangerous. “At least I can keep her interested. You? You’d bore her to tears with your lectures about art-house films and overpriced coffee.”

“You think she wants some overgrown frat boy? Grow up. She deserves someone who’ll treat her right, not drag her into your mess.”

“Oh, because you’re the knight in shining armor?” Nicholas sneered. “I bring something to the table you never could”

Cooper took a slow breath, his calm exterior fraying. “That explains why you showed up empty-handed tonight, huh? Not even a rose. Thoughtful as ever, I see.” He reached into his coat and pulled out a sleek Van Cleef bag, holding it up for emphasis. “This, at least, shows I care enough to know what she likes.”

Nicholas rolled his eyes. “You think gifts are the way to her heart? Please. She can buy that for herself. I give her what she needs.”

Cooper tilted his head, his voice dropping into a low growl. “You don’t even know what she needs.”

As their words grew sharper, the room seemed to heat with tension, and you couldn’t help the twinge deep in your core. Their arguing wasn’t just about their preferences or styles; it was about you. The way they both stared at each other, the venom in their words—it all pointed back to the same thing: they were fighting for you.

“Boys, please,” you interrupted, your voice low but firm, cutting through the heated tension between them. It wasn’t a harsh tone—just commanding enough to grab their attention and stop the bickering. Their arguing immediately ceased, leaving a palpable silence in its wake.

“Claiming you both know what I want without actually asking me? That’s a little ridiculous, don’t you think?” you said, your teasing tone relieving some of the aggressive energy in the room. Though the animosity between Nicholas and Cooper lingered beneath the surface, their eyes were now focused entirely on you, brimming with adoration.

Cooper shifted, sitting down beside you and resting a hand gently on your thigh. “Sorry,” he said, his voice soft and apologetic, but his expression still held a hint of smugness as he flashed you his charming, dimpled smile. “He just brings out the worst in me.”

Nicholas scoffed from across the room before dropping down on your other side with a dramatic plop. “As if you don’t deserve it,” he muttered, but his eyes were fixed on you with an intensity that betrayed his annoyance.

“What can I do for you?” Cooper asked, taking your hands in his, his lips brushing against your knuckles in a gesture that felt as much a declaration of his feelings as it was a jab at Nicholas.

“Relax,” Nicholas cut in, his tone flat and stern, clearly irritated by Cooper’s display. His gaze never left yours as he leaned in closer.

The exchange made you chuckle, and to diffuse the tension, you leaned toward Nicholas and pressed a soft kiss to his jawline. His eyes softened slightly, the hard edge of his frustration melting away under your touch.

You took a steadying breath, your heart thumping in your chest as both sets of eyes bore into you, waiting. “I appreciate the gifts, the dates,” you began, your tone gentle but deliberate, making sure they both felt the weight of your words. “You know I do. But I want—need—more.”

Both of them stilled, their hesitation palpable as they processed your words. The room seemed to collectively hold its breath. You met their gazes, your voice calm but dripping with intent as you added, “I want you both to show me.”

Nicholas blinked, his brown eyes wide, stunned into silence for a beat before he managed to stammer, “You mean… both of us? Now?” His voice cracked slightly, a mix of disbelief and anticipation.

You gave him a pointed look, your eyes heavy-lidded and smoldering. Bedroom eyes, they used to call it, and now you wielded them with purpose.

“Like… at the same time?” Cooper’s voice was shaky, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. His uncertainty didn’t stop him from leaning forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over you with a mixture of awe and yearning.

Instead of answering, you rose from the bed with a fluid motion, standing in front of them. Slowly, you reached for the zipper of your dress, letting the straps slip down your shoulders with deliberate care. Every movement was intentional, slow and teasing, as you drew the fabric down over your body. Their eyes were glued to you, neither daring to speak as the tension thickened in the air, the anticipation palpable with every second.

When your dress finally pooled at your feet, you stood before them in nothing but the delicate lingerie you’d chosen earlier—an ensemble designed to accentuate every curve, every detail meant to entice. The way their jaws tightened, the way their gazes roamed your figure, drinking you in, was all the confirmation you needed.

Their eyes tracked your every movement as if they couldn’t look away, taking in the way the soft fabric slid from your body and the confident way you climbed onto the bed. Positioned at its center, you gave them both a look that was equal parts commanding and inviting. They remained frozen, caught between anticipation and hesitation, until you broke the silence with a playful challenge.

“Are you going to keep me waiting?” you teased, your tone sultry yet light.

That was all it took. In an instant, both of them sprang into action, fumbling with buttons and pulling at their clothes. Their movements were uncoordinated at first—hands catching on shirt sleeves and belts—but as their layers peeled away, the uncertainty melted into something more primal. Even as they undressed, their eyes never left you, their hunger for you evident in every glance and the way their chests rose and fell with heavy breaths.

Nicholas was the first to make his move. He crossed the mattress with a deliberate pace, crawling toward you with a confidence that sent a shiver down your spine. The way his back muscles rippled with each movement made your pulse quicken, a delicious ache building inside you as you watched him close the gap.

When he reached you, his large hands found your waist, his grip firm but reverent as he gently pulled you closer to him. His lips pressed soft, lingering kisses to your stomach, each touch sending waves of warmth and electricity through your body. The sensation of his breath on your skin, the way his fingers brushed against your sides, left you breathless.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” he murmured against your skin, his voice low and almost reverent. His hands slid up to cradle your torso, his thumbs tracing lazy circles against your ribs as he kissed his way upward, pausing just below your sternum.

Behind him, Cooper hesitated for a moment, watching the scene unfold with a mixture of awe and determination. Then, as if spurred on by Nicholas’s lead, he climbed onto the bed, his movements slower and more deliberate, but no less intense.

Cooper reached out with a steady hand, his touch on your jaw both tender and possessive as he guided your face to his. His lips claimed yours in a kiss that was deep and consuming, filled with a need that made your breath hitch. His kiss wasn’t just a gesture—it was a declaration, a challenge to Nicholas as much as it was a promise to you.

As your lips moved together, you couldn’t ignore the way Nicholas’s hands continued their deliberate exploration, his mouth now dangerously close to your pantyline. His hot breath against your skin sent shivers racing up your spine, the contrast between his slow, teasing movements and Cooper’s demanding kiss leaving you feeling utterly undone.

Cooper’s grip on your waist tightened as though anchoring you to him, his thumb brushing over your cheek in a fleeting but intimate gesture. Before Nicholas could draw all your attention, Cooper broke the kiss just enough to press his forehead to yours, his breath mingling with yours as he whispered, “I’ve wanted this—wanted you—for so long.”

His words made your heart skip, but before you could respond, Cooper took your hand, guiding it deliberately to him, pressing it against the hardness straining against the fabric of his underwear. The heat of him, the way he swelled and grew under your touch, sent a flush spreading through your body.

Your lips trailed to his neck, tasting the salt of his skin, and you bit down lightly at the juncture of his collarbone. Cooper’s low groan vibrated against your lips, and the way his hips involuntarily bucked against your hand made you smile against his skin.

Nicholas, clearly unwilling to be ignored, let out a soft chuckle against your stomach. “Don’t forget about me,” he teased, his voice thick with heat and a hint of frustration. He pressed an open-mouthed kiss just above your hip bone before his fingers hooked into the waistband of your panties, tugging them down slightly.

In one smooth motion, Nicholas pulled your panties down and tossed them aside, his movements confident and deliberate. His hands immediately found your most sensitive spot, his thumbs massaging slow, tantalizing circles against your clit, sending sparks shooting through your body. A moan escaped your lips, muffled against the warmth of Cooper’s neck, but the tremble in your breath gave you away.

Nicholas smirked, clearly pleased with your reaction. “You're so wet,” he murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction. His words only made the fire in your belly burn hotter. “That’s my good, perfect girl.”

The praise sent a wave of heat rushing through you, and before you could catch your breath, Nicholas moved with purpose. He slid down the bed, lying flat on his back, and with a firm but gentle grip, he guided you over him. “Come here,” he commanded softly, his tone leaving no room for argument. His strong hands gripped your thighs, and he used his biceps to brace you down onto him, holding you firmly in place.

As soon as his mouth met your core, a shudder of pleasure rippled through you. Nicholas’s tongue moved with expert precision, lapping at you with a hunger that left you breathless. The flat of his tongue pressed against your most sensitive spot before he shifted to flick and swirl, his lips sealing around your clit to suck gently.

You tried to keep your composure, to maintain your focus on Cooper, but it was impossible. Your lips faltered against his skin, your head falling back as a strangled moan tore from your throat. Cooper chuckled softly, his hand coming up to steady you as your body trembled.

“Losing focus already?” Cooper teased, his voice low and warm against your ear.

You tried to respond, but Nicholas’s tongue was relentless, his hands gripping your hips to keep you steady as he worked. Your back arched involuntarily, and your hands flew out to brace yourself, one landing on Cooper’s chest while the other tangled in Nicholas’s hair.

Nicholas hummed against you, the vibrations making your thighs quiver. He tilted his head slightly, his tongue diving deeper to explore every inch of you, his pace never faltering. Your breath came in ragged gasps, and your head fell forward, resting on Cooper’s chest as the pleasure built to an unbearable peak.

Nicholas’s hum of approval sent shockwaves through your body, his tongue moving with precision as if he knew exactly how to unravel you. Cooper’s lips on your neck were hot and insistent, his teeth grazing your skin before he soothed the marks with his tongue. His large hands kneaded your breasts, his thumbs flicking over your hardened nipples, each motion sending sparks of pleasure shooting through your chest.

Your moans filled the room, their names tumbling from your lips in a desperate symphony that seemed to drive them further. Nicholas’s voice rumbled against you, low and commanding. “Good girl,” he praised, his hands tightening their grip on your thighs as he worked his tongue deeper, his nose brushing against your sensitive bud in a way that made your toes curl.

Cooper’s hands slid down your sides, grounding you in his touch as his kisses became hungrier, more possessive. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered against your ear, his voice thick with admiration and arousal.

The idea of them putting their differences aside, silently agreeing to focus on your pleasure, sent a new wave of heat surging through you. The coordinated rhythm of their touches left you completely undone, your body trembling as they spurred you closer and closer to the edge.

Your fingers tangled in Cooper’s hair, pulling him closer as your other hand gripped the sheets beneath you. “I—I’m so close Cooper, I'm gonna cum” you gasped, your body teetering on the brink. Nicholas responded with another hum, his tongue circling your sensitive spot with precision, while Cooper pressed his lips to yours, swallowing your moans as you finally shattered.

Your release washed over you in waves, your body arching as you cried out, their names spilling from your lips like a mantra. Nicholas slowed his pace, helping you ride out the high, his hands rubbing soothing circles into your thighs. Cooper held you steady, his kisses softening as he murmured reassurances against your lips.

When the aftershocks subsided, you slumped against Cooper’s chest, your breathing ragged, your body tingling from head to toe. Nicholas looked up at you with a satisfied smirk, his lips glistening. “Told you I’d make you feel good,” he teased, his voice thick with pride. Before sauntering off to the bathroom, he leaned down, capturing your lips in a deep kiss that left you breathless. The taste of yourself lingered on his tongue, and when you bit his lip playfully, a low, guttural moan escaped him. He pulled away with a grin that promised more, leaving you flushed and wanting.

Cooper stayed close, his hands gently stroking your sides before he tilted your chin up and kissed you again. His lips were softer, slower, carrying a tenderness that made your heart flutter. As the kiss ended, he pulled back and reached for his jacket, retrieving a sleek Van Cleef bag.

“While he’s away,” Cooper said, his voice low and intimate, “I wanted to give you this.”

From the bag, he pulled out a delicate Alhambra butterfly necklace. The intricate design shimmered in the soft light, the wings adorned with mother-of-pearl framed by gleaming gold. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each detail reflecting thoughtfulness and care.

Your breath caught in your throat as he stepped closer, holding the necklace carefully. “I know this isn’t a deciding factor,” he continued, his tone earnest, “but even if you end up with him, I know how much you wanted this. You deserve it.”

Speechless, you turned your back to him, your hair falling to one side as he clasped the necklace around your neck. His fingers brushed against your skin, sending a shiver down your spine. Crossing the room, you stopped in front of the vanity, your reflection glowing. The necklace sat perfectly against your collarbone, a symbol of Cooper’s thoughtfulness and affection.

You ran your fingers over the pendant, a soft smile spreading across your lips. The more you looked in the mirror, the more the reality of your situation sank in. Two incredible men, each devoted to your happiness in their own ways. Nicholas, with his passionate intensity and relentless focus on your pleasure. Cooper, with his tender gestures and unwavering desire to see you smile. How could anyone possibly ask for more?

Your fingers lingered at the base of your throat, tracing the butterfly before letting them trail lower, a coy smile tugging at your lips. “You know,” you said, glancing back at Cooper with a spark in your eye, “if you’re going to spoil me like this, I might just have to make it up to you.”

Cooper chuckled, his gaze darkening with desire as he closed the distance between you. “I think I like the sound of that,” he murmured, his hands sliding around your waist, pulling you flush against him.

[bubbleberrypunch]

What if the Roger Pirates are on a treasure hunt in this system of caves (underground, idk if that's obvious or not), and then Shanks and Buggy get separated from the group? Stepped on or walked through a booby trap, maybe just slipped on something- I don't know, but they're cut off from the adults! So, now they have fallen through this crevice and- what's this?

They're standing in this small-ish space just chock-full of sapphires.

Buggy rushes to stand up, fixing his beanie while turning his head this way and that to look at it all. Taking it in, while also making a mental estimate of how many berries this could make. He starts thinking about how many gems he can store on his person.

Shanks, while also taking in all the jewels, is much more fascinated with another. He stands there, absolutely in awe of how Buggy's eyes turn into precious crystals themselves. From every angle, they glint and sparkle. Shanks finds himself captivated, his heart starts to race and his face gains a bit of color not too dissimilar to the hair on his head. Without thinking of even a single thought, Shanks's mouth opens.

"Boy...," he mutters into the air. "Your eyes are like sapphires."

Buggy's shoulders scrunch up as his body tenses. His head swirling to glance at Shanks with a wide-eyed expression upon his face. Suddenly feeling embarrassed after being acknowledged, Shanks then pulls his straw hat down over his eyes.

"Th-That's pretty corny, though, huh?" He blushes furiously after stumbling over his words. He bites down on his bottom lip.

Meanwhile, Buggy turned right back around and was pulling his own beanie down to cover his burning ears. His face felt rather hot as well. Pushing down the strange emotions pooling in his chest, he clenched his eyes shut.

"Just-! Shut up!" Buggy was too flustered to think of anything else to say, to think of any threats.

Hearing this, Shanks takes a peek from under his hat. Sees how Buggy lets up on his poor beanie, how red his cheeks are, his nose glowing. At that, Shanks pulls his hat back down with a growing smile.

The two are eventually found, but not before Shanks and Buggy have their pockets filled to the brim with the discovered treasure- albeit not the one they came looking for, but treasure all the same. And if Shanks keeps one of them, or two, there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

If over twenty years later, Shanks looks down to stare at two brilliantly bright jewels in his hand, reminiscent of a pair of eyes that haunt Shanks's very dreams, well- is there anything wrong with that?

[minijenn]

Story Summary: What would happen if the Crystal Gems had settled down in a place other than Beach City, a little backwoods town just west of weird…? What if, upon coming to Gravity Falls for the summer, Dipper and Mabel were to befriend Steven and Connie? What kind of magical, mysterious adventures would they have? And, how would they fare against the combined threats of merciless Homeworld Gems and a certain triangular demon?

Find out what happens when Magic and Mystery meet in Universe Falls...

Chapter Summary: With the Red Eye threatening to destroy Gravity Falls, Steven, Dipper, and Mabel set out to search for the pair of Laser Light Cannons that once belonged to Rose Quartz. “Ohhhhhh! He’s a frozen treat with an all-new taste!” “‘Cause he came to this planet from outer space!” “A refugee from an interstellar war!” “But now he’s at your local grocery store!” “Cookie Cat! He’s a pet for your tummy!” “Cookie Cat! He’s super-duper yummy!” “Cookie Cat! He left his family behind!” “Cookie Caaaaat!” “Now available at Gurgens off Route 109!” Steven brightly finished, holding his own Cookie Cat high into the air. As soon as Mabel finished her half of the rap duet, she eagerly stuffed her own ice cream sandwich into her mouth. Dipper, on the other hand, could only roll his eyes as he tore open his own frozen treat. “And here I thought Mabel was the only person who memorized commercial jingles word-for-word,” he said, grinning nonetheless. “Mm! So good!” Mabel exclaimed, ignoring the mess of ice cream smeared across her face. “Steven, where on earth did you get these Cookie Cats? I thought they stopped making them!” “They did,” Steven hopped off the couch, heading over to the freezer where his Cookie Cat stash awaited. “But the Gems got a whole bunch of them for me from the factory a few weeks ago. I’ve eaten a few already, but I’ve been saving most of them for a special occasion. And what could be a more special occasion than you guys finally getting the chance to hang out here at the temple?”

Click the link to read more; all comments are appreciated!

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

Show Stopping.

This is the concluding story to the corresponding blog event, It’s Raining Crows and Dogs! I took inspo from Cruella (2021) while writing this piece.

Please note, I was not able to respond to all interaction requests, as many were sent after the submission period, disregarded rules, or simply did not catch my interest 💦 Apologies!

By My Hand.

Drinks dulled the senses, distracting from the din of the charity ball. Alcohol was forbidden on campus—but the sugar and the carbonation was enough to be ride that high, to loosen from the binds of stiff suits, glittering gowns, and falsified formalities.

The orchestra’s song swayed and sloshed like liquid in her ears. The golden lights refracting off chandelier crystals, kaleidoscopic.

Was it the juice or the tiredness messing with her senses?

Knocking back her glass, Raven let the fizzy, fruity concoction tumble down her throat. Bright citrus washed away her worries, the bubbles tickling her nose as it went down. She set the glass, now empty, down and called out to the anxious mob student manning the bar.

“Another, please.”

“… D-Don’t you think you’ve had enough, Raven-san?” Octa A asked. “That’s your seventh drink.”

She stared at him with blank, lifeless eyes.

Octa A immediately set to preparing the eighth. Club soda, fruit syrup, crushed mint leaves, and cubed ice.

“Long night?” he wondered out loud, attempting at conversation.

“Yes.” Raven groaned, nursing her aching head with one hand. “I was up for all of yesterday assisting Crewel-sensei with the final touches on his ensemble for this evening. Didn’t get a lick of sleep.”

“Oh. I-I’m sorry to hear that…” Octa A muttered. He topped off the fresh drink with a twisted lime wedge and then slid it to her. “Did your efforts at least pay off?”

She accepted the beverage with a tired yet grateful smile. “I have no clue. He has yet to arrive.”

Even though he demanded that I be here to witness ‘the fruits of my labor’…

“I’m sure he’ll show up soon.”

Raven cast a glance at her phone. 11:59 pm. Late—far too late.

“I highly doubt—”

BAM!!

The instant the clock struck midnight, the doors to the venue swung open, as if on cue. In strutted two Dalmatians, each fitted in a diamond encrusted collar. Trailing them was a figure in a white cloak with a long train, hood pulled over their face.

Heads turned. Onlookers gasped.

“Who is that?”

Raven stilled.

They produced a wand from a billowing sleeve and waved it in an arc. There was a dog collar looped around the end of the wand, a square magical gem on it.

Fire sprouted at the end of the mysterious guest’s train. It formed a coil, snaking up their body and engulfing the white. The exterior fell away into crumbling ashes and cinders, revealing what was underneath: a handsome face in a black and white eye mask, his suit a sinisterly shimmering crimson.

Divus Crewel, fashionably late.

Raven exchanged looks with Octa A.

The venue bursted into sound like a balloon popped. People rushed at him, flocking like birds, swarming like bees.

“Sir! What a grand entrance! How did you do it?”

“What a show stopping performance.”

“I thought my heart was about to beat out of my chest!!”

“Where did you get this outfit? I would like to own one for myself. Oh, you must pass me along the name of the brand.”

Crewel, right at home among his throng of admirers, chuckled. “I appreciate the compliments, but I’m afraid you won’t be able to find a replica of this look in any store or boutique. This ensemble is an original designed by yours truly.”

“Oh my!” A woman clutched at the string of pearls around her neck. “Would you be willing to do an original for me then?”

“Now, now! I had every intention of asking him first!” a mustachioed man protested.

“Unfortunately, I’ll have to turn down those requests,” Crewel interjected smoothly. “I am presently focused on my role as an educator. Your presence here at this event helps Night Raven College and its efforts to better the future and the local community.”

A murmur of agreement passed through the crowd.

“And another thing,” he continued, “I’m afraid I cannot take all the credit for my outfit. I may be responsible for the design, but the color of the dye was made in collaboration with a student.” Crewel searched the room and found Raven, letting his gaze linger on hers. She felt her mouth drying up. “This is the direction of the future.”

He flashed a dazzling smile. His handsomeness, a cutlass slashing through their defenses. Raven felt the entire room melt in response to Crewel.

“If you wish to support us and Night Raven College’s endeavors, we you may donate tonight. All proceeds will be going to an animal shelter on Sage’s Island.”

Several voices cried out simultaneously.

“I-I’ll donate! Of course I will!”

“Honey, we’ve got to support this cause.”

“You heard the man.”

“Night Raven College is such an exemplary learning institution!”

“Wow, Crewel-sensei strolled in and commanded the entire event,” Octa A mused. “Raven-san, the work you were doing yesterday… now it’s being seen by all of these people.”

“Well,” she said warily, absentmindedly swirling her half empty glass, “as long as he’s happy and NRC gets that money, I guess it’s fine.”

“That shade of red is nice,” Octa A commented. He was already assembling the ninth drink. “It suits Crewel-sensei very well.”

“I should hope so!” she huffed. “It took a lot of workshopping and several samples to find a shade that pleased him.“

“What did you name this one? Since you tend to label your homemade inks.”

“Ah, I call this one…”

Cruel Devil.

[konansock]

Small Mod: Purchase Jewelry on Phones

Intro

The jewelry crafting in Crystal Creations is top-tier design! Nowadays, Sims can choose jewelry as a birthday or baby shower gift, and even propose with them! Sadly, you can't purchase them on Plopsy. In order to allow non-creative Sims to be able to gift jewelry, this mod comes to life.

Requirements

This mod requires Lot51 Core Library to work properly!

Features

1.Browse Online Jewelry Store

An online jewelry store that refreshes every day

The jewelry in this store use all kinds of metals or gems, as long as they're not Rare materials. You can learn about what metal or gem each item is made from the description.

The prices are calculated by the retail price as well as the material used.

2. 'Customize a Jewelry'

You can pick and choose your design, and what metal or gem you desire to use.

You can purchase metals or crystals from the store directly (Rare metals not available), or you can add a personal touch to the final product by using material in your own inventory (You can use Rare materials this way!)

The cost here is only the crafting fee. However, the prices are HIGH. However, the final product will become more valuable if you use Rare materials though!

Time to propose! Good luck, Li!

Credits

Tools：S4S(Sims4Studio)

Great thanks to @missyhissysims for debugging and feedback!

Thanks to @ayanekosims for the build! Find this build in the screenshot on the Gallery!

For more details, and DOWNLOAD HERE.

[tiredwitchplant]

Everything You Need to Know About Crystals: Moonstone (White)

Moonstone (The Sacred Stone of the Moon)

Color: White, cream, yellow, blue, green

Rarity: Easy to obtain

Hardiness: 6.5

Type: Oligoclase/ Feldspar

Chakra Association: Brow, Heart, Root, Third Eye, Sacral, Solar Plexus

Deities: All Lunar Deities, Diana, Selene, Artemis, Isis, Chandra

Birthstone: June

Astrological Signs: Cancer

Element: Water

Planet: Moon

Origin: Australia, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, USA

Powers: Femininity, Calmness, Balance, Luck, Intuition, Healing, Sensual, Patience, Reproductive Health

Crystals It Works Well With: Aquamarine, garnet, pearl

How It is Created: Moonstone is a type of feldspar composed of potassium aluminum silicate. It can be found in a number of colors, but all examples demonstrate a particular sheen known as labradorescence; an effect also found in labradorite and blue moonstone. Labradorescence is a light effect caused by parallel hairlike structures laid down within the crystal matrix, which reflect light back and forth, creating different-colored effects, including blue, yellow, silvery gray, and white.

History: Moonstone is the sacred stone of India. During the earliest traditions, the gem was said to have been embedded in the forehead of Ganesh, the four-handed god of the moon, since the beginning of time. It was written in Hindu mythology that moonstone is made from moonbeams, thus its luster.

The magnificent gem is never displayed outside for sale unless placed on a yellow cloth, as yellow is a sacred color. According to other legends, Moonstone can give gifts of prophecy and clairvoyance to the wearer. It could also clear the mind for the wearer to welcome wisdom. But to unlock this ability, Moonstone must be placed in their mouths during the full moon. Since ancient Egypt it is considered as a spiritual stone as it is seen as the gem of protection for night travelers.

Since Moonstone looks a lot like the moonshine, ancient Romans believed that it was formed from moonlight. If you look at the gem closely, you’ll see a dance of light that lurks on the insides of the gem. Ancient Greeks merged the names of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) and the goddess of the moon (Selene) and christened Moonstone as “Aphroselene”. While the Romans believed that the gem exhibits the image of their moon goddess, Diana.

It is also known as an aphrodisiac and when worn by two people, they will fall passionately in love when the moon is high. Moonstone was once called the “Travelers Stone” as it is said to protect those who travel at night, especially at sea.

What It Can Do:

When worn, can attract true love and arouse passion

If you give your lover a moonstone during the full moon, there will be passion between you always

Can settle disagreements and return things to peaceful status

Sewn into garments can enhance fertility

Wearing moonstone protects sensitive emotions

Enhances divination, prophetic dreams and prevents nightmares

Great for meditation and scrying

Represents yin and attracts peaceful energy

Protects travelers at night and by sea

Considered good luck

Balances male-female energies and aids men who want to get in touch with their feminine side

Affects the female reproductive cycle and alleviates menstrual-related diseases and tensions

Helps with digestive and reproductive systems, assimilates nutrients, eliminates toxins and fluid retention, and alleviates degenerative conditions of the skin, hair, eyes and fleshy organs such as the liver and pancreas.

How to Get the Best Out Of: Wear as a ring or place on the appropriate body part, would recommend the forehead, for spiritual experiences, and solar plexus or heart for emotions. Women may need to remove Moonstone at full moon.

How to Cleanse and Charge: Moonstone is relatively soft stone, 6 on the Mohs scale, so it should be handled with care as it can be easily scratched or crushed. Moonstone should be stored separate from other jewelry in its own soft bag or lined box and should not be worn while performing strenuous tasks that could result in it getting bumped or scratched. It can be cleaned with plain water and a soft cloth. If it gets scratched, take it to a jeweler to have it polished out.

Charge your moonstone in the light of the waxing moon and keep it out of direct sunlight.

Crystal Grid: N/A Couldn't find one that wasn't too complex @_@

Sources

[lalalian]

Hi! I was wondering if I could ask you a question about the dragon rider DR, as I am planning to shift there. Is music distributed in any way like TV shows and movies are, or is it only played live? If it's distributed, then how?

hihi!

Music does exist through streaming-like services, but portable services are very new-- like they came about around a year before you shift here. They're originally made in Aielles, but recently the same bureauship (bureauship=company) who made the devices partnered with another bureauship (creating the Philharmonic Revival Consortium) in the Eudora Empire to sell their goods here; the largest store for their goods is located in Itresal because riders are one of their biggest demographics due to our abilities to charge these streaming devices ourselves.

This is the most recent model; it's called a StarSee, this is the second generation model

enjoy my horrendous art skills... I haven't drawn seriously in like 6 yrs, so I hope it's cohesive enough to be understandable!

Some things I forgot to include in the last photo:

the little earbuds are called starlings

The decorative plating on the outside can also be bought at the shop in Itresal, but some manufacturers have been making their own plating

There are currently three different color versions, gold (the original), purple, and silver-- they are working to expand their color range

These are about 5x5 cm big

You can put them on your bag like a keychain!

Lots of people customize them by gluing little gems on the outside

If you're worried about getting the outside part scratched or damaged, you can get charm add-ons; currently, water resistance, scratch resistance, and retention (parts shake less within the device) are on the market; activate these charms by placing them in the stardrop hole (more on that later) and saving it to the device

there is a little magiactivated luminescent crystal embedded into the part where you attach the removable plating-- those are the things that will glow red

You can get your starlings modified so that it glows a different color when it's low on battery

The voice is currently only available in the common tongue (English) and the noble tongue (Eoldan); in Aielles, the common tongue is most widely spoken, oftentimes, nobles in Aielles do not speak Eoldan fluently unless they pursue learning the language further

how do i add songs to my device?

Stardrops are (kinda) one use, you cannot use it on another starsee, even if you own two of them. If you do remove a song from a starsee, you can reuse that stardrop by either placing it into a diff starsee or reusing it with your current starsee.

Some things I forgot to include in the photos:

this little screen is like indented, so the screen isn’t touching the wall of the device!

songlist=playlist

once you're done putting a song into a songlist, press confirm to go back to the main menu

to conserve energy, the screen will automatically turn off after 3 minutes if no activity occurs (like if you aren't actively scrolling or clicking on things); the screen also turns off immediately when the screen is hidden in the device

energy + conclusion

Similar to airpods, you've gotta charge your starsee! To charge it, you have to take the stardrop out and either place a stardrop mana crystal in it's dedicated space, or have the device placed on a charged mana crystal. Make sure you keep the glass lid open if the you're charging it with mana crystals!

BUT

If you're a rider, you can charge it with your own mana, just make sure you either charge a mana crystal yourself or charge the starsee directly slowly (OR if you've been charging it yourself for long enough, you can quickly infuse the right amount of mana into the device)-- overloading the device with mana can cause the mana crystals inside of the device to expand too much... effectively breaking the starsee. There is no way to see how much battery a starsee currently has, though, this issue has been noted by the bureauship-- expect to see this problem fixed in the next starsee generation!

Starlings themselves have a listening time of 8 hrs. Starsees can recharge starlings back to their full capacity twice without being charged, but if you did try to charge your starlings thrice without charging your starsee, you'd only be able to charge your starlings halfway.

Most civilians will simply charge their devices at with a communal mana crystal. Sometimes families will buy one for their household; the more expensive it is, the longer it lasts. If you cannot afford a mana crystal, you can charge it in a library at the study desks, in dedicated mana blocks-- buildings that are full of lockers with mana crystals in them (these places are heavily monitored and regulated to prevent stealing and crime!!), and other super public places like cafes and such. People will store their smaller magitech goods in mana blocks overnight to use their product the next day.

As a rider-- as an S-tier rider-- you won't have to worry about not having enough mana to spare to charge your device. A lot of riders will have a mana absorbent crystal keychain on their bag. Honestly, I recommend just getting a stardrop mana crystal (one without a song in it! Most places that sell stardrops will sell empty stardrops), charge the crystal every night (it only takes a few seconds for a rider of your caliber to charge it enough), and placing the stardrop back inside the starsee. You can close the glass lid if you do this too. If you don't want to keep removing the stardrop from the device, touching the crystal with your finger can help you focus your mana directly into the stardrop. It's ok if you overcharge the crystal itself; the starsee will only take what it needs.

-

-

-

yeah, it's a little clunky, but remember that magitech emerged sometime in the last few decades! It's a recent invention, so not everything is super advanced yet 😭

[heartshapedbubble]

hi !!! could i request bday hcs with norton and victor?? anything works!! you could do general hcs if youd like <3

hihi of course !! 💓

norton campbell and victor grantz birthday hcs🧲💌

norton campbell🧲

not the best at throwing parties to be honest. never had one thrown for him, never threw one and was rarely invited to them. he never really celebrated his own birthday either

HOWEVER. since it's you in question he cannot go cheap

he's going to be avoiding you for some time as he's going to be busy digging ores and crystals to sell - organizing a birthday party is not exactly a cheap feat, and he needs to make sure everything goes perfectly, from the icing to the candle wax to the piñata (if you're up for it😎)

lacks a lot of those ""birthday skills""" such as baking a tasty cake and the ability to decorate well so he's going to go all out on your present at the very least

he likes gifting crystals and gems he finds - only the best one he could dig up for you, polished by hand - as he finds them to be a very versatile gift. don't like them? you can sell it! can't store them anywhere? no problem, for he'll simply commission a jeweler to make a custom piece out of it!

despite going all out for you he's quite indifferent about his own birthday, being happy even when it's just you and him and a birthday cake between you two. write him a sweet card and put some dollar bills between the paper to make this man's day

victor grantz💌

oh victor is so tooth-achingly sweet when it comes to birthdays. bless his little heart fr

he loves throwing parties and has an amazing eye for decorations and aesthetic, and he would like to keep planning your party a private thing so it's just him who can hyperfocus on making it perfect

vic's the kind of guy that prefers doing everything by himself, from the gift - for him, the best gift is the one that will have special meaning for the receiver - to the birthday cake which he'll mix, bake and decorate all on his own. the fact that it's him who's picking out the most fitting aroma for the whipped cream, the color scheme and the tea flavor makes him feel so good. is it because of you or is it just because he loves organizing? both? he'll never know!!!!!!!!!!! 🤗🤗🤗

and obviously the best part of it all? THE BIRTHDAY CARD. i don't think i have to explain this one tbh just visualize his face impatiently watching yours light up as you read

vic strikes me as somebody who would force everyone to wear birthday hats including wick. just a thought tbh

as for his birthday he's quite humble about it!! just a small circle of people dear to him (obviously including you don't even DARE to not show up i will personally put you into a coma) and a lot of birthday letters just for him </33334 god bless viccy

[mysimsloveaffair]

After several unsuccessful trips back to the cavern in Oasis Springs**, Dwight decides to create his own luck by investing his time into growing and nurturing the crystal trees in his jewelry store’s garden. It soon pays off! He now has the Plumbite gem to begin crafting the engagement ring for Wade.

Dwight decides to go with Rose Gold metal and a Starry Sailor design he’s never attempted. He only has one chance to get this right, so he takes a deep breath and begins planning the design.

**link takes you to my WordPress website

(Full post available to read on my website)

[frankenfran]

what is your favorite final fantasy? Plz and thanks

oh god this is such a hard question... my gut instinct is to say FFX because it loomed so unbelievably large in my childhood and still does to this day. the world building and style is still completely unprecedented and set a really high standard in my mind for what a final fantasy world should be and the characters are (mostly) all really lovable and fleshed out. typically id probably not be a big fan of a character like tidus as the mc but i think he's silly and endearing. unsurprisingly an MC with daddy issues works on me.

needless to say im obsessed with the women in FFX and to spare everyone the wall of text ill just say yuna is still like. one of the best FF characters of all time for many reasons. and do i even need to explain why i love lulu? it's a shame she canonically settled for the chaser instead of being the girl road trip mom in FFX-2 but i can almost forgive that with how wonderful the rest of X-2 is if you're a girl lover.

it's genuinely probably tied with FFIX for me in terms of like, what comes to mind when somebody says final fantasy. it's two sides of the same coin. the more sci-fi heavy fantasy and the more whimsical traditional fantasy. the style of FFIX is immaculate, the characters are all extremely lovable, and the story is genuinely really good. everything is so chunky and cute it feels like you're playing a game set in a world full of dolls. it's one of the few things that still has that childlike sense of wonder and mystery for me funnily enough. just looking at the cover reminds me of staring at it in video rental stores and trying to imagine how cool and exciting it was.

people often call it a celebration of FF's past and it feels more like an evolution to me. cute whimsical storybook world with an ensemble cast that gets plenty of love in a style unlike anything else in the series (besides maybe crystal chronicles?) that stands on its own. i wish we'd get more FF stuff in that style but having that one gem is nice too. also im obviously normal about freya and that whole plotline...

honourable mentions to the obviously unstoppable FFVII and the underrated FFVIII and the very beloved to me FFXII and unfairly maligned FFXIII series of games and even FFXI and FFXIV. XV and XVI can suck my ass and die though. for the sake of brevity (which ive already failed) i simply must stop myself before i make the longest post of all time talking about final fantasy and my opinions on each. here's me spinning in my white mage cosplay

[puer-aurea]

been thinking abt a fully fleshed out mercenary au since i posted that oneshot for sixth day of christmas so.... heres a drabble

jimmy and martyn are, ofc, human mercenaries who call themselves the big dogs so they can seem scarier than they really are. theyre mostly homeless theres a rumour abt a witch who lives in the woods and everyone thinks its lizzie but when they show up shes like "oh no thats scar!" and points to her very eccentric and flamboyant neighbor who lives across the river. scar looks NOTHING like a witch but when you go in, you come back out with exactly the potion you wanted, several others you didnt actually need, significanctly less money than what you went in with, and absolutely no memory of actually being inside and making the purchase. hes incredibly suspicious but godDAMN do his potions and crystals work well skizz owns a building plaza named the heart foundation where he rents out sections to people for their stores (yk like those buildings that are connected stores?? i really hope this makes sense). tango is his assistant as well as bigb but bigb is super weird and disappears a lot. tango was the one to suggest the coffee shop idea that martyn overheard. skizz is an angel and tango is an imp lizzie and scar own one of the spaces where they sell very normal things like farm produce and things that would usually be hard for the other members of the community to get like amethyst and food enchanted with elven magic. as well as very specific bones lizzie has found (no, she will NOT tell you where she got them, yes they are organic, she declines to answer if they are ethically sourced). scar is an elf which is why he's able to sell elven enchanted food. the roomies own one of the store spaces and mostly sell wool products but theyve started farming cotton in hopes of expanding their market. they live together on a farm with a fence covered in vines surrounding it so the animals can wander about sometimes. since they sell wool products, they have a lot of sheep, so when they need the sheep back in their pen they hire mercenaries to do it for them. cleo is the only zombie in the community and, while grian was mentioned as an avian in the oneshot, hes actually going to be a fae. everyone thinks etho is a human but he barely leaves home so cleo and grian are the only ones who know for sure whether or not he is gem is the girl who just moved in with the dream of starting a band. she ends up with an imp and an angel both named scott and they call themselves gem and the scotts. they rent one of skizz's spaces for a studio and gem lives in the apartment above it. impulse, scott the imp, lives in a cave, and scott the angel lives in a cottage on the edge of the woods (so not as far in as lizzie and scar) the mounders live in 4 big old creepy houses that look completely different on the inside than they do outside. its also a 'gated' community but they dont care enough to enforce it. mumbo and pearl are both vampires, bdubs is a fae, and joel is an elf. ren is also around to add more people to their little community even tho this uses the alliances made in secret life. he lives in a smaller house a little ways away from scott's cottage. he seems human enough but theres a rumor that he's a werewolf. no one really knows what bigb and lizzie are, scott even introduces them to gem as the 'suspicious weirdos' and cleo and grian joke that not even they know what they are.

[minijenn]

Universe Falls Timeline (New and Improved)

Finally got around to creating a new, from the ground up UF timeline, including all pre-story events, UF, UF2, and UFF and even beyond (aka MK2 or at least the start of it). Bear in mind that nothing in this timeline is finalized or official until it is actually written into UF proper, everything here is subject to change and shift around, and spoilers are abundant for all three stories, but there are some that I think are too spoilery that I've blocked out for ya'll. So with all that said, enjoy! (below the cut bc this is EXTREMELY LONG)

Ancient History

Pre-History

The Axolotl comes into existence, presiding over time and space

Bill Cipher is born in Euclydia to Euclid and Scalene

In an attempt to "liberate" Euclydia from the second dimension, Bill ends up destroying his home dimension and everyone in it

Bill conquers a slowly decaying dimension known as the Nightmare Realm and forms his gang of Henchmaniacs

The universe is born along with its countless lifeforms. (Humans and Gems included)

Bill sets his sights on Earth, wanting to merge the Nightmare Realm with it and conquer it as his own

Eons Ago

White Diamond, acting as the leader of all Gemkind, constructs the Gem Homeworld society

White Diamond creates Yellow Diamond and Blue Diamond to aid her in colonizing other worlds

White emphasizes the importance of perfection, creating Homeworld's caste system, bans cross-Gem fusion, and punishes Gems deemed "imperfect"

Under the Great Diamond Authority, the Gem race expands and cements their control over 43 planetary bodies and two star systems through colonization

Pink Diamond is created as the last of the Diamonds, coming out smaller than the others

Fluorite, Rhodonite, Padparadscha, and the Rutile Twins are considered "off color" by Homeworld standards and remain in hiding underground in an abandoned Kindergarten to avoid the Shattering Robonoids

Pink Diamond is given Pink Pearl, who she ends up damaging in a fit of rage; after this, White Diamond takes Pink Pearl away and takes control of her

Pink Diamond is given Spinel as a playmate and Pearl is given to Pink to replace her old one

Over 6,000 years ago

Ruby, Sapphire, Bismuth, and Lapis Lazuli are created on the Gem Homeworld or one of its colonies

Gems arrive on Earth, their first scout ship crash landing in what would eventually become Gravity Falls, Oregon; the impact of their ship's landing forms a deep valley

Pink Diamond is granted access to colonize Earth; she abandons Spinel in the garden to focus on running her colony

Gems begin to emerge in the Prime Kindergarten; Structures such as the Lunar Sea Spire, Communication Hub, Sky Spire, Moon Base, and Sea Shrine are constructed; Amethyst is formed (but does not emerge) in the Alpha Kindergarten

Pearl inspires Pink Diamond to disguise herself as a Rose Quartz so she can explore the Earth; while on Earth, Pink becomes fascinated by the beauty of the planet and realizes that her colony would destroy all of it

Pink contacts the other Diamonds to tell them that she does not wish to complete the colony and instead wants to preserve the life on Earth; in response, Blue Diamond creates a Human Zoo for her and she along with Yellow Diamond kidnap humans from their families and stored them inside the Zoo

Over 5,750 Years Ago

Pink Diamond decides to use her Rose Quartz alter-ego to make a stand that her fellow Diamonds could not ignore. She originally intended to use Rose Quartz to scare away other Gems

Pink Diamond (as Rose Quartz) and Pearl defect from Homeworld and form the Crystal Gems

The cut of Rose Quartz is thereby recognized as a threat and every Rose Quartz is removed from service, specifically from Pink Diamond's entourage; they are bubbled in the human zoo

Blue Diamond and members of her court arrive on Earth and oversees the removal of the then-forming Rebellion

Sapphire is sent to Earth along with three Ruby guards at the request of Blue Diamond; after Rose and Pearl launch a direct attack, Ruby and Sapphire accidentally form Garnet for the first time

Rose tells Pearl how fascinated she is that two completely different Gems fused. Pearl attempts to fuse with Rose but fails. Rose and Pearl run into Garnet where Rose tells her to never question who she is, recruiting her to the Crystal Gems

Over 5,500 Years Ago

Pink Diamond tries one more time to persuade Yellow and Blue to end colonization, this time using Rose Quartz as an excuse. The other Diamonds continued to ignore her pleas

Rose meets Bill Cipher for the first time; he offers to help her save the Earth from the other Diamonds and the two become friends, eventually developing feelings for each other

The Gem War officially begins

Bismuth is recruited to Rose's cause, outfitting the Crystal Gems with weapons; she creates Rose's Sword

True to his word, Bill assists the Crystal Gems' cause by possessing Homeworld Gems, using them to shatter their comrades before forcing them to shatter themselves; Rose is largely unaware of this but over time, Pearl becomes suspicious of his motives

Rose and Bill's romance continues as they fuse for the first of several times, forming Druzy Quartz

Humans begin to become involved in the Gem War; wanting to protect them without raising suspicion from the other Diamonds, Pink Diamond commissions the creation of Ambers, a new cut of Gem specializing in organic preservation, claiming they're meant to work at the human zoo; Rose ends up recruiting most of the Ambers to her cause

Over 5,300 Years Ago

Lapis Lazuli arrives on Earth to visit for a short time and is caught mid-war and poofed by a Bismuth-type warrior Gem

Lapis Lazuli is then collected by a Homeworld soldier and was mistaken for a rebel. She is imprisoned in a mirror to be used as a source of information

Over 5,000 Years Ago

The Beta Kindergarten is established mid-way through the Rebellion in haste to create more troops; Jasper is created among these troops

Bismuth presents Rose with the Breaking Point, a weapon designed to shatter Gems, specifically the Diamonds. Disagreeing, Rose poofed and bubbled Bismuth (upon Bill's suggestion), later storing her in Lion's pocket dimension

Pearl presents her worries about Bill to Rose; Rose attempts to contact Bill to set things straight but he refuses to answer her for unknown reasons; Realizing they're on their own, Rose and Pearl develop a last-ditch plan to save the earth

Pink Diamond and Pearl plan a ruse to stage Pink Diamond's shattering. Pearl, shapeshifted into Rose Quartz, "shatters" Pink Diamond by poofing her after she has swallowed fake gem shards

From then on, Pink Diamond permanently identifies herself as Rose Quartz and continues leading the Crystal Gems in the Rebellion

In grief over Pink Diamond's 'shattering' the remaining Diamond Authority makes a deal with Bill Cipher to get revenge on the Crystal Gems and the Earth

Homeworld officially enters Era 2

White, knowing Pink is Rose Quartz, makes a separate deal with Bill to return Pink's gemstone to Homeworld so she can be (spoiler)

Earth is deemed an unviable colony by Homeworld, commencing Forced Fusion experiments using the gemstone shards of fallen Crystal Gems; The Cluster is embedded in the Earth's core at some point as part of these experiments

Blue Diamond takes over Pink Diamond's Zoo in her absence

During a battle between Rose and Hessonite, the Light Prism is lost

Over 4,500 Years Ago

Homeworld Gems are commanded to evacuate Earth

Lapis Lazuli's mirror is abandoned at the Galaxy Warp and her gemstone is trampled over and cracked during the evacuation. Many Homeworld Gems such as Centipeetle get left behind

A flash of light is set off by the Diamonds, corrupting all Gems caught in it; The only known Gems who were unaffected are Pink Diamond/Rose Quartz, Pearl, Garnet, Bismuth, and Lapis Lazuli

Following the corrupting light, Rose begs Bill to restore the corrupted Crystal Gems; Bill rebuffs her, however, claiming that his true intentions were to drive Gems off of Earth so he could take it for himself as their "relationship" officially comes to an end

Bill changes the conditions of his deal with Rose and desires her gemstone as payment for his "services" during the war; Rose refuses to give it to him and Bill retreats for the time being, promising that he will return to take what's his eventually

The Galaxy Warp becomes inactive

Unknown

Era 2 of Gem production begins on Homeworld

Jasper is transferred to Yellow's court

Amethyst is found in the Prime Kindergarten and joins the Crystal Gems

Unnatural anomalies and strange creatures begin to congregate in the area that would become Gravity Falls

Peridot is formed and receives her limb enhancers on Homeworld

Pearl finds Lapis Lazuli's mirror at the Galaxy Warp and stores it in her Gem

Rose and Bill continue to encounter each other throughout the centuries, opposing each other each time they do

1000 AD

Bill attempts to trick a shaman named Modoc the Wise into building a portal between the Nightmare Realm and the Earth, though their deal falls through when Modoc prophesies an apocalyptic event involving Bill

Gravity Falls' native population evacuates the valley under fear of the land being cursed following contact with Bill Cipher, leaving pottery, blankets, and remnants of their language behind

19th Century

1837

Quentin Trembley wins the 9th Presidential Election of the United States in a literal landslide. However, his many silly and embarrassing policies lead him to be forced out of office, and William Henry Harrison is declared the 9th president of the United States

1842

8½th United States President Quentin Trembley discovers the valley of Gravity Falls and subsequently founds the town

1843

Drawn to the valley due to its odd properties, the Crystal Gems arrive in Gravity Falls and begin to investigate its anomalies

The Crystal Gems construct the Gem Temple near the Floating Cliffs

1859

Pioneer William Dewey and the settlers accompanying him on the Oregon Trail to Gravity Falls are rescued from a gem monster by the Crystal Gems; however, Dewey is falsely hailed as the town hero due to a misunderstanding

1862

In order to cover up the fact that President Trembley founded Gravity Falls (after he freezes himself in peanut brittle), Nathaniel Northwest deemed the founder of Gravity Falls and William Dewey is dubbed its first official mayor

Nathaniel Northwest tricks the lumberjacks of Gravity Falls into building Northwest Manor of the false promise of allowing them into their annual party; they contract the Crystal Gems to help oversee the safety of the project

1863

The first Northwest Party takes place, however Nathaniel Northwest breaks his promise and locks the townsfolk out; the Crystal Gems attempt to intervene over this injustice but are ultimately too late; the lead lumberjack is killed in the ensuing Great Flood of 1863 and vows revenge against the Northwests in his final breath

1860s-1870s

Rose Quartz begins traversing the Desert with a pride of lions

Buddy Buddwick leaves Dewey's crew to begin his career as an explorer and author; he records his research of Gem locations in his book

One of Rose's lions dies and she resurrects him

20th Century

1901

The Anti-Cipher Society is formed, dedicated to defeating Bill Cipher; when Rose meets them during her travels, she secretly assists them by supplying them with Gem weaponry

C.1953

Identical twins Stanford and Stanley Pines are born in Glass Shard Beach, New Jersey to Filbrick and Caryn Pines

1960s

Stan and Ford start rebuilding an old ship they found in a cave

1965

Greg DeMayo (Universe) is born

1972

Stan is disowned after ruining Ford's science project, costing the family potential millions

After being rejected from West Cost Tech, Ford enrolls in Backupsmore University; during this time he meets Fiddleford McGucket

1972-1982

Stan, now a solo drifter, travels in and out of the United States as a salesman and impoverished conman; he goes to prison at least 3 times

1973

Ford is accepted into the doctoral program 3 years ahead of schedule; he receives a research grant of $100000 for any field of his choice

1975

Ford arrives in Gravity Falls and begins documenting his research of its anomalies in Journal 1

Ford meets Rose Quartz and the Crystal Gems; realizing their similar goals, Rose and Ford become partners in researching Gravity Falls and its anomalies

Before 1981

With the Gems' help, Ford is able to document extensive notes on Gem fusion, culture, history, biology, and weaponry

Rose takes Ford to her hidden armory under Gravity Falls' cemetery

Rose also shows Ford the remains of the crashed Gem scout ship buried underneath Gravity Falls (which he dubs Crash Site Omega)

Rose entrusts one of laser light canons with Ford, who helps her hide it in a dense forest maze

1981

Rose and Ford hit a wall in their research; at this point, Ford finds the cave drawings that depict Bill Cipher and summons him, hoping he will give him the answers to the mysteries of Gravity Falls. Ford and Bill become partners and start work together; Ford keeps their partnership (and relationship) a secret from Rose and the other Gems

Ford begins to write Journal 3, six years since beginning his research in Gravity Falls

Bill gives Ford plans for the Universe Portal; Ford and the Gems begin construction on the portal

Ford asks Fiddleford McGucket to visit him in Gravity Falls, to help him with building the portal

Ford, Fiddleford, Rose, and the Gems journey to Crash Site Omega to salvage a hyperdrive from the ship (Crash Site Omega)

Disturbed by his encounter with the Gremgoblin, Fiddleford constructs the Memory Gun, much to Ford and Rose's shared concern

To protect their research, Ford, Fiddleford, Rose, and the Gems begin constructing an underground bunker; Rose and Ford hatch the shapeshifter and raise it as a pet, only for it to turn on them and go rouge; they are forced to freeze it in a cryogenic tube

Rose gives Ford the mirror for later research, but he never gets around to it, storing it away instead

1982

Ford allows Bill to possess him so he can complete calculations on the portal; Rose encounters Ford in this state and becomes increasingly concerned

Fiddleford implores Ford to give up on the portal and instead publish his already existing research, but Ford is adamant; at the same time, Rose confides in the other Gems that she has worries over the portal herself

Fiddleford is nearly sucked into the portal and quits the project; in order to erase his mind from the horrors he's seen, he founds the Society of the Blind Eye; his mind begins to deteriorate due to extensive use of the mind erasing gun

Fiddleford also entrusts the Crystal Gems with a spare memory gun, just in case

Rose and the Gems also break off from Ford after the portal accident, all of them horrified at the danger it could pose to the earth

Ford breaks off his deal with Bill after finding out that he had been deceived; as a result, he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated; Bill continues to possess Ford, becoming increasingly destructive with his body each time

Rose encounters Bill Cipher again, this time as he's possessing Ford; after a brief skirmish, Rose vows to stop Bill's ambitions, no matter what the cost; following this encounter, Ford confides to Rose about his ill-fated deal with Bill but Rose remains silent about her own history with him

Ford entrusts Journal 3 into Rose's care; she later hides it on the temple hill; Ford hides journal 2 near the local elementary school

Ford contacts Stan, who comes to Gravity Falls in response; Ford attempts to entrust Journal 1 to Stan, but is sucked into the universe portal and is lost in the multiverse for 30 years

Ford encounters Bill in the Nightmare Realm and makes a narrow escape along with a group of interdimensional Refugees

Ford begins to travel across the various dimensions to learn all he can about Bill in the hopes of defeating him once and for all

Rose resolves to make sure that the other two journals remain hidden to prevent Stan from reopening the portal, even if its for the sake of saving Ford

Stan begins running the Murder Hut, later renamed the Mystery Shack, in Ford's house

The government begins to take notice of odd readings in Gravity Falls due to the universe portal

Ford becomes an outlaw in a number of different dimensions

1984

Greg DeMayo drops out of community college and changes his last name to Universe to become a professional musician and tour the country under his manager Marty

1986

Greg holds a concert in Gravity Falls, and Rose Quartz is the only one who attends; Greg decides to stay in Gravity Falls with Rose and the two soon fall in love (Like a Comet)

Greg begins working at the Murder Hut under Stan

1988

Bill tricks Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl into allowing him to possess them so he can finally claim Rose's Gem; Rose manages to fight him out of the trio but their minds are essentially left broken as a result of his possession (Triple Crossed

To fix the damage done by Bill, Rose uses the memory gun to erase the Gems' memories of Bill, the portal, and even Ford (Triple Crossed)

1990

Jesus "Soos" Ramirez is born

Stan and Amethyst form an unlikely friendship and begin to go on weekly "Revenge Trips" with each other; they continue this trend for 8 years

1990s

Ford encounters the Oracle, Jheselbraum the Unswerving in Dimension 52; the two coerce over their shared desire to vanquish Bill Cipher once and for all; Jheselbraum installs a metal plate into Ford's skull to prevent Bill from interfering with his mind any further

1997

Wendy Corduroy is born

To earn extra money, Greg takes up a second job babysitting with Rose's help; after this falls through, Stan helps Greg out by giving him a loan to buy the car wash

1998

Stan and Amethyst finally get arrested on a Revenge Trip; Rose and the other Gems break them out of prison and Stan and Amethyst stop hanging out

Rose leaves her other laser light canon in Greg's storage unit

Rose writes a letter of farewell to Ford containing hints as to the location of the Gems' memories in the event of his return; she entrusts this letter with Greg

Rose leaves two tapes for her unborn child behind, one at the remains of Pink Diamond's ship and the other in Lion's mane; she also hides the Crystal Gems' lost memories there as well

Rose Quartz gives up her physical form to have Steven Universe with Greg

1999

Twins Mabel and Mason "Dipper" Pines are born to Aaron and Allison Pines

Connie Mahaswaran is born to Doug and Priyanka Maheswaran

Pacifica Northwest is born to Preston and Priscilla Northwest

Early 2000s

2002

Gideon Gleeful is born to Bud Gleeful and his wife

Soos begins to work at the Mystery Shack

Pre-2012

Ford travels to a parallel dimension where he is given plans for a Quantum Destabilizer by a parallel version of Fiddleford

Steven moves in with the Gems after Greg completes the house in front of the temple

Gideon finds journal 2 in the schoolyard of Gravity Falls Elementary

Gideon steals a telepathic Gem artifact from the Crystal Gems

Wendy starts working at the Mystery Shack

Allison and Aaron Pines begin to have marriage troubles

2010s

2012

Steven summons his shield for the first time

Steven and Connie meet and become friends

Pearl is damaged and poofed by her holographic counterpart and reforms two weeks later with a new design

Steven meets Lion, who follows him home and becomes his companion

Universe Falls

Season 1 -Early June

Dipper and Mabel arrive in Gravity Falls for the summer; they meet Steven and Connie and together, the kids fend off a group of gnomes; Dipper discovers Journal 3 on the temple hill (Tourist Trapped)

The Crystal Gems defend the Mystery Shack from Centepeedles and meet the twins; Steven summons his shield once more (Gem Glow)

Pearl and Amethyst fuse into Opal to rescue Steven from a robotic lake monster built by Old Man McGucket (Legend of the Giant Woman)

Amethyst and Garnet form Sugilite to break down the Gem communication hub (Strong in the Real Way)

A Homeworld vessel appears on Earth for the first time in 4,000 years in the form of the Red Eye; Steven, Dipper, and Mabel help the Crystal Gems defend Gravity Falls against the Red Eye by utilizing Rose's laser light canons

Bill Cipher and Yellow Diamond begin planning their final stages of their deal

Gideon develops a crush on Mabel and attempts to get rid of Dipper and Steven in order to be with her; he is subsequently defeated by Mabel; the kids return the Gem artifact Gideon stole to the Gems (Lil' Gideon)

The Gems recover Hessonite's Light Prism; Steven accidentally unleashes a light army through it, which the kids track down and defeat across town; Steven encourages the Prism that it can be whatever it wants (Attack the Light)

Steven discovers he has healing spit after Amethyst is nearly fatally cracked; he also accidentally cures Connie's eyesight (An Indirect Kiss)

Steven uses his Gem to access Rose's Room for the first time; the Gems discover Journal 3, and though they are bewildered by its contents and information concerning them, they allow Dipper to keep it (Gems and Journals)

Steven, Dipper, and Mabel free Lapis Lazuli from the mirror; she subsequently steals all of the water in Lake Gravity Falls in a desperate attempt to return to Homeworld (Mirror Gem)

Lapis's cracked Gem is healed by Steven and she returns to Homeworld; the lake is restored (Waterfall Gem)

Season 2 - Early - Mid June

Pioneer Day is Celebrated in Gravity Falls; Dipper, Mabel, Steven, and Connie unfreeze President Quintin Trembley from his frozen state; the Northwest coverup is revealed and the kids discover Rose's secret armory (Irrational Treasure)

Pearl, Steven, the twins, Stan, and Greg attempt to build a space ship (Space Race)

Steven discovers he has the power to create sentient watermelon look alikes; Gideon nearly takes the Mystery Shack by shrinking Steven, Dipper, and Mabel, but he is ultimately thwarted; Steven sends the Watermelon Stevens off (Measure Up)

Garnet reveals her future vision ability and Dipper uses her intel to break Wendy and Robbie up; Mabel adopts Waddles the pig (Future Vision)

Amethyst takes Steven and Dipper to the Kindergarten she was made in (On the Run)

Steven discovers the tape Rose left behind for him in Lion's mane (Straight to Video)

Stan and Amethyst go on a revenge trip to get even with Gideon, narrowly avoiding arrest (Revenge Trip)

Gideon summons Bill Cipher to invade Stan's mind to acquire the code to the Mystery Shack safe; Bill is defeated by Dipper, Mabel, Steven, Connie, and Soos (Dreamscapers)

Gideon takes over the Mystery Shack by force and the Pines temporarily move into the temple; the Crystal Gems fuse into Alexandrite to save Steven and the twins from Gideon's robot; Gideon exposed as a fraud by Stan and is subsequently jailed (Gideon Rises)

Ford ends up on Homeworld, where he is quickly captured by Yellow Diamond's forces

Season 3 - Mid June

Government Agents Powers and Trigger come to Gravity Falls to investigate strange readings coming from the town; The Pines fend off zombies with the help of the Crystal Gems (Scary-Oke)

Peridot arrives on Earth at the Galaxy Warp on a scouting mission; the kids later confront Peridot at the Prime Kindergarten (Marble Madness)

Dipper, Mabel, Steven, Connie, Amethyst, Garnet, Soos, and Wendy investigate the author's underground bunker and refreeze the shape shifter and recover the laptop; Amethyst is poofed three times and regenerates into a new form (Into the Bunker)

Lapis arrives back on Homeworld but is soon apprehended and interrogated by Peridot; she is subsequently imprisoned and meets Ford; the two plan an escape, but they are ultimately thwarted; Lapis flees back to Earth while Ford is pulled away from Homeworld, back into the Nightmare Realm

Steven and Connie fuse into Stevonnie for the first time (Alone Together)

Steven and Mabel fuse into Maven for the first time (Together Forever)

Steven and Dipper fuse into Stepper for the first time; he fends off Peridot's attack robinoids (Forever Alone)

Soos and Melody begin dating (Soos and the Real Girl)

Lion retrieves Rose's Scabbard from the Strawberry Battlefield (Rose's Scabbard)

The Pines and Universe families attempt to impress Connie's strict parents (The Dinner Shack)

Dipper discovers that Lapis has returned to Earth and is taking refuge in the waterfall cave; the two form a close friendship; Lapis warns the Crystal Gems that Peridot is returning with reinforcements (Dipper and Lapis)

Gravity Falls is evacuated; Stan stays behind and Dipper and Mabel return to help Steven and the Gems; Peridot and Jasper arrive on Earth and take Steven and the Crystal Gems captive; Garnet is poofed; Dipper and Mabel stow away on their ship to rescue them (The Return)

Ruby and Sapphire re-fuse into Garnet; Garnet defeats Jasper; Peridot flees from the Crystal Gems; Lapis and Jasper fuse into Malachite; Malachite is trapped at the bottom of Lake Gravity Falls (Jailbreak)

Season 4 - Late June

The citizens of Gravity Falls begin repairing damage caused by the Gem Warship (Full Disclosure)

Steven, Dipper, Mabel, and the Cool Kids discover Peridot's escape pod, which is then apprehended by the Crystal Gems; Robbie and Tambry start dating (Joy Ride)

In trying to find out the password to the laptop to rescue Lapis, Dipper makes a deal with Bill Cipher and is possessed by him; Bill's plans to destroy Journal 3 are thwarted thanks to Mabel, Steven, and Connie (Sock Opera)

Dipper and Connie begin taking sword training lessons from Pearl (Do It For Them)

Pearl entrusts Dipper with the Ancient Sea Blade; the Crystal Gems discover Peridot's location. After she escapes, the group happens upon a nest of forced fusions created from pieces of shattered gems (Keeping it Together)

The kids, the Gems, Soos, and Wendy discover the Society of the Blind Eye and help McGucket recover his memories from them (Society of the Blind Eye)

The Northwests hold their annual party; Dipper and Pacifica work together to break the curse on the manor; Steven and Connie defeat a group of Gem mutants; Steven entrusts Connie with Rose's sword (Northwest Mansion Nightmare)

Ford goes to face Bill himself in the Nightmare Realm once more

Stan is arrested by the government agents; Dipper, Mabel, Steven, Soos and the Crystal Gems discover his shadowy past as well as the universe portal; The portal opens and Ford returns after 30 years, though he is unable to defeat Bill before he does (Not What He Seems)

Ford reunites with the Crystal Gems, who have no apparent recollection of him (A Tale of Two Stans)

Season 5 - Early July

Ford receives the letter Rose wrote to him; Steven discovers the memories that Rose took from the Crystal Gems in Lion's mane and returns them (Lost and Found)

Garnet and Pearl fuse to form Sardonyx to destroy the Homeworld Communication Hub after Peridot rebuilds it. Amethyst and the kids learn that Pearl has been lying to Garnet about subsequent repairs to the Communication Hub, presumably done by Peridot, to keep fusing with her (Cry For Help)

Ford dismantles the universe portal, however doing so creates a rift in space and time, which Ford manages to contain 

Stan, Mabel, and Steven rescue Dipper, Ford, and Pearl from Probabilitor the Wizard; Pearl and Ford rekindle their former friendship; Ford creates the Sword of Seasons for Dipper and confides in him about the Rift (Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons)

Garnet unfuses into Ruby and Sapphire after a falling out between the two of them over Pearl's deception; the two eventually re-fuse (Evergreen Inn)

Stan runs for Mayor of Gravity Falls against Bud Gleeful and wins; however, due to Stan's extensive criminal record, Mayor Dewey ends up resuming his mayoral position (The Stanchurian Candidate)

Garnet and Pearl forgive each other and the Gems repair their friendship with Ford while trying to capture Peridot (Friend Ship)

Steven discovers his ability to venture into the dreams of others and uses this to communicate with Lapis; However, amidst this he's countered by Bill, who makes his intentions of taking Steven's Gem away clear to get his end of his longtime deal with Rose (Chille Tid)

Mabel, Connie Candy, Grenda, Wendy, and Pearl collect unicorn hair to protect the shack and the temple from Bill Cipher; Dipper and Steven discover Ford's history with Bill; Ford tells Steven about the rift (The Last Mabelcorn)

Peridot wanders the wilds of Gravity Falls where she encounters Bill, who offers her a chance to get back to Homeworld in exchange for helping him take out the Crystal Gems; Peridot declines but Bill claims the offer is on the table any time and also informs her of his alliance with Yellow Diamond (Peridot in the Wild)

In a fight against the Crystal Gems, Peridot agrees to 'fuse' with Bill to become Pyrite; Pyrite is ultimately defeated by the Gems and Peridot is poofed by Steven and Dipper and bubbled (Pyrite)

Steven and Mabel free Peridot, who escapes again and takes refuge in the shack's bathroom (Catch and Release)

Season 6 - Early - Mid July

Steven, Connie, Stan, Ford, Soos, and Wendy go camping; Garnet and the twins track down an escaped Peridot who has teamed up with an escaped Gideon (Split Up)

Peridot reveals to the kids that a massive Cluster composed of millions of shattered gems is incubating below the earth and is due to form and destroy the planet (To Con a Clod)

The Crystal Gems and the Pines use Greg's family barn as a base to build a machine that can stop the cluster; Ford and McGucket reunite and reconcile (Bot Battle)

Stepper is formed again to aid in Ford's research; Stepper fuses with Mabel to form Dipevebel for the first time; Steven discovers his floating abilities (Three's a Crowd)

Pacifica assists Dipper and Peridot in collecting Titan's Ore for the construction of the drill (Peridot and Pacifica)

Steven turns 14 (An Undisclosed Dance)

The Crystal Gems travel to a Homeworld base on the moon where Peridot reveals the Homeworld's original plans to colonize and drain the earth of its natural resources; Peridot confronts Yellow Diamond and defects from Homeworld, becoming an official member of the Crystal Gems; the Crystal Gems and the Pines learn of Yellow Diamond's alliance with Bill Cipher (Message Received)

Bill convinces Yellow Diamond to come to Earth during Weirdmageddon, revealing that "Rose Quartz" is still alive

Dipper tags along with the Gems to confront Malachite and rescue Lapis Lazuli; Malachite is split up and Jasper goes missing (Out Too Far)

Steven, Mabel, Peridot, and Ford use the drill to travel to the cluster, where Steven is able to contain the geoweapon by bubbling it (In Too Deep)

Season 7 - Mid - Late July

Steven and Dipper help Lapis adjust to life on Earth. Lapis reluctantly moves into the Barn with Peridot, but eventually warms up to her (Same Old World)

Dipper and Pacifica start dating (Mismatched Making)

Stevonnie, Maven, and Stepper take Kevin and his friends on in a street race; the kids meet the speed demon Zoom (Gravity Falls Drift)

Steven further develops his mental powers by accidentally taking over an unwitting Stan (The New Stan)

Jasper returns and nearly forces Lapis to fuse with her once more before being thwarted by Dipper (Alone on the Lake)

Small interdimensional rifts begin forming around Gravity Falls

Steven and Dipper end up getting trapped in the Nightmare Realm and form Stepper to take on Bill; Bill severely cracks Stepper's Gem; Stepper makes a deal to give Bill his shield journal in exchange for returning him home (Rifts)

Stepper's gem his healed but his memories of Steven and Dipper are gone; Mabel attempts to restore Stepper's lost memories; the Pines and the Gems plan their stand against Bill to recover the shield journal; Ford tells the Gems about the Rift (Memories)

The Pines and the Gems face Bill in the Nightmare Realm; Stepper recovers Steven's half of the shield journal but Bill burns Dipper's and possesses him once more; Steven rescues Dipper and everyone escapes from the Nightmare Realm; In trying to defeat Bill, Stepper ends up tearing wider holes in the dimensional fabric that lead to other parallel dimensions (Dimensions)

Season 8 - Late July - Early August

Ford details the secrets behind Gravity Falls' strangeness to Dipper; Steven, Mabel, and Connie discover that Jasper is amassing an army of corrupted Gems; Mabonnven is formed for the first time (Theories of Weirdness)

The kids discover a dimension where Steven is Yellow Diamond's son and the twins have used magic to practically take over the town (Played in Reverse)

Amethyst is poofed by Jasper, who is defeated when Steven, Dipper, and Connie fuse to form Convenper for the first time; Lapis and Peridot adopt a kitten, which they name Dippurr (Crack the Whip)

The kids happen into a dimension where their personality traits seem to be completely switched around and where Lapis, Peridot, and Jasper are the Crystal Gems (Opposites Attract)

Steven and Amethyst fight before reconciling over their shared shortcomings; Stan and Garnet attempt to teach Mabel boxing (A Rock and a Hard Place)

Steven accidentally releases Bismuth from her bubble inside Lion's mane. Bismuth reconnects with the surviving Crystal Gems and provides upgrades for their weapons. The kids learns the reason for Bismuth's imprisonment and defeat her, but ultimately leave her in self-imposed exile in her forge (Bismuth)

The Pines and the Gems travel to a dimension where the kids are adults and the adults are children; Ford and the Gems reconcile (Its All Relativity)

Stan and Amethyst bring Pearl along on a Revenge Trip; Pearl meets Mystery Girl; Gideon briefly escapes prison but is thwarted by Steven and the twins (Revenge Trap)

Steven and Connie officially become a couple; Pacifica is nearly tricked into making a deal with Bill, forcing Dipper to reveal what he knows about him to her (Double Date)

The kids, Stan, Amethyst, and Peridot track Jasper to the Beta Kindergarten; Amethyst and Steven form Smoky Quartz for the first time while fighting Jasper. Jasper becomes corrupted after attempting to fuse with a Gem Monster and is subsequently defeated by Peridot (Beta)

The Ruby squad arrives on Earth, looking for Jasper; Amethyst (disguised as Jasper) convinces them to take herself and the other Crystal Gems and the Pines to the Moon Base. There, they learn that that Rose Quartz shattered Pink Diamond. (Back to the Moon)

Maven and the Rubies become stranded in deep space; Mabel reveals her feelings for Steven to him; After some time, Maven is saved by the Crystal Gems and the other Pines, having hijacked the Rubies' Roaming Eye ship. (Bubbled)

Season 9 - Mid -Late August

The Pines and the Gems find a dimension where Steven is a normal human and the twins are both half Gems (A Swap of Fate)

Steven, Dipper, Mabel, and Connie fuse to form Stonipbel for the first time (Mindful Education)

Lapis and Pacifica meet and are forced to team up to rescue Dipper from the siren Marina (Song of the Siren)

The Pines and the Gems find a dimension where Earth is a colonizing planet ruled by Bill and Homeworld is a peaceful safe haven (The Home in Homeworld)

(Spoilers) (Time Tangled)

Steven attempts to "connect" with his mother inside of her room; meanwhile, Dipper and Mabel start to grow further and further apart (Storm in the Room)

Dipper, Ford, Connie, and Peridot investigate Crash Site Omega to find a sealant that can repair the cracked Rift; Mabel recruits Steven and the Gems in helping her plan for her and Dipper's upcoming birthday party; tensions continue to grow between Steven and Mabel

Dipper and Mabel have an immense falling out after Dipper agrees to be Ford's apprentice and stay in Gravity Falls; Mabel unknowingly hands the rift over to (Spoiler); Bill breaks the Rift and Weirdmageddon commences (Fear of the Future)

Season 10 - Late August

Weirdmageddon begins as Bill easily takes over Gravity Falls; Yellow Diamond and her forces arrive to make good on the deal between the two; Steven is captured by Yellow Diamond and the Crystal Gems are scattered; the journals are destroyed, Ford is turned to gold and captured by Bill; Mabel is captured by Bill and kept in a dream-inducing bubble; (spoilers) (Welcome to Weirdmageddon)

Dipper wanders the apocalyptic Gravity Falls alone for three days before being found by Lapis; Lapis (spoilers); Ruby and Sapphire and Connie team up to rescue Steven from Yellow Diamond; Dipper and Lapis run into Wendy, Soos, and Pearl and face off against Gideon and his cronies in an attempt to rescue Mabel; after having a change of heart, Gideon lets them through to Mabel's bubble (Alone At the End)

Amethyst and a group of other survivors take refuge in the bunker where they encounter both McGucket and the shapeshifter, who they take down for good  (Out of the Bunker)

Dipper convinces Mabel to leave her self-created fantasy world behind; Bill realizes that he is confined to Gravity Falls thanks to a weirdness barrier; Amethyst and her group make it to the Mystery Shack, where Stan has been hiding out on his own  (Escape from Reality)

 Peridot helps Ruby, Sapphire, and Connie rescue Steven; Stevonnie faces off against Bill and the group escapes Yellow's ship (Love Like You)

Dipper, Mabel, Pearl, Lapis, Soos, and Wendy reunite with Garnet, Steven, Connie, and Peridot; Steven (spoiler); the entire group reconvenes at the Mystery Shack where the kids rally the townsfolk to fight back to free the town; they begin converting the Mystery Shack into a giant robot to confront Bill and Yellow (Take Back the Falls)

Bill attempts to coerce Ford into revealing the secret behind the weirdness barrier so he can take over the entire world, revealing (spoilers) ; The resistance takes both the Henchmaniacs and Yellow's forces head on in a massive assault; a small group manages to sneak into the Fearamid in order to rescue Ford; Bill and Yellow (spoilers) (Of Diamonds and Demons)

While their allies are captured by Bill (Lapis and Peridot are poofed), Steven, Dipper, Mabel, and Connie form Stonipbel and confront Yellow Diamond, (spoilers); Stan tricks Bill into entering his mind, where he is ultimately defeated when Ford erases his mind; Weirdmageddon ends and Yellow Diamonds' forces retreat (The Universe Falls)

The statued remains of Bill Cipher are lost in the forest of Gravity Falls; the town begins to recover from Weirdmageddon; The Mystery Shack gets reconstructed. Stan recovers his memories with the help of Mabel's scrapbook and old home movies of Ford and Stan's childhood; McGucket becomes wealthy and buys the now-ousted Northwest Mansion and Bismuth moves in along with him so they can begin an inventing business; (Spoilers); en route back to Homeworld, Yellow Diamond begins planning a new bioweapon initiative involving humans (Everything Stays)

Dipper and Mabel celebrate their 13th birthday with all of the townsfolk at the Mystery Shack, Stan retires and gives ownership of the Mystery Shack to Soos; Connie, Lapis, Peridot are entrusted by the Gems to (spoilers); Dipper and Mabel leave Gravity Falls to return home to Piedmont; (spoilers); the Kids promise to meet up again in Gravity Falls the following year (Somewhere in the Woods)

Between Stories

(spoilers)

Stan and Ford set sail to hunt down anomalies all over the world together

Bill is confronted by the Axolotl, who sentences him to the Therapism for his crimes; Bill immediately begins plotting his escape (Overture)

Dipper and Mabel return to school but largely keep the details of their summer in Gravity Falls to themselves; their parents' marriage continues to suffer

Yellow Diamond's human-bioweapon initiative kicks off, with humans from Pink Diamond's zoo being utilized as subjects; all of these subjects end up failing however, due to the severity of the process (Overture)

Yellow Diamond commissions the creation of an Amber to oversee the biological status of humans utilized in her project; she also appoints Hessonite to serve as the supervising commander

Bismuth begins reconstructing the Crystal Temple with McGucket and Peridot's help

Pacifica forms a friendship with Candy and Grenda while the twins are away; due to her family recently falling out of money, she takes up a job at Greasy's Diner to pick up the slack

Soos hires Melody on at the Mystery Shack and begins building a secondary house attached to the shack for the Pines to stay in when they return

Steven, Connie, and the Gems visit Dipper and Mabel in Piedmont around the holidays; the Mystery Kids spend their Christmas together

2013

Magical creature hunter Alwin Weidmann arrives in Gravity Falls and begins hunting its anomalies for sport

The forest sprites prophesy that a four-armed, four-eyed hero (Stonipbel) will emerge to save them from some great danger

(spoilers)

Universe Falls 2

Season 1 - Early June

Dipper and Mabel return to Gravity Falls for the summer; (spoilers) Mystery Kids reunite; Stan and Ford are the last to return and a celebration is held to kick off the beginning of summer (Back to the Falls)

Inspired by Ford, Dipper begins writing his own journals to document the new summer (Journal 4)

Soos and Melody get engaged (Prior Engagement)

Gideon seeks advice from Steven, Connie, and the twins about being a "normal" kid; Gideon and the MK properly reconcile for the events of the previous summer (Normal Kideon)

Zoom and the MK team up to race against Zoom's sister Dashley (Speed Demons)

The kids form Stonipbel and defend the forest sprites from Weidmann, who develops an intense dislike for the Gems and the Pines as a result (Fusion Foretold)

Weidmann happens upon Bill's statue in the woods, shaking his hand and freeing him from the Therapism; however, his power is limited and he is forced to work from behind the scenes to repair his powers and restart Weirdmageddon; the Pines and the Gems begin working on a way to defeat Bill for good (Trust No One)

Season 2 - Early - Mid June

Ford, McGucket, the Gems, and the kids return to the bunker, searching for old notes on Bill (Back into the Bunker)

Stan and Amethyst bring Wendy along on a Revenge Trip (Revenge Tour)

Steven and Pacifica fuse into Stevifica for the first time (A Shoulder to Cry On)

After Steven begins having strange dreams, he and Greg travel to Korea along with the twins and Stan to investigate, despite Garnet's warnings; there, Blue Diamond abducts Greg and Stan, taking them to Pink Diamond's Zoo (Steven's Dream)

The Gems and the Pines set out for space to rescue Stan and Greg, leaving Connie, Lapis, Peridot, Pacifica, Wendy, Soos, and McGucket in charge of protecting the town in their stead (Adventures in Light Distortion/The B Team)

The Pines and the Gems arrive at the human zoo; while the Gems distract Holly Blue Agate, Ford searches the facility on his own and the kids are dragged into the zoo, where they rescue Stan and Greg (Gem Heist)

Amethyst befriends the facitlity's other Amethysts, the kids, Stan, and Ford witness as Yellow Diamond confronts a mourning Blue Diamond; Yellow Diamond devises a plan to abduct more humans from the Earth, both to appease Blue and for the sake of her human bioweapon operation; the Pines and the Gems successfully escape the human zoo and head back to Earth (That Will Be All)

Season 3 - Mid- Late June

Soos and Melody get married (Tie the Knot)

Steven and Dipper fuse into Stepper to investigate another one of Rose's secrets (Alternate Ending)

Navy returns to Earth posing as a defector; in the end, she ends up stealing the Roaming Eye and retreating back to space to rescue the other scattered members of the Ruby Squad (Room for Ruby)

Aquamarine and Topaz arrive on Earth and begin abducting humans under Yellow Diamond's orders

The kids go on a stakeout with Doug (Doug Out)

Stan and Ford are confronted by Aquamarine and Topaz, who captures Ford, leaving Stan to inform the others about other townsfolk being captured (Brotherly Shove)

The kids and the Gems confront Aquamarine and Topaz; Connie is captured while Dipper hands himself over, hoping to save the others and figure out their plan (Are You My Dad)

While Dipper's plan briefly succeeds, Aquamarine and Topaz recapture him, Connie and Ford; the Gems, Steven, Mabel, and Stan arrive to rescue them, discovering their true purpose in coming to Earth; to save his friends, Steven claims to be Rose Quartz and turns himself in; Dipper and Mabel force him to fuse with them so they can tag along with him as they depart for Homeworld (I Am My Mom)

The kids arrive on Homeworld, where they are put on trial by Blue and Yellow Diamond; while Blue focuses on Rose Quartz's crimes, Yellow demands justice against all the kids for her defeat during Weirdmageddon the previous year; during the trial, the kids realize Rose may not be responsible for Pink's shattering; the kids attempt to escape on Blue's palanquin, but Dipper stays behind to ensure Steven ad Mabel can get away (The Trial)

Though Yellow promises Blue that she'll send Dipper to the human zoo, she instead imprisons him with the intent of using him as a subject in her human bioweapon project

Steven and Mabel fuse into Maven, escaping from shattering robinoids alongside a group of Off-Colors; during their attempt to steal a ship to escape, they are confronted by Emerald; ultimately, the Off Colors and Maven escape Homeworld on separate ships (Wanted)

Season 4 - Early July

Steven and Mabel return to Earth without Dipper; the Pines and the Gems immediately begin plotting on how to get him back from Homeworld; angry with Steven for what just happened, Connie breaks up with him (Within Without)

After being interrogated on "Rose Quartz" by Yellow Diamond, Dipper's left arm is cut off by Squaridot and her fellow engineers, officially beginning the "process" as he is placed under Hessonite's watch and into Amber's care

Tensions continue to rise between Stan and Ford and the Gems as Greg brings everyone along on a brief vacation to help everyone reset; Mabel and Steven have a brief falling out (Gemcation)

The Gems and the Pines begin repairing the damaged ship Maven used to return to earth in the hopes of using it to rescue Dipper

Yellow Diamond attempts to condition Dipper into serving her, but her efforts are resisted, forcing her to more extreme measures; during this time, Dipper and Amber begin to bond

Kevin invites Stevonnie, Maven, and Stepper to his party, but only Steven, Mabel, and Connie go; Mabel briefly reunites with Gabe Bensen and harshly refutes his advances toward her; Steven and Connie reconcile and get back together (Kevin Party)

Dipper's attempts at escaping Homeworld are thwarted by Hessonite

Noticing Yellow's frustration with Dipper's resistance, Bill intervenes, offering his assistance; they are both confronted by White, who also wants a piece of this plan and advises Yellow to use the Diamond's Aria as a control method; she also strongarms Bill into assisting (by invading Dipper's dreams) by promising (spoiler)

Under these new intensive methods, Dipper slowly begins to break as his resistance falls apart

Allison and Aaron file for divorce back in Piedmont

Mabel takes over writing in Dipper's journal, hoping to use it to fill him in on all that he's missed while on Homeworld once they get him back (Rainbow-Colored Recap)

With Amber's assistance, Dipper records a farewell message for his friends and family back on Earth

Unable to resist any longer, Dipper succumbs to the conditioning forced upon him by Yellow Diamond and becomes "Stonemason"; he is outfitted with a shapeshifting metallic arm and is sent to hunt down "Rose Quartz" and capture or shatter her

Work on the repaired ship is finished and, unable to wait any longer, Steven, Mabel, and Connie sneak off on it to try and rescue Dipper on their own; the untested ship ends up crashing on an alien moon (Spaced Out)

While on the Jungle Moon, Steven and Connie are separated from Mabel; Stevonnie has dreams about Pink Diamond's past; Mabel is encountered by Stonemason, who briefly uses her as a hostage until she is rescued by Stevonnie; the kids narrowly manage to escape on their damaged ship, which barely makes it back to Earth  in one piece (Jungle Moon)

Work on the ship is forced to begin again as Steven, Connie, and Mabel all struggle to cope with the idea that they may never see Dipper again (Mindless Education)

Stonemason arrives on Earth and begins hunting "Rose"; he confronts the Pines and Gems, who initially believe him to be a Gem sent from Homeworld (The Assassin)

Mabonnven ends up unmasking Stonemason, revealing his true identity as Dipper; despite attempts to get through to him, Stonemason continues in his mission to capture/shatter Steven; the Gems and the Pines begin plotting how to free Dipper from Yellow Diamond's control (The Mask)

Season 5 - Mid July

Stonemason continues attacking the Pines and the Gems; Steven and Pacifica (spoilers) (Deep Cut)

After several more encounters with the Pines and the Gems, Stonemason begins to doubt his mission and questions his identity; those questions are quelled when Yellow uses the Diamond's Aria to condition him again (Lullaby)

Yellow Diamond commands Stonemason to attack Gravity Falls in order to lure "Rose" out; he does so, damaging much of the town and harming several civilians (Crash and Burn)

Maven goes off alone to search for Stonemason; upon finding him, they manage to briefly break through to Dipper, only for Stonemason to forcefully suppress him once more (Forever Together)

The Pines and the Gems receive Dipper's supposedly final message to them and are inspired to continue looking for a way to save him (A Final Farewell)

Steven goes into Stonemason's mindscape and finds Dipper, trapped and slowly fading away altogether; while in the dreamscape, Steven is briefly encountered by Bill, who offers to set (spoilers) (Hide and Seek)

After several violent encounters, Stonemason is captured by the Gems and the Pines; Steven, Mabel, and Connie enter his mind in a last-ditch effort to return Dipper to normal (Find the Key)

The group is confronted by Stonemason, and a fight ensues, but just before they're defeated, Dipper breaks free and defeats Stonemason, finally reclaiming control over his mind and body (Break the Chain)

Season 6 - Mid - Late July

After returning to his sound mind, Dipper struggles to recover physically and mentally from what happened to him on Homeworld (Yes, My Diamond)

Dipper is met with resistance and anger when trying to reintegrate himself into Gravity Falls as a result of the destruction Stonemason caused; Gideon defends him and convinces (most) of the townsfolk to calm down; Dipper discovers Stonemason is still present inside of his mind, communicating with him frequently (The Golden Rule)

Dipper and Pacifica reconnect following Dipper's absence (Shelter from the Storm)

The Off Colors arrive on Earth and start to settle in the forest of Gravity Falls; Garnet tells the Off Colors the origins of Rose Quartz and the Rebellion (Your Mother and Mine)

Garnet has a brief crisis over her future vision missing significant events; she adopts a one-eyed kitten and names it "Cat Steven" (Pool Hopping)

Lapis leaves Earth once again and takes the Barn, not wanting to get caught in the middle of another war with the Diamonds; she nearly takes Dipper with her, but ultimately ends up leaving him behind, despite his pleas to escape from Yellow's range (Raising the Barn)

Dipper discovers and tames a dragowl, which he names Luna; Stan and Ford defend Dipper against Weidmann and several still-angry townsfolk; Steven, Mabel, Peridot, Amethyst, and Soos attempt to bring some life back to the Kingdergarten (How to Train Your Dragowl)

Hessonite and Squaridot on Earth, reclaiming the Light Prism while also reawakening Stonemason, forcing him back into obedience under her; Squaridot is poofed and bubbled; the Pines and Gems confront Hessonite and rescue the prism and Dipper, forcing Hessonite to retreat back to Homeworld (Save the Light)

The term behind Bill's deal with the Diamonds changes, as Yellow demands Stonemason is returned while White wants "Pink" back in person as opposed to merely her gem; increasingly desperate to reclaim his lost power, Bill agrees, planning (spoilers)

Steven turns 15; Bill return and strikes a deal with a guilt-ridden Steven to (spoilers) (Knock, Knock)

Dipper discovers Bill's plans and (spoilers) (Alone Forever)

In retaliation, Bill drags Stepper into the mindscape and reveals his history and his relationship with Rose to him; Stepper doubts whether his claims are true (Golden Petals)

Stepper (spoilers) ; infuriated by his continued failures, the Diamonds officially cut their ties with Bill as Blue and Yellow prepare to travel to Earth themselves (Dimensional Duel)

Season 7: Early - Mid August

Sometime during this period, Allison and Aaron's divorce is finalized

Driven to near madness, Weidmann launches a full-scale attack against the Pines and the Gems, who ultimately drive him out of town once and for all (The Hunter and the Hunted)

The kids discover Lapis has taken refuge on the moon; she refuses to return with them, further fleeing into space after Steven has another dream about Pink Diamond (Can't Go Back)

Steven goes inside Pearl to find her phone and discovers that Rose Quartz is Pink Diamond, which shocks Garnet and Amethyst, and the Pines (A Single Pale Rose)

Garnet unfuses and Sapphire becomes mad at Ruby, believing that Rose Quartz lied to them and leaves, upset; Dipper also leaves, outraged that all of the torture he was put through was essentially for nothing; Steven, Pearl, Stan, and Ford check on Sapphire and Pearl tells Steven and Sapphire the story of how Pink Diamond became Rose Quartz; she also reveals the original deal Rose/Pink made with Bill, making Steven wonder if Rose really was involved with Bill romantically after all (Now We're Only Falling Apart)

Upset by the uselessness of their shared suffering, Dipper and Stonemason reach an agreement that they will work in conjunction with one another towards the eventual goal of shattering Yellow Diamond as revenge (Reconnect the Chain)

The kids find Ruby, who eventually returns and proposes to Sapphire (The Question)

The Pines and the Gems begin preparing for Ruby and Sapphire's wedding; Steven asks Bismuth to be the maid of honor, officially reintegrating her back into the Crystal Gems and (spoilers) (Made of Honor)

Ruby and Sapphire marry and re-fuse into Garnet; Yellow and Blue arrive on Earth and attempt to unleash the Cluster, which partially emerges and fights back against them; the Pines and the Gems confront Yellow and Blue; Lapis returns to Earth and joins the fight; Steven reveals that Rose was Pink Diamond to them (Reunited)

Steven implores Blue and Yellow to heal the corrupted Gems, which they can't do without White; the gang uncovers Pink's leg ship in the desert and the Pines and the Gems travel to Homeworld alongside the Diamonds; White "welcomes" Steven to Homeworld (Legs from Here to Homeworld)

While Steven tries to reach out to the Diamonds for their help, Dipper (and Stonemason) reel from flashbacks from his time on Homeworld; Dipper reunites with Amber as he and Stonemason continue plotting against Yellow (Familiar)

Steven throws a ball for the Diamonds, which celebrates the start of Era 3; upset that White didn't attend in person, the kids fuse into Stonipbel, enraging Blue and Yellow, who poof the Crystal Gems and imprison Stonipbel in Pink's old tower; Steven uses a watermelon Steven to contact Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot for help, meanwhile Dipper escapes the tower, claiming to go get help from Stan and Ford (Together Alone)

Dipper and Stonemason confront Yellow, who tries to get them back under her control, though the song doesn't work this time; they fight her, attempting to shatter her as revenge for what she did to them; meanwhile, Steven, Connie, Mabel, Stan and Ford persuade Blue to release them; while Blue and Yellow get into a fight over Steven, Steven and Dipper fight over his revenge plan; ultimately, Steven convinces Dipper to give it up while Blue convinces Yellow to help the Gems and the Pines; Bismuth, Lapis, and Peridot arrive to help, but White takes control of all of the Diamond's ships, as well as Blue and Yellow, refusing to listen to reason (Battle of Heart and Mind)

Steven fuses with Pearl to form Rainbow Quartz 2.0, he also fuses with Garnet to form Sunstone, and with all three of the Gems to form Obsidian as everyone attacks the Diamond's ships; the Gems and the kids enter White's ship, but the Gems are taken over by White as is (spoiler); White removes Steven's gemstone (which Bill is present to watch), but instead of reforming as Rose or Pink, it reforms into a pink version of Steven; Steven reunites with his gem half and confronts White, forcing her to realize her own imperfections for the first time (Change Your Mind)

Season 8 - Late August

The Gems and the Pines return to Earth with the Diamonds, who begin healing the corrupted Gems (including Jasper); the Gem empire begins to dismantle, allowing Gemkind to live freely; plans for a "Little Homeworld" on Earth new Gravity Falls get underway (A New Era)

Allison and Aaron both arrive in Gravity Falls, discovering everything Dipper and Mabel have been through and revealing their divorce to the younger twins; though they attempt to separate them and take them back home, they're met with swift resistance from Stan, Ford, and the Gems; as a result, the Pines parents are forced to stay in Gravity Falls longer than anticipated (Meet the Pines)

The Pines and the Gems confront Era 3 anarchists Demantoid and Pyrope with help from a reformed Hessonite (Unleash the Light)

Dipper begins looking for ways to free Stonemason from his mind and help him become his own individual person (Without Within)

The Axolotl (spoilers); meanwhile Aaron, desperate to bring his family back together, (spoilers) (The One Who Watches)

(spoilers) sets the Mystery Shack on fire; the Pines narrowly escape with help from the Gems and together,(spoilers) (Ursa Minor)

(Spoilers) Stonipbel, Alexandrite, and Stan and Ford all confront Bill together (Ursa Major)

With help from the Axolotl, (spoilers) (Polaris)

Aaron makes a stand against Allison, deciding to file for custody of both Dipper and Mabel so they can stay in Gravity Falls full time; work begins on rebuilding the Mystery Shack as work on Little Homeworld also properly begins (Mystery and Magic)

Dipper and Mabel turn 14; Now together full-time, the kids reaffirm their bonds as they look toward a bright future together (Encore)

Between Stories

Late 2013

Dipper and Mabel start high school in Gravity Falls alongside Connie and Pacifica

Aaron's custody appeal goes through and he gains full custody of the twins; he officially moves in with his uncles and his kids in Gravity Falls

The Mystery Shack is rebuilt; the temple house is also renovated during this time

Stonemason decides to live in the woods but still maintains regular contact with the Gems; likewise, Jasper moves into the woods of Gravity Falls

2014

Steven continues working alongside the Diamonds to dismantle the empire; Gems are allowed to express themselves freely and many of them start moving to Earth, settling into Little Homeworld

Steven turns 16

Dipper, Mabel, Connie and Pacifica turn 15

Universe Falls Future

Spring 2015

Steven and the Diamonds make an announcement to all former Gem colonies, explaining what happened to Pink and that all Gems are now free under the new system; Steven returns to Earth for a long break alongside his friends (Happily Ever After)

Spinel hears Steven's message and, infuriated by Pink's betrayal, arrives on Earth, intending to destroy it; she uses a rejuvenator against Steven and the Gems, before Steven uses it on her, poofing all of them except for Steven (Other Friends)

The Crystal Gems and Spinel reform with their memories wiped while Steven discovers he has lost most of his powers; the Pines attempt to help them restore their lost memories but are unsuccessful (Your New Best Friend)

After Ruby and Sapphire reform Garnet, Steven and Stan help Amethyst recover her memories (No Matter What)

After Ford's attempt to help Pearl fall through, Steven and Greg form Steg for the first time, helping Pearl recover her memories (Independent Together)

Spinel's past is revealed as she regains her memories; Steven and the twins convince her to come to Earth to help them (Drift Away)

 Though Spinel briefly calls off her injector, though her anger is soon stoked against them again as she uses it to damage much of Gravity Falls; Garnet recovers her memories as the Pines and the Gems work together to protect the town (True Kinda Love)

Steven confronts Spinel, regaining his powers in the process; Spinel's injector is destroyed and she is defeated (Change)

The Diamonds arrive on Earth and invite Spinel to live with them; she accepts as the Gems and the Pines begin working to repair Gravity Falls from the damage done to it by the injector (Found)

Summer 2015

Work on Little Homeworld is completed; Gemkind begins interacting with the magical creatures of Gravity Fall (Gems in the Woods)

Allison returns to Gravity Falls, trying to get Dipper and Mabel back onto her side, but fails as the twins finally confront her for her failures as a mother (Mother Knows Best)

Little Homeschool is established to help Gems adjust to life on Earth

Steven discovers Jasper living in the woods, but upon failing to convince her to come to Little Homeschool, he discovers a destructive new power (Little Homeschool)

The recently-healed Tiger's Eye falls for both Stan and Ford; after a number of misunderstandings, she realizes they aren't interesting and becomes friends with them instead (Crushed)

Steven and the twins attempt to get Gems out of their comfort zones by giving them jobs they're ill-suited for, despite Amethyst and Stan warning them against it (Guidance)

The kids hear from the Axolotl, who informs them how their interdimensional counterparts are doing across multiple dimensions (Interdimensional Pen Pals)

Amber moves to Little Homeworld, but struggles to fit in with recently healed Era 1 Ambers, despite Steven and Dipper's help; she ends up bonding with Lapis, Peridot, and Bismuth instead and officially joins the Crystal Gem (Sunshine Gem)

The Zoomans, now in control of the human zoo, arrive on Earth with a handful of unbubbled Rose Quartzes; the Pines and the Gems awkwardly befriend them, still haunted by Rose's past (Rose Buds)

Sphene arrives on Earth and encounters Maven, inspired by their sense of fashion as they roll out a new fashion style for Gems living on Earth (Fashion Maven)

Dipper founds Pines Productions and begins his online documentary series "Dipper's Guide to the Unexplained", showcasing the oddities of Gravity Falls; it quickly gains popularity (Pines Productions)

Steven turns 17

Dipper, Mabel, Connie, and Pacifica turn 16

Fall 2015

Steven fails to heal Pink Pearl's injury, and upon traveling to the Reef, learns that Pink Diamond was responsible for it; Pearl and Pink Pearl fuse into Mega Pearl to rescue the kids and Ford (Volleyball)

Stepper fuses with Stonemason into "Stepping Stone" (Stepping Stone)

Bluebird Azurite, a fusion of Aquamarine and Eyeball, shows up and attempts to show she's turned over a new leaf, before turning on the kids, attacking them; upon being defeated by Alexandrite, Aquamarine and Eyeball flee (Bluebird)

Steven recruits Pacifica, Gideon, and Peridot in trying to get Jasper to turn over a new leaf, but their attempts at convincing her are met with resistance (Redemption Squad)

Aaron meets Dipevebel; Convenper teaches self-defense to magical creatures; Mabonnven hosts a Halloween party in Little Homeworld (Trifusion Traditions)

Winter 2015

Steven, Dipper, and Lapis travel to a distant planet, where they meat Nice and Mean Lapis, who both want to continue terraforming planets; Nice Lapis is convinced to come to Little Homeworld by Lapis (Why So Blue)

The Gems recruit Dipper and Mabel to join them against Steven in a round of "Steven Tag" (Snow Day)

Winter 2016

The kids are cursed to share each other's pain after finding an ancient artifact in the woods; they reach out to Blue Diamond for help but ultimately have to work out issues with each other to break the curse (Sharing is Caring)

A graduation ceremony is held for Gems in Little Homeworld, though Steven soon realizes that his friends may be starting to move on without him, kickstarting (spoilers) (Little Graduation)

Spring 2016

Mabel is offered an internship at a prestigious art program in New York, which she accepts upon encouragement from Dipper; Steven, however, is upset when he realizes their group will be torn apart (Artistically Challenged)

Steven takes up gardening, accidentally bringing a cactus to life that he vents his frustrations to; after the cactus turns into monster, the Gems confront it, but it is ultimately allowed to leave as Steven apologizes to it (Prickly Pair)

Steven's nightmares have him fearing that Bill isn't really gone; Dipper and Ford take it upon themselves to convince him that he's truly gone, but they have to confront Rose's past with Bill in the process (Equilateral)

The kids go roller skating with Bismuth and Pearl; Stevonnie wins a skating contest after Steven awkwardly meets Connie's other friends; Dipper and Pacifica plan to travel together during the summer (Bismuth Casual)

After learning Connie will also be leaving for the summer to tour colleges, Steven's (spoilers) , it's discovered by Stonemason, who agrees to keep it a secret from the others (Upheaval)

Desperate to keep his friends together, Steven tries to convince Connie, Dipper, and Mabel to stay in Gravity Falls with him:

Using the events of RMD as a jumping off point, Steven attempts to guilt trip Dipper into fusing with him, only to result in a falling out between the two (Never Alone)

Steven confesses he does have feelings for Mabel after all, but, upset by how late he is about it, she rebuffs him (Never Forever)

Steven tries to propose to Connie so they can stay together as Stevonnie forever, but she gently turns him down (Never Alone)

As Steven's powers and his corruption worsens, he visits Dr. Maheswaran, who helps him confront the trauma he went through when he was younger; Connie convinces Dipper and Mabel to make amends with Steven, but things are still not entirely repaired between them (Growing Pains)

Greg takes Steven on a road trip, where he learns more about his father's side of the family; upon learning that his father and mother have too much in common, Steven angrily destroys Greg's van (Mr. Universe)

Stan attempts to cheer Steven out by taking him along for a Revenge Trip, only for the two of them to wind up in jail; (spoilers) they're bailed out by Greg (The Stan with a Plan)

(spoilers) Steven runs away from home, but Dipper follows him; in a blind rage, Steven destroys Dipper's metallic arm and flees before Stonemason finds Dipper and takes him back to the Pines (Night Shift)

Steven seeks out Jasper's help in controlling his powers, but he ends up shattering her; he returns home to heal her as she vows her loyalty to him; Dipper realizes he'll have to go to Yellow Diamond to repair his arm and Stonemason agrees to go with him (Fragments)

Steven flees to Homeworld, seeking help from the Diamonds; Steven nearly shatters White after taking control of her and quickly flees as his corruption continues to become more apparent; Yellow Diamond repairs Dippers arm and attempts to reconcile with him and Stonemason but she's rebuffed; upon realizing that Steven was there and that he's still in trouble, Dipper and Stonemason prepare to return to Earth alongside the Diamonds (Homeworld Bound)

Steven temporarily (spoilers) by shifting into a more "perfect" form; he desperately tries helping out around Little Homeworld but only ends up causing damage; when the Gems and the Pines attempt an intervention, Steven breaks down (spoilers) turning into a massive monster (Everything's Fine)

Lost to his corruption, Steven begins a blind rampage through Gravity Falls; the Diamonds arrive on Earth alongside Dipper and Stonemason, and they join the Pines and the Gems in trying to calm Steven down; Connie, Dipper, and Mabel show their unconditional love for Steven, finally returning him to normal (I Am My Monster)

Summer 2016

Steven begins to heal from his meltdown over the next several weeks with the help of his family, friends, and therapist

Mabel leaves Gravity Falls, heading to New York for her summer internship

Connie sets out with her parents to begin touring colleges across the country

Stan and Ford return to sailing, searching the sea for more anomalies

Dipper and Pacifica set out on their summer travels the same night Steven leaves Gravity Falls to travel the country on his own in order to discover himself (Facing the Future)

Post-Canon

Summer 2016

The kids reunite with each other and with the Gems several times throughout the summer

Steven turns 18

Dipper, Mabel, Connie, and Pacifica turn 17

Late 2016

The kids eventually all reunite in Gravity Falls as a new school year begins

Spring 2017

Dipper, Mabel, Connie, and Pacifica graduate from high school; Connie moves onto college while Mabel enters an art program in New York; Dipper and Pacifica go to a local college together and move in together at the shack

Stan and Ford return from their adventures and settle back into Gravity Falls, both of them officially retiring

~2022

Dipper and Pacifica get married

~2023

Steven and Connie get married

Lisa Universe is born to Steven and Connie Universe

2025

Twins Avery and Abigail Pines are born to Dipper and Pacifica Pines

2027

Comet Universe is born to Steven and Connie Universe

2029

Tyrone Pines is born to Mabel Pines

2030

Rebecca Universe is born to Steven and Connie Universe

2035

Alexander Pines is born to Dipper and Pacifica Pines

[kedsandtubesocks]

This Tornado Loves You

A Cowboy Din Djarin One-shot

a/n: I had a really long tiring wild day today so I thought why not write about this wild cowboy lmaooo the title is from the neko case song and this is for my favorite cowpoke @skeletoncowboys thank you for being a true gem Warnings: death mention, extreme yearning, 18+ just to be safe

“I have to leave for the week l…is it alright if I leave the kid with you?”

Din’s request is quiet as the morning sun beats down on you two.

You know he tries to take jobs that don’t require him leaving the kid anywhere for long. But, the jobs are getting sparse and the cowboy that has been opening up to you is slowly retreating back, reverting to the cautious coyote you once liken him to be.

So you reply without hesitation, without question. “Yes of course I’ll watch him. I’ll keep him safe I promise.”

You don’t miss the way Din’s eyes beneath the shadow of his hat go wide for a split second. Everyone in the town swears this bounty hunter has no soul cause you can’t see his eyes, and even if you did you’d might find he has no soul. But you see it, the cowboy’s soul, right there along with heart bare before you as they shimmer in his eyes. The bandana masks any facial reactions but you hear his low molasses voice crystal clear-

“Thanks honey.”

This is an honor and privilege you will hold dear in your heart. The wildly curious baby boy is Din’s world. He cries the entire morning Din packs to leave and it breaks your heart.

Din gently softly strokes the baby’s chubby cheek and it’s a fondness, pure love between a father and son you feel like you’re intruding on. Until Din turns his eyes to you for a split moment, simply you and him caught in this snagged moment before he rapidly looks back at the baby.

“Make sure this one doesn’t get into trouble kid.” He teases with the baby about you and your heart grows wings, soars right out of your chest.

But that was two weeks ago.

The job was meant to take a week and now your mind spirals into worry, clouds up thick and heavy. It only worsens when you head to the feed store to grab a few extra provisions.

“Storm’s coming soon, make sure you lock up early for the night.” The older store owner announces what you’ve been dreading.

You felt the storm coming in your bones.

Living so many years out here you start to notice the changes in the air, the shift in the wind, the glooming clouds creeping more and more off in the distance. It makes your heart drop. You clutch the little boy asleep on your shoulder tighter as you readjust the blanket you’ve mostly kept him hidden under.

“So, you really still ain’t telling us where you got this babe from are ya?” The store owner means well. They all do in their own way.

“Like I told you and everyone else I grew him in my garden.” You answer.

He laughs at your reply and before anything more can be asked you rush out back home.

The rain comes first. It’s a blessing most days, a breeze of grace relieving the town and the earth of the heat. Now it floods your heart with dread.

What if Din is dead? What if he's in need of help?

What if he’s lost somewhere?

He can’t be lost you rationalize. He knows his way and you know that. He’s the best navigator you’ve known just from hearing him talk about his travels. But everything in you screams, almost begs you, to steal a horse from the town to try to find him and just do something.

It only gets worse as the storm only picks up. The sky from your window, dark and thundering, becomes a harbinger of dread.

The wind howls fierce. It shakes the house with a force reminding you that you are just a small human and cannot fight against a storm. Baby boy cries clutching you tight and you wipe his sweet watery glossy eyes soaked bright in the lamplight.

“It’s okay bug, we’re fine. I’m here. We’ll wait this out.”

Wait out the storm, wait for Din.

Thankfully the baby falls asleep while unfortunately your body is unable to settle though. You blame the rattling thunder now competing with the wind.

However, it’s there in the sound of the storm that you hear it - the fierce sound of a horse outside your cabin.

With a fast glance at the baby sound asleep you scramble to head outside. The wind whips out to greet you first. But in that whirlwind, through the pelting rain, you see the black stallion horse you are so afraid of and then his rider.

There he is, a phantom in the storm, your cowboy.

“Din!” You scream and move before you even realize it. A few steps off the porch and there you are rushing, flying out in the storm to him.

The rain soaks you to your bones instantly. You almost fall in the thick mud as you rush to him. His focus isn’t even on you. Din is busy in finally settling down his horse as he ties his fierce companion to the side of your fence post. That’s when Din turns towards you for a split second before you barrel into him.

You can’t help it. You had fought back the thoughts of him never coming back and truly becoming a ghost. And now here he was, solid and soaked in your arms. Your ghost, your phantom, your cowboy, is a man consecrated here and you don’t want him to leave ever again.

“I-I’m sorry!” You stammer pulling back realizing what the hell you’ve done. “I just…Come on! Let’s get out of this storm!”

He lets you wrangle him to the safety of your porch like he’s one of your rascally goats.

If only the townspeople could see him now.

This myth, this mysterious wild bounty hunter of a man with more guns you want to even think about, is drenched. His bandana is sticking to his face and you can see the outline of his striking nose.

As you try to make sure this phantom doesn’t disappear before your eyes, your lips twitch wanting to cry and you hate it.

“I thought you weren’t coming back.” Your voice leaves you, a croak so small you’re afraid it might get caught up in the wind.

“I was…I was so scared thinking you might not come back.”

The rain, you think, must still be dripping down your face until your vision blurs. You blink and discover tears streaming full on rivers down your face. Your focus has even gone away from the bounty hunter, like maybe you really are waiting for this to be a desert mirage.

Boots suddenly stomp on your porch, fiercely loud and sharp, as if they’re trying to mimic the thunder roaring around you. You look up. Din, bare face with his bandana yanked down, walks fast and fierce towards you. He is all you see before his lips are on yours.

The kiss steals your soul and is all consuming. His gloved hand holds your face like you might be the one to disappear in the air. For being a wild bounty hunter, the town's terrifying ghost story, he kisses you tender. Both of your clothes are drenched. His lips are cold. But it is everything you wanted.

“Honey.” He breathes out and it’s all you need.

All you can do is clutch onto him, your rain soaked phantom, and let the storm whip around the two of you. Your heart thanks the wind for bringing him home to you.

[the-witch-with-the-raven-tattoo]

After about a decade of building up my crystal collection, I can no longer close my eyes to what I've been supporting. Far from the good vibes that crystals are purported to have, I need to be honest that their trade funds the same human rights abuses and environmental destruction that I've spent most of my life decrying. I need to address this cognitive dissonance within myself, and can no longer endorse buying mass-market crystals anymore. I call myself an earth-worshipper, or nature-worshipper, yet I'm contributing to the destruction of the Earth and her people. This no longer sits right with me. Yes, there are likely minerals in my phone that were mined using less-than-ethical practices, however a cell phone in this day and age is kind of a necessity. Decorative crystals and fossils, though, are more difficult to justify in this way.

I'm still going to keep the ones I have for now, because, welp, the damage has already been done, and getting rid of them now won't undo what I've been endorsing with my dollar. I still have a box of gems that I bought to make wire-wrapped jewelery with, and I'm still not sure what I'm going to do with those, so they're tucked away until I can decide.

If there's interest, I may make some pieces with them and put them up for sale as a Crystal Clearout sale, since I did spend a lot of money on those supplies. Or I might wear or gift them. We will see.

Back to my spiritual practice. What am I going to use instead?

River rocks!

Or lake rocks. Park rocks. Parking lot rocks. Farm rocks. Forest Rocks. Anything except store-bought is fine. Look at these cool rocks I've found in my city so far! These are geologically tied to the place I live, they carry the history on the land I'm on, which is not mine to live on. It is Treaty 6 territory—the traditional and ancestral territory of the Cree, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux. This territory is home to the Métis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions 2, 3 and 4 within the historical Northwest Métis Homeland.

These stones carry the memory of the people who were here before me, and that of a not-so-distant history I need to address time and time again, examine my own biases, and do what I can to address inequalities right here, right now. They are a connection to this land, and those who live on it.

These stones can also hold my own memories, for instance this petrified wood reminds me of a day a friend and I went rock-hunting by the river, and on a trip to Ontario with this same friend, we found some jade (I think). Which brings me to another point. I am not a geologist. I plan to learn about minerals local to me, but I'll never have the assurance of some shopkeeper (whatever that's worth) that what I'm holding is 100% a piece of pure amethyst, and here is a list of its properties. Instead, I'll be able to find my own meaning in the stones, feathers and flowers I find while walking in the world, and use them in my practices the way I feel intuitively guided to.

In spiritual practices, what we are working with is energy and intention. The rest are simply tools, symbols for our brain to understand what we are channeling towards or away from. The most important quality you can develop as a witch, a pagan, a yogi, a spiritualist, whatever you wish to call yourself, is self-trust. Trust that you are enough. Trust that this stone made its way to you so that you would find it exactly when you did. Trust that the herbs you lovingly grew, watered, bundled and dried are sufficient for clearing any stale energies. Learn from those who came before you, but at a certain point, you have to free yourself from reliance on corporations, merchants, readers, authors, course creators, and anyone else looking to make a buck off your lack of experience and confidence.

When you have a true need, harken not to others' greed. (the Wiccan Rede)

Consumerism has its hooks in us to such a point where we feel like we have to buy our way out of all of our real or perceived inadequacies.

Feeling down? Buy this sun lamp!

Tummy hurts? It's this scary new syndrome I just made up! Peer review, what's that? Nevermind. Buy this supplement!

Want to feel really cool and attractive? Buy this new outfit!

Want to make friends? Learn a new hobby! Oh, but this hobby requires you to buy all this gear before anyone thinks you're serious about it! And make sure you buy a t-shirt that says you're into this hobby while you're at it, so you can talk about it to everyone!

McSpirituality works the same way. Feel like you don't belong? It's definitely a past life thing, buy a reading with me to find out! Looking for love? Make sure you buy a rose quartz to send a lover your way within 24 hours. Hmm, it didn't work? It must not be big enough. Make sure you buy this one instead! Trying to get into meditation? You'll need to buy a zafu, some mala beads, and a buddha head with some very questionable history Are you broke after all these purchases? You can just buy this abundance generating spell kit, and this $10K course (I have seen this price point, it's not hyperbole) on dissolving your subconscious blocks to abundance!

It's not your fault, it's the system we all live in. I was, and still am, immersed in it too. If you're in a tough place, it can be so easy to be swept up by the promise of a quick fix, because spiritual work is hard. You'll have to confront yourself in some tough ways, work through traumatic experiences and spend years building discipline and focus.

It's a lot easier to just walk into a crystal shop and pick the one you like, isn't it? But I want to remind myself that life doesn't work that way.

Do you just walk into a store and pick out the partner, the job, the house, the experiences, the circumstances that look prettiest?

Okay, maybe some of you do if you're very lucky or have certain privileges, but these choices aren't always the ones that guarantee long-term compatibility or happiness.

In real life, it's a lot more like walking down a riverbank with a friend, catching up on life, and showing each other the cool thing you found, maybe deliberating on what it might be. Your rock might look different than hers, but you found it and it feels good to you. Maybe the shape feels satisfying and built just for your hand. You feel like it was waiting for you all this time.

Or maybe it's like walking home after a difficult day, and seeing the little sparkle of something glimmering in the sunlight. Maybe this represents hope and silver linings. Maybe a bird eyes you as you examine your rock, offering you company and understanding in a way that words fail to.

That feeling certainly isn't for sale in stores, or online. If I find it at a garage sale, I'll let you know.