ilovespringandautumn06

[ilovespringandautumn06]

Sweetness (short story)

🌺🌸 Pairing: Step 2 Tamarack/Tamma x Peony (MC) /platonic or romantic/ This is my first time writing for the Olnf fandom especially Tamarack, so apologies if she feels a bit out of character. This piece is set when she and the MC are both 14.

@ichigdaifukuu @skyisasilly

The two girls were having a sleepover at Tamarack’s grandfather’s house. They’d snuck in snacks from outside, grinning at each other like they were getting away with something, even though Tamma’s Omi probably knew and just let them pretend. They lounged on the bed in the cozy guest room, trading snacks. Peony pulled cookies from the inside of her jacket like a secret agent, and Tamarack swapped her fig bars for Peony’s unfamiliar treat.

“Koulourakia,” Peony said, holding one out.

Tamma blinked at it. “Coola-what now?”

“They’re kinda crunchy outside but soft inside. My aunt always brings them when she visits.” Peony flopped onto her back and shoved one of Tamma’s fig cookies into her mouth, staring at the TV.

“Wait—how do you even say that again?” Tamma asked, sitting cross-legged on her bed.

“Mm-hmmhakoul…” Peony mumbled through a mouthful.

Tamma squinted. “Girl. What?”

Peony laughed, crumbs falling onto her hoodie. “Butter cookies. That’s easier. Took me years to say the full name without messing it up.”

Tamma raised a brow and scooted closer. “You’re still wearing your jacket. You brought PJs, remember?”

She crawled over and plopped down beside Peony. Her long, golden-orange hair spread across the blankets as her ruby-red eyes focused on her friend.

Peony just kept eating. Until she coughed. Hard. Crumbs flying.Tamma sighed and sat back up, brushing her wavy hair out of her face as she glanced around the dim room. The only light came from the TV and the soft nightlights lining the corners.

“You’re such a mess sometimes,” she muttered, fiddling with the sleeve of her pink pajama top.

Peony didn’t answer. She just rolled over, facing away from Tamma, pulling her hood up and curling into a ball. Tamma blinked, surprised. She reached over, gently rubbing Peony’s head.

“We’re good here, you know? No school, no weird boys, no adults breathing down our necks. Just us.” 

Peony shifted. Then sat up slowly, her expression different now..quieter. Her brown eyes stayed on her lap. “I know,” she mumbled. “It’s just… I don’t know.”

She twisted her fingers together, clearly frustrated with herself. Her voice cracked a little. “Forget it.”

Then she got up, grabbing her bag.

“I’ll be back,” she said quickly, before heading for the door.

Tamma didn’t stop her. Just watched as the door clicked shut behind her.

Tamarack knew what it felt like to be insecure. These braces were the worst, she couldn’t eat half the stuff she liked. No popcorn, no gum, no chewy candy. Not even jerky. And smiling? Ugh. She used to never think twice about her teeth, but now… every time she opens her mouth, all she can think about is how metal her mouth looked. Around most people, she barely even showed her teeth. Only her close friends ever got to see her full smile.

She laid back on her bed, the TV playing some random cartoon she wasn’t really watching. A plastic container of butter cookies sat next to her, untouched. Peony had gone to change, and Tamarack was just waiting now, glancing between her cello case and the music sheets spread out on her lap. With a sigh, she sat up and opened the case, pulling the cloth out to gently wipe it down, even though she’d already cleaned it yesterday.

Band was one of the only things that made her feel confident lately. She really wanted Peony to join, but Peony always shook her head like it was no big deal. Even though she could play guitar like crazy, way better than half the kids in music class. She used to be all about showing off her skills when they were little. But now? It was like she was hiding.

Her thoughts were cut off when she heard the door creak open. She turned, and there was Peony hair tied up in quick French braids with pink elastics, wearing her cute butterfly PJ set. A pink tank top with white straps, little purple shorts, and her usual yellow flip-flops. She rubbed her arms awkwardly, hovering in the doorway.

Tamarack’s breath caught a little. It wasn’t like Peony never looked cute she always did but she usually hid behind baggy hoodies and oversized jeans. This was… different.

Tamarack grinned and quickly shut her cello case, setting the cloth aside.

“Oh my gosh, you look so pretty!” she squealed, launching over to give her friend a squishy hug.

Peony squeaked, caught off guard, cheeks going dark. “Stooop,” she groaned, rolling her eyes but not really fighting it. “I'm not that pretty…”

Tamarack pulled back just enough to pout up at her. “Yes, you are! Don’t be dumb.”

Peony laughed nervously, brushing her fingers through her braid. “I’ll believe you if you stop squeezing me like I’m gonna pop. I think my ribs just cracked.”

Tamarack burst into giggles and spun her around, both of them laughing until—

Knock knock knock.

“Keep it down in there!” came her opa’s voice through the door, gruff, but not mad.

They froze, covering their mouths to hold in their laughter. “Sorry!” Tamarack called out, her braces flashing in a big grin. “We’ll be quiet!”

She crossed her fingers behind her back. Peony mirrored her with a tiny smirk.

“Goodnight, Gramps!” Peony called sweetly. They waited for the sound of his grumbling footsteps fading down the hall before turning to each other.

Peony straightened her back stiffly and squinted, pretending to be her grandpa. “Keep it down! I’m tryin’ to win at bingo!”

Then she dramatically clutched her back and toppled onto the floor. “Ahh! My spine! It’s over!”

Tamarack burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “Don’t insult my opa! That’s so rude—snort!”

She grabbed her pillow and whacked Peony, who yelped and tried to block it with her arms.

“Ahh! Not the face! This is assault!” Peony shouted, grabbing a second pillow and swinging back.

Soon, they were both flopped on the bed, out of breath, red-faced from laughter. The TV still droned in the background, forgotten. Tamarack’s cheeks ache from smiling too much, but for once, she didn’t care if her braces showed. Just staring at peony smiling face, nose all scrunch and her smile showing gums.. yea..

This was perfect..

[ilovespringandautumn06]

hii! love your writing! Can i request a step 2 Qiu/Tam x Popular MC? about them feeling jealous of other students constantly grabbing the MC’s attention away

step 2 jealous Qiu & Tamarack with a popular!gn!MC

Qiu

We all know that Qiu is and was kinda popular amongst Golden Grove people, so they understand how hard it can be to pay attention for all people around you, just for because of your popularity. You're not guilty for being so cool, yeah.

So, they were okay with you being around less and less, they were okay with some people distracting you from talking to them when they were out and about with you... At least that what they firstly thought.

They didn't mind you being popular at all, but what about you and them? Your time together?

They were staring at you through their window in their bedroom, you were talking with a group of people around you. You were so happy without them around... They had to agree, you were radiant and sparkling with beauty, but they want your company too, y'know?

Autumn didn't quite get when they started to feel overwhelmed with it. Or they were... jealous? They wanted to come over where you were with others and just take you to their bedroom or their hideout and make sure you stay here for a while. Nowhere else and with noone else besides you two. Just being with them for more then half of an hour works.

But of course they wouldn't do that. Nuh-uh. You have your own freedom and they can't just cross its boundaries. So what about a small, a bit of a sulky talk with Qiu when you finally come to visit them? Maybe, if you wouldn't come for quite a time they'll make a favor and come to you instead in a not-threatening-way-possible. They just have to hope it'll solve the issue.

Tamarack

Mainly at the start of your popularity, Tamarack was not against some people coming to you when you where hanging out with her, to say hi to you. It's what a relationship with other people means. That you acknowledge a person whenever you can.

But it was starting to get ridiculous at some point. She didn't know how you dealt with all these people around.

Tama surely didn't mind those who were around you, but they weren't quite sincere all along!

They didn't recognize her as "Tamarack Baumann", but rather as "MC's friend" and it wasn't nice at all.

So, only after a few failed attempts to interrupt them when she was clearly spending time you, Tamarack started to feel even more insecure about herself and started being more quiet. When she was spending time only with you, she was feeling way better, but those... people, kept messing around.

She preferred spending time with you calmly and cozy, without so many different people she wasn't so interested in. But these ones were too clingy and too rude sometimes! She felt like they put her down more and more in your eyes. She was a bit scared about you forgetting about her presence, but she still trusted you.

Tamarack thought through about this and decided to take matters into one's own hands. She'll come to you herself, tagging you along with her somewhere nearby the forest, and ask about spending more time with her and a bit less with others. She just prays it'll be okay with you... Give her a lot of big hearty hugs later!!!

A/N: lmaoo this pumpkins r so silly i love it

soo if this piece of something has mistakes please lemme know!!! im writing this at 2 am hehe...

trying to write as canon as possible and i hope i do that... the advises are highly welcomed btwww

OH AND HAII TYSMM I'M SO GLAD YOU LOVE MY WRITING!! have a nice day anon!!!

[ilovespringandautumn06]

Ahhhh I’m so sorry I didn’t get back to you until now I’ve been really sick 😭

But can I basically just request a OLN&F step two crushing scenario with both Tamarack and Qiu(separate), the gist of it is that MC has always been a physically affectionate person as a kid and kept up with that attitude even as a teen, but! is also very unaware of the fact that because they are so physically affectionate with Qiu/Tamarack people all the time think their dating 😭

" AFFECTION "

📌 Pairing: Step 2 Qiu/Tamarack x GN!MC (Separate)

📌 Thank you for the ask! Sorry it took a while :D and I hope you're feeling better <33

Qiu "Autumn" Lin

This jerk is so smug about it.

Whether they're 10 or 14, they love that you're clingy with them!

They're absolutely beaming as you hold onto their arm

And if you're being affectionate in public they'll look at the poor people surrounding the two of you, shit eating grin on their face as if they're saying "See this? They chose me and not you. Lol. Losers"

If there's a rumor going around that the two of you are dating, Qiu wouldn't deny it if someone asks them whether its true or not

"So are you two actually dating or..?" "Maybe, maybe not" "…So are you?" "Are we :]?"

Gosh they're insufferable

Makes those rumors worse by either flirting with you or subtly reciprocating your affection where people can witness the moment (the latter rarely happens)

If people start hating on you because of how affectionate you are towards Autumn, they'll start flirting with you even more just to spite them

And because they find your reactions adorable <3

Oh, and Qiu totally puffs out their chest proudly like a lion whenever someone mentions that you're more affectionate towards them than anybody else

Though they're overly smug and teasing about it, they absolutely melt inside. Especially if you're being affectionate in private

They love your little private moments so much. It makes them feel special that though you could've been with anyone else, you're there being affectionate with them instead

Qiu doesn't put in effort to be physically affectionate with anyone these days, but they're willing to do so if its for you

They got so used to your affection that anytime you're near each other and you don't start getting touchy with them after 2 seconds, they kinda get annoyed

Would always be searching for your warmth, it doesn't have to be much, just your pinkies intertwined or your shoulders brushing against each other is enough

You're their special someone

They'll never admit that out loud though! (Yet)

Tamarack Baumann

Flustered! Very very flustered

But is equally happy that you're being affectionate with them

Tamarack was a very affectionate kid, she hugged you anytime she was given the opportunity!! So even if she's more reserved as a teen, throwing her arms around you feels as natural as breathing

Would get a teeny tiny heart attack if you're really affectionate with her in public

But if you're doing it alone together, in the forest or either one of your houses, she'd be drowning in your affection

I think she's equally clingy in private if you have a good relationship with her to be honest

Now. Tamarack definitely always knows what's going on in town, and in school

So it doesn't take long for her to find out that people think you two are dating

As much as she denies this rumor whenever someone mentions it to her, she's absolutely giddy about the thought of the two of you being together like that

She honestly doesn't want people to stop believing in that rumor, but what would you think??

Tamarack doesn't mind, but what if you don't like the thought of you two dating? What if you grow distant because of it?? What if you're grossed out??? What if-

Okay yeah you get my point but she stresses over it a lot

So unless you confirm that you're okay with it, she'll absolutely deny it

She doesn't want you to be uncomfortable, and she doesn't want to ruin what the two of you have just because of a rumor

You're her safe place, she doesn't want to lose you

Tamarack may be doubting her place in the world but she knows she fits right in your arms perfectly

[ilovespringandautumn06]

Updated my mc outfit design ( Peony 🌸)

She also dyed her hair during step 3. (The boots make her look tall)

@skyisasilly

@ichigdaifukuu (Hope you don't mind the tagging 😭)

[ilovespringandautumn06]

I love my spring child ❤️

[ilovespringandautumn06]

OMG THIS IS SO ADORABLE 😭😭

I love your art style already!!

HEY YOU!! EVER WANTED UR MC IN OUR LIFE NOW AND FOREVER TO BE DRAWN?!?

ill be debating opening comms sometime soon, and i plan to do strictly olnf artwork in their artstyle! ill make a proper post soon if i end up opening them. heres examples of my artwork if your interested: the second one is a WIP haha..) (AND I DIDNT DRAW THE FIRST ONES BG!)

[ilovespringandautumn06]

Tamarack is the president. And us? Her loyal citizens.

[ilovespringandautumn06]

More info about my Olnf OCs - (series)

Requested by: @ilovespringandautumn06

(I’ll add more photos later)

Eve Miara Step 1

Eve is a very shy person in this stage of her life, she doesn’t talk much and keeps to herself. She dreams of being able to speak her thoughts out loud though she's scared of being judged for it. She writes stories and loves music and singing. Her relationship with her mom is good though she hides behind her mom a lot when meeting other people(adults) she doesn’t know. When she met Qiu she was really nervous and thought Qiu is pretty and accidentally blurted out “so pretty…” when they first met.

She has a crush on both Qiu and Tamarack.

Eve Miara step 2

Eve comes out as a demigirl and starts using they/them pronouns as well as she/her pronouns. She gets a nose piercing and some earrings for their 14th birthday. They dye half her hair black and keep their natural orange hair color for the other half.

Eve is more confident and less shy now that they’ve grown up more and matured.

Eve has a bigger crush on tamarack than before and she questions her romantic orientation. They are writing a novel now and their goal is to become an author. She still likes Qiu but hangs around Tamarack more. They really gained interest in stories- reading, and writing them. They are way more outgoing than she was as a kid.

Eve Miara step 3

Eve is officially in a relationship with tamarack and still has a crush on Qiu but she denies it. Eve is getting recognized for their writing skills and books she’s writing. Eve still identifies with she/they pronouns but is experimenting with he/him as well. She has a passion for singing as well as writing her stories.

Eve Miara step 4

Eve comes out as transmasc in this step using He/they pronouns. He has a short bob with a dyed purple color so they can wear it up in a bun. Their clothing style has evolved into baggy clothes and he eventually gets top surgery to feel comfortable in his own body. After top surgery he started wearing crop tops and feminine clothes again but has days of baggy clothes too. Happily in a poly relationship with both Qiu and Tamarack.

[ilovespringandautumn06]

Art of my Olnf MC!!

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

These are just test designs (Need to draw more)

Based step 1 peony outfit off of this!

[ilovespringandautumn06]

More info about my OLNF OC-(series)

Starting with Willow Mikora

requested by: @ilovespringandautumn06

Willow step 1

Willow identifies as female in this stage of her life, she loves painting and drawing her art filling up the walls of her bedroom and other places in the house as well. She can be very clumsy and she gets hurt a lot due to this. She is very bubbly, energetic and hopeful, moving to Golden Grove gave her hope for a good future. She has a crush on Qiu in this step but she’s a bit… shy about it so she takes to secretly drawing him, and writing crappy poems about him. Tamarack is her friend in this stage and they talk about nature together a lot.

Her relationship to her mom is that she loves her mom and cares a lot about her. They rarely get in fights due to this since they see things eye to eye most of the time. Her clothing style is mostly girly in this stage but she can be a bit tomboyish in style sometimes too

Willow step 2

Willow identifies as nonbinary in this step using they/them pronouns. They came out around the same time their crush Qiu had come out. They style themselves more androgynous now and they have some new piercings, they also dyed their hair partially. They think of Qiu as their best friend..but they still have a crush on them except they're not as shy about it now. Their relationship with Tamarack is still good except for the fact Tamarack and Qiu don’t get along as much anymore. They also still get along with their mom but now that they’re older they don’t see eye to eye as much anymore.

Willow steps 3-4

Willow comes out as gender-fluid in this stage of their life and they use She/They pronouns now but they use They/Them more often than She/Her. They are officially dating Qiu now and are a dancer alongside Qiu. They're less clumsy now but still clumsy. In this stage of their life they are less energetic than they were as a kid but still super friendly and hopeful.

✨

[ilovespringandautumn06]

I would love to learn more about these characters!

Olnf ocs info master list

Starting with….

Willow Mikora Step 1

Female identifying but was born Intersex

Very Clumsy

Bubbly personality

Energetic

Hopeful

Willow Mikora Step 2

Nonbinary identifying

Charming/friendly

Clumsy

New piercings

Partially dyed hair

Willow Mikora Steps 3-4

Gender-fluid

Qiu’s Romantic Partner

Dancer

Less clumsy but still clumsy

The picture for Willow for steps 3-4 needs updated

Eve Miara step 1

Female

Shy personality

loves music and singing

loves writing stories

Eve Miara Step 2

Demigirl

Talkative

Creative

Author

Intelligent

Loves music and singing

No picture for step 2 yet…

W.I.P

[ilovespringandautumn06]

Tamarack fanart!!

❤️✨

[ilovespringandautumn06]

REALLY!? 😭 Got shy sharing her, glad you like her.

First post lol

Meet My MC!

I've seen so many people introduce their own OLNF OCs, so I thought I’d join in and create a blog to share mine! 🌸

This is my MC: Persephone "Peony" Gardener. She’s on the Qiu route and uses she/her pronouns.

Peony is Greek, though she doesn’t speak the language, at least not fluently. Her biological father is Afro-Greek, and her mother, Opal, is Black American. Despite the language barrier, Opal made it a point to teach Peony about her heritage. Over time, Peony slowly begins to pick up Greek as she grows older.

Before moving to Golden Grove, Peony and her mom lived in Pennsylvania, where they frequently visited gardens and were regulars at the local horticulture society. These experiences sparked Peony's deep love for nature and wildlife, a passion that’s perfectly fitting for someone named after a flower. 🌿🌼

👇🏾

Step 1

Meet Persephone "Peony" Gardener!

(AKA the flower girl who talks too much)

Peony is 10 years old and very loud (but in a fun way!). She LOVES nature, like, loves loves. She’s always pointing out bugs and cool leaves and giving names to flowers no one asked her to name. She also roller skates everywhere even when she’s not supposed to (Opal says, "not inside, Peony!!" at least five times a day).

She’s super girly and proud of it, bows, sparkles, pink sneakers, all of it. She also kind of the definition of “girl.”

Peony tries to be friends with everyone. Even if they’re weird. Actually, especially if they’re weird. That’s why she immediately decided Tamarack was her best friend. Tamarack was loud and wild and said funny things, and Peony thought her hair was the prettiest thing ever. She thought Tamarack was a little weirdo at first… but that made her love her more. Weirdos are the best!

She’s also super protective of her friends, especially Tamarack. If someone messes with Tamarack, they’re messing with her. Even Darren, who’s kind of mean sometimes, gets a second (and third and fourth) chance. She still tries to be nice to him. Even if he acts like a grump.

Peony’s glued to Opal. Like, seriously. She’s always holding her hand or asking her questions or repeating what she says like it’s straight from the news. In her eyes, Opal is always right, even when she’s definitely wrong. When she met Baxter, the first thing she noticed were his moles. She thought they were soooo pretty, like little secret stars. And he liked hers too!! That made her happy. He seemed older and kind of serious, which made him feel super cool and mysterious, like a character in one of her storybooks. Tamarack teases her about it all the time.

Step 2

Then there’s Qiu. At first, she didn’t fall in love or anything, but she did notice how pretty his eyes were. She thought he was kind of silly and sometimes kinda dumb in a funny way, but cute too. During that one part at Golden Grove Park (Step 1, Wheels!), she started catching feelings. Like, little crush feelings. Even though she didn’t totally understand it yet, her “hopeless romantic” brain (that’s what Opal calls it) went wild.

Persephone “Peony” Gardener – Age 14

At 14, Peony hasn’t totally changed, she’s still Peony, but she’s definitely quieter now. Less loud, more…”realistic”. She doesn’t always say everything she’s thinking anymore, even if she wants to. She keeps more to herself, not because she doesn’t care, but because she thinks too much now. She second-guesses everything. Sometimes she just stays quiet because she doesn’t want to sound weird.

She still loves nature and flowers and pink, but she’s a little more tomboyish these days. Her style got baggier, more chill. Peony started doing her own hair (Opal was furious when she chopped it off herself, it was crooked and everything), but Peony felt kind of proud. It was the first time she did something just for her.She still loves her mom a lot, but it’s not like she’s stuck to her hip anymore. Opal doesn’t always get it now, she’s amazing, but sometimes too much. They still talk, still laugh, tho sometimes fight...but Peony keeps more to herself. Some things just feel too embarrassing to share, even with her.

Puberty sucks. She hates that her body is changing, and she doesn’t like looking in the mirror some days. She wears big hoodies and jackets to hide the way her chest is growing. She hates the braces. She used to love dresses, but now she only wears them if she has to. Everything feels awkward and too much. But no one knows that. She doesn’t let them know. She acts like she’s got it all under control, even when she doesn’t.

She doesn’t want to believe in fairies and magical creatures anymore, because that’s “kid stuff,” right? But deep down, she still does. She just hides it. She's scared people will think she’s childish.With her friends, she’s still loyal, but she’s not friends with everyone anymore. She got more selective. A little judgy, even if she tries to hide it. She doesn’t like being lied to, but she’s gotten really good at lying herself. She likes feeling like the “adult” of the group, even if it’s all just pretending.

Tamarack is still her girl. They've grown closer, and now Peony calls her Tamma or other silly nicknames. Peony hates Tamma’s parents, like, actual deep anger. She won’t say it out loud often, but she wishes bad things on them sometimes. She’d never let anyone disrespect Tamma without saying something. They’re the kind of girls who just get each other, no explanation needed.

Peony supports other girls no matter what. She admires the ones who wear skirts and walk like they don’t care what anyone thinks. She started realizing she doesn’t just like boys. There’s something about those confident girls, the ones who shine in ways she doesn’t know how to...and yeah. Crushes happen.

Then there's Qiu.

Peony has the biggest most embarrassing crush on them. It’s awful and amazing. She didn’t fall for them right away, but now it’s just...ugh. Everything Qiu does makes her stomach twist up in knots. Their smile? Their eyes? Total chaos. She tries to act cool around them but usually ends up rambling or awkwardly laughing too much. She brushes their hair out of their face like it’s nothing, but it totally isn’t nothing. Every tiny hug makes her brain shut down.

She’s more touchy with Qiu now, not clingy, just...casual. (But not really casual at all.) She teases them sometimes, badly, and then gets flustered when they tease back. It’s this weird awkward flirty-not-flirty thing that neither of them really knows how to handle. They both blush way too easily.

Peony fully supported Qiu when they came out as they/them. She practiced saying it right every day. If she ever slipped up, she’d beat herself up about it all night. She’s so careful now, because she wants Qiu to feel safe around her. They're best friends. And also...maybe more? She doesn't know. It's messy. It's scary. But she likes them. A lot. And that’s terrifying.

But she’d never, ever say any of this out loud.

[ilovespringandautumn06]

ੈ✩‧₊˚༻ They are so cute, I can't wait for the game to come out! @gb-patchᯓ⭑.ᐟ

--

ੈ✩‧₊˚༻ Eles são tão fofos, Mal posso esperar para o lançamento do jogo! ᯓ⭑.ᐟ

[ilovespringandautumn06]

maksheiehao the one that sell Tamarack the most for me is somehow the part where she said because the mc introduce our main name first, then supposedly it is the better name. idk why, it's just like asksbiabskajakaka my child!!!!!! 💥💥💥💥💥😭😭😭😭💞💖💞💖💞💖💞

✧─── ･ ｡ﾟ★: *.✦ .* :★. ───✧

[ilovespringandautumn06]

First post lol

Meet My MC!

I've seen so many people introduce their own OLNF OCs, so I thought I’d join in and create a blog to share mine! 🌸

This is my MC: Persephone "Peony" Gardener. She’s on the Qiu route and uses she/her pronouns.

Peony is Greek, though she doesn’t speak the language, at least not fluently. Her biological father is Afro-Greek, and her mother, Opal, is Black American. Despite the language barrier, Opal made it a point to teach Peony about her heritage. Over time, Peony slowly begins to pick up Greek as she grows older.

Before moving to Golden Grove, Peony and her mom lived in Pennsylvania, where they frequently visited gardens and were regulars at the local horticulture society. These experiences sparked Peony's deep love for nature and wildlife, a passion that’s perfectly fitting for someone named after a flower. 🌿🌼

👇🏾

Step 1

Meet Persephone "Peony" Gardener!

(AKA the flower girl who talks too much)

Peony is 10 years old and very loud (but in a fun way!). She LOVES nature, like, loves loves. She’s always pointing out bugs and cool leaves and giving names to flowers no one asked her to name. She also roller skates everywhere even when she’s not supposed to (Opal says, "not inside, Peony!!" at least five times a day).

She’s super girly and proud of it, bows, sparkles, pink sneakers, all of it. She also kind of the definition of “girl.”

Peony tries to be friends with everyone. Even if they’re weird. Actually, especially if they’re weird. That’s why she immediately decided Tamarack was her best friend. Tamarack was loud and wild and said funny things, and Peony thought her hair was the prettiest thing ever. She thought Tamarack was a little weirdo at first… but that made her love her more. Weirdos are the best!

She’s also super protective of her friends, especially Tamarack. If someone messes with Tamarack, they’re messing with her. Even Darren, who’s kind of mean sometimes, gets a second (and third and fourth) chance. She still tries to be nice to him. Even if he acts like a grump.

Peony’s glued to Opal. Like, seriously. She’s always holding her hand or asking her questions or repeating what she says like it’s straight from the news. In her eyes, Opal is always right, even when she’s definitely wrong. When she met Baxter, the first thing she noticed were his moles. She thought they were soooo pretty, like little secret stars. And he liked hers too!! That made her happy. He seemed older and kind of serious, which made him feel super cool and mysterious, like a character in one of her storybooks. Tamarack teases her about it all the time.

Step 2

Then there’s Qiu. At first, she didn’t fall in love or anything, but she did notice how pretty his eyes were. She thought he was kind of silly and sometimes kinda dumb in a funny way, but cute too. During that one part at Golden Grove Park (Step 1, Wheels!), she started catching feelings. Like, little crush feelings. Even though she didn’t totally understand it yet, her “hopeless romantic” brain (that’s what Opal calls it) went wild.

Persephone “Peony” Gardener – Age 14

At 14, Peony hasn’t totally changed, she’s still Peony, but she’s definitely quieter now. Less loud, more…”realistic”. She doesn’t always say everything she’s thinking anymore, even if she wants to. She keeps more to herself, not because she doesn’t care, but because she thinks too much now. She second-guesses everything. Sometimes she just stays quiet because she doesn’t want to sound weird.

She still loves nature and flowers and pink, but she’s a little more tomboyish these days. Her style got baggier, more chill. Peony started doing her own hair (Opal was furious when she chopped it off herself, it was crooked and everything), but Peony felt kind of proud. It was the first time she did something just for her.She still loves her mom a lot, but it’s not like she’s stuck to her hip anymore. Opal doesn’t always get it now, she’s amazing, but sometimes too much. They still talk, still laugh, tho sometimes fight...but Peony keeps more to herself. Some things just feel too embarrassing to share, even with her.

Puberty sucks. She hates that her body is changing, and she doesn’t like looking in the mirror some days. She wears big hoodies and jackets to hide the way her chest is growing. She hates the braces. She used to love dresses, but now she only wears them if she has to. Everything feels awkward and too much. But no one knows that. She doesn’t let them know. She acts like she’s got it all under control, even when she doesn’t.

She doesn’t want to believe in fairies and magical creatures anymore, because that’s “kid stuff,” right? But deep down, she still does. She just hides it. She's scared people will think she’s childish.With her friends, she’s still loyal, but she’s not friends with everyone anymore. She got more selective. A little judgy, even if she tries to hide it. She doesn’t like being lied to, but she’s gotten really good at lying herself. She likes feeling like the “adult” of the group, even if it’s all just pretending.

Tamarack is still her girl. They've grown closer, and now Peony calls her Tamma or other silly nicknames. Peony hates Tamma’s parents, like, actual deep anger. She won’t say it out loud often, but she wishes bad things on them sometimes. She’d never let anyone disrespect Tamma without saying something. They’re the kind of girls who just get each other, no explanation needed.

Peony supports other girls no matter what. She admires the ones who wear skirts and walk like they don’t care what anyone thinks. She started realizing she doesn’t just like boys. There’s something about those confident girls, the ones who shine in ways she doesn’t know how to...and yeah. Crushes happen.

Then there's Qiu.

Peony has the biggest most embarrassing crush on them. It’s awful and amazing. She didn’t fall for them right away, but now it’s just...ugh. Everything Qiu does makes her stomach twist up in knots. Their smile? Their eyes? Total chaos. She tries to act cool around them but usually ends up rambling or awkwardly laughing too much. She brushes their hair out of their face like it’s nothing, but it totally isn’t nothing. Every tiny hug makes her brain shut down.

She’s more touchy with Qiu now, not clingy, just...casual. (But not really casual at all.) She teases them sometimes, badly, and then gets flustered when they tease back. It’s this weird awkward flirty-not-flirty thing that neither of them really knows how to handle. They both blush way too easily.

Peony fully supported Qiu when they came out as they/them. She practiced saying it right every day. If she ever slipped up, she’d beat herself up about it all night. She’s so careful now, because she wants Qiu to feel safe around her. They're best friends. And also...maybe more? She doesn't know. It's messy. It's scary. But she likes them. A lot. And that’s terrifying.

But she’d never, ever say any of this out loud.