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Arsenal 22/23 a season review Part 1 of 3: August-World Cup- A Stunning Start.

The 2022/23 season is Mikel Arteta’s 3rd full campaign in charge of Arsenal and aswell the 3rd of his managerial career. His 1st game in the hot seat came on Boxing Day of 2019, a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth which saw Arsenal drop down a place to 12th in the table. Just a few months into his reign and Arteta was the first high profile figure in English Football to be diagnosed with Covid-19, the virus which drew the Premier League to a standstill for 3 months and the wider world for a much longer time. It was to empty stadiums which Arsenal played out the remainder of their season which eventually concluded on the 1st of August. An 8th placed finish was the club’s lowest since 1995. There was joy to be found however as there so often has been for Arsenal, in the FA Cup. In the one and only Covid FA Cup Final played in front of no spectators Arsenal came from behind to defeat London rivals Chelsea for their record extending 14th FA Cup, after reaching the final with an unlikely triumph over Manchester City in the semis.

Arteta’s first half-season had ended brilliantly and his first full-season started in the same vein with more silverware following as Arsenal defeated Premier League Champions Liverpool to win the Community Shield. Tough times quickly followed and Arteta may have been somewhat grateful for the empty stadiums, as it’s questionable whether the board would have held their nerve and kept faith with such a young manager through this dreadful period had the fans been inside the ground and able to voice their frustrations. On Boxing Day of 2020, not only did Mikel celebrate the 1 year anniversary of his first match in charge, he celebrated a 3-1 victory over Chelsea, his sides first league win for nearly 2 months. It was the first time Saka, Martinelli & Smith Rowe all started a league game together for Arsenal. It was to prove a seminal moment but at the time it wasn’t enough to move his team up from 15th in the table.

It was never so bad again for Arteta and his Arsenal team, with the side eventually settling for a repeat of the previous seasons finish, again coming in 8th. Failure to win the Europa League (exiting the competition to Villarreal in the Semi-Finals, who were incidentally managed by Unai Emery, the manager sacked prior to Arteta taking the job) meant that Arsenal would be without European football for the first time since the 95-96 campaign. And the 21-22 season would begin horribly with Arsenal bottom after 3 matches in which they failed to score and conceded 9 goals.

However as the season progressed Arsenal began to find some resilience, quality and self-belief. The sides upheaval came not coincidentally around the time club captain Aubameyang was stripped of that duty before later being allowed to depart for Barcelona in the January window. Aubameyang had been the teams standout performer when winning the FA Cup, but since those performances had seen him rewarded with a new bumper contract which made him by far the club’s best paid player, his attitude and performance level had become a problem that needed to be dealt with.

More so than any win, it was actually a home defeat to Champions City which perhaps best demonstrated this new Arsenal which was beginning to emerge. They took City on and pushed them all the way only to eventually lose in the 93rd minute, whilst being a man down for the final half-hour with centre-back Gabriel being harshly dismissed.

The fight was on with local rivals Tottenham for the final Champions League spot and it was firmly in Arsenal’s hands until a run of 4 defeats in 5 allowed Spurs back into contention. The Gunners appeared to retake control with a run of 4 straight wins before losing tamely away at Spurs and then Newcastle, in the end missing out by 2 points. Throughout the season Arsenal had spells of real high quality football, and the fans had taken to the project with more passion and belief than they had in the final years of Wenger’s reign or during Unai Emery’s short-lived stint. In the end though they had missed out on the prize of Champions League football due to a combination of injuries to important players and the inexperience of a young group.

Despite the significant set-back of missing out on a Champions League spot having held it in their hands for many of the seasons final months, Arsenal still entered the summer of 2022 with plenty of reasons for optimism. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe had emerged as the real breakout stars of the prior season and Gabriel Martinelli wasn’t too far behind. There had been some clearly smart signings made by the club, in particular those of Martin Ødegaard and Ben White, signed from Real Madrid and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively. The July purchases of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko for a combined 75M from Manchester City seemed yet more smart business, in them they had picked up two quality players with four Premier League winners medals each, and both arriving aged 25 they seemed in the perfect age bracket to become big players for Arsenal not just for the immediate but aswell the foreseeable future.

Jesus’ Arsenal debut came in a 5-3 friendly win over FC Nurnberg in which he scored twice. He followed this up with another in a 2-0 win over Everton as Arsenal continued their pre-season with a tour of the USA. Arsenal played 3 matches in America and won all 3, by far the most impressive being a 4-0 trouncing of Chelsea. The Gunners made it 5 pre-season wins from 5 when they returned home the following weekend to beat Sevilla 6-0 at the Emirates, a hattrick from Jesus meaning he had netted 7 goals in his first 5 appearances in Arsenal colours.

AUGUST

Pre-season had shown exceptional promise for the season ahead, but the real business of the Premier League would be the true tell of how good this Arsenal side were. In their opening fixture of the season, 3 players made their competitive debuts for the club: Jesus, Zinchenko and 21-year old Centre-Back William Saliba who had joined the club back in 2019 for £27M, but whom had spent the past three seasons on loan in his native France, gaining the experience of playing in three different Ligue 1 sides. This would be his 4th season in a row for a different team, his first in England and in the colours of the club who had signed him years prior. His arrival meant Ben White shifted into a new right-back position, which he had played before for England but not yet for his club side.

Arsenal would get the Premier League season under way away at Crystal Palace, under the Friday night lights of Selhurst Park. No Premier League side would have envied them this difficult fixture, Arsenal had experienced just how tough it was 4 months prior, when a 3-0 loss away at the ground began a torrid run of results for the Gunners. Arsenal had also began the previous season away on a Friday night and come unstuck against newly promoted Brentford. Again Arsenal were straight back under the Premier League spotlight to see whether they had grown and matured from such damaging defeats last season.

The Arsenal quickly proved they were up to the test, starting right on the front foot and keeping Palace penned back in their own third. Jesus immediately highlighted the new dimension he was going to bring to Arsenal’s attack, when his strength then neat dribbling fashioned a great chance out of nothing, a chance Martinelli should have done much better with, his side-foot finish going the wrong side of the post with the goal gaping. The Brazilian would make up for it in the 20th minute when a corner was headed into the six-yard box by Zinchenko, who was picked out by Saka to deliver a free header. His head found Martinelli’s and from close-range he was able to notch Arsenal’s first of the league campaign.

That was to be the only goal in the game for the next hour, but despite Arsenal’s slender lead they rarely looked in danger of being pegged back. On the instances that keeper Aaron Ramsdale was called into action he was ready and dealt with Palace’s occasional threats soundly. The game was put beyond Crystal Palace in the 85th minute when Bukayo Saka’s dangerous ball across the six-yard box was headed into his own net by Guehi. This made certain of 3 richly deserved points for the Gunners.

Jamie Carragher for one was particularly impressed with the start Arsenal made to the game saying afterwards: “Arsenal played like a big team. When I say a big team, I’m talking about a Man City or Liverpool, a team who wherever they go, they dominate the opposition. I felt like we were watching City or Liverpool in that first 20 minutes, half an hour.” Fellow Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was more impressed with Arsenal in the second half saying: “The question mark about Arsenal will be whether they’ve got that robustness and resilience, physicality to get through that difficult 15 or 20 minute period in away matches, and they got through that (tonight) and that impressed me.” Saliba was also singled out for praise with Carragher adding: “He looked the real deal. He adds something, we’ve always felt they were weak, at Brentford last season they got bullied and here last season, his physical stature will certainly help them in tough away games.”

Arsenal’s first home league game of the season was against Leicester City. The opening goal began with Jesus tormenting Johnny Evans tight to the touchline, after beating him he fed Martinelli who was able to get into the penalty area and find Xhaka, the Swiss international touched it first time back into Jesus who took a touch to steady himself then teased it over the head of Ward in the Leicester goal and into the net. It was an angle he had no right to try from, let alone score from but such was the Brazilian forwards confidence in front of goal he fancied his chances from anywhere. The goal was nominated for Premier League goal of the month. Jesus got his second to double Arsenal’s advantage in the 35th minute, this time in much simpler fashion. A corner across the six-yard box was not dealt with, a Leicester head on it only sped up its path to Jesus who was waiting to nod home from practically on the goal line.

Later in the first half, Leicester thought they had a way back into the game when referee Darren England pointed to the spot having judged Ramsdale to have brought down Jamie Vardy. However VAR advised him to check the monitor, and after re-watching the incident it was clear there was no contact made and the penalty decision was reversed. Leicester did still manage to half their deficit early in the second half though, a long ball was flicked on leaving Saliba a difficult situation to deal with. Ramsdale was advancing but wouldn’t get there first and Vardy was waiting on the French defender’s shoulder, leaving him no alternative but to try and head the ball clear whilst facing his own goal. He only succeeded in diverting it into the net. This could have been a moment that the Arsenal crowd got nervous and frustrated. They had allowed a soft goal and their youngest defender was at fault. However the crowd immediately rallied behind Saliba and his teammates, he and the team needed help putting that mistake behind them and the crowd’s noise in the aftermath of conceding will have been reassuring to the players.

Demonstrating this, Arsenal went straight up the other end and scored, Ward made a meal of a cross, dropping it at the feet of Jesus who squared for Xhaka. The Swiss midfielder was being deployed in a new, more adventurous role where he was spending more time in the opposition box, he got his reward for this new tactic with a simple tap-in from right in front of the goal. Leicester would again reduce the home team’s lead to one however when Iheanacho found Maddison, who was able to shoot straight through Ramsdale. The young English keeper will have been disappointed at being so easily beaten from such an angle, his wide open legs presenting the opportunity to the Leicester midfielder. Again Arsenal immediately responded to the set-back by going up the other end and scoring again. This move began with Martinelli winning the ball back and feeding Ødegaard who moved the ball on to Jesus, who carried it forward before finding Martinelli who shot low from outside the box, he beat the outstretched Ward and hit the bottom corner, with the ball hitting the inside of the post on its way in.

It had been a good day at the office for Arsenal and a great day for Gabriel Jesus, though despite scoring 2 and assisting the other 2 of Arsenal’s 4 goals, according to his manager Jesus left the field disappointed because: “he thinks he should have scored 4, that's the sort of mentality you need. I wouldn't like to play against him. He's so mobile, intuitive, sharp and proactive in any moment or phase of the game."

Arsenal next travelled to newly promoted Bournemouth. It took The Gunners just 5 minutes to take the lead and again it came from the phenomenal centre forward play of Gabriel Jesus. A loose touch from White saw the ball launch high into the air, the Brazilian reacted first, beautifully controlling the ball whilst at the same time using his considerable body strength to hold off the Bournemouth midfielder, with exceptional balance he then dribbled around two other Bournemouth shirts until he was on the edge of the box facing their defence, with a lovely disguised pass he then fed Martinelli who was free to his left, his shot was saved but it fell straight at the feet of new captain Martin Ødegaard who was on hand to notch his first of the season. Rightfully though the praise went to Jesus with commentator Alan Smith saying: “You won’t see a better example of centre forward play than this.”

Ødegaard had to wait just 6 more minutes for his second of the season, a cross along the floor from White found Jesus who was free, his first touch wasn’t the best but it allowed it to set up nicely for the Norwegian to strike first time, which he duly did and the ball flashed into the net. Early in the second half and Arsenal had a third goal, with Xhaka setting it back to Saliba just inside the penalty area. Saliba struck it beautifully first time, keeping his shot down under the bar and too perfectly placed for the keeper to do anything about. It was just Saliba’s second goal in senior football but he had finished it with the class and composure of a player who had scored 200. The strike drew Zinchenko to his knees, clutching his head in disbelief at the quality of the finish and unsurprisingly it was voted as Arsenal’s goal of the month. Jesus thought he’d netted Arsenal’s 4th but a VAR check ruled the goal out for offside, so the North Londoners had to settle for a 3-0 win in what had been an excellent away performance.

The Arsenal faced more newly promoted opposition the following week, this time back at home against Fulham for Arteta’s 100th Premier League game in charge. They would be without Zinchenko and Partey who had picked up injuries and were replaced by Tierney and Elneny respectively. The best chance of the first half went to Saka who got beyond his marker to face Leno one against one, but he was unable to beat the keeper. It would be Fulham who took the lead however with Arsenal falling behind for the first time in the season. From the full-back position Saka flighted a ball into Gabriel, who unnecessarily played himself into trouble. He never seemed to have the ball truly under his spell, and his second touch invited Mitrovic to try and take it off him, the defender then got his body positioning wrong, and failed to protect the ball allowing the forward to nick it from behind him and then the Serb was able to keep his composure and finish past Ramsdale.

Fulham’s lead lasted just 8 minutes, Martin Ødegaard lodging Arsenal’s response. There was a degree of good fortune about the goal, with a big deflection on the strike. But there was no doubting the Norwegian had deserved it, he was having an outstanding game with all Arsenal’s danger coming through him. He was constantly creating, with inventive passes and dribbling runs. In this instance a clever stepover had bought him the space for the shot. Ødegaard continued to lead Arsenal’s push for a winner with he in particular deserving to be on the winning side, and the winner did come though not until the 86th minute. Leno failed to deal with a corner, missing with his attempted punch clearance and the ball fell at the feet of Gabriel who was able to gain the perfect redemption for his earlier error by securing all 3 points for his side. The goal kept Arsenal at the top of the Premier League as they remained the only team with a 100% record.

Arsenal finished August with another home game, facing Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa. This presented Arsenal with a chance to win their opening 5 league games for the first time since 2004. Saka passed up a golden opportunity to give Arsenal the ideal start when Martinelli’s cross found him completely free at the back post, it was set up perfectly for Saka to hit on the volley, which he did but he got too under the ball and lifted it horribly high and wide from inside the six-yard box. An Arsenal opening goal felt inevitable however and it came on the half-hour mark when Emi Martinez could only push out a Xhaka shot as far as Gabriel Jesus, who was on hand to punish him.

Martinez did go someway to redeeming himself later in the half with an excellent stop to deny a brilliant half-volley from Martinelli from 25 yards out. Arsenal dominated the first half and continued their domination in the second but could not increase their advantage, it was instead Aston Villa who got the second goal of the game, in somewhat controversial fashion. A corner from Douglas Luiz went straight into the net with Ramsdale unable to reach the ball due to his path being completely blocked by Kamara, who also limited the keepers movement by having both arms wrapped around his back. The goal stood but Arsenal cancelled it out in their own way, by going straight up the Villa end and retaking the lead. Saka coolly picked out Martinelli who struck it first time on the half volley, Martinez clawed desperately at the ball but could not prevent it going over his goal line and The Gunners were able to see the victory out. Arsenal’s player of the month was unsurprisingly Gabriel Jesus with 3 goals and 3 assists in 5 games. Arsenal’s maximum points after 5 games saw Mikel Arteta pick up Premier League manager of the month.

September

Arsenal started September with a chance to go 4 points clear of City in 2nd, after just six games. Standing in their way were Manchester United who would be hosting the Gunners at Old Trafford, a ground Arsenal had only won at once in the league since 2006, that one aswell being without fans during the Covid season.

Arsenal were boosted by the return of Zinchenko, but had to start with their 3rd choice midfielder Sambi Lokonga for the Partey role, after Elneny had followed the Ghanaian onto the treatment table. Regardless of the blow, Arsenal appeared to have made the ideal start when Saka threaded the needle and put Martinelli clean through on goal. The Brazilian finished brilliantly to give Arsenal the lead, but VAR advised the referee to have a look at a potential foul in the build-up. On review the referee judged Ødegaard to have won the ball from Eriksen unfairly and chalked the goal off. The intervention made by Lee Mason on VAR was later judged by a Premier League review to be an incorrect one, the minimal contact not penalised in real time by the ref was judged not to be a clear or obvious error. The review came too little and too late as far as Arsenal were concerned as they’d lost their lead and instead found themselves trailing at half-time after a good move from United culminated in a debut goal for Antony who finished past Ramsdale.

VAR’s intervention on the Arsenal goal was always likely to prove a vital one as remarkably United had not lost at Old Trafford when leading at half-time since 1984. This showed the size of Arsenal’s task going into the second half, but they continued to probe and ask questions of United and they got their equaliser on the hour mark when the ball broke to Saka in the penalty area after Ødegaard had looked to thread one through to Jesus. United dealt with that immediate threat but could only clear as far as Saka who slotted through the legs of Martinez for his first of the season.

Arsenal looked to be in the ascendancy, but they were only level for 6 minutes. Overcommitting bodies forward left them without a midfield and after winning it back United were able to counter-attack with Bruno Fernandes who looked and found Rashford in behind the defence and he put United back in front. Arteta reacted immediately by looking to chase the game, giving a debut to summer recruit Fabio Vieira. The changes appeared to backfire however as Arsenal were left with even fewer defensive bodies on the field and in the 75th minute they were cut through once more, with Eriksen and Rashford both left in acres of space as United hit Arsenal once more on the counter attack. It was a horrible goal for Arsenal to concede, it reminded of the worst years of Wenger with everyone so committed to attacking they had no thought for defending. Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season going down 3-1.

There was some positives to take in how confidently and capably they had passed the ball around, however United had defended their penalty area very well and counter attacked effectively. The frustration for Arsenal was how they had helped them in that regard, by leaving key areas of the midfield devoid of players. Partey had been very badly missed, and to a lesser extent so had Elneny whose defensive intelligence would not have seen him vacate his position as often as Lokonga did. The third goal conceded was perhaps the responsibility of Arteta who had gone all out attack mode too early, given the counter attacking success United were already enjoying.

Arsenal got the chance to put the defeat behind them 4 days later when they began their Europa League campaign. They were placed in Group A alongside PSV Eindhoven, Bodo/Glimt and FC Zurich, and would kick off against the latter away in Switzerland. Summer signings Matt Turner and Marquinhos made their competitive debuts, and Vieira would make his full debut. Arsenal did some counterattacking of their own in the 16th minute when Vieira found Nketiah who travelled down the wing before playing a great ball across the box which found Marquinhos who expertly finished first time into the top corner. The hosts equalised on the verge of half-time however when Nketiah was judged to have committed an offence in his own penalty box.

The death of the Queen being announced during the first half led to the unusual circumstance of a minutes silence taking place before the second half. When it did kick off, Arsenal regained the lead in the 62nd minute through Nketiah who was found by a delightful ball by Marquinhos who had made a fine debut. That’s how the score remained. Arsenal would not be in Premier League action that weekend, with their home game against Everton being postponed due to the Queen’s passing. Also delayed was their home game against PSV the following week, so the team were not back in action until 10 days after the Zurich game, when they travelled to Brentford.

Arsenal dominated the games opening and took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Saliba’s header from a corner struck the inside of the post on its way over the line. Just shy of the half-hour mark and Arsenal had their second, again with a header, this time it was Gabriel Jesus who rose to meet Xhaka’s perfectly placed ball. The Gunners then got the ideal start to the second half, when Vieira, making his first start in the Premier League in place of the unavailable Ødegaard, struck a beauty out of nowhere from well outside the box for Arsenal’s September goal of the month. Arsenal were in cruise control, always looking the more likely team to score whilst barely giving Brentford a sight of their goal. In the final minutes, Ethan Nwaneri came on for his Arsenal debut, aged 15 years and 181 days he became the youngest player to ever appear in the Premier League. After the match, Brentford Manager Thomas Frank was one of the first to tip Arsenal for a title challenge saying: “I think they will do brilliantly. I think they compete for the title now.”

Xhaka was the resounding winner of Arsenal player of the month picking up 83% of the votes. A once deeply unpopular player, his turnaround best exemplified the strides in the right direction Arsenal were taking.

October

After the international break, Arsenal returned to action in the North London Derby against hated rivals Tottenham. Arsenal went into the fixture just one point above their opponents. Spurs were content to let Arsenal have possession whilst aiming to contain them and spring counterattacks. They kept Arsenal at bay until the 20th minute when Thomas Partey shot from over 20 yards out and hit it so perfectly that Lloris couldn’t get so much as a fingertip to it, the ball flew past him into the net for Arsenal’s goal of the month. Spurs responded in the 31st minute however after a good counterattack between the front three of Kane, Son and Richarlison saw the latter presented with a chance to cross from inside the penalty area and Arsenal did not effectively deal with the situation, a loose touch from Xhaka put his side back in trouble and Gabriel was panicked into conceding a penalty. Kane stepped up and of course scored for the 7th time from the spot against Arsenal. This sent the sides in at the break level pegging.

Arsenal regained the upper hand early in the second half after a shot by Saka was spilled by Lloris to his centre-half Romero who, under pressure from Jesus, looked to return it to the French keeper. Lloris missed the ball, it travelled under his body and then Jesus reacted first to poach it home. Spurs hopes of drawing level for a second time were damaged when Emerson Royal was shown a straight red card in the 62nd minute for a stupid and unnecessarily bad tackle on Martinelli. Arsenal quickly punished this ill-discipline getting their third 5 minutes afterwards, with Granit Xhaka rifling past Lloris. At this stage Conte retreated to avoid a hammering, he accepted defeat and took off his offensive players, bringing on defenders to ensure the score line didn’t get embarrassing and Arsenal saw out a comfortable 3-1 derby win. Arsenal next returned to Europa League action putting Bodo/Glimt to the sword with a 3-0 win, goals coming from Nketiah, Holding and Vieira, the latter after brilliant footwork in the box from substitute Jesus.

Next up for Arsenal was another tough test at home against Liverpool. With a win Arsenal would return to the top of the Premier League. The Arsenal had faced Liverpool 4 times the previous season, failing to win any, losing 3 times including twice at home. They had also failed to even score against Liverpool in their last 6 meetings with them, but they needed just 58 seconds on this day, with Saka finding Ødegaard, whose ball between Van Dijk and Alexander Arnold put in Martinelli who finished beyond Alisson. Liverpool recovered well from the nightmare start however and were the better team from that point until they got their deserved equaliser in the 34th minute through Darwin Nunez. It was Arsenal however who went into half-time with the lead, when Martinelli led a brilliant counter-attack from a Liverpool set piece, finally taking out both Arnold and Henderson by cutting inside and finding an unmarked Saka who slid in to put his team back in the ascendancy.

Again Liverpool responded well, equalising for a second time early in the second half through Roberto Firmino. From that point on though Arsenal found another level, they searched feverishly for a winning goal, looking to pass Liverpool to death and calving many openings. The noise inside the Emirates had reached deafening decibels as the fans urged their team on. The golden chance came with just under 15 minutes to go when Thiago was judged to have caught the back of Jesus foot inside the penalty area, having been beaten to the ball by the striker. Saka stepped up and held his nerve, confidently dispatching an excellent spot kick. Arsenal held out for what was in the end a deserved win after an excellent second half display. In a decision that had raised a few eyebrows, Tomiyasu had been drafted in for a first league start of the season to go into an unfamiliar left-back position, the move paid dividends as the Japanese international had a fine game up against Mo Salah. The result put Arsenal 14 clear of Liverpool who had endured a dreadful start to the season.

“These are broad shoulders, this is courage. A sporting moment in time. Bukayo Saka.. Such poise! such noise!” - Peter Drury as Saka beats Alisson Becker from the penalty spot.

Four days later Arsenal made it 3 wins from 3 in the Europa, with an away win in Norway on the artificial pitch of Bodo/Glimt. A sole goal from Bukayo Saka was enough, after he got on the end of a one-two with Lokonga. His initial shot was blocked by a defender but the ball then deflected in after coming back off the Arsenal winger. Bodo calved out many good chances for themselves but were let down by woeful finishing, squandering chance after chance by blazing high and wide of the target.

Arsenal then returned to Premier League action at Elland Road against Leeds, though 40 minutes behind schedule after a power outage just after the game had initially kicked off caused the game to need restarting once power had returned. Again Saka was the only man to get himself on the scoresheet, his goal coming after Jesus had passed up a golden chance to open the scoring failing to hit the net from close-range after Ødegaard had found him with a backheeled flick. Jesus attempted to lift the ball over the keeper, but he lifted it too high and it ended up over the crossbar. Arsenal did not let Leeds off a second time however and punished them after a sloppy cross-field pass from Leeds midfielder Rodrigo only found Saka who headed it into Ødegaard’s path. Ødegaard’s return pass then asked a lot of the winger, but his speed allowed him to reach the ball first. Saka was faced with a tight angle, but it didn’t faze him one bit and he picked out the top corner hitting it high into the roof of the Leeds net.

The second half was full of drama, first when Bamford thought he’d equalised but was instead penalised for a foul on Gabriel. The Leeds striker received a second chance though when Saliba was found guilty of a handball in the box after the referee had checked the monitor. Ramsdale guessed correctly in his dive, but in the end he wasn’t required as Bamford’s penalty went wide of the post. Arsenal continued to suffer in the second half, struggling to cope with the Leeds onslaught and maintain their slender advantage.

Through fatigue and pressure from the home side, Arsenal had lost all ability to pass the ball and could do little else but stay in their own half and try to defend. Ramsdale proved his worth to this Arsenal side with his best performance of the season to date, right when his team needed him most. It appeared as though Arsenal had got the job done, when crazily they conceded a second penalty of the half in additional time. Patrick Bamford was nowhere near the ball which was safely back with Ramsdale when Gabriel was penalised for a kick out in the box on the Leeds forward. As well as a penalty, the Brazilian centre-back was also dismissed. However on a VAR review, it was clear that Bamford had fouled Gabriel first, barging him to the floor, so rightfully the decision was reversed and Gabriel’s red card rescinded. Arsenal held on to a win they’d scarcely deserved and it proved an even bigger win later that day when City lost at Anfield meaning The Gunners stayed 4 points clear after 10 games.

The following Thursday Arsenal were back in action in the Europa League. They were originally scheduled to host Manchester City in the league that mid-week, but the Queens death led to the postponement of Arsenal’s fixture with PSV, and it was re-arranged to this gameweek. Arsenal battered their Dutch visitors, in the end mustering 25 shots to Eindhoven’s 4. As was often the case Saka and Jesus were the standout performers. The young English winger was unstoppable in his direct dribbling runs, unstoppable that is without resorting to fouling, which PSV defenders did time and time again after being skinned by Saka’s great ball control when running at speed. Jesus was similarly dangerous, doing his usual thing of fashioning chances out of nowhere with his quick-thinking and somehow even quicker feet. In the end though the deadlock was broken by Xhaka in the 70th minute, when Tomiyasu found him in space 15 yards from the goal. He hit the shot down into the ground and it bobbled just at the right time to go under the keeper and past him.

Next Arsenal travelled to struggling Southampton looking to make it 9 straight wins across the Premier League and Europa. They started fast, and when Xhaka finished off White’s cross with a brilliant volley into the back of the net in the 11th minute, it looked like it would be a case of how many, as it wasn’t the first good chance Arsenal had created. For the first 20 minutes, Southampton couldn’t get out of their own half, Ødegaard cleverly found Jesus with a lifted return pass but his volley was straight at Bazunu in the Saints goal. Jesus was in again after a long ball flighted over the head of Caleta-Car reached the Brazilian who was clean through, until the defender dragged him back using both arms. There seemed to be enough contact for 3 separate penalties in there, but unbelievably the referee Robert Jones didn’t point to the spot and nor did VAR intervene. One of the most inexplicable decisions of the season, and that’s saying something, meant that Arsenal went in at the break only a single goal to the good.

The Southampton defence must have felt encouraged from not being penalised inside the box, as the fouling continued on Jesus outside the box for much of the second half, Lyanco getting away with man-handling Arsenal’s striker time and time again, wrapping both arms around his body whenever the ball was anywhere near the Brazilian. Jones did not however ignore perceived ‘diving’ from Saka showing him a yellow card for simulation, even though there did appear to be some contact. A one-sided refereeing performance, and poor finishing from Arsenal allowed the home team back into the game and they got the equalising goal with 25 minutes to go through Armstrong, after a swift move cut through Arsenal’s defence. In the 78th minute Ødegaard thought he’d put Arsenal back in front but Tierney had just carried the ball beyond the line before he was able to cut it back into his captain’s path.

The Gunners had to settle for a point and an end to their winning run, paying the price for not scoring more in the first half. As they began to tire in the second half Southampton calved out some good chances of their own, but there’s no doubting the visitors were also harmed by a dire refereeing performance. The dropped points cut Arsenal’s lead at the top down to two. Another away game followed for The North London side as next they travelled to Eindhoven. With 2 group games remaining, they needed just 1 more win to secure top spot which would mean they progressed straight through to the final 16, without the need for a play-off game. However Arsenal’s performance was poor, PSV were the better team for 90 minutes and good value for their 2-0 win.

After a blistering start to the season, Arsenal had now managed just 4 goals in their previous 5 games, they needed to find their shooting boots again and quick. They had the opportunity to do that at home to Nottingham Forest, but it didn’t look likely when Bukayo Saka was forced to leave the field, having been unable to shake off an early knock he picked up from the usual defensive treatment he received. Though even in the brief time he was on the field, Saka did notch an assist finding the head of Martinelli to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

For the rest of the first half though, Arsenal struggled to re-find the killer instinct that had deserted them recently. In the second half it returned, with Saka’s replacement Reiss-Nelson, on for his first league minutes of the season getting his first goal of the campaign, which will have done much needed wonders for his confidence. 3 minutes later and Nelson had his second with Arsenal really flourishing now, the volleyed finish coming from a Jesus cross after neat link up between him and Ødegaard. 5 minutes later and Partey added yet more gloss to the scoreline, giving Nelson an easy assist, as this goal was all about the Ghanaian midfielder’s excellent strike, of a similar calibre to his one against Tottenham. Jesus got his second assist of the day when Ødegaard made it 5, twinkle toeing his way into the box before letting fly into the top corner. This concluded Arsenal’s busy month of October which saw them in action nine times. Xhaka’s 3 goals in October took his total for the season up to 4, and he picked up the Arsenal player of the month for a second consecutive month.

November

Arsenal began November by bringing to a close their Europa League group campaign against FC Zurich, knowing a win would secure them top spot. Zurich were merely playing for pride, their chances of progressing already over. Tierney gave Arsenal the lead in the 17th minute with a fine strike from outside the box, expert technique from the left-back giving the keeper no chance. Arsenal’s old problems returned however with their failure to kill the game, by passing up good chances in both halves. In the end they had to sweat somewhat for their win, holding on whilst Zurich pushed desperately for a famous equaliser. Arsenal held firm though and with 5 wins from 6 games, they had secured their path through and knew they now wouldn’t have to worry about the Europa League again until March.

Next up for Arsenal was a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Graham Potter’s Chelsea, whose woes were just beginning, having lost 4-1 at his former club Brighton the previous week. Arsenal made all of the first half chances, dominating possession. The best chance came with a move that began in Arsenal’s own penalty area, with sharp one-touch passing they were in Chelsea’s half in seconds, with the ball reaching Martinelli down the left flank, he cut inside and was inches away from finding the unmarked head of Gabriel Jesus. Had Jesus been able to connect, it would have gone down as surely the finest team goal of the season.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Arsenal’s press suffocating the Chelsea players, forcing them to give up possession time and time again. The visitors continued to push for an opening goal, and it eventually came just past the hour-mark when Saka’s corner beat everyone and looked to be on its way straight in, until Gabriel made sure by hitting it into the roof of the net from on the goalline. Arsenal managed 14 shots to Chelsea’s 5 and should have won by more, but as 1-0 wins go away at Stamford Bridge, it could not have been much more comfortable or straightforward. On the rare occasions Chelsea reached the final third, they had no ideas on how to progress the ball in order to create a dangerous situation and Arsenal were content to see the game out for an excellent away victory.

Arsenal’s time in the Carabao Cup was short-lived, ending just as it began at home to Brighton in the 3rd round. Nketiah gave Arsenal the lead, but it lasted just 7 minutes when former Gunner Danny Welbeck equalised from the spot. 2 unanswered second half goals from Mitoma and Lamptey ensured Arsenal’s exit, but there was a feeling from many that the club had bigger targets this season than the League Cup.

Due to the first ever winter World Cup, the Premier League would be halted for six weeks after Arsenal’s 14th league game of the season, which would be away at Wolves. Earlier that day City had slipped up at home to Brentford, this presented Arsenal with a great opportunity to go into the World Cup 5 points clear at the top. The best chance of the first half went to Jesus, after he’d done brilliantly to make room for a shot in the box. However his luck in front of goal had deserted him, this being his 11th appearance without a goal, his last one coming against Spurs. As usual though, he was one of Arsenal’s best performers in the first half, with Saka and Martinelli more subdued than usual. Perhaps understandably, they seemed to be somewhat pre-occupied with thoughts of the World Cup, and with it now so close they didn’t seem keen to risk injury with their usual dribbling runs.

So in the second half Arsenal needed someone to step up, that man was Martin Ødegaard. With Norway having failed to qualify for the World Cup, Arsenal was his one and only focus, and he delivered a captain’s performance. The opening goal came when a clever pass from Jesus found Vieira who had replaced the unwell Xhaka, he squared it across the six-yard box having drawn the goalkeeper out, and Ødegaard beat Saka to the tap-in. The Norwegian made sure of the win with a quarter of an hour to go when good play from Martinelli allowed him to backheel a pass through to Zinchenko who was unmarked in the box, his cross was cleared as far as Martinelli who forced a save from Sa, but he could do nothing about Ødegaard’s follow-up, his touch and shot leaving the keeper with no chance.

There had been reluctance from some, Arsenal fans or otherwise to accept the team as true title contenders. This was a club who after all had not even qualified for the Champions League in 5 years. As well they had the youngest manager and youngest team in the league. However more and more doubters were turning into believers as Arsenal backed up a win over Spurs by beating Liverpool, and went away to Chelsea and won. Now due to the World Cup being played mid-season, Arsenal would sit 5 points clear of the rest on Christmas Day, and at this point their title credentials could no longer be denied. They had won 12 of a possible 14, and when the chance to go into the World Cup 5 clear came up, they held their nerve and got the job done away from home.

The World Cup gave the chance to reflect on the season Arsenal had thus far had and it had undoubtedly been an outstanding one, with all reasonable expectations surpassed. This mid-point gave time to assess Arsenal’s key individual performers in the Premier League and there had been many stand-outs in that regard.

Arsenal player ratings up to the 2022 World Cup Break:

Ramsdale 8/10- His reliability and quality with the ball at his feet is essential to the way Arsenal play, and there’s few better in the country when playing out from the back than the young English keeper. His standout performance came against Leeds, with backs against the wall, he refused to concede a goal.

Turner 7/10- Didn’t have a great debut against Zurich, but improved in his next 3 Europa League outings, keeping a cleansheet in all of them. Missed out on a few other potential opportunities for game time through injury.

White 9/10- After a good first season at centre-back, White went up another gear in this right-back slot, showing excellent quality with the ball at his feet, and the defensive side of his game was never found wanting either. Arsenal’s November player of the month.

Saliba 9/10- It was thought the young centre-half was special before he’d even kicked a Premier League ball, he somehow managed to exceed expectations in his first 14 league games in Arsenal colours. The club’s best defender in the first part of the season.

Gabriel 8/10- He began the season with a few sloppy mistakes, but quickly got up to the level of his teammates. A goal at Chelsea and a big performance at Wolves ensured Arsenal went into the break sitting pretty at the top.

Holding 6/10- Started all of Arsenal’s Europa League group games, scoring against Bodo. As the technical level of this Arsenal defence has increased significantly this season, his personal limitations especially on the ball and aswell in terms of speed and physicality are more exposed than ever before.

Zinchenko 7/10- Sadly the Ukrainian was injured for half of Arsenal’s league games, but when available Zinchenko demonstrated some of his quality, with the promise of more to come.

Tomiyasu & Tierney 7/10- As reliable as you could wish your full-back deputies to be, injuries meant they were often called upon, especially the Japanese International, and he was always up to the task be it in his more accustomed right-back position, or when deputising at left-back.

Partey 9/10- Injuries in previous seasons had prevented Partey from ever really hitting his top level, his performances in the first part of this season showed the midfielders considerable class this campaign however. 2 outstanding goals vs Forest and most memorably Spurs were the icing on the cake.

Xhaka 9/10- Fairly or unfairly Xhaka seemed to typify much of what was wrong with Arsenal between 2016 and 2021, too often he appeared an average midfielder in an average side. Here he was reborn, in a new role which gave him more of an attacking license, he was contributing goals, assists and Arsenal fans were seeing the leadership qualities of a man loving his football.

Lokonga 5/10- Started all 6 Europa group games and aswell 2 league games due to the absence of Partey. Did not really impress at any stage, a particular lowpoint was away at Old Trafford where his lack of discipline positionally cost Arsenal on several occasions.

Ødegaard 9/10- After making his loan move permanent in the previous summer, the captain has continued to prove himself one of Arsenal’s best signings in recent times. Possessing the quality of Ozil without the flakiness, Ødegaard has rightfully become a real fans favourite.

Vieira 5/10- The 22 year old arrived from FC Porto for £30M. Scored a beauty on his first league start, but often struggled with the pace and physicality of the league and brief substitute appearances have not given him much time to adapt. Finished with some grounds for optimism after coming on in the first half away at Wolves for the unwell Xhaka and performing reasonably well.

Saka 9/10- The darling of the Arsenal faithful, Saka has received rough treatment from opposition full-backs and little protection from match officials, but he is too brave, determined and talented to let this stop him from scoring, assisting and tormenting almost at will. He seems to be improving on an almost monthly basis which is scary.

Martinelli 9/10- Quickly formed a devastating partnership with fellow Brazilian Gabriel Jesus. His directness, pace, hunger and finishing qualities made him just as difficult to stop as Saka in the opening part of the season.

Reiss Nelson 7/10- Nelson appeared to lack confidence and understanding with his teammates in the Europa League cameos he made, but his break came when he got his first Premier League minutes of the season. Coming on early for the injured Saka, he scored twice and assisted another at home to Forest.

Jesus 9/10- He’s a striker who went 11 games without a goal, yet his contributions to the team are so vital he remained un-droppable. That is the uniqueness of Jesus, for the goals may have dried up, but his quality never did. Match after match, he was relentless in his refusal to give opposition defences a minute of peace. His technical ability has been the key ingredient in lifting Arsenal up another level. Along with Saliba, Arsenal’s best player of the first part of the season.

Nketiah 6/10- Appeared off the bench in all 12 of Arsenal’s opening league games, getting anything between 1 minute and 29 minutes playtime. His best cameo by far came against Fulham where he was very sharp and a real handful. A side from that he will feel he has not been given enough time to impress in the league, though he has been handed 7 starts across the Europa League and the Carabao Cup, scoring 3 goals.

Arteta 10/10- The managers contribution cannot go unmentioned. He has demanded the high standards and set the conditions which has enabled them to be realised. This has led a club that has been outside the Champions League for five years to set a pace that not even Guardiola’s City could live with. He has been the catalyst in making a divided and despondent fanbase the most passionately engaged in the league, uniting everyone behind his players and staff.

#arsenal #premierleague #epl #thegunners #thearsenal #afc #saka #arteta

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These quotes need to be studied in schools someday

TVLine

YEAR IN REVIEW

2022 in Review: Quotes of the Year!

By Team TVLine / December 18 2022, 9:00 AM PST

Best TV Quotes 2022

Courtesy of Prime Video; HBO; HBO Max; Netflix; Peacock

Anthony Bridgerton confessed his true feelings for Kate Sharma. This Is Us‘ Rebecca Pearson got well-deserved kudos. Viktor Hargreeves introduced himself to his Umbrella Academy siblings. And The White Lotus‘ Tanya McQuoid realized something very important… just a little too late.

All year long, we’ve been collecting TV’s best sound bites in our Quotes of the Week compilations, which honor the dialogue that made us laugh and cry — sometimes simultaneously. But as 2022 draws to a close, we’re now looking back at the Quotes of the Year, highlighting 60 of the funniest, most poignant or most wonderfully meta moments from the past 12 months.

Best TV Shows of 2022 | Stranger Things, The Boys, Andor, More

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In the list below, you’ll find Robin Scherbatsky sharing her romantic past with How I Met Your Father‘s Sophie, Ellen DeGeneres reflecting on how much has changed since her talk show began, Westworld‘s Dolores-Hale uttering a powerful one-word command, and Andor‘s precious droid B2EMO lamenting a major loss.

Of course, some shows — like ABC’s Abbott Elementary and Netflix’s Stranger Things — were just too quotable this year to select only one line, so they’re among the series making multiple appearances on our list. And it’s not just the scripted fare that made our cut: Unscripted programs like American Idol, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Big Brother are in the mix, as well.

As with all of our year-end lists, we should issue a quick spoiler alert for several of this year’s plot twists, romantic confessions and heartbreaking sendoffs. But if you’re ready to dive in, peruse the list below, then drop a comment with the lines that would make your cut for Quotes of the Year.

HARRY POTTER 20TH ANNIVERSARY: RETURN TO HOGWARTS

Photo : HBO Max screenshot

“I killed you, didn’t I? I’m sorry. Had to be done.”

Helena Bonham Carter apologizes to Gary Oldman for what Bellatrix Lestrange did to Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT

Photo : ABC screenshot

“I want them to see what was taken from me.”

Mamie Till (Adrienne Warren), before the doors are opened for the public viewing of her son Emmett Till’s body

STATION ELEVEN

Photo : HBO Max screenshot

“You walked her home.”

Kirsten (Mackenzie Davis) assures Jeevan that his 20-year-old goal was met

OZARK

Photo : Netflix screenshot

“I shot your d—k off. For that, I apologize. I went to the drug store to look for a card. No such card exists.”

Darlene (Lisa Emery) takes the first step at burying the hatchet with Frank Jr.

GHOSTS

Photo : CBS screenshot

“I cannot believe Elias is back. Till death do us part — it’s right in the vows.”

Hetty (Rebecca Wisocky) laments the return of her dead husband

GHOSTS (Bonus Quote!)

Photo : CBS screenshot

“A travel agent booking other people’s holidays while going nowhere himself.”

“Hey, we went to Epcot, buddy! That’s the whole world all at once!”

Pete (Richie Moriarty) defends himself when the actor (Mathew Baynton) portraying him in a “Dumb Deaths” recreation says Pete was pathetic

THE GILDED AGE

Photo : HBO screenshot

“I may be a bastard, Mr. Thorburn, but you are a fool. And of the two, I think I know which I prefer.”

The women of The Gilded Age may be experts at throwing shade, but they’ve got nothing on literal robber baron George Russell (Morgan Spector)

THE RESIDENT

Photo : Fox screenshot

“Hi, Mommy.”

Gigi (Remington Blaire Evans), upon hearing her late mom Nic’s donated heart beating in another patient

9-1-1: LONE STAR

Photo : Courtesy of Fox

“I always imagine the world of politics to be really smart people walking briskly down corridors, talking real fast and all sort of sounding alike.”

In other words, Owen (Rob Lowe) learned everything he knows about the political world from watching himself on The West Wing

THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES

Photo : HBO screenshot

“Look, I know you may be a backwoods simpleton, who scrubs her dresses on tree bark and stinks up the entire house with roadkill stew, but Godd—n if I wouldn’t miss the pitter-patter of your filthy-ass bare feet, or the way you chew shrimp tails with the ice like an animal — you’re family. And the thought of you running away on this bus right now is making my gooch pucker.”

Judy (Edi Patterson) pours her heart out to her aunt Tiffany to deter her from leaving town

ARTHUR

Photo : PBS screenshot (2)

“Hey, this shows you how to draw an aardvark! I never knew their noses were so long. Weird!”

It took 25 seasons, but Buster (voiced by Daniel Brochu) finally addressed the fact that Arthur looks nothing like an actual aardvark

GREY'S ANATOMY

Photo : ABC screenshot

“… and your plan was to leave without saying goodbye?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“Because if I say goodbye to you, Grey, I might not actually leave.”

Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) and Cormac (Richard Flood), giving us a taste of what might have been

GREY'S ANATOMY (Bonus Quote!)

Photo : ABC screenshot

“When Leo said that he was an owl, did you feel the need to call him silly and correct him?”

“No.”

“No. You just loved him. You just let him explore. Let’s just love Leo, Teddy. Let’s listen when he tells us who he is.”

Regardless of Leo’s gender identity, Owen (Kevin McKidd) refuses to let himself and Teddy (Kim Raver) become the child’s bully

SNOWFALL

Photo : FX screenshot

“Little late for this, but I’m sorry for shooting you and all. I’m glad you… didn’t not make it.”

Stripper-turned-hitwoman Black Diamond (Christine Horn) awkwardly apologizes to Louie for trying to kill her last season

THE GOOD DOCTOR

Photo : ABC screenshot

“Let’s run her bandit ass out of town.”

Dr. Audrey Lim (Christina Chang) vows to take Salen Morrison down, once and for all

HOW I MET YOUR FATHER

Photo : Hulu screenshot (2)

“I once had a guy who said, ‘I love you’ on our first date.”

“Wow, you win! Dude sounds like a real piece of work.”

“You have no idea. But a good piece of work.”

Robin (Cobie Smulders) recalls her very first date with Ted

BRIDGERTON

Photo : Netflix screenshot

“You are the bane of my existence… and the object of all my desires.”

Anthony (Jonathan Bailey) breathlessly tells Kate how he truly feels for her, despite being engaged to her sister Edwina

THE 94TH ACADEMY AWARDS

Photo : ABC screenshot

“I’ve been getting out of that Spider-Man costume. Did I miss anything? There’s, like, a different vibe in here.”

Co-host Amy Schumer masterfully eases the tension after Will Smith’s now-infamous slap of Chris Rock

THE WALKING DEAD

Photo : AMC screenshot (2)

“[Hershel] doesn’t exactly trust me, you know.”

“But I’m starting to.”

Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) reach a turning point as she asks her husband’s killer to babysit their son

THE WONDER YEARS

Photo : ABC screenshot

“Gwendolyn, but he called her Winnie.”

Bruce (Spence Moore II) reveals the reimagining’s unexpected connection to the OG series — that his friend Brian, who died in the Vietnam War, is also Winnie Cooper’s brother — and breaks our hearts in the process

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY

Photo : ABC screenshot

“Let me see these permission slips to the zoo, and they better be real, ’cause I can tell if you faked a Herbie Hancock.”

“Oh, it’s John Hancock.”

“Girl, I know. I just say whatever I want.”

Ava (Janelle James) doesn’t play by the rules

ABBOTT ELEMENTARY (Bonus Quote!)

Photo : ABC screenshot

“We’ve watched Nightmare Before Christmas but only the Christmas parts, Practical Magic without the witchcraft and Hocus Pocus without Sarah Jessica Parker.”

Barbara (Sheryl Lee Ralph) describes her church’s Halloween movie screening tradition

KILLING EVE

Photo : BBC America screenshot

“I did it, Eve.”

“Don’t you mean ‘we did it’?”

“Yeah. But mostly me.”

Villanelle (Jodie Comer) lets Eve (Sandra Oh) know she’s taking the credit for taking down The Twelve

AMERICAN IDOL

Photo : ABC screenshot

“Noah, I feel like maybe you should Wikipedia me.”

Katy Perry, famously an ex-girlfriend of John Mayer’s, balks at Noah Thompson’s suggestion that Perry picked a Mayer song for him to sing

GIRLS5EVA

Photo : Peacock screenshot

“#AlbumMode is a state of mind that started when our deal was announced and ends when I’m at the Met Gala in a catheter because my dress is too complicated.”

Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry) has a very clear vision of how the girls’ new album release will play out

STATION 19

Photo : ABC screenshot

“My name is Matt, Mom. This is me. I’m sad for you. I’m sad that you don’t want to get to know me or the man that I’ll become. I’m sad that you’re going to miss out on loving me when I feel the most me.”

“But honey, I love you… I’m trying to save you. Honey, you’re a child. You don’t know what’s good for you.”

“I know that when you call me Mary, it makes me want to die. Do you think me wanting to die is good for me, Mom?”

Whether his mom (Romy Rosemont) wants to hear it or not, transgender youth Matt (Hollidae Livingston) speaks his truth

YOUNG SHELDON

Photo : CBS screenshot

“Wow. I might look too cool.”

Sheldon’s (Iain Armitage) first graphic tee is a total game-changer

THIS IS US

Photo : Courtesy of NBC

“You’re as tough as they come, Rebecca Pearson. And you, my dear, have earned a rest.”

Dr. K (Gerald McRaney) gives Rebecca one last (sniff!) pep talk

THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW

Photo : Warner Bros. TV Distribution (2)

“When we started the show, I couldn’t say ‘gay.’ I was not allowed to say ‘gay.’ I say it at home a lot — you know, ‘What are we having for our gay breakfast?’ or ‘Pass the gay salt,’ or ‘Has anyone seen the gay remote?’ — but we couldn’t say ‘gay.’ I couldn’t say ‘we’ because that would imply that I was with someone. Sure couldn’t say ‘wife,’ and that’s because it wasn’t legal for gay people to get married. Now I say ‘wife’ all the time.”

During her last show, DeGeneres acknowledges how much has changed since 2003 — and calls attention to wife (and front-row audience member) Portia de Rossi

STRANGER THINGS

Photo : Netflix screenshot

“I don’t want to talk about it. I’ll punch you so hard in your face that your teeth’ll fall back out.”

“Whoa. Too far.”

Steve (Joe Keery) instantly regrets the way he tells Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) to stop pointing out his lingering feelings for ex Nancy

STRANGER THINGS (Bonus Quote!)

Photo : Netflix screenshot

“You’ve grown.”

“You shrank.”

Reunited, Mike (Finn Wolfhard) and Hopper (David Harbour) compare the effects of adolescence vs. the Kamchatka diet

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

Photo : Netflix screenshot

“Who elected you, Vanya?”

“It’s, uh, Viktor.”

“Who’s Viktor?”

“I am. It’s who I’ve always been.”

Viktor Hargreeves (Elliot Page) introduces himself to his siblings for the first time

OBI-WAN KENOBI

Photo : Disney+ screenshot

“I am not your failure, Obi-Wan. You didn’t kill Anakin Skywalker — I did.”

Darth Vader (Hayden Christensen), reinforcing what Ben Kenobi tells Luke Skywalker in A New Hope — that Vader did, indeed, kill his father

THE BOYS

Photo : Prime Video screenshot

“How long have you been f—king it behind my back?”

“OK, it’s not an ‘it.’ It’s a ‘her.’ Get your pronouns right.”

Cassandra (Katy Breier) and The Deep (Chace Crawford) discuss his relationship with Ambrosius the octopus

TYLER PERRY'S SISTAS

Photo : BET screenshot

“Bitch, you’re f—king Black Panther and Eddie Murphy all rolled into one?!”

In case you couldn’t tell, Danni (Mignon) is pretty excited about Sabrina dating an African prince

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS

Photo : Bravo screenshot

“2020 was bad for a lot of people, but I also think it was kind of like a spiritual awakening. This is going to sound crazy, but I made peace with my vagina.”

“Were you at war with your vagina?”

Not to discredit Sheree Zampino’s epiphany, but Dorit Kemsley poses a valid follow-up question

EVIL

Photo : Paramount+ screenshot

“Boop.”

During her hearing, Sister Andrea (Andrea Martin) subtly reminds Dr. Boggs that he knows firsthand how present demons can be in the world

THE ORVILLE

Photo : Hulu screenshot (2)

“I enjoy spending time with you. You are a male, and yet you possess many prominent female traits. Which I find appealing.”

“Oh.”

Topa (Imani Pullum) puts her crush on Gordon (Scott Grimes) into (awkward) words

BETTER CALL SAUL

Photo : AMC screenshot (inset: Everett Collection)

“Crazy? I’ll tell you what’s crazy: Fifty-year-old high school chemistry teacher comes into my office. The guy is so broke he can’t pay his own mortgage. One year later, he’s got a pile of cash as big as a Volkswagen. That’s crazy!”

Gee, to whom could Gene (Bob Odenkirk) be referring…?

WESTWORLD

Photo : Courtesy of HBO

“Chair!”

Dolores-Hale (Tessa Thompson), the “bored” god, summons herself a place to sit

WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS

Photo : FX screenshot

“Trust me: Gay is in. Gay is hot. I want some gay. Gay it’s gonna be.”

Laszlo (Matt Berry) thinks faking a relationship with Nandor is a sure-fire way to get Colin into private school

LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER

Photo : HBO screenshot

“We let the [monkeypox] vaccine sit unused on a shelf in our reserves like an expired Chobani — or a $90 million movie on HBO Max. By the way, hi there, new business daddy! Seems like you’re doing a really great job. I do get the vague sense that you’re burning down my network for the insurance money, but I’m sure that that’ll all pass.”

THE BACHELORETTE

Photo : ABC screenshot (2)

“Tino’s being a real baby back bitch.”

Ethan accidentally comes up with an alternate jingle for Chili’s while slamming his romantic rival

HARLEY QUINN

Photo : HBO Max screenshot

“I don’t trust clowns with secrets.”

“I am barely clown-themed anymore. I just think I look hot like this. I mean, check out how good these booty shorts make my ass look, right? [Off Bruce’s confused look] Never mind, you’re 8.”

Harley (voiced by Kaley Cuoco) tries to earn a young Bruce Wayne’s trust

ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO

Photo : The CW screenshot

“I think I might just take these as a reminder of my time in Roswell. … Fits like a glove!”

Seeing Allie (played by Shiri Appleby, aka the Liz of the original Roswell series) put on that alien headband was a full-circle moment we won’t soon forget

74TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS

Photo : Kevin Winter/Getty Images

“When I was a little girl, all I wanted to see was me in the media: someone fat like me, Black like me, beautiful like me. If I could go back and tell little Lizzo something, I’d be like, ‘You’re going to see that person, but bitch, it’s going to have to be you.’”

THE GOOD FIGHT

Photo : Paramount+ screenshot

“Mother f—ker. Oh, I’m sorry, you didn’t hear that? Mother f—ker. F—k you and your moronic defund the police bulls—t. Why? Because you’re putting Trump back into the White House, you stupid f—kin’ tai-t lick. You never heard me swear before? Well, aren’t you in for a treat.”

After six seasons of watching his mouth on CBS’ The Good Wife, legendarily blunt political strategist Eli Gold (Alan Cumming) wastes no time taking his pent-up potty mouth for a spin in the Paramount+ spinoff

BLOOD & TREASURE

Photo : Paramount+ screenshot (2)

“So we are saying ‘Jeng-his’ now.”

“She does.”

“It’s the right way!”

Chuck (Mark Gagliardi) points out the Season 2 characters’ different pronunciations of Genghis Khan’s name

BIG BROTHER

Best TV Quotes

Photo : Courtesy of CBS

“Monte may have more blood on his hands than me, but as someone who has sat on this eviction block six times on eviction night, I have bled out the most in this game. But I have bandaged myself together every single time and gotten up and continued to fight, because like so many other women in the world, that is what we have to do to get to the end… I have overcome so much in this game, and I have come to understand that I am not a shield, I am a sword. I am not a victim, I am a victor… Jury members, I am challenging you to make the hard decision and change the course of this game. Choose progress for the course of this game. I can be the winner of this season, and I promise you will not do it in vain if you choose me tonight.”

Taylor clinches the game-winning vote with her epic final plea to the jurors

CHICAGO P.D.

Best TV Quotes

Photo : NBC screenshot

“You’re the love of my life, and if I’m yours, then you’ll know that you have to let me go.”

Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), breaking our hearts in his tearful goodbye to wife Upton

SHE-HULK: ATTORNEY AT LAW

Photo : Disney+ screenshot

“That’s what Hulks do. We smash things. Bruce smashes buildings, I smash fourth walls and bad endings… and sometimes Matt Murdockkkk.”

Jen (Tatiana Maslany) reminds K.E.V.I.N. of her particular set of skills

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RINGS OF POWER

Photo : Prime Video screenshot

“When in doubt, Elanor Brandyfoot, always follow your nose.”

The Stranger (Daniel Weyman), giving off serious Gandalf vibes while leading the way for his new adventure with Nori

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON

Photo : HBO screenshot

“He can keep his tongue.”

Before King Viserys can cut out Vaemond’s tongue for publicly questioning Rhaenyra’s sons’ parentage, Daemon (Matt Smith) slices the accuser’s skull in two — but leaves the offending appendage attached

THE HANDMAID'S TALE

Photo : Hulu screenshot

“Hi, June.”

“Hi, Serena.”

“You got a diaper?”

Serena (Yvonne Strahovski) and June (Elisabeth Moss) are in the same boat — er, train — at the end of the Season 5 finale

CHUCKY

Photo : Syfy screenshot

“You think I’m scared to go to hell? F—k that. I’m from Jersey… Jersey!”

Chucky (voiced by Brad Dourif) doesn’t have much love for his home state, it seems

ANDOR

Photo : Disney+ screenshot

“I d-d-don’t want to be alone. I want M-M-Maarva.”

B2EMO (voiced by Dave Chapman) isn’t ready to mourn

CRIMINAL MINDS: EVOLUTION

Photo : Paramount+ screenshot

“You’ve never pulled your gun in the line of duty, have you? Never faced down a psychopath…. You’re a hedge fund manager with a badge.”

Prentiss (Paget Brewster) calls ’em — in this case, FBI Deputy Director Bailey — as she sees ’em

TITANS

Photo : HBO Max screenshot

“This is insane.”

“Compared to what? Two hours ago I was in [Conner’s] stomach trying to kill a ghost snake.”

“And two hours before that we were fighting zombies.”

“And I kissed Bernard.”

Tim (Jay Lycurgo) experienced a different kind of pre-fall finale action

YELLOWSTONE

Photo : Paramount Network screenshot

“How ya feeling?”

“Like I got hit by a truck. How about you?”

“Like I got hit by a Prius.”

Beth (Kelly Reilly) offers Summer (Piper Perabo) faint praise the morning after their brawl

THE WHITE LOTUS

Best TV Quotes

Photo : HBO screenshot

“These gays! They’re trying to murder me!”

Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge) has an unintentionally hilarious lightbulb moment about the men with whom she’s been spending her Sicilian vacation

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icarusthefoolish · 2 years

Text

This is very late i am aware and it was my fault because i was dumb and didn't realize my first post was on April 15th....

Anyway even if it is late i still wanted to post this.

This is a small thank you to my mutuals!

(Don't be mad if i forget you i have a terrible memory)

It's crazy to know that i have already spent an entire year on this app, it may not seem like much to most people but for me it is because i thend to get bored of apps really quickly.

I just wanted to thank all of my friends and all of the amazing people i have met on this app, i know im a lot to handle i tend to think badly about my self and i am honestly anoying so i don't know how you put up with me but thank you for doing it.

A few special thanks to , @itsonlydana @forefinn , @sundrop-tetsu , @0yuioy0 @sardonic-the-writer , @luvrgutz , @rainxox0 , @wilczachannn , @wrenqueenisboss @blooming-mushroom , @sunniewrites , @junebug-isunavailable and a bunch of other people for being my friend's.

Also another thanks to each and every follower i have, it means the absolute world to me that 150 of you enjoy the shitty and honestly weird ideas and storys i have.

And one more really really big thank you to @nightmarefox15 , you have honestly been one of the main reasons i smile every day because just talking to you makes me so so so incredibly happy.

I joined Tumblr one year ago today and honestly this has been the best year for me simply because i have made so many incredibly kind friends. I still remember the first month or so that i joined Tumblr, i was terrified to talk to people because everyone i saw was so cool and i felt that everyone was genuinely better then me so i chose to stay by my lonesome and just read different story's. I still followed people but i never interacted with them until i came across a blog called "Watermelon Sugar Writes" i talked to them because i thought their Url was about the Harry Styles song "Watermelon Sugar high" which it wasn't.

Mel was genuinely my very first friend and i can't tell you how thankful i am that i met her, because of her i became friends with my now ex who i don't want anything to do with but because of that i began actually interacting with the people i followed be it on Anon or not.

And due to that i began talking to so many people who are now my friends and i can't say how thankful i am that they put up with me, i know i tend to be weird and annoying but it means so so so much to me that you're still here.

@nightmarefox15 : Definitely one of my first friends and also the person who played my favorite C!Anon. I love you so so so incredibly much and I'm so thankful that i met you and we became Friends. Your one of the main reasons that i start smiling when i wake up because i know that your there to greet me. I'm so thankful that your here and that you love me when i can't love myself. You make me laugh and blush even when i don't feel like it. I met so so so many incredible people because of you.

@sardonic-the-writer : Sar my saviour, honestly I'm so glad that I got to meet you even if it was because you stood up for me because hate Anons were flooding my asks, honestly i remember seeing you reblog the first ask made me scream because i used to always see you on my dash but i was too much of a whimp to follow or interact with you. But I'm so glad that i eventually did because you are genuinely one of the most amazing people i have gotten the pleasure to meet in my time on here.

@junebug-isunavailable : Juneee!! First of all Happy Birthday, second I'm very glad that i get to call you my mutual because you are amazing and incredible and i could kiss you /j. I absolutely adore your art and i also adore you. (Yes I'm aware this is early but shhhh)

@0yuioy0 : JJ, i still remember how we met, it was genuinely so weird but also funny, because i had been following you for a while but i was scared to talk to you because you just seemed so cool, but eventually (i think thanks to Ry) we talked, you sent me an ask and i freaked out. It's still one of my most treasured memories because it's so funny to think about.

@itsonlydana : Dana oh Dana, i don't remember how we met but i do remember how damn excited i was when we figured out that we both lived in Germany (and pretty close to each other) and now when i think of my friends your one of the first people that come to mind because we've gotten so close over the time we've known each other. We are both absolute simps for Foolish and we have a pretty similar taste in music. Ich habe dich wirklich so so so lieb gewonnen und ich könnte mir Tumblr ohne dich nicht vorstellen.

@eighthwvnder : oh wonder, we may not have known each other for very long but it honestly feels like we've known each other for an eternity, we started talking and we basically just clicked. We've had similar experiences with a few things and your genuinely one of the Kindest people I've met. And i have to again thank JJ for that because he got me to get into the Discord group and without him and that group i probably wouldn't have known you existed.

@as-you-should-peasant : Peasant! I am genuinely so thankful that i got the courage to talk to you because you are a genuinely amazing and incredible person. You accepted me with open arms and i couldn't be happier that i get to call you my mutual.

@luvrgutz : Sushi! Or El or whatever other names you use fjfjfj, i am so so so thankful that i got to meet you and i do actually remember how we met, because i was talking to Ry while little and he had to go so he sent me to you and i just remember how scared i was to talk to you because ew new people. But I'm very happy that i did talk to you because i can always come to you for advice. Im so thankful that we reconnected after you dissapered from Tumblr I'm so so so glad that I'm talking to you now.

@rainxox0 Rain my beloved, i don't remember how we met exactly but i do know that you are an absolutely amazing and incredible person and i genuinely love you /p you are absolutely incredible and i don't know what I'd do without you.

@sundrop-tetsu : Amelia my love I'm so so so thankful that i got to meet you through Ry because you've become one of my closest mutuals on here, i love when we interact because you just make me laugh and i couldn't imagine a world without you honestly.

@forefinn Finn, i know we don't talk much anymore but you are still incredibly important to me, i still absolutely adore your storys and i also adore you because you are so kind, i love you a whole whole whole lot Finn and i swear I'm gonna start talking to you more pinky promise!

I know there's so so so many more mutuals who i haven't tagged but i want all of my mutuals to know how incredibly thankful i am that we are friends.

It may seem ridiculous but meeting so many people on here has made my life so much better simply because i have always had a problem with meeting and befriending new people and now knowing that so many people care about me and are glad that they know me just makes me happy because i never had that before. Each and every one of you be it mutual, anon or just follower is so so so important to me.

So thank you to everyone who has put up with me throughout this entire year haha.

Basically what i want to say with this long ass text is thank you for being there for me, i couldn't have asked for better friends on this app. ❤️

Emery/Icarus

#aiko talks #aikos shit posts #Emerys 1 year anniversary

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ensnapemysenses · 2 years

Text

Snape Masterlist

Back to Main Masterlist

Oneshots

Teacher Appreciation Day (Fluff, SFW)

A first-year muggle-born Hogwarts student decides to get their favorite potion professor a gift for teacher appreciation day.

I Understand (Fluff, SFW)

Professor Snape notices you are failing his assignments all of a sudden and offers you accommodations to improve your grade before you graduate from Hogwarts.

Renovations at Spinner’s End (Fluff, SFW)

You are a muggle who is married to Snape and you decide to renovate your home on Spinner’s End while he is away teaching at Hogwarts.

The New Potions Professor (Angst, Smut, NSFW, Minors DNI! 18+ Only!)

It’s Severus Snape’s first year teaching at Hogwarts. You had dated for a short period while he was still in school and he broke your heart when he ended things between you. What will you do now that he is your professor? BitterSweet Beginnings (Part 2 - Final Part) With your impending graduation date soon approaching Severus Snape breaks your heart once again. Years later you see him again in the least place you’d expect, a meeting of The Order of the Phoenix. You enact a plan to get revenge, but it soon goes south and you fall head over heels for the heavily guarded man once again.

Your New Man (Snape x Reader x Lucius, Angst with a happy ending)

You are dating Lucius, but you can’t seem to get over your ex, Severus Snape. What will you do when he shows up at Malfoy manor for your party to celebrate your anniversary with Lucius?

A Day in the Life of Severus Snape: A Rather Mundane Tale

Get a glimpse into the rather boring life of Severus Snape!

He’s Your Son Through and Through! (SFW, Dad Snape, Fluff, Cute)

Severus and his wife receive an owl from their son concerning his OWL grades.

How Did We End Up Here? (SFW, Fluff, Snape x Reader)

In a Snape lives AU, the reader recounts the main details of their dating history with Severus Snape before their wedding.

Severus the Bitch (NSFW, Smut, Friends to Lovers, Snape x Fem Reader)

In a high-school AU where Severus Snape is reimagined as the drug dealer and DND loving Eddie Munson from Stranger Things, the reader is becoming all too aware of her growing crush on her best friend. Does he have feelings for her as well?

If Only For a Moment Longer (SFW, Fluff, Snape POV)

A Birthday Tale (SFW)

Severus Snape receives a rather poorly wrapped gift for his birthday.

Thank Merlin for Sweatpants (generally SFW but allusions to sex)

Severus Snape is caught outside of his chambers wearing sweatpants when an alarm sounds throughout the castle in the dead of night.

Longfic

The Knight and The Prince (Snape x Transmasc FTM OC)

Part 1 Part 2

Emery Knight, the newly appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts, experiences some backlash due to him being trans-masc. It seems the only person willing to stand up for him and his rights is the snarky Professor Severus Snape. Will they become friends or perhaps something even more?

The Solitary Daffodil *HIATUS*

Severus Snape is dead... or at least he was dead. Nagini's bite fatally wounded him, but something went wrong while his life was flashing before his eyes. Now, Severus finds himself as a ten-year old child again. Determined to change his fate he embarks on the task of killing Voldemort during the first wizarding war before he has the chance to kill Lily and mistakenly implant a part of his soul into Harry.

Headcanons

My Personal Headcanons: Part 1 , Part 2

Oddly Specific Headcanons: Animals/Pets

Young Severus Snape

Suit Shopping With Snape

Snape x Hufflepuff

Requests

What’s Up with Those Two? (SFW, Fluff, Snape x Professor Reader)

Fred and George Weasley are up to their usual schemes. What will happen when they overhear a rather odd conversation between you and Professor Snape?

The Surprise of a Lifetime (SFW, Fluff, Slightly Suggestive, Snape x Professor Reader)

You plan a surprise for Severus's birthday!

A Devious Plan (SFW, Fluff, Snape x Professor Reader)

A student comes up with a brilliant plan to try and get Professor (Y/N) and Professor Snape to confess their feelings to each other.

A Potion Mishap (SFW, Fluff, Snape x Professor Reader)

Snape's experimental potion goes wrong leaving you drunk af.

On the Arm of the Enemy (SFW, Slight Angst with a happy ending, Student Snape x Student Reader)

What will Severus do when he sees you at the Yule Ball with Sirius Black?

Truth or Dare (SFW, Fluff, Student Snape x Student Reader)

You are involved in a game of truth or dare with Snape and the Marauders.

Tag You’re It! (SFW, Fluff)

You join in on a game of blind tag with a group of first years. Unbeknownst to you, Severus is watching.

What Are You Hiding? (SFW, Fluff, Snape x Reader)

Severus is convinced you are hiding a deep dark secret from him when you start avoiding him.

Potion Brewing Date With Severus (SFW, Fluff, Snape x Reader)

You ask Severus out on a date to buy potion ingredients and then you make the potion together.

They’re Friends? (SFW, Platonic Professor Snape x Professor Reader)

You've been best friends with Severus since school. How will the students react when you accidentally let that slip along with the fact that Severus was a victim of bullying?

Only Yours (NSFW, Smut, Snape x Reader)

The new professor is after your husband. Will Severus remain faithful?

Meddlesome Minerva (NSFW, Smut, Snape x Reader)

Minerva unknowingly interrupts some classroom "playtime" for you and Snape.

Long Awaited Confession (SFW, Fluff, Angst, Student Snape x Student Reader)

Severus has had a crush on you for a long time. How will he confess his true feelings?

Learning From Severus (SFW, Fluff, Student Snape x Student Reader)

Severus tutors you in school and soon you both develop feelings for each other. What will you do when Severus starts becoming more and more distant?

You Think of Me? (SFW, Dad Snape w/ daughter, cute and fluffy, Drabble)

Severus finds out that his daughter uses memories of him to cast a Patronus.

Babysitting With Snape (SFW, Fluff, Drabble)

You and Severus babysit Harry for Sirius while he is away.

The Steadfast Crush (SFW, Fluff, Age Gap, Snape x Reader)

You've had a crush on Severus since you were a first-year student and he was in his fifth year. You continue to crush on him well into your adult years. Will he also develop a crush on you?

I Thought We Were Just Going To Sleep? (NSFW, Smut, Snape x Reader)

You spend the night with Severus for the first time. What will happen when he finds out that you sleep naked?

The Best Date (SFW, Student Snape X Student Reader, gender-neutral, fluff)

Severus Snape has been set up on a date by his friend Lily. How will that date go?

The Sketchbook (Snape x Reader, SFW but does contain sexual themes)

Severus finds the reader's sketchbook, some of the drawings are innocent but others are not so.

Marked Man (Snape x Reader, SFW but a bit suggestive)

The reader sees Severus' Dark Mark for the first time. How do they react?

#ensnapemysenses #fic masterlist #Snape Masterlist

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wa-royal-tea · 3 years

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Part 1 - Part 3 Recap + Story Page

Hola amigos! So I’ve been working on a story page for quite some time now and I’ve been waiting very very patiently for yesterday’s post to drop before I can share it. I also did a recap on what has happened so far from Part 1 up to what we have now so my new readers can get the idea of what happened in the past. As you can see, I’ve been “experimenting” with the way I’ve been writing my story. I started with dividing my story using different acts before I start having separate arcs. And now, I combined it and I want to see how it goes. Also, I’m sorry for the sorry excuse of an “”””edit”””” up there. I tried y’all. Also 2.0, big thank you to Miss Daria De Villiers for helping me out 😍

You can read the story page here!

Also, don’t hover your mouse on the “coming soon” and don’t click on the “link” button 😉

(Transcript under the cut - Click Pics for HQ Version!)

Part 1

-Act 1-

Arisa becomes Queen after her father passed away in a car accident.

Sofia starts dating her childhood best friend, Darien.

Darien and Sofia took a time off after Sofia had a miscarriage before getting back together a few months later.

Emery starts dating Irene Young. She suffered a lot of media backlash for being a foreigner and was labeled as a social climber.

Darien proposes to Sofia and they got married a year later.

Sofia finds out she's pregnant a few months after her wedding.

Emery and Irene broke up. He blames Sofia after rumours starts circulating that Sofia was the one who convinced Irene to break things off with Emery.

Emery starts dating Belle, Princess Royal of Winden Territories. Belle helped mend his relationship with his sister.

-Act 2-

Alfie was born.

Alfie was kidnapped by King James. He was saved by Darien who participated in the rescue mission.

Two years passed, Emery reunites with Irene in Champs Les Sim.

Sofia is now pregnant with her second child.

Emery went to visit Irene. Paparazzi were following him and a scandal broke out the next day

Emery and Belle broke up.

-Act 3-

A few months later, Emery married Irene in a private ceremony. She was pregnant at their wedding.

Emery had to leave.

Sofia got into an accident and prematurely gave birth to her second child, Aiden. She was in a coma for a month. Aiden passed away after being in the NICU for a month.

Irene was villainized by the media after the news of her pregnancy came out. She was having a hard time adjusting to the life as a royal.

Irene passed away after giving birth to her daughter, Ginny. Emery asks Sofia to raise Ginny until he's ready to raise her on his own.

Part 2

Ascension Arc

Sofia's relationship with Darien starts to strain due to her busy schedule.

Sofia and Darien had an argument after she forgot about Aiden's death anniversary.

Sofia went to Darien's office to try and make amends but he was in a meeting. Isabella grew jealous of Sofia's relationship with Darien.

Isabella tried to make a move on Darien during their work trip to Nihon. Darien's secretary, Natasha, warned her to stay away from Darien.

Arisa announces to Sofia that she will be abdicating.

Sofia opens up to Darien about her fears of becoming the Queen. They talk about their problems and apologize the each other.

Isabella almost took advantage of Darien while he was drunk at his farewell party but Natasha got there just in time.

Darien didn't tell Sofia what happened since he's unsure of the real timeline of events.

It was revealed that Arisa abdicated because she was diagnosed with brain cancer.

The Custody Battle Arc

Seven years passed, Emery is slowly healing from Irene's loss. Arisa and Sofia convinced him to start taking care of Ginny.

Emery meets up with Eleanor who claims Irene wrote in her will that she wants her to have custody of Ginny. She threatens to take this to court.

Emery doesn't believe in himself as a parent.

Belle returns to Windasia and learns about Emery's problems.

Eleanor filed a petition for Ginny's custody.

Emery and Belle worked together. Emery is conflicted over his feelings for Belle.

The custody battle against Eleanor began and Emery won the case after it was revealed that the Will Elanor claimed was written by Irene is fake. Ginny insisted to Emery if they could take Belle on their family vacation.

The Nihon War Arc

Nihon declares war; Windasia becomes Great Brixton's ally. Darien enlists and went MIA after the Nihonese soldiers ambushed their camp. He returned a month later after being lost in the Nihon woods with Edward who saved him from being killed.

Emery proposes to Belle after he returned from the war and they got married not long after.

Sofia and Mary made an agreement at Emery's wedding reception.

Alfie and Catalina met for the first time when Edward came to visit Darien. The two children takes an immediate dislike towards each other.

Part 3

Obsession Arc (Act 1)

Teenagers now. Alfie got in trouble. Darien warns him not to cause more trouble.

Alfie was sent to boarding school in champs les sims. He reunites with Catalina and reignites their long-term dislike towards each other.

Ginny starts dating Alfie's best friend, Carlos.

She starts getting weird messages from an unknown number. It escalated to calls with threats.

She breaks up with Carlos after he gets into an accident she believes was her fault.

Ginny moves to Monaca and meets with Rainier.

They started to become close while she was there.

Ginny became anxious when she found out that Jack transferred to the same school as her in Monaca. But he claimed to have change and tries to get closer to her.

Rainier doesn't trust Jack and the two boys instantly dislikes each other upon their first meeting.

It was revealed that Jack was Ginny's stalked and he admitted to being the one who caused Carlos' Accident. She was kidnapped by Jack but fought her way out and rescued Rainier when Jack attacked him.

Jack was imprisoned for his crimes.

Rainier and Ginny got together before she returns to Windasia.

Crimson Eyes Arc (Act 1)

Isabella returns to Windasia with her son who shares the same features as the Harden men.

She meets Carlisle Patrickson and noticed he also shares the same features as the Harden's.

Carlisle and Isabella starts to develop a friendship after working together.

Darien saw Thomas and assumed Thomas is his son due to his blurry memories of what happened with Isabella.

His mental health starts to worsen before he confessed to Sofia what happened to him many years ago. Sofia was heartbroken at his confession.

After a negative paternity test, it turns out Darien is related to Thomas but not as father and son.

Carlisle had suspicions on Thomas' parentage due to a one night stand with a girl who looked like Isabella.

Isabella had a breakdown following the test's results; Carlisle took care of Thomas while she copes.

A heartfelt talk between Carlisle and Isabella made her realize Carlisle is Thomas' biological father.

Carlisle wants to take part in Thomas' life and promised her he will do anything to make them happy.

Isabella went to see Darien and Sofia for closure. She apologizes for what she did to Darien. Darien didn't accept her apology but he wishes her luck in finding Thomas' real father.

The One Arc (Act 1 - Act 2)

-Act 1-

Alfie returns to Windasia after graduating. he recently broke up with Catalina after finding out about her father's participating in his kidnapping when he was an infant.

He enlists and is sent to Savaria where he reunites with his childhood friend, Princess Marie.

Marie and Alfie's relationship became closer as they spent more time together.

Lucia visits Alfie in Savaria and when meeting Marie sees their possible future and grows worried.

Alfie and Marie sleep together but Alfie is filled with guilt afterwards since he doesn't want a relationship. Marie assures him it won't happen again.

Lucia warns Alfie that she sees Catalina and Marie in his future and asks him to be careful with his choices.

Marie proposes to Alfie to become friends with benefits and he agrees.

-Act 2-

Four years passed, Alfie and Marie are still in a friends with benefits relationship.

Sofia and Darien inform Alfie that they plan to bestow a duchy to him for his birthday that year. Alfie questions their intentions as a duchy is usually given when a member of the family is getting married.

The family goes on vacation to Nihon and Alfie reunites with Catalina.

Sofia advices Alfie to stop being egoistical and let go of his grudge for Catalina.

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ze-maki-nin · 2 years

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Happy 1 month anniversary @icarusthefoolish <333

----

Ryker squealed excitedly, jumping around the kitchen as he waited for the cake in the oven to finish, excited for his gem to get home from work. He had gotten off of work earlier himself and decided to bake a cake, as well as cook them some dinner.

Ryker had made chicken alfredo penne for the special night, combining the two most favorite foods in the household, spaghetti and chicken. A weird combination but it works.

"Emerys gonna be so happy when they get home!" Ryker cheered to himself, pulling out two plates and setting them up on the dining room table before going back to the kitchen to grab the pot of chicken alfredo penne.

As Ryker began plating the food, the plates were across from one another on the dining table, he heard the front door open, signaling to him that Emery was home, causing him to begin stimming happily, almost dropping the hot pot.

Quickly setting the pot on the stove, Ryker rushed to the front door to greet Emery, a bright smile on his face. "Welcome back My Gem!" He greeted excitedly, shuffling nervously in nis spot as he anxiously soothed out the button up top he wore for the occasion.

A smile found its way onto Emery's face as they saw their boyfriend of 6 years all dressed up for them. "Hello My Love" Pulling the taller boy into a hug, Emery borrowed their head into Rykers chest, taking in their scent, the smell of fresh baked sweets. "What did you bake today Love?"

Humming, Ryker wrapped his arms around the shorter person and buried his head onto their hair. "I made us a cake for after dinner" Squeezing Emery lovingly, the male pulled away before grabbing Emery's hand and pulling them towards the kitchen and dining area. "Plus I made dinner for us!" Gesturing to the plated food, you waited anxiously for Emery to answer, scared they weren't going to like it.

A soft smile found its way onto Emery's face as they saw the two plates. "Ryker..." They said with love lacing their voice as they turned to the male and held his face on their hands. "Thank you. This is lovely" Placing a kiss on Rykers lips, Emery smiled as they felt their loves arms wrap around their waist gently.

Pulling away from each other, the brown haired man sent a bright smile towards his partner. "Almost as lovely as you, My Gem"

----

I finished it! Yay!!

Hope you like it Button ^^

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houseofcameliard · 4 years

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HM Queen Aisling and HRH Prince Frederick’s Wedding Anniversary: Guests Arrive Part 1!

As all of Culloden knows, Today marks 30 years since HM Queen Aisling walked down the aisle and married HRH Prince Frederick, then simply Frederick Walters. Their wedding was the first Royal Wedding since Her Majesty’s parents, 42 years previous. HM King Frasier and HM Queen Rosalie were married young, at only 25 years old and had Aisling after a painstaking 15 years of trying for a child. Aisling was the late King and Queen’s only child, which resulted in such a long dry spell of weddings for Culloden.

The first guest to arrive is HM Queen Aisling long time friend, and fellow Queen, HM Queen Eleanor of Elvaria. HM Queen Eleanor has visited Culloden previously, and ever since her first State Visit, her and Queen Aisling have remained close friends. @reigningsims

Following is TRH The Duke and Duchess of Pine Antony and Elle, visiting from Willow Creek. It is the Duke and Duchess’s first visit to Culloden. HRH The Duchess of Pine looked stunning in a white gown and opera length gloves. @ourwillowcreekroyals

Next to arrive was HM King Thomas III and his wife HRH Queen Alexandra. This is the couples second visit to Culloden, their first being the attendance at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Glencoe. Queen Alexandra looking beautiful in a bright pink dress. @houseofroyalsims

Following them, arriving was TRH The Duke and Duchess of Belcoast, Emery and Belle. HRH Princess Niamh and the Duchess have been close friends since they were young teenagers, HRH was a bridesmaid in their wedding a few years ago. The Duchess of Belcoast is stunning in a green dress showing off her baby bump! @wa-royal-tea

Rounding out this first batch of arrivals is The Duke and Duchess of Brevell, visiting from the Winden Territories. The Duke of Brevell and the Duchess of Belcoast are brother and sister, it is lovely to see a family reunion at this event. The Duchess of Brevell is also expecting, in her second trimester, and looking beautiful in a pale yellow gown. @carmichealroyals

#ts4 #ts4 royal #ts4 royals #ts4 royalty #ts4 royal family #ts4 royal legacy #ts4 legacy #ts4 legacy family #ts4 legacy challenge #ts4 legacy simblr #ts4 simblr #simblr #ts4 royal simblr #ts4 monarchy

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starlit-dreaming · 3 years

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[0] a chance for change

Fandom: WMMAP Rating: G Ship: Lucathy TL;DR: a “Characters Reacting to their Series” au because in truth i have no impulse control; will be referencing the manhwa

i had this sitting in my drafts for the past half year, almost??? i wasn’t planning on posting this at all, but lo and behold. again, i have no impulse control and this is incredibly obvious because i’m so focused on getting this posted instead of getting ready to go to get my hiring paperwork appointment thats gonna be in an hr from now as im posting this

in case anyone wants more info on my lucathy kids idea, then [click here] for more info

[0] | 1

Summary:

Athanasi only wanted to beat 2nd sister Attheia by proving that he was better at magic than her and impressing their parents. How the hell was he supposed to know that he would accidentally end up causing a diverging timeline and dragging his baby sister Erica into it?

His parents were going to kill him.

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0. prologue

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“Big brother?” a small girl had quietly called out, poking her head into the room. “Athan, can we play?”

A young boy was sitting in the middle of a magic circle written in blood, occasionally glancing over at a paper in his hand, a brush stained with red in the other. He wore a black turtle-neck and black trousers — a fact that made the small girl scrunch up her nose with a disapproving frown on her face. Her older brother glances up over towards the doorway before looking back at his work as he waves her off dismissively.

“Not now, Luce,” he states, his jewelled blue eyes scanning through the pages with a contemplative glance. “I’m busy. Why don’t you go play with Theia?”

His little sister was a petite child with long wavy black hair tied up in a ponytail with a red ribbon. She wore a red floral dress with white frills and black accents. Like her brother, she too had blue jewelled eyes.

Staring down at the floor, she gripped her black rabbit plush in a hug as she kicked the dust around the floor.

“Busy,” she softly murmured with clear disappointment.

“What?” her older brother blinked, sounding somewhat disgruntled.

“Tea,” she stated, toddling over to him and taking a seat on a stool.

“Oh,” he wrinkled his nose. “I didn’t realize that she was dealing with that tea party thing today with the girls — you’d get bored if you went, since it’s not playtime. Maybe you could ask to go play with Ollie, then?”

“Busy,” she shook her head. “Theia’s Party.”

“Hmm…” he paused. “Oh… Theia’s having one of those dumb noble tea parties that’s meant for her and the other girls to meet potential marriage candidates. That’s stupid — didn’t grandpa say that they didn’t need to do it?”

“I dunno,” she shrugs.

“Well, what about Amber and Emery?”

“Tition with grandpa.”

“Wait, the hunting competition’s today?” he blinked. “Huh… no wonder everything seems to be happening today. Well, at least Amber’s gonna kick everyone’s butts. Why didn’t you go with them?”

“Don’t wanna. S’no fun.”

“What about mama and papa?”

“Mama’s at the tea party and papa is busy with a meeting,” her shoulders slump, and she pouts.

“Lily and Felix?”

“Feli at tea party with mama, and it’s clean up day.”

He frowns, “We need to get you a playmate,” he grumbled. “Fine, you can stay and watch, but no touching, okay?”

“Athan no wanna play?” she perked up, looking at him with renewed interest.

“Sorry, but I’m playing a game with Theia right now,” he stated, sounding awfully proud. “She’s winning, but that’s because I haven’t finished yet,” he grinned at her as she tilts her head. “I’m pretty close, though.”

“What’re you playing?” she blinked.

“Theia and I are trying to see who can make mama and papa the happiest by showing them memories of when they got together to celebrate their anniversary!” he puffed up his chest. “Theia may be winning for now, since she got the spirits to pitch in and embed their memories into a magic stone, but I’m gonna do better by creating a spell that will project their memories onto a wall instead of from a flimsy breakable stone! Regardless, it’s infinitely better than Amber and Emery’s get-out-of-work card. Honestly, they have magic, they don’t need us to just go and fill in for their duties just so they could go off and have a date.”

She kicked her legs back and forth in her seat. “And then we can play? After brother’s done?”

He sighed, “Yes, Luce, after I’m done testing this, we can go and play. I already finished writing everything with the blood I got from the town’s butcher, anyways…” he huffed, glancing over another sheet of paper. “Now I just need to toss the strands of… hair?” he blinked, standing up to place the brush down. “Oh. Right. Everyone has magic, and hair contains magic essence, therefore, if the magic formula is to be believed then it would enable us to view memories by tapping into their magic…”

His little sister stared at him, partly clueless, partly judging.

“It’s not that weird,” he huffed out rather defensively as he picked up various pieces of hair ranging from their Grandpa Claude, to their Aunt Jennette, to their mother and father, including their nanny Lily and royal guard Felix. He placed the strands of hair to their designated places in the circle “Well, you excited to see your big brother use magic, Luce?”

“Okay,” she nodded.

‘Mom and dad are going to be so proud of me.’

——————————

‘Mom and dad are going to kill me.’

His five-year-old little sister had clung to his leg once the flash of light had faded. From what he could see, they were still in the tower, but everything seemed rather unfamiliar. The bookshelves were still there, but there was a sofa in the room and a cleared up space on one of the stone brick walls, with a projection that had the words “Who Made Me A Princess” written in his mother’s familiar handwriting.

However, despite how strange that appeared to be, that’s not what was alarming to him.

It was the fact that he found himself staring at a group of familiar people, albeit younger than what he remembers. There was a girl with long wavy blonde hair and the royal family’s blue eyes, and a boy with short black hair and red eyes. Well, they looked like his elder sister and brother, his elder sister when she was younger, and his elder brother in his incognito appearance.

Felix was there, too.

And his grandpa Claude. And Lily. And Aunt Jennette when she still concealed her eyes with magic.

And a woman with rose pink eyes that seemed to have faint traces of his mother’s magic coming from her stomach.

“Athan…” Luce had said with a wobbly voice, and he looks down to see watery jewel blue eyes aimed at him. “I want mommy,” she whimpered.

This is the story of how Athanasi de Alger Obelia ended up causing a timeline divergence, with his baby sister, Erica Luce de Alger Obelia getting dragged along for the ride.

#fic: a chance for change #wmmap #who made me a princess #sbapod #suddenly became a princess one day #wynter writes #lucathy

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openheartfanfics · 4 years

Text

And they were in the Office...

Ethan x F!MC

A Call to Arms - @genevievemd 🎭 After Ethan’s reset continues to fall short, Genevieve gives him an ultimatum. [2.7]

All Yours - @jerzwriter ♥ Casey is the only one who can keep Ethan in line.

Awkward - @coffeeheartaddict2 ♥ Tobias walks in on Casey and Ethan having sex in the DT office.

Because That’s Why - @isporticus1234 ♥ MC and Ethan to get into a heated fight and Ethan ending it by yelling “I LOVE YOU”! and then they have sex on his desk.

Breaking The Habit - @the-pale-goddess ♥ Consider this piece to be the 30 diamond scene that didn’t make the cut in 2.9. It’s kinda emotional and raw? Takes off right after MC’s conversation with Rafael.

Christen - @heauxplesslydevoted ♥ Ethan got a brand new office and we didn't get to canonically break it in so...here we are.

Code Blue - @writinghereandthere ♥ The one where everyone finds out about Ethan and MC.

Confessions - @genevievemd ☁ MC has been feeling unsteady, and Ethan has finally noticed.

Da Capo - @utterlyinevitable ☁ The next day after their surprise kiss, Odette’s confused and ignoring Ethan. Until she doesn’t anymore.

Desk Job - @aworldoffandoms ♥ Ethan struggles to keep his composure when he has some unexpected company with the arrival of his girlfriend, Harper Emery, while on the job. Feat. Harper x Ethan x MC

Dynamics - @utterlyinevitable ☁ Odette confronts Ethan about Hirata having her employee file.

End this nonsense - @perriewinklenerdie ♥

Everything Has Changed - @genevievemd ☁ Now that her second year is over, Ethan realizes its time to make their relationship official, AKA Ethan finally asks Gen on a real date.

Fantasy - @lsvdw-blog ♥ Write a fantasy one of them has about the other.

Florals - @jamespotterthefirst ♥ Ethan is a fan of that floral dress on her.

Forever and Always - @takemyopenheart ♥ What happens now that Ethan and Luz finally get a moment to themselves in the office?

Fourteen Hours - @writinghereandthere ♥ Dr Ramsey and Mariana work through the aftermath of an accidental night together while on-call.

Happy Anniversary - @lucy-268 ☁ It’s a special date night but work intrudes.

Hopeful Hearts, Part Two - @brooks-eden ♥ During the Gala, Ethan and Brooke sneak off for a more private encounter. 2.17 rewrite.

Irresistible - @takeharryandgo ♥ This may be the stupidest plan she’s ever devised, and yet she’s just desperate enough to try it. [Office Sex]

It Was Heaven A Moment Ago - @usuallyamazinglyaverage 🎭 A retelling of the office conversation, in which both Ethan and Anna struggle. 2.1 rewrite.

Just This Once... - @lem-20 ♥

Late Night Conversation - @lucy-268 ☁ She’d rather stay up reading journals with him in his office than go home to her friends.

Liars - @ernestlysinclaire 🎭 Ethan calls MC into his office after noticing some conduct between her and Bryce. Feat. Bryce x MC

Like the Shoreline and the Sea - @stygianflood 🎭 Ethan is asked out on a date right after Miami in Book 1.

Long Time Running - @perriewinklenerdie ♥ Chapter 17 rewrite. Everyone knows they are together now. But no one sees what’s happening behind the closed door of his office.

Luck of the Draw - @jamespotterthefirst ☁ There’s no one else in the world she’d rather be stuck with.

Missing You - @xxrainbow-princessxx ♥ Kinktober: office sex

Picta Problems - @liaromancewriter 🦚 Cassie and Ethan clash over a Pictagram post.

Please Don’t Cry - @utterlyinevitable ☁ This takes place in OH2 right after June Hirata confronts MC about their history with Ethan.

Pretty Little Mistake - @starrystarrytrouble 🎭 MC fantasizes about Ethan, set sometime in OH2.

Seeing Red - @cariantha ♥💘 Ethan stumbles across the lingerie she plans on wearing for him that night.

Settle Down - @utterlyinevitable 🎭 Becca hears that Ethan’s seeing someone else and goes ballistic.

Spark to flame - @perriewinklenerdie ♥

Stop lying to yourself - @perriewinklenerdie ♥

Sweet Fantasy - @heauxplesslydevoted ♥ Ethan and Naomi pull an all nighter to work on a case.

Squeeze Back - @pixelsandkink ♥ Bree has a date. With…not Ethan.

Temptation - @nazario-sayeed ♥ They can’t fight their feelings anymore.

The Beauty Inside - @headoverheelsforramsey 🎭 Ethan feels bad for sharing his burden with Meera.

The Flirting Game - @liaromancewriter ☁ Cassie ‘practices’ her flirting technique on Ethan, but she’s not the only one who knows the moves.

The Negotiation - @liaromancewriter ☁ Ethan has a huge favor to ask of Cassie. But it’s going to cost him.

The Night Shift - @takeharryandgo ♥ They thought signing up for the night shift together was going to be simple. After 2.9 and a Choose Your Own Adventure Fic.

The Seal Of Zeal - @headoverheelsforramsey 📚 ☁ [mini: complete] Ethan Ramsey and Meera Bose do not back down from challenges. But what happens when they challenge each other?

Part 2

The Stitch Sitch - @txemrn ☁ Tatum is called into Ethan's office to discuss her colorful interaction with a patient's husband.

Touch Me, Tease Me - @shewillreadyou ♥ Kinktober Day 3: Office Sex, Swallowing, Hair pulling

With and Without- @alwaysmychoices 📚 [series] Dr. Charlie Greene doesn’t have Ethan Ramsey. But when Charlie’s life feels like it’s out of control, she finds herself on Ethan’s doorstep. They promise each other that it’s just one night, but once they’ve broken all their rules, they can’t go back to normal…

CH 43: The Reunion ♥

SUBMIT OPEN HEART FICS & WRITERS HERE

All fics should have a summary section and categorized as Angst, Fluff, Smut or part of a Series!

#ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #ethan ramsey x mc #open heart #open heart fanfic #open heart fanfiction #choices open heart #open heart fanfics #choices fanfic #choices oh #oph2

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tothelasthoursofmylife · 5 years

Text

4th Anniversary Stuff

I had quite the long day yesterday and now I am a day late^^’

But, well, anyway... Watchdog of the Queen turned four yesterday! Yey!

I have been terrible again with updates in the last few months, so if you’re still here and waiting - thank you! Life and university kept me busy and exhausted lately (and I was, to my surprise, picked for a zine!), but I’m still working on the next chapter and have no intention of dropping this story anytime soon! Not when it is still keeping my brain busy.

I think I’m always getting so melodramatic and repetitive in these posts^^’ Sorry...

Well, last year, I put together some trivia and notes and I thought I would do the same this year! But that’s not everything...

When I started writing this fic, I created a file to collect little bits and pieces as I thought of them. So far, I have 258 snippets in that file^^’ Some are just a sentence long, others some pages. And I thought that, if someone’s interested, you can send me a number between 11 and 258 and I’ll post either the entire thing or part of it. However, if it’s just a sentence or a joke I have saved for later, I will reserve not to post it. (And it’s from 11 to 258 and from 1 to 258 because the first ten are just too old and irrelevant.)

Thank you so much for sticking with me for four years now! And let’s hope for many more^^

Story

The little “add-on” about Oscar and Cloudia on the intermission chapter was actually supposed to be much longer. It would have not just been about Cloudia returning to the townhouse and talking to Oscar there after she met Cedric for the first time, but it would have been an extended version of the entire first three chapters. It was supposed to start with the morning before Cloudia went to that party and end with her conversation with Oscar. It even had a proper name: “The Countess, Once Again.” But I thought it would be too long and too boring, so I just kept the last part of it. I did like the beginning part when Cloudia woke up; I was quite sad to cut it. (I wrote it in late 2017/early 2018… while it was snowing! *sigh*)

While finishing the general outline and concept of Arc 4, I thought about roughly basing it on a fairy-tale, and because it’s set in France, I thought about picking a French fairy-tale. (Also the term “fairy-tale” was actually introduced by Madame d’Aulnoy, a Frenchwoman, so it would have been perfect!) Unfortunately, it did not work out because the arc became too stuffed with other things.

Originally, they were supposed to go to Réchicourt-le-Château, not Nanteuil-la-Forêt, but I changed it to cut their travelling time shorter. They were also supposed to stay at the proper Château Dupont, rather than at an acquaintance’s place. I changed it because I thought it would be too silly to say that, of all places, Nicodemus Townsend was spotted/the Clockmaker is living so close to where Cloudia’s relatives live. I just couldn’t do that – not after reading Villette…

Very early on, Townsend was to appear from the start of Arc 4. He was still the one who stole Queen Victoria’s super-secret box, but it would not have been so blatant. Instead, Townsend would aide Cloudia and Cedric and try to divert the investigation from himself. Cloudia was actually supposed to start liking Townsend (for some reasons), much to Cedric’s chagrin, but this particular aspect was so silly, I scrapped it all and rearranged it.

Originally, the last chapter (Mystery), the next chapter (Malady), and the one coming after it were one chapter. Please remind me to provide a word count for them when I have finished all three. What was I thinking…

Cloudia was lamenting about having apparently lost her family ring in the intermission chapter… Actually, I planned for Cedric to give her the ring in Faint and Low, wrote it into my outline, but I somehow forgot including it. Thankfully, I did not forget to make him return it to her in the intermission.

While working on the intermission, I thought about writing that Cedric and Milton met every now and then in the past year and became more acquainted with each other. Like, Cedric would come to Cloudia when she was extra busy, she would send him to town with Thomas, and they would run into Milton and Wentworth. But then, I finalised Milton’s story and decided that it would be better to say that he did not set foot into England since his villa was destroyed.

Milton and Cloudia met at a reception in 1846 because, years ago in English class, my teacher talked about how “receptions are little parties,” I jotted it down and thought “that might be a good place for their first meeting!” But, according to Wikipedia, “Formal receptions are parties that are designed to receive a large number of guests, often at prestigious venues [..]. The hosts and any guests of honor form a receiving line in order of precedence near the entrance. Each guest is announced to the host who greets each one in turn as he or she arrives. Each guest properly speaks little more than his name (if necessary) and a conventional greeting or congratulation to each person in the receiving line. In this way, the line of guests progresses steadily without unnecessary delay. After formally receiving each guest in this fashion, the hosts may mingle with the guests.” – which is not really what I had in mind back then. But I had already said that they met at a reception, so there was no going back.

There will be a total of three side stories for this arc. The Poker Game was the first. The second will come sometime in the middle after certain pieces of information were revealed. The last will come right after the arc wrapped up.

“The Earl, Reckless” and “The Siblings, Partners” are actually the first two pieces in a little series of five stories about Vincent and Francis. I hope to get out the third next year!

There will be a few more stories about them, but they won’t belong to that collection because they won’t be very readable as “standalone” fics. One of them is the pirate story which was mentioned in the second zucchini bonus chapter.

Names

Anaïs was always supposed to be a girl, but her name used to be Amable because it means “lovable” and I thought it’s such a cute name! Turned out it’s a boy’s name, so I changed it last-minute to Anaïs after the character from The Amazing World of Gumball.

Her aunt Sylviane was originally named Renée. I changed it because I remembered that “Renée” is the name of one of the musketeers in Barbie and The Three Musketeers, and I really dislike that movie.

Aurèle used to be named Gervais. But then, I named another character Gervais and forgot that I already had a character with the same name. Because I had worked more with the second Gervais in my head, I decided to rename the first one to Aurèle. At some point, I cut out the “final” Gervais (who was the original Clockmaker) though and replaced him with the current Clockmaker. So, there’s currently nobody with the name “Gervais” in the story…

I am actually quite lazy when it comes to picking names for any secondary characters. The names of the Dupont servants and most names of the inhabitants of Nanteuil-la-Forêt were generated with a random French name generator.

As I already said, I like naming characters after other fictional characters. I often base their personalities and stories on them as well. When I read a book or comic, or watched a movie or show which I did not like, I name and base characters who get killed, villain characters, annoying characters etc. after the characters from that book/comic/movie/show I did not like. For example, Maven, Manon, Axel, and Brenton were named and based on characters from Red Queen. Maven is, obviously, Maven. Manon is Mare, but her name is from Miraculous Ladybug because she was supposed to be the “puppeteer.” Axel Shade is named after Shade. (But his middle names are from The Infernal Devices which I do like.) Brenton is based on Cal. I chose the name “Von Brandt” because “Brand” means fire or blaze and Maven has fire powers in Red Queen. (-1/10 would not recommend that book.)

Nicer characters are, in turn, named after characters from media I liked. For example, Dahlia, Duke, Cas, the man Cas talked to in Duke’s tavern, and Lucas Renn are named/based after/on characters from A Darker Shade of Magic. Dahlia is Lila. Duke is Barron. Cas is Kell. The man he talked to is Ned. Lucas Renn is Alucard Emery (whose nickname is “Luc”).

Characters

Milton is my least favourite character to write because he has no humorous bone in his body. (Almost) everyone else is joking around, but I simply cannot picture him doing the same. At least, he can talk in waterfalls like most others – even if it’s in a different way. (This does not mean that I dislike Milton as a character! It just makes his dialogue a bit more challenging because he’s always very kind and never sarcastic. He’s the kind of person who, if you were to stab them, would calmly and softly tell you that it’s fine and that they have no ill-feelings for you even though they are literally dying and you are just a random thug.)

His rain-induced-heartache-memory-return is based on a similar thing a friend of my father’s has. When I was little – like six or seven – he and his family were visiting us. It was raining, and he explained that he had a heart operation many years ago on a rainy day and now, every time it rains, his heart phantom-pains. For some reason, it stuck with me, and I eventually decided to give Milton the same condition.

Townsend was a Frenchman (“Nicodème Etienne Bellamy”) for a very short time period because I thought “The arc is set in France, shouldn’t it have a French villain?” But then, I realised that it made no sense why a Frenchman should steal the Queen’s super-secret box and changed it back.

I wrote two stories for a Kuro Advent Calendar in 2017: Waiting and Warming. They were only replacement ideas though: Waiting was the replacement for a little game I wanted to put together but did not have the time for in the end. Warming was the replacement for a clockwork/clockmaker/machinery fic which I could not make work at that time. The Clockmaker Cloudia is searching for is something of a “remnant” from that fic idea.

Actually, Kamden was supposed to be the fidgety one before I gave that trait to Milton.

Misc.

While Milton is someone who does not really hate anything or anyone, I think he would very much dislike the song “Love is an Open Door” if the fic was set in modern times.

Because my sister once asked why “I draw Cloudia with short hair when she has long hair”: I do not draw her with short hair. I draw her with barley curls and a chignon, but the chignon is never visible.

Outtake – beginning of “The Countess, Once Again.”

The day Cloudia Phantomhive was to kill Ronan Parrish, she was tired – tired, bored, and wishing to be somewhere else.

She hadn’t slept well – she never slept well here – and her body both carved and dreaded more hours of sleep and rest. Cloudia had woken up far too early this morning and the dispute in her head had made her decide to stay awake and wait for the sun to rise – and in January, the sun was just as sleepy as she, but unlike her, it took its time to wake.

Not knowing what to do, Cloudia had taken the book she was reading from her bedside cabinet – The Chimes by Charles Dickens – but even though it was written by her favourite author, even though it was “just” a novella, she hadn’t been able to read more than a few pages. And so, until the sun rose and Lisa came, Cloudia spent her time staring into the darkness, the novella still in her hand. And when the sun had finally risen and Lisa had arrived, Cloudia nearly did not notice it; and when she was washing up and getting dressed, her head was still heavy and her body numb and she did not say a single word. Lisa did seem concerned, but Cloudia was thankful that she didn’t address it, that her concern was only shown in her gaze which Cloudia avoided.

Afterwards, Cloudia walked down the stairs to breakfast, the sun shining dimly through the ice-touched windows, and when she entered the parlour, Lisa in her wake and Newman opening the door for her, Oscar was already there.

Almost thirteen years ago, Cloudia’s father had died at the Phantomhive townhouse, and Cloudia herself had lost her memories. Since that day, Cloudia had never felt comfortable or safe or free inside the townhouse again – considering that she had ever felt like that here –, and because she was always sent back to that day whenever something triggered her – and this was even more likely at the townhouse – Eleanor and Barrington had decided that, even if she had Newman and Lisa with her, Cloudia was not to stay at the townhouse without another person. As both Barrington and Cecelia were busy and Oscar had helped her finding out about Parrish, although this “case” had been fairly clear from the very beginning, Oscar was staying with her.

“Good morning, Oscar,” Cloudia greeted him while sitting down, her own voice sounding odd to her.

“Good morning, Mylady,” he said, waiting for her to break her scone in half before he sunk his fork into his cake.

“Cake for breakfast again?” Cloudia remarked, but, instead of directly responding to her words, all Oscar said was, “Mylady, you should make sure to sleep more. Or, at all. It is not good for your health if you keep refraining from sleeping, even if it is the townhouse.”

Cloudia nodded absentmindedly and put cream on her scone. “I will when Parrish is dead and I can return to the manor,” she said, but Oscar did not reply and only ate in silence.

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