@[Evan Jackson](/user/show/133763) Cuddle-switch: I'm very glad the shock of the characters came through. I hadn't had to do that much in TTRPG or in writing, but I appear to pull it off okay each time. Time: “It's interesting to write a moment like this where there is no immediate action you can take to resolve the problem. For me, Iskios's flirting is sort of about that. Since there's not anything that he can do, he flirts to distract himself.” Cuddle-switch: I'm also glad that we can finally show Aris being a bit more overtly villainous. **grins evilly** I'm glad you like it! Putting words on the screen and actually *writing* villains is new to me as well. Time: “Up until now, we've seen an Aristotle appear completely convinced that he is doing the right thing, that he knows best, even for other people, whether that's his own pets, Rhys, Jasper, or anyone else. In this chapter, we get to see another layer to that: that he is serving his own interests, but doesn't seem able to fully acknowledge that.” Cuddle-switch: I learned a lot from Time during the whole bit with Julian becoming Jewel. I've never had to go that deep and specific before. I really need to give Time the credit here, as it is one of those points where they did the most heavy lifting. Time: “What's interesting about something like Julian becoming Jewel is that it would take so long for this to actually happen that it can feel very daunting to try and stay in the moment. So, my strategy here was to take snapshots of the moment instead. I'm glad that it resonated with you, because this kind of scene is hard to land.” Cuddle-switch: I really like doing the wholesome bits with Jasper and Rhys. It's so nice to see them progress together like this. It almost makes me regret whenever we plan to pull the rug out from under them. ...He says not foreshadowing anything. Time: “Evan, as you know, the writing room in my head is full of CW showrunners. I love their sweetness, and I want them to be happy, but I have cursed them to live in interesting times instead. If you like, I give you full rights to the Coffee Shop AU.” C-s: Ditto. Time: “Thank you for being so supportive of our weird half-smut, half-sci-fi intrigue thing. WE really appreciate you and the care that you give to all of you comments.”

@[Cuddle-switch](/user/show/10019969) It is my pleasure to rant and rave about the story. Thank you for writing the creative world and characters that you do. It's fun to see behind the curtain and I hope you both take credit for the great sequences. You are very right that having some things like Julian/Jewel land would be tricky but I would say you nailed it. Not overdone with enough to tease and let us know what's happened/happening. Aris definitely seems like he's not as self aware as he thinks he is and crossing the line into villain territory from others' perspectives. As for Rhys and Jasper, I have been convinced and dreading the moment when their feelings are questioned and their beautiful love for each other and bonding relationship is upturned. I hate it but it's good storytelling so I know it's going to have to happen. But I just want them to be so happy. Just try not to rip my heart out in a way that you can't put it back, okay? :)