Half Sisters - Episode 45 + (2) Bonus Pinups!
Added 2024-02-01 00:07:23 +0000 UTCNikki was supposed to go shopping for a dress with her mom, but fate seems to have other plans...
This was a very fun episode to write. 😊 28 pages! Yay! And the art was challenging but fun, too. There are some emotional / dramatic moments in this one that resonated with me, and I hope they resonate with you, too!
Next episode is very important - you'll be voting on Nikki's dress for her date with Zach! ❤️
Comments
Thank you, Max! Welcome! I'm really happy you're enjoying the story and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment - they always make my day! 💖 The mall scenes were some of my favorites to write as well. Nikki's sense of self is slowly evolving (or reverting?), and this environment forced her to confront parts of herself she'd rather ignore. Evie and Lauren helped with that, too! And you're totally right about the toxic environment. Nikki's father reinforces her insecurities, making it basically impossible for her to explore her identity safely. Not to mention, she was kidnapped and taken to an island and not allowed to have any contact with her family for almost 2 years. Talk about unresolved trauma 😟 - even her mom hasn't really been able to acknowledge the enormity of that pain. Hopefully Nikki will find the strength to be kinder to herself and embrace who she truly is - luckily she has help from her friends. I'm so excited that you have at least 6 more months of content to catch up on. 😊
Emory Ahlberg
2024-06-13 03:39:40 +0000 UTCNew supporter. I just had to know where the story was going lol and this didn’t disappoint. I think the mall scenes are personal faves of mine so far. There is something very honest and vulnerable to how Nikki’s sense of self changes with each scene. And Evie brings up a good point. Nikki’s childhood does track onto this trans journey. And even if she 100% still identifies as a boy, Nikki still lives in a very toxic environment that does not allow her to explore beyond that identity. That last line is a gut punch. There’s something comforting for her to have her own insecurities reinforced by her dad since it means she never has to examine them. Obviously this still falls under a force femme story and Nikki’s transition journey is traumatic and not something she asked for, but I find your writing about identity and gender for Nikki especially recently to be very insightful. Her story could go so many different ways, but the most positive path forward involves her being more kind to herself. (And also probably moving in with her mum on a permanent basis again. They both deserve it 🩵)
Max
2024-06-12 14:59:56 +0000 UTCThank you, Phoebe! It's has been really fun to get into the relationships and backstories. Lauren's actions and feelings towards Nikki/Nick are absolutely layered with past decisions and regrets. Gosh, I really love Evie's boldness and her immediate connection with Nikki. She kind of came out of nowhere, character-wise, and popped into my head fully formed. I didn't really plan her when I sketched out Season 2, but she's quickly becoming a new favorite. Nikki's path forward is complicated as heck, fraught with obstacles both external and internal. But HOPEFULLY through these interactions she'll find her true self (whatever that might be)...and a place where she feels accepted and loved.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-06 04:22:10 +0000 UTCThank you, CK! 😊 You're definitely on to something about Zach. It's not just a throwaway conversation. Nikki's surprise and the unanswered messages are indeed breadcrumbs. There's more going on than meets the eye. The "eggs" Nikki was talking about were those inside her non-existent ovaries, hehe. Oh, and I absolutely agree that moms often have an uncanny sense about these things. Nikki's mom is observant and sensitive to her child's struggles, even if Nikki isn't ready to tackle who she really is at the core of everything... Guy or girl, it's obvious she wasn't always so detached from her sweet, sensitive side.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-06 04:10:35 +0000 UTCThank you, Nina! 💕 Yeah, Nikki's journey is filled with these small ironies and misunderstandings that somehow circle back to deeper truths. At least, that's the hope. And as for the resemblance between Nikki and her mom, I'm glad it's striking a chord! Their similarities go beyond the physical. Nikki assumed her resilience came from her father, but I think we're all now seeing that obviously isn't the case.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-06 04:07:21 +0000 UTCLOL - fin, you've got a keen eye for fashion! I wouldn't be surprised if Lauren's been raiding Taylor Swift's closet. 😉 I actually designed her top! And you're right... Nikki's learning the hard way that blending in requires a bit more than just a change of clothes.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-06 04:05:34 +0000 UTCOh gosh, yes, this is all the little development teases on these characters that I wanted coming off of the last part... I love seeing that Lauren actually DOES care a lot, even if she does tease about the "hormone imbalance" situation. Hearing more about the deal she made with Nikki's mom, clearly she doesn't hold any real ill will or want Nick/Nikki to actually get hurt or found out. Interesting twist that it was Nick's mom who convinced her to break up with him way back when! She really was deep in that childhood sweethearts fantasy... I really feel for her a lot now, which just makes me want her and Nikki to patch things up even more. Meanwhile, it's hard to argue Evie's logic for trans girl Nikki! Not without critical context that Nikki isn't giving up anytime soon, lol. I love the concept of a gothy cheerleader btw, and it's fun how unabashedly thirsty she is already. I see you checking out Nikki's booty, girl~. So much fun stuff to work with for these characters, I hope Nikki gets the support she needs out of all of them! Once she stops trying to fight it so hard-!
Phoebe Nocturne
2024-02-03 06:41:14 +0000 UTCI love #Teamlaurikki!.... I like that Lauren isn't malicious with Nikki, just a bit playful. And Evie is going to get a lot of play! I think it's a really cool plot twist that Evie and, slowly but surely, Lauren believe that Nikki is trans, misinterpreting all of Nikki's words - until they discover the truth - this is going to provide some really fun and interesting moments. And it's not the girlfriends who always know, ¡it's the Mums! she's picked up on Nikki's hesitation in talking about her dad. It's going to be a very interesting conversation that she's left for later, let's hope it's sooner rather than later and she's back home with Mum! Nikki needs him... badly! And I really liked in the conversation with Ron, when he explains why he wears the Jane Straps, the 'eggs' thing, I don't know if in the USA it also has a double meaning (eggs/testes), I imagine it does and that's what you were looking for, I had a good laugh with that. One small doubt Emory, in render 21, when Nikki and Ron are in the bathroom, Nikki is surprised that Zach hasn't gone to training and leaves Ron's question with hesitation, are you leaving us with a little breadcrumb that something is going on with Zach and that's why he didn't answer her messages, or was it just a conversation? With you, I'm already looking for the three cats' legs to everything. 😉 Great work as always!
ckarya
2024-02-02 19:38:56 +0000 UTChonestly love the spin that nikki is trans that evie believes. it’s actually kinda hilarious considering how true her statements were if we didn’t know everything nikki’s gone through. i still am in love with how you make nikki and her mom look so similar! her mom is so pretty 🥹 you truly are incredibly gifted emory!!!!
Nina
2024-02-02 06:32:41 +0000 UTCDid Lauren buy her top from Taylor Swift's collection? ;) Nikki had better buy some gaff panties quick! Walking around in those leggings with that bulge, especially in Texas, could cause Nikki to experience some seriously violent blow-back. Page #27...you are indeed gifted and also very kind to your audience!
findesiecle
2024-02-02 04:41:04 +0000 UTCI'm so happy you enjoyed it, Ella! Next one will hopefully be just as fun - plus voting!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 21:13:41 +0000 UTCRobert, you might be onto something there. 😂 Texas definitely has its own unique vibe - one that seems to breed all sorts of interesting characters and situations.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 21:13:15 +0000 UTCThank you, Gemma! I'm so glad you enjoyed the episode. I love Evie! She is definitely a character with layers! Hopefully the interplay between her and Nikki will bring both tension and growth, pushing Nikki further out of her comfort zone and into uncharted territory!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 21:07:40 +0000 UTCThank you! Yes, Second Dawn's approach certainly left much to be desired in terms of mental and emotional support for Nikki. Their focus was predominantly on the physical transformation, neglecting the profound psychological adjustments required in embracing a new identity.
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 21:04:44 +0000 UTCThank you, Ken! Yeah, that line was a tough one to write but felt very true to Nikki's current state of mind. Nikki's father definitely sees her as a lesser, ruined version of the son he once had, and that perception is painfully clear to Nikki - and one she is still having difficulty shaking off. She's facing deep-rooted issues - not just externally with her father, but internally as she grapples with her self-perception. Hopefully Lauren's evolving understanding of Nikki's situation will be a turning point for both of them. But even as Nikki comes to understand herself better, the question remains: how will she reconcile her newfound identity with the expectations and relationships from her past? Definitely mom's support will be crucial in helping Nikki find some semblance of peace and acceptance!
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 20:55:04 +0000 UTCLots of fun in this chapter! 😊
Ella Cherry
2024-02-01 13:26:26 +0000 UTC#TeamEvieikki emerges! Did Evie on pg 14 look at Nikki's butt? Does she have a crush on her ? Now I understand why Evie wears such a sweatshirt, "she has a phase for dark fae". Beautiful Pinups Evie and Lauren is constantly teasing and also staring at Nikki's butt. P.S. "Dark fae" who just happen are fighting with succubi 😈😍!
Wojtek
2024-02-01 09:49:42 +0000 UTCEmory, having spent a lot of time in Texas, this chapter simply reconfirms all my impressions that everyone in the Lone Star State is just straight out weird.
Robertlouis
2024-02-01 09:47:52 +0000 UTC#TeamLaurikki loves Evie. Lauren thinks "girlfriends know" - and then doubles down on "They /always/ know." Bzzt. Sorry, Lauren, they don't. Not usually. Also brb, looking on ScribbleHub for "dark fae" fics written by Ahlmory Emberg.
Jade Diaz
2024-02-01 07:06:55 +0000 UTCGreat chapter Emory. Wow! I was surprised by Evie and her deep, sensitive insights, empathy and perspective. My heart skipped a beat and my breathe was taken away by Evie’s predatory sexual language that she used referring to Nikki wanting to “eat her alive” that highlighted her underlying dominant intents and edgy nature. So intrigued by where all of this will be played out in the byplay of future interactions between between Nikki and Evie?
Gemma
2024-02-01 05:28:31 +0000 UTCEmory, my dearest muse, you had me at "Wanting to eat her alive". I still see Nikki is still struggling with Nick, which seems a failure on Second Dawn's part, not preparing her mentally for her new..."her".
Alex From the Tri-Cities
2024-02-01 03:39:45 +0000 UTCCant wait to read your thoughts, Maggie! ❤️
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 03:00:35 +0000 UTC"At least he doesn't pretend I'm not a freak." Holy shit Emory. There are a lot of fantastic moments in this episode, from Lauren's goth friend "figuring out" Nikki was trans from her history to Nikki stubbornly deciding to use the men's room and the following consequences, but way to end it on an absolutely devastating line. I can only imagine how her mom would have reacted to hearing that. Though at the very least, given that Lauren is beginning to think Nikki was trans all along, that should garner a decent amount of sympathy from Lauren. Hopefully she can forgive Nikki and support her because she definitely needs it.
Ken
2024-02-01 01:57:59 +0000 UTCThank youuuu! ❤️❤️❤️ I feel like I just met Evie - but I love her 🤣. Evie explaining Nikki's life story = trans girl was the tweet I was talking about when I said the conversation jumped wholesale into my mind. It was like watching a scene between these two girls. So fun! (I also liked Nikki meeting up with Ron hehe)
Emory Ahlberg
2024-02-01 01:02:26 +0000 UTC❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️More sensible thoughts will write down tomorrow after couple hours of sleep... because somehow you just sensed me going to sleep with this marvelous post of yours...
Maggie Heels
2024-02-01 01:00:34 +0000 UTCBat-boy demon porn novels? Okay yes we love her. And she has such a conscience! Go girl! Oh my god, this whole conversation is amazing. I love how much Nikki’s entire life story just makes total sense as a trans girl and it’s just this huge coincidence. “Does she just like respawn in a new mall?” I was drinking tea, Emory. And I inhaled it. I blame YOU. Amazing episode 💕
Alyson Greaves
2024-02-01 00:37:15 +0000 UTC
