Moonstricken
Moonstricken by Togi Kayako (土宜草子) first appeared in issue Issue 92 in 2021.
Summary
Jasper tries to convince herself she’s only doing her job when she helps a new werewolf deal with her transformations, but it would be a lot easier if Kay wasn’t so cute.
F/F | 15,025 words
Author's Notes
It’s a sugary-sweet sort of slow burn that I dubbed “idiots to lovers” before I’d even named the characters, and a love letter to anyone who’s ever been really, really dumb about their crush.
The original idea had more obvious bits stolen from Little Red Riding Hood, and Jasper was more of a cold, brooding loner monster hunter type. I’m happy I went to a lighter concept, because this whole thing turned out adorable and I’m quite pleased with it. The only gripe I have is that I didn’t have time to make it even longer for extra slow burn.
- Jasper’s grandmother Jade is the one that started the family themed naming. She will probably get her way for a fourth generation if Jasper ever has children.
- While I’m not sure about the exact circumstances, Jet very much wanted to be a dad and sought out someone who was willing to help him have a kid while being chill about the ace thing.
- Jasper’s mom is an adventurous jet-setter type and more of a cool aunt to Jasper. She tends to drop by unexpectedly with awesome gifts, hang out with the family for a little bit, and then head out again.
- Kay’s wolf form is based on the maned wolf. She’s just very leggy all around!
- The carpet bits in Kay’s shed have various scents on them. She (like me) undoubtedly spent some time searching for enrichment ideas for wolves in captivity.
- Saturn Arising is a 100% absolutely totally original concept, and definitely not wish fulfillment for a film I wanted to be a series so it could have expanded on its world-building.
