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It’s a normal evening in Smiling valley, and in the most western point of the valley is a large orange doghouse, where the strong, sunny leader of the critters resided, and said leader was pacing the floor, more nervous than a tick in a flea bath.
He was nervous, because a new critter was moving in.
Dogday always liked it when new critters moved in, because he loved making new friends.
Whenever a new critter moved in, he always gave them a welcome bouquet of flowers, and a tour around the valley, so they could meet everyone else.
But most of the time, they were joining the smiling critters...
The new critter was moving into the gemberry woods, because they were going to be a NIGHTMARE critter.
Even though by this point the nightmares (mostly) got along with the smiling critters, Dogday was still nervous.
One of the nightmares, Toullie, claimed the new critter was actually his GIRLFRIEND, but nobody believed him except for Molly.
Regardless, Dogday still made it his solemn duty to welcome the new critter into the valley with open arms.
~The next day~
Dogday, still nervous, was walking through the Gemberry woods, to the new critter’s house.
Their house was shaped like a giant pot of marigolds, so obviously, he made a welcome bouquet of marigolds for them.
Taking a deep breath, he walks up to the door, knocking on it softly.
A moment or two later, it was answered by an absolutely gorgeous ladybug.
Her shell was as red and shiny as a ruby, with cute black dots and heart shaped antenna.
She wore pink eyeshadow and rouge lipstick, her pendant was shaped like a pretty red rose, and she smelled like delicious black cherry ice cream.
“Hi!”
Dogday says softly. “Welcome to Smiling valley!”
The ladybug smiles sweetly.
“Hey there, sugar.” She says.
Dogday steps a bit closer. “I’m Dogday.”
He says. “What’s your name?”
The ladybug giggles.
“Lacey.”
She says. “I am Lacey Ladybird.”
Dogday smiles. “Nice to meet you, Lacey.”
He offers her the Marigolds. “These are for you!”
Lacey’s eyes sparkle.
“Aww, aren’t you a sweetie!” She says, accepting them.
“Thanks sugar boo!”
Dogday blushes a bit. “No problem!”
Lacey then eats one of the flowers. “These are my favorites!”
Dogday looks appalled.
“Huh?”
Lacey says. “Oh, ladybugs like me eat flowers, hun.”
She says with a giggle.
“Ohhh.”
Dogday says, giggling as well.
“Well, are you enjoying your time in the valley?”
Lacey nods. “So far, so good.”
“Good!”
Dogday says, his tail wagging. “Have you met the others yet?”
Lacey shakes her head. “Not yet.” she says.
Dogday thinks for a bit, then smiles.
“Maybe I could throw you a welcome party!”
He says. “We could have it in the park, that way everyone can come!”
Lacey smiles too. “That sounds like a lovely idea!”
She says. “Would that be tonight?”
Dogday nods. “Sure.” He says.
He turns to leave. “I’ll go let everyone know!”
Lacey giggles.
“Alright then, see ya tonight, sugar cakes.”
She says with a wink.
Dogday blushes a bit.
“O-Okay!”
~Later that evening~
The sun had just set in stardew park, and most of the smiling and nightmare critters had gathered to welcome their new neighbor.
Everyone was gossiping, wondering and speculating about what their new neighbor would be like.
Eventually, Dogday walks onto the mini stage, getting everyone’s attention by tapping the microphone.
“Hi everyone!”
He says, waving. “I’m so glad you could make it!”
Others watch him, a few of the nightmares murmuring under their breath.
Dogday smiles gently, clasping his hands together.
“It is my greatest pleasure, to introduce the newest critter to you all.”
“Ladies and gentlemen… please give a warm welcome, to the newest member of the colossal critter crew…”
He gestures to the side of the stage.
“Lacey Ladybird!”
Lacey walks onstage, waving to the crowd.
“Helloooo everyone!”
Everyone smiles and claps for her, and she had a pretty normal and positive reception.
That was until a certain rat made his way to the front of the crowd, smiling and waving with both his arms.
Lacey gaps, her eyes sparkling.
“TOULLIEEEEEEEE!”
She says, jumping off the stage to tackle-hug the rat.
Toullie laughs in joy, hugging her.
“Hey Lovebug, how ya been?”
Lacey giggles. “I’m so much better now that you’re here!”
She covers Toullie in kisses, making him blush and giggle.
Meanwhile, all the nightmare’s jaws were on the floor.
Toullie smirks at them.
“Do you believe me now?”
The nightmares slowly nod, while the smiling critters giggle.
Just then, another rodent arrived.
“Hey everyone!”
Molly says. “Did I miss anything?”
“Hey, Molly!”
Toullie says, smiling. “You finally made it!”
Molly giggles. “Yeah!”
Toullie goes to hug her, followed by Catnap, who purrs and nuzzles her while he does so.
Molly blushes and giggles, gently scratching him behind the ears.
“Kitty, please, the others are watching.”
Catnap rubs his head against her softly.
“Like Lacey and Toullie aren’t worse.”
Molly perks up.
“Oh yeah, the new girl.”
She says. “Where is she?”
Catnap lets her go. “Over there.”
He whispers, pointing to her.
But when Molly lays eyes upon the bug…
Something sparks within her.
Her shell was as red and shiny as a million rubies… her eyes were a deep onyx, and her antenna were the perfect length.
And her scent was absolutely entrancing.
The bug smiles, walking over to her.
“Lacey Ladybird.”
She says, offering a hand. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”
Molly smiles softly, shaking her hand. “Molly Whiskers.”
She says.
Lacey’s eyes light up.
“Oh yeah!” She says. “You’re my honey’s sister, he’s mentioned you a couple times.”
Molly smiles. “Cool.”
Lacey gets a devious smirk on her face.
“So, is it true that Toullie once got his tail caught in a giant mousetrap?”
Toullie’s face falls.
“No it isn’t!”
Molly giggles. “Yes it is.” Se says. “He cried for an hour afterwards.”
Toullie groans, burying his face in his hands.
“Ohhh, my poor baby!”
Lacey says, hugging him.
Everyone else laughs.
For the rest of that night, everyone gets a chance to welcome Lacey, all talking to her and making sure to get to know her a bit.
She knew she was gonna love living here.
~Ladybug transition~
That night, Molly was staring into the mirror, mulling over her internal conflict.
“I-I can’t do this! I can’t have a crush on her!”
She says, looking in the mirror.
“I’m already dating Catnap, and she’s dating my brother!”
She groans. “And besides, she’s a girl!”
Molly buries her face in her hands.
“I mean, normally I'd ask Bobby about stuff like this, but she already helped me get with Catnap, what would she think!?”
She sighs, looking down.
“Probably that I'm an infidel…”
She tears up, walking back to the bed.
“What am I gonna do…”
For the rest of the night, Molly rolled around in bed, contemplating her complicated feelings.
Perhaps it would be best to try and bury them for now.