#Please read my statement and don't try to twist my words please!!

[radiokbox]

!!!

My side of the story.

DO NOT SEND ANY HARASSMENT TO ANYONE IN THE DOC!!

This will hopefully be the only post I'll make on the matter, and I do hope some of you will read this. CW/TWs are in the document. I don't plan to make any more posts regarding this.

[sugurouge]

— diabolic waltz : getō suguru x f!reader

content warnings! DARK CONTENT, dubcon/noncon, yandere themes, size difference, strength difference, corruption, power dynamics/imbalance (reader refers to geto as master), pet names (doll, whore, toy, bunny, little one), hair pulling, water torture/forced drowning/waterboarding, punishment, deep throating, mind break, degradation

summary: You should know better than to behave greedy or entitled, but if he so sweetly entices you to misbehave, even the impeding punishment doesn't stop you from taking what you need. Until it's time to pay up. And Getō makes sure you always pay your debts.

wordcount: 2k | my kinktober masterlist

──── ✧*･ﾟ*✭˚･ﾟ✧ ────

by clicking read more you are agreeing to consume dark content. don't interact if you cannot differentiate fiction from reality.

Geto rests comfortably in his armchair, dark purple eyes rake over your needy body—only hidden beneath a layer of satin. With you in his lap, there is at least a sort of solace to his tiresome days. He likes to view you as a sick way of rewarding himself, his prize for making it through another 24 hours. Hence why you're always kept on display whenever it's just the two of you. Him and his property, the weak human that somehow won his twisted interest. Nothing more than eye candy for him. You're so pretty until you turn needy and start talking too much.

"Master, please—" you start your advances all over again. Ever so prettily as your nails drag over Geto's exposed chest; you have long since pushed aside the layers of his attire.

Geto heaves a heavy sigh. It's his first indicator for you to shut your pretty mouth before he sends curses your way. Yet, simultaneously, he can't resist the torture; cannot keep his right leg from bouncing to cause friction against your puffy lips. Teasing you further to hear more whimpers instead of your actual voice.

Your hands press against his body as you try to control the bouncing, but the friction created by your dress brushing against your nipples makes it impossible to form coherent or cautious thoughts. Your legs clench around Geto's muscular thigh, attempting to maintain the pleasurable feeling.

"You really wish to bother me like that right now?" His dangerously low voice challenges. Suguru is well aware that he is the cause of your distress, but would he ever admit that? Not in a million lifetimes.

You know full well what will happen if you say yes, how your day will turn out if you give in to your own neediness when your master isn't the one to initiate. Your glossy orbs beg him without another word spilling from your lips as you nod.

A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth. You're just so dumb; how could he not adore you? The minor tilt of his head gives you the okay to shed your dress, to expose your perfectly clean body to his eyes. It's one of his priorities, to always have his doll look prim and proper. Soft and dewy skin, rose oil spoiling your figure to make it shine in the low afternoon light and envelop you in faux innocence for him to ruin.

You sink down to your knees right between his legs, your delicate fingers running over his muscular thighs up to his stomach, but the "tsk" coming from Geto's lips has you freeze immediately. Doe eyes look up at his intimidating stare, while his entire face remains stoic—almost bored, as he rests his cheek in one of his palms.

"Hand or thigh, no cock," he bluntly states.

You try to suppress the whine rising in your throat, try not to furrow your brows at his statement.

"Well, what will it be, bunny?"

He doesn't actually ask. Geto simply enjoys oversaturating your lusty mind with difficult decisions. You're always so afraid he will leave you.

"Hand, please, please," you bat your lashes at him even though you're painfully aware of how little effect it has on him. Yet he pats his thigh, indicating for you to sit on his lap once again. Your body follows suit.

"Any other wishes?" Narrowed eyes stare at you, they make you feel small and vulnerable as his hand dances along your thigh, drawing close to your needy pussy.

Your eyes snap down to his dishevelled clothes, raking over the layers of fabric that hide his perfect body from your gaze and touch.

You inhale sharply the moment his fingers snap you out of your thoughts, penetrating your walls deeply without warning and immediately curling against your clamping muscles. Yes, Geto might be okay with listening to your begs once in a while, but his pleasure lies in overwhelming your pathetic body, not preparing you softly.

Your head lolls back, fingers holding onto his shoulders, though they twitch to run through his black strands. You are well aware of the fact that he'd never let you ruin his hair.

Soft moans spill from your parted lips. He taught you to stay quiet, to not ruin his image of you—his sweet doll.

Yet the feeling is too good. The way his fingers stretch your cunt, your slick dripping down over his digits and palm. Your hips roll against his hand, pretty whines causing your chest to heave so perfectly for Geto to enjoy the sight of your tits.

He adds a third finger with ease and uses his thumb to draw intricate patterns on your clit, applying more pressure on the nub once he feels you tighten around him. "Such a needy whore..." he mumbles impassively.

But his cold voice, the boredom laced in his words mixed with his brutal ministrations, are exactly what you've grown to love from your master. It's so clear that you're doing something wrong, that you're messing up his perfect routine—but you just can't help it.

Your whines grow louder, small fingers now gripping onto his wrist as the coil in your stomach tightens further and further before it explodes. You fall forward, against Geto's chest, covering his neck area with moans, tears, and sweat as you gush all over his hand and dirty his robes.

Goosebumps run over your heavenly skin, clearly proving how overwhelmingly good he can make you cum with just his hand by now.

"Disgusting..."

You flinch slightly at that, eyes squeezing shut from just one word coming from Geto. He pulls his hand out of your tight cavern, your slick clearly coating his skin as a scowl spreads on his face. "You enjoy this? Staining me with your slutty needs?"

You create some distance between your bodies, shamefully staring at his hand before your eyes trail over his tainted clothes. You didn't plan on this happening, didn't plan to make such a mess, especially not over him, but why does he have to be this good?

Being a disappointment still has the same effect on you as it did from the start, causing tears to spill from your eyes as your body starts to shiver. "'M sorry, I didn’t—I wanted—"

"Time for a bath, no?" he sighs and gets up, pushing your smaller body off his lap with little care as disgust is clearly painted on his features.

Your butt meets the hardwood flooring and you try frantically to stop the tears from running down your face. Pleading ever-so sweetly with a shaky voice for your "Master..." to have mercy.

The clacking of his shoes stops the moment he stands beside your body once again. Long fingers card through your locks before he kneels beside you and tugs at your roots.

"How much longer are you going to make me wait, little one, hm?"

The sting on your scalp rips you out of your struggling mind; it forces you to rely on your instincts if you want to get out of this unscathed tonight. "Forgive me," you whisper.

So incredibly cute.

Geto takes a deep breath, eyes running over your body as he hums. "Five minutes."

You nod in perfect understanding and immediately grab your gown before hurrying over to the bathroom.

Aftercare is important, he always tells you. And aftercare you shall give him.

So you let water fill the spacious bathtub, let the most expensive bubble bath fill the room with a soothing scent as you light candles to set the mood and welcome Suguru in.

You stand in front of his large frame, looking up at his face to grant you permission to undress him, carefully undoing the ties of his gown before letting the heavy garments hit the floor. You will wash them as well.

Only his briefs aren't yours to touch as he walks past you and finishes undressing himself before he sinks into the warm bathwater.

You watch him the entire time—how he leans back against the expensive porcelain of the tub, arms resting around the rim—looking oh so inviting. His eyes meet your gaze, appreciating your obedient state as he slightly tilts his head to make your body move.

You follow his silent order, going down on your knees right behind his back, cool fingertips carefully reaching out to lie on his tensed back.

The stark difference in temperature makes Geto hiss in annoyance, slightly flinching out of your reach as he glares over his shoulder. You are quick now to rub your hands together, mumbling your apologies before trying to touch him once again.

Small fingers soothe his skin, spoiling his muscles. You always start with his shoulders, using a sponge to have the warm water coat his exposed back and chest, massaging the well-trained area until his breathing calms down and little groans escape his throat.

Only then do you move on to kneel next to him, carefully admiring his relaxed features—he looks almost angelic. So calm, almost innocent.

Until his eyes meet yours and he holds out his hand to you. The exact hand he used to make you cum and that was tainted with your juices.

You focus on it, carefully massaging his fingers and ‘cleaning’ him further. "Good little doll..." Suguru breathes his praise out between his soft lips. It's usually the only compliment you receive, so you make sure to savour it.

You smile gently and finish up your care of his hand until he takes it out of your hold. He brushes your hair out of your face, leading his hand to reach around the back of your neck as you bend over the bathtub, nails digging painfully into your scalp while being pulled forward to be met with the bathwater.

You squeeze your eyes shut immediately, trying desperately to keep your lips sealed as you're pushed beneath the surface. Your nails grab onto the porcelain of the tub, weak muscles trying desperately to stop him from shoving you down further, but it's to no avail. He's much stronger than you'll ever be.

Geto lifts your head back up out of the water, and you suck the air back into your lungs—which quickly mixes with the bathwater as he dunks your head down again.

Your screaming is drowned by the transparent liquid all around you.

It becomes a loop—the pain of him tugging at your roots, being met with the cold air of the bathroom before he pushes you down again.

It becomes a loop—the pain of him tugging at your roots, the cold air of the bathroom meeting your skin before he pushes you down again. Your mind loses focus, your fight grows mellow until he pushes his erect cock between your lips. It jolts you back awake. Not only are you drowning in the water, but you also have his thick shaft infiltrating your mouth. Tears mix with the water, nails digging into his abs and thighs as your attempts to scream vibrate along his cock.

Geto groans. His eyes roll into their sockets as he completely relishes the feeling of your convulsing throat around his member—all while in the comfort of his bathtub. But he has to stop. Sadly, at some point, he remembers you’re not actually a doll. Your body grows slack, and the struggling of your throat diminishes.

Only then does he pull your head out of the water, letting your body slump over the edge of the tub as he slaps your cheeks until you wake up. Your head pounds as you choke up water; it almost feels like someone is ripping your lungs apart.

“Stupid toy…” Geto mumbles, already dragging your head down and forward again.

“No, no, please, not again!” you frantically plead, and he stops—stops right before the surface of the water meets the tip of your nose.

“Why not? I made you cum how you wanted to as well, didn’t I?” he analytically proclaims. “Now suck like I taught you.”

The sting of the water is maddening; only the stretch of his cock against the back of your mouth inflicts more pain upon your body as he guides you up and down with water infiltrating your lungs.

It all becomes a blur in the end, and it’s hard to tell what is real and what a bad dream when you wake up the next morning in your soft king-sized bed, dressed in one of his favourite baby dolls, and his strong arms around you.

dividers by @/cafekitsune

[twisted-tales-of-all]

BEEP BOOP ITS ME

Can I request “It’s hard to sit here and be close to you and not kiss you.” And “ meet me in my dreams and stay for a while.” With Yunho please 👁️👁️

Hello Love <3 don't melt too much reading it mkay?

Pairing: Yunho x gender ambiguous reader Genre: fluff, boyfriend!Yunho, idol!Yunho Rating: G/PG, E for Everyone, whatever you want to call it Word Count: 591 Contains: an absolutely gut-wrenching amount of fluff, a proposal, and a kiss, that's about it

"I don't want you to leave. I miss you so much every time you have tours." You whine at your boyfriend as the day turns to night.

Sitting on the rooftop and watching the sun slip fully behind the horizon, you sigh. Although you've always preferred the night and its glistening stars, this night brings alongside its beauty the reminder that Yunho flies out as the sun rises in the morning.

"I know, bun. Believe me, if I had the choice to bring you without putting any risk on you, I would never leave you behind. Ever."

He turns towards you with an intensity in his eyes you haven't seen in years; one you only witnessed directed at you when he insisted that, if you agreed to brave a relationship with him six years ago, he'd keep you safe from over-attached fans no matter what. You cannot help as your heartbeat speeds up; you cannot move nor look away despite the goosebumps attacking your body and trying to make you shiver. Time halts in the beat of silence before his next statement.

"I would love to keep you by my side forever. In this life and the next. Awake, asleep, no matter the time."

He pauses, but your nerves built up under his gaze cannot handle even the smallest moment of silence, so words stumble out from your lips, "Then, meet me in my dreams and stay for a while. That way, it won't feel so lonely while you're gone in the waking world."

Your comment seems to loosen him up a bit. His eyes soften, and he cracks a smile as a chuckle breaks through his seriousness. Shaking his head at himself, seemingly dismissing thoughts he was holding to himself, he finds his words again.

"Gladly. I'll find you in your dreams and on any other plane of existence we end up in. No matter how long it takes, I will always find you. Whether it's in a sea of people or amongst the thousands of stars above, I am yours so I will find you. So, if you'll allow me, I'd like to leave you with more than just dreams of me."

He reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out a small jewelry box. Twisting his body completely in your direction, he ends upon one knee. Your breath catches in your throat and your senses still as he opens the box to reveal a ring even more gorgeous than you imagined. He implemented every little comment you've made about rings over the past years and added personalized touches that only Yunho could bring to life.

"Y/N, will you marry me?"

The tears clog your throat, and you already lost control of your body moments before his question, so you can't respond despite screaming 'yes' inside repeatedly.

"It is so hard to sit here and be this close to you and not kiss you right now. Even a small head movement will do if you can't speak."

The silly smile on his face gives you enough control to nod vigorously, so he leans over immediately and kisses you deeply before remembering the order he was supposed to go. Backing up slightly, he finds the proper hand and slips the ring on your finger.

"Y/N, you are perfect. I'm so far beyond happy that you're mine."

"I will be yours forever if you let me. As long as you can be mine forever, too."

"That sounds like a deal, and I will gladly shout it out to everyone, my love."

[ruh--roh-raggy]

Home Sweet Home (William Afton x Wife! Reader) - Part 2

Hello hello! Welcome back to part 2 of my fully self indulgent delusion! This is a very fluffy chapter, we get a little peek inside reader and William's day to day life while they start unpacking! Thank you all so much for the support and the comments and the reblogs and the likes, all of it! I'm grateful every single one of you is here! If you would like to be added to the tag list please don't hesitate to let me know! I hope you enjoy, thank you for reading!!

WARNINGS: None

You can find my Masterlist here!

Word Count: 4,168

Part 1 - Part 3

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You stretched as you sat up in bed, smiling as you caught sight of the tall pines that seemed to stretch on endlessly outside your window. You looked around for William, feeling his side of the bed was cold, you knew he had been up for a while. You grabbed the sweatshirt you had been wearing the night before from where it had ended up on the floor. You smile as the smell of motor oil and your husband's cologne fills your nose, the warm, worn fabric of his college sweatshirt pooling around your waist. You wrap your arms tightly around your body, your hands fully swallowed by the sweatshirt’s sleeves as your bare feet padded across the floor. You scrunched up your nose, rubbing the bottom of your foot off on the side of your leg as you stepped in a pile of dirt, making a comment about how you'd have to vacuum later. You wandered into the kitchen when you heard William’s voice, finding him twisting the phone’s chord around his finger as he chatted idly. He smiles at the sight of you sleepily stumbling up to him. You couldn't stop your eyes from raking over his body; his fleece pajama pants sitting low on his hips, his salt and pepper chest hair carpeting his chest before gradually thinning out to the happy trail that was cut off by his clothing. “Woof.” You grumble, causing him to chuckle. He places a hand over the receiver and gives you a playful, warning look.

“Behave.” He whispers with a wink. You look around the kitchen, a few stray bags of groceries littered the counter in various stages of being put away, a moving box labeled ‘pans’ in William’s big blocky script. “Yeah, we were planning on swinging by later.” From that statement alone you knew he was talking to Henry. You slide your arms around his torso, his free arm immediately wrapping around your shoulders as he draws you in closer. “No, I'm not trying to sneak in so I can work.” William groans in an unamused tone. The two make a few more remarks to each other before he hangs up. “Well good morning.” His voice becomes noticeably more chipper as he greets you.

“I had to wake up all alone, without my husband in bed next to me.” You close your eyes and look away from him with a soft “hmph”, a kiss getting pressed to your forehead to try and alleviate your mock annoyance.

“Oh, my poor girl. Look at you, about to whiter away from lack of attention.” He shoots back a fake pout. “How about you and I go take a shower and I'll take you out for breakfast, would that make up for it?”

You hum as you ponder over his offer, “I think I can work with that.” You giggle as he stops down to rest his forehead against yours, peppering your face in kisses. The bags on the counter catch your eye again. “When did you go grocery shopping?” He sighs at your question.

“Well, I was supposed to have breakfast ready for when you got up.” He scoops you up in his arms without missing a beat, walking around and holding you close to him was second nature at this point he did it so often. “But, Henry called, and you know who that goes.” You nod with a small laugh. “So, why not use the opportunity to take my girl out to breakfast?” He smiles warmly at you, your heart still flutters in your chest even after almost a decade of seeing that smile. He sets your down at the top of the stairs, your hand instinctively reaching out to take his as you ambled down the hall towards your master bathroom.

“Can we go to that place I like?” William can't help but smile at your vague question.

“The one with the shitty coffee and the good pancakes or the one that makes those fancy omelets? He asks in an attempt to clarify.

“The one with the shitty coffee and good pancakes.” You decide with a nod. William internally remarked how cute he thought it was when you swore. Chuckling to himself when he thought back to the time someone had rear-ended his car. The two of you had been driving back from dinner at Henry’s house, both of you laughing as you recounted your favorite moments from the evening. The light had changed a lot quicker than William was expecting as you pulled up to an intersection, making you rock slightly in your seat as he hit the brakes a little harder than normal. You both let out a shocked sound as the car suddenly gets shoved forward. Before William could even fully process what had happened your seatbelt was off and you were flying out of the passenger seat.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Your voice grows deeper as rage bubbles up in your chest. “Are you fucking blind or just fucking stupid?” William’s eyes widen as he listens to the expletives fall from your lips with ease. Finally unclicking his own seatbelt and stepping out. You had powered up to the guy that rear-ended the car. A finger jabbing into his chest and pointing at the bumper, your voice unwaveringly stern as you ripped this man a new one. If he was being honest, he found this side of you pretty damn hot. Your whole expression softened as your eyes landed on him. “Honey, are you okay?” You practically shoved the man out of the way to get over to him. You immediately began fussing over him, asking if he had hit his head and checking him for seatbelt burns.

“I'm alright, bunny.” He pulls you against him, you finally allow yourself a moment to take a deep breath. “Why don't you go sit in the car and calm down? I'll handle this baby, don't worry.” He's snapped from the memory as your lips brushing over the back of his hand. “Sparky’s it is.” He smiles down at you. You helped William open up a few boxes, trying your best to dig out everything you would need to shower. “It has to get unpacked anyways, right?” He would remark with a pat on your head at the sound of your annoyed sighs. You sat on the floor organizing under the sink, William stood in the shower, securing the custom shelves he had built for you into place. He hummed as he worked, the corners of your lips quirking up in a smile as you recognized the song you had your first dance to at your wedding. You glance up at him, William giving you his trademark lopsided grin as his eyes lock with yours.

“So this is love.” The light, melodic sound of your voice floats through the room.

“So this is what makes life divine.” He joins you softly, his voice gravelly and slightly flat as he continues the next line.

“I'm all aglow.” He decides to continue with the humming, punctuating your lines. He steps out of the shower, taking your hand and giving you a slow spin before his arm wraps around your waist. You swayed in time to your singing, looking just as in love with you now as he did on your wedding night. His lips press to yours as he dips you backwards, your heart fluttering in your chest.

“I swear you look more beautiful every day.” He whispers. You lightly slap his chest, trying to hide the blush that has taken over your cheeks. The two of you finished setting up what you needed in the bathroom relatively quickly, you broke down the empty boxes while William got the shower started. He groans as the hot water hits his back, stretching his tired muscles.

“Wet your hair.” You command him softly as you step in front of him.

He raised an eyebrow at you, smirking at you playfully. “I'm sorry, what was that bunny?”

“Wet your hair.” You repeat a little louder, trying your best to appear confident despite the fact you wanted to melt under his gaze. “It’s my turn to take care of you.” He rests his hands on your waist, obliging your little request. You work the shampoo into his hair, earning a soft groan from him as you lightly scratch his scalp. “You always take such good care of me, you have to let me return the favor sometimes.” You smile up at him, placing a gentle kiss to his chest.

“But you're my little lady-” you cut him off before he even had the chance to argue. You have heard his reasoning a million times. You were his wife. That meant, if he could help it, you would never have to lift a finger. He was always opening doors for you, cooking breakfast, taking you out on dates, everything you have ever wanted or needed William has taken care of. Your job, according to him, was to look pretty and to let him spoil you. You, however, viewed things a little differently. You loved William to the moon and back and then some. No matter how much he would always try to fuss over you, he needed to be taken care of too, even if he didn't want to admit it. You made sure that there was always a hot meal on the table for when your husband would get home, even if it was just Chinese. When he had a particularly long day at work you would put in some extra effort into doting on him; taking care of putting away his jacket and work boots, gently guiding him to sit on the couch while you snuck off to prepare his plate for him, anything he needed you were on top of it before the thought even crossed his mind.

“I am your wife.” The sound of you so adamantly declaring that you were his threatened to bring William to his knees. “Fight it all you want, but since I am your wife, Mr. Afton…” your voice softens as you finish making your point. “It’s important to me that I take care of my husband however I can.” He smiles, stooping down to give you a caste kiss. “Now rinse.”

“Yes ma'am.” He responds with a chuckle.

You hummed softly as you dug through boxes of clothes, eventually deciding on one of William’s sweatshirts and a pair of his flannel pajamas pants. The soft fabric pooling around your ankles and making your hands disappear. William steps in the bedroom; drying off his glasses in a towel, his hair still damp from your shower, his beard neatly trimmed. “Well don't you look cozy.” You race into his open arms, letting him hug you tight to his chest. “You ready to get going?” You nod, your hand slipping into his as you allow him to lead you down the hallway. Throughout the drive you were both filled with laughter, recounting how days like this were a common occurrence when you first started dating.

“Well can you blame me? I was a full time student, working full time at Freddy’s, dealing with the absolutely scandalous lifestyle of falling in love with an older man.” He lets out a loud laugh at your dramatic tone over the last part.

“Did I ever say it was a problem?” He tries to defend himself. “There was nothing I loved more than picking you up after your Friday morning class. You would come stomping down to my car, quiet,” he tries to subdue his own chuckling by quieting your laughter, “you would throw all your stuff in the back seat, and you would lay down on my lap and fall asleep while I drove. It really doesn't sound like I had anything to complain about.”

“You were always so grouchy before your pancakes.” You mock his voice, sitting up straight in the seat and planting your hands firmly on your hips. Neither of you could keep a straight face, dissolving into fits of laughter as you pulled into the parking lot.

“Hey, Mr and Mrs Afton, welcome back.” You're greeted by the preppy red headed hostess. She leads you to your usual booth in the back corner, William always insisted a corner booth was quieter and more intimate. You had one of the paper placemats flipped over to the blank side in front of you. You passed a pen back and forth, playing tic tac toe while you waited for your food. You figured out a plan for the house, both of you excited to start settling into the space.

“I think we should start with the bedroom, it'll give us a nice little reprieve from all the chaos.” He chuckles, beating you once again at your game before putting the pen down. Your plates of pancakes clattered down in front of you, both of you rushing to dig into your meals so you could get the rest of your day started.

You pushed through your front door with a groan, arms filled with bags of cleaning supplies. You dragged everything upstairs, your husband not far behind as he unloaded the rest of your shopping. He places a quick kiss to your lips, the subtle taste of coffee still lingering from breakfast. When most of the heavy cleaning had been done you decided to take a break. You sprawled out in the middle of the empty floor, the hardwood cool against your back. You could hear the soft sounds of William jogging back up the stairs and down the hall before he re-entered the room. He set down a box next to you, before joining you on the floor. “What's this?” You grin excitedly, turning the box to see what was inside.

Your eyes immediately welled up as you ran your fingers over the worn, mostly faded marker. ‘The Good Parts’ was all it said, but you remembered this box vividly. When you and William had originally moved in together you didn't bring much with you. You were in college at the time, sharing a shitty apartment with even shittier roommates, most of your furniture aside from your bed was made up of large plastic bins and wobbly rolling drawers. However, William was very surprised when he opened up one of your moving boxes. The good parts, as it had been so cryptically named, was a catchall of your entire relationship so far; polaroids of the two of you together, any small cheap pieces of jewelry he had bought for you while you were out shopping, ticket stubs to movies you had particularly liked, letters he had written you, all of it. A box that had only been added to throughout all these years. “It was tucked away in the closet, I know you would've been upset if we had forgotten it during the move.” He smiles softly at you. You pull him in for a soft kiss. Wiping at your eyes, you then reach out to open it with shaking fingers. William reaches in first, pulling out a pair of ticket stubs attached to a couple polaroids. One was of you and William standing in the driveway of your old apartment. Your arms wrapped around William’s waist, his lips pressed to the top of your head, you could barely make out the figure failing to jump out of frame in time as Henry. “One of our double dates with Henry and Sarah.” He chuckles. You smile as you pick up the second one. William held you close, he was dancing you around the empty parking lot. You were laughing in the photo, practically falling into him. William looked so happy, so in love with you. He still had that same look in his eyes when your attention moved back to him. He holds out the ticket stubs.

“We went to go see Children of the Corn.” You laugh as you readed over the faded print.

“You hated that movie!” He exclaims.

“I didn't hate the movie, I hated how freaky those kids were!” You explain, throwing your arms wide. “You can't tell me they weren't unsettling!” You tried arguing your point but William was already laughing. You playfully push his shoulder with a groan, both of you giggling like idiots as you put the items back. One picture in particular catches your eye. Your eyes were assaulted by the too bright splashes of yellows and purples. You and all your coworkers at Freddy’s dressed up for a sports day. You found yourself in the picture, a soft blush on your cheeks as you smiled bashfully at the camera, a very rigid William at your side. “This was like a week after we met.” You grin. “Look at you, you're so awkward.” You tease, making your body purposely cringe up. He laughs at your teasing, he would never deny that he definitely was not the smoothest when you had met.

He wraps his arm around your shoulders as you lean into his side, fingers running over the edge of the photograph. “Do you remember the day we met?” You perk up at the question, moving your hair out of the way to reveal a thin silver line near your temple.

“Of course I do, I still have the scar!” You respond in a chipper tone.

“That's not what I meant!” He manages to get out through a fit of laughter.

“I know, I’m just never going to let you live that down.” You wink at him, causing him to roll his eyes. “Of course I remember the day we met honey, I started to like you the first day I met you.” You place a kiss to his cheek. You had just recently started working at Freddy’s, and as far as college jobs, it wasn't the worst place you could be. Sure the carpet was always sticky and the kids were loud, but you got along well with your coworkers and there were parts of working at the pizzeria that actually were quite fun. You had even grown particularly fond of the giant animatronic animals that performed their concert every 20 minutes.

“Can you do me a favor?” Your coworker Rachel rushes up to you. “That table's food is going to be up any second but I need to pee so bad, would you be able to grab it for me?”

“Yeah of course!”

“Thanks girl, I owe you.” She smiles gratefully before hurrying off. Your eyes dart over to a girl as she lets out a shrill scream, seeing it was just because she had won a lot of tickets you continue to push through the kitchen door. You felt a sharp crack to your head as everything went black. When you woke up you were laying on the floor, a warm hand slipped into yours. Your head hurt but other than that you felt fine. You sat up with a groan, a strong arm immediately supporting your back.

“Easy, doll.” A low, gravelly voice says. “You got hit pretty hard.”

“What happened?” You ask quietly.

“She's okay everyone!” The voice speaks a little louder. There's a collective murmur of relief. He leans in closer to you and whispers, “I'm going to help you up, I need you to do me a favor and hide against the side of me. You got cut by some plastic, I don't want anyone seeing the blood and panicking.” You nodded, allowing him to help you up from the floor, leaning into his side in a way that hid your face. He led you from the room, the usual noise of the pizzeria gradually starting up behind you. He opens a door and leads you into a room before immediately breaking into an apology. “I am so sorry, I was looking at a ticket when I was coming out. Are you okay? I'm going to clean you up here and take you to the hospital to make sure you don't have a concussion-” you wave your arms in front of you, cutting him off.

“Wait, I have questions!” You exclaim, demanding his full attention. His eyes widened slightly, shocked by your firm tone. “I still don't know what happened, I walked through the door and I woke up on the floor. So how did I get knocked out?”

“I was carrying a tray, I looked down at the ticket to check the table number again and I didn't see you coming through the door.” He explains bashfully.

“So you whacked me in the head with a pizza tray?” You ask to clarify. He nods, unable to meet your eyes as his face scrunches up in embarrassment. “Okay, I'm not mad. Accidents happen.” Your voice softened, you could tell he was beating himself up over the situation. “I also don't know who you are, so what's your name?” You ask with a small laugh.

“Oh, that's right, you're one of the new employees. I'm sorry we had to meet like this.” He states with a chuckle. “I'm William Afton.” Your eyes widened as you realized this was Mr. Emily’s elusive business partner.

“Sir I'm so sorry, I had no idea.” You immediately rush to apologize. He waves you off as he digs around in a drawer for a first aid kit.

“Mr. Afton in front of customers, other than that call me William.” You couldn't help but notice the playful sparkle in his eyes as he glanced up at you. You can't help but blush as you looked away. You took a second to take in your surroundings. Tools lined the walls, a work bench covered in blue prints and notebooks, various animatronic parts scattered in various corners. ‘This must be his workshop's you thought to yourself. Your attention was immediately forced back onto him as he steps in front of you, his massive form blocking out the bulb that hung from the ceiling. “I got you pretty good, didn't I?” He grumbles. His gold wire framed glasses glinted in the light as he sets them on the top of his head. He started to reach out in order to maneuver your face to look at the wound better, pausing before his fingers brushed your jaw. “I, um… is it okay if I touch you? I just want to make sure I get you cleaned up.” You nod, tensing up as you feel his calloused fingers run over your cheek. “I'm so sorry about this.

“It's okay Mr. Afton, really.” You were having trouble forming a proper sentence. His skin was so warm. The way he held your face so delicately in his large hand, like you would break if he moved wrong.

“William.” He corrects you with a small smile.

“William.” You repeat back softly. His eyes meet yours, the sound of you saying his name putting him in almost a trance for a second.

“This is probably going to sting a little.” He gives you an apologetic look before dabbing on the disinfectant. You wince, subconsciously reaching up to hold onto his arm. He got you all cleaned up, carefully putting a bandage on your head before stepping back and returning his glasses to their proper place. Butterflies erupted in your stomach as he gave you a lopsided smile. “You know I never got your name.”

“I was surprised you still talked to me after that.” You were snapped back to the present by the sound of your husband's voice floating to your ears.

“You had already beaten yourself up enough over it. Plus, seeing you all flustered and worried over me was really cute.” He pulls you into a kiss, you could still feel the smile on his lips, his mustache tickling your nose slightly. You set the picture back inside, closing up the top of the box and earning a curious look from William. “I wanna savor this… it's been a while since we looked in here.” You mutter softly, tracing a finger over the writing on the outside.

“Maybe we should unpack it with the rest of the stuff.” He gently squeezes your arm before his hand rubs over your back. “I don't know about you, but I think it would be nice to put all of this stuff out where we can see it.” You turn your head to face him, letting your forehead rest against his. “But I definitely agree we should make it last.” You could hear the playful tone in his voice. “Knowing you, you'd cry if we dug through this whole box today.” You lightly punched him in the arm, William faking a hurt expression, hissing slightly as he rubs a hand over the spot you hit. “Easy there, killer. You're going to rip my whole arm off.” He chuckles. He stands with a pained groan, his knees popping as he hoists himself up off the floor. “Come on, I think I know how we can make this a little more fun.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Tag List: @yellowbunnydreams @zoey5252 @redflowery @residentevilbeast @weirdoartist21 @loudchaosking (If I missed you or you would like to be added please let me know!!)

[llilyrose]

Do you have fic recommendations 👉👈

Of course!

I would recommend my own fic, but... it's still in the works, unfortunately. No mal du pays content for the weak and elderly.

did you really think i wouldn't recommend ghostlight, of all things? especially with my current drawing series, obviously it's good!

It's a postgame fic centered on loop's and siffrin's (mostly loop's) healing processes post-game, where loop has to learn how to be human again. It's 24 chapters long, about 84k words, has an ongoing sequel (though it's on hiatus), and has a tumblr account you can interact with! @ghostlightfic

here are some other postgame fic recommendations:

Bloom And if I were not myself, would this be easier?

@livesworthlivingau Is a postgame au where Siffrin lives on for 30 years after the loops only to loop back when Odile dies in the future. This fic has a dual chapter system, one set of chapters that focuses on Loop and one set of chapters that focuses on Siffrin. This distinction becomes crucial later on. It also, like ghostlight, has a discord to join :3

I haven't read chokehold of a broken family bond myself, but I've heard wonderful things about it from everyone around me!!!! It's a LONG, ongoing AU fic that I'm sure someone else can provide a synopsis for ;)

Follow the Stars Back Home is another fic I have yet to read, but got recommended and decided to check out. It's postgame and focuses more on Siffrin's Island trauma than their Looping trauma, a nicher aspect people don't explore often.

speaking of aus:

Try It Again, Cheater by @moonstandardtime sends Loop back to their original timeline after breaking free from Siffrin's loops. They and their family have to adjust to this drastic Change and suffer the consequences of a timeline they could never remember.

To Extend our Reach to the Stars Above is a Villain Siffrin au where they meet the King before the party! It's one of only a few fics that explore this concept, all of which are so so interesting to me. Check it out!

Timeloop Support Group by @pixxyofice is a fic about therapy done from the pov of Siffrin and focuses on timeloop trauma. The twist? The people they're stuck with are au versions of their friends who got trapped in time loops themselves!

featured aus:

In Tales and Time (Odile) by @/tealgoat In Cycles and Cessation (Mira) by @/the-bitter-ocean Of Stitches in Sequence by @/basilpaste (which also has two fics on ao3, but i recommend viewing the au on everyone's profiles instead)

-- Oh, hey, Basilpaste!!! They have more bangers up their sleeve!!!! Slay the Savior is a Slay The Princess fusion au with ISAT that features Isabeau as the protagonist and Siffrin as the princess. Not only is the writing excellent but he thought up new designs for each siffrin on each path!!! Not to mention thinking up new paths, too! It's on hiatus, though.

The Dormont Archives are another Basil product, infusing ISAT into The Magnus Archives universe!! Like STS it's done in the style of the media and all of the statements are absurdly creative. It's ongoing with (currently only) 14 chapters, god knows how many planned for the future. (ALSO IT APPARENTLY HAS A DISCORD. I DIDN'T KNOW AABOUT THAT WHILE WRITING IT. go check out basil they put so much effort into this stuff dude 😭)

I've read SO MANY isat fanfics but the majority of them never got bookmarked. Practically all of the ones on ao3 are a good read!!! It's hard to keep track!!! If i missed any of your favorites fanfics on any website, please tell me please. if I've read it it'll get added to the list.

[theweeklydiscourse]

tw: mention of CSA and abuse

just saw your recent reblog about Nosferatu and idk what is your actual take on it but i've to disagree with the op saying <this is not a story about grooming nor abuse... it can be,> the movie is very obviously and directly concerned about sexual abuse and the uncomfortable eroticism only enhances the horror of the whole situation. i just find posts that constantly need to mention "it's not about abuse it really isn't!" entirely dishonest and intentionally denying the very obvious theme of the movie just so they don't have to face the fact that they liked a ship that is as noncon as it gets. it is essentially a grooming rapist/victim relationship which obviously makes people uncomfortable to admit which is why they don't want to acknowledge that. and that explains the vehement push back against the SA narrative (which isn't a simple interpretation but very much what literally happens in the movie). i just think that people need to just start being honest with themselves like there's nothing wrong if you end up liking an absolutely fucked up dynamic and the whole “death and the maiden” of it all but please stop with the "this isn't a story of abuse" takes because that is actually harmful. not the shipping but denying the fact that this is a movie about abuse because it has led to some very horrible takes of rape apologism with people saying "it's not abuse because she called to him so it can't be" like... no. just no.

There are a few issues at play in the current discourses surrounding Nosferatu. First, one side makes sweeping generalizations about what the film is definitively about, and then the other side counters it with its own sweeping statements. This predictably gives way to certain over-corrections in the discourse that try to find an absolute answer to subject matter that is up for audience interpretation. I actually had a similar thought occur to me when I read that quote in that particular post, and I say that as someone who is really into the "Death and the Maiden" dynamic. We're talking about a film that provides more than enough support for multiple interpretations and it's frustrating that people reject other people's ideas so they can have the *one ultimate correct* take on it.

This issue is exacerbated by the current internet climate of moralizing textual interpretations and the lack of understanding surrounding the genre Nosferatu belongs to. Gothic fiction often features taboo subject matter that is considered by many to be off-putting and disturbing, and usually, that leads to the judgement of those who enjoy it. The reason that people are overcorrecting by saying that it's not about abuse is responding to the denial of the existence of themes of repression, desire and love in the film. It's a phenomenon I also find irritating. Viewers who are totally unfamiliar with the kinds of themes and subject matter gothic fiction deals with seem to be imposing only one possible interpretation of the text while acting like people are immoral for thinking otherwise.

I also consider Robert Eggers's words in my own reading of the film. In an interview, Eggers noted that his approach to the film was informed by the trope of the "demon lover" and even referred to the relationship between Ellen, Orlok, and Thomas as a love triangle. The film is explicitly erotically charged in a manner that can be taken either way, and I believe that both interpretations are valid ones. Outright denial of interpretations of Ellen and Orlok's relationship as abusive seems foolish to me. But I also get why people might be uncomfortable fully acknowledging the more twisted nature of their dynamic. Nobody wants to get labelled as an abuse apologist over fictional matters or shipping, and there are times when merely engaging with darker subject matter gets people labelled as such. However, people need to stop being so absolutist about these things and learn to substantively engage with differing viewpoints.

I think that the online tendency to moralize fictional preferences plays a large role in people's resistance to being honest with themselves about liking taboo subjects or twisted dynamics. There's nothing wrong with liking it, but it's hard to do so openly without incurring some form of criticism and contempt. Denial gets us nowhere.

[meraki-yao]

Ok I got four asks in my inbox about the new Nick interview and I'm actually mad. I'm actually livid and exasperated because I've been getting and answering similar asks over and over again, and yet people still come to me with the same statement and the same conviction EVEN AFTER I POINTED OUT EVERY FUCKING FACT THAT CONTRADICTS IT.

Do you really need a 19-year-old to teach you reading comprehension and media literacy?

Ok, fine.

Statement One: Nick doesn't appreciate RWRB, he's brushing it aside, which is why it wasn't mentioned in the New York Times

One: Editorials don't always portray the actual thoughts or agenda of the interviewee.

Unlike a video interview or a podcast interview where we can hear the whole conversation directly from Nick with his voice, and even if there are cuts and edits we can pick it up via visual or audio continuity, in a written editorial the only thing we can rely on is the writer's words, or in other words, the writer's paraphrase or quotation of what Nick said to him. This gives much bigger room for any changes or manipulation in content because we have nothing else to reference.

It is clear that in the past three editorials, the writer or the magazine itself has deliberately demeaning and devaluing RWRB. In NY Magazine, it was only mentioned in one line and degraded to "a queer take on a common straight trope" (see the choice of word "president's daughter"), with the implication being at its core, it's a straight story/ reliant on past straight stories to be interesting; Hunger Magazine calls it fujoshi-pleasing (fujoshi: Japanese slang, denoting how a straight woman who enjoys fictional gay content is "rotten", too ruined to be married, an insult to both the audience/fans and the movie itself ); and this time New York Magazine didn't even mention RWRB, when let's be honest, it's Nick's biggest breakout role.

"Once Is Chance, Twice is Coincidence, Third Time's A Pattern" this is deliberate. I can't say what the agenda is, my guess is some extent of latent homophobia, but it's clear that this is a fucking pattern. In fact, besides the hidden agenda of devaluing RWRB, these editorials show another hidden agenda, but that's something for a later day. PM me id you want to now, I won't discuss that one on my public platform yet.

Again, there is so much more room for twisting and hiding words in a written editorial. In all the video interviews Nick did, especially in the UK, when has he ever avoided a question about RWRB? When has he ever not shown gratitude towards the project?

Two: In all video evidence that can't be manipulated, that clearly shows Nick's own thoughts which not influenced by any other party, he has made it clear that he adores RWRB.

Why else would he sign books during the M&G London premiere, going as far as to stay behind after the event just to sign books? Same with the LA M&G premiere and TIOY premiere: those were promotions for other projects, he had a valid reason to refuse to sign the RWRB books and posters, but he didn't, always signing with a big smile on his face, even playfully signing on Taylor's face. He said it himself in his Instagram post, and I quote: "The love that Henry has received has been one of the most heartwarming things to watch. It's been difficult to not talk about him. So thank you for seeing him for all he is. He was a joy to bring to life." There's your proof, directly from the man himself.

Statement Two: Nick's not interested in doing a sequel, he said he's done playing princes and he's done playing romantic leads

One: "Done playing princes" doesn't mean literally done playing princes, it means he wants to try more roles and not be stuck with only being known as the "prince" guy. (even though he's literally a prince lol)

Plus, he said that after Robert, but then Henry came along and he was attracted to Henry as a character with his scared but loving heart. He doesn't just view Henry as a prince, he views Henry as a complex, delicate person who so happens to be a prince. Him saying he's done playing princes means in the future, he doesn't really want another royal on his filmography, but this doesn't mean he doesn't want to continue Henry's story. With the given context, namely asking him about future projects he wants to take up, "he's done playing princes" and "he doesn't want to play Henry anymore" are not mutually inclusive.

Two: "Done playing romantic leads" means he wants to try new things and take up new projects that aren't romance films.

This doesn't include the continuation of already established characters i.e. sequels, this just means if he were to take up brand new projects, he wants to try something else. Sequels are inherently different from new projects because again, sequels are based on already established characters.

Three: He said several times ON VIDEO that he'd be in for a sequel

In this one, when asked if he'd be up for a sequel, he said, and I quote "Look, I think with any opportunity of doing a sequel, I think, you know, the script has to be right. But obviously, it was so lovely to see how many people it touched and having that resonance is incredibly important to me, so, yeah. Of course."

In this one, when asked if they have had conservation on a potential sequel, he said, and again I quote: "Yeah, I mean definitely had conversations. I think we're all on the same page in the sense that, you know, the script needs to be right, and sort of all the different components need to be right because we made something that has such a positive effect and I think the last thing you'd wanna do is ruin that or take that in a way, so, you know, the conversations are definitely being had."

And there are more videos from red carpet interviews that I can't be bothered to find right now but he says more or less the same thing.

(look I even transcribed it)

Not only is he on board with a sequel, he's also being careful about it to make sure once they do get to making it, it's something good. He's on board, and he values it. And again, that's directly from him.

We have a phrase in Chinese: 斷章取義, meaning "breaking off a small part of an article and deriving the meaning from that single part" That's what so many of you, in particular, the people who come to my inbox with the sentiments of the above-mentioned statement are doing. Please, use critical thinking and look at the whole picture. Stop making judgments from the surface of one source.

Tagging my friends @alittlefrenchtree and @myteavsricochet because it looks like they've been getting the same things I got

[marksbear]

Hi! I hope you're doing well, and I was wondering two things: if I could be 🏴‍☠️ anon and if you would be willing to make a part 3 for Spencer Reid x unsub reader? Sorry for bothering you if not, and I hope you have a good day/night!

Hey! I hope you're doing well as well! And yes you can be 🏴‍☠ and yes I would be glad to make a part 3. And the link for the babes who didn't read the other parts.

I can't stress enough that you go read the 1st part. But don't mind my old shitty writing.

Warnings! Gaslighting, manipulation, two face reader, unsub reader, gore, killing, cutting open, human organs/guts and fish guts, toxic reader, ooc Spencer.

SPENCER REID X UNSUB MALE READER

Spencer watched Y/n from afar watching him as he worked on the beautiful sea creature. The star fish to be exact. Spencer wondered how Y/n could be the K/n. He was so gentle and kind to others.

But sadly Y/n already confessed to him and everything, but Spencer couldn't see it. He couldn't see Y/n killing fish and putting their cuts inside human beings.

He couldn't see Y/n doing the horrible killings.

As Spencer was in deep thought Y/n looks up from the star fish that was currently sticking onto his hand.

"Why..." Spencer says before realization hits him and before he could take back what he said Y/n beats him to it.

"Why what?" Y/n questions with a eyebrow raised before gently taking the star fish off his hand and back into the tank.

"It's nothing." Spencer says desperately trying to change the subject. "No... Why what Spencie?" Y/n says moving away from the tank inching closer to Spencer.

"N-no uhm. It's an uncomfortable question." Spencer says trying to push past the conversation.

"No. Thats such nonsense. Ask away." Y/n says giving a trusting smile. Spencer would had folded and melt for the kiss if he didn't knew what was behind that mask.

"Why...Why do you kill people in horrible ways? You brutally murder them first then after that you cut open their stomach before taking out almost every single organ inside and replace it with fish guts. A-and sometimes for fun you'll mail the fish heads and human heads to random places---" Spencer rant gets cut off by a fast hand with Y/n curving his mouth tightly.

"That's enough. I don't want my pretty boy to think of my victims. It makes me jealous..." Y/n says with a light tease. Spencer pushes Y/n hand away.

"Stop trying to flirt your way out of this." Spencer says.

"Fine... To answer your question it's because I love the fame. Everybody across America knows who I am. And I take out human guts and replace them with fish guts because it's a statement." Y/n answers with a sick smile growing on his face.

"What Statement are you trying to make exactly?" Spencer questions.

"That even with a whole different organ system. People are still assholes on the inside." Y/n answers. Spencer couldn't tell if Y/n was joking or either dead serious.

"So you don't have a deeper meaning as to why your K/n."

"Like I told you. I love the fame. You yell out K/n and everybody knows who exactly that is. Unlike my regular Marine biologist job. I find a new breed of fish no one gives a shit and that somebody else can just take my credit. With this nobody can be me. No one can just brush me off." Y/n says with his smirk becoming more and more twisted.

"So I just lied and risked my whole career over your little obsession for fame!" Spencer blurts out after everything starts to play in his mind.

"No baby... You risked it all for me. You know that somebody could never love you like how I do. You can't find somebody like me. You know how much I love and care for you, so please don't leave me." Y/n says as he moves his hands to both side of Spencer cheeks.

This time Spencer was aware that Y/n was just trying to manipulate him. But still Spencer couldn't shake off the words.

Spencer recognized the sweet lies Y/n was telling him. But he couldn't help but to feel bad and that he was in the wrong for bringing this up.

"P-please... Don't rat me out. Don't leave me. I promise i'll change. I swear." Y/n begs with sorrow with his eyes beginning to water.

As more and more words Y/n spoke the more the genius believed. For a genius Y/n was surprised he would fall for his words. But a bit more gas lighting and manipulation Spencer was all Y/n's.

"Spencie you know if they find out who I am they're gonna give me death. You're the only one who knows the real me. So if you go and tell you be the one who actually murdered me." Y/n coo's as he pulls Spencer close so their heads are resting against each other.

"And that means you will remember me and what you did for the rest of your life. But I don't want my doctor to be traumatized so let's try to avoid that outcome."

In a flick of a switch Y/n was the one acting like hes the victim.

With a few more words that was lased with lies Y/n pulls Spencer completely in kissing Spencer.

As Spencer melts into the kiss all of his previous thoughts were out the window.

Y/n wraps his arms around Spencer's waist pulling him closer. Spencer wraps his arms around Y/n's shoulders kissing him back.

Y/n pulls away slowly with his head resting against Spencer's own forehead.

"Tell me that you won't leave me. Tell me that you love me Spencer."

"I won't leave you I swear! I love you and only you!."

"I know."

THE END

[starryredpandawrites]

Bendy Bites 9: Healing Kisses

Posting this in honor of the anon requesting fluff instead of angst 😘

WARNING: TOOTH-ROTTING FLUFF. YOUR TEETH WILL BE GONE AFTER READING THIS

Quick disclaimer: All of this is platonic. Please, please, please don't make this weird.

Okay, this is inspired by an ask I answered here that talks a bunch about real world injuries vs ink machine injuries. I'm not gonna repeat everything I talked about here, so go read it if you're interested in those implications, the anon had some pretty good thoughts. Then @tiredtrashpanda had an amazing idea and thus this Bendy Bites was inspired.

SO

In the ink world, injuries can be healed either through sped-up passive healing (Henry in BATIM) or through eating (Audrey in BATDR). Obviously, that's not a thing in the real world.

The first time Bendy sees Audrey get hurt in the real world, he brings her some food. She's like, "Bud, that is super sweet but that's not how the world works anymore," and explains it.

Bendy is rather shooketh at first but accepts it considering that this world is a lot less dangerous than the ink world. He moves on and doesn't even consider that this "new" form of injury/natural healing thing could apply to him.

Then, Bendy gets hurt. Maybe he trips on some stairs and cuts his knee. The Keepers proved he can't die and will recover from any injury (even if he might get twisted in the process) but let's just say for the sake of fluff that in the real world his healing factor is still much better than the average person's but relatively slowed compared to when he is in the real world.

So, when the cut on his knee doesn't heal after more than a minute, he freaks out. He thinks he's dying and Audrey has to explain again that injuries don't get magically healed overnight: healing takes time. She bandages his booboo and gives it a lil' kiss. Then, the next day it's her turn to be baffled because the injury is completely gone and she has to revise her statement about magical healing because he thinks that her kiss is the reason he healed so quickly.

Fast forward and he "knows" that kissing an injury won't make it heal faster, but he was so convinced that the power of sibling love healed him the first time he was hurt that it's turned into a full-blown superstition.

Now, every time he gets any sort of scratch/bruise/injury, he asks (or demands if he's in his Ink Demon form) for Audrey to give it a kiss. She is usually happy to oblige unless she's busy and it's something small, or if it's in a weird place.

Audrey: I am not kissing your foot.

The Ink Demon, after running through a particularly nasty patch of bristles and cutting his ankle: BUT IT HURRRRTS

He probably wouldn't say it like but it makes me laugh so whatever

((This is where @tiredtrashpanda's brilliance comes in))

Bendy is learning how to be a person from Audrey, right? So now, whenever she gets hurt, he offers to give it a kiss. He doesn't have lips in either form, so it's more like he's tapping his face against her bandages but it's the thought that counts, right? I guess his toon form can change the shape of his mouth but I doubt he's got a kissy-face option.

Btw, I use the word "offers" lightly. Bendy is stubborn and loves his sister, so if she ever refuses his healing kisses he throws a fit. If he's in his toon form at the time of injury, he'll use every trick in the book to try to guilt Audrey into letting him kiss her ouchie better. If he's in his Ink Demon form he argues with her until she either gives in or he gives up and just mopes for the rest of the day.

Bendy: WHY DO YOU REFUSE MY BLESSING OF HEALING?

Audrey: It's just a papercut

Bendy: I CAN MAKE IT BETTER

Audrey: How many times do I have to explain that's not how that works?

Bendy: IT IS AT LEAST WORTH AN ATTEMPT

Audrey: I'm fine.

Bendy, sulking in a corner: WHEN DID I LOSE YOUR TRUST?

Audrey: When you ate my birthday cake

Bendy: I SPARED YOU A SLICE

Audrey: Yes, I should be so grateful that I got one slice of my gourmet cake that everyone in the office chipped in to deliver to my house as a special birthday surprise.

Bendy: EXACTLY

Audrey: That was sarcasm.

And so forth...

Side note: her coworkers ordered the cake to her house so that she would get some positive associations with home and stop staying so late.

If he's particularly worried about an injury of hers and Audrey is feeling particularly stubborn about not getting a get-better kiss, he'll give her a hug instead (most likely in his toon form so it's less suspicious).

Thanks for reading 🥰

[blogfullofemos]

Nasallang? Like a Nordic Metal Band?

Hiya guys, did you miss me? I figure to thank you guys every time I post another fic. I truly appreciate the support, commentary, and reblogs every damn time. Thank you, thank you, thank you ❤️. You guys can send me asks as well, if you feel like I can bring a concept of yours to life. Enjoy and continue to let me know how you feel 😊. This has also been proofread.

E FOR EVERYONE

Synopsis: Eddie Munson is taking matters into his own hands... Well. Into your hands, but nobody is there to see it. (This is a favorite I've written so far. This idea is so cute to me ☺️)

Word Count: 995

Warning: Amateur piercing session (PLEASE DO NOT DO WITHOUT THOROUGH RESEARCH OR PROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION), and please don't hide things like these from your parents unless you know you can handle the repercussions. Mentions of drugs.

Pairing: Bestie! Eddie Munson + bestie! reader

    “Okay.” you sigh, assessing the makeshift tools before you. A box full of alcohol pads, a few pin needles, and opened cases of piercings awaiting your procedure. Eddie smiles crookedly, biting the side of his bottom lip, elated for his new statement pieces to proclaim him. Well, more like an obtuse declaration. With an apprehensive side eye, you couldn’t help but smirk at Eddie’s overt excitement. His skinny jeaned legs bouncing rapidly as he consistently rubbed his hands on his knees, were they sweaty? Yeah he’s smiling, but his dimples are barely indenting. And he keeps biting his lip. Maybe it’s the hard plastic toilet seat lid he’s sitting on, it just made you uncomfortable watching him sit on the unforgiving cover. Picking up a pin needle, you twist the thin metal between your index finger and thumb. Your nerves prickling the ends of those fingers while you gauge the depths of its puncture. “Okay but like…” you give another apprehensive side eye “Why feed into it?” you finally ask. Even as Eddie given you a soliloquy for his urgency on the matter a few nights ago. 

“I play DND, electric guitar, smoke weed and maybe… Just maybe dabbled with other hallucinogenic substances… But TOWN FREAK!! Cuz’ MUMMY DEARESTS can’t bear their children poking at a little bit of Hellfire!! WELL LETS GIVE’M MORE.!!”

     God you just thought it was another intrusive rant that tend to be filled with false promises. But here you were with impending nasallang and snake bites. “Because why not?” Eddie retorts, pinching your arm. He giggles as you quickly drop the needle to swat his hand off, followed with a quiet but dramatic “Ouch!!” Not wanting to disturb Uncle Wayne’s quiet beer reading session at the small living room, or rather pique his curiosity. “What about Uncle Wayne?” you wince, rubbing away the lingering pain. Eddie rolls his eyes, diverting his attention from you, he turns his body towards the tools. Taking an alcohol pad out of the box and ripping its wrapping open with his teeth. He makes a disgusted face as he spits the ripped seal out of his mouth, pulling the wipe out. “This would be his final straw. He’ll definitely think you’ve lost it.” you say, crossing your arms.

“I’m 19 going on 20; and to ease your worried little head while also reminding you. I’ve gotten my first tattoo at 15 and all Uncle Waynee did was burp and pat my shoulder.” Eddie answers your incessant doubts, wiping the alcohol wipe under his bottom lip. He theatrically points at you and winces his eyes, burping on que “That’s a reaaally cooool tattoo Eddie… Who did it?” he acts out his Uncle’s drunken mannerisms. You smack your hand on your head as Eddie burps again, smacking his lips and daintily tossing the wipe into the basin. You slide your hand down to your mouth, hiding your smile while trying your best to give Eddie a disapproving gaze. Failing to dissuade his stubbornness, you sigh out as you rip open an alcohol pad. Sterilizing a pin needle, you try your best to recall every word Eddie read to you from an amateur self-piercing guide. Beautifully written by a goth chick Eddie ‘talked to’ ages ago. 

     “But why me?” you pout, nervously getting yourself into place. Eddie helps you by widening his legs, letting you get close to his sat frame. Breathing out, he shakes his head back, the movement helping his hair naturally slip away from his face without his hands. His brown eyes connecting with yours, his crinkles forming with his reassuring smile. You give a smile back, taking a gentle hold of his chin and guiding his head to move about. Aesthetically measuring the placements with whatever experience you can tie this to. “Why me Munson?” you repeat, needing him to say anything to distract you from ending this before even beginning. Eddie knees hug onto your thighs as his anticipation locks you in, licking his lips “Robin is squeamish as we all know. Steve has better things to do, and well…” Eddie drifts off but stops as his breath hitches. His eyes widen as he feels the slight poke of the needle at the bottom of his lip; his hands naturally grabbing onto your hips.

You freeze as your muscles lock from the unsuspected action, your eyes widening as you snap your hands away from him. “Shit sorry.” he quickly says, dropping his head to shake his hair out with his hands. Your cheeks searing with unabashed disclosure, be it the first time he’s ever touched you there. Be it the first-time you guys gotten this close in an…. Intimate position. But this is what comes with the territory of a growing friendship, and not wanting to make it any more than what it is. You quickly recollect yourself as you take hold of Eddie’s chin once more, guiding him to look up at you again. “S’okay.” you reassure dryly, clearing your throat you continue “But I’m pretty sure with enough bartering Erica would gladly do this for you.”

“Yeah but she’s like 15, I don’t trust her with sharp objects around anybody, especially around me… And you’re the only one I can depend on, being best friends and all.” he says, finally giving you his award-winning dimpled smile. 

       “Okay. Okay. Take a deep breath for me and whatever you do. Keep. Your. Mouth. Open.” you take hold of his bottom lip with your index and thumb, pulling it out as much as you could “And try your best to stay quiet.” you add. Eddie nods slightly while incoherently accepting your requests.

“In 3… 2…… 1. Breathe in.” 

Eddie grunts LOUDLY as you pierce through his lip; iron gripping your hips like a baby latching on to its first sweet. Yeah, you had your hands full with this one. But it’s going to make for a great story time throughout the many years to come.

[thejewitches]

So I kinda grew up in an evangelical environment, and I'm just now able to expose myself to and learn about other religions. The only things I learned about Judaism growing up were likely very twisted to suit the teachings of the pastors. I heard a lot about "messianic Jews" (which I now know is very much not a thing) and how "a lot" of Jewish people converted because they began to believe that Jesus was the messiah (yeah it was bad, really bad)

Anyways since I'm trying to educate myself, I'm trying to not just read about other religions, but if possible, I'm trying to read the holy books of the religions as well. I talked to a Muslim friend I had at work and he told me I could read the Quran (I guess I felt weird about reading it because I wasn't looking to convert to Islam). In the same vein, could I read the Talmud to learn more? I was told that the Bible and the Talmud were the same growing up (so there was no point in reading it, according to my elders, also incorrect information). Is there a particular translation that would be better to read?

Very sorry for all the parenthetical statements I was trying to keep it brief but I have severe adhd so thoughts just come at they please. Love your blog, and I'm very happy to be learning a lot from you already, and unlearning a lot in the process, so thank you for posting resources and the like. Very appreciated.

Could I read the Talmud to learn more?

The short answer is: Reading the Talmud without knowing how or what you are reading will not give you the information you are looking for. The sentiment of reading to learn more is wonderful, but on your own without any prior learning, it is tantamount to reading a book in a language you don't speak to understand the poetry of the language better. You can do it, but you won't have the tools to decipher it in any meaningful way. If you want to learn more about Judaism, studying Talmud is definitely not the place to start.

There is something called Daf Yomi where Jews study one single page of Talmud every single day. With 2,711 pages in the Talmud, one Daf Yomi cycle takes about 7 years, 5 months--and it takes this long because studying the Talmud to understand the Talmud is not just reading a book. There are ways you can just read it, sure, but that doesn't mean you will be learning or understanding what you are reading in the way that Jews do (just as you can read a series of random words without actually comprehending what is in front of you).

If you're looking to study Talmud, have you studied Torah with Jews? Begun to understand the Jewish perspective on the Torah? How we approach our texts with a completely different eye than Christians? How the Old Testament you grew up with may look nothing like what we know and love?

If you're certain that the answer to those questions is yes, and you feel ready to start learning Talmud, see if there is a local rabbi in your area who offers a class or a seminar. Many are free. It is meant to be a community activity. But chances are, that isn't the case.

But frankly: you don't need to study Talmud to learn about Jews and Judaism. There is no need for that. The best way to learn about Judaism is always going to be listening to Jews. Listen to our conversations, hear us, and read the resources we create to share about Judaism. One of the greatest barriers that people often face is shedding the unrealized paradigm and perspective that is left from an evangelical upbringing. Challenging those perspectives is paramount.

If you feel more than a small draw to know, you can go ahead and study Torah, and maybe eventually study Talmud, but if all you want is to know more about Judaism, studying Talmud is not step one.

This is the layout of a Talmud page in Hebrew--it is much more than just a straightforward reading, especially if you want to genuinely engage with the text.

This is, of course, but the opinion of one. The Jewish community is made up of more opinions than individuals and all deserve to be heard.

[hologramcowboy]

I just want to say a huge thank you for your Jensen and Erin post. I'm the anon that sent the original ask that a certain blog claimed was a confession from Erin herself. I was horrified when this person took everything I said and ran off with it, purposely misreading my very clear statements and opinions. I admit I was unsure of what to do. I debated on making a separate account just to be able to post my ask safely so everyone on here could see what this person was doing. As this person's narrative gained traction and on the advice of a friend, I kept my mouth shut, hoping this ridiculous story this person had concocted would flame out. I was even more horrified when I saw them attempting to harass Erin on her Instagram. Then and only then did I become aware of this person's multiple accounts on here and on Instagram. So I was thankful to see other blogs like yours on here start to restore logic and throw water on the flames this one person created.

Any other blog I've sent an anonymous ask to during my time here has never taken what I've said so out of context and twisted my words in such an ugly way. I'm so deeply embarrassed and I feel horribly guilty like it's all my fault that Erin or anyone else was harassed because of something I sent to someone, which was actually defending Erin and Jensen from the rumor this person seemed determined to spread but keep hinting at. I also feel terrible that so many people got duped based on something I said that got purposely misconstrued. I know I'm not responsible for how this person took my ask or what they chose to do afterwards but it doesn't help keep me from feeling partially responsible for the fallout.

So I just wanted to say thank you for debunking that rumor and sharing the facts as well as possible logistical explanations. Would you mind if I sent you my original ask I sent to this person so you and everyone can read what was actually said? If not, I understand, but j just really don't want there to be any inch of doubt on this one.

Please know this is not at all your fault. The person I mentioned has been angling the Erin and Jensen hook up fales storyline for a long time and I have evidence of this, they even tried to approach me and some point and I played into it to see if I could get a feel of who was behind the account (I had already been warned that someone was trying to perpetuate the Erin/Jensen narrative). Our brief chat helped me hone in on the fact that this person's style of wording things matched someone else's.

I am sorry they twisted your post to reinforce the rumors. Please feel free to dm me your ask and I will post it for everyone to read.

You are not responsible for the choices this person made in any way, they choose to twist what you sent it to reinforce their agenda and your original ask will reveal this fully. If you prefer avoiding dms, I think you can send it it as a submission instead. Choose whatever is most comfortable to you and thank you for coming forward.

[aishangotome]

Main Story Chapter 15-15: A Murder (一次謀殺) | Light  and Night 光與夜之戀

Please consider reading Chapter 15-13 before you proceed

For a moment, I thought I was mistaken. I stared at it. But I was not wrong.

The letterhead was still blank, with only blurred lines and dots of ink marks.

I looked up, and everyone around me had an expression on their faces that was not one of surprise, but one of the same concentration as mine, as if by looking at it longer, they could see the writing on it.

Yeah, it should say something.

It was placed here solemnly by a father, and was guarded by spirits who would stop the boy from peeking inside at the cost of being turned into a resentful spirit.

It must have something written on it!

Everyone was silent, suspicion grew in the air, but no one wanted to speak of it.

Until Jesse folded the letter and became the child who testified that the king's clothes did not exist.*

*This phrase references the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes," where a child points out the emperor's lack of clothing despite the adults' pretense that he is wearing splendid garments.

Jesse: Nothing is written on it.

Chen Chen: How could there be nothing on it!

Chen Chen: Do you have a sort of invisible-ink-revealing-potion? Maybe you can use it and see some words.

Jesse listened to his statement and twisted the letter.

Jesse: Even if I had something like that, this paper is not made of the material that it would work on.

Chen Chen: Then, then that's it?!

Only Chen Chen's voice echoed in the room, and the spirits looked intently at Jesse, unable to hide their feelings of disappointment. But Jesse just nodded his head.

Jesse: That's it.

Grandpa Lee: Jesse, is there really no other way? Based on the way your father was acting, he must have had something to say.

Jesse: I should have listened to what he had wanted to say then, not now.

Jesse: This may also be my punishment.

I didn't want Jesse to talk like this. I didn't want him to smile with words full of regret.

I didn't have the power to reverse time and space, but if I could capture even a trace from the past, I wanted to capture it and send it to Jesse.

Y/N: I might be able to tell what Uncle Xia had wanted to say.

Many eyes turned to me.

Y/N: Tuanyuan, remember when I told you about my abilities? I can touch an object and feel the emotions attached to it.

Y/N: Although if it's been a long time already... I'm not sure either, but I want to give it a try.

Jesse: I remember. Is it a spell?

Y/N: It's not a spell or magic. It's something called a gift, maybe like the gift you have of being able to see spirits.

Y/N: Don't worry. There are no side effects.

Jesse frowned.

Jesse: How do you always know what I want to say?

I held the letter in my hand.

Closing my eyes, I almost thought that what I was holding was not paper, but metal or a block of wood that had been exposed to the wind and snow for a long time. Cold and hard as if no emotion could be attached to it.

I warmed it with my palm until it started to feel numb.

Suddenly, a blurry image appeared before my eyes, and I was in a dimly lit room with a man writing at his desk in front of me.

It was Jesse's father. I recognized him right away. He was writing a letter, so I moved closer to read it.

Xia Mingzhang: Marked on the map are several transfer locations of the Solar Eclipse Project, which resulted not only in one tragedy at Yuda Academy, but will result in many more.

Xia Mingzhang: Anyone who reads this information, please continue to investigate. If you come across it by chance, please put it back where it belongs and don't let this case go unresolved.

He had not ended the sentence with a period yet. Xia Mingzhang raised his left hand and covered his eyes.

He opened his mouth as if to exhale, but ended up with a sharp intake of breath.

Finally, taking a deep breath, the man stood up, walked across the creaking hallway, and opened the door to another room.

Lying on the bed was Jesse's mother, seemingly asleep, but her brows were furrowed.

The man tried to smooth it for her, but his wrist was suddenly grabbed.

The woman opened her eyes as if she'd seen something horrible.

Ding Meiyu: Someone is coming!

Xia Mingzhang: Meiyu, no one else is here. I am here, you can sleep in peace.

Ding Meiyu: They will come, Mingzhang. Even if they do not come today, they will come tomorrow. We will never be able to escape.

Xia Mingzhang: Then why did I bring you guys to France?

Xia Mingzhang turned on a night light for her and poured another glass of water.

Xia Mingzhang: From now on, I won't touch anything related to the case again.

Xia Mingzhang: Our family will live here peacefully.

Ding Meiyu: At school... Jesse is often being bullied.

Xia Mingzhang: I will help him switch to another school, no matter how much it costs.

Ding Meiyu: Then what are you going to do?

Xia Mingzhang: I can do anything. I can be a security guard, a salesman, a station attendant. I can choose a regular job.

Xia Mingzhang: I didn't go to Jesse's elementary school graduation. Let's go to his middle school graduation together, okay?

His wife's face showed a little bit of joy, as if she had already seen the picture of a happy future.

Ding Meiyu: He will be so overjoyed. This child won't admit it, but he really wants you to spend more time with him.

Xia Mingzhang: I will from now on.

After a moment's hesitation, Ding Meiyu placed her palm on her husband's hand.

Ding Meiyu: Mingzhang, are you really willing to give up being a police officer? Are we putting pressure on you?

Xia Mingzhang: No. You guys are my family, and it is my responsibility to protect you.

Xia Mingzhang: You go back to sleep. I'll go check on our son.

He stood up, turned his back, and spoke and walked with the same determination as before.

Next, he was in Jesse's room. The man pushed open the door, and there was a rustling and scurrying sound coming from between the bedding.

Xia Mingzhang: How many times have I told you that reading with a flashlight will ruin your eyes.

The quilt was silent for a while before a muffled voice came from inside.

Jesse: You won't let me turn on the light to read.

Xia Mingzhang: Do what you have to do when you have to do it, and sleep when you have to sleep.

Jesse: What I should do is just based on your rules--- forget it, I'm going to sleep.

Xia Mingzhang went to the bed and pulled out the flashlight from under his son's pillow.

Jesse: Give it back!

Xia Mingzhang: When you do something wrong, you have to accept the consequences. And no more magic practice tomorrow.

The exasperated boy instantly forgot his anger at having his flashlight taken away and poked his head out.

Jesse: No practice? Really? Are you going out tomorrow?

Xia Mingzhang: Help mom around the house more tomorrow.

Jesse: I do more for mom than you do.

I'm not sure if Xia Mingzhang heard the whisper, but I did not feel any emotional fluctuations from him.

Returning to his desk, he looked again at the words he had written and smiled bitterly.

Xia Mingzhang: This child, when is he going to grow up?

But the moment he said that, I heard the sound in his heart. 'If he doesn't grow up and can live his life without worrying about anything, that would be good.'

He carefully folded up the papers that we had already discovered; notes, research journals, and maps.

And finally, there was an envelope.

Unexpectedly, Xia Mingzhang tore up the written letter, put it aside, and put in a pad of paper that was only stained with ink.

I heard him say, "Who am I to ask anyone else to do my job?"

My eyes snapped open, my vision still flickering with the shadows of the dimly lit room, but the man's face was younger, his lines softer---

Y/N: It's not like that!

Jesse: Y/N, are you okay?

A hand was placed on my cold, sweaty forehead, and my wet bangs were pushed aside.

I opened my eyes wide, looked through the gap in my fingers, and there was no longer his father in front of me, there was only Jesse.

I always thought they didn't resemble each other at all, but it turns out there was a slight resemblance.

Y/N: Tangyuan, I saw a lot of things.

Jesse: Just now you kept talking, sometimes it was like talking to yourself, sometimes it was like two people talking to each other.

Jesse: I could hear it. There was my father, my mother, and there were my words.

There were still many spirits around me, but I didn't care about them. I hugged Jesse.

Jesse: The home must have been beautiful at that time.

Y/N: It was beautiful. I've never seen a more beautiful home.

Jesse hummed softly.

Jesse: I thought that knowing his choice would make it more painful and harder for me to accept.

Jesse: He didn't protect himself or take justice into his own hands, and he was as tough as ever with his family.

Jesse: If it were earlier, I would not have understood such a decision.

Jesse suddenly fell silent. At this moment, I roughly understood that he had been suppressing his emotions for too long, yet he didn't know how to express them.

Y/N: And what about now? Do you understand now?

Jesse: Mhm. It was just a self-centered decision, and I'm not doing anything different than he is.

Jesse: I want you to stay out of danger, but I also want you to see through me, to support me, to praise me.

Jesse: To be by my side at all times.

Jesse: Wondering if I wanted you to get involved, or whether to let you into the vortex.

Jesse: I'm afraid I'm going to be obsessed with this for the rest of my life, and that I'm not going to stop for even one second.

Y/N: But I came here on my own. I want to be by your side, to support you, to praise you.

Y/N: I'm not sure if I can see through you, but if you can give me a hint, it should be okay.

Jesse inhaled deeply and exhaled again, as if he was simply feeling the process of breathing.

Jesse: I'm so lucky.

Jesse: That's what I should say to my father.

Jesse: He wanted someone to understand him. I didn't know it then, but I know it now.

Jesse: Miss, it's nice to finally understand how someone feels.

Jesse: Tell me.

Jesse: Did he put these files here because he didn't want me to find them, or because he was expecting me to find them some day?

Jesse: He's still hesitating. He can't make up his mind.

Jesse separated from me a little, and his eyes were as bright as shooting stars in an astronomical photo.

He clutched the papers in his hands and held them tight.

Jesse: I want to help him make that decision, even if it's late.

It was almost dusk, and the setting sun shone on Jesse's shoulders, casting a wide shadow on the ground.

His shoulders were already broad enough to carry a lot of things, but these papers represented too much blood and tears, hate and sighs, and they were too heavy.

Grandpa Lee had not spoken since the letter, but he finally spoke again.

Grandpa Lee: Son, you must realize that not everyone's suffering is your responsibility, and you don't have to do this.

Jesse: This is not a responsibility, it is just a wish.

Jesse: You guys have wishes too, don't you? Why else would you have been here all these years watching over me.

Jesse: I want to be like you guys, doing something outside of my responsibility.

He flashed a smile at the spirits, a smile that was adorable, but with an irrefutable strength.

Grandpa Lee also laughed, some of the souls puzzled, some worried, some relieved, but all showed a relieved expression.

Grandpa Lee: Little Jesse, I appreciate you saying that. It makes me feel like my life after death had some meaning.

The old man let out a long sigh, a weary look on his face as he looked around the room and the people in it.

Grandpa Lee: We should go.

His words and expression gave me a bad feeling.

Y/N: Go... where are you guys going?

Grandpa Lee: To rest. All these years, we've lost much of our strength, and every appearance took a lot of effort on our part.

Grandpa Lee: Otherwise, I wouldn't be one step behind you two kids every time.

Jesse pursed his lips, and he took out more black talisman paper, crushing them one by one, until the sky and the ground were covered with black dust.

But unlike earlier, the dust did not melt into the bodies of the spirits; they simply fell to the ground.

Grandpa Lee: Little Jesse, don't bother. We're the ones who want to go. You can't keep the ones who want to go.

Jesse: But you can't be reincarnated anymore. If you don't do anything about it, all that's left is---

Grandpa Lee: Disappearing into smoke?

Jesse didn't say anything, but the silence was already an affirmative answer.

Grandpa Lee: When I was alive, I thought that death would be the end of me.

Grandpa Lee: Who knows, Jesse? Maybe it's just another way of being.

A thin layer of black dust accumulated on the ground, and another old man came forward. Jesse was a little surprised to see him, but it was as if he had expected it.

Jesse: You are Yu Yang's grandfather. You didn't leave either.

The old man smiled at him as if he wanted to say something, but suddenly looked at me.

Grandpa Yu: Young lady, judging by the way you two looked just now, you two must be very close, right?

Y/N: Mhm, very close.

Grandpa Yu: That's good. I can't expose him in front of people who are not close.

Grandpa Yu: My son and daughter invited him to perform a ceremony for me.

Grandpa Yu: They were thinking of my meager inheritance and wanted to show it to my wife.

Grandpa Yu: I didn't want to see them, so I hid.

Grandpa Yu: I didn't realize that this little Taoist priest and his master had strung together some words, telling them to help support my wife in her old age.

Grandpa Yu: Among my grandchildren, Yu Yang is the one I can't let go of.

Grandpa Yu: He has been a quiet child since he was young, and doesn't know how to express it when he feels wronged.

Grandpa Yu: Now he's learning to talk a lot more, which is good.

Grandpa Yu: Master Jesse, I thank you for myself and on behalf of them.

Grandpa Yu: After all these years of delay, there's truly no regret left. If fate allows, we'll meet again.

I felt a little soreness in my eyes, rubbed them, and when I reopened them, the old man's form had disappeared.

It turns out that the real departure is not a slow blurring and fading like what the books say, but a momentary event.

Then came Yi Qing and Chu Ying. What Chu Ying wanted to say seemed to have been said just now. She just smiled and looked at Jesse's face.

Yi Qing: Big brother, big sister, Yi Qing can be with mommy forever. I'm so happy.

Yi Qing: You two should also stay together and be happy.

Jesse: We will, don't worry.

Yi Qing: Goodbye then. Come, mommy come say goodbye too.

The two of them turned back to the other spirits, nodded to them and looked at us.

Chu Ying: Jesse, Y/N, take care.

Chu Ying: You are both good kids, and you're going to have a great future.

Then there was Chen Chen, who put his feet firmly on the ground and compared his height with Jesse.

Chen Chen: Aunt Chu said that if I were still alive and older than you, I might be taller than you.

Chen Chen: When I died, I was with Uncle Xia and saw you. You were still short and small.

Chen Chen: I wanted to meet you in formally in the future and have you call me Brother Chen Chen, but we can forget about it now.

I suddenly realized that Chen Chen's face was no longer full of the innocence and tenderness of a child. When he lowered his brows, he looked like a teenager or even a young man.

He must have seen a lot of things that he understood and didn't understand during his time wandering the world, and those things have left their mark on him.

But his body will never grow again, and the experience he has gained will never be used again.

Chen Chen put his hands behind his back and spoke in a small voice.

Chen Chen: Jesse, will it hurt when I leave? Didn't you say before that when the soul is scattered---

Jesse squatted down and looked shorter and smaller than Chen Chen.

Jesse: It won't hurt, Brother Chen Chen.

Chen Chen froze for a moment, then had a big smile on his face, and kept waving to us until he left.

One by one, the spirits said goodbye to Jesse, some of which he knew, and some of which he didn't even recognize.

Each person told their own story, which were long and detailed.

Their past, how Jesse and his father intervened in their lives, how they decided to return the favor, and how they decided to leave.

We said a lot of thank you's, called them by name, and said goodbye to them. We watched as they retold each other over and over again about the time they had spent together.

The room became emptier and emptier, and finally, only Grandpa Lee was left standing in front of us.

Like us, he watched the spirits leave with a calm expression.

Grandpa Lee: It's been six years. After getting along for six years, even strangers become familiar with one another.

Grandpa Lee: I knew this day would come a long time ago, and I've been prepared for it.

He faced us, stood up straight, straightened his hat that was not even tilted, and sounded like eh was reading a battle order.

Grandpa Lee: I will walk out like a soldier, and leave like a man who is still alive.

Grandpa Lee: Do not grieve over this, but bless me and send me to a better place.

Grandpa Lee: Goodbye.

Without waiting for an answer, he turned on his heel and strutted out into the sunset.

The old man stopped when he was about to walk out of the room.

He tilted his head, letting the sunlight hit the brim of his hat and his body. His shoulders suddenly no longer straightened, and body shifting slightly.

Grandpa Lee: I was once a general on a warship.

Grandpa Lee: The Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, the Straits of Malacca and the Black Sea - I have left my mark on all of them.

Grandpa Lee: Children, if you have any strength left, please remember me, and remember us.

I could not hear what Jesse said in response.

Because it was at this moment that I finally felt that I understood a little bit about death, and I understood what Jesse said about the fear that all people have.

Grandpa Lee was no longer visible. He may have gone down the stairs, out of the house, out of the window. We didn't go out to look for him.

Few people will ever have the experience of witnessing such a scene in their lifetime.

But when I finally cleared my mind, when I wanted to remember, when I wanted to express myself, the only person who could understand me would be the one beside me.

Our destinies are linked in such a way that they become inseparable.

I felt a sense of exhaustion, not sure if it was because I had spent too much energy feeling emotions from so long ago, or because I hadn't had a good rest in two days.

Y/N: Tangyuan, I think I was wrong. I think I do have some side effects.

Jesse held me up, and the two of us sat together on the black ground, both of us covered in talisman dust.

Jesse: Do you feel uncomfortable?

Y/N: Not uncomfortable, just a little weak.

Jesse let me lean on his shoulder, even though I couldn't maintain this position. He leaned down and hugged me, letting me lean against his chest.

But the thoughts couldn't stop. The information left behind by Jesse's father, the words of the spirits continued to flow through, and they finally stopped at the names of Dr. Sun and Dr. Zhou.

I struggled to keep my eyelids open.

Y/N: Tangyuan, I remember now. If Dr. Sun refers to Dr. Sun Taizhong, then I know someone who might be Dr. Zhou.

Jesse: Zhou Weicheng, right?

Y/N: How did you know that too?

Jesse chuckled.

Jesse: I wanted to ask you the same thing.

Jesse: Did you know that Zhou Weicheng is the one who kidnapped Yangyang?

Y/N: I kind of guessed it. He was desperate to expose the Solar Eclipse plan.

Y/N: I know where he lives. Did you know?

Jesse: That, I really don't know.

Y/N: I'll take you there. You should also take a rest. And then we will...go.

Jesse: Okay.

Jesse did not even finish speaking when the girl's body had already sunk. He had a moment of panic, leaned down to listen, and heard shallow and even breathing.

He moved slightly to make the girl more comfortable.

Jesse: Miss, you're not going to wake up for awhile, are you?

The person in his arms did not respond, and slept soundly.

Jesse: You really won't wake up?

He hesitated for a moment, then gently took the girl's right hand, which had just been squeezing the letter to feel the emotions attached to it. Her hand was soft, wrapped in his palm.

It was through this hand that she had expended so much energy for him.

What did he live for? He pondered this question whenever disaster struck. It was as if this contemplation alone could pull him out of the mire of suffering.

He lives to be with his childhood sweetheart, he lives to fulfill his father's expectations, and he lives to support his mother.

Then he was separated from his childhood sweetheart, his father died, and his mother was paralyzed.

When all meaning was lost, he turned to observe the fates of others. Standing upon that vast web where life was the longitude and death the latitude, he communicated, gazed, and wove the stories of others.

His own life had become light, needing no one to bear it, and just drifting in the air was enough.

He thought he would live like this all his life.

At that time, no one would've been able to change his mind.

Not his father, who had left long ago. Not his mother, who would never smile at him again. Not even the girl, who was far away and would never forgive him again.

But he came back, found the girl, and reunited with her.

In this world, one can bear the weight of life and wishes to be remembered by her.

As long as such a person existed, he could not give up.

From now on, she would spend more energy for him and he would do the same for her, until both of them have reflected their lives in each other's eyes.

Jesse shed tears, suddenly smiled again, the next second spilling more turbulent tears. He did not know whether he wanted to cry or laugh.

But he knew that for the first time since the end of his childhood, he was happy again.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Chapter 15-17 coming soon!

If you'd like to support my translations, feel free to buy me a coffee here! :)

[cdreambur]

N00000000!!!!! not the morality vs money to live struggle ggggghhhghgjgghfyjszckkgg

Also 🌚 not the cliffhanger with The Convo

"why are you avoiding me?"

the way wilbur visibly flinches when he hears dream's voice almost makes him feel a little bad about sneaking up on him in the empty office kitchen.

he didn't really want to resort to this, but wilbur hasn't given him much of a choice with how he's been staying away from dream the last few days.

when wilbur finally turns to face him, his eyes are wide, and he reaches up to run a hand through his disheveled curls.

"i- i'm not." he eventually replies, words quiet and sounding more like a question than an actual statement.

dream steps closer, stomach twisting when wilbur backs away.

he just doesn't get what happened.

only a week ago, they were sitting in this very room, drinking tea and giggling about the guy in the street below getting his hot dog stolen by a bird.

he wants that back, wants to laugh with wilbur again, wants to listen to him sing, wants to finally ask him on a date the way he planned to since his first day here.

but he can't do that if wilbur won't talk to him.

which brings them back to now, wilbur pressed against the counter of their little office kitchen, lying straight to dream's face.

he takes a small breath, smiling softly and sadly at wilbur.

"please be honest. i know you are. i just... i just want to understand why. and if it's something i did, let me apologize."

he's not ashamed of how distraught his voice sounds, trying hard to meet wilbur's eyes.

the other just averts his gaze, plucking at the sleeves of his white button-up.

"it's not- i don't-"

he interrupts himself with a frustrated sigh before he shrinks even further into himself, uncertainty and fear practically radiating off of him.

dream suddenly wishes his superpower was mind reading.

risking a tiny step closer, he quietly says, "i want to understand, wil. please. i have no idea what happened for you to not like me anymore, but i'm sor-"

"i know!"

wilbur's sudden exclamation brings dream's apology to a halt as his eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"what?" he asks, attention fixed on wilbur's dark eyes and the countless emotions in them. dream can recognize fear, worry, desperation, hope, guilt, all mixed together in the warm brown of wilbur's gaze.

he doesn't get where they're coming from.

"i know." wilbur repeats, much softer now.

his eyes wander down to dream's chest before they drop to the floor, and wilbur swallows, explains, "i know what's under that shirt."

in many other situations, dream probably would've used that as the base of a very bad joke.

but with the distress written all over wilbur's features and the actual implications his sentence brings, dream can't really get himself to gloss over it.

"you do?" he asks instead, unsure and concerned.

wilbur looks close to tears when he nods, voice trembling when he whispers, "i have a photo."

dream barely has time to register the words, his heart skipping a beat, before wilbur continues, "and i don't- i don't know what to do! i- i could finally write something important and just not be- be the person everyone overlooks all the time. and i could pay my dad's bills and not feel so fucking useless anymore and-"

he really is crying now, tears rolling down his cheeks, words fast and panicked.

dream's heart hurts, and he has no idea if it's for himself or wilbur.

"but i don't- don't want to hurt you. you deserve better than having your life exposed like that. because you do good and you are good and i like you so much-"

his voice breaks as his eyes meet dream's, looking unbelievable afraid. it makes something in dream's chest twist painfully, the thought that wilbur could ever be scared of him or the things he could say almost unbearable.

but when he tries to reach out, wilbur runs.

and, still reeling from all the new knowledge, dream doesn't follow.

it's only after what feels like hours that he comes back to himself and collapses into a chair, the weight of all the sudden revelations heavy on his shoulders.

he doesn't get back up for a long time.

[hershelchocolate]

of the songs you listed, whats your favorite lyric from each of them

OUGYUGGHH I LOVE COOL LYRICS

I want you to know in advance I listened to all of these to figure it out sorry this took so long to answer 🥺

Also some of these are gonna be whole verses and you can't stop me The Entire Statement Is Important Okay

Lucky Me: Like a rollercoaster that never ends / I keep wishing it would crash but the tracks just bend --- All this death just proves you're worthy, see!

Self-Proclaimed Angel: Don't try to change the story cause things got gory / a monster who fucks up people's lives when they get bored, see --- I'm not one to play nice / you should've thought twice / before every promise became a lie --- Haven't you heard it's breaking news / all of the crying lies tied your best friend's noose --- You claimed that it's us / that you're innocent / well watch your back cause karma can be a bitch (this song is just so fuckijg good)

Of Matches And Rust: And as your body hits the flame / I'll watch the motions of your melted face / hey ain't that funny, you can't bear the same / sort of agony you forced me to emulate / and as your body hits the flame / you meet the burning of a child's rage / and when they find your battered body trust / that your ashes will be drawn by matches and rust

Ruined Lullaby: Guide me blindly with your friendly lies / so kindly I'll see through your eyes / remind me where do you reside --- "Hush little baby don't say a word" / was the last song he had ever heard / poor mother woke up to a long lost son / the monster's task was already done (THIS BRIDGE FUCKS LIKE HELL)

Like A Disguise: All-seeing eyes / I analyze / I memorize / I can read you like a haunting script --- I will watch you all the while / and wear you like a disguise --- I'm alive but I'm dead / I can feel you in my head / spread my roots deeper into the garden bed / you can watch as I grow / I invade / I infest / I can show you agony that you've never known (THIS OUTRO FUCKS LIKE HELL)

Never Love An Achor: It's a secret I keep tucked inside my chest / with this heart of mine that's guilty, not remorseful / there is love that doesn't have a place to rest / but it would have buried you if it had settled on your shoulders --- There are times when I still wonder about you / You are someone I have loved but never known / and you'll never see the reasons I had / for keeping my claws away when they were close enough to hurt you --- I am selfish I am broken I am cruel / I am all the things they might have said to you --- Do you ever think of me and my two hands and wonder why /// they never held you gently / and wondered why they never had the chance to lose you (THIS ENTIRE SONG IS SOOOOOOO makes me cry every time. I could have put the whole song here)

To Our Colorful Scintilating Future: But when night came / so did the nightmares whispering /// as I shook you held me in your warm embrace / and all my fears they all went away --- I know, we'll be alright / we'll live, live for another day --- Count 1, 2, 3 / tiny mushrooms picked / off from trees / white, pink, and blue / suddenly I felt the trees staring right back at me --- as I shook you held my hand / "I'll be okay" / you muttered in a withered voice --- "darling I'm home" everything was silent / you stood at the doorway your body shaking /// a grim realization is breaking my mind / and piercing, my, heart --- I saw no reason to carry on alone / without you here / I can't be strong /// I should have never stopped moving on --- Under sanguine skies / we watch the world distort and twist before our eyes / but I am glad that we can be together in the end / mutations and death will not deter my love for you / so please / sap my life and live / live for another day (this song is SEVEN minutes I'm allowed to pick a lot here I think)

Ragnarok II: In the carriages behind them / the window is no bar / to the giant raging fire / of an ever dying star --- In the now eternal instant of her loss her eyes grew wet / but instead of tears what falls is golden red as the final sunset --- I've done it though I never knew / the dreams that eat at me were true / a fool I was, hubristic, vain / to think conquest the purpose of my train --- I tried to stop it / but I failed / there's no protection now we are derailed // derailing, yes, its higher need / was reached as soon as it was freed / you heard the call but ran away / you could not stop the coming of this day --- I don't know what the hell she's saying but Raphaella's voice in this outro is so fucking beautiful what the hell

Stranger: In your place / a monster I do see --- I only hoped to understand / this work that drains you so / but I find this metal demon / spinning falsehoods into gold --- You don't understand / I had to keep my nature secret / this was never planned / you were never meant to know --- All this time / I've lived with your deceit // I meant no deceit (ouyughghg makes me think of The OCs)

Right As Rain: Cause you can't rely on lies or hopeful skies no more / without a knock on the door / who are you putting up this act for --- Right as rain / coming up roses / the saying goes / a bouquet / all fine and dandy / or so it goes --- for a shell I've got quite the heavy heart / for those who are at the very start --- then like a pack of wolves starving for a single bite / all those who catch will turn out right as / rain

Pathological Facade: Can I say the instrumental here? It's my favorite part of the song --- A year ago, I was told that I would be a miracle / something theoretical I guess / it's kinda like a psychedelic lie, and yet it tries to be / a line between the villains and the rest --- Bye-bye-bye goes the time, turning on a dime / gone without a reason or a rhyme / so flip a coin let's rejoin our family in the mirror world / where everybody's crooked by design (in all honesty the lines themselves don't really jump out at me TOO much, the song is just so fast it fits how fast I talk normally so it's REALLY FUN to sing in general. GHOST said they were focusing more on rhythm than making sense and by god they nailed it)

OUYGHG SORRY THAT TOOK SO LONG I JUST REALLY LOVE MUSIC

[crunchy-nitrogen]

1813 | General Hux x OFC | Regency AU | Chapter 3

Pairing: General Hux x OFC, some Kylo Ren x OFC

Warnings: None

Masterlist

Read it on AO3

Next Chapter ->

______________________________________________________________

"Kit. Kit, wake up."

The words sounded as if they were underwater. Dancing and twisting through the waves that hung over her head in her dream-fuelled slumber. 

"Jus' five more minutes," came Kit's hazy reply, followed by a blanket pulled over her head.

"Oh come on - you're normally the one waking me up. Thought it was high time I returned the favour." The last syllable was punctuated with the smack of a pillow to Kit's concealed head; a tired groan muffled into the sheets in response. "Besides, I hear the regiment is in town."

Now at least partially awake, Kit sat up against the headboard and glared at her sister. "Of course you would hear that. " A roll of the eyes, followed by a silence between the two. 

"Don't be like that, Kit."

"Like what?"

"I can feel you judging me."

"I am not!" A pause. "Well, I just think-'

"Here we go..."

"That maybe your time would be better spent in other... endeavours."

"Is trying to find a husband not a suitable enough endeavour for your liking?" The words had some fire behind them. 

It was too early for this. After the eventful evening past, Kit wished she could remain abed all day. Curled up in the sheets and blissfully unaware of the whereabouts of the regiment, or the town festivities that were bound to follow. Maybe she would spend it thinking about the man from last night. A painful few weeks were certain to follow. 

"Jayne, can we please not do this now? I have lessons today and I need this time to rest."

"Mmm, because your evening was just so strenuous, wasn't it? We all saw you slink to bed after dessert." 

Kit had often wondered when her sister became so cutting. What often began as a simple jest between the pair  frequently morphed into a battle of arguments at her choosing. Their father had always been adept at dealing with it - simply laughing at her ridiculousness and refusing to be baited by her harsh words. Kit preferred to just ignore her entirely, as they would always return to friends within the following hour. 

"It was a very filling meal," Kit followed with a chuckle. 

That seemed to soothe the tension - if there ever was any. Jayne came to stand by the bed, perpendicular to where Kit was sitting. Flopping face down into the blanket, the younger girl let out a loud sigh, blonde curls spilling over her head. 

"I still can't believe that Dany is the married one."

"What? So you'd rather be married to Canady? She did us a favour there."

Jayne snickered at this. "God no. I just thought by now my prince charming would have come striding in on a horse and rescued me."

Her sister's statement brought with it reminders of her late night sojourn across the moorlands, and the man whose hand she had cradled so tenderly. She could still feel that hand now; large but very angular and rougher than it appeared. She was by now quite convinced he must have been a farmer of some sort. 

"Something tells me the chances of that are very low." Kit threw a pillow at Jayne's head to emphasise her point.

"Ah, then I shall just have to follow in your footsteps." She cleared her throat, preparing to use that mocking voice she always used to imitate Kit. 

"Please don't."

"Look at me, I'm a governess! I work for my keep. Even though my sister's husband is the one handing over the coppers. I am just sooo independent!"

"Freeloader."

"You had the option too, remember?" She halted the mocking tone. "Canady said that as sisters of his wife we were welcome to stay. Someone just had to feel useful, didn't she?"

"Hey, I'm doing a good thing - Vivienne is excelling. We have a special step-aunt step-niece bond."

"I'm sure you do. What about when Dany has her own children with Canady? You'll teach them too?"

"Let's hope for my sake they're all boys."

Jayne was giggling loudly now, finally deciding to remove herself from the bed. 

"Well there is only one way to find out, and that involves seeing your other sister. So, up you get." The girl whisked the blankets from Kit's bed and threw them to the side. 

"There's no arguing with you, is there?"

"Nope. None at all."

"Ah, look who finally decided to join us," the masculine voice echoed off the lavish walls of the dining room. Though little over fifty years of age, Lord Moden Canady bore the countenance of someone much his senior. Most would attribute this to his time served in the First Order army, but it was known to a small few that his rank was provided purely as a result of his title as lord - meaning he rarely ever saw action. Yet the man himself was respectable as far as lords go, and was now indisputably part of Kit's family through his marriage to her middle sister, Dany.

"Jayne, Kit. A pleasant morning is it not?" asked the sister in question, cutting into the eggs she'd been served for breakfast. 

Jayne gave a tired yawn that scrunched her pretty face. "Not particularly. I've never been fond of mornings." She took a seat opposite Dany, while Kit sat beside. The two elder sisters had never been quite as good-looking as Jayne; as the pair were cursed with the thick eyebrows and dark eyes of their father while Jayne was gifted with the lighter, more feminine features of their mother. 

"Well, yes - but surely you saw the lovely sunrise we were blessed with? It must have been foggy last night to have such clear skies today."

"It was certainly foggy," Kit spoke up, immediately realising her mistake. 

"Was it now?" questioned Canady. 

"From what the servants have told me, that is," she quickly deflected. Jayne offered a curious glance, but said nothing. 

"In any case, Moden and I were watching it, thinking what a lovely welcome it was for the regiment! They are in town, you see."

Kit ceased buttering the piece of toast she had procured, letting out a slow exhale to calm her irritation. All anybody in Arkanis wanted to talk about was the regiment. She was born into talk of the regiment - her own birth being the topic of interest for a while amongst officers' wives until Dany and Jayne came along. Then her mother's desertion toppled all other topics. 

And while she knew it was inevitable, she dreaded the day she'd be forced to feign polite conversation with her father's successor; likely a wealthy over-privileged lord like Canady, put in a position of power by the pompous higher ranking generals. The very same who denied her father's request of a retreat and led them into the slaughter at Craitshire. 

His last letter still remained seared into her memory. How he wrote about his fears for the future, as they marched to the battlefield. There was a sense of dread in his words - foreboding even - as he had written to his superiors requesting they regroup and send scouts before marching. Yet all requests were denied, and as an otherwise powerless colonel, he had no choice but to obey. 

"Kit? What say you?" questioned the lord.

"Pardon?"

"Daydreaming again," snickered Jayne. Kit kicked her under the table. 

"I was inquiring after Vivienne's lessons. Pianoforte and French today, yes?

"Arithmetic and French, actually. She is just about able to have a proper conversation without consulting her books." Kit smiled to herself, a genuine expression. 

"Ah, my mistake. I hear her abusing that instrument so often that I doubt the lessons have ever ceased." Dany attempted to hide her grin beneath a napkin, but the sisters caught her expression clearly. 

They were an odd couple; certainly different in age, but alike in many other ways. Their dry humour was matched for one, and they both recognised the convenience that their marriage would allow the other. Where Canady received a lady of the house to oversee the daughter from his previous marriage (and someone to provide more heirs), Dany was provided wealth and a home for her sisters in the wake of their father's passing. Besides, Dany had always had a refined motherly attitude about her, and now she had the station and title to support it. She differed from Jayne in that way, who had such lavish tastes but no funds or husband to enable such behaviour. 

"She is an exceptionally capable student." Kit replaced her fork, now finished with breakfast. "And I shall attend to her shortly." She looked to the footman at the door, suddenly remembering. "Any mail today?"

The young man nodded. "Just one, Miss - addressed to 'Lady Canady and family'."

"That's new," remarked Jayne. 

"Oh! Maybe it is from one of my charities; I have been donating in your names," suggested Dany.

"How very thoughtful, dear," came Canady's response. "Hand it here, I can tell the suspense is eating at them."

Canady removed the envelope from the tray proffered to him, as was expected by the man of the house. 

"Let us see," he mused, placing his spectacles atop the bridge of his nose. "This letter comes from a Dopheld Mitaka. An acquaintance of yours?" A questioning glance around at the sisters. 

"Not that we know of," said Kit. 

"He writes to tell you that..." Canady ceased his words, eyes rapidly scanning the letter and widening as he went. Finally, he looked up at the sisters from behind the eyewear. "You will not believe this."

"Believe what?" asked Jayne, tone now heightened. 

"You have a cousin. Related somehow through your mother's side. And not only that," Canady paused to look at Kit, "he is now Colonel of the 22nd regiment."

"Which means he-" Dany began.

"Will be staying in Arkanis with the rest of the regiment," Jayne finished. 

"And-"

"Will take up residence in Colonel House," Kit chimed in grimly. The very moment she had been dreading had been laid before her. She had lived for so long in ignorant bliss at the appointment of a successor - though he had likely held the position for over two years at this stage. But now that she had a name to put to the title, things were different; and the added familial aspect complicated them even further. 

Who was this man? The lack of a lordship in front of his name signalled that he may have earnt his position through hard work - not too unlike her father. But why was he writing to them - to all three sisters? 

"Has he outlined his intentions in contacting us?" Kit questioned through the haze of thoughts. 

"He offers condolences for the loss of your father, and since he will be in town, wishes to rebuild the family connection." Canady stared at the letter once more, seeming to notice something. "Oh! And he invites you all to a ball being thrown in the regiment's honour. He requests that you all be properly introduced then."

"When is it?" Jayne asked excitedly - eyes ablaze with interest. 

"Three days."

And what an agonising three days those would be.