#anyways thank you celie!!!!

[fuji-sen]

the 'evil imposter' just wants to be a baker!

Prologue: The Foodie turned Imposter?!

Part 4.5 special! : adventures of a pyro slime

[ part 4 ] || [ masterlist ] || [ part 5 ]

divider is made by @/saradika-graphics

The pyro slime stared at you worriedly, it wanted to comfort you but alas, even if you weren't in a body of water it must not. For even touching you would leave you with more pain. Perhaps it had been better if he was born from a different element.

Their eyes squint into something akin to a glare, if only those stupid humans didn't hurt you! or got to you first! they were fake non-believers! they didn't know a real prophecy from a fake one even if it burned them to crisp!

Focusing on the task at hand, the slime watched as something purple crackled from your skin, and its eyes widened, electro! that would be easy to cure. It jumped, but you did not notice as you slowly fell into a pit of hurt, wallowing in pity. Okay then, it jumped away and disappeared in search of a few items.

It's eyes lit up finding a purple crystal, or rather an electro crystal, So, since it had no arms or claymore, it did the first thing that popped into his mind. Crash into it, which worked after a couple of headbutts thanks to the elemental reaction 'overload' which was very neat!

Anyways, after acquiring the electro crystals and swallowing it for safe keeping (which left a weird tingling sensation in its mouth) it then went off to find some butterflies.

Finding one was easy as butterflies were not scared of a slime's presence, they were however quite flammable. The slime stared down at the numerous burnt and dead butterflies that littered the destroyed path. .

damn.

Hearing footsteps it went to its ignited state to appear menacing only to relax upon finding some hilichurls exploring the area. So without any fear, or young slime protagonist approached the hilichurls who stared at it curiously.

"olah, kucha celi beru si?" (hello, little fire what are you doing?)

The hilichurls stared at the pyro slime that spat out a few pieces of electro crystals and then stared at the many charred butterfly wings. "sama! sama!" (samachurl) The pyro slime tried to convey in its own slime voice, which sounded like a person trying to speak under water with a dry throat.

"dala?" (what?)

"creator! help! uhhh" the pyro slime tried to remember the hilichurlian language, its eyes brightening up at remembering a few important words.

"Tomo Unu!" (Help God!)

The hilichurls flinched, straightening up in a way the slime was reminded of those rigid knights. "Unu?!" (God)

"Yaya ika!" (Humans bad/Enemy!) the slime told them "Unu Mosi gusha*" (God sad).

The hilichurls then understood and from what they gathered, the slime needed the help of a sama so one of them left to return to their camp and soon enough an anemo samachurl had come. It crouched down, staring at the pieces of electro crystals and the burnt butterflies and deduced what the slime had needed.

An Insulation Potion.

OMAKE

"Upa!" The samachurl yelled and commanded pointing at the distant butterflies. And with a battle cry the hilichurls ran towards the flying insects and begun jumping high with their arms flailing in an attemt to catch them "Upa!"

One hilichurl fell face first on the hard ground and another laughed at it, his hands were closed as he had successfully caught a butterfly "Ye kucha!"

The hilichurl that had fallen had stood up and proceeded to kick the other one, due to the pain the other hilichurl clutched his knees and accidentally released the butterfly it caught.

". . nye. ."

*Mosi Gusha means "eat vegetables" but is also used as an expression of sadness. I wonder if Hilichurls don't like vegetables since they associate it with sadness or something negative.

taglist: @fantasyhopperhea @rhoswen-drake @cchiiwinkle

Also please comment what to name our little pyro slime buddy! They're gonna be one of our many best friends and companions in the story.

[katsu28]

Congrats on 2K Kait!!!! And this celi is gonna be so fun, but don’t stress yourself out <333

☕️☕️☕️ I’d love a drink of “carefully initiating slight intimacy (like holding hands, hugging, etc.) since they aren't quite sure how far they could go with where they are” from List D with Jake “Hangman” Seresin.

Thank you so much <33

may have strayed a little from the prompt but i hope you enjoy anyways!

jake "hangman" seresin x reader, 1.3k, join the celebration!

To make it extremely clear, you were not dating Jake Seresin. 

He was one of the most remarkable people you’d ever had the pleasure of being friends with, kind and funny and braver than most folks would ever admit, but no, you weren’t dating him. 

You really, really wanted to, though. You just weren’t sure if that’s what he wanted too. 

Sometimes you got the feeling he did, like when Nat had caught him staring at you from behind the rim of his beer and very loudly called him out in front of everyone for unashamedly ogling you. He’d vehemently denied any said ogling with flaming red cheeks, but you noticed him doing it again three more times that same night. 

Or when you went to the farmer’s market with him one Sunday morning and it was so crowded you were positive you’d lose him in the throngs of people. He slid his hand into yours that time, lacing your fingers together tightly as you tugged him to tent after tent. 

Sometimes you thought about how you weren’t all that slick either.

Like that time Mickey invited you to the beach with all of them, and you got so distracted by Jake’s shirtless chest during dogfight football you nearly missed the pass he’d lobbed you. It all worked out in the end though, because when Jake’s team inevitably won, he’d hugged you and spun you around gleefully. 

It was worth it to feel the press of his chest against yours. 

You found yourself looking for him everywhere you went, regardless of whether he was actually there or not. You’d like to run into him at the mundane places—grocery store, laundromat, coffee shop—just so you’d be able to spend more time with him.

But those were totally platonic, good friend things to do, right? 

Like always, your eyes searched for Jake as soon as you stepped into the Hard Deck tonight, scanning the packed bar for any sign of that telltale blond head of hair you wanted to see so badly. 

Today especially, because you’d had one hell of a day at work. Between spilling coffee on your shirt first thing in the morning, to your shitty boss lecturing you about an error that wasn't even your fault, to hitting the worst traffic imaginable on the way home, you could really use one of his special Jake pep talks right now. 

Much to your dismay, you spotted Rooster first, and although you did enjoy his presence, he wasn’t the man you were looking for. You made your way over anyways, greeting everyone as cheerfully as you could given your circumstances, still looking around for Jake. 

“Hangman’s getting another round, if you wanted to put your order in.” Nat informed you, nodding towards the bar. Lo and behold, there he was a head above the rest, broad shoulders helping you spot him almost immediately. You weren’t sure how you’d missed him upon first glance. 

You thanked Nat quickly, wasting no time in making your way over until you’d pushed up next to him at the bartop. Maybe a little too quickly, because your shoulder bumped against his arm a bit harshly, and his head whipped in your direction, probably an expletive at the tip of his tongue. When he saw it was just you, his expression did a complete 180, now a grin so big his eyes crinkled at the edges. 

“Was wonderin’ when you’d be showin’ your face around here tonight.” His smooth, Texas twanged voice had part of the tension dropping from your shoulders. He seemed to notice because his smile dropped a little bit and he tilted his head, regarding you with those pretty green eyes you always found yourself getting lost in. “Y’alright, darlin’?” 

“Yeah. Just…horrible day.” You sighed, drumming your fingers against the weathered wood. Jake raised an inquisitive brow, his invitation for you to talk about it. So you did, telling him every shitty little thing that happened since the moment you woke up to the second you pulled into the bar parking lot. 

As soon as you were done, it instantly felt like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders—not all of it, but enough to the point where you didn’t feel like you were about to burst into tears at any given moment. Jake’s eyes hadn’t left yours the whole way through, keeping you tethered to him with every slow nod and brow crease. 

“Sounds like you’ve had quite a time today.” He said quietly, sliding his hand over yours. His palm was calloused and warm, thumb rubbing along your knuckles soothingly. “I’m so sorry, darlin’. Wish I coulda been there for you, maybe knocked some common sense into your idiot boss.” 

“Can I just—can you hug me? I really feel like I need a hug right now.” You weren't sure if that was asking too much of him, considering you didn’t quite know where the two of you stood in terms of what you were to each other, but you had to ask. 

“Sure. Of course I can, c’mere.” Jake opened his arms for you as soon as the words left your mouth, letting you bury yourself against his chest like you’d done it a thousand times before. 

But really, you’d never hugged Jake before. Not like this, at least. A few brief greeting hugs, thank you hugs, celebrating your win at partners beer pong at a barbeque hugs—but you'd never felt so safe in someone’s arms as you felt in Jake’s right now. They were strong, circling around you tightly, one hand smoothing up and down the length of your spine slowly, the other cradling the back of your head. You felt like you could weather a storm and still be okay here. 

He smelled like laundry detergent and musky cologne when you inhaled, strong but somehow still comforting at the same time, and the cotton of his flannel shirt was soft against your cheek. When you were this close to him, you could feel the rise and fall of his chest with every breath he took, the way his breath hitched when you hugged him a little tighter than he’d expected. 

And you could’ve been wrong, but you swore you could feel his heart beating a little too fast. 

“Thank you, Jake. I really needed that.” You sighed, pulling away from him (a little too soon for your liking, if you were being totally honest). “Sorry if it was weird, I just—” 

Jake clicked his tongue, smiling at you warmly. “Don’t be sorry, darlin’, I’m glad I could help. You can hug me anytime, alright?” 

He licked his lips, clearing his throat before speaking again, voice a lot less confident than you’d ever heard it before. His cheeks were tinged pink too, maybe from the heat of the crowded bar. (Or maybe from you.) “And maybe next time you have a bad day, you can call me? We can go out for lunch or somethin’, help get your mind off the shitty things.” 

“You’ll be at work, Jake.” 

“The Navy does give us lunch breaks too, y’know.” He joked, giving your shoulder a gentle nudge. 

“It’s still clear across town. I couldn't.” 

“I’d be there in a heartbeat. I’d even take the damn jet if I had to.” 

You couldn't help but let the corners of your mouth lift up into a shy smile. “Pretty sure that's illegal, Lieutenant.” 

“But would you? Take me up on the lunch date?” Date. He said date. You smiled even bigger because Jake looked nervous, and he never looked nervous. You’d be lying to yourself if you weren’t enjoying the effect you seemed to be having on him right now. 

“I would.” 

“Good. I’m glad.” Jake gathered the beers Penny had set on the bar for him into his hands, shooting you one of those shiny, charming smiles that made you fall for him in the first place as he backpedaled towards the rest of your friends. “Maybe we can do a test run, say…tomorrow, noon? I’ll pick you up.” 

“I’d love that.”

So no, you weren't dating Jake Seresin. But maybe, just maybe, after a few lunch dates, you could be.

follow @katsu-library to be notified when i post new fics :)

[mycurrentobsessionis]

Just coming to tell you I've been reading your wayhaven takes and they're 10/10 🫶🏼 are you excited about b3? Which route are you going to play first?

Thank you so much <3

I am extraordinarily excited for B3, but I'm not sure which route I'm doing first. Whichever route I am doing is my favorite in the moment lol.

Morgan is my favorite in a way because I feel like we get to go on this self-discovery journey with her. She is clearly puzzled at her own maintained interest, even if the detective turns her down for sex due to having feelings and wanting the sex to mean something. Watching her attempts to justify this as just being down for the chase is really funny. Especially as she grows more attached to the detective. For example, on this playthrough I just completed, I had my detective outright state "I don't want to have sex with you unless it means something." Given that Morgan accepts with a graceful "no big, one-night-stands aren't everyone's thing," you would expect her to either give up or realize that she might have actual feelings for this person. Buuuut she doesn't. She is at least questioning it, though, and I enjoy seeing the dissonance between what she says she wants and how she actually behaves from her perspective.

As for Nat... Well, I'll put it like this. When I was 8, I saw "The Color Purple" for the first time. If you are unfamiliar with the novel or film, it is a coming-of-age story about a young black woman named Celie living in the American South in the early 20th century. Anyway, there is a scene where Shug, a blues singer, is serenading Celie. She makes her way across the tavern as she sings about how resilient and kind Celie is, until she is kneeling in front of the other woman and gently pulling her hands away from her face to reveal this beautiful smile.

I was transfixed by that scene; it was the romantic ideal to me. Someone kind and patient meeting another person where they were at. I see Nat's route as meeting the same ideal. Hers feels the most like soulmates, even though I'm actually not a fan of that trope typically. It's very romantic, and I would 100% read a traditional novel about Nat.

Then there's Farah. As I mentioned above, whoever I'm romancing on a given route becomes I favorite. When I don't play for a while, I tend to gravitate towards Farah. She's a fun, friends-to-lovers, cozy romance. She's straightforward and honest about her feelings. She's the kind of person I would want to date IRL. I made a post a couple of months ago where I talked about Farah as being one of my top three comfort characters. In context of strictly Wayhaven, what makes Farah my favorite is that even when I'm not on her route, she's my favorite character. Not in a "I have to hold myself back from romancing her" kind of way, but in the way that even in the friend route, I absolutely love her. I have a type, and it's straightforward and chaotic.

Now I don't enjoy Ava's route as much for a few reasons. This disappoints me a bit, because there aren't a lot of a-spec ROs in games (I think William from Changeling is the last one I can remember really liking) and I like Ava as a character so much. She's complex and interesting, and I don't mind not having physicality as part of the romance (trust me, as a sex-averse person, I really don't mind). Nor do I take issue with characters being confused about their feelings. But Ava is aware of her feelings and of the Detective's. I know there are reasons as to why she is hesitant to begin a relationship, but her method of push-and-pull is deeply frustrating to me. In-universe, the Detective has even less insight as to why she does this, and in their place I would both feel extremely hurt and probably have given up pursuing anything with her.

This brings us to the LT. Now, generally, I am not a fan of LTs, as I don't like making choices like this in games. They stress me out XD. However, this tends to feel, to me, as the way Ava's romance works the best. If you weren't aware, TWC was originally intended to be a traditional novel series, with the Detective (who I think was orginally named Lauren) in a LT with Nate and Adam. This is why that is the only LT available -- it was central to the original plot. While I think Mishka has done a good job adapting to a different medium and all romances feel canon when it comes to individual playthroughs, I think A's status as 1/2 of a LT kind of lingers in the background on their individual route.

I am currently replaying everyone to have some saves ready and fresh in my mind for B3. I will most likely be on Farah when B3 becomes available, so she'll probably be the first lol.

Anyway, don't know if you have an account on Tumblr or anything, but I'd love to hear your takes too!

[foggyremnant]

We've Staged a Coup

this used to just be tony's blog but we needed a space to sort system thoughts out in a way that helps system members feel less dissociated. or something. so we overthrew him lol

current lineup. this can and will change

cain (she/he): host

izaya (he/they): protector (durarara fictive. reformed...ish)

peter (he/they): caretaker/trauma holder (OC fictive)

celie (she/it/fae): age sliding trauma holder (OC fictive, inner child, age 12-19)

house (he/him): persecutor/addiction holder/[REDACTED] (its fuckin house MD)

tony (he/him): trauma holder (OC fictive)

i consider my system traumagenic but if you're any flavor of "endogenics DNI" i dont even know what to say to you. wtf does that even mean like come on.

why are we having lunatic in-fights? thats exactly what the normiebrains want us to do. get real and go outside

anyway thanks ✌️

[destinyc1020]

I know many see Colman’s mister as not as great as Danny’s but his leans more into the book’s version. Albert transforms into an actual friend of Celie’s. He is there helping her with her shop, bonding over their love of Shug. It was a revelation how much they changed his character in the 1985 version vs the book. He was abusive & horrible but the film left no room for that transformation & awareness until the very end. It shocked me how much he was integrated in Celie’s life at many points in the book where the OG movie had him as an outsider.

Oooof! 🤦🏾‍♀️ Yea...couldn't be me. 🥴

I'm all for forgiveness and mercy and everything, but I'd have to forgive that man and then never have him in my life ever again lol. 😅

It may sound crazy, but I'm actually way more adverse to a man beating up on me to a pulp than him cheating on me tbh. Sex can mean absolutely nothing to men, and doesn't always mean that they even love the woman they're cheating on you with.

But you HIT me???? PHYSICALLY degrade me and beat me like an animal and act like I'm not even worth the common decency of being treated like a human being?

I'd have to suffocate that man with a pillow in his sleep ROTFL! 😅🤣

*Ahem*..... Anyway...where was I? Oh yes, thanks Anon for providing that insight into the 1985 film vs the original book by Alice Walker. That's very interesting, I didn't know that. 🤔

Like I said, I'm all about forgiveness, but whew! Chiiiiile....Idk if I could have that man and I be "friends" after years of ABUSE like that. No way girl....Whew no.... Y'all would see me on the 9 o'clock news! 😅

[gurugirl]

Omg Ms. Guru I just need to say, I love boyfriends BFF but I need them to be together sooooo bad 😩😭 like I hate that he wants to stay with Cely and keeps trying to work things out with her!! lol Even though I kind of get it, I still hate it 😂 mainly because cely is just so rude and petty to our girl y/n 😡 and I want Collin gone too but he doesn’t bother me as much since he’s so dumb and oblivious and just off in his own world not bothering harry and y/n 😂 anyway I can’t wait for the next part (and for harry to break up with Cely 🙂‍↕️🤫)

Oh my goddd! Hahaha! We want them officially together don’t we?? I’m gonna do my best to sway them for you but we’ll see how it goes 🤭🤭

And I think that Harry is hesitant to get rid of Cely bc Y/n is with Colin. And Cely is petty maybe, but she’s knows something’s up. If I were her I’d probably be posting it too 😭

Thank you so much hon! I’m really glad you like their story so far 🥰 and I appreciate your support 💕

Xoxo

[phantomdecibel]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

“Is there a god of the End?” “Sort of. There’s me.”

“You want us to /kill/ a /god/?” “Not necessarily… just remove her from the equation, by whatever means necessary.”

“Welcome to the End of All Things.

My solace.

…my prison.”

It’s peaceful, isn’t it?

And maddeningly dull.

“People so rarely want to believe the truth.” “And what /is/ the truth?” “That Life needs Death as Death needs Life.”

The back of her cloak was spun from starlight, and waters dark like the void cottoned the inside*.

“They created a way to kill gods – an easier way. It was Integra’s idea, but Constellation chose to take the fall.”

“And in between the *** and *** and tea parties he had forgotten. Forgotten that before she was his friend she was a /god/ - and the gods had condemned his baby (girl) to death.”

“I’m just a man - you can’t seriously expect me to do this!”

“***” Constellation spoke, eyes dead and expression even, as she regailed him with the atrocities his child was destined to commit. The knife she had placed on the table earlier, enchanted strongly so that there was no flesh that would not yield before it, sat heavy in its place.

Angie reached out to push the gift back towards the god he once called his friend. “No,” he pleaded, knowing that with his refusal he would surely die with his child.

Constellation stared back, face finally drooping with emotion. Sadness, maybe even a distant hurt, disappointment, surely, warred in her eyes.

Straightening resolutely from where she had been leaning against the doorframe she strode forward, *** and *** tensing at his back. But Constellation did not reach for the knife, not yet at least, and instead dropped to one knee.

With one hand she caught his retreating wrist, and pressed the knifes handle into his waiting palm. “No!” He exclaimed, trying to pull away, to no avail. Constellation just held him tighter. How could she be so cruel? The knife /burned/. “I told you- I /won’t/, I /can’t/-“

Constellations grip tightened once more, cutting him off, before finally releasing his wrist only to move to force his stiff fingers to curl around the knife handle. Angie could have burst into tears right then and there, when she forced his eyes to meet hers.

“I am not here,” she spoke, slowly and quietly, eyes honest. “To harm your child, or to force you to harm your child.”

“But-“ he gaped, looking down at the knife still in his white knuckled grip. Confident he wouldn’t drop it Constellation let go and backed away to her previous spot by the door. Constellation scoffed, not unkindly, as he struggled to find the words.

“What- you think you need a super fancy enchanted knife to kill a baby?”

“But then- /why/?” (totally wasn’t inspired by just a man–)

Salix had never felt any desire to leave the ground until she met Arceli, who leaned into each gust of wind like it might lift her away and gazed so wistfully up at the stars, and Constellation, who danced so gracefully among them. Suddenly, Salix wanted nothing more than to touch the sky, to help Stella drag ‘Celi up up up into the air, and learn what it was truly like defying gravity.

*The next day*, Salix carved wings of bark and bones and moss, broad things that ***. She grafted them to the skin between her shoulder blades, and they fit like *they were destined to be there/a missing puzzle piece*, snug under her boarskin cloak.

Constellation, who really didn’t want any more work, thanked her anyways.

“My goal is to get kicked out of every inn we stay at,” Kip chirped, feet swinging as the child perched atop Constellation’s shoulders.

“Don’t bother following them- no one makes it out of /there/ alive.” “Ya know, it sounds like a /lot/ of people do, actually. We’re going.”

And Salix fell.

Someone might have screamed her name… but that didn’t matter to her, not in that moment.

Because for a split second, /they/ fell with her.

For a split second, the sky was bright and blue and laughter echoed like bells as wings dragged gracelessly through the clouds in the free fall, and Constellation was only an arm’s length away.

But she is not heartless, and cannot bear to leave a child alone when their only family is dead, and takes the child with her. But no mortal, especially one born of wild magic and ***, is meant to live so long among the throngs of divinity and especially not the work of the Soulrunner, and Kip grows up taunting ghost and jumping head first into spools of wild magic.

Ghosts are spirits or people who’ve wandered through a magic threshold into a place they don’t belong, like a living person into Death or vice versa, into different dimensions, where time is thin, etc.

Idea of crowns-as-a-symbol-of-power origins

“So what have you been up to?” “Oh, you know. ***. ***. Bullying the maneating spirit forest *** for a bit. ***. Normal stuff.”

“… what was that part in the middagain?”

“***?”

“… you know what? Never mind. I don’t wanna know.”

Ever since Kai has known her, which is a while, seeing as she’s his little sisters best friend and maybe more, she has at best looked half asleep. ***. Despite it all, she has also always been /sharp/, from the lines of her fangs in her smile, the analytical way she looked at everyone and everything to the rigid lines of her shoulders. Even the wings of her eyeliner is ***. (Kai had mentioned that last thing to Willow, once. She had said that “Violet wants them long enough to be able to fly away from her problems,” despite having wings and being very capable of flight.) But now, Violet looks more awake than she ever has. It’s odd.

Even Nuoli, who never had to fight through the Sleep, was more awake than ever. (Gods- she really was one of them, wasn’t she?)

And as Arceli stared into her friends blank eyes -

She watched them shatter.

“I can’t remember what colour her eyes were,” Constellation said, bloodless hands numbly griping at her arms as she started to shake. “I can’t remember what colour her eyes were.”

“They’re going to hate you.” “You say that like they don’t already.” “They’ll look at you like you’re a monster if you do this!” “I don’t need to be the hero in anybody’s story - as long as you’ll still love me as the villain.”

“C’mon, Sally!” Arceli laughed, slinging her arms over both of their shoulders and dragging them along. Sam relaxed into the hold as much as she ever did, but Salix remained tense.

“Sally?” She asked, questioning the butchered attempt at her name.

“Yup, s’your nickname!”

“You gave me a nickname?”

“Course I did, dumbass. What you never have a nickname before?”

“O-of course I have!” Salix exclaimed with the tone and intonation of someone who had, in fact, never had a nickname, and barely knew what they were, but didn’t want to admit it.

“Don’t worry about it,” Arceli chuckled fondly, softer than before, as Constellation reached around to pat her on the shoulder. “I’ve got plenty of ideas for ‘ya.”

“Wait- where’s Constellation?” “I - I’m sorry. I could only save one of you… and she didn’t give me the chance to try.” “..?” “To try and save you both.”

mmmmMMMMMM SO MANY GOOD DRAWING OPPORTUNITIES

SO MANY WRITING OPPORTUNITIES

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Here have this sketch of a character not mentioned in this–

having the oc brainrot and intense desire to write and draw but currently unable to do either of those things for another like. two hours aaaaaaa–

[elleroodles]

hi el! 1,248 for the numbers thing? (yes i did have to think about whether that was less than 1,500, don't come for me)

((hi celie!) i just wrote out this post before realizing i never explained what this thing was,, basically i spent a whole lot of my day today reading random scp articles and i wanted to draw some so that’s what the number is for shdggshs. ok now to meet My Child)

celie how did you manage to pick the perfect number out of 1,500?? i have no idea but it’s impressive?? n e ways scp-1248 is essentially an evil walkman which is now one of my favorite things ever. i read the whole file online and some of the side effects of this thing is losing motor skills, the ability to speak, and swapping personalities with someone else in the room (??). some of the recordings used to test this were actually kinda funny but i thought it would be even better if this evil walkman only plays help i’m alive by metric

now i need to explain the roomba,, in the next thing you’ll see i wanted to give scp-1248 the ability to move around (hence the roomba) but then i realized it’s an scp so it still needs to be scary (hence the spikes). also, back to the walkman itself: 1) the file says eric is written on it so hence the eric; 2) i know walkmen (walkpeople?) don’t have speakers but this one is Evil it can do whatever it wants

ok,, this concept is based around my alarm which is look alive, sunshine and me wondering how it would feel to be woken by sentient evil walkman but Dangerous strapped to a roomba,, enjoy

i feel like there’s a lot more i have to say about this fella and some of my other ideas included modern baseball and the tatttb fan club but i shall save those for another day. many thanks for the ask, celie, and being the direct cause of me finding out about the thing that brought me an insurmountable amount of joy today hsgdhsh

[leggomylino]

Update!!

To those of you who have been waiting for an update of Light Switch, you may only have to wait a bit longer! After passively typing up bits and pieces here and there, today I actually cut out a chunk and it should be ready to post sometimes this week. FINALLY!! 💓✊🏻✨😊

Thank you to those of you who have been patient in my elongated semi-haitus, and I hope you continue to stick around and enjoy reading! 사랑해 (I love you) and 감사합니다 (thank you)❣️

[zodiacoracle7]

DJ# 6: Siren

Age: 26 Blood type: A Born: Los Angeles, USA Likes: Electro House, hot dogs  Character Voice: Hideki Tasaka Born and raised in Los Angeles. A somewhat gaudy American who carefully grooms his beard every morning. He wanted to be an actor in Hollywood, but somehow he ended up playing a supporting role in a drama series in Japan. When he is off-set he works at an English school called "DOVA" as a teacher. Siren is quite popular among his students, and on his time off likes to play IIDX at the arcade to relieve stress from his work. He prefers house music, a popular genre in older releases of the game. At home he lives with the lethargic Nix who was dishonorably discharged from the military (What could have happened?) and Eiri, a biker who was traveling around the country and temporarily forced his way into Siren's home. Nix works alongside Siren as an English teacher at "DOVA" while Eiri work's part-time at a gas station. Despite this, neither ever seem to have enough money to pay for their living expenses. Nix tends to waste the air-conditioning and heating systems by using them at all times and Eiri, a gluttonous eater, enjoys buying strange foods to try at home. Despite the stressful home environment, the three are getting used to living together (and possibly getting along?). Siren also has an interest in Japanese history and culture, such as samurai and ninja, and tends to visit cultural museums with Duel. On the occasional day off, he goes to "ROOTS26" to look for clothes but always feels a chill running down his spine as if he is being watched when he is there. During one instance, while discussing with Hihumi about Japanese culture, one of the store clerks (Lilith) with a rabbit in her arms(?) gifted him a homemade jelly with a suspicious color. However, he has no recollection of what happened after eating it and occasionally wonders what could have happened that day.

Conversation dialogue:   ~One day in Tahata, A main street near the arcade in Shogyo~

Celica: Ugh... What should I do...? Erika: I don't know... You just have to try, yeah? Celica: It's now or never I guess. Ah... Siren: Oh, is that...? Celica: Ah- Teacher, good timing! Did you just come back from DOVA? Siren: Yeah. Ah... are you two returning from the arcade? Erika: We tried, Ms. Nyah was beating Mr. Yuz again. Celica: Yeah, pretty much everyone was there. Siren: I wish I could have been there to see that~. Celica: By the way teacher, do you have time right now? Siren: Sure, I was in charge of class until evening today. Celica: Lucky~ Teacher, please teach me English~! Erika: This girl is going to fail her required English credits. Siren: Ah, it's a college class. Celica: That's right. There was a super mean trick test... I have to take a follow-up exam. Siren: Ah, hmm... Let's do it at my place then. Erika: Are you sure...? Aren't you tired from work...? Siren: Nono, if the lady asks, it's alright. Celica: Wow Thank you, Mr. Ren~! Well then, let's go! Siren: Yes, yes you're invited, I'd be happy to help. Erika: Hmm... Ah, Siren, you haven't eaten yet, have you? I'll cook dinner today in return for helping Celi. Though I'll need to go shopping first. Siren: Oh-! That would be great! I'm looking forward to it~. Celica: Thanks Eri~! But are you going to be okay by yourself? Erika: Ah, it's okay. I'm sure the arcade would have been a distraction anyways. You go on ahead, you don't have much time. Celica: Uu...... I'll remember this favor... I won't forget this for 3 days~! Farewell...! Erika: Yes, yes. (What a realistic number!) ~20 minutes later at Siren's house~

Siren: (clatter) I'm home. Celica: Good evening. (door closes) Nix, (in a kotatsu): (creeps...) That's...? Eiri: Ah... Celica? Celica: Good evening. Excuse me, I was wondering if Mr. Ren could teach me English. Eiri: Oh, I see. Welcome. Nix: Well, make yourself at home. Do you want to get in the kotatsu? Eiri: Yes, yes! Make yourself at home. Siren: Do... Do you know whose house this is? Nix, Eiri: Tch... Celica: Ahaha... We've both been here for a while now. Sorry, I'll leave you guys alone. Siren: Don't worry about it. Right, we are going to study English seriously now. Both of you, go to the next room, and take the kotatsu with you. Celica: No, it's okay, we can go to the room next door. Sorry for making it feel like I'm kicking you two out. Siren: No can do, you're both in my way. Nix: Ah-, Celica says it's fine so I'll stay put. Hey Celica, do you want some oranges? Celica: It's okay, and don't worry about it. Can I put my things here? Siren: Sure, go ahead... Ah, by the way Nix, aren't you in charge of the evening class for DOVA today...? Nix: (Ack!) Eiri: Skipping. He's skipping today. Nix: Ack! N-No I'm not... See, I have a stomachache... Celica: Oh... You have a stomachache? Then you won't be able to eat Eri's cooking tonight... Siren: Ah, yes, that's right. Nix: Eh- WHAAAT!? ERIKA'S COOKING!? Celica: Huhuhu- It's super yummy~ Eiri: Ah, it's okay, it's okay. I'll just eat his share Siren: That's right, it can't be helped if you have a stomachache. Nix: Oya... Oh..? I was in the kotatsu, and I suddenly feel better? Siren, Eiri, Celica: ............ Wow.

[neitherlightnordark]

[Click...]

CHARA: Testing?

CHARA: Testing. One, two.

CHARA: Greetings.

GASTER: CHARA

GASTER: TESTING SERVES NO PURPOSE

GASTER: WHEN ONE IS RECORDING.

CHARA: Thank you for informing me, Doctor.

CHARA: Does anyone else need to emphasize that they know more than me?

CHARA: Or shall we begin?

GASTER: AH

GASTER: MY APOLOGIES.

GASTER: I WAS PARTICIPATING IN THIS

GASTER: IRONY

GASTER: YOU SPEAK OF.

CHARA: Was that statement also ironic?

GASTER: YES.

CHARA: You're doing great at it, sir.

CHARA: Anyway, today we...

CHARA: Finally begin.

CHARA: ...

[Sixty seconds pass.]

CLAMGIRL: Hmm.

CLAMGIRL: Chara, your aura suggests you are... a little on edge.

CHARA: I’m not on edge. This is how I normally speak. And look.

CLAMGIRL: You are quite excited for this project to begin... are you not?

CHARA: ...Yes. I am excited.

CLAMGIRL: We all are as well! Trust me on this.

CLAMGIRL: Prof. Rhymes and Dr. Bookbird were just talking with me about it, actually-

CLAMGIRL: But it must mean so much to you in particular...

CHARA: Yes.

CHARA: I.

CHARA: Don’t really want to talk about it. Not before we begin.

CHARA: I'm thinking about it too much already. If... if that makes sense.

CLAMGIRL: Oh, yes, I understand!

CLAMGIRL: Thank you for telling me, Chara.

CHARA: Ha ha ha.

CHARA: You’re... welcome, ma'am.

[Sixty seconds pass.]

MYCELIUM: Chara? Would you like a donut before we begin?

CHARA: Oh, um. Sure. Thank you.

MYCELIUM: I didn’t get to tell you during breakfast, but I appreciate the way you’ve tweaked your labcoat.

MYCELIUM: The tie looks quite dapper on you, kiddo.

CHARA, blushing: ...

MYCELIUM: Don’t forget to stand tall!

MYCELIUM: With your confidence, your determination...

MYCELIUM: This experiment will lead all of us to a brighter future.

CHARA: Of course.

[Sixty seconds pass.]

BOOKBIRD: It’s... beautiful.

CHARA: ...

CHARA: ...It is.

BOOKBIRD: Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night,

BOOKBIRD: and wonder how we even made this?

CHARA: ...

CHARA: I don’t really sleep.

CHARA: And we have the blueprints for how we designed it right here-

BOOKBIRD: Pfhahaha...

CHARA: What? Is something funny?

BOOKBIRD: No, no, Chara!

BOOKBIRD: ...You’re a good kid...

CHARA: . . .

[Sixty seconds pass.]

MYCELIUM: Chara, would you like a donut?

CHARA: You already asked me that.

MYCELIUM: Oh, yes, right.

CLAMGIRL: Come, Celi! We must hurry.

MYCELIUM: Correct, correct.

MYCELIUM: Rhymes, we need to go! Would you like a donut-

RHYMES: [Rhymes lays down some mindblowing rhymes about how much they would love a donut, and connect it to how much they appreciate Mycelium's friendship. Trust me.]

MYCELIUM: Aw...

MYCELIUM: Come on, let us hurry!

[Sixty seconds pass.]

CHARA: I have to find someone.

CHARA: Not everyone's here.

GASTER: WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU

GASTER: MY CHILD.

[Sixty seconds pass.]

BOOKBIRD: ...Dr. Gaster?

GASTER: I DON’T NEED TO BE

GASTER: DR. GASTER

GASTER: AROUND YOU,

GASTER: BOOKBIRD.

BOOKBIRD: Would you rather I call you Wingd-

CLAMGIRL: And why not!! It’s so cute!

BOOKBIRD: I’m not calling him that.

WINGDINGS: AND WHY NOT?

WINGDINGS: IT’S SO CUTE :)

RHYMES: [Rhymes says a few lines about profundity versus projectence, and the thin line between.]

BOOKBIRD: But it’s rather the opposite of dignified!

CLAMGIRL: My name is ‘Clamgirl’, Bookbird.

WINGDINGS: I INVITE YOU

WINGDINGS: INTO MY SCIENCE LAB

WINGDINGS: INVITE YOU TO WORK ON A PROJECT

WINGDINGS: NO NAKED EYE OUTSIDE OUR CIRCLE SHALL SEE

WINGDINGS: AND YOU INSULT ME IN SUCH A WAY?

BOOKBIRD: It's not an insult!

WINGDINGS: DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME I MAY REFER TO YOU AS?

MYCELIUM: I like... calling them Big Bird.

CLAMGIRL: So do I!

WINGDINGS: ALRIGHT

WINGDINGS: BIG BIRD

WINGDINGS: WHAT WERE YOU SAYING EARLIER?

BIGBIRD: Sir, I think my coworkers are harassing me.

WINGDINGS: WELL

WINGDINGS: THAT IS A VERY SERIOUS ALLEGATION.

WINGDINGS: I WILL LOOK INTO IT RIGHT AWAY.

[Everyone bursts into laughter.]

GASTER: BUT

GASTER: SERIOUSLY.

BOOKBIRD: But seriously.

GASTER: WHAT WERE YOU

GASTER: ABOUT TO SAY?

BOOKBIRD: ...

BOOKBIRD: It can wait, in full...

BOOKBIRD: I would just like to say I’m very excited...

GASTER: AFTER WE HAVE COMPLETED THE FIRST CHAPTER

GASTER: I WILL LISTEN TO YOUR CONCERNS

GASTER: YES, I KNOW THEY ARE CONCERNS, BOOKBIRD

GASTER: I CAN SEE IT ON YOUR FACE

GASTER: ...I HOPE YOU KNOW

GASTER: ALL OF YOU

GASTER: THAT YOU CAN COME TO ME AS EQUALS IF-

CHARA: Here we are!

GONER KID: S-sorry I wasn’t here...

CLAMGIRL: It’s not a problem.

CLAMGIRL: Taking time to complete what you love before moving on to your next activity... is perfectly valid,

CLAMGIRL: especially in the void,

CLAMGIRL: where time as a concept is kind of malleable.

GONER KID: Are we really starting now...?

GASTER: YES

GASTER: WE ARE

GONER KID: O-oh...

RHYMES: [Rhymes pats Goner Kid on the head reassuringly and gives them a donut. The donut is covered in Goner slime.]

GONER KID: [Goner Kid baps Rhymes against the hip with their head in thanks.]

GASTER: THANK YOU, RHYMES.

[Gaster clears his throat, spreading his hands.]

GASTER: AND THANK YOU ALL.

GASTER: THANK YOU

GASTER: FOR WAITING SO LONG.

GASTER: AFTER ALL

GASTER: YOU AND I,

[Gaster looks to Chara.]

GASTER: WE HAVE BOTH BEEN WAITING

GASTER: SUCH A VERY LONG TIME.

[Chara nods slightly. Their hands are balled into fists.]

GASTER: SO TO BE HERE

GASTER: FINALLY

GASTER: ON THE VERGE OF CONNECTION

GASTER: IS

GASTER: QUITE

GASTER: EXCITING.

[The Fun Gang smiles, shuffling a little closer to each other. Gaster smiles back.]

GASTER: I LOOK FORWARD

GASTER: TO CREATING

GASTER: A NEW FUTURE WITH YOU.

[He lifts up his hands, as though drawing back a curtain.]

GASTER: NOW-!

GASTER: SHOW YOURSELF-!

[He claps, and it resounds through the void.]

GASTER: DELTARUNE-!

[The Fountain rumbles.]

[The void itself shivers in anticipation.]

GASTER: ARE WE ALL

GASTER: READY?

ALL, except CHARA: Yes!

CHARA: ...

CHARA: (Are you ready?)

CHARA: (...)

CHARA: (That’s okay.)

CHARA: (You don’t get a choice in the matter.)

CHARA: I’m ready, Doctor.

GASTER: THEN

GASTER: BRING THE SOUL FORWARD,

GASTER: CHARA.

[There is a great sound,]

[like the drawing of a knife,]

[like the lighting of a star.]

[Chara looks down at the red SOUL, holding it tightly in their hand.]

CHARA: (...See you soon.)

[They release the SOUL and watch as it spirals up the FOUNTAIN, making its way to the center.]

GASTER: NOW

GASTER: PLACES, EVERYONE

GASTER: CONNECTION IS

GASTER: MERE MOMENTS AWAY.

[The Fun Gang scatters in all directions.]

[Except for Chara, who lingers at Gaster’s side,]

[and Goner Kid, who is finishing their donut.]

CHARA: Front row seat, huh?

GONER KID: Ha ha. Of course.

GASTER: I HOPE YOU TWO

GASTER: ENJOY THE SHOW.

CHARA: ...

[There is a beat.]

GASTER: ARE YOU

GASTER: THERE?

[Another.]

GASTER: ARE WE

GASTER: CONNECTED?

GASTER: ...

GASTER: EXCELLENT.

GASTER: TRULY

GASTER: EXCELLENT.

GASTER: NOW.

GASTER: WE MAY BEGIN.

-

[Click.]

[chenfleur]

ΒLUΣ MΩΩΠ ☾

Mina whipped her head away from Celine as Lily's figure slipped into her spot infront of the two of them. The girl looked like she was trying to act normal, but Mina didn't like the ghost of a sly smirk that was on her face.

Her eyes widened in surprise, "What're you doing here?" she asked, slightly cringing at how dumb she sounded.

Lily looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "Huh? Don't I sit here for lunch?" she deadpanned.

"Yeah, I know that." Mina said, clicking her tongue. "But why are you back here so soon? You were trying on people's necklaces-"

"Uh, because I'm done?" Lily said back.

"What do you mean, you're done?!" Mina exclaimed.

Lily stared at the girl as if she were crazy, shaking her head. "I will never understand you, Mina."

"Anyways," she began, leaning forward on the table with a big grin. "I have good news."

Mina turned around to get a look at the table in the middle of the cafeteria, tilting her head in slight confusion. Instead of being splayed all over the place, laughing and talking like they usually were��they were huddled together closely, hunching forward in their seats—almost just like what the three girls were doing right now.

"Give us the bad news first." Celine groaned, head still on the table.

Her remark caused Lily to frown, "What do you mean 'bad news'? I said I had good news. Where did I say there was bad news?"

Suddenly, Celine sat up straight in her chair, looking way more optimistic than there was before. "So there's no bad news?" she asked, eyes glinting.

Lily shook her head, "Nope."

A loud sigh of relief left Celine's lips, "Thank fucking god," she said, bringing her bottle of water up to her lips to take a sip.

"Will you guys let me say it now?" Lily whined.

Mina nodded her head, ushering the girl to continue. "Go on, Lily. Tell us the good news."

"Yes!" Lily exclaimed. "Well the good news is that- I found your pair, Celi!"

As she said that, a loud, strangled noise ripped through the air. Mina looked at the girl next to her, pursing her lips as she watched her choke on her water—getting deja vu from moments before.

Lily stood up, surprised at her sudden outburst. "Celi, what-"

Celine raised a hand, patting herself on the chest. "No, nope- it's fine- it's fine." she sputtered.

Mina looked at the girl from the corner of her eye. "Tch, only you're stupid enough to choke twice in a row." she said, snickering.

"Shut the fuck up, Mina." Celine whined, lightly smacking her on the back of her head.

"Twice in a row?" Lily asked, confused.

Celine only shook her head, staring at the girl infront of her. "How... did you find my pair? You literally only went up to one table-"

She cut herself off, falling forward and banging her forehead against the table as she pieced two and two together—strings of unintelligible grunts and murmurs came out of her mouth.

"Oh, Celi." Mina said with a frown, feeling bad for the girl.

"W- who is it, Lily?" Celine grumbled quietly, not looking up.

The bell rang right at that moment, indicating the end of lunch. The cafeteria became more chaotic as everyone stood up from their seats, stumbling around to leave for their classes.

"Is it Lee Jeno? Or Zhong Chenle? Or- best case scenario- Renjun?" Mina asked, silently praying on Celine's behalf.

Lily furrowed her eyebrows and scrunched her nose in distaste. "Not the first two. Renjun? Number one, ew. Number two, best case scenario? That defeats the whole purpose."

"Oh." Mina said. "Who, then?"

"Na Jaemin. Who else?"

Mina turned her head towards Celine, who hadn't lifted her head yet. She was 100% she'd heard the words that'd came out of Lily's mouth, yet she hadn't moved.

Mina barely caught the small "fuck" that left her mouth.

1.9 ☾ — tough one to crack

volleyball player!haechan x dancer!oc

summary. - in honour of the blue moon this year, the student parliament decided to hold a blue moon gala for the school. along with that, they created an activity. you pay $1.50 for either a lock or key. each lock and key have a pair with the opposite pendant (you would know if they were your partner if the key can unlock the lock). the person you pair with is your partner for the gala. mina thinks it’s fucking stupid. donghyuck, well—he’s always looking for some excitement in his life—but deep down he just wants someone who doesn’t like him for just his reputation.

taglist. - @oc-helps @jiheonie @philanarose @jiye0n0 @constantlybeingbiaswrecked @softrenjunnie @mark3le @purpleheejin @eboyjuni @ourbeautifulaffair @luvdroids @lokideadontheinside​ @nanamericano​ // lemme know if you’d also like to be added!

a/n. - ok celine arc DONE ONTO THE NEXT

𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔. | 𝒏𝑒𝒙𝒕.

𝑏𝒍𝒖𝑒 𝒎𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝒎.𝒍𝑖𝒔𝒕

[openheartthot]

Hey! Thank you for feeding us with spoilers!🥰 Will you post the outfits with the descriptions if it's not too much to ask?☺️

OH3 OUTIFT SPOILERS BELOW!!

okay, so the closet wasn’t fully unlocked in the first chapter. I’m terrible at editing, but I wasn’t doing anything this morning so I just did it anyway. haha pls don’t judge me if they look busted. 

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..

...

....

.....

(Chapter 3) Heroic Measures: Do something super. *Note from Celi: this is for something in the Peds ward (probably with Sienna) 

(Chapter 7) Nothing Ventured: Impress the tech world.

(Chapter 8) On Lockdown: Try something new... and naughty.

(Chapter 10) Sunshine Daydream: Hit the beach in style.

(Chapter 11) Wedding Belle: Fit to tie the knot. (female) Wedding Bells: Fit to tie the knot. (male) *Note from Celi: Ines’s wedding 

(Chapter 12) Live It Up: A fashionable look for a night on the town. [You can wear this outfit with your white coat!] *Note from Celi: This is a night out with Bryce 

(Chapter 14) Certifiably Chic: Your board exam is officially behind you! [You can wear this outfit with your white coat!]

(Chapter 15) Order: Set the right precedent. [You can wear this outfit with your white coat!]

(Chapter 16) Farewell: send off to your residency.

I’ll update with better quality pics when the closet is unlocked in-game lol

[seoafin]

I can totally see Gojo’s eldest daughter treating him like how Hori treats her dad in Horimiya!! Gojo’s daughter NEVER calls Gojo “dad” only Satoru and even when she first learned to talk she never called him “dada”…In fact the first person she called dada? Shoko…Shoko and MC think it's hysterical and Geto thinks it's karma because of how Gojo was such a playboy (*coughs* cheater *coughs*) before he settled down with MC 😂😂😂

In your poly au if MC has kids with Gojo and Geto i could picture Geto being the favorite amongst all the kids and all of them being kind of meh with gojo except maybe the youngest of the Gojo kids and maybe the youngest among geto's lol and gojo's depressed and keeps begging MC to have more kids just so someone actually likes him lol, and yes the thing with his eyes and babies sounds so cute kind of!!

YES

when celi and i were talking about the kids I literally said that hori and her father’s relationship is exactly the same as gojo’s relationship with his daughter 😭😭 (I guess you literally read my mind anon LOL)

all the children love geto so much. that’s their father!!! but gojo???

that’s not their father. that’s an uncle. gojo despairs. riko (the eldest daughter and the only one that inherited limitless and the six eyes) only calls geto ‘papa’ and started calling gojo ‘satoru’ when she was ten lmfao. gojo cried about it. every. single. day. later, she alternates between calling him ‘old man’ and ‘satoru’ and gojo can only wonder where he went wrong.

in fact, all the children call geto ‘papa’ or ‘dad’ but gojo......

the only one that can stand gojo and actually adores him is the youngest girl who calls him papa and clings to him when they go out. since she has a lot of siblings, she’s happy to get one on one time with her dad. gojo gets nervous thinking of her growing up and not needing him anymore. every time his children bully him gojo goes into her room and stays there, after all she’s the only one that ‘appreciates him’

rip!mc or geto have to always pull him out of her room (you can’t live in here, Satoru)

riko tells the youngest daughter to ‘keep him’

the youngest is also the only one that looks like rip!mc and inherits her cursed technique too bc gojo and geto’s genes are stupidly strong....

it’s horrible because both gojo and geto are wrapped around her finger and they always go all out indulging her in whatever she wants. she would be so spoiled if it weren’t for the fact that she also inherited rip!mc’s temperament. thank god for that.

except that she wanted an actual pet panda for her sixth birthday (yaga wouldn’t give her panda)....let’s just say rip!mc put an end to that real quick.

when riko was a baby she probably cried whenever gojo held her. but for papa geto she was always giggling and tugging on his hair with her chubby fingers. i actually really like the idea of riko’s first ‘dada’ being for shoko. so yeah, both gojo and geto were beat by the one and only ieiri shoko!!!!

unfortunately, as gojo is the only one in the world who also has limitless and six eyes, riko is forced to spend time with him. the one and only time they got along was when riko accidentally decimated an entire wing of the house by using purple for the first time. she was trying to get her brothers to stop fighting

anyway after it became clear riko wasn’t going to warm up to gojo, gojo begged rip!mc for another child, and geto wasn’t averse to the idea either. so it took....a couple (a lot) of tries for the youngest.

[alexandrablake]

2020 mutuals appreciation post!

yep, that’s right. i’ve never had an original thought in my life.

2020 was just awful, but you people. you people put a smile on my face literally. every. single. day. you guys made my year and i only started posting in november. that’s how incredible you are. i’ve been doing this for going on two months and you’ve made my year.

below i’ve tagged all my mutuals whether we talk or not. but i’d also like to thank you, my followers! i cannot tell you how often one of you like or reblog or interact with me in anyway and i just got this huge grin. 

i love you all very much.

this isn’t in any order, just as i think up people!

okay, first i am talking about @blakes-dictionxry and @ssa-cinnamon. both of them are mutuals that i hold very near and dear to my heart, but neither of them are active. jemma took a break for as long as she needed, and i am not sure what happened to eva, but they are still posting queue posts. either way, both of them are wonderful creators and regardless of their activity, you should check out their content!

now i will be talking about my loves with which i never interact. we are still very much mutuals, but i am too socially awkward so i never talk. celie ( @ellegreenawy), anj ( @hotchsbabygirl), aimz ( @ssaic-jareau), and lauren ( @villainousunsub) I hope you all know that you are all incredible and i still appreciate you, even if i never talk to you!

next we have ms. @haleymalaffey. now if you aren’t following haley, you aren’t really living. ms. ma’am is literally one of my favorite parts of my dash. haley is one of the most transparent, bright, and enthusiastic people on this whole platform. she literally has the ability to make you feel the same love she has for things, it’s incredible. i love you very much, haley!

a @sunlightgalaxy is up next! now you think of something, nic can do it. homegirl is multi-multi-multi-talented. we’ve been mutuals for all of 4 (?) days, but i’ve been following her forever (fun fact: nic only followed me because i accidentally unfollowed her when her user was something about jeid). she is one of the most incredible creators and i look forward to seeing what she does every day! i love you!

it’s abbie time! @lizziechase is just.... y’know? she is involved in so many fandoms, so if you think it, abbie probably makes content for it. she is so funny talented and will definitely be willing to join a wandavision watch party with you (i don’t actually know that). abbie makes some of my favorite edits on this whole website, you guys do not understand. mwah! i love you!

really the superior she/they, @goldenxreid! marcy truly exists to show everyone how wonderful they are! she writes just magnificently, she makes the most beautiful edits, they are so kind, like i could go on! marcy and i first interacted over debating which of the barbie movies was the best. i feel like that says something about us. marcy, i hope you know how much i love and appreciate you!!

@royalpenelope is next on the roster! okay, grace is just great. like she may be one of the funniest people on this whole platform. there are times when i see her post and just actually cackle because she’s just that good. i don’t think grace is afraid of anything and that’s incredible. we may not interact the most, but i still love you beary much, grace!

now, i will be tagging both of qvo’s accounts because i never remember which to tag. @qvid-pro-qvo/ @main-for-qvo is genuinely one of my favorite people on this whole platform. she is another person that i really first interacted with about barbie movies (you’re still wrong, qvo, btw.) she writes so well, and i look forward to every single post of hers because i know it will be incredible. i could shower qvo with all my love and i wouldn’t even close to giving her all she deserves! i love you!!

it’s frog expert @greenaway-lewis‘s time for the spotlight! ms. lucy is what we call a jack of all trades. edit? she does it. writes? lucy does it. be incredible? oh you guessed it, lucy does it. everytime we interact, i get such a joy because she is just that wonderful! she’s also on CST so while the rest of the website is celebrating because apparently this whole site is EST, she’s waiting. in all honesty, there is not a single interaction or piece of content with or from lucy that just doesn’t make me smile. i love you bunches, lucy!

the moment you’ve all been waiting for: @crazyshannonigans!! y’all ever met someone and you’re just like, “wow. let me be them.” yeah, that’s me with shan. she writes just incredibly? she’s gorgeous?? she’s kind??? she can sing???? unfortunately, she picked a poor hockey team to be a fan of, but you know, even shan isn’t perfect. but aside from her hockey flaws, this woman is incredible in every way and i love you!!

and last but definitely not least, is @hurricanejjareau. now, if you follow me, you more than likely follow red because, if you aren’t, you don’t know what you are missing out on. red and i have been irls for like 7 or 8 years, but that doesn’t mean i can’t gush over her on tumblr. that’s right, babeyy! i’ve been following red over pretty much her entire writing journey, and the growth?? unmatched. she is one of the most talented people i’ve ever had the opportunity to meet, and deserves every single nice thing in the world. i love you so big, red.

and now it is time for me to tag some non-moots whose content i absolutely adore! @ssa-lesbian, @ssaemxlyprentxss, @winterscaptain, @kermitsaysgayrights, @whump-town, @themetaphorgirl, and @penemily (and probably more!) i hold everything you make and say near and dear to my heart!

have a wonderful 2021 everyone!!

[hanniiesuckle17]

The Modern Wife

HAN JISUNG REGENCY AU

A/n: Literally I’ve been so obsessed with the idea of this I had to mess up my schedule and write this. Also, omg will you look at that edit job??? I have never used photoshop in my life and look at that!!! Also special shoutout to Celi @poeticallyspaghetti​ for helping me so much with this

See how many Austen quotes you can spot!

Warnings: Slight cursing, mention of violence

Word Count: 11.5k

Summary: Miss Y/n L/n is the talk of the town. She is one of four gorgeous sisters. Her father is a successful politician who travels frequently back and forth to London. She is beautiful, poised, and absolutely unobtainable. Every man in town had been asking for her hand, all except a certain Colonel. Things are turned upside down when Miss L/n is forced into an engagement.

Genre: history!au, enemies to lovers!au, regency!au, historical!au, pride, and prejudice!au

“OW! Not so tight, Harry!” I screamed holding onto my bedposts as my maid and friend, Harriet pulled the laces tight on my corset. “Harry, are you trying to kill me?” I said with a laugh. The small thin plank of wood in the boning pressed hard against my chest and pushed up my breasts as high as they would go for no reason other than to put them on display. 

Ironic that it was unseemly to show my ankle but my cleavage could parade about the world openly. For the next forty minutes, Harriet proceeded to help me get dressed. The pale yellow frock complimented my skin nicely. Harriet always knew what I looked best in. She sat me down at my vanity while she fixed my hair, untwisted the fabric that tied my curls. Before she could finish my eyes glimpsed movement outside my window. 

“Cecilia!”

Bolting up from the chair I ran down the hall, fabric billowing behind me. I rushed passed several servants as I made my way down the sunlit passageway. “Miss Y/n,” our butler, Mr. Carson, exclaimed as I nearly ran him over. Thankfully he did not drop the glassware on his tray. “I’m sorry, Carson!” “Don’t worry about it, my lady.”

With a bright smile, I burst through the large entryway doors and was met by a gracious morning breeze, A carriage had pulled up in the driveway and a woman a few years older than me was exiting the cab with the help of a footman.

“Cecilia! You’re home!” 

“Y/n!”

Wrapping my arms around my elder sister I gave her the biggest hug imaginable. The sound of our laughter could most likely be heard from anywhere on the grounds. I was once again reunited with my sister. She had not been gone but a few months since her last visit, but it felt like ages to me. 

“I should hope I get the same welcoming as my wife,” Turning away, I saw my sister’s husband stepping out of the carriage, a kind smile on his face. “Of course, Chan. I could never forget my brother in law.” He gently gave me a hug before returning me back to my sister. 

“Is father home?” I shook my head, leading my sister arm in arm into the house. “No, he has yet to return from London.” She scoffed and held my hand tighter. “But, it is the beginning of spring! How can he miss your birthday?” Carson greeted Cecilia and Chan with a warm welcome before we continued to the parlor. 

“Do not worry. Papa said he would return in the next few days in time for the ball on Saturday. Tomorrow we girls will simply have to celebrate my nineteenth birthday together.” Chan left us to talk while he helped tried to help Carson and the footmen with the bags, much to Carson’s displeasure. Chan never could really get used to having servants do things for him.

“Where are Charlotte and Emma?” Cecilia was referring to our two younger sisters. Charlotte had turned sixteen this year and little Emma was now ten. “They are in lessons right now. Papa is still positively adamant we are all educated to the highest degree.”  “Of course, he is.”

My sister filled me in on everything that had happened in Dover in the past few months. She and Chan had moved there after they got married, much against father’s will. “Oh, Chan got a letter before we left. He said the Colonel was in London and met up with father. He might come back to Surrey for the spring.” 

Cecilia laughed as disdain took over my face. “Wonderful. There go my hopes of a lovely spring.” “He isn’t that bad, Y/n.” The Colonel was around Cecilia’s age, in his very early twenties. He was the one who introduced Chan to Cecilia. Chan had served in his infantry and had grown quite close to the young officer. 

Father adored the Colonel. Anytime the Colonel returned to Surrey, Papa would insist on us inviting him to our residence. Everyone loved the Colonel. He was a brave man who had done his country proud in the war, taking over his father’s position in the midst of battle after he tragically perished. There was just something about him that made me hate him. He walked around like he was entitled to everything around him. 

“Does that mean he’ll be returning with father?” Cecilia nodded as her husband entered the room. “Who?” Chan asked sitting across from us. “Colonel Han,” Chan nodded with a soft smile on his face, adjusting his jacket. “I assume so. Miss Y/n why are you asking about him? If my memory serves me correctly, the last time he was here you called him ‘Death’s head on a broomstick’,” 

“Well, it was rightly deserved. I’m simply asking because I would like to know when to board up Whitewater so that he simply can’t get in.” 

Cecilia’s bright blue eyes crinkled as she laughed. Running footsteps could be heard coming down the hall. In raced two girls who practically jumped on Cecilia. “Cecilia, we missed you!” Emma sang in her soft voice. Charlotte went and gave Chan a gentle hug as well. 

The next day we celebrated my birthday. Chan and Cecilia got me a lovely gift, a gorgeous leather-bound sketchbook. I knew there was no way they could possibly afford something of such quality, but Cecilia insisted I take it. Carson and the staff celebrated with us making and sharing a beautiful cake. The next two days went by quickly. Chan worked on his music, the girls continued their studies, and Cecilia and I spent the time walking the grounds and gossiping about anything and everything, with Harriet often joining us

On Thursday afternoon, Charlotte and I were strolling near the banks of the creek, for which our estate was named. The clear water quickly rushed along making almost a soft song with the wind in the trees. Soon, we began to grow tired so we headed back to Whitewater.

As we reached the estate, my eyes were drawn to a carriage and a horse stationed outside. No one was expecting visitors so it must mean father was home. Charlotte and I raced into the house, grins filling our faces. 

“Papa! Are you home?” I called out. Charlotte heard voices in the parlor, so we both ventured into the sitting room. “There are the rest of my beautiful daughters!” He exclaimed, getting up and wrapping his arms around us. It felt so good to have my father’s arms wrapped around me again. His familiar smell of burning wood and lavender. 

He pulled away and kissed each of our cheeks. “Girls, you remember Colonel Han Jisung.” I tried to hide the grimace on my face but failed. Of course. That’s whose horse was out front. My eyes fell on the man standing near the window. He wore a dark navy overcoat and pristine black boots. While his somewhat smaller and shorter than some of the other military men I had met in the past, there was no doubt about the way he commanded the room.  His shaggy brown hair was tousled from the ride back to Surrey. 

His dark eyes were hidden as he bowed and took Charlotte’s hand. A proper way to greet a lady. “Yes, unfortunately, I do remember,” I said rolling my eyes. “Believe me, feelings are the same Miss L/n.” The Colonel said giving me a curt bow. Rolling my eyes, I sat down next to Cecilia, who nudged me, giving me a look. 

“Papa, how was London?” Charlotte asked happily. Father smiled and sat back down near the fireplace. Mr. Han remained standing near where Chan was sitting. “Perfectly fine. Everything is well. It seems Napoleon’s advances in England have stopped for the time being. Also, I met quite an intriguing man and invited him to have dinner with us this evening.” 

“Is he handsome, Father?” Charlotte asked. “Charlotte, do not ask such things.” Cecilia scolded, gently pushing our sister back in her seat. “I should think so. Colonel, you are welcome to join us for supper as well.” 

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“You do most days anyway,” I muttered under my breath.

Ignoring the look he sent my way I turned back to father. “Nonsense! You shall join us!” The hour seemed to drag on. Father and Mr.Han seemed to only talk about the war. Papa only paused to ask Cecilia and Chan about Dover and Chan’s music. To be fair he only asked because Cecilia forced him to be civil with Chan about his work.

Soon, The Colonel decided he should return to his estate and unpack his things. “Thank you for your time. The visit was lovely.” He said graciously. Giving everyone a short goodbye, he mounted his horse and made the travel to Ruxfield Manor a few miles to the west of Whitewater.

“That was an eventful visit,” Cecilia said wrapping her arm in mine.

“It was a delightful visit-perfect in being much too short.” 

She laughed at my comment as the two of us climbed the stairs to get ready for dinner in a few hours. Harriet helped me change for dinner and pinned up my hair leaving a few twisting strands loose framing my face. “Carson told me your father and his guests are already in the sitting room,” I sighed picking up a handheld mirror as she clasped a necklace around my neck.

“Well, then we should join them.” I stood up, smoothing the dark green fabric of the dress Harriet had picked out. As I exited my bedroom, the door next to me opened as well to reveal my sister and her husband dressed for dinner. As we approached the parlor, Carson opened the door and announced us.

“Miss Y/n and Mr. and Mrs. Bang.”

All heads turned towards us as we entered the room. Two men stood up at the announcement. One was the Colonel, purely out of respect for the women of the household. His eyes never even moved to the door. The other man wore a dark almost velvet-like coat and he carried himself with high prestige. 

He had deep brown eyes and sharp features. “My darling girls,” Father exclaimed before setting down his glass of sherry. He came and kissed both of our cheeks. “Father,” I said, latching onto his arm. He led us over to the men and our sisters. 

“Mr. Han,” I said trying not to roll my eyes. He gave me a curt nod and then returned to his seat. “Y/n play nice,” Papa said jokingly. “I am, Papa!” 

“Miss Y/n,” The other man said bowing before me. I couldn’t help but give him a questioning look as he took my hand and placed a soft and chaste kiss on my skin. “Oh, and to whom do I owe the pleasure?”

“Angel, this is Mr. Lee. He is a barrister in London. Minho, this is my second eldest daughter.” Mr. Lee stood up straight and looked me over with a gentle, but mischievous smile. “The pleasure is all mine. Your father has told me so much about you.” 

“Oh has he now! All good things I hope!”

“You can you tell the difference?” The Colonel mumbled, taking a sip of his drink. 

“Oh please, you are hardly agreeable yourself.”

“I do not wish people to be very agreeable, as it saves me the trouble of being forced into casual pleasantries.”

Thankfully, Carson entered the room, saving the Colonel and myself from getting into yet another altercation. “Dinner is ready to be served in the dining room.” Mr. Han scoffed when Minho bowed once again and offered me his arm. The eight of us ventured into the dining room where our new light bulbs brightened up the space from the ceiling. Father was obsessed with every new invention.

Papa took his place at the head of the table, the girls on either side of him. Cecilia sat across from her husband and the Colonel was seated next to her and across from me. Mr. Lee was seated at the other end of the table.  

Polite conversation was heard throughout dinner. The girls discussed their studies with father, who then bragged about our education to Mr. Lee. Dinner was lovely as always. Mr. Lee was beyond courteous and thanked Carson and the staff for the meal. We engaged in polite conversation. Mr. Lee seemed to pride himself in small talk because the conversation never got any bigger. “You know green is my favorite color. It is almost as if you wore that dress to see me smile.”

To be frank he was quite boring. He seemed no different than the other men I had met except for the fact he seemed fascinated by the cats on his estate. Cecilia sent me a pitiful glance and I did my best to hide my expression from Father. 

“Doori is just so mischievous. And Soongi! You would love Soongi!” Cecilia stifled a laugh as I downed the rest of the wine in my glass. I was too preoccupied forcing the alcohol down my throat that I didn’t notice Mr. Han’s soft laughter at my struggle with Mr. Lee. 

“Since we are all here and getting along so well, I would like to say something,” Father announced to the room. Carson ushered the footmen out of the room and back to the kitchen before turning back to Father at full attention. Every eye at the table was on Papa.

“After much discussion and thought, I have decided that it is time for Y/n to be married.” 

All eyes turned to me. I froze and looked around the table. Excuse me? When did my father talk to me about this? He was just marrying me off to some random noble?

“Mr. Lee and I have agreed. We would like to announce an engagement by the end of the summer.” 

This time all eyes turned to Mr. Lee at the other end of the table. “What?” Cecilia says breaking the silence that had lasted for much too long. I could do nothing but stare at the table. There were too many emotions flying around and none of them were particularly good let alone ladylike. Everyone, even the Colonel looked between my father and Mr. Lee with widened eyes. Chan watched his wife struggling to comprehend my fate. The girls stared at me looking for an answer. I felt the Colonel’s stare like a weight, when I looked up he was looking anywhere except my face. He let out a hefty sigh with an emotionless expression as he soon became fascinated with the chandelier.

“Did you think to ask me how I felt?” Papa looked at me, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. “I didn’t think you would much care,” All of my sisters seemed shocked at his words. Father had always been so set on us making our own decisions. He always wanted us to be happy, especially after our mother had passed.

“Just because Cecilia decided she did not want to marry a noble doesn’t mean you can pass this onto me!” Cecilia looked down at her plate. It was no secret that Papa was outraged at her marriage to Chan. “This has nothing to do with your sister.” 

“You are sending me away! Why not just make this punishment even worse? Send me off with the Colonel, make my life completely miserable!”

“Y/n L/n!” Father yelled standing up. 

“Father you are at fault here too,” Cecilia said standing up. She rushed over and led me out of the room and up the stairs. When Harriet saw us down the hall she rushed to us and opened the door to my bedroom. “Did you hear, Harry?” You looked at the girl who sadly nodded. Of course, she had heard. People in France had heard the argument between me and Papa. Cecilia helped Harriet calm me down and change before placing a kiss on my forehead and leaving to confer with her husband. Slowly I slipped into a deep sleep hoping to forget the events of this night.

The next afternoon my sister and I strolled through the lanes of Surrey on our way to the dress shop. Cecilia had convinced me to come out and get a new dress for the ball tomorrow night with her. Despite my protests, she and Harriet dragged me out of bed and helped slip by my father’s study and into town. 

I had to admit, I was thankful to be away from Whitewater. Walking into the dress shop with my sister on my arm felt freeing. Like I wasn’t about to be engaged to a man I had absolutely no interest in. 

Breathing in the smell of the wood and the fabrics put a smile on my face. Cecilia ran over to the rolls of blue fabric. I had missed coming to the seamstress with my older sister. In Dover Chan and Cecilia didn’t have enough money to get a new dress more than once or twice a year, so Cecilia was thrilled to come with me. 

“What color do you think you would like?” Cecilia shouted from over her shoulder, pulling out a dress with baby blue fabric and white lace. I shrugged and sorted through the different dresses. “I will wear anything but green. Minho would not stop talking about how I wore his favorite color at dinner.” Cecilia laughed as I brushed passed a light green ensemble without hesitation. 

“Why don’t we send you in black since it is going to be your funeral anyway,” Cecilia said throwing a black frock at me. I laughed and returned the dress to the seamstress. “Y/n, what about this?” She handed me a gorgeous red dress that was embroidered with pearls and gold thread. 

“I have not worn red since we were little girls. It’s absolutely gorgeous!” The seamstress helped us try on the dresses before we paid for them and changed back. Cecilia laughed as I recounted the conversation with Mr. Lee as we walked out of the shop. I felt uneasy. Like something was off. Looking around I saw several young men from the town walking about and standing near shops but they all seemed to be looking anywhere but me, which was very abnormal. 

“Do you think they heard about the engagement? It isn’t even official yet!” Cecilia said, reading my mind. An exasperated sigh left my chest. “Nor will it be. I will marry Lee Minho over my dead body.” 

“Oh, Miss Y/n!” a voice called out from across the street. 

Looking for the source of the deep voice I found Lee Felix, Colonel Han’s aide. And of course, next to him, was Colonel Han Jisung himself. My sister laughed as the Colonel and I both grimaced. Despite the second protests of the day, Cecilia dragged me over to greet the two soldiers. 

Han and Felix gave the two of us military level bows and Felix greeted us happily. “I see you two ladies are enjoying today’s fine weather.” Mr. Han said looking around at the scenery, his hands behind his back and his posture incredibly straight. “Yes, Y/n and I were out shopping for an ensemble for the ball tomorrow.” 

Felix’s grin grew three times larger. “I see that!” He said pointing to the folded dresses in our arms. “Oh Colonel, Miss Y/n picked out a red dress! What a coincidence!” Han spared me and the dress in my arms a glance before scoffing and looking at Felix. “What is a coincidence? Do tell,” I said, a smirk falling on my lips. “Jisung was just saying how gorgeous the red roses were at Ruxfield.” 

“Ow-” Cecilia nudged my stomach with an innocent grin on her sweet oval face. “Y/n just adores roses! She was sketching them in the garden, just the other day.” Cecilia’s blue eyes sparkled as she nudged me once again. What was she getting at? They were just flowers. 

The Colonel looked up at my words, his eyes slightly widening. He quickly recovered and trained his eyes on the ground. “Well, Felix and I have much to attend to. I am sure we shall meet again tomorrow night.” I rolled my eyes as Han mounted his horse, Felix following close behind. 

“Come, we must prepare for tomorrow night, given this new information!”

“Cecilia! What new information? Stop pulling on my arm!”

The carriage rumbled to a stop in front of the Hall. My father the girls and I were all in one cab, while Chan and Cecilia rode in a separate carriage. A footman opened the door and helped me down from the cab. He gently took each of my sisters’ hands as they exited as well. The music swelled as we entered the Hall with our father in front of us.

Emma quickly ran off to the table filled with sweets and hour devours, and Charlotte was towed away by her friends. “Miss L/n!” Turning, I saw Mr. Lee pushing his way through the crowd. Wonderful. The last person I wanted to see.  Like a leech, Mr. Lee latched himself onto my arm. “Are you quite good at dancing, Miss L/n? I fancy myself quite the dancer. They do all the latest court dances in London you see.”

“If you would excuse me, Mr. Lee, I am quite parched,” I said interrupting the never ending stream of words. “Yes, quite alright. I shall miss every second you are parted from me!” Minho said placing a kiss on my hand. Begrudgingly, I plastered a smile on my face and maneuvered my way through the crowd. 

Spotting my sister’s golden brown hair, I moved through the flood of people. Her beautiful baby blue dress stood out against the dark colored suits and dresses around her. She stood next to her husband and another man. “Cecilia, thank goodness.” I heaved out in a sigh. “My dear sister, you look ravishing! Don’t you think so, Mr. Han?” Turning I saw The Colonel dressed in fine navy blue. His eyes drunk me in with a disenchanted expression.

“She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I am in no humor at the present to give consequence to young ladies with such ‘modern’ attributes.” 

Only to uphold my social presence and reputation did I refrain from slapping him. How could he say something so ghastly right to my face. Before I could fire back Chan interrupted, questioning his friend. “Han, do you plan on joining in the festivities? I certainly plan on bringing my adoring Cecilia onto the dance floor tonight. There is absolutely nothing like dancing after all. It is one of the first refinements of a polished society.” He sighed, rolling his eyes and placing his hands behind his back in a seemingly military sense. 

“Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage can dance.” “Not every savage-” Cecilia ventured. “I assure you, Mrs. Bang. Every savage can. Even damn Napoleon, so no I do not think I shall partake in the such an adolescent event.” 

The urge to shove his head up his ass grew stronger within me by the second, but I don’t think anything would be able to move past the gargantuan log shoved up there already. “Well, my dearest, would you accompany me onto the dance floor.” Chan said with a bright smile, offering a hand to his wife. Her lace gloved hand slid into his with a smile. Just as they were leaving a voice called out over the sea of guests. 

“Miss L/n! Where are you my love? Miss Y/n?” My eyes widened as I saw Minho’s head bobbing through the crowd. “Ah! Miss Y/n! There you are!” He said pointing in my direction. 

“Oh lord help me. Quick!” Without thinking I grabbed the nearest coat sleeve and pulled the man out onto the dance floor, a new dance beginning. “What in all hell?” He exclaimed, eyes turning to saucers. 

A sigh of relief left my lips as Minho walked right passed my previous location, still looking for me. Music swelled and the couples around me started dancing so I joined in with my partner. My heart skipped a beat when my eyes fell on Mr. Han standing in front of me, gently holding my hand and bowing. I curtsied to him and focused on looking for Mr. Lee in the crowd. Hopefully he wasn’t too close. Absentmindedly I followed the steps of the dance, my palm pressing lightly against the Colonel’s as we moved through the steps and turns of the dance. 

Halfway through the song, my eyes followed Mr. Lee as he searched for me into another room. This time a sigh of relief escaped as my focus turned back to the dance. I then became very aware of Mr. Han’s hand on my waist. “Mr. Han, I didn’t realize you could dance.” I jested a smirk playing on my lips. His face remained the same but there was something about his eyes that was different. 

“Miss L/n, I said any savage can dance. I am not excluded.” 

I was left without a retort. I simply stared at him as he circled and came behind me, one hand on my waist, the other gently holding my outstretched hand. The feeling of his chest against my shoulder  was unfamiliar but somehow inviting. He smelled like gun powder and old books. My eyes couldn’t seem to break away from his as we turned and moved with the music. 

The entire world seemed to dissolve away and all I could see was how he was looking at me. How he was holding me gently and cautiously, as if I was a butterfly in his palm. He had a softness in his eyes I had never seen before. The kind that showed a tortured past. Had he always been this handsome? 

Somehow I had never noticed the smooth lines of his face. The soft curve of his lips. The sharp angle of his jaw and the color of his warm tan skin from being in the sun on the battlefield. I had been completely oblivious. I was too stubborn to see the honorable man in front of me. I was even unkind to him on so many occasions yet he looked at me with such a hidden admiration. 

Our movements came to a stop and the Colonel stayed by my side, my hand still resting gently over his. I couldn’t seem to tear my eyes away from his stare. 

“Miss Y/n,” A voice called. Everyone was looking at me. Looking at us. Confusion and suggestion plastered on their faces. Suddenly the Colonel’s hands removed themselves he moved a good distance away from me. 

“Next time you would like to hide from your fiancee, use someone else as a shield. I would much rather not be involved in the manner.”

With a sharp, curt bow the Colonel excused himself and rushed off, disappearing into the bustling and whispering crowd. The gossip seemed to stop when Emma ran up to me, her big bright eyes sparkling. Leaving the moment between myself and Mr. Han behind, I danced with my sisters the rest of the night and did my best to fend off my soon to be fiancee. 

Hours later the evening drew to a close. Emma was already asleep and had returned to Whitewater with father a few hours earlier in our carriage. Charlotte and I walked out of the Hall our arms linked and laughing about Lady Moss’s hair piece. “Can you believe it?” Lottie laughed out of breath.

A yell from the street pulled our attention. “Your master stepped over the line!” A huge crowd had surrounded two very young men near the road. A fight had broke out between two footmen. I winced seeing a blow land on the smaller one’s face and another to his cut. My eyes widened when I caught a glimpse of his face. It was Felix. Colonel Han’s aide. 

“Lottie, go find Chan and Cecilia.” Nodding, she ran back into the hall to find our sister. I pushed my way through the crowd trying to see what was going on. Felix was doing his best to hold his ground against the other boy. It looked like Minho’s steward, Seungmin. “I have no control over what the Colonel does. You’re crazy!” Felix said blocking another swing. 

“Hey! Break it up! Stop this juvenile combat!” A voice boomed. Han himself pushed through the crowd and plowed through Seungmin, a hand clutching the collar of the boys shirt. “You do not touch him. If your quarrel is with me then face me so. Do not be a coward and go after my aide.” There was a fire in his eyes and Seungmin looked terrified. The power Han exuded would frighten any man. 

Seungmin, regaining his composure, threw a punch at the Colonel, landing on his jaw. While he seemed mostly unaffected, Seungmin took the opportunity to wriggle out of Jisung’s tight grasp. Han scoffed, and threw of his coat, rolling up his sleeves as well. “You will certainly regret doing that.” The crowd cheered as Han took a strike. His slim form allowed him to move with agility and strike with force. It was clear that Seungmin was done for. 

Another person burst through the crowd as Han threw Seungmin off of him. Minho caught his steward, pulling him up by the arm. He took Seungmin’s cheek in his hand and examined the boy’s beaten face, before handing him off to another footman. His glare then targeted the Colonel who stood out of breath and dark brown hair tousled. 

“How dare you assault my boy?” Minho screamed, pointing a finger at Mr. Han. “Do not jump to assumptions, my friend. Your boy att-” “First you try to seduce my fiancee in front of the entire town- then you assault my aide!” Han let out a breathy laugh before pointing at himself. “Me? You think I would ever be interested in the a woman such as Miss L/n?” His finger moved to point at me, but my glare in his direction was ignored. 

“Your man attacked mine first! It is you who needs to apologize! I will not have my staff humiliated and beaten by scum like you or your servants.” Han said beginning to get an almost erratic look in his eyes. “That’s it,” Minho said throwing his coat onto the ground. Without hesitation he leaped into the fight. The crowd cheered them on as I watched in horror.

“Stop! Stop this right now!” I screamed, but no one listened. Mr. Lee’s fist connected with Han’s temple, making his eyes go dark for a moment, before returning. Mr. Lee took the opportunity to throw Han over his shoulder and onto the ground before my feet. 

“Mr. Lee, stop right this instant! Both of you! There is no use fighting over me! this is complete nonsense.” Mr. Han’s eyes rolled over to me as he sat up. He winced as he moved to stand up. It took all of my power not to break his stare. 

“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn about you.”

Why did his words wound me? The hurt must have shown on my face for a brief moment because once again his eyes softened. Before he could say something Mr. Lee took a cheap shot, his fist flying across Han’s cheek. My eyes did not fail to miss the drops of blood that landed on the dirt. Han wasted no time in fighting back. 

“ENOUGH!” I screamed. Reputation be damned. I was finished. I had enough. Storming up, with all my strength I pushed the men apart. The two seemed insistent on continuing the brawl. The only thing stopping the Colonel from destroying Mr. Lee was my hands pushing against his shoulders. “You know nothing about me!” My loathsome future fiancee shouted.

“You are only trying to buy her from her father; like she is some prize!” Han sneered. “She is not some timepiece or your stupid pet!” Hearing a yell from Mr. Lee I turned to stop him only to feel a strike against my head. My vision started to blur and my head started to spin before I felt myself fall to the ground. 

Every person froze. Mr. Lee and the Colonel watched in horror as I collapsed to the ground barely conscious. Not a second later Chan burst through the crowd with Cecilia in tow, breaking up the fight. She gasped seeing my body on the ground. Quickly she rushed to my side and cradled my head in her lap. 

“Quick! Someone help!” Felix, still recovering from his beating, rushed over without hesitating. With some struggle, he got my partially limp body in his arms as Cecilia led him to where our carriage should have been. Han seemed to snap out of his shock, and he rushed to Felix’s side. “Mr. L/n took their carriage. Felix, we’ll go in ours.” Nodding, Felix turned and rushed to the Colonel’s cab and gently placed me on the seat. Cecilia placed my head in her lap as Han jumped into the cab with us, worry painted all over his face. 

Felix jumped up into the coach’s seat. Han pounded on the carriage wall and screamed for Felix to go. “Felix, hurry! To Whitewater. Take the back road it’s  faster!”  Han prayed that they could return to my estate fast enough to call a doctor. When the carriage pulled to a stop, the Colonel took me from Cecilia’s lap and held me in his arms, letting my head roll onto his chest. 

“Into the house! Carson! Carson, call the physician!”

Mr. Han carried me up the steps of the porch and impatiently yelled at Felix to hold the door. The poor boy rushed up and let Han carry me through the doorway. Han cautiously handed my semi-conscious body over to Carson. His brow furrowed, concern flooding his features as he watched my loving staff rush to my aid. Carson placed me gently on a sofa  and Cecilia carefully undid the tight curls in my hair so my head had somewhat less pain. 

 Han could do nothing but stand off to the side watching in distress. “Miss Bang...please let me offer my assistance-”

“You have done enough,”

Cecilia did not mean her words to come out as harsh as they did. He knew that. He scolded himself at his thoughts. ‘If only Y/n had not gotten in the way.’ ‘Lee Minho will pay for what he has done.’ A touch on his shoulder brought him back to reality. Turning he saw Felix, a frown on his face. “Sir, we should return to Ruxfield. I will be sure to inquire of Miss L/n’s health in the morning.” Almost as if he was giving him no choice, Felix guided the Colonel back to his carriage and the two departed. 

The next morning I awoke to find both Cecilia and Harriet sleeping beside me. Harriet even in her sleep was still holding cloth wrapped ice to my forehead. Sensing my movement, Harriet woke up and asked millions of questions about how I was feeling. 

Cecilia then woke up not long after. She recounted what happened  after the fight and then left to let me change for the day. The next week went by with no word from the Colonel. Felix came by the first morning to give his apologies at the Colonel’s request. Sadly, Mr. Lee visited almost daily. I had taken to sketching in the book gifted to me by my sister, hoping this would come as a distraction from remembering certain interactions from that night. 

The afternoon was perfect. A light rain had come in the morning, leaving droplets on the the flowers in the garden. Now the sun was out and shining, as I sat on a bench outside with my sketchbook amongst the flowers. “My lady you have a visitor.” Carson said from the stone walkway. The garden had somewhat of a keyhole stone path, with a fountain and stone circle at the center. Mr.Carson stood near the fountain. Through the water you could see the outline of a man’s over coat. “If it is Mr. Lee send him away. I am in no mood to entertain him today.”

“Mr. Lee is not the one asking for visitation,” A smooth deep voice spoke as its owner moved from behind the fountain. 

Colonel Han stood a little in front of Carson, looking at you with a serious expression. The same he wore every day of his entire life, except it his eyes. His eyes once again held that softness, as if it was a sight only you could bring out of him. “I’d have to jump off a bridge if I was that cat loving bigot.”  A hint of a smile slid onto his lips. 

He was correct. Mr. Han was nothing like Mr. Lee. Han was rough. He had edges. He never primped himself like Mr.Lee did. I couldn’t help but drink him in. His dark hair was shaggy and he only wore a simple shirt and the old navy overcoat he seemingly never took off. His boots were dirty and scuffed, but well taken care of. A sign of his daring acts but military discipline. A blush came over my cheeks as I remembered the feeling of dancing with him, his chest against my back.

“Jis- Colonel... to what do I owe the pleasure.” I closed my sketchbook and placed it beside me on the stone bench. “Papa is in London, but he should return by nightfall.” In all of my life I had never been nervous in front of a man other than my father. I believed a woman should be a strong and elegant vision, not simply standing behind a man but beside him if at all. So why could I not meet Mr. Han’s eyes. 

“I’m not here to see your father. I’m here to see you.”

My eyes widened at his words. Nothing was different about him. He still stood straight with his arms behind his back, keeping a respectable distance form me. His face remained stoic as if he was reading from a war plan. “Thank you, Carson. You may leave us,” 

It was Han’s turn to be flustered upon hearing my words. Being the respectful man he was he always adhered to the social protocol of a woman and man never being alone unless with a chaperone. Carson raised his brow in question, but complied, entering the house.

A moment of awkward silence followed. Then another. And another. It was almost like Mr. Han had lost the ability to function after being alone with me. Nervously, I played with the fabric of my dress. What could he possibly want to discuss with me. We have hardly had a pleasant conversation in our entire lives. “Miss Ln-” His words halted when I looked up at him. His eyes went immediately to my face. I knew exactly what he was looking at. The bruise from that night. It was lighter now, having had a week to heal, but still visible.

“Oh Y/n...” He reached out as if to touch my face, but thought better of it and pulled back. There was no longer a wide expanse between us. He now stood only a few feet away from where I sat.  “We are not even wed, and yet I have already forsaken you and broken a valiant code...” He muttered under an aggravated sigh.

He was grateful that I didn’t hear it. “If you are indeed here for me, please enlighten me of your purpose for I am in the dark.” I said pushing a strand of loose hair around my face. As he opened his mouth to speak a deep voice called his name. 

“Colonel Han!”

Felix came running out of Whitewater. He was out of breath and his hair and clothes were out of place, like he had just gotten off his horse. He handed on a sealed envelope and whispered something in Mr. Han’s ear.  Immediately, Han opened the letter with his long nimble fingers. His eyes quickly scanned the letter, leaving me in anxious silence. 

“What is it?” I asked on the edge of my seat. Han handed the letter back to Felix and whispered something back to him. Felix spared me a glance before leaving us alone. 

The Colonel raked a hand through his already slightly disheveled hair and turned his back to me. Something was compelling me to reach out to him. “Jisung,” He turned at the sound of his name. My mind had yet to register the fact this was the first time I had actually said his name. He on the other hand, did notice.

“What is the matter?” He sighed and looked back at the house. Felix was standing by the door, discussing something with Carson. “Napoleon has resumed his advances on the border.” It took me a moment for me to process the information. This was news that was not for me to hear. “Why-”

“They are calling me to the front line.”

I couldn’t speak.

“Felix gave me my orders just now. I leave in the morning.”

This meant so many things. This meant our country was once again at war with France. It meant Father would have to stay in London. It meant Mr. Han would be sent to the heat of the battle commanding easily a thousand men in combat. It meant Jisung...was being sent into battle that he might not come back from.

Why did I even care? I was in line to be engaged. Granted it was to a spinless snob I practically loathed. “I may be a bitter married woman when you returned. Then our arguments will be that much more interesting.” Another look flashed across his face. Almost like he was disappointed that was what I had chosen to say. Like he had wished I had asked him to stay.

“Let’s hope for the both of us that is not true when I return.”

Before I could understand his words Felix returned, this time with Carson behind him. He came to Mr. Han’s side and urgently whispered something in his ear. Han nodded and brushed him off before turning back to me, his eyes growing soft. Gently, he took my hand. All I could do was watch as he brought it up to his lips and softly kissed my knuckles. 

It was an action I had experienced many times from many men. All seeking for my hand in marriage. But this. This was different. This felt intimate. Like the kiss was burning itself into my skin as if to mark me for life. His eyes joined mine as he pulled away. 

“Colonel, we have to go.” Felix said breaking the silence. Han slid his hand from mine and he turned to follow Felix back to Ruxfield to prepare for is departure. My body could do nothing but watch him leave.

“You’re all grown up now, Miss Y/n.” Carson said. He had the kindest smile on his face as he came to sit on the bench, pulling me down with him. “What do you mean, Carson?” He sighed, taking my hand in his. Carson was nothing like my father. He and my mother were very close and Mr. Carson always seemed like a real father figure in my life. He was the one who taught me to dance, and what books I should read, and even how to play poker. 

“You are falling in love. I would know that look anywhere.” Love? With the Colonel. Impossible. I despised him. Right? “I am not in love. If I was in love I would be getting married.” He chuckled and patted my hand. “Aren’t you though?”

“Carson, do you see me voluntarily marrying that mess of a man?”

“Are you speaking of Lord Lee or Colonel Han?”

Blinking, the thought crossed my mind. Of course I was talking about Mr. Lee right. I was set to marry him. Was Carson saying I should marry Mr. Han? Marrying Colonel Han Jisung. The thought had never crossed my mind. Now that it did, why did my heart swell.

“Of course I’m speaking of Mr. Lee. Father would forbid anyone else.” Carson nodded, looking over the garden. “So, are you saying there is someone else?” He took my silence as an answer, smiling. 

“An unhappy alternative is before you, Y/n. From this day you must be a stranger to one of us. Your father will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Lee, and I would never see you again if you do.” 

A warm, fatherly smile filled his eyes. “Do you love him?” There was no question of who he was talking about. “While I have lost my heart, I shall not lose my self control. I will not become one of those silly girls running around with their heads in the clouds controlled by love.” Carson laughed and picked a flower near the bench.

“Silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way.” 

Before I could respond I was interrupted by what seemed like the fourth time today. “Y/’n! Y/n!” Cecilia ran out of the house a grin from ear to ear. Emma and Charlotte followed hot on her heels. Her light blue dress blew behind her as she ran over to us. “Y/n, I’m pregnant!” After blinking a few times I wrapped her up in a hug and cheered. Carson joined us and we all went inside to celebrate Cecilia’s news, leaving the conclusion of my conversation with Carson in the back of my mind.

Spring came and went. Soon came the long months of summer and with it came heavy summer storms. The Whitewater creek was filled to capacity and quite dangerous. Father had come home from London and the tensions had been high ever since he returned. Papa seemed hell bent on my marriage to Mr. Lee. 

Every chance he got he brought up the engagement. I was starting to think Carson may have been right. Every mention of Mr.Lee drove me further away from him and made me wonder about another man...far away. 

Another man who didn’t write. Not once. I found myself jumping to the door when Carson delivered our mail to our rooms. Weeks passed and still I heard no word from him. Weeks turned into months until it became the middle of summer. Still no word from the Colonel. Not even to my father about the war. I was beginning to worry something had happened. Certainly he wouldn’t forget about me after a goodbye like that? Why did I even care? I hated the man. Yes, I hated the man. I had all the right to hate him if he wasn’t going to send me even one letter. 

Another summer storm raged outside my window. “Miss you will have to leave your room sometime.” Harriet said, hanging up some of my laundry. “If Cecilia will not leave her room then I too shall not.” Harriet laughed as I watched the water pelt against the glass. “Miss Y/n, your sister is ordered by the doctor to bed rest. Chan is taking care of her. You are simply sulking over your engagement.” 

“I am not sulking over my engagement.”

“Then a certain Colonel perhaps? Maybe the lack of a letter?” 

Before I could correct my friend, Carson knocked on the door and entered. “My lady, your father wishes to speak to you in his study.” I sighed, turning back to the window. “Carson, I am in no mood to speak to Papa.” Harsh winds blew the trees in the forest just outside the estate. “My lady, he is leaving for London in an hour. He is insistent on speaking to you.”

Carson gave me a small smile. He was probably right. It was better to simply speak to him before he left than ignore him until he returned home. With a sigh, I got up from my window seat. Harriet straightened my dress and adjusted the loose but proper style she had done to my hair this morning. I knew exactly what awaited me behind the heavy wooden doors. My knuckles softly wrapped against the oak. 

“Enter,” 

The gruff voice of my father echoed as I opened the door. He sat at his desk writing a letter or some other important document. “Papa, you wanted to talk to me?” I said standing near one of the many bookshelves in his study. “Yes, about your marriage.” 

“Papa. I already told you I will not marry Mr. Lee-”

“The date has been set. You will marry Lee Minho in one month’s time.”

My jaw dropped in disbelief. “Father!” He didn’t even look up from his work. “Do not ‘Father’ me. You knew this was going to happen. You will marry Mr. Lee. You will do as your told. It is your duty as a woman of this household.” What? My what?

“My duty as woman?” 

“Yes.”

“Father, I have no duty as woman. Especially to you. I will not marry a man who I do not love. It is not my duty to obey your every command!” This was when he chose to look at me. His eyes turned cold. “Y/n L/n. You are my daughter. You will do as I say!” Rage filled every inch of my body. “No! I will control my own life! I will not marry him and that is final! Times are changing. It is time you changed with them, Father!” The sound of his chair screeching against the wood floor made me flinch. “We are a family of tradition! I will not let your silly misguided modern values change our family!”

His voice boomed loud enough for the entire estate to hear. “What would mother think of this! She would never-” “DO NOT BRING YOUR MOTHER INTO THIS!” A book  flew across the room. Never the less I stood  my ground, staring straight back at him even though tears threatened to spill over my eyes. 

“I wouldn’t have to if you would just be-” 

“If you are going to continue this kind of behavior then I want you out of Whitewater until you come to your senses!” 

A silence followed; the kind that hurt. The kind you could feel- like needles plunging into your skin. Rain continued to fall on the roof and windows like bullets. 

“So be it.” 

With word I stormed out of the study and towards the door. Shouts from the staff could be heard behind me as I burst through the doors and out into the rain. “My lady! Y/n!” Carson called. My feet carried me to the stables. Grabbing a saddle and mounting the closest horse I rode out into the storm.

Finally able to let tears flow away from any eyes, I screamed. Never had I felt so much agony. My own father was shunning me. The man I admired had abandoned me and was sent to war. The man I despised was forcing me into marriage. My skin burned as harsh rain pelted against it. The wind blew through my hair pulling it loose.

Even through all this pain it felt...freeing. It felt amazing to run through the forest outside of Whitewater, thunder rolling in the air and rain showering down. My heart still wretched in pain. I missed my family, despite our arguments. Most of all I missed Mr. Han, despite our many many differences.

A loud crack boomed through the sky and a flash of white burst in front of my horse. I screamed as the horse  reared, throwing me off its back onto the forest floor. I felt a pain against the back of my head upon impact. The horse sprinted away in fear leaving me stranded. 

“Help!” I screamed into the dark. My legs struggled to hold themselves up and my vision started to become blurry. It became indecipherable what was rain or tears on my cheeks.

The world started to spin as I walked forward. I must have been ‘walking’ for hours. The cold had started to set in and the rain showed no sign of stopping. By now I was miles away from Whitewater and the closest estate was fifteen miles east.

“Help me...” 

My dress was getting heavier and heavier despite the fabric being so light before. It clung to my skin and my hair hung in dark wet strands in front of my face.  Over the thundering storm I thought I heard hoof beats through the forest. I must have been hallucinating. Not being able to hold myself up anymore, I leaned against a tree.

“Y/n?” 

Definitely hallucinating. I was even hearing his voice now. How did I remember what his voice sounded like? Exhaustion started to set in, the pain and cold making my eyes droop and my body feel even heavier. 

“Y/n? Y/n, where are you?” 

Through my blurry vision I thought I saw the outline of a horse and rider wearing a dark navy coat. “Y/n!” My strength was wearing thin. Taking a chance, that it wasn’t my imagination I pushed myself off the tree and stumbled forward. “Oh god! Y/n stay where you are I’m coming!”

Hooves pounded against the ground growing closer. My head started ti spin even more as the rider jumped off his horse and rushed to me. Before I could fall, I was taken in a pair of strong arms. The edges of my vision started to blackout, my hearing came in and out, and my body shivered trying to keep itself warm. The person clutched me to their chest and pushed the wet pieces of hair away from my face, desperation in their deep voice. “Miss L/n? Y/n, can you hear me? I’ve got you now. I’m here.”

My throat felt dry. “The Colonel...he-he didn’t write to me. I’m...I’m still waiting for his letter. I can’t leave...” The rider sighed and I tried to make out his face. “Do you know Colonel Han? He told me not to get married...so I didn’t...” The words came out in slurs but they came out nonetheless. The rider clutched my head to their chest gently. 

“I know, darling, I’m sorry.” He gently laid me on the forest floor and took off his coat wrapping it around me. “I couldn’t even though I wanted to.” Gently he picked me up as if I weighed nothing and moved over to the horse. Through my haze I heard him curse. Even in my state I knew there was no way he could get myself and him on the horse safely. 

“Stay with me, darling.” I tried to focus on the rider’s words as he tried to figure out how to get me to safety. The exhaustion won out, leaving me in the darkness. 

Colonel Han kept his head. He couldn’t panic. Not even when he saw her eyes close shut. “Damn.” His dark hair clung to his forehead as he searched for a solution. She wouldn’t last much longer. Her body was already freezing in his arms. 

His horse was too high to lift her up and Ruxfield was too far to walk. Why was she outside of Whitewater in the first place? In a storm? Whitewater. Whitewater was no more than five miles away. He could make it there. Forgetting about his exhaustion from the ride back from the front line, Jisung adjusted the woman in his arms, resting her head against his chest and his arms under her legs, he began walking all the way back to Whitewater. 

His arms and legs burned as he climbed over the last hill. He couldn’t help but smile as he saw Whitewater in the distance through the rain. “We are almost there, darling. Hold on for me.” He just had to hold on long enough to reach Whitewater. To see Y/n was alright.

With his last burst of energy, Jisung burst through the front doors of Whitewater. “HELP! I need a physician! Someone help!” Several staff including Carson rushed up to him, seeing Y/n in his arms. “Quickly, upstairs!” he said, making a path for Jisung. She shivered in his arms as he carried her down the hall and up the stairs. 

“Harriet call the physician! Tell him it’s an emergency!” A girl he had scene with Y/n before nodded and rushed to call a doctor. “Y/n! Where is she! Y/n!” Cecilia called rushing to the Colonel. “Cecilia, love, move!” Chan said wrapping the woman in his arms. “Where is Father? He should be here!” She said as they moved passed her. “Your father left for London.” Carson said. 

Carson rushed to push open the door to the girl’s bedroom. The Colonel gently placed the girl on her bed and let the staff rush around the room to help her. All he could do was watch as the only woman he had thought about for the past four months lay helpless on her bed, shivering. 

A pair of strong hands pushed him softly out of the room and into the hall. He looked up to find Chan. “Han, you are freezing.” “I am fine,” He tried to get a look back into the room, but a maid closed the door. “You need to rest. You just returned on leave.” 

“Chan I will be fine!” 

Reluctantly, the man left Jisung alone in the hall. He watched as people walked in and out of the room, rushing with towels, blankets, wet clothes, new clothes, even hot kettles. Soon a physician arrived and entered her room. It felt like hours that Jisung had waited outside her door. Finally the girl, Harriet, walked out. She jumped when he grabbed her arm.

“Give me an occupation miss-or I shall go mad.”

Taking in the man’s tired state she handed him a towel. “The doctor says Ms. L/n hit her head and has a serious case of hypothermia.” She watched as Mr. Han sighed and ran a hand through his wet shaggy hair. “Please let me do something. Anything.” All she could offer was the smallest smile. 

“You’ve done all you can possibly do. Thank you for saving my mistress.” 

With a sorrowful nod he watched as she walked away. “We would be happy to set up a room for you, sir. We would be happy to keep you updated on how the lady is doing.” He gave Harriet a kind smile. “That would be very generous, Miss. I’ll only be staying for the two nights, if that is alright. I have orders to return to the line.” With a nod, Harriet went to prepare a room for the Colonel.

During those two days, Mr. Han never left her side. He stayed by her bedside helping Harriet and Cecilia with anything they asked. One the morning of his departure he gave Cecilia the name of his personal carrier. “If there is any change please let me know. The letter will go directly to me.” She nodded and took the piece of parchment watching the Colonel leave once again.

Sunlight streamed through my window. My head pounded and my body still felt cold.  Slowly I slipped out of my bed, feet placing themselves slowly on the cool wood floor. “You are awake!” Cecilia screamed. Rushing over she practically tackled me back onto my bed. “Cecilia, the baby!” “Oh I don’t care you are okay! Thank heavens you are okay!” 

I couldn’t help but smile as she hugged me. “Chan will kill you if you hurt his child before it’s even born.” “Shhhhhhhh! Not now. My sister has returned from the dead.” Laughing she hugged me even harder. 

“Oh! I almost forgot.” She pulled away and rushed to my dresser. When she returned she had a letter in her hands. “This came for you yesterday. You have been asleep for almost a week. You needed quite a lot of rest. I don’t blame you.” She handed me the envelope with a small smile. “Wait, where are you going?” I asked as she started to leave my room. “I think I should leave you alone with that.” Something about her smile made me laugh.

My shaking hands opened the letter with my name addressed on it in rough but elegant handwriting. When I opened it the familiar smell of gunpowder and old parchment reached my nose. The same handwriting greeted me as I read the letter.

“Miss Ln,

I have written this letter many times, but have been a coward to not send it. I had hoped I would be home to say this-but it seems Napoleon has different plans than I. 

Miss L/n, I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart. There were a thousand times I wanted to write to you, but events on the front line prevented me. I would like to apologize for not getting to you sooner that day. I wish I had been there soon for you, my darling. 

I pray that by the time you get this letter you are not yet married to that insolent pitiful disgrace of a man. Though the timing may be off I have something to ask of you. Something to confess...

Miss L/n you have bewitched me- body and soul. To what time I fell so deeply under your spell, I cannot recall. I know not the hour or the spot or the words or even the look that lay the foundation. I was in the middle before I even began. What a proud fool I was. To think my stubbornness was the only thing keeping me from you.  In vain I have struggled, but it will not do. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and...love you.

It seems as if the only thing keeping me alive in this battle is the image of you smile. I would die a thousand deaths for that smile.

I have heard your father’s news of your wedding. I beg of you. Do not follow through. I hope that perhaps there is something I can offer. Miss L/n...should I return, I would like to humbly request for your hand. I know I have no right to you, nor should any man. You are the most strong woman I have ever had the pleasure and fortune of meeting, and to me it makes you the most beautiful woman to walk this earth. 

I hope to hear from you soon, my darling. Until then, I shall be fighting for the day that I do. I long for the day I am home. 

In hope,

Han Jisung”

I sat in disbelief. Colonel Han Jisung had written me a letter professing his love. He proposed... Leaving the letter on my  bed I walked to the window. The audacity. To ask me over a letter? A knock sounded at the door pausing my pacing. “Enter,” Harriet paused when she saw the look on my face. “Miss, what’s the matter.”

“Harry, I believe I have a serious decision to make.” 

 Months passed. Summer turning into mid fall. Father’s supposed wedding date for me had long passed. Each time Mr. Lee had visited Carson had turned him away. More letters from the Colonel had arrived, but they all said the same thing and soon they came to a stop. Cecilia had given birth not to long ago, to a beautiful baby boy. Chan and my sister had named the child Benjamin. 

News came that the war ended, England victorious. Soon I would be expecting a visitor. I sat in the garden with my sketchbook, drawing the few flowers that were left in the beds among other things. A certain face had popped up in the pages of my book several times. “Miss Y/n,” I looked up to see Carson walking down the pathway. 

“You have a visitor.”

A smirk fell across my lips. “Well, I believe I have been expecting him so let us not keep him waiting any longer.” With a smile, Carson returned into the house to fetch my guest. Patiently, I waited for the guest to come out and see me. I heard the sound of boots against the stone pathway and smiled.

“Good afternoon, Colonel.”

“Yes, indeed, Miss L/n.”

There was a nervous expression on his face. Once again he looked like he had just returned from active duty. His dark hair had grown a little longer and he wore the same navy overcoat again. His shirt underneath was covered in black powder and some of the buttons were undone to reveal his tan and slightly toned chest. Yes, definitely just returned. Returned with no time to change apparently. 

Quickly I brought my attention back to my sketchbook in hopes that it would hide the heat spreading on my cheeks. “Did...you receive my letters?” Self control regained, I turned my attention back to Mr. Han. “Why yes, Colonel Han, I did in fact receive several letters.”

“And you are not married...”

“No, I am not.”

The man stood perfectly still in military fashion, his hands clasped behind his back. “Well are you going to speak? You certainly did not come to Whitewater just to stare at me did you?” Shock crossed Han’s face. It was evident he had not expected me to speak to him like this. It was fun to see the stoic Colonel flustered. 

“I came to ask you response. You never wrote back to me.” I shrugged, getting off the bench. “Response? I don’t remember ever being properly asked a question.” He sighed running a hand through his hair, a habit that I had missed while he was away. “I do recall asking-” “No, Colonel Han. You requested. You, sir, never asked me anything. So why should I dignify you with a response.” 

Maybe it was the smile, or the slight twinkle in my eye, but he laughed. A sound that I had never heard from the man. It made me want to memorize every sound and feature of his face when he laughed. “Then, should I ask you properly, Miss L/n?” It was a genuine question, not of simple jest. “There is no harm in questions.” He took a deep breath and looked me in the eyes. 

“Miss L/n, will you please allow me the great honor of making you my wife?”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

His eyes widened at my quick response. “I’m sorry Colonel, but I cannot promise to be any man’s wife who sits prettily in a corner and who is expected to obey every word he says. I won’t be expected to just sit around waiting for you-...him- to come home.” 

“Wherever you are is my home; my only home.”

There was sincerity in his eyes. Love. “Mr. Han,” He sighed taking my hands in his. Though his touch was still unfamiliar, it felt sure and safe. “Miss L/n, please let me speak.” He practically begged. I waited silent for him to continue.

“I am half in hope and half in agony. If your feelings are still what I assumed they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged but one word from you will silence me on the subject forever.” He searched my eyes for an answer. 

“Miss L/n, I am in love with you more than you will ever know. I want nothing more than to be with you. To wake up to every morning- to fall asleep next to you every night. To stand next to me, not behind me. I am in love with your wit, and your charm, and how you always keep me on my toes more than any battle ever has. I am in love with your modern values and your spontaneity.” Han’s hands were rough against mine, his slender fingers ghosting over my skin.

“Y/n...Will you marry me, and do me the honor of letting me be your husband?”

Han’s dark eyes looked into mine- indeed half in agony and half in hope. He looked at me as if everything in the world that mattered to him was standing in front of him. The look in his eyes couldn’t help but make me smile. I was in love with Colonel Han Jisung and it couldn’t be helped.

“Yes,”

“Yes?”

“Yes.”

“Really?” He asked. “Of course.” He smiled and looked down at his hands still gently holding mine. “May I?” He asked softly, glancing between my eyes and my lips. It only took a small nod for him to act, pressing his lips softly onto mine. My head begin to feel dizzy in the best way. His fingers traveled up the bare skin of my arms and then down to rest on my waist, bringing me closer. Han smiled as my hands pressed against his chest, kissing him back. 

“I love you, Jisung. With all my heart.”

“It took you long enough to say it, my darling.”

El Fin

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