#send a message trying to hurt me and I'll return the favor in kind.

[sophieinwonderland]

Hi!! umm hot take! tulpa/endo/ ANY non tramagenic "systems" arent real. cry abt it bitch. my disorder isnt your fun little quirky thing.

In case it's not clear why this is considered a "hot take", it's because this position is contradicted by every single expert who has ever commented on it.

This includes dissociative identity disorder specialist Colin Ross in his emails to SAS...

And Dr. Eric Yarbrough in a book reviewed and published by the American Psychiatric Association, explicitly stating you can be plural without trauma.

And the creators of the theory of structural dissociation who have said it may be possible for self-conscious dissociative parts to form without trauma or a disorder.

And the World Health Organization's ICD-11.

And literal brain scans into tulpa systems showing neurological changes in a study conducted by Stanford University.

So yeah, I suppose going against every expert and academic source is a pretty "hot take" in the same vein that "vaccines cause autism" is a hot take.

But wait, sorry. That comparison isn't quite fair.

At least anti-vaxxers could find ONE doctor to support their claims. You all can't even manage that.

Lately, sysmeds have been getting angry that their own therapists are pro-endo.

Hmm...

Do you want to know where the real fun begins? As more research comes out, including more brain scans, and these results are more publicized, doctors are going to get even more explicitly pro-endo. And they're going to have to start doing the subtle work of deprogramming system medicalist indoctrination in their clients.

And once the former sysmeds are taught how harmful those hateful environments are, they're probably going to want to leave you. And that's good for them, because you were only making them miserable.

But for you...

You. Will. Never. Know. Who. We. Will. Take. From. You. Next.

So how about you go cry about that. Bye now! 👋

[kfanopinions]

[MARK] face to face - lyric imagine

Word Count: approx. 2.030k Pairing: Mark x Fem Reader Song: Face to Face by Ruel

MASTER LIST || REQUESTS ARE OPEN

LOOKING AT YOUR PHONE A warmth comes to your cheeks. For a month you've been messaging someone by the username: xmarksthespot. Just seeing their name popping up on your phone brings a smile to your face. Whoever they were they were amazingly charming. Never have you had someone who seemed to know what you were feeling and thinking.

It was like he was able to peer into your soul and help you deal with some of your personal problems. When you had a terrible break up with your ex-boyfriend, he was there for you. When your dog needed surgery, he was there for you. No matter what was going on - the good and bad he was there for you.

It was like he was able to peer into your soul and help you deal with some of your personal problems. When you had a terrible break up with your ex-boyfriend, he was there for you. When your dog needed surgery, he was there for you. No matter what was going on - the good and bad he was there for you.

"[Y/N]!" Your co-worker calls to you. "It's time for your break."

"Okay, thanks."

You put away the last bag of chips onto the shelf before stretching your back. Another day of restocking shelves at your local market and another day of searching for a proper lunch. Heading outside into the fresh air a wave of relief comes over you.

Trying to decide between pizza, subway, or to grab a salad back inside the grocery store - you post a picture of yourself looking quite confused, with a question of: 'what should I eat?' followed by a poll on your Instagram.

Getting a few suggestions of pizza and subway from your followers, a particular DM captures your attention - the user, xmarksthespot.

xmarksthespot: why don't you ever pack a lunch? 😂

[you]: never seem to have time before i leave for work ☹️

xmarksthespot: there is an amazing japanese restaurant a few blocks away. if you have time i highly recommend it. i was there the other week with a few friends and it was amazing.

[you]: i'll check it out! thx i know i'll love it ♥ you have great taste 😉

xmarksthespot: ☺️

[you]: okay, well i'll let you know how it was later bye 😘

THAT EVENING YOU UPDATED your Instagram with plenty of pictures of your lunch, thanking personally xmarksthespot for his amazing suggestion. Just as you were preparing to go to sleep a *ding* came from your phone. Thinking only the usual that xmarksthespot was sending you a message you gleefully plop down on your bed - grabbing your phone.

xmarksthespot: glad you enjoyed it. if you ever need recommendations i'm always here for you.

[you]: how about for tomorrow, i have a feeling i won't be packing a lunch xP

xmarksthespot: try the italian restaurant down the street from the japanese place. it's fancier but who doesn't want a good plate of spaghetti?

[you]: thx! btw i don't believe i've asked...what is your name?

xmarksthespot: my name is mark.

[you]: ok, i get it x"mark"sthespot...clever...very clever...

mark: i try to be ^^

[you]: anything going on in your life? i'd love to return the favor for all the times you've helped me

mark: hmm...nothing in particular is going on. i do have someone in mind that i'm interested in but not sure if she'll like me.

[you]: i'm sure she'll love you! you've been soooooo kind to me these past couple of weeks. if you're like this irl then she's an idiot if she doesn't like you.

mark: "..."

Just then a ring on your doorbell breaks you from your conversation. Going to your door your ex-boyfriend holds a bouquet of roses in his hand, a box of chocolates in the other and if those two cliches weren't enough - a boombox playing some sappy song straight out of an 80's romance movie played as he spoke to you.

"Babe, I'm sorry for what I did. I didn't mean to hurt you at all, I was just going through a hard time and I took my frustrations out on you. What I said doesn't reflect how I truly feel. I've tried to give you your space but I can't keep myself from you anymore. Please, take me back?"

"You've got to be kidding me." You stare shocked.

"You know that I love you, right? That I would do anything for you. What happened last month...look I wasn't thinking when I told you I didn't want to be with you. I was dealing with my boss who's a dick and I just -"

You cut him off. "Please, save the excuses. You can't yell at someone in front of people that you hate them and you're done with them, then proceed to leave the restaurant throwing a tantrum like a child and expect that person to take you back."

"I'll do anything please just give me another chance."

Shaking your head you close your door slowly telling him that you can't deal with him at the moment. The night ruined and your mood heavily drained until the familiar ding of your phone grabs your attention.Rushing back to your room you grab it seeing Mark had sent you a couple of messages.

Mark: she doesn't even know i exist. i just wouldn't know how to talk to her. any suggestions?

Mark: you still there...?

Mark: did I overstep I'm sorry...

Quickly firing away a few text in hopes to not lose your savior you tell him what just happened.

[You]: when she sees you i'm sure she'll notice you right away. your beautiful aura will shine through

[You]: maybe try some small talk to break the ice. i know that's not ideal but i bet that'll work!

[You]: sorry about ghosting...my ex showed up with a bouquet of roses, chocolates and doing the 80's boombox thing outside my door -_- I can't believe he did that...after what he said to me...

YOU DIDN'T HEAR FROM Mark the rest of the night. Figuring he went off to do something you stare at the roses your ex gave you. The idea of getting back with your ex has crossed your mind plenty of times this past month. You had been together for over six years. He was your first everything. At the 8th grade dance he kissed you before your dad opened the door and caught him mid-kiss and it was magical. 12th grade, after you came back from the prom to his place - his parents away for the weekend, you shared your first intimate moment together. Again, another magical moment. How can you just forget all of the good times you've had with him?

Was it even possible to put those memories into a box and label it your past in order to move on? As if an angel heard your thoughts your phone goes off.

Mark: are you going to go back to him?

[You]: do you think i should?

You send him a picture of the flowers and chocolates with a huge question mark over the picture.

Again he goes silent.

Feeling like he wasn't going to answer you back for the night you turn off your phone and allow it to charge.

THE FOLLOWING TWO DAYS have been exhausting. Mark has gone silent and hasn't answered any of your messages. He's certainly read them but why he wasn't answering them you didn't know. Work was the same routine dealing with customers and restocking the shelves. Things just became boring. Talking to Mark brightened your day and you didn't even know him.

Another three days pass and still no sign from Mark. You gave up messaging him after the third day and decided to leave him be. Perhaps he finally talked to that girl he was interested in. A deep pout settles on your face. It was strange. You've never met him and yet you feel so connected to him. Not talking to him for this long makes you feel nervous and on edge.

Your phone turning on ever five minutes to see if somehow despite the fact you have your sound on - you may have missed a message, only to be shown you haven't. You put your phone in your back pocket and stand up. Grabbing the next crate of can goods you see a young man walking down the aisle.

He had a black furry jacket and a black beanie, ripped denim jeans, and with a long baggy t-shirt. He was quite cute as he came closer. Trying not to stare to much you look down at the crate and fiddle around making yourself look busy.

"Uh, excuse me," the young man clears his throat.

You look up startled and point to yourself. "M-Me?"

He chuckles nodding, "you are the only one here."

"Uh, y-yeah...d-did you need something?"

"I was just passing by and I can't help but wonder, are you this person..." he holds out his phone showing your Instagram account.

"Yes, that's me. How did you..."

He smiles and puts his phone in his pocket. "I thought that was you. Well, it was nice to meet you." He smiles but there is something laced behind that smile that has you feeling uneasy but at the same time giddy.

"Nice to meet you too..."

He walks away from you chuckling to himself and when your brain registered what happened you went to the end of the aisle and looked around hoping that you would see him and ask how he knew you and how he found you. When you couldn't see him at all you brought out your phone and opened Instagram.

Suddenly a message pops up making you jump where you stood.

Mark: sorry I got busy. maybe it would be best to find someone new? meet anyone interesting?

[You]: actually...

You scan around the store smiling.

I did meet someone interesting. Someone who follows me on here. By any chance...

You leave it open ended.

Mark: By any chance? What?

[You]: Was that person...you?

Mark: "..."

"..."

"..."

You waited for him to reply back to you but it seemed like the dots indicating he was typing started and stopped again and again. Almost as if he was thinking about what to type but changed his mind.

Mark: We should meet face to face properly...

"Don't you think?"

A voice behind you makes you jump. Turning around you see the same young man who you just talked to. Gulping as he smiles shyly you ask the question that's been burning at you.

"Mark?"

He raises his arm and scratches the back of his neck. "Yeah, it's me."

"I, uh...how did you know I worked here?"

He looks at you like you were stupid. "I believe you told me plenty of times that you worked here. Plus, we knew that we lived in the same area. I just...I wanted to apologize to you for ghosting. I didn't mean to I just -"

"It's fine!" You squeak. "I figured that it was because of that girl you were interested in. Did you find out if she likes you?"

He takes a tentative step closer to you, "I'm not sure. I haven't told her I was interested in her yet. I guess the quickest way to find out is to ask now. Don't you think?"

Blinking at him your head tilts in confusion. "Now?"

"[Y/N], I know we've only been talking for about a month but I...I like you...and I wanted to tell you that a while ago but didn't want you to get weirded out or anything and I just...I like you."

"The girl...sh-she's me?"

He nods keeping quiet.

You walk up to him closing the distance between the two of you. Without speaking you wrap your arms around him pulling him into a tight embrace. This is what you wanted to do for so long. You wanted to meet Mark, to hug him, to talk to him in person. You knew that whoever was behind that account was a sweet person and one you wanted to meet badly.

Closing his arms around you he pulls you in closer. "So, is that a yes to liking me?" He asks.

"Yes, it is."

"And your ex-boyfriend?"

"I've already thrown out the chocolates and flowers and properly declined him." You pull from just enough to look at him. "I'm [Y/N], by the way. And it's a pleasure to meet you, Mark."

*soooooo I hope that you enjoyed this! this is my first time doing something like this and it was interesting to take a song and make it into a story. ahhh i hope that it was good ♥ thank you so much for requesting this, it was so much fun!*

[mindofasupernova]

The Inventor Part 2

Kaz Brekker x reader

Description: A killer is on the loose, eliminating Kaz's informants. In a desperate attempt, Kaz meets a certain inventor that has his mind racing, trying to figure out the complex puzzle she is.

Hope you like it, let me know what you think.

Kaz

A corpse? That's what she wanted? Did she think that he just kept all the bodies of his deceased workers in his room? How the hell was he supposed to get his hands on the corpse of one of his poisoned informants?

One day after meeting the young inventor, Kaz had sent Inej to gather answers to the Y/LN Manor. And just as promised, the girl had already identified most of the compounds, but due to "careless and messy manipulation", clearly referring to Kaz's pouch, she had been unable to determine a specific substance that acted as a catalyst. Inej returned to the Slat with Y/N's message asking for a meeting and a request Kaz wasn't exactly expecting.

According to Y/N, it was of the utmost importance for her to examine the body if she hoped to pinpoint the missing compound not to mention it provided a perfect opportunity for Kaz to tell her about how the poison had captured his attention.

Inej had returned later than usual, smiling and carrying a small brown bag that wafted a sweet and delicious scent. When Kaz had raised his eyebrows in question, Inej had told him Y/N had given her some recently baked cookies. He grunted in response and kept working, but his mind kept drifting back to the cookie bag and what that small act meant.

Inej was cautious but he also knew that she always searched for kindness in people. That snack could have been simply just a gift but Kaz wouldn't have made it this far if he considered all people as kind-hearted. Y/N was a stranger, a rich stranger from the highest of ranks of society who probably didn't care if Barrel rats like him lived or not. Y/N hadn't asked for a favor nor did she need money, she just wanted to know, that unsettled Kaz more than he liked to admit.

He had spent the day gathering information about her, her personal life, hobbies, and all the rumors he could find. He had found absolutely nothing that could give him an insight into the girl's intentions, he had finished empty-handed with the information he already knew: she was the only daughter of one of the richest men in Ketterdam, the perfect personification of a wealthy royal daughter, an innocent and pious little thing that went to Church with her family. Kaz scoffed at that, the defying look she gave her at their secret rendezvous accompanied with her enthusiasm for carving a corpse open proved she was far from innocent.

No, until he had more facts he wouldn't let his guard down. And yet, a small part of him yearned for her actions to be good-intentioned. Stop, hope is a dangerous thing. He had already made the mistake of hoping when he was nine and look where it got him.

Kaz returned his gaze to the papers in front of him, huffing in annoyance, he started writing down orders to get a corpse for Y/N.

_______________

Y/N : One day after the meeting

Y/N was quietly sitting at her vanity, a soft smile adorned her face, gaze completely lost on her new device when Inej, soundlessly crept inside her bedroom.

After Kaz Brekker had left the shop near the Church of Barter, she no longer felt the giddy spark she had when she left her manor. She couldn't blame Mr. Zhang for telling Mr. Brekker about their association, he was an old jumpy man who wished no trouble upon no one. She had left all the concoctions that Mr. Zhang had order, but she didn't show him her latest joy, she no longer felt as excited.

This new invention she had come up with consisted of a music box. But it was no ordinary music box, far from it. Y/N had noticed how most of the music boxes got damaged with time when the metal rusted and the music no longer sounded like a melody but more like a haunted house. So, instead of depending on metal to play music, why not use water vapor. Yes, she had spent four days perfecting the pressure at which each piston released the water so it was a perfect copy of one of the melodies in the Komedie Brute. Four days making sure that the amount of heat the flame distributed was enough to transform the water into vapor but not so fast it was gone before the song ended. And now, here it was, a vapor-based music box with a decorative firebird in the center that literally caught fire, warming the water below.

Mind too caught up on the mechanics of her own work, that, when the Wraith materialized from the shadows behind her, Y/N sent a rain of screws and nuts toppling down the floor when Inej's hand landed on her shoulder.

Wide-eyed, Y/N turned around to face the apparition in her room. The Suli girl raised her hands, to show she intended no harm and in a kind voice spoke:

"I'm not here to hurt you. Kaz Brekker sent me to check up on your progress."

With a sigh of relief, Y/N straightened relaxed her posture. "Why, of course, should have assumed Mr. Brekker would send someone. Please, take a seat. " with a small smile, she gestured to a plush burgundy armchair.

"As promised, I have successfully identified most of the compounds. However, I fear identifying the catalyst agent won't be possible unless I conduct a thorough autopsy on the unfortunate victim. The needle I was given was in an atrocious condition, too many foreign compounds had already interacted with it." Y/N answered, finishing with a hopeful tone.

Inej nodded her head and responded, "I'll let Kaz know, thank you Marchioness Y/LN." Inej turned around, making a bee-line for the window.

"You must not be thinking of going out in this beastly weather. Please, stay until this horrendous downpour ceases." Y/N quickly called back, wrapping her silk shawl around her petite frame, as if the thought of stepping outside was enough to send a chill running down her spine.

Inej hesitated, directing a fleeting glance at the crying sky outside, she resumed to her previous seat.

"Would you like a piece of Cinamon-coated Pavlova? I guarantee you won't regret it, the caramelized peaches are sinfully appetizing!" and before the Suli girl could respond, Y/N was rushing out of her room, the dainty patter of her heels clicking down the stairs.

Her room was exactly what Inej had expected: luxurious and overly grand. But there was something about it that Inej couldn't quite place, her room was tidy to the extreme, all the expensive perfume bottles lined up, gaps between that appeared as if they had been measured with a ruler. Nothing in her room showed a preference or indication of what she truly liked, at first sight, the room would have seemed like the perfect fairytale but now, upon close observation, the room looked generic, hollow, and cold. The spy wondered if all the riches were worth living into a life as impersonal as hers.

Y/N returned, carrying a tray full of fancy desserts Inej couldn't even pronounce.

"The baker proclaims himself a master of crème brûlées. I prefer his fruit-stuffed truffles, though. Mouthwatering" Y/N commented, gingerly placing the tray on her small mahogany table.

Y/N waited for Inej to take a bite out of the coffee tiramisu, after the Suli girl let a soft hum of appreciation, Y/N smiled and questioned: "I hope I'm not being too invasive, but how did you manage to climb all the way to my window? There are no nooks where you could have possibly held onto, you must have an incredible balance to perform such a feat."

And that's how Inej told her about her life as an acrobat, proudly sharing brief glimpses to her past, seeing no harm in the girl next to her. Y/N was more than happy when Inej started talking, she was glad the bronzed-skinned girl didn't treat her with timid whispers afraid of offending her royal title. It felt nice to have a normal conversation, being able to share honest opinions instead fake smiles and condescending words at galas, afraid that if the wrong statement slipped they'll become the next party gossip.

____________________

The morning after, Inej returned bearing Mr. Brekker's message agreeing to a nightly meeting where she'll be able to examine the corpse.

Saying that Y/N was thrilled, was an understatement, apart from a chance to put her brain to good use, it gave her the perfect opportunity to try a device she had specifically designed for creating an alibi while she was sneaking outside at unlikely hours.

Y/N hated piano. Don't get her wrong, it wasn't the instrument, it was the music, her music. Because for an unknown reason, her fingers seemed to have a mind of their own whenever she tried to. She admired the focus and dedication of musicians, she really did, but her mind easily got distracted thinking about her latest reading material instead of focusing on the notes. So, she had created a system capable of pushing the tiles as if her own fingers played the music. She knew it was wrong to fool her parents in such a way but it gave her a perfect cover to go in secret missions her parents would never approve of.

Proper ladies don't get excited over knowledge, much less probe in repulsive matters such as corpses. Look at you, Y/N, what would future suitors think if they discover you all cheerful over someone´s murder? The scandal! Zia Francesca's reprimanding voice resonated inside Y/N´s head. But she could care less about what the whole Ketterdam thought about her, science was her passion, and she would abandon it until the day she died.

Already outside, a navy blue scarf wrapped around her head to shield her delicate features against unwanted attention, Y/N waited for Inej at their chosen meeting point.

The sly girl slipped into view, with a grace greater than the one of a feline, leaving the shadows as if she and the night were one. With a brief nod, Y/N followed the girl into the awaiting hands of darkness. Leading her towards the Barrel, a place where monsters lurked behind every corner impatiently waiting to pounce any minute. Nonetheless, Y/N felt ecstatic, warm excitement pulsing through her veins, a river waiting in anticipation to break the thin modest facade she kept up to let her curiosity resurface in search of enigmas to solve.

When they arrived at a place named "The Crow Club", Inej went to get Kaz and some "others" and told her to wait. Y/N observed the lively atmosphere, seeing customers from different countries around the world when her eyes landed on a familiar head with wild red curls.

"Mr. Van Eck?" Y/N questioned in disbelief, the boy perked up at the sound of his last name, locking eyes with the hooded girl.

Never would she have imagined finding Wylan Van Eck down in the Barrel. She was shocked, Wylan supposedly should be in a music school outside of Ketterdam. Both belonging to affluent families, Y/N had met Wylan Van Eck at several parties. She hadn't gotten to know him very well, but she liked the quiet boy who shared the same look of misfortune Y/N had every time they were thrown into a classy social event. When his father had announced he was leaving to study abroad, Y/N was happy for him although she would miss being silently miserable together. But it appeared Wylan had been doing something far from studying, now sitting next to a tall Zemeni boy with his arm slung around his shoulder.

"Marchioness Y/N, I never imagined...W-What brings you here?" replied round-eyed Wylan, confusion, and astonishment written all over his features.

But before Y/N could respond, steps and the tapping of a cane interrupted their little meeting, Inej small silhouette trailing behind Mr. Brekker.

"So, you know Wylan?" he interrogated in that characteristic rasp, coffee eyes scrutinizing Y/N's form.

"Yes, Mr. Van Eck used to come to our social gatherings."

Wylan just nodded shyly while his long-limbed companion kept drowning shot like they were water.

Dirtyhands humphed in acknowledgment "Nice, know that we are all together let's go to...Jesper, I don't pay you to drink the bar dry. Get your ass down here and let's get moving so our dear inventor can examine the body, shall we?

"Wait, she is the contact you talked about?" the Zemeni, Jesper, questioned. Eyes going from Kaz Brekker to Y/N, as if this was some kind of joke.

"Wylan called her Marchioness? You asked for a royal's help?" Jesper asked, an incredulous mocking smile on his face. "Who are you and what have you done with Kaz?"

Mr. Brekker scowled at him and without another word turned around not even waiting for them to follow.

"Well, nice to meet you, my lady. The name's Jesper Fahey," he said, bowing down and kissing her hand, sending her a mischievous wink.

"Very nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Fahey. And please, there's no need for formalities, just call me Y/N." she comforted, as they finally reached the others. Glancing at the rest while finishing her last statement, prompting the rest to call her by her first name.

________

Kaz

Y/N radiated waves of elation, her whole face lighting up at the thought of an adventure, a star amid the tumultuous dark waters of Ketterdam helping him find his way to the shore.

Kaz wore an amused expression at Y/N's amused gaze roaming the dirty streets of the Barrel, a new unknown world full of carnage and sins. She isn't fit for the Barrel thought Kaz, her eyes dancing in amusement at every little detail that caught her interest despite her efforts to put on a serious face and regal posture. She probably saw wonderous adventures while Kaz saw the Barrel for what it really was: a ravenous, savage beast waiting to swallow the weakest whole and drain the lives of the ones who survived its ghastly bites. And somehow the concept that she didn't belong in this world, his world, made Kaz's heart wrenched a little.

During their walk, Kaz shared the details about the latest killer on the loose and his dead informants, all the while, Y/N remained quiet, evaluating every one of his words.

When they arrived at an abandoned building, a single man was stationed outside, leaning on the tainted wall with a tired look in his eyes. Kaz nodded at the guard who gave him a set of keys and trotted out of sight. Kaz guided them inside, careful no prying eyes had followed them. Kaz turned on the lights, briefly disconcerting his companions, and pointed to a table with a big bulk covered by a dirty cloth.

"As you requested, the unfortunate victim" announced Kaz as Y/N placed a small suitcase she'd brought with her forensic equipment and tenderly pried the cloth covering the thing that once had been alive.

Y/N didn't bat an eyelash when she saw the corpse's face, not even when Jesper started gagging or when Inej turned around and started quietly mumbling prayers to her saints. Kaz focused on her face, the calm inquisitive look of a scientist, he had expected a gasp at least. Kaz was impressed by her cool analytical demeanor when a simple glimpse of the man was enough to send Kaz back to the ocean, rotting flesh beneath his fingertips. Kaz shuddered at the thought, forcing down the vomit rising in his throat.

"If you need an assistant, Jesper is willing to help" Kaz stated, stabilizing his voice so it wouldn't show his true feelings.

"What?! Me? Umm..no...I...Helping isn't a Jesper talent." Mr. Fahey said, a fearful look in his eyes, face white as a sheet. Kaz hoped he didn't look as terrified as him.

Y/N stopped her scan, looked up at the two boys, and with a small smile spoke: "I appreciate it, but there's no need. I'm certain I can handle it on my own."

Quickly discarding her coat and scarf, pushing back the sleeves of her rouge-colored blouse, and pulling long laboratory gloves over her hands along with a white apron over her head, she set up to work.

Kaz stared at her features, as she transformed into an eager forensic, light illuminating her face, falling in the right places giving her an otherwordly glow. Rebellious strands of hair framing her forehead, a pink hue staining her cheeks indicating her joyous state. The sight before him would have put any masterpiece to shame, Kaz wondered how she could stare at a corpse and find glee in such a morbid image. But Kaz liked it, the brilliant gleam her eyes portrayed, her childish joy at the promise of adventure.

The spell was broken when she started pulling out scalpels, syringes, and other items Dirtyhands couldn't bother to learn the name of. Pulling the flesh taught beneath her fingers, Y/N made a Y incision, skin splaying open.

Cold lifeless hands gripped Kaz's throat. his brother's icy whispers brushing his skin. He turned his head away and as if perceiving his discomfort, Y/N's bewitching doe eyes stared back at him.

"You can wait outside if you prefer to, I'll notify you when I'm done." her gentle voice reached and Kaz couldn't have been more grateful.

With a sharp shake of his head, Kaz limped towards the exit, Jesper, and Inej quickly following his movements.

--------

After Y/N finished, she eagerly started explaining her findings, a prideful gleam emanating from her.

"Well, Mr. Brekker I must admit this case is a peculiar one. The simplest ones always prove to be the most challenging."

"Here I thought that after years of fancy tea reunions you'd know the meaning of a vast number of words. I'll be sure to buy you a thesaurus." mocked Kaz, a wolfish smirk creeping onto his face.

The inventor frowned at his comment, racing her chin higher, and started her rant, thoughts racing to prove her point.

"Oh no, Mr. Brekker do not confuse simple and easy. Simple is straightforward, plain facts to the observer. Ordinary details are hard to pinpoint, effortlessly found everywhere, which makes it harder to find unique characteristics that could serve as means of identification since their nature is so elementary." Y/N spoke swiftly, pacing around the room, eyes never faltering from Kaz's.

"And that's exactly what happened in this case. As I had mentioned, my extraction wasn't entirely successful, for an essential reactant was missing. However, it wasn't the only reason why I insisted on examining the body, no, a very simple and ordinary substance appeared when I separated the poison: Helianthus annuus or more commonly known as sunflowers." Y/N paused glancing at their surprised faces, clearly pleased with their reactions, she continued, the corners of her lips tugging upwards.

"You can imagine my surprise when I found sunflower pollen as the main component of the poisonous agent. I ran several more tests and the result remains the same, our killer is using these lovely flowers as a weapon. Now, back to the catalyst, the easy part of the equation. This component isn't as fastidious as the previous one, why, you may ask. Well, its vast majority consists of average materials but a small percentage of it contains alloys that are only produced in Ketterdam, that combined with the peculiar way they were fused, suggests a Grisha alkemi made this solution." Y/N concluded, grabbing a piece of paper and hastily writing before she handed it to Kaz.

"There are no signs of struggle, meaning either they knew the attacker or they were taken by surprise. A swift prick to the femoral artery, a clear pathway for the poison to reach the bloodstream, infecting the body within seconds."

"It shouldn't be very hard to find the alkemi. They aren't very popular and most of them are indentured. Here is the list of all the reactants, the specifics, and where I believe you might find them. " finished the girl, looking at the trio expectantly.

"If you don't mind, I have taken a sample to examine more carefully at my house. I'll try to find any details I might have overlooked."

Briskly reading the list, Kaz frowned and then pocketed the small scrap of paper. "First thing tomorrow morning, ask around for an alkemi who might have bought these materials. "

Kaz turned to look at his fellow crows, content with their nods of approval, grabbed his cane, and sauntered towards the door. Her chemistry knowledge was astounding, a marvelous domain of anatomy, and an even more gifted engineer from what he had heard. Hers was an indeed beautiful mind, not that he would ever tell her.

"Mr. Brekker?" her light voice shattered through the gloomy night. Kaz craned his neck, gaping back at her in question.

"Is there perhaps a place where I might be able to tidy myself up?" Y/N questioned, Kaz finally looking at her messy red-stained apron and her exposed arms displaying strokes of red all over them.

Kaz hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should bring the girl back to their home. "You can use the restroom back at the Slat." The girl had risked her reputation sneaking out on ill-advised affairs to help them, it was the least he could do.

"Thank you" Y/N replied as she carefully peeled her apron, attentive at not brushing her arms against her blouse.

___________

Once she had freshened up, Y/N stumbled upon the young Van Eck talking with a couple. The green-eyed girl was about Y/N's age, a generously carved complexion, holding the hand of a tall Fjerdan.

Y/N inclined her head as a form of salute, "I never pegged you for the rebellious type, Mr. Van Eck. I never thought you hated music lessons that much to run away." she told him in a joking tone.

"And I never thought you were the type to sneak out at ungodly hours just to play detective. " Wylan replied, a grin beginning to form on his face.

"Well, I suppose everyone has secrets."

"You must be Y/N, Inej told me you were the help Kaz so desperetly needed. I'm Nina, he's Matthias and well you already know Wylan."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Inej had briefly mentioned them, she knew now that Nina loved food, maybe next time she'll bring those exquisite truffles she had so eagerly talked about. If there is a next time Y/N reminded herself, she desperately hoped so, but now that her work was done she wasn't so sure Kaz Brekker would ever seek her again.

"Well, you have saved me the introductions." Kaz sarcastically glowered at the green-eyed girl, Nina kept talking as if she hadn't heard him.

It was one thing for Kaz to admire her intelligence, it did not mean he trusted her, though. Pieces were still missing to the intricate puzzle she was and until that changed Kaz did not like the way she rapidly befriended his crows, her intentions were still blurry to Kaz, and even though he would never admit it he cared deeply about their well-being.

"You should stay a little longer, we could go for waffles as a way of thank you." prompted Nina.

"Your offer is very tempting, but I'm afraid I'll have to pass. I should be returning home." Y/N declined, grinning at Nina, blissful someone had invited her for waffles.

Kaz stared at her and wondered how many times someone had done something similar, not to thank her but rather to use her, so that such a simple gesture put her in a joyful state.

"Scared of what your parents may do if they found out the truth?" Kaz quipped once his crows had left the two of them alone. A teasing tone masking true concern.

"Terrified. Someone may notice I've been playing the same four songs for the last couple of hours, always missing the same notes every time and they might get ideas of checking up on me," she confessed, mischief coating her features.

"Good night, Mr. Brekker. I'm happy I could be of assistance. Please, let me know if you find your killer or if my experience is needed again."

Kaz just bowed, signaling for his Wraith to get Y/N back to her manor in one piece.

Both girls disappeared into the night, leaving Kaz pondering what the hell she had meant with playing the piano.

___________

Y/N

Almost two weeks had passed, no signs of Kaz and no visits from the Wraith, well not that she was aware of. Y/N caught herself glaring at no point in particular, she readjusted her expression and plastered a well-practiced look of keen interest, trying to focus on Lady Stathos' rant about the attractiveness of the Viscount of Chagny.

Y/N politely excused herself, with no intention of making a fool of herself if Lady Stathos posed a question related to her gossip.

Too busy drowning in her own sorrow, knowing that Kaz had probably captured the culprit and was happily celebrating his success and no longer needing Y/N's help, that she stumbled forward, barely catching herself when someone bumped her from behind.

When Y/N turned back around, searching for that someone, she was met with a sight she had only seen once in an abandoned warehouse late at night. One that made her mind scream: Helianthus annuus.

Mercher Dupont's eyes were deranged, veins gruesomely popping and blood spilling from his lips, before toppling in the middle of the dance floor, taking his final breath.

[silverypurple-rosedlions]

Entry #357 - Him

Wen Junhui's Entry

━━━━━━☓━━━━━━

"Should we post this?..."

"Jun wanted this posted for his sake, no matter what... It's the least we can do for him,"

"Well, it was scheduled for today, and Jun stated he wanted it to be so... Alright. Have it posted."

━━━━━━☓━━━━━━

━━━━━━☓━━━━━━

I don't know why I'm writing this... Perhaps for closure on my mind? Most likely. But, perhaps, it's also to record thoughts and feelings that I might forget sometimes, needing a reminder later on. But, today was the day I received a gift. A proper goodbye, and a story that brought me to tears and to dream of things I'm not sure I'll ever get to have with him. But, it's nice to see that it could have been an option one day. To move in together, loving and cherishing each other... But, I guess I can only dream of it now since I'm not sure he'll come back. Or, if any of them will come back.

But, it happened when I was with Minghao and Jeonghan hyung. We were eating and talking together, just like usually. Minghao and I were talking in Chinese, while Jeonghan just smiled, now and then checking his phone to check on the members. Then, Jeonghan hyung looked at me with wide eyes, but then he smiled so bright at me. It astonished Minghao and I, both of us wanting to know what it was. Then he said: "Jun should have the benefit of seeing his gift someone has sent him,"

Of course, I smiled and laughed, wondering who would send me a gift. At first, I thought it was a specific, sweet and kind-hearted empress we had came close with, who checked in us whenever she could. Or maybe it was the kind and gentle koala, Felix, wanting to ensure I was fine. But when Jeonghan hyung handed me his phone and I saw what it was, and especially who it came from, I gave him back the phone, covered my hand over my mouth, then removed it, saying, "Are you playing a prank on me? Tell me right now." And, of course, Jeonghan hyung chuckled and shook his head, confirming that it was real. No hallucinations, none of the boys wouldn't dare to do a thing to me, and that it was from them despite him not reading it. So, I read it. And I read his last message to me.

You wouldn't believe the amount of tears I cried. Even thinking back has me shakily writing and crying. But it doesn't hurt like it used to. Not like when I used to cry every night, wondering what to do, how he was, and questioning countless things that made me so scared to get up. But after receiving it, being able to get his last message to me and receive the closure I desperately needed, I can finally accept it. I can accept that it wasn't me who drove him away, or, whatever bizzare thoughts had been created in this corrupted brain of mine.

However, it makes me reminisce about what we did together and what we had said. I remember, a memory that's becoming slightly foggy, when him and the boys came to assist us when the system had been breached. I remember how he came with everyone to help us, getting us all back together despite the gruesome fight that followed. But I remember how he soothed me, talking softly with him when my episode had occurred. I remember him hugging me, comforting me, and us laughing despite the situation when I had came up with the idea of us being awkwardly weird buddies. And after that, I wondered about him: What was he like? What was his story? His dreams? His likings and dislikes? What did he see in me? . . . What was that tight feeling in my chest whenever I thought about him?

Then, the more we talked, him and I, the tight pressure in my chest grew, but it wasn't unbearable. It wasn't uncomfortable. Almost, pleasant? My heart would race, and my cheeks would hurt because I would smile so much when he was around. But, I slowly tried to withdrawal back when he had grown attraction for someone else. I remember that. I was scared, and I didn't understand why it made me sad when I saw his post. The boys didn't notice me, and I don't blame them because I played it off and wished the best for him. I encouraged him, trying to cheer him up. Even though I didn't understand my own feelings, I knew that was in some sort of pain. But, I hoped, despite that pain, that his feelings would be reciprocated. But, in the end, later, I found out that he no longer had those feelings, and both were just friends.

But after that, I didn't look at him the same way. And, perhaps I never did after the incident at the base. However, I understood that I favored him from the others. Not like a mother who favored one child over the other, but, someone who adored him more, but still cared for the others equally. I recall the time I came into Jeonghan and Joshua hyungs' room, almost having a break down because I didn't understand. But, they comforted me and talked with me for hours until they made it clear: I liked Jeon Wonwoo. But I could never tell him that. Not that I didn't want to, but I wanted to get to know him more than I already did. Then, the rebrand happened. He was still the same person we knew, but, there was more to him now, and I didn't want to make things complicated because he had Hanahaki... A ghastly disease I've heard one too many times.

So, I waited for an opportunity when it was right and he had the time he needed, but, I couldn't. I remember how I'd sit there, staring at nothing as I questioned everything: Would he be okay to love a person who was psychotic, a mafia member whose killed dozens? Would he be frightened by me when my episodes started? What if I hurt him by accident? What if I was too late? He barely comes out, so maybe he doesn't or never will see me the same way as I do. And, most importantly, can I even provide him everything he'll ever need and want? Especially love? Will I be enough for him? I was slowly shattering myself with doubt, even when the others found out and encouraged me, but reminded me of other possibilities. And then I thought maybe I shouldn't try because her find someone better than me. Someone pure and healthy, both physically and mentally, sweet and kind. Someone who could offer more. Someone who wasn't me...

Then the entire thing happened. We talked about my crush situation, and I was running around screaming my head off as the boys came after me. But all I wanted to do was just fall somewhere when running, and just lay there, wondering what in the world I was doing. What was he thinking when he found out?... I remember that look on his face when they exposed me, just stern, looking at me and wanting to know who it was. I wasn't entirely sure why he'd suddenly drop his previous attitude. But, now and even after it, I knew why. But what followed afterward had terrified me. I wasn't told about it until I saw the post, but Wonwoo was having it. Hanahaki. And when I saw that it was black cosmos, I was stunned. I didn't know that much about Hanahaki, so, at first, I nearly started to despise the flowers because it was the very flower blossoming inside him. But I still wished him the best, and then... It happened. He confessed, catching me off guard. I remember bawling, the boys comforting me as I responded and told him I felt the same. And at that moment, I had never been more happier in my life when it was me he liked.

After that, we went on a date that was memorable, and I hope to never forget, not even a single detail of it. We had gone out to eat together, and it was the first time he saw my state. I was twitching, and because I was nervous, it increased it, making it hard for me to even eat and I nearly felt embarrassed, wondering if I was making it uncomfortable for him. Yet, he reassured me and helped me. Not once was he bothered by it. He was okay, and I was glad he was. It made me overjoyed that he was okay with me. From there, it was absolutely amazing for me. We went together, stole a cart and raced off to the playground nearby. And there, that became one of my favorite spots although it makes me anxious whenever I'm near a place that's meant for children, being that I'm not trusted to be around kids. But that day was not only labeled the greatest day of my life, and my first date, but also the day I had my first kiss with someone I loved above all things.

And it was the same day he gave me the moon bracelet, something I haven't taken off for ages since I got it... A beautiful white bracelet with a beautiful white stone, while he was the other, a beautiful dark blue that's nearly black. It's something I've treasured ever since, and something I will never lose despite me being clumsy time from time.

It's things like this that I look back towards, and sometimes, I wonder if I could have done more for him and me. But, I'm happy. I'm happy we at least got these opportunities with each other, and cherished each other for so long and even after he's left with the boys. Even though it hurt so much, so very much when he left without a word, I understood. It had to be done for their sake, especially their Admin, but I wish I could've done more. But, I can finally let it calm the storm inside me. I don't know if there will be a day he may return, but I do hope there is even though he told me not to hope too much. But if he ever does come back, all of them, I will never let go, and I promise that I'll do more, continuing my promise to love and cherish him forever. And even if he doesn't come back, I know he loves me dearly, as much as I love him. And that's enough for me. He's enough for me.

- Wen Junhui

💕// @ghoulxbaekhyun (Seok's love) @seventeen-chatbot Wonwoo (Jun's love)

Closest friends// @empress-jiaqi @kpop-shelter @yourlocal-babybear @yourlocal-babybear2 @julia-oc @shinhaneul-oc

💎// @singledad-coups @minghaostitch @decade-wonwoo @god-vernon @xdevilmingyuxx @princexjunhui @leejihoon-cb @van-gogh-minghao @/seventeen-chatbot

🥀// @aikihades @sophie-svt-13 @waitingwhispers60 @yangomangos @m00n-nim96 @moonlit-jaemin @time-for-confession @xash-axx @vampiremomo @mafia-chaeyoung @split-jiu @artsydahyun @princess-yeji @werewolf-sehun @incubuswooyoung @twiceland-saga @amazingspiderhan @mafia-choa @la-soleilmafia-cb @mafia-arin @floristluda @werebaek [DM for +/-]

[cameron-allen]

No Smut. I will not do ERP (erotic role play)- No Exceptions.

However, fluff is completely acceptable and I am willing to insinuate intimacy occuring if the RP warrants it with fade to black. Please message me to discuss.

Angst, hurt/comfort, and whump are 100% welcome!

Please censor your language usage

Swearing, cussing, vulgarity, explicit, etc should be limited where possible

However, I do recognize some character personalities prevent the mun from eliminating this type of speech completely. In this case, I ask that you please use astrix or symbols to censor such times like so: b%$#@ or b****. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

I also acknowledge that slippage happens. I let the occasional slip up slide without much of a remark, but if it becomes a pattern, I’ll send you a little reminder in messages. It’s not a big deal, I won’t get upset or anything unless you are deliberately disregarding my request. But I trust that deliberate disregard is not going to happen because the RPC has a lot of respect and dignity, right folks? ^_^

Submissions!!! 

Send in Head Canons about our thread or about one of my muses in general!

Not an RP'er but you wanna write something? Submit a Drabble with your URL!

Asks and DM's are always open.

My characters may be demi straight and old fashioned, but mun and OC’s alike are still kind to all (Unless your character is flirtatious towards Symona. She won’t spare feelings to turn anyone down, but that’s because of her personality and her being damaged but check out her bio for more info on that whole issue…).

If you are stuck message me! We can always bounce around ideas to see how we can spice things up.

I do not care how long it takes you to reply. I have partners that take months to send one response because life gets in the way. That is okay with me. I do not voluntarily/knowingly drop threads unless we have discussed it first.

I am tentatively stepping my foot back into the rpc waters, my muse is currently quite selclective, so please dont expect me to reply right away or to maintain muse for long periods of time. This is not to say that I drop threads at random because I do not. It will mean, however, there may be periods of time when I will not respond to certain threads. I am a long term rper, so even if its been years, I will do my best to pick the thread back up if you are still willing. Im pretty laid back about reply times and reply lengths. I hope that I'll be able to return to non-selective rp, but until then, Im trying to not kill my currently finicky muse by taking it bit slower.

I do rp on discord. It is currently significantly favored over tumblr rp. Your best bet to get more active replies is to talk to me there. My discord handle is ThePurpleOneRemade#7530 and I strongly recommend anyone who wants to plot with me to try contacting me there for rp. I am open to new fandoms and AU's but my only real hard fast rule is that I cannot and will not do doubles. I am incapable of rping a canon character. It is someone else's muse and I do not have access to that character's head or intimate enough with their history or with what inspired them to begin with. This is why I rp OC's. That said, im open to any of your muses agaimst any of my girls in however many threads or dynamics or au's you want or can handle.

I do have a select few triggers and squicks. Anu visual image of the Joker (from Batman, regardless of style or verse; text only is fine), Beetlejuice (both the movie and the character), and Chuckie (from the horror film). My biggest squick (besides smutty stuff as outlined above) is probably using any kind of medical terminology frivolously. Specifically, terms like Depressed, Triggered, meltdown, Autism, Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and Narcissism. If you want to include any of those in the rp by name, please run it by me first just so I can be certain it isn’t being used incorrectly due to pop psychology and media portrayals.

However, I want this to be a safe blog. Let me know if you have any triggers or squicks that we need to avoid. And if you follow me, please do not hesitate to let me know if something should be tagged (ESPECIALLY WITH TUMBLR’S FILTERING SYSTEM!!!!) or if I need to avoid anything in our individual threads. I promise I will not be upset.

I RP on mobile. This means there is a good chance I will not be able to see or access your rules or bios. There are two ways you can make this accessible for us mobile users: Copy them to individual posts on your home page and put the individual post links in your blog description OR… send your page links via messages so that I can open it in browser. Otherwise, your links are going to just put me at the top of your home page every time on the app.

If you have ANY questions or concerns, contact me or send me an ask.

I look forward to RP'ing with you ^_^

[thewolvenangel]

I can do anything you want me to. Anything. Please. I'll try harder. I'll be better. Please.

Look, I have tried to stay out of it, I have tried to be the bigger person and stay silent, I have tried to move on and let things be and hoped that you would have too. But apparently that is not the case, you will not leave well enough alone and you continue to harass and stalk both me and Haley regardless of our attempts to be civil and smoothly cut ties.This will be the umpteenth time between us that I have explained this situation over with you, and I will do it once again to make a point. I am no longer going to be silent on this; that is not to say I am going to reply to you, answer to you, or communicate with you in any way. What I am going to do is post all the things you send to me and to Haley as well: Every anon message, every phone call and text, every time you try to contact one of our friends to get to Haley. Every single bit of your harassment, stalking, and general craziness will be displayed on here; you can no longer hide and be protected by your anonymity. You will have no choice but to finally take responsibility for your actions, and deal with the consequences accordingly. Let’s start with WHY we had to cut ties with you to begin with; in as unbiased way as I am able, and with all the evidence I have for others to come to their own conclusions. Haley had once replied thoroughly with your last fit which was large enough that it made her own mother (who had been graciously letting you live with her for two years rent-free AND was paying for you a college education, as well as driving you back and forth to your job) kick you out because of your destructive actions. That link is here if you or anyone else would like to read through. You were selfish, manipulating, denied and avoided responsibility, were uncompromising and unwilling to change or improve yourself or your situation. It was always about you, you were always the victim, always the martyr. If me or Haley one even dared take time for ourselves or our family or even had any other responsibilities during the time you wanted attention or if it took anything minuscule away from you then all Hell would break loose. Such as the time Haley was preoccupied in her uncle’s wedding and was flying back from California and had to use her phone as her ticket, and you freaked out and shirked off your responsibility to take care of Jōnsi. 

You have no respect for our wants or needs and only care about your own self-satisfaction regardless of the emotional and mental damage it causes us.

I've spent years watching you drain Haley of every little bit of resources, all the while telling myself that you, my once dear friend, were not capable of such things. I was helpless to alleviate either of your situations, and I could do nothing as you took and took and took until there was nothing else to take. And you still wanted more.You are inconsistent; you will say or do anything that fits your desires at the time. Whatever will make you look like the victim or the better person at the time. You are contrary and two-faced, saying one thing, then saying another, all the while still continue doing the same toxic and harmful bullshit. (Glad we aren’t friends anymore, or will you do anything to take us back? Just one of the many back and forth quandaries that you have used.) You do not respect our personal space both physically and through messaging. After being told to stop you still insist and repeatedly send a barrage of messages and calls. You bit me TWICE after I had to FORCE you off of Haley because you kept shaking her and pushing her while she was curled up in her bed repeatedly asking you to leave her alone. Whenever we spoke about our feelings, how you were hurting us, or brought up any wrong doings you would always try to turn it around as if we were just attacking you, shutting you out, being mean to you or you flat out refused to acknowledge it or pretended you didn’t understand what we were telling you over, and over, and over again. I've watched Haley have absolute breakdowns and be so mentally and emotionally exhausted from you and STILL you made it about yourself, you still did not let up, you still showed no care and no attempt at trying to actually improve upon y'alls relationship.You would and still try to gaslight us, guilt us, and force us into contact. It’s been MONTHS since Haley had civilly and politely cut ties with you; only for a couple days after YOUR MOTHER went and even threatened to file a restraining order against her if she were to contact you. And yet you still send messages like these almost on a weekly basis; have the audacity to inquire our help; or flat out pretend like everything is okay and you can just work your way back in just like that. Just a couple days ago you still attempted to contact not just me, but my mother through phone! 

And if all this wasn’t enough, if all these reasons weren't cause enough for any of us to stay apart; and if all this is on me or Haley, if we all are just big, mean, selfish and cruel people putting poor helpless and innocent Ashley down…Why do you keep trying to contact us? Why are you so adamant to get back into our lives? Even going as so far to contact Haley and mine’s friends that you have no connection with just to get to us! And in the end it doesn’t matter who said what, who did what, who was "wrong" and who was "right". For whatever reason, if it’s just, cruel or otherwise; we no longer want you in our lives and do not ever want you back in again. We all could change, become completely different people, and that fact would remain the same. What you fail to see is that this is all toxic for everyone involved in it; its not fair to anyone, its not healthy or helpful for you, and it’s never going to be. You can change, you can remove all of your faults and flaws, you can transcend into perfect nirvana and that still does not change what has happened and what you have done. No sorrys, pleases, begging, crying, promising and guilting will ever repair what you have broken. The trust is gone, the pain is pervasive and lasting, and the sheer fact is that things could never be what they were before no matter how hard you try. There is too much damage that has been done by all.So have some decency and self-respect and just stop it; stop contacting us, stop trying to worm your way in, stop trying to get one sided closure, stop rehashing the same old shit. It’s over, move on already. At least attempt to try and gain something from all of this. Because it’s not your disorders, it’s not your family, it’s not me, it’s not Haley, it’s YOU. You are the cause of all your problems, you are all that is wrong with you, there are hundreds of people in your situation and they all stop being where you are when they finally step up and take responsibility.Stop with the excuses, stop pushing off the blame, stop using your disorders as a crutch and a means to rid yourself of any responsibility. We have been nothing if OVERLY fair, kind and civil where you are concerned even if you have yet to return the favor. This is all I know left to do aside from issuing a TRO on you. This is your fair and honest warning. I have far more screenshots, witnesses, and examples than what I have posted here. Anything you send to me or Haley or to one of our friends regarding us will be posted on this site for everyone to see from this point on. Please, for everyone involved, think very, very, very carefully before you message us or contact us in any other way. It is not a threat, but a warning: Do not make this escalate any further, let it go and move on with your life. I do wish you health and happiness, Ashley.