#wct

[fireyfobbitmedicine]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

source is political.plushies on insta

other boycotts

[ameliaenya707]

We Cry Together

Chapter 1

Leave your message at the beep

Your leg bounced anxiously as you huffed. Sitting on the couch of you and Hawks shared apartment. It was your one year anniversary and you had kissed him goodbye this morning, telling him to have a good day at work and him in turn promising to be home later in the evening to take you to dinner. You booked reservations and everything, yet now he was turning up cold. In the many hours you took to get ready and dolled up for him, you sent little “I love you” and “Hope your day is going well baby! <3” texts to him every so often. All of which had been promptly left on delivered. But you tried your best not to think too deeply into it, simply sucking in a breath and powering on with your makeup. It was now, when you were completely ready and sitting on the couch that you grew nervous. He was supposed to be home at six but it was nearing a half hour past and there was still no sign of him. You looked up at the ceiling, keeping your head tilted back and blinking away tears that you didn't want to smudge your hard work. He wouldn't bail today. It was your anniversary, there was no way he'd flake on you today of all days. Or…

You were always incredibly understanding of his position. Granting him grace, accepting his many apologies when he didn't show up for something due to work running late. He had missed your birthday due to a high priority case he was working on. And you tried to hide the sting. Tried to hide the puffiness of your face and your bloodshot eyes when he came home. Pretending it was fine. That you didn't need any acknowledgement because his job was top priority. Because it was. You knew when you started dating him that his job would always be more important than you. But that didn't stop it from getting to your head.

And now you pace the living room. Your heels clacking against the wood flooring as you hold your phone on speaker in front of you. Getting the same five automated words over and over again.

“leave your message at the beep,”

You would exit out and recall him. Everytime still holding out hope that he'd pick up. But he never did. And soon it was seven. And then eight. And then you found yourself crying on the floor of the bathroom, having gone to wash of your makeup and the disappointment rushing over you at once. Flooding your senses with meaningless thoughts that only made you feel worse about yourself. Because no matter how many times he called you special, and the only one, as he fucked into you chasing relife, you knew it wasn't true.

If you were so special why wasn't he here, you think.

If you were so special why would he bail on a day so important to both of you, you think.

Maybe it was just a lie all boyfriends told their girls to keep them complacent. To keep them quiet. To keep them down.

And then once the frustration and disappoint wave calmed something else washed over you. Rage. Or how you justified it, “a new found self respect”. You huff as your tear off your heels, leaving them strewn on the bathroom floor as you stand. Catching a glimpse of your tear stained face in the mirror out of your peripheral. Eyeliner and mascara smudged into the same existence, their new purpose being to make your eyesight as fucked as possible as some of the black found it's way into your eyes. The deep scarlet lipstick he had bought you, now smudged far from your lips and onto your right cheek. You almost choked on another sob but moved through, storming to the bedroom and pulling out your luggage. One Hawks had bought you when he planned to take you to Paris, a trip that was interrupted by his work like it always was.

You hurriedly shove all the clothes you wished to keep in the luggage, along with other personal belongings you moved in that weren't so easily purchasable anymore. As you shoved a framed picture of you and him under your clothes you realized you didn't even know where you would go. Maybe your parents would let you be with them while you got back on your feet? You dammed yourself for ever becoming financially dependent on him in the first place. Just as you were zipping up the suitcase you heard the front door swing open accompanied by Hawks’ voice.

“Dove, I'm so sorry, I swear I got held up at wo-”

“Fuck you Hawks!” You yell from the bedroom, cutting off the lousy, overused, excuse he was about to make like he always did. You huffed when you heard his footsteps near the bedroom.

“Baby, I'm so sorry I-...what's with the packed bags baby bird?” You watched his face fall as his gaze landed on your packed suit case. You swallowed down the bile rising in your throat, an eternal nausea stirring deep in your stomach.

“I can't do this anymore Hawks…I'm leaving you…no buts or waits either. I. Am. Done. With. This.” you felt anger take over you again, punctuating your words with a jab to his broad chest. You almost folded when his amber eyes met yours but you had to remind yourself why you were mad at him in the first place.

“Like hell you are, you're not fucking leaving babe, just take some time to think please.” his hand grabbed your wrist, his grip tight. Something unrecognizable in his eyes.

“I'm not playing these fucking games anymore, you don't fucking care about me. You don't care about us” you choked out a sob, giving him a light shove, but he stood unmoving. You decided to continue before he spoke, “You know how I fucking know?! I called you FIFTY TIMES HAWKS! ALL MY TEXTS WERE LEFT ON DELIVERED. YOU WERE SO LATE WE MISSED OUR ENTIRE DATE!” You scream. And it felt good. To get everything out. But you felt yourself getting more frustrated when he stood there seemingly unfazed, admittedly not giving you the reaction you wanted or expected.

You huff, grabbing the handle of your suitcase. “Oh, and by the fucking way. You should probably set up your voicemail properly. So the next bitch you stand up can leave you a proper message about how fucking shitty you are.”

The door slammed behind you when you walked out. But the feeling of unease never left.

Why didn't he fight for you?

Beg you to stay like always?

Something heavy weighed on your chest.

You felt it.

1.2k words

Chapter 1

Yan!Keigo x reader

Other chapters

[shuuenka]

disaster trio chibis done

[midnight-in-town]

1- you are literally so smart I just went through post after post of yours

2- We know that reapers will (probably? I can’t imagine they won’t) give back a soul eventually for someone that “deserves” to live, any theories on if we’ve met that person yet and who it would be? :)

Hey Anon ! Aww, thank you for reading and for your kind words ! ^3^

About your question, it's actually a fairly interesting one. For those who don't understand, Anon is talking about what William explained in ch35 :

And so far, we indeed had no example of this process in the story, meaning that it will probably happen at a very significant moment.

Long ago, my friends @dorkshadows, @thedarkestcrow and I had this theory called "the Worthy Ciel Theory" or WCT (here's the tag). Long story short, this was the theory we believed could explain all the hints that ended up being confirmed by the 2CT (2 Ciels theory).

Dorky-chan and I still believe it is relevant to the plot today, except that it won't be to explain the past but rather to envision as a possible future, because it is hella cool. So basically, if anyone's going to be "judged worthy" we believe it could be our!Ciel because :

he's more selfless than a lot of characters despite having this horrid view of himself [x] [x] [x]

he (doesn't really know it yet but) is ready to thwart Queen Victoria trying to launch WWI 25 years early

he's kinda the chosen one, aka the one who will probably put an end to the cycle of revenge that his family has been cursed with for several generations

So maybe Shinigamis will interfere if John Brown (who's most likely a demon) + Victoria defeat our!Ciel initially or when Seb decides to eat our!Ciel's soul when he dies. Maybe.

If not our!Ciel, the only other characters I see being judged worthy are either Lizzie or Soma, because both represent the highest chance our!Ciel has to finally figure out that maybe he wants to break the contract he made with Seb. [x] [x]

That's my take on it. :) Thanks again for the kind words Anon and have a nice day !

[cryingforcrocodiles]

free me from the shackles of mason mount defending i have a brand and he is imposing on it

[shuuenka]

in my feels about my ocs, so here we are

bit of a delay in posting it oops but lmao whatever

[anjujhaq23]

A Comprehensive Tour of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Nestled in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an archipelago of breathtaking beauty. With their turquoise waters, lush greenery, and pristine beaches, these islands have become a sought-after destination for travelers seeking an escape into nature's embrace.

 In this article, we will embark on a virtual tour of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, delving into the wonders that make them a perfect getaway. Additionally, we will explore the various Andaman tour packages and Andaman Nicobar tour package  that cater to different preferences and budgets.

Introduction to Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

Comprising 572 islands, the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago is known for its rich biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and a captivating blend of cultures. The capital, Port Blair, serves as the gateway to this tropical paradise. As you set foot on these islands, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the locals and the promise of an unforgettable experience.

Must-Visit Destinations:

Cellular Jail: Begin your journey by visiting the historic Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Built during British rule, this jail stands as a symbol of India's struggle for independence. The Light and Sound show narrates the poignant tales of the freedom fighters who were incarcerated here.

Radhanagar Beach: Awarded as Asia's best beach, Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is renowned for its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. It's the perfect spot to unwind and witness a mesmerizing sunset.

Neil Island: For those seeking tranquility, Neil Island is a hidden gem. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning coral reefs, it offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Andaman Tour Packages:

To make the most of your Andaman experience, consider opting for a well-structured Andaman tour package. These packages often include accommodation, transportation, and guided tours, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable vacation.

Andaman Adventure Package: Ideal for thrill-seekers, this package includes activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, and trekking. Explore the underwater world of vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Andaman Family Package: If you're planning a family vacation, choose a package that caters to the needs of all family members. From child-friendly activities to comfortable accommodations, these packages are designed to create a wholesome family experience.

Luxury Andaman Tour Package: For those who prefer a touch of luxury, there are packages that offer premium accommodations, private transportation, and exclusive experiences. Indulge in the finest aspects of Andaman's beauty while enjoying personalized services.

Andaman Nicobar Tour Packages:

Extend your journey to the Nicobar Islands, which are relatively less explored but equally captivating. Andaman Nicobar tour packages often combine the best of both worlds, providing a comprehensive exploration of the entire archipelago.

Andaman Nicobar Honeymoon Package: Celebrate your love amidst the natural beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These packages are designed for couples, offering romantic experiences, private accommodations, and secluded beaches.

Andaman Nicobar Cultural Package: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the islands with a package that focuses on local traditions, cuisine, and arts. Visit indigenous communities and witness their unique way of life.

Customized Andaman Nicobar Package: Tailor your experience by choosing a customizable package that allows you to select specific destinations, activities, and accommodations. Create a journey that aligns with your preferences and interests.

Conclusion:

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with their pristine landscapes and diverse experiences, offer a vacation like no other. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast, a nature lover, or a couple seeking a romantic retreat, these islands cater to all.

 Consider the convenience and benefits of Andaman tour packages and Andaman Nicobar tour packages to ensure a seamless and memorable exploration of this tropical paradise.

 Embark on a journey that promises not just a vacation but an immersive experience in the lap of nature's wonders.

[cryingforcrocodiles]

blonde and slightly less blonde

[the-dye-stained-socialite]

The Red-Handed Queen

You can do anything... except scrub this gore from your hands

Naturally, I had to have a go at making a design for her! Her dress is based off of 1860s ballgowns, while having some medieval inspired elements! Her crown is made of rosegold, and she wear the jewels seen in the Appalling Socialite's Parabolan Campaign with the chessboard!

[twoa-plus]

dissecting stanford pines and finding organs that don’t exist but like in a metaphorical way

that’s it that’s the title i’m going with. this is a long one folks o7

most of this isn’t sourced or canon at all it’s just personal interpretation/headcanon/whatever else u wanna call it, but!! since more people are seeing my deranged gravity falls ramblings now i figure i should probably give some perspective as to why i like/defend ford as much as i do

(in my other gf posts i do try to stick to canon to back up whatever point i’m making - this is just about my personal opinion of ford as a character, and should be able to be thrown out in regards to my other posts)

so for some background/setup/whatever (it’s important i promise bear with me), different people have different instinctual responses to anxiety/stress. i come from a family (genetics are fun) where the default response is to start (metaphorically ofc) biting and hissing like a cornered animal. this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s any actual hatred or malice or anything towards the people that end up getting scratched - they might just be at the wrong place at the wrong time, they might’ve done something super minor and insignificant that added on to a preexisting pile of stress, etc etc

i cannot stress enough that i am not saying this is ok. you dont need me to tell you that hurting people who don’t deserve it is a bad thing, lol. what i am saying though is that sometimes people can kind of suck for reasons other than just genuinely wanting everyone around them to be miserable

this is the last “background” part i swear BUT another thing thats less genetic and more just me being weird is that i’m the type of person where like. any minor environmental change can really stress me out lol. like even just reorganizing my desk can be pretty emotionally taxing

SO. finally back on topic. stanford pines. i see a lot of the behavior/patterns i just described in him. like i’ve spent my entire life around people like this, and while i understand why a lot of people see him as just some asshole, i can’t help but see him as a guy who’s just kinda going through it lol

just talking about the more recent events as of the series, he’s just spent 30 years god knows where doing and seeing god knows what, he has an abusive ex who wants to murder him and his entire family (plus the whole dimension, really), and in the three decades he’s been gone the entire world - including his own house - has changed and left him behind. add onto that that he went missing in 1982, way before we had all of the emotional/mental health resources we have now, we all saw what the stans’ childhood was like, and that ford is terrible with people - including, imo, himself. if there’s anybody out there who would have Feelings and not understand what they are or where they’re coming from or what to do about them, it’s this guy

this entire setup is the perfect circumstance for fear and anxiety and stress and uncertainty to all get translated into anger. a really big example of this, to me, is how he talks about dipper in journal 3. i’ve talked about this before somewhere so i’ll try to summarize as fast as i can lol

reading his initial entry about dipper would make u think he like. hates this kid lol. but i really don’t think he ever did - he was really excited to meet the kids in the show and already seemed to care about them just by virtue of existing, and his opinion on dipper in journal 3 seems to do a complete 180 pretty quickly which ,,, doesn’t really fit ford as a character. like i love the man but that guy can hold a GRUDGE

here’s how it reads to me:

ford gets back to his home dimension after 30 years and everything is different

he’s subconsciously kind of struggling with the fact that he doesn’t really have a “home” anymore - the sense of familiarity and comfort that would normally come with the word is gone. (i specify that it’s subconscious because, like i said earlier, i do not get the vibe that he’s particularly aware of his own emotions)

he finds out that journal 3 - something he made with his own two hands and considers part of his life’s work - has also changed in the decades he’s been gone. this adds to the feeling of unfamiliarity with the world around him

it’s easier to blame that “final straw” and say that he’s just upset about his work being tampered with rather than address the actual root of the problem, so that’s exactly what he does. this still doesn’t mean that there’s any genuine hatred towards dipper. anger in the moment, yeah, but not hatred

again, this is entirely personal interpretation, and i completely understand if u don’t see it like this!! this is just a pattern of thoughts/behavior that i’m very familiar with, so it’s easy for me to apply it to situations like this even if it’s not really part of the canon

i also think there’s a big problem in this fandom with just ,, not seeing ford as a Person with Emotions? idk how to explain it but it feels like people expect him to always know exactly what to do in every situation just bc he’s old and academically smart. like whenever another character does something objectively bad it’s “well there were extenuating circumstances,” (which is usually true and i agree !!) but ford never really seems to get that treatment. if he does something bad it’s just because he sucks

a big example of this i think is the fight between him and stan (y’know the “you ruined my life”/“you ruined your own life”). you cannot look me dead in the eyes and, in full seriousness, with the context of everything ford was going through with bill at the time, say that he was fully mentally/emotionally stable during that conversation. “oh so you’re blaming stan-“ NO!!! stan was also going through it!!! that’s the entire point - they’re both people with their own lives and emotions and everything else that comes with that, they had very human reactions to their respective situations, and they both ended up hurt!! hopefully i’m explaining this right but i just don’t like it when people pin everything on ford, like there was a lot going on and at the end of the day he’s just a human

wasn’t really sure how to work this in so i’ll just put it here - i don’t think ford ever truly hated stan, either. familial bonds are complicated, and there can be a whole lot of anger towards someone without true hatred being present. i briefly mentioned the stans’ childhood sucking earlier, and i don’t just mean stanley - it’s easier to pinpoint him as a victim of abuse/neglect, but that doesn’t mean ford had it great either. their parents (specifically filbrick, but caryn didn’t exactly do a fantastic job with them either) expected nothing of stan and the world of ford, both of which would weigh heavily on any child. plus, ford being the favorite doesn’t mean all of his emotional needs were met - filbrick seeing him as an opportunity to make money doesn’t mean he was suddenly an emotionally present and caring father towards him. WCT wasn’t just an opportunity for ford to go be a famous scientist or whatever - it was a chance for his father to love him, something both of the stans desperately wanted. (WCT was also on the opposite side of the country from where they lived but i’m sure that’s completely unrelated !!!)

do i think stan deserved anything that happened to him after the science fair incident? no, absolutely not, he was a child. do i think it was right of ford to just stand there as his brother got thrown out? no, absolutely not - but he was a child too. as for them not speaking for a decade after that, like i mentioned earlier ford can hold a grudge like no other. (this doesn’t just apply to stan, either, ford dedicated half of his life to trying to kill his ex lmao.) i think ford’s ability to hold on to anger like that is actually a pretty major part of/flaw in his personality, but again, anger - even the strongest, most long-lived of it - is not synonymous with hatred. stan, who ford has always gone to for help when he truly needed it, it not what ford’s hatred looks like. bill, who ford actively wants to die, is

anyways!! i never know how to close these things lol. ig in summary i just see ford’s behavior (in the show at least) as more of a sign of internal struggle rather than like ,, genuinely hating the people around him and wanting their lives to suck. did/does he have an ego problem? absolutely. is he incapable of love and human connection? no. is he immune to manipulation/abuse/neglect/etc and everything that comes with that? also no

he’s an interdimensional criminal why can’t he go to the theraprism. i think he should

[ameliaenya707]

We Cry Together

Chapter Two - Recollection

The night you left was rough. Walking out the door only to promptly cry in the apartment stairwell for half an hour, debating whether or not to go back upstairs and apologize. Your thoughts were driving you crazy. What if he really was sorry? If he truly hadn’t meant to hurt you again? Maybe you were being irrational. Should you have just talked it out with him? And there was always the lingering weight in your gut. Why did you feel so…in danger? Eventually, neighbors started poking their heads out of the door and giving you looks so you stood up and grabbed your bags, dragging them down the flight of stairs before you reached the lobby. You reached the front desk, the receptionist looking at you with concern etched into her face as you fumbled around in your purse for a moment, sniffling as you pulled out your keycard and slid it towards her.

“I-...I won’t be needing this anymore…” You watched as she looked at you, chewing on her bottom lip before taking the keycard and typing into her computer. The lobby had white glossy floors and black modern walls. Two double doors to enter that required the exact keycard you were turning in. Top security measures were in place when It came to commission housing. It always gave you a slightly uneasy feeling, like being in a cold doctor's office. A feeling you ignored in favor of the bliss you felt standing next to Hawks as he talked to the receptionist about you moving in. But now there was no positive emotion to drown the queasy feeling.

“What’s the reason for your keycard turn-in?” She asked, glancing back at you before quickly averting her eyes. You figured the sight of your tears and snot wasn’t very flattering at the moment. Your distress was probably making her uncomfortable. With the way her lips were pressed in a thin line as she awaited your response.

“I won’t be…um…living h-here anymore,” This was just embarrassing as she sighed softly, taking the keycard and carelessly tossing it into the trash bin. And suddenly everything just felt…so real. You didn’t want to believe you were leaving but as she tossed the card it settled deep into your chest.

You were really leaving him.

The bed was warm. The softness of his feathers brushed against your arm as his wing draped over you, serving as a blanket. A strong arm wrapped around your waist, keeping your body pressed firmly against his. His breath was hot against your ear and his blonde hair tickled your neck when he nuzzled against the crook of your neck. Sweet nothings and honeyed words whispered into your ear as you lay there for hours with him. The moonlight seeped through the open blinds, casting light across the wood floor up to the wall. You mumble for him to move over a bit as you turn on your other side to look at him. His hair was disheveled and the moonlight painted across his features. Your hand trailed up to cup his cheek, cool against hot.

“What’s on your mind, pretty?” His voice was heavy with sleep, lulling you into the same feeling of drowning in adoration like it was molasses. You felt yourself sinking into the man that was Hawks. Every charming smile he shot at the camrea was for the public but these moments were yours and yours alone. You indulged in the guilty pleasure of being the only one to see him like this. He was looking at you in a way your sleepy head couldn’t process. But you knew it was loving.

“Just thinkin' bout how handsome you are,” You let out a small giggle when he peppers your face with lazy kisses in response. He made you feel so warm, and safe. Safer than you’d ever felt with anyone else.

“I’m gonna marry you one day,” fireworks went off in your mind. You had to be hallucinating, hearing things. A moment this perfect couldn’t be real. And maybe it wasn’t but damn if you weren’t going to drown in the sick sweetness of it all.

“Yeah, sure you are,” You chuckle. Trying to downplay the weight his words held, you hanging onto every last syllable.

“I mean it,” His Amber eyes had hearts sparkling in them as he spoke. His hand smoothed down your hair as you moved impossibly closer to one another.

“Well then, I’ll hold you to it.”

You blinked as you heard the receptionist's voice.

“Miss, Um were you listening? You’re free to leave now,” You blinked a few more times, gathering your bearings before sucking in a breath and nodding.

“Yeah mhm, Thank you…”

You turned to leave, the weight of your bags creating a dull ache in your shoulders. Paired with the less dull and much more sharp pain in your chest.

You could only hope this was the right thing to do.

Keigo was everything all at once. Or atleast he was feeling everything all at once. Namely, Frustration, directed towards himself. And a deep-seated conflict. He would never force you into anything and he always made it a point to let you know how much he supported you in any decision you made. But really? ‘Leaving him’? You had to be fucking with him, Right? He stood silently in the bedroom awkwardly laughing and wondering where the cameras were because this all had to be some kind of joke, Right? If it wasn’t then you just had to be plain…stupid. Lovable and cherished deeply, but dense.

That had to be the case if you really thought he’d let you go, just like that. And you certainly didn’t want to leave him, not with the way he noticed the picture of you both the day you went on a picnic date was missing, usually set up on the nightstand and now missing from its proper place. It was a good thing you were so distressed, with the way he could sneak one of his feathers into your luggage. He was trained to be discreet after all.

He could see the flicker of frustration in your eyes when he didn’t beg or cry for you to stay, simply letting you walk out the door. He knew you’d be back. If not by your own will then by a little… coercion. He sighed, he loved you so much but god were you making things more difficult than they needed to be.

He wasn’t lying when he said work had run on a bit longer than expected. He felt bad, he always did. He cared, he always would. He didn’t enjoy seeing that defeated look on your face, that bittersweet smile as you assured him time after time that ‘it was okay’ and ‘Don’t worry about it, we can still have some quality time together…’ whenever he flaked on an important date. He practically seethed whenever the commission held him back, his eye twitching ever so slightly when they droned on about something that most definitely could have been an email. He was most irritable when they held him back to talk, while he thought about you biting your nails waiting for him at home all dolled up with nowhere to go because he wasn’t there. But to his credit, you knew that this kind of stuff came with the territory of being one of the top five heroes' girlfriend.

You seemed okay with it, he thought you’d always be okay with it. He was clearly wrong and he saw that now but he’s busy, of course, you were important but you’d never be first priority. He told you his work took place first. That saving people came before you. And you nodded and smiled. Maybe you were so blinded by the first-week dating haze that you didn’t take into consideration just how lonely it’d get. He had seen and heard you tonight through one of the many feathers he had strategically scattered around the house. An extra layer of security he ensured for your safety. His leg had bounced anxiously as he focused on the sight through the feather during his meetings. The sight of you texting him, a flicker of disappointment clouding your eyes when he didn’t respond. His phone vibrates in his pocket.

How badly he wanted to text back but he’d be reprimanded by his handler if they thought his personal life was getting in the way of being a hero. And that’s what he was. A hero. First and foremost. But he could have his cake and eat it too. And that’s just what he’d do. You could wander off for now but he’d have you back right where you belonged. In his arms.

More chapters

[shuuenka]

Of first meetings - Fei Bai Bing

ALT text under cut

She put down her cup and looked up at him. Aside from occassional nibble at pastry brought by a waiter she didn’t touch any of the food in front of her. 

‘’Color me curious, how did you find out I switched with my sister?”

‘’You accepted Princess Consort's invitation for the small banquet, while still acting as Fei Bai Ping,” Wu Chun Tian replied, and started his dinner. 

He noted her raised brow. 

He figured he should be as much truthful as he can - if he wants young miss Fei to come over to 9th Prince side. It’s tricky - Fei family is allied to 4th Prince by marriage granted by the Emperor. Fei Xin is by all accounts loyal to Lian Bai Wei. However after his little trip to temple in the mountains, he is quite sure that first and second miss’ of the household do not feel the same way. 

‘’Our Princess Consort enjoys a wide array of pastries,’’ he continued. ‘’Recently she’s been enjoying sweets brought by merchants to our Minli harbour from far off lands and wanted to share them once we’re in the capital.’’

Young woman at the other side of the table frowned, understanding visible in her eyes.

‘’And from what I know you sister does not eat pastries due to wasting-thirst disease, no?” he quipped.

‘’Being friends with my cousin comes in handy,’’ she said. 

‘’Can’t deny. Don't blame me - it's Fei Jing Rui who has loose mouth.”

‘’And then you visited my sister in the mountains and heard the rest of the story.”

“Out of curiosity, yes.”

She took another sip of her tea and gave a small sigh. 

Golden ornaments in her hair jingling as cocked her head, ’’So, what is that you want?”

‘’Xiao Lou Tai - or rather, the information that Xiao Lou Tai can provide me.”

Her lips curled into a smile, first one this spring afternoon. She hummed and refilled her tea and then added a drop of honey into the cup. 

Everything she does, he notes, is unhurried and graceful. As if she had all the time in the world. Makes sense for someone who schemed from the inside of 4th Prince mansion for a year.

‘’Does the 9th Prince not have his informants? If so, then he’s further from the race to the throne than I thought.”

‘’He has his informants, but not a whole network,’’ he admitted. ‘’What I want is much more than a group of runners and your Xiao Lou Tai has it.’’

He leaned on the table.

‘’You have a bloody feud with the 4th Prince. You have Xiao Lou Tai, but you don’t have means to bring him down, young miss Fei.’’

The clutter of the restaurant noise from below the balcony and some people passing by the room was the only indication that time has not slowed down or stopped.

‘’Three conditions,’’ Fei Bai Bing finally spoke. ‘’One - the information that you will be requesting will still cost you. Two - I do not want anyone else knowing about this deal. I do not plan to be anything but a young miss of the Fei family that just came back from the mountain temple.”

He nods. ‘’Reasonable enough. Third?”

‘’I want you to establish, by whatever means, a tea house in Minli.’’

He blinked.

‘’Does Xiao Lou Tai want to expand north?”

''Mine does.’’

He didn’t have to think twice about her conditions. He smiled back at the young woman sitting across from him, ‘’deal.’’

Her lips stretched in a sweet smile and she raised her cup of honey tea, as in toast.

‘’Very well. I don’t have bitter wine, so I’ll raise this cup of sweet tea to toast you. I fall down to hell, you will go down with me.”

‘’Miss, what kind of toast is this?”

He huffed out a laugh, but raised his own cup. That's fun.

Good, he thought.

Lian Bai Wei had his web of influence stretching across the whole capital and even further. He even reached for Xiao Lao Tai with this marriage.

Always a few steps ahead of him and his prince.

‘’Color me curious,’’ he said. There was one thing he didn't figure out in all ofthis mess. ‘’You made 4th Prince eat quite a loss when minister Li stepped down, thus breaking their unspoken alliance. How?”

‘’Oh, this is something for me to know,’’ she said standing up. And then with half of her face obscured by an embroidered fan, she turned to look at him and continued,’’ and if you’re as smart as people claim you are and curious - for you to find out.”

[katisbadatnames]

I CANT FUCKING DO THIS IM GONNA LOSE IT

[cryingforcrocodiles]

https://twitter.com/vintageredss/status/1687796045860700160?s=46&t=RGDjXachInHgCAueuVR_uA

[itskittenss]

re:zero arc 8 chapter 19 spoilers

ok ok but the fact that julius didn’t even hesitate to answer subaru’s shout and his blinding faith on subaru??? he is in like emilia’s level of trust in subaru omg 😭😭😭

also my boy is so strong!!! arc 6 really did good for him in the end