#if you have an unanswered ask in my ask box you are not being ignored I’m just still chipping away at them

[polysyndetonaddictsupportgroup]

Pausing halfway through reading one of your fics to pop in and say I really love your narration and character voices. It’s not common in fanfic for an author to write in a way that’s layered enough for the reader to gain their own insights and conclusions. Like I’m in the last chapter of therianthropy and there’s the stuff that happens on the same page when there’s dissonance between thoughts and actions or when Karen buys Matt the sympathy muffin and Matt’s mad that that tactic totally works, and there’s also the longer story motifs that must be so hard to tie together when you’re publishing at the same time as actively writing.

The bit that got me to stop is when teenage Matt’s at Fogwell’s. Previously we saw Fogs starting to talk about the little boxing found family and Matt’s all “oh geez I hope he doesn’t start the lecture about sacred boxing fraternity 🙄”. And on its own this was a great scene because it showcased the characterisation of Fogs, Matt and Lisa in a few short paragraphs. Fogs is real passionate about this one thing, Matt’s heard this windbag go on about it a million times and is comfortable enough to be a little bitch, and Lisa’s relaxing for the first time in a /long/ while. And it’s beautiful.

But then. BUT THEN!!!!!!! This *fucking* speech Fogs was about to launch into!!!!!! Is the very thing that made Matt feel genuinely loved for the first time since Jack died!!!!!!!! Nearly ten years!!!!!!!!! And when Matt finds this traumatised teenage soldier that needs reassurance, love and support, he takes her to the the place where that unconditional care was given to him all those years ago and arhgrgahgrhhogohrgohhhh don’t even get me started on kintsugi ok I hope u never stop creating ok ur fics make me wanna howl at the fucking moon

2/2 Sorry my coherency evaporated real quick there. Your stories are also laugh out loud funny

Hello extremely kind ask I have neglected in my ask box for far too long. Thank you for your kind words they made me extremely happy and made me feel more competent than I actually am.

The tough part about fanfiction is that everything y'all get is basically a first draft because, like you said, it's publish-as-you-go and I don't have the chance to go back and rewrite the story to be more cohesive. Like, the act of writing itself means the plot and characters are still developing, and i really rely on editing and second drafts for that in a way that's not super possible with fanfiction. Sometimes the characters just Do Things and i'm like "wha--stop that. why are you. since when do you. why didn't you do that like 100k words ago." and it gives it a very flying-by-the-seat-of-my-pants vibe from my perspective.

I am a very big fan of Recycling when it comes to my writing, and i think it makes it seem a little more put-together than it is. Like, I always have big Scenes in my head that exist from the start of the story that I know are going to make an appearance, so I just bury references to them them I need to craft the moments leading up. Or, if I don't have a scene planned and there's something missing, I tend towards trying to tie it back to something that already existed in the story, so there's a little bit more of a common line running through it. Granted, if you do this too much it seems a little kitschy, so I don't always do it, but I'm a firm believe in using what you have to the fullest extent.

If i recall correctly, Fogs' confusing Matt into staying by just sort of talking until he passed out was a Big Scene and I was just planting my chekov's guns like a deeply unqualified gardner who should have been fired a long time ago and never given access to the guns safe. I knew that I wanted Lisa being taken in by Matt to parallel his own recovery from Stick, so it was sort of low-hanging fruit to have Fogs go off on the same rant. I also kind of liked it because I think time does a lot for reframing how we think of things.

Like, when Matt first gets Fogs' speech about Ancient Sumerian Men Beating The Hell Out Of Each Other, he's half starved, half feral, and trying to fling himself back out into the hostile streets of New York because he feels safer alone than he has ever felt with other people. He passes out, wakes up with a blanket over him and Fogs asleep at his desk even when he doesn't have to be. Like you said--it's the first time in a very long time that he's felt safe.

Then, when he's in the future, it's just very casual. It's not really framed as remarkable, and Matt doesn't hold it in his mind as something that glitters. I thought it showed an enormous amount of healing for him to be so comfortable with Fogs that he didn't seem to remember that this was something that once brought him to tears.

And you're also right about Matt bringing her there--it was easy recycling in the sense that i needed to answer the question of "where would he bring this traumatized child he doesn't know how to help" and figured the answer was "probably the place that helped him."

Thank you for your kind words they made me extremely happy and I'm very glad you like my writing

[himegureisu]

The Howler

Summary: Your husband, Severus, receives a Howler from you.

A/N: This prompt randomly passed through my brain. I thought it would be nice. It did take a day or two to write but here it is! I hope you like it, this is the first time I'm writing for Severus x Reader.

--------------

In the Great Hall, the breakfast banquet was served. Their students eagerly chattered among friends over good food and drink before classes. On the other hand at the High Table, small talk and occasional personal questions were exchanged.

That’s until the owls, in turn, the mail, came for the day.

Their tiny but sturdy claws carried various packages from letters, gifts, newspapers, and journal subscriptions. Among them, one particular barn owl was heading straight toward the High Table holding a distinct red letter.

From afar, Severus could see the owl, ignoring the House Tables, and coming straight for him. It wasn’t his owl. No, it was your owl. If it was your owl then…

“Oh dear,” Severus said,

By his side, Minerva, who was perusing her copy of the Wizarding World News stopped, to glance at him as the owl dropped the angry red letter above his plate.

“Severus,” she asked, the attention of other professors turned to him, “Is that a Howler?”

“Who would send our dear Severus a Howler?” Filius asked after,

You. His wife. Would send a Howler. You, who were undeniably cross after being forgotten.

Your owl chirped, Severus presented to her a treat, which she happily accepted before flying off. He stared at the Howler mentally preparing for the reprimand about to happen when Dumbledore said.

“Well go on, Severus, open it,” he urged, “I heard it is unwise to leave Howlers unanswered,”

So, he did.

“Severus Tobias Snape!” your voice echoed throughout the Hall, the student's attention on him, “You forgot about the move! I reminded you a thousand times when it was, and you still didn’t come.”

This time the Great Hall was quiet. Their attention focused on the tirade given to their most hated professor.

Let’s just say he wanted to die then and there.

“I know you hate handing your classes off to someone else, but I at least thought you’d make an exception for me!” you shouted at him in mind, “I moved across the continent for god sake! Do you know how much stuff I had? No! Do you know hard it was to transport all my boxes into the Manor? No! It was hard and that was with magic already. The only good thing you did was leaving the portkey because if you didn’t, I wouldn’t have been able to enter the damned Manor and would be standing outside of it looking like a fool!”

The Howler paused.

“I love you but if you don’t come home tonight to help me unpack, you’re going to find yourself locked out of your own house.”

The Howler combusted thereafter.

His colleagues were in shock at the message conveyed. His students stared in a mix of horror, amusement, and curiosity. On the other hand, he was so screwed. His composure slowly faltered upon deliberating what to do and quickly decided on the appropriate course of action.

To go home to you.

“If you’d excuse me for the day, Professor,” Severus addressed Dumbledore, standing up from his seat, “I need to make it up to someone,”

“You can take the rest of the week off, Severus,” Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling in wonder, “It seems you have some groveling to do,”

“That I do, Professor,” he answered, walking away then sighing, “That I do,”

Part 2 is up 💖

[miharuki]

hello!!! may i request second part of "once upon a time there a blue love"? thank you

(i think it would be cute if you included small moments between reader and Felix because they're cousins and I'm curious about how their relationships are and if reader told him about her and luka and their separation yk in episode where he was introduced as Argos. I'm also happy that you wrote moment from season 5 about Luka moving away because i can barely find any Luka x reader that catched up to season 5)

feel free to ignore this request and this suggestion. i just wanted to say that i appreciate your work and that you're doing great writings. take care!!!

I'm replying to these two messages, this one took a lot of work Thank you for liking my content, I worked hard on part 2 (3864 Words ) Again remembering that my English is not the best, it is not my original language ;P

Your requests are an order!

(angst, fluff at the end, Gabriel is still the worst person, Félix already knowing things without you needing to say it, Marinete and Adrien dating, season 5 spoiler)

(Part 1:)

𝕺𝖓𝖈𝖊 𝖀𝖕𝖔𝖓 𝖆 𝕿𝖎𝖒𝖊 𝕿𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖆 𝕭𝖑𝖚𝖊 𝕷𝖔𝖛𝖊 𝕻𝖙 2

Once upon a time...

There was an elegant house with noble people They lived rich, rich in black hearts At the top of that mansion, there was a room, a room with a window, a window with a marvelous view, but it belonged to a lifeless room, a room where a person who loved too much was imprisoned, you, Oh, poor girl, she saw from her window everyone else being free, while she stayed and lamented not being good enough for her beloved, who is far away and with whom you can no longer converse, And all because her father is concerned about her status, so concerned that he didn't think twice before imprisoning his daughter, like Rapunzel in her tower.

"—And how is she doing?" Nino asked as he placed his hand on Adrien's shoulder, who was approaching the circle of friends.

—My father still says she's sick, and she doesn't seem to leave her room when I'm around," Adrien said, sighing sadly as he remembered how, after the events and Luka's trip, she was practically "isolated" in her room, which according to her father, claims she's too ill to leave. This raised suspicions among some friends, especially Marinette and Ayla.

"But we haven't seen her in a week!" Rose said, hugging Juleka, causing Adrien to sigh.

"I know, but from what my father told me, she got sick during one of the rehearsals and now needs to rest, especially because he doesn't want me to get sick too."

Now, this seemed even more suspicious to her friends. Marinette looked at her phone, seeing her friend's list of unanswered calls. She then glanced at Adrien, noticing how he seemed a bit down, and approached him. Despite her feelings for him, she placed her hand on his shoulder, making him look at her.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be fine," Adrien smiled at her, while everyone else agreed, not wanting to make the situation sadder."Have you tried calling her?" Ayla suggested, looking at her friend Marinette, who was frantically using her phone as if trying desperately to get in touch with you."No, my father told me she dropped her phone in one of the fountains while landing, and that's why she got sick"Something is definitely wrong.

Meanwhile, you were locked in your room, unable to leave your eternal "punishment," still not understanding why things were this way. You realized that your father was making you feel lonely again as you looked around the messy room. You got up from the bed and looked under it, spotting a decorated and locked box. Pulling it out, you removed a key that was attached to your necklace, along with another one that Luka had given you in the past. You used the key to unlock the box, and you smiled upon seeing the various items it held—a small Viperion plushie that Luka had won and gifted you during one of your encounters, numerous song lyrics, and a few other objects given by your friends, the ones your father hadn't confiscated.

You realized how much you resembled your past self, feeling empty, lonely, and above all, with no one to talk to or confide in. You closed the box and locked it again, tucking the key inside your shirt as you climbed back onto the bed. You clutched your blouse and felt the other necklace Luka had given you, hearing the door open behind you without even looking back.

"Your father told you that you will return to modeling again, and this time he expects you to comply," Nathalie said as she fiddled with her tablet."By the way, your dinner will be delivered to your room again. I hope you eat this time," Nathalie turned to leave without waiting for your response, closing the door behind her, and you could hear the door being locked. You sighed sadly, then walked over to the window, looking out at the landscape that thankfully hadn't been taken from you. You gazed at the distant Eiffel Tower and the starry night that adorned its background, thinking about how beautiful the night was despite being alone in your locked room. You prayed that Luka was okay.

"I've already talked to Luka about the situation," Juleka said as she joined her group of friends. Marinette, being the great planner she was, was trying everything to make things calmer. "He told me to send his regards to her and that as soon as she can, she should call him."

"I still find this very strange!" Marinette said as she got up from the sofa in her room and started pacing in circles. "I mean, after Luka's sudden departure, a few days later, Adrien says that (name) is sick? There's something wrong here."

"Look, this time I even agree, but it could also be true. Don't you guys remember it rained last week? And do you remember the photo in the magazine that day, right? It's clearly (name) in the rain posing, so obviously, she would get sick!" Ayla said as she tried to ease the situation.

"Yes, true, I saw it!" Rose said while standing beside Juleka, making her nod in agreement too.

"But still!" Marinette said before a hand was placed on her shoulder, making her look back to see her friend Ayla.

"Look, that's enough, Marinette. I think you should put this aside, especially since you have a date with Adrien tomorrow."

"Yes, that's true!" the girls said, making their friend Marinette blush, while she tried to speak but gave up.

Meanwhile, (name) put on her fakest smile as she continued to pose at certain locations. "Yes, perfect! Very good!" the photographer exclaimed as he continued taking photos, with you striking every pose and wearing a cute outfit. Finally, the photo shoot was over. "Break time," he said, and you sat down, your smile fading, returning to your sad expression. You spotted Nathalie approaching with her tablet.

"You're doing well, because of that, you can choose what you'd like to eat," she said, looking at her tablet without leaving your side.

"I-I think... I'd like some (your preferred food) from Dupain-Cheng Bakery, please," you said, looking at the ground before turning to Nathalie.

Nathalie gave you a quizzical look before sighing and going to her driver, who then got into the car. Nathalie returned to your side, looking at her tablet and tapping away. You let out a tired sigh, sitting down, swinging your legs and looking around to try to pass the eternal boring time. In the meantime, you glanced up at the blue sky, watching the birds fly by and catching a glimpse of a red and black blur streaking across the sky, heading somewhere. "Here you go, eat while you still have time," Nathalie said as her bodyguard and driver handed her the Dupain-Cheng Bakery bag containing the food you had requested.

"Thank you..." you said in a low tone, almost like a whisper, looking at the school and smelling the sweet scent of the bakery where your friend lived.

"Tomorrow is the Diamond Ball, so after your session today, we'll take you to the studio to order your dress. Your father wants you to look good," you only nodded, listening to Nathalie go over your schedule.

Since you returned to modeling, your father refused to let you be alone, so you were always accompanied by Nathalie, who, although she seemed fine, you couldn't help but glance at the equipment on her legs, wondering if something had happened to her.

"Come on, show me a look of comfort! A look of longing, as if you were reminiscing about seeing these flowers!" the photographer said as he asked you to hold a bouquet of red roses, sitting on a picnic blanket with flowers all around. "Not like that!" he said, looking at your expression. "Show more emotion! A little happiness! See how beautiful these flowers are!" he pointed at the bouquet. Looking at the bouquet, you saw a blue dragonfly land on a rose, and a faint memory of a garden you went to with Luka came back to your mind, making you miss him. You gave a small smile as you buried your face in the roses, inhaling their sweet and fragrant scent, smiling at the memory of the day he asked you out.

"Yes! Perfect! Very good! Keep going!"

"Would you like any roses? A ribbon or some colorful embellishment?" asked the seamstress as she took your measurements. "No need for color, just white will do. The outfit Mr. Agreste designed only requires adjustments elsewhere," Nathalie replied as she tapped on her tablet. You watched as the seamstress took your measurements to add to the dress. And of course, you were also looking at the shoes, which your father had also designed, but for some reason, he wanted everything to be perfect.

"Welcome, Mrs. Agreste," the guard said as he allowed you and your father to pass. Your gaze remained melancholic, though not enough for anyone to notice that you were sad; it simply showed that you didn't want to be there, which clearly you had no choice in. Sitting on a sofa, you waited and watched everyone there enjoy themselves, not letting on as some tried to talk to you or somehow get your attention. All you did was divert your gaze until you reached the soft white couch.

"You look sad, did something happen?" a voice asked, and you looked to see what appeared to be your brother."Hello to you too, Félix," you said as you closed your eyes and leaned back on the couch."You always know how to identify me no matter what," he said, almost laughing if he didn't see your tired expression. He approached and sat beside you."What happened? You're usually more lively," he said as he looked at you, prompting you to release a tired sigh.

"My father..." Félix sighed with his words, but before he could say anything more, looking at Gabriel in the distance, a voice came to your rescue.

"Hello, (name)!" You opened your eyes, seeing Kagami. You blinked as she sat down on your other side, and you straightened up. It had been a while since you talked to any of your friends."You haven't been to school anymore. I heard you were sick. Are you feeling better now?" You looked away, glancing at Gabriel in the distance, almost choking."Yeah, of course, I was kind of, you know, sick... you know, now I'm better!" You said, not wanting to know what kind of lie Gabriel had told Adrien for him to be able to tell the others like this.

Before Kagami could ask another question or say anything else, you suddenly got up.

"You know, I'm going to grab a drink or something to eat, be right back!" you said as you almost ran away. You didn't want to talk about anything, but what could you say? Tell them that your father didn't approve of relationships and that he had put you on indefinite punishment for lying, running away, and breaking the one rule he gave you? How could you talk about this situation?

Near the food area, you grabbed some sweets to try to occupy your thoughts and emotions. As you looked at the dance floor, you saw your cousin, who resembled your brother, dancing with someone. Not wanting to say anything, you simply ignored it.

You entered the bathroom after eating some sweets and looked in the mirror, observing your well-groomed and elegant figure, your perfectly done hair, and your fancy dress. This wasn't you. The only thing you saw that truly belonged to you was your necklace, which you had hidden under the dress. Pulling it out, you looked lovingly at your reflection in the mirror, seeing the necklace that Luka had given you.

"Luka..." You never stopped loving him, even though your father had locked you in your room. You never stopped missing him. Crouching in the bathroom while looking at your necklace, you caressed it, hoping that someday you would find him again.

"Adrien!" you heard someone shout, looking out of the plane window. You saw Marinette running towards the airplane stairs with Adrien following behind.

Ah yes, it seems you weren't the only one with a forbidden affair. You watched Marinette and Adrien kiss before the bodyguards separated them. A wave of déjà vu came over you when you saw this scene, which felt so familiar. You saw Adrien being dragged onto the plane and placed in his seat, looking out the window while crying.

You averted your gaze and saw the plane starting to move to take off. You lay down, holding your blouse and feeling the necklace underneath it. You prayed and wished that you could find Luka.

"This will be your room," Nathalie showed you the hotel room. You saw that the view was nice, but it wasn't anything special. It was just another room where you would be confined. You leaned on the balcony railing, looking at the horizon and feeling the wind tussle your hair.

"It's only for a few days..." you commented, resigning yourself to the situation, holding the necklace that Luka had given you once again. You sighed with sadness.

"Can I stay in the park for a while, please?" you asked your bodyguard, who was currently looking after you while you posed for photos since Nathalie had fallen ill and couldn't make it. You looked at him, waiting for a response, and he saw the sadness and emptiness in your eyes, so he nodded in sympathy. You smiled weakly as you hugged your bodyguard. "Thank you..." He just patted your head and pointed to a bakery nearby, and you nodded. He would be in the bakery while you stayed in the park.

You watched your bodyguard's back disappear as he entered the bakery, and you smiled as you sat on the park bench, feeling a sense of freedom being away from supervision. However, a sad sigh still hung on your face, as if you were feeling trapped.

"A smile suits you better," you choked when you heard someone speaking, a familiar voice. Looking at the owner of the voice, you couldn't believe what you were seeing.

"Luka..." you said softly in a whisper, getting up from the bench. Your hands trembled. The boy with blue-tipped hair smiled as he approached slowly. He was nervous, hoping it wasn't a dream. He hugged you when he was close enough, burying his head in your neck.

"I missed you so much!" he said as you returned the hug, feeling the tears you had held back for so long, also feeling the boy's tears staining your clothes.

"Luka!"

"You didn't call me anymore, I had no sign from you. I thought something had happened. But then Juleka told me you had gotten sick, but that's not true, is it?" Luka looked at you, asking for confirmation, but all you did was bite your lip and turn your face away. "Why are you hiding, love?" Luka asked as he placed his hand on your cheek, caressing it.

"I..." You didn't want to talk. You didn't want to burden Luka. He wasn't at fault. You didn't want to speak; all you wanted was to be with him now.

"Please, (name), you can tell me," he said as he hugged you, stroking your hair.

"It was him, wasn't it?" You lifted your gaze to Luka before turning away again.

"I won't force you if you don't want to..."

"Someone told my father about our relationship. He doesn't accept the fact that I'm dating someone who isn't 'famous' or a friend of my father's. He took away all my technology so I couldn't talk to you or our friends. He thinks me leaving was a terrible idea. I'm sorry..."

"It's not your fault... it never was..." Luka placed his hands on both your shoulders.

"B-but! It was my fault. I didn't follow my responsibilities; I was careless, and I couldn't talk to you either... It's my fault... I just... my father, he just...!" Suddenly, an irritated expression crossed Luka's face.

"It doesn't matter!" You looked shocked at the boy as he wiped away your tears and put on a gentle smile.

"No matter what your father says or what the media wants, you've made me the happiest boy on the planet, and I've missed you so much since we were apart. You keep being the song that plays in my mind. I don't care if others see; I love you, (name)!" With that, Luka put his hand on your cheek, pulling your face closer to his, and finally kissed you. Not a peck or just any kiss—it was a kiss of love, one that showed how much you both loved each other. Amid that romantic moment, several people stopped to look at both of you.

"(Name) Agreste, Adrien Agreste's twin sister and Gabriel Agreste's daughter, kissing a boy in a public park." That's what people thought as they passed through the park, and some took photos.

"I love you, (name)," Luka said as he rested his forehead against yours.

"I love you too, Luka..."

"It seems that it wasn't enough," Mrs. Tsurugi commented as she listened to the latest news report that Gabriel was speaking in.

"Your children are being disobedient, unlike my daughter. Yours are out of control," Gabriel groaned in frustration as he looked at the screen, seeing the photo someone had posted. The photo itself wasn't particularly striking, just a girl taking a selfie with you and Luka kissing in the background. Similar photos like this ended up in some local newspapers, especially in the fashion industry, which only added to Gabriel's irritation. As if it wasn't enough to have to punish you, Adrien followed suit, and now just when it seemed like you were behaving, you go and kiss some random boy...

"It's not working... I think I'll have to proceed with the plan," Gabriel said as he looked at another screen, watching the cameras showing you, Adrien, and Kagami lying in white beds in a room that resembled a sanitarium.

"Let's begin..."

"(Name)!" Luka called out, running to you. You looked at him sadly, and he stopped, now concerned, as you turned.

"(Name), my love, what happened?" He placed a hand on your shoulder, seeing your back.

"Let's break up..." The boy's expression was shocked when he looked at you.

"What do you mean, (name)?" He seemed to want it to be a lie, hoping it was a lie. You had met again just a few days ago, and now you wanted to break up. Didn't you love him?

"(Name)?" You pulled away from the boy.

"Let's break up! I don't want to see you anymore!"

"(Name), if you can explain to me what's wrong, I'm sure we can find a way..." he said, trying to hold onto some hope.

"I don't like you, Luka. Why can't you understand that? I don't want this anymore!" You said angrily to the boy, who looked at you with sadness. He tried to reach out to you, but you simply pulled away until another random boy appeared, taking you away, leaving Luka shocked.

"(Name)....?"

Upon waking up, Luka realized it was just a dream. He brought his hand to his face, wiping away the tears, and sighed, feeling his heart calm down. He reached for his phone, checked the time, and saw his wallpaper—a happy photo of both him and you. He smiled, knowing it was just a nightmare, and that as much as it seemed real, it wasn't. You loved each other too much for something like that to happen.

He held onto the necklace you had given him on his birthday and looked at the ring on his finger—a ring that symbolized your relationship.

That is until...

"Bring back Adrien and Kagami!" Luka didn't know what had happened, but suddenly, everyone started getting akumatized. He knew it had something to do with the nightmare he had because his father and the secretary had reported having extremely heavy nightmares and couldn't stop thinking about them.

"Let's go! We need you!" Bunnix said, opening a portal for them to pass through.

"Thank you, Luka," you said as you leaned against him, watching your friends having fun in the pool at your house. You couldn't remember anything, and all Luka remembered was that suddenly, while fighting to break the akumatized rings, there was an explosion in the sky, and then he woke up, noticing you beside him. He wished it wasn't a dream now, and that you could be together.The look Marinette gave him was enough for him to know that you were now by his side, to stay.

"I should be the one thanking you," you looked at him confused, while he chuckled and gently kissed your lips, leaving both of your faces blushing and happy. "I'm lucky to be dating an amazing girl like you, (name)!"

"I love you, (name)!"

"I love you more, Luka!"

Applause came from some friends who were nearby, watching as you kissed again, but this time, it was to confirm something you both already knew— that you loved each other.

It took me 2 days to finish!!! And I finally finished!!!! Amen! I hope you liked it, if you want I can do another part :)

@midzuuumi

@famouschopshopgalaxy

[ironborealis]

#2

The other teachers had warned her about the Snape boy. There was something not quite right with the boy, even if no one could put their finger on what exactly was wrong.

He daydreamed. He asked too many questions in class. He was prone to flights of fancy. He took everything you said too literally. His homework would either be on time or complete but never both. He passed every exam. His failure to understand basic concepts meant he ought to have been held back a year. He was already socially stunted without being held back. The boy only had make-believe friends to ostracize him, so what would it have mattered if he'd repeated a year? Was it not punishment enough to have to try and teach him for one year, now you want to add another year to my sentence?

She was younger and maybe didn't know as much as her peers. She certainly saw what they saw, but there were also glimpses of something more. Once she saw his scores on the pre-test for the Eleven-Plus exam she thought she had the answer.

Underneath his unkempt exterior was a exceptional mind. Snape had put up the top score on the pre-test for his entire year, not just his class. His brilliance explained so much of what was wrong with the boy -- the late homework, the daydreaming, the lack of friends.

Given the strength of his creative writing she wondered if she wasn't mentoring the next Lewis or Tolkien.

She'd been so ecstatic about his results that she'd held him back after class to tell him the good news. That with his scores he could go on scholarship to one of the better public schools and from there maybe to Oxford or Cambridge. He'd have to work on his study habits and how to pay attention in class but she'd help him with that if he wanted to do more than work in the mill.

He'd shrugged and said that his mother had made plans to send him off for his schooling, but he couldn't recall where.

Perhaps there was a rich great aunt willing to put in a good word for him to an admissions board... but that seemed unlikely, given the type of people who lived in Cokeworth.

She just wasn't getting through to the boy. Despite his brilliance he was still just turned eleven. He could hardly be expected to understand the magnitude of the opportunity in front of him, waiting for him to grasp it.

She'd decided a chat with his mother was in order and sent him home with a note asking her to come speak with her. A note that went unanswered, even though the boy swore he'd given it to her. After several ignored notes she'd pinned one to the boy's jacket, only for him to return the next day with the note still attached to his collar.

She'd pulled his student file in exasperation and was shocked to see that not only did his family not have telephone, but the address was still over in Spinner's End. There'd been a big to-do in the paper a year ago about the last residents of the neighborhood moving into the new council estates. The neighborhood now was just another cemetery monument to Cokeworth's shortlived glory during the Industrial Revolution, before cheap cotton and cheaper labor from India and the Americas had destroyed the market. No one should still be living there, but the boy would give her no other answer when pressed about where his family was living now.

She intended several times to march down there and ask Mrs. Snape just what she thought she was doing ignoring her notes, raising her son in such a place, didn't this woman know that she was trying to help. Every time she tried something turned her off from it. She was afraid of being there after dark, her heel broke, and one time she'd been bizarrely certain that she'd left the gas on in her apartment even though she had an electric cooktop.

In the end she'd been forced to concede defeat when despite his scores on the Eleven-Plus no school bothered to request his records. They'd gone in the box to head back to the council administration offices along with the records on all the other children who'd disappeared without a trace.

[riversofmars]

Doctor Who Femslash February - Day 3

Skipping my usual Saturday update of "Chess" today in favour of a one-shot for the @doctorwho-femslashfeb event! The prompt "Second Chance" gave me Stranded fix-it vibes immediately so here we are XD

Lost In Translation

Summary: After an extended stay in 21st century London, Liv has realised the mistake she had made by going back. Things hadn't worked out as she had imagined and she was missing her friends - particularly Helen - more than she could put into words. Writing to her, as she had done through the course of her stay, had not been enough, especially since her letters had gone unanswered. Thankfully, her message requesting they pick up again had not been ignored and so Liv returns to the TARDIS hopeful for a second chance. Her best friend, however, is far from amenable.

The day Liv Chenka returned to the TARDIS following the biggest mistake of her life was not the homecoming she had envisaged. She wasn’t sure what she had expected but it wasn’t the curious, yet somewhat apprehensive smile the Doctor regarded her with, and it wasn’t that Helen barely looked at her before retreating to the library. Liv stood in the console room, fresh off a misguided stint in twenty-first century London, and the people she had considered her best friends for the longest time barely said a word to her.

“So… how’s everything?” the med-tech asked, dropping her bags against a wall to be returned to her bedroom at a later date - so long as there was a bedroom for her to return to still. Right in that moment, as her voice echoed unanswered through the control room, she wasn’t too sure.

The Doctor rounded the console, making some adjustments to their course, and the familiar feeling of the blue box dematerialising made Liv’s stomach flip with excitement. She had missed the whirling sound of the engines and often woken from a dreamless sleep thinking - no hoping! - she had heard them in the night. In the end it had been up to her to make that a reality. She had made the choice to return to London, had asked to be dropped off there, so of course the Doctor hadn’t returned on his own accord, as much as that realisation stung.

It had taken a while for Liv to work up the courage to request as much. While the means of communication had been open to her and she had used them frequently, the actual request to be picked up had come late. Perhaps too late? Doing so had meant she had to admit she had made a mistake and that wasn’t something she was usually very good at. Looking at it objectively now, however, she could see that that was just what it had been. It had been a vain attempt at having something to make up for the things she thought she could never have while inside the TARDIS. It hadn’t worked. She had only felt more empty.

There had been the obligatory period of denial of course, of trying to make things work the way she had built them up in her head, but the fact of the matter was that even sheer force of will and spite could not will something out of very little. Liv hadn’t realised just how little she actually had had in common with Tania until the rest of the Baker Street gang wasn’t there to serve as distraction. It was only with the impeccable clarity of hindsight that she realised that the only reason she had struck up a relationship with Tania in the first place was not at Baker Street anymore, but took off again in the TARDIS with the Doctor.

Reflection was a curious thing. It was as though you were being slapped in the face by things you had never considered before but suddenly appeared all too obvious. Such as the fact that her main goal in dating Tania had not been to woo her, as much as she liked her, it had been to provoke a reaction from Helen. It was hardly her finest moment, that was something else she could acknowledge now, but it was also - she hoped - understandable. The pretty, blonde linguist had never given her indication one way or another whether romantic advances might be welcome, so it was a way of testing a theory. The reaction never came, regardless of how much time passed and eventually, Liv had given up hope. So perhaps it hadn’t been the most far-fetched thing in the universe that she might try and return to the safety of what she had had with Tania. It was something after all. Better than nothing. There had been no great stakes, no complicated, deep emotions… and soon she’d realised that that was also why it had been a stupid idea to return.

“Oh, you know…” the Doctor answered eventually, as if he’d only just noticed she had asked him a question. “Things have been fine.”

Fine.

He used the word in such a way that made the med-tech wonder whether the translation circuit was misfiring. Going by the look on his face and the tension she had walked into, things were the very opposite for fine.

“Well, that’s a load of crap,” she answered dryly, but the Time Lord didn’t rise to her comment. Instead he made some more adjustments before returning to his armchair where a half-drunk cup of tea was slowly growing cold and a volume of HG Wells was waiting for him.

“Welcome back, Liv,” he hummed, almost like an afterthought and got comfortable amongst his possessions, picking up a biscuit to dunk in his tea.

The med-tech tried her best not to be hurt. She reminded herself that the Doctor understood very little about the emotions of his human companions, though she couldn’t fathom it given how many of them he had had. He probably wasn’t aware how much his disinterest strung and she put it off as just one of those things she’d have to get over. Maybe, she even deserved it, just a bit… The thought made her chest tighten uncomfortably. At the time she hadn’t stopped to consider how her leaving might affect her friends. It wasn’t as though they had ever responded to the letters she had sent them except the very last one where she’d requested - no begged - to be picked up.

“Well, I guess I’ll just-” She gave a vague gesture towards the corridor and the Doctor nodded absent-mindedly, taking a sip of his tea while turning a page. She had lost his attention already. Disheartened, she picked up her bags and set out searching for her room.

The TARDIS didn’t exactly make it easy for her either. It seemed her room had been sent to some far flung corner of the ship so she was rather out of breath when she found it. As she flicked on the lights, finding her room dusty and lifeless, she gave a heavy sigh. As if realising she had wasted years of her life wasn’t enough, it seemed she would have to make amends and rebuild something she had taken for granted and was now missing dearly.

And thus, Liv started off with putting her room back in order. She tidied and cleaned, packing away the things she had brought back from London, except for the stack of books. Those had been intended as presents… She had no intention of ever leaving the TARDIS again and that was something she was beginning to realise she had to prove.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled to the ship as she remade her bed. “I know it was stupid but…” She couldn’t even put into words what she had been thinking at the time. It all seemed so ridiculous now. She had lived for so long without Helen giving her the romantic attention she’d longed for, she wasn’t sure what had changed the day she had walked out, why it had suddenly seemed too much to take and she’d given up hope. Perhaps it was because they had seen Albie and she had hoped it would finally change things. She’d even been as clear as telling Helen she was ready to talk, whenever she was. Surely that had been a declaration of intent if nothing else, but she had never taken her up on it. Not in three mouths and then… somehow, one day, the futility of her hopes and dreams had hit home. “Just because you can’t have what you want, doesn’t mean you should settle for something less,” she muttered. That was the lesson she had learned the hard way. Now, she would content herself with whatever Helen was willing to give her - if anything.

Once she’d finished with her room, she made for the kitchen for a cup of tea. Secretly, she hoped the Doctor would call across the intercom to them, announce that they had landed somewhere and were going to go exploring, but no such thing happened.

Taking a deep breath, Liv decided it was time to approach matters head on and she pulled two mugs from the cupboard. Part of her yearned for Helen in every way a person could long for another, but another part of her was terrified too. Her cold reaction upon her return had been proof enough that she was hurt and while this could spell that she indeed had harboured deeper feelings for her, the thought that she had done enough damage to cause this reaction was mortifying. At the time of her leaving, she hadn’t thought that far ahead. It had been a selfish, almost childish action that she had hoped would provoke a reaction from Helen, but when she had watched her go without saying a word, Liv hadn’t looked back; until she did. And that was when she had started writing the letters… but clearly not with the desired effect…

“You can do this…” the med-tech told herself as she pulled the tea bags from the mugs and added milk the way that she hoped her friend still liked it, hoping that she was, indeed, still her friend.

Eventually, she found Helen in the library.

“Hi,” Liv started insecurely, hovering in the doorway. The linguist was sitting on the small sofa by the fire, book in hand, a blanket thrown across her feet. She looked comfortable and settled and the brunette felt like she was intruding. Her eyes fell to the mug that was sitting on the coffee table in front of her and her heart sank. “I- I was going to bring you a cup of tea but looks like I was too late?”

Helen looked up at last and Liv painted a hopeful expression across her face. She had to start somewhere.

“I realise you’re angry-” she tried, as her friend’s apprehension was more than obvious and she thought it best to acknowledge it so she could make her apologies.

“I’m not angry,” Helen answered, her voice calm and almost indifferent as she turned her attention back to her book.

“Could have fooled me…” Liv countered as it was clearly not true.

“What do you expect, Liv?” the linguist retorted, and there was a flash of anger in her eyes after all, much as the brunette had expected. If she was being perfectly honest, she would have been cross too if things had been the other way around.

“I thought maybe just a ‘Hello’ would be a start?” she gave back, slowly making her way into the room as she gained ground. “I can understand if you’re angry or hurt, but please just say that rather than ignoring me.” She could have handled shouting, she struggled with the silence.

“What right do I have to be angry or hurt?” Helen huffed, averting her eyes. “It was your decision to go. I don’t have any claim to you.”

And there was the crux of the matter. How Liv wished she had staked a claim to her.

“No but… I made a mistake going,” she acknowledged outright, wanting her to know straight away that she had come to realise that.

“Right.” The linguist’s reaction was muted, almost ambivalent, her attention firmly back on her book. She seemed to be using it as a barrier of sorts.

“It was an impulsive decision I hadn’t thought through and it was for all the wrong reasons,” Liv carried on, determined to at least say her piece. She hoped, if she just kept going, she would get through to her eventually. She had explained her reasons in great detail in her letters, but saying so surely gave more weight to it.

Helen looked up and for a moment, the med-tech dared to hope, but only to be taken aback by her response.

“What reasons were they?” she asked, allowing her cool façade to break for something more emotional, visibly hurt. “Because I just- I didn’t understand,” she shook her head and gave a mirthless little laugh as she shrugged. “That at least would have made it easier. If I’d understood why I could have accepted it! Instead I had to wonder every day.” Her tone grew more emotional and accusatory with every word.

“Don’t you know?” Liv retorted dumbly, confused. She had made herself abundantly clear, unless of course Helen had refused to read her letters… If she had refused to do so, things were far worse than she had anticipated and her heart sank.

“I know it’s something that I did, you made me feel that clearly enough,” Helen huffed, and Liv frowned.

“I did?”

“Oh yes.” The linguist’s tone was bitter and stung, only confirming that Liv had underestimated the effect her leaving had had on her. Of course her best friend had inadvertently been the reason for her sudden departure, but she hadn’t realised it had been as obvious as all that.

“Well, I-” Even though she had put her thoughts to paper plenty of times over, she struggled to answer, unsure of what the best way would be given her irritated mood. What was she to say? ‘That if only she had shown some romantic interest in her, she wouldn’t have gone?’ She couldn’t force those feelings, regardless of how sure she’d always been that Helen had harboured them. Now, it seemed more and more likely that she had ruined whatever chances there had ever been.

“I remember the way you looked at me before you walked out,” Helen continued, giving her a hard frown, and Liv found herself on the back foot.

“And yet you didn’t say anything.” The words of defence had crossed her lips before she could really consider them. It was an accusation, and surely the last thing to help the situation, but it was an instantaneous, instinctual response.

At that, Helen snapped her book shut and glared at her.

“What was there to say?” she countered, her anger rising and Liv couldn’t help a disbelieving laugh leaving her lips. Wasn’t it obvious?

“That you didn’t want me to go?” she suggested, feeling her own frustration growing. She had been so excited to return, words couldn’t do justice to how glad she had been to see her, and now everything was going completely wrong.

“That wasn’t my place to say,” Helen shook her head, and it only enraged Liv more.

“But it could have been!” she exclaimed, and the linguist’s expression turned hard.

“Don’t turn this on me, Liv. You left!” she snapped, losing control of the temper she usually kept so tightly controlled. In all the time Liv had known her, the linguist had kept her emotions well guarded, maintaining a gentle, polite manner in almost all situations, and it made her anger all the more startling.

“I’m back now,” the med-tech tried for a more conciliatory tone.

“Yes… and why?” Helen got to her feet, hugging her book to her chest. Her voice oscillated between emotional and angry as she carried on. “What do you expect now? That I’m going to gratefully fall to your feet? You hurt me!” she exclaimed in an uncharacteristic outburst.

“No, that’s not what-” Liv stuttered, taken aback, as her friend glared at her, clearly upset.

“So you’ve realised twenty-first century Earth wasn’t for you. Great. Well done making that decision,” she sniped sarcastically. “And what was I meant to do? Hold out hope that maybe, you’d realise that and come back? When it was so bloody obvious to anyone it was never going to work?” she snapped.

Liv’s eyes widened in shock. If it had been that obvious, it only made her silence on the matter worse.

“Then why didn’t you just say that? Why did you let me walk out?” the med-tech shot back, equally as upset. “I didn’t want to go, but I thought- I thought it would hurt less in the long run than pining after you for the rest of my life!” The words left her lips quicker than she could think. It was an honest and raw confession and for a moment, Helen looked at her as though she had slapped her. Once the shock wore off, however, it was replaced by tears that sprang to her eyes, a terrible combination of pain and disappointment.

“Has it occurred to you that I just wasn’t ready?” the blonde whispered, struggling to speak, seemingly doing her best to keep her tears at bay and not quite succeeding. Angrily she wiped her cheeks.

“Would you ever have been?” Liv dared to ask, her tone sharper than she had intended, but in the heat of their exchange, with years and years of longing and waiting coming to a head, she couldn’t help herself.

For one tense, terrifying moment, the linguist just looked at her, and then she dropped her eyes.

“We’ll never know now, will we…” she huffed, and made to leave.

“What? What’s that supposed to mean?” Liv exclaimed and promptly stepped into her path. She couldn’t let her walk away, not like this. “Helen, I’m back now, I’m not going anywhere again, not ever! And I’m not expecting you to-” She fumbled for words. She knew she had no right to demand anything of her, but she also couldn’t leave things like this. “Didn’t you read-”

“But you are! You are expecting that,” Helen laughed mirthlessly. “And even if it was what I wanted, what I have always wanted! How do you think I can trust you now?” Her tears started falling properly now, she tried to push past her but again, Liv put herself in between her and the door.

“I’m sorry, it was a mistake,” she apologised, fear beginning to rise inside her.

“’I’m sorry’ isn’t good enough, Liv,” the linguist countered, her voice hollow and she shook her head. “I want to be happy you’re back, I missed you so much every day, but…” She took a deep breath to steady her voice, but refused to look at her. “I’m just- I’m gonna need some time before things can go back to normal, alright?”

“But they- You will-” Liv needed things to go back to the way they had been, she didn’t think she could survive it if they didn’t. “I know I have no right to ask for anything, I understand I hurt you and I’m sorry, but… You’re still my best friend and I’ve missed you every day as well. More and more everyday until I couldn’t take it anymore. That’s why I wrote-” She wanted to explain how she felt, but Helen interrupted her.

“You were the one who left, Liv. Not me,” she muttered. “And for the record: You never told me you had feelings for me either.”

She had a point. She hadn’t. But hadn’t she been clear enough? Hadn’t she given her time enough? The med-tech lowered her head, silent acknowledgement of the fact that she was right, and it seemed to encourage her friend to continue.

“Perhaps, instead of trying to force a reaction with this ultimatum, you should have tried to prompt things by having an honest conversation...”

Again, Liv knew she was right and it was what she attempted, if admittedly too late, and that made her lack of response to her attempts all the more hurtful.

“That’s why I wrote you all those letters and you never responded to any of those either…” she countered, unable to keep her own hurt from her voice. “I see that you were angry, but I thought at least you’d understand now-”

“What are you talking about?” Helen interrupted her, bewildered.

“The letters I sent?” the med-tech clarified, as though it wasn’t obvious and her friend groaned, annoyed.

“The TARDIS doesn’t get post, Liv!” She pinched the bridge of her nose, shaking her head.

“Yes it does, of course it does!” Liv protested instantly. “Drax’s thing, remember?”

“We turned that off. There hasn’t been anything since,” Helen sighed in response, holding her hands up, evidently done with the conversation.

“How else do you think I got the Doctor to pick me up?” Liv countered, her annoyance turning to concern. It seemed her friend’s confusion was genuine. Had she really not received any of the letters she had written for her? As Helen didn’t immediately have a comeback, she set out to explain. “He said if I ever needed to reach him there- There was this postbox by Covent Garden, I don’t know how it works - or even if it works looking at your face but - Well, he came to pick me up so some of my messages must have come through,” she insisted, bewildered.

“You wrote to me?” the linguist’s expression softened, and Liv’s response was immediate and insistent.

“All the time! I missed you so much! And not just letters but-” She wanted to launch into a great big explanation of all the effort she had gone to, but the sobering realisation that it had all been in vain hit her first. “Are you saying you never got any of them?” Her voice went small, almost fragile.

“No.” Helen shook her head slowly, her anger seemingly draining away as she realised there was more to this than she had thought.

If the Doctor had received Liv’s message to be picked up, but none of her letters had made it to Helen, that left only one explanation.

“I’m going to kill the Doctor!” the med-tech exclaimed, anger rising in her throat, and she spun around, marching back to the console room.

“Liv?” Helen called after her and quickly jumped to action as well. “LIV!” She rushed after her and while Liv should have taken that as a good sign, she was too preoccupied to notice.

“Doctor!” she snapped the moment they arrived in the control room. The Time Lord was still lounging in his armchair still.

“Now there is something I haven’t missed…” he hummed to himself, turning a page, but Liv didn’t stop to take offence. She walked right up to him and yanked the book out of his hands to demand his attention.

“Where are the things I sent?” she challenged without further ado.

“What do you mean?” he frowned, his face displaying genuine confusion.

“The post box, the one I used to get in touch with you. All the things I sent through it over time, where are they?” she reiterated, looking around the room as though she expected them to just be lying around.

“There was just your message to be picked up,” the Doctor answered slowly, sitting up a little straighter. She had his attention now.

“What?” Liv was confused, glancing in between her two friends who were looking back at her expectantly in return. “That can’t be!” She shook her head. “Where has all the rest gone? Can’t have just been stuck in that box, it was always gone when I returned!”

“Did you return often?” Helen asked and Liv nodded, suddenly finding herself at the verge of tears.

“Yes! Yes, I-”

A crushing wave of disappointment swept over her, drowning the hope she had harboured. It was no wonder Helen’s reaction had been the way it was. She had thought she had forgotten about her completely. While Liv didn’t know how much time had passed in the TARDIS in relation to how much time had passed for her, judging by the state her room had been in, and Helen’s general behaviour, it had been more than a few days or weeks…

She took a deep breath, wiping her eyes that threatened tears, but collected herself enough to focus on Helen and take the opportunity to explain.

“I- At first I tried to go all in being back, trying to- but even just after a few days, I was dying to talk to you, even just let you know what’s been happening and- I missed you. And so I thought I’d write and did,” she gave a little, helpless shrug. Helen looked back at her with visible concern which was a far cry from the anger she had been subjected to not long ago. She hoped, with a little time and the right words, she could at least make her understand. “Every couple of weeks at first but then- October came around and it would have been your birthday soon…” A small smile came to her lips at the memory. “And I came across this little bookshop and found the most perfect gift. So I had to buy it and thought maybe I could send it like the letters… So I put it in the box and waited to make sure it disappeared and it did!” She looked back to the Doctor almost helplessly. “So where did it go?”

“I haven’t got the faintest idea, Liv, I’m sorry,” he answered honestly, leaving the med-tech with a terrible feeling of emptiness and loss. Finding that book had meant so much to her, the idea of Helen having and hopefully enjoying it had given her so much hope…

“Don’t worry about it…” she mumbled, disheartened, and decided it was best to try and escape the situation. She would rather cry in privacy given everything that had happened.

“Hang on…” Helen stopped her in her tracks. “Was it… was it a first edition of Mrs Dalloway?” she asked carefully and Liv’s head snapped around to her.

“Yes. Yes it was!” she exclaimed. “How-”

“It…it appeared on my bedside table one night… I thought that TARDIS might have…” the linguist answered, her eyes widening with surprise and before Liv could say or do anything, the Doctor interrupted.

“Have you been playing tricks, Old Girl?” he asked of his ship, looking around the control room. “Have you been holding out on us?”

“But you didn’t get any of the letters?” Liv asked her best friend gently, confused but somewhat hopeful now. While she was glad to hear her present had made it, she had held out so much hope for those letters… The letters that might have given her insight into her increasingly troubled mind, detailing the slow but startling realisation that she had made the biggest mistake of her life. She’d sat up all night reading the book before taking it to the post box, knowing it to be one of Helen’s favourites, and like Mrs Dalloway herself, she had reminisced on her life, the missed opportunities and the state of entrapment she had manoeuvred herself into. At the time, she had put her thoughts to paper to send alongside her gift. She had waited by the postbox for days after, waiting - in vain - for any sort of acknowledgement or response, but none ever came. Now, she was beginning to see why.

At the time, Liv had been disappointed, returning somewhat angrily to the day to day, but it wasn’t long until she wrote to Helen again, a habit that soon turned into something that she needed like air to breathe. It felt, in a way, like a lifeline, her one connection to the life she’d had before. The life in which she had been so much happier, even without the things she’d hoped to have with Helen beyond their friendship.

“No… nothing… so I had no idea you…” Helen responded slowly, seemingly unsure how to traverse the situation, and Liv didn’t know what to feel either. Relief that her friend hadn’t ignored her all this time, or devastation that all her attempts at explaining had been pointless?

“Well they must be here somewhere,” the Doctor announced indignantly, glaring at the central column of the TARDIS. “What were you playing at, hmm?” He scowled. “Was there anything else, Liv?”

“There were a lot of things…” the med-tech admitted softly.

At Christmas she sent another gift and braved explaining why she had left, laying her heart bare for Helen to do with what she chose. She had sent a pair of earrings that she thought matched the star necklace she had gifted her many moons ago.

Liv wrapped her arms around herself as she thought of the many heartfelt words and gifts that had been intended for her best friend. None of which she had ever received.

“I think I’m just gonna-” Tears threatened to overwhelm her, and she made her excuses.

“Liv, where are you going?” Helen tried to stop her, but this time, Liv kept going. She needed a minute.

---

In the end, Liv barely had any time at all to get herself together. She’d just dropped onto the bed and buried her face in her hands when a knock sounded on her door. The door was gently pushed open, even without her explicit say so, and Helen stuck her head in.

“Hi…” she opened slowly. Her expression was a far cry from the angry glare she had regarded her with before. She seemed almost cautiously hopeful now, and it fanned the little flame of hope that Liv harboured herself.

“Hi…” she gave back softly.

“Would it be alright if I came in?” the blonde asked gently and Liv nodded. Of course it was more than alright if it meant things could get back to normal. “The Doctor said perhaps the TARDIS just wanted you to figure things out for yourself, without anything I said or didn’t say in response…” Helen ventured carefully as she took a seat beside her on the bed. “Like… like she wanted to make sure if you did choose to return, it was because you wanted to, and that there were no obligations for me to…” she gave a little shrug and a weak smile, and even though it was just a small gesture, it reminded Liv of just how beautiful that smile of hers was. She hoped she would see more of it again soon enough.

“I have no expectations, Helen,” she acknowledged softly. “I know I don’t deserve that. I just want to be back here. With you.”

“I want that, too,” the linguist answered, and Liv’s heart leapt in her chest.

“Really?” she asked, almost tearfully, and her friend nodded more firmly.

“Of course.”

“But you thought I’d forgotten all about you…” the med-tech observed mournfully, and she was surprised and delighted when Helen moved a little closer.

“But you didn’t, did you?”

“Not for a moment. Even in those first few days where I wanted to be angry with you for never-” she broke off, gathering her thoughts to rephrase what she had thus far only written, not said. “And then I felt that… absence. The hole you’d left that no-one would ever be able to fill.” She offered her an insecure smile. “Probably best you didn’t get that very first letter… I was trying to tell you how wonderful it all was and-” Inwardly she cringed as she recalled writing it with the thoughts that perhaps, with a little distance between them, Helen would realise what she was missing… But soon after her letters had changed entirely. “But not for long… I was missing you more and more every day, and writing was the only thing I could do that made me feel a little closer to you. I knew I couldn’t just come back, not that easily, I’d have made a fool of myself… not that it’s much better now.” She allowed herself a little chuckle and a sigh, though turned serious again after. “I guess I felt I owed it to Tania to at least try, but… And when you never responded, I thought you were done with me…” She still remembered that feeling and it brought tears to her eyes. “So I stayed far longer than I should have.”

“But you kept writing,” Helen asked quietly, and Liv shrugged again.

“Like the love sick idiot I was…” she muttered. “Whenever I saw something in a shop I thought you’d like… whenever I came across a book…” she sighed. “I didn’t send all of them… it was beginning to feel pointless but…” She gave a gesture towards one of the armchairs by the fire where a pile of books had been stacked high, each and every one intended for the woman beside her.

”Oh Liv…” the linguist seemed rather overcome when she realised as much.

“I fought with Tania a lot…” Liv continued thoughtfully, dropping her eyes to her hands that fiddled anxiously in her lap. “She was always keeping secrets and so was I…” Liv had never quite understood why Tania refused to tell her of the organisation she was so clearly working for, it would have done no harm, and so, the fact that she’d continued to lie was all the more hurtful. It did, however, make her feel better about the letters she had been writing and the feelings she’d continued to harbour for her best friend. “It stopped being a relationship long before we called time on it,” she declared, as it felt important for her to know that. “Moved back into flat four… Tony would look in on me occasionally… asking where it was I went when I did go out, because it wasn’t to a job or-” She squeezed her eyes shut for a moment as the feeling of loneliness she had experienced at the time caught up with her. It had been tough. “I’d sit across from the post box, writing my next letter… In the end he found out what I was doing. And he must have told Tania - even though we didn’t see much of each other anymore - because it was her that told me to pack my things and go. I felt like I had no place there, but no place here either.” It had been a sobering, painful realisation, but it was what she had needed to work up the courage to ask if she could return.

“You’ll always have a place here,” Helen offered gently, and she reached out to take her hand, stilling their anxious movements in her lap.

“That’s what I’d hoped, but can you blame me for assuming otherwise?” Liv looked at their hands resting together, and she brushed her thumb over the back of her knuckles, grateful for the bit of contact she was offering her. “I was surprised when the TARDIS turned up and for a moment, I was so happy. I thought everything would go back to normal, I thought- But then you didn’t want to see me and after everything I’d written, I assumed that meant that…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it and it seemed like she’d lost her attention too. Helen shifted uncomfortably, as though she had just sat on something.

“Liv… what’s that?” the linguist asked bewildered, shuffling aside.

“What?”

“There is something in the bed…” She pushed her free hand underneath the covers and retrieved what looked like a jewellery box… one that looked awfully familiar.

“I made that bed earlier, it wasn’t…” Liv’s eyes widened in shock when she realised it was the box that ought to contain the star earrings she had intended for Helen. “But-”

Suddenly, Liv’s wardrobe sprung open and like a tidal wave of white, envelopes came tumbling out, on and on they went, hundreds and hundreds of letters, they didn’t stop coming. Stunned Liv snatched one letter out of the air and instantly recognised her own scrawly handwriting in which she had written a single word to the top of every envelope: “Helen”.

“Liv… what is all this?” While Liv was too occupied with the letters, overwhelmed to find them all in one place all of a sudden, Helen jumped up from the bed that suddenly was a whole lot less comfortable than it had started out. The linguist tugged the duvet aside revealing a large number of presents dotted around the bed.

The med-tech looked around to see her picking up the items one by one with a sense of wonder, so she dropped the letters and returned to her side, happy to give some context.

“Christmas present 2021… Valentines… just because I saw it and thought of you…” She started pointing things out. “Easter - I don’t know if you’re meant to be getting Easter presents but- This I found at Camden Market and thought it would suit you… Another birthday…”

“Oh God, Liv-” Helen looked around to her in shock, and caught sight of the mountain of envelopes. “And all these letters?” She was in complete awe and Liv smiled, too, when she spotted the fine chain of stars that hung around the linguist’s neck. Her heart lifted.

“You still wear the necklace…” she observed softly and Helen looked down at the piece of jewellery as though she’d completely forgotten she was wearing it.

“I- Of course I do. It’s my-” She broke off, but brought up her hand to trail fingertips along the chain. “It means the world to me,” she confessed softly and Liv picked up the small jewellery box.

“I thought these would match it…” she told her as she opened the box and presented the earrings to her. “And there is a bracelet too somewhere…” She cast a quick glance at the bed. She hadn’t realised just how many things she had tried to send her over time.

“Liv-” Helen’s mouth fell open in shock, but the expression of joy and wonder in her eyes told the med-tech she had done something right.

There was, however, one more thing she had to say to make her peace with it all.

“I never, for a moment, forgot about you and with every day we were apart I realised just how much I loved you. I know that might not be in the cards for us, not anymore, but I need you to know that. You are the most important person in my life. Please allow me to share it with you again,” she requested softly as she looked up to her. “I have missed you so much…”

And before she could say any more, Helen covered her lips with her own. Liv blinked, stunned, but her body responded before her mind grasped what was happening. She took hold of the blonde’s face and kissed her back.

“I love you too, Liv,” Helen mumbled, pulling back shyly. “So much. And I couldn’t believe that you’d- after everything- I’m so sorry it took me so long to say it.” She dropped her eyes, anxiously biting her bottom lip but as Liv’s mind slowly caught up with what had happened, words broke out of her like a waterfall.

“I’m sorry I didn’t wait. I should have-” she stuttered. “I learned my lesson. Please can you just… can you give me a second chance?”

“Yes, I- I’d like that very much,” Helen smiled almost tearfully and as broke into a grin of relief, she leaned in and gently pressed their lips together once more, a soft, chaste gesture that served to pick up the pieces of Liv’s broken heart and mend them together, stronger and more hopeful than ever before.

“I guess I have a lot to read,” Helen hummed when she pulled back at last, casting a glance over to the mountain of letters.

“I guess you do…” the med-tech chuckled and sheepishly gestured towards the bed. “Surprise, I brought you presents.” Suddenly, it felt as though all her worries had been chased away, particularly when her best friend laughed, a genuine, joyful sound.

“You silly woman. You know you really are such an idiot, Liv, don’t you? All this, all the-” Helen seemed quite overcome and awkwardly, Liv scratched the back of her neck.

“I know. I’m a mess,” she acknowledged as there were no two ways about it.

“You are. But so am I. Why didn’t I just…” the blonde sighed, shaking her head to herself.

“Bad timing,” Liv observed and Helen nodded.

“We’ve always had bad timing. The letters could have done with arriving sooner...”

“Unless it was just the time we both needed?” she suggested, then asked cautiously. “Do you think this might be the right time now?”

“I think it definitely is the right time,” Helen gave back softly. “Just like you came into my life at just the right time.”

“Likewise,” Liv smiled and pulled her into a bone crushing hug. There, in each other’s arms they stayed for a long, long while.

“Now… presents, eh?” the linguist chuckled when they finally pulled apart.

“I have some way to go to make amends so yes, presents,” the med-tech broke into a grin. Sometimes, the greatest gifts were worth waiting for.

[saythemagicword]

PIERCING THROUGH THE SHADOW OF FAITH

Part 11

"A pizza delivery?" I asked my husband who seems to be unbothered about the doorbell ringing a few minutes ago. "My dear, it's currently 2:30am. What are you doing?" I added. There I was, left unanswered as if I was talking to the wind. Before my suddenly-became-deaf husband could close the door after receiving the box of pizza, I was stumped by what the delivery guy said.

"Mrs. Luna, enjoy! I hope you'll have good night sleep!" he cheerfully said before leaving. Dominique then thanked the delivery guy and closed the door. A confused look etched on my face. I was not shocked about the fact that he knew who I was; I was not shocked that he called me Mrs. Luna. What baffled me is what he meant when he said I should enjoy.

"What was that all about?" I asked Dominique, again, hoping that this time, I would get an answer. "Finally, it's here. I've been waiting for this for the past two hours." he muttered, still acting as if he never heard all my questions. "Avijandro Dominique Luna, answer my question! What are these for? It's past 2 in the morning. Your daughter is sleeping and we're about to go to bed. What is this all about?" I ran out of patience, he keeps pretending he doesn't hear me. "H-huh?" he stutteringly responded. That's his weakness: his full name being called by me. I am his weakness. "Dominique Luna, answer my ques—" "I love you." he uttered passionately and kissed my left cheek.

What? He said that? He knows how to say that? Knowing Dominique, he would show how much he love me in every way possible except saying "I love you." The times he uttered those words can be counted on my fingers. My goodness, this guy. I was supposed to be mad at him. I hate this(of course I don't), he really knows my soft spot. "Y-you think saying that and kissing me would make me forget I'm mad?" I defended, my pride won't let him win over me. "It's for you, darling. I had this made specially for you." said my weakness: him.

"You and that flowery mouth of yours...I hate it.." I don't know what to say. I was dumbfounded by what he did. "Why? My dear, did I say something wrong?" he asked sincerely. His confused face say it all. "Those pulchritudinous words, I hate them. It makes me lose my sane."

He then smirked, trying to hold back the euphoria. But he didn't succeed; a downward smile formed across his lips as he open the box of pizza. "Oh, my dear Diana. Diana, Diana, Diana. Be careful of what comes out of that mouth of yours... or else Quiana might get a sibling a little sooner." he teased. Was he being serious? I hope not.

"You serious about that? Really? After what happened to me when I birthed your daughter? I nearly died, and you have the guts to tell me that?" I argued. I know he's just pulling my leg, but still... I have to say something. I told you my pride won't let him win.

"C'mon, why don't we take a seat?" he insisted while his right hand was pointed on the left side of the soft couch, signaling that I should sit beside him. He just ignored what I said, as always. "Here, have a bite." He offered me the first slice of pizza. It tasted so good; Pepperoni Pizza, my favorite.

We gobbled up all the pizza except the 8th and last slice; Dominique told me he's saving it as it's the best part. "Now baby, you can have that." referring to the slice of pizza. I was about to pick it up but Dominique warned me to not eat it. "Why can't I?" I threw a question because who's in the right mind to offer someone the last slice of pizza and warn them not to eat it? "You'll know why once you get to touch it." After picking up the pizza, I understood my husband right away. I now know why he doesn't want me to eat it. Something bumpy was under it.

"Why is there a folded paper under it?" I asked. I found a folded brown paper soaking in grease. "Open it." he said. A letter was printed on it. What was said in the letter made me shed tears. It goes exactly like this:

"My dearest Diana, how are you? I know it's dumb to ask you this question because we're already with each other. But I still wanted to make sure you are doing really fine. How does it feel to be a first-time mom? I know it's tough but you can still manage to feed our baby, clothe her, clean her, put her to sleep, prepare food for the both of us, and make sure everything is going well. You always check on me even when I'm at work, even when there's already someone who needs you more than I do.

Does this letter takes you back somewhere? I hope it does. Remember when we first met after college? Your first day at work? I know you hate even my slightest presence, but the moment I saw you enter the office, I knew we're destined to be with each other. Ever since I saw you open that door, I started looking forward to see it swung open every morning hoping that it was you entering. Starting from that moment, I wrote letters for you everyday. Back then, the contents of my letter were all about why you should stop loathing me and how much I adore you; it was all about only you. But now, a precious little being is included. It was our dream. Now, it's happening.

Thank you for being a loving wife and a mighty momma. Quina and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. I love you so much, my darling Diana."

What did I do to deserve this kind of love? It was so touching that I cannot help but cry. Yes, he used to always write letters for me. They were written on a brown paper. And to boast, I still have them. And yes, as much as I hate him, or so I thought, I kept the letters he would give me back then because it was so heartwarming. Maybe I already like him back then, I was just indenial.

"Thank you so much, my love. I love you." I retorted. "I love you more." he replied. We were drawn by the affectionate hap that we didn't realize the clock was ticking. "Let's go back upstairs and sleep, you still have to go to work." I told him while walking towards the light switch. And there he was, cleaning the mess we have made from being emotional and eating pizza.

Later that morning, Dominique was taking a bath in preparation to go to his company. Oops—correction, MY company. I am the chairwoman of our company; he's the vice. But since I'm on a maternity leave, he's in-charge of taking care of of everything.

While I was breastfeeding Quiana, Dominique was still in the bathroom, someone's mobile phone seems to be ringing. It wasn't my phone so there's only one answer: it was his phone.

"Babe!! Someone's calling you." I shouted as he's still in the bathroom. "Babe!!" But he doesn't seem to hear me so I thought I'd answer it. I was still holding my baby on my way to our closet since I can't put her down and my husband's phone was there. I was about to pick it up but the contact's name suddenly made me think twice.

"Unknown number?" I murmured.

------- End of Part 11 -------

[shrouded-smiles]

Hello and welcome to my blog!

I go by Shrouded and I happen to post art on here, though, I may disappear from time to time due to work and life activities. If you have any asks or art requests; feel free to send them in! I will try my best to answer anything I can on a timely manner. Art requests I may stop taking from time to time, but asks will be kept open so I can socialize with you all! Submissions can be taken, though I am only taking texts and photos for now, please read the guidelines before sending a submission too! Pretty simple stuff. Asks are to be appropriate and respectful, do not bash anyone for any reason even if a previous asker was rude (I can completely understand why people would do this however). I want everyone to be comfortable and chill here. I also do not want drama to be stirred, if there is an issue, please privately message me so we can have a discussion I rather talk through it and understand than leave it. I also request potential triggering topics to not be discussed for the sake of others. Other then that, I hope it all isn’t too harsh and makes sense. If it doesn’t feel free to message me :)

Now let’s talk about Art requests guidelines! These guidelines are just for art requests (not for the asks or submissions). 1.) I have the right to refuse your request; If I am uncomfortable with what your request is, I will absolutely refuse it. If you are persistent and rude about me not getting to your request, I will absolutely refuse that too. Things can take time and you just have to wait your turn. That or, I will undoubtedly ignore your request when I am not taking them (These ones I may keep for later times I am taking requests however) or I will ignore it due to feeling I do not have the skill to make up such a request which I apologize in advance for that. 2.) I will only do SFW; So no nudity, sexual content, and nothing relating to fetishes.  3.) Do not take the image and claim it as yours; if you plan to repost it please leave credit! I would rather see you reblog it though from my blog.  4.) I will not answer to requests that are in comments; if you want to have an art request done, please send it through the ask box otherwise it will be ignored. If you have a more complex request or have questions please send me a private messages. 5.) I will not do anything remotely related to OC’s for now, maybe when I start doing commissions (which is frankly a question up in the air) I will do them along with character sheets. Just not now. Otherwise; sketches, basic coloring and lining, portraits and limited characters will only be accepted during these times.

For Art requests; this may be used as a base of what I will definitely accept when it comes to fandom topics (basing it off of it being appropriate and to my comfortability).  Five Night’s at Freddy’s (Current hyper-fixation), SCP: Containment breach, Bendy and the ink machine/dark revival, The Witcher (The book, games, and comic series not Netflix haven’t really looked into it), Deltarune/Undertale, Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss, Pokemon, Stardew Valley, Steven Universe, The Owl House, The Wolf Among Us, Slashers, God of War...  If you have a question about what else I can do other than these topics, you can private message me. Plus with guidelines I can also help explain if there is something unanswered :D Anyway, I believe that’s it! Thank you for reading this if you did, have a wonderful day!

[lowlights]

Laura! Happy Sleepover Tea Party weekend, I'm invading your ask box 💙

This particular weekend isn't great for me (why I'm trying to make it fun) and I could use a lil comfort 🥺

"Being the only one capable of calming your partner down during a stressful situation"

For me it's uh, it's Mother's Day related and my Dad just texted me asking if I would "compromise" and call to talk to my Mom this year (which, uh, no we're not doing that) and I spent like 15 minutes spiraling at my desk because of it -.-

Pairing: modern!Pero x reader

You stare at your phone, the letters of the text seeming to swirl around as your vision goes dark around the edges.

You're no contact with her, and he should know better. You love him but damn. Damn.

Ignoring the text entirely, you press the number at the top of your favorites list and hit call.

It rings only twice before you hear a gruff voice answer. "Are you okay?"

You shake your head like he can see you.

"Talk to me. Are you in danger?" His voice raises not in anger but in fear.

"Pero, can you come get me? I can't... stay here."

He tells you he'll be there in five minutes while you stutter something about being sick to your boss. They take one look at your face and tell you not to worry about a thing. Your feet carry you on autopilot out the front door and over to the little courtyard where you always wait for Pero to come pick you up.

His truck tears around the corner of the parking lot about three minutes after he hangs up with you, and you know he probably broke every traffic law to get here. He's hopping out of the car before it's barely in park, striding over to you and kneeling where you sit on the limestone bench.

"Tell me you're alright," he begs. "Tell me if I need to go have a chat with someone."

You shake your head and feel incredibly guilty for making him worry like this. "No, I'm fine. I'm sorry, I was being an overdramatic idiot. Shit, I shouldn't have called you. It's so dumb."

He stands and takes your hand, helping you up into the passenger seat before walking around the truck to his own side. He turns to look at you as he slides into the bench seat.

“It’s not dumb if it made you feel this way. Are you alright to go home?” he asks, concern evident on his face. When you nod, he holds his arm open for you to shimmy over and up against his solid, warm body. He’s so comforting, so grounding. 

In the seven minutes it takes to get home (Pero definitely sped to get you), you’ve calmed down a bit and your heartbeat matches his own steady thump thump in his chest. He shuts off the car but doesn’t move other than to put his arm back around you. 

“Your mother?” he asks, trying to fit the pieces together. 

“Not quite. My father. Wanting me to talk to my mother.” 

Pero makes a hum of acknowledgement. “You want to speak to her?” 

Your “no” comes out in a small voice. 

“So, you won’t.” Pero reminding you of that gives you more relief than you could imagine. You’re not going to have to talk to her. No one can make you. You’re in control. You repeat these things over and over, like your therapist taught you. 

“I just can’t believe he would ask. I know it’s Mother’s Day, but...” you trail off. 

“Forget Mother’s Day, amor. Leave it to the people that want it. We don’t need it here. You’re a mother to our animals, you care for you friends, you take care of me. That’s every day. We don’t need a special day with people who hurt you,” Pero says with determination, ending his sentence with a kiss to your temple. 

You snuggle against him. “I love you. Thank you.”

“There is no need for thanks. I’ve got you. Let’s go watch that show of yours with the people trying to survive on the island.” You both open your doors and hop out, and Pero is holding out his hand to you as you walk around the truck. 

“You hate that show,” you remind him. 

“They’re idiots. But you like it, so I will watch.” 

The text on your phone goes unanswered, and later Pero goes into your phone (with your permission) to delete it. He wants to write back every obscenity he can think of, to demand how they could hurt you like this. But they don’t deserve your attention, or his. 

He’s got you. 

[retelling-of-ragnarok]

❆ HI IDK WHAT TO CALL THIS BUT! (also forgive me for ranting on main.)

i hope people don’t feel like their asks, threads or any of my content is being neglected— especially since i’ve been posting sorta frequently? yeah granted their smaller asks, and easier to answer— but pls know that i am not ignoring you; nor have i given up on any of my blogs. i say this everyday but i truly do see the asks in my ask box, and the things in my drafts. im sorta working through them slowly, since i work on a ‘what do i have inspiration for’ basis. i’ve been trying just to type ANYTHING and hope that something comes to me, but i realised that none of what i typed was at the quality i wanted.

so forgive me, if you’ve sent in an ask for a scenario, and i’ve taken forever to answer. i promise, its still in there. i havent ignored you. i’m just kinda working as i get inspired, and have vv high standards for my own content. so please be patient with me :’). and i apologise, if seeing me on the dash while your ask is still unanswered, is annoying. ❆

[countessmorgasson]

Hey guys!

So I know it’s been a while since I last posted—or even made any fics. This started out as a fun hobby (and as an outlet for all the feelings I had for The Arcana) and then I went down the rabbit hole of taking requests and fully immersing myself in the random. I guess after all the routes got published it was easier to stray from the blog, even though I really really enjoyed interacting with y’all and writing short stories of our faves.

I feel kinda silly making this post like a celeb notes app apology but I feel bad for all the requests left behind. One day I logged out and just didn’t come back—not because I wasn’t having fun or anything, I just got distracted with life and a lot of personal things going on. I also got some harsh feedback on my writing at some point (not on here!) and fell into a rut and swore off it for a while. I hate being ghosted and I feel like I did that by taking requests and just not coming through with all of them so I am sorry! I wouldn’t intentionally ignore anyone and I know it feels like that when you send an ask and it just goes unanswered for months. This is on me 😵‍💫

I figured by now everything died down but I see that people still love the Arcana and even some Fictif stories (I have a lot of Thoughts on those but that’s an entirely different post) and I’m heavily debating on clearing up the ol’ ask box and staring fresh! I miss writing, guys. I strayed from it for a long while and it’s one of my favorite things to do.

So I’m coming back, if you’ll have me. 😁

[psychic-master-will-archive]

((It seems I missed a lot, and I’m not going to add on to anything that’s already been said.

However, I will say that my blog is open to new interactions, and if you see any meme or post tagged open, that means I want you to interact with me! It’s a okay to send that meme or reply to my post. I can even make it longer if you’d like (energy pending because irl is draining).

I know I can rub people the wrong way, and being private/selective/mutuals only doesn’t help matters. I am, however, open to new people, new followers and interactions. There is only so much I can do on my own, and I can only reach out to so many.

I also want to add that I’ve been in this rpc since 2011, and the issues brought to the dash are not new and have been around for ages. I also want to add that, as of late, I am struggling to find the will (no pun intended) to be on this blog, or Lucian’s. I feel ignored and like I don’t matter outside of a handful of people I interact with. I follow close to 200 blogs, but barely interact with 10% of them. It sucks because you are all awesome and I want to interact with you all!

I also know that my inactivity due to irl and my other rp group can make it frustrating, especially since I can never seem to be on when the dash is most active. However, I love my muse and I love rp, and I really want to stay and do something. Whenever I see an open of mine go unanswered, or an empty ask box, it just really kills my motivation and desire to the point where I want to go on hiatus despite having a muse for my clown.

tl;dr: I feel the ones who brought up the issues with the rpc and have felt them myself, and all I can really do is just state that anything I post is fair game for people to jump in on. RP is a two way street, and if you want to interact, the best thing you can do is reply to a post with no notes, or send in a meme! It means a lot to other rp’ers, and something awesome might come out of it! I know we all have things we’re dealing with and very few spoons to work with, and we can only do what we can. Yet just reaching out to even one new person makes the difference, so if you can, please give it a try ;u;))

[ldknightshade]

This is the cube anon. I am sorry for my presence in your box here, I know people would like me gone. However since you are still archiving the events, I want to share with you what I sent to glassguillotine, who told me to kill myself. Is that okay? I said "Hello, it is Toki Cube anon. I wanted to apologize for the hurt I've caused this community and especially you. I know you've said in discord I ruined your birthday and I am deeply sorry. That said it hurts me that you would tell me to kill myself. I mean no harm and no hurt for anyone with my requests, but I have not done more than leave a like on any of the art because I fear people want to hurt me. I do not know why everyone assumes I wanted the pictures to be sexually explicit, I did not. I am fine with all the jokes, they are funny. What bothers me is that people are saying I am akin to a sexual predator and am wishing I hurt or end my life. That is very painful to see. I meant you no harm and I am truly sorry for it. Please do not look for me as I will be remaking my accounts free of this anyway. But not free of Toki as I need him for my comfort in life. I am sorry again and thank you."

I know this may go unanswered and ignored and I may still be seen as a parasite to the community but I simply wish my voice to be heard and be known I mean no harm for anyone despite what is being said. I will not be back again most probably.

Oscillating fronters rn, so we're just gonna colorcode so everyone's two cents makes it to the table. - Under a cut, due to length, as we're a wordy bunch.

Frankly, Cube Anon, I don't mind your presence. I'm not sure how to feel about this from the archival standpoint, as on one hand, this does help unravel the mystery a bit, but on the other hand, I will admit this feels a little bit like unintentional triangulation. Which, honestly, I've used worse tactics in a self-unaware manner while completely emotionally wrecked, so I don't blame you. However, I will not let it go unacknowledged.

That said, we now know what you sent the user and what their post was responding to.

We do intend to publish this to have your voice be heard. And honestly, this mostly reads like... just a mistake? I don't know, even if it wasn't intended to be fetish-farming, it sounds like you got wrapped up in things and needed to dial it back a bit. Like you thought it'd make a good running gag or something and didn't realize what it came off as. ...Are you a minor, by any chance? Because that would explain it being intended as a joke, but unintentionally reading as fetish farming; something you were potentially unaware even existed.

But, in all honesty, if it was fetish stuff, general consensus - within our system and in the fandom - is to just commission as replied to in this ask you sent to pipartuuli.

It's because fetish farming is something artists really have to look out for, if this was fetish related, because like... you know, something more on the innocuous side like this when it's intended for fetish purposes isn't exactly something all artists consent to. That's why even if it's not fetish stuff, the sheer amount of asks you sent combined with the fact that it's anon, and whatnot... it just looks a lot like fetish stuff, you know.

And like, I dunno, I don't think any of it makes you a parasite, per se? Regardless of the intentions, it sounds like you didn't know better, to a degree, and like you got in over your head.

I don't think a misunderstanding of online etiquette necessarily means you're a predator, even if it's fetish stuff? Because here, as well as in the previously mentioned ask you sent pipartuuli indicates remorse. I'm just saying, three times is a pattern - and this is technically the third time you've expressed remorse for the ask spam. While I respect your decision to leave the community after this - I really don't know if I wouldn't do the same - I do want to offer our askbox as a place for you to give us answers, clear the air on the mystery a bit. You know, let us get all the facts and let your voice be heard, since there's a lot of high emotions underneath what it became.

While I, myself, am not too invested in this, I do think it's in your best interest to separate yourself from the parts of the fandom that responded to you with vitriol. I can't imagine this has done any wonders for your mental health, so do what you can to remedy that. The more we think about it, at the very least I know Bell and I are inclined to agree with Dick; that is, you are potentially a minor and something you sent as a joke got a little out of hand. I, and the others, are glad to see you've taken the wave caused by this in stride. Please, do take care of yourself.

Echoing their sentiments, I agree with Dick, you can totally use our askbox to help answer things, get your side of everything across if need be, because honestly, the fact you came to us to mediate horrifies us a bit. And on top of that, I know a lot of us have questions, so by all means, go ahead and just talk to us, if you feel the need to further clarify things.

It was good to see you, Cube Anon. Sorry if this is messy, too many cooks in the kitchen right now, clearly.

[navybrat817]

Just Friends

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x Reader Summary: You want to be more than friends with Ransom. When he laughs it off, you cut him off. He doesn’t like being ignored. Word Count: Over 2.3k Warnings: Explicit sexual content, jealousy, possessive behavior, semi-public sex, Ransom being an asshole. 18+ Please!!! This is not beta-read, so any and all mistakes are my own

Been some time since I’ve given Ransom any love. The muse went where the muse wanted it to go. Gif by @aestheticallywinchester​. Divider by @firefly-graphics. Enjoy, lovelies!

Laughter was one of your favorite sounds. It always brought a smile to your face...until now. The sound that now reached your ears was vicious and you wanted the ground to swallow you up. And the laughter didn't stop. Even when you looked away to hide how hurt you were.

"Oh, my God. You're serious," Ransom laughed harder.

When he approached you months ago suggesting a "friends with benefits" kind of deal, you turned him down. That wasn't the kind of relationship you were looking for. Especially when he made it clear that he didn't do relationships period. He swore he wouldn't give up until he had you. The man wore you down and it didn't take long to fall into bed with him.

The more time you spent with him, the more you fell for him. Under his arrogance was a good man and you knew part of the act was a defense mechanism. You couldn't blame him with how his family was. Compared to that train wreck, Ransom was semi-normal.

You didn't ask him to leave things at your place, but did anyway. He never kicked you out when he had you over. The two of you actually talked. He treated you well. So you took a chance and asked to be more than friends. And all you got in return was just a cruel cackle.

"Fuck, that was hilarious. Never pegged you for a comedian."

"You are SUCH an asshole!" you snapped as you got out of bed.

"You're just figuring that out?" he asked, rolling his eyes as you haphazardly threw your clothes on. "Where the hell are you going?"

"I'm leaving, obviously. This was a mistake," you said, grabbing your bag with a shaky hand.

"We have a good thing going. Don't fuck it up."

"Don't fuck it up?!" you repeated, furious at how quickly he brushed your feelings off. "This situation was fucked from the start."

"I never lied to you," he said angrily. "I told you I don't do relationships, so don't get pissed at me that you created this delusional future in your head."

You stepped back, stung by the venom in his tone. Did he have to be so hurtful? "I never should have agreed to this in the first place."

"But you did," he smirked. "I didn't force your hand."

"No, you didn't," you agreed. You were the one stupid enough to give him a chance. "But I'm stopping it."

"Oh, I'm sure you are. I give it a week before you're begging for me again, sweetheart," he scoffed.

"Don't call me that," you hissed, ignoring his clenched jaw as you got your keys out. "Lose my number, Ransom. And don't bother with the stuff I left here. Just toss it," you said seriously.

He laughed again, but this time he sounded bitter. "You're not ending this."

"Yes, I am. Goodbye, Ransom," you swore, rushing out before he could respond. Once you were home, you could cry about it. And after that, you wouldn't shed another tear. He wasn't worth it. But you were still disappointed that he didn't chase after you.

True to your word, you cut yourself off from Ransom. You even packed his stuff in a box like a real break-up. A twisted part of you missed being around him, but you were stronger than you gave yourself credit for. You naturally expected him to move on. Which is why you were surprised when you got the first text.

"You shockingly made it a week. I'm impressed."

The message went unanswered. Just like every other message after.

"Playing hard to get? That's new."

"I miss feeling your wet pussy around me."

"I don't like you ignoring me."

"You seriously want me to throw your stuff out?"

"Just fucking answer me."

"I miss you. Please."

“Come home.”

The last two messages nearly broke your resolve, but you convinced yourself that he had too much scotch. You were sick of overanalyzing it. And you were sick of pitying yourself. So when your friends planned a night out, you jumped at the chance. It would help you move on.

You just finished getting ready when your phone rang. It was probably one of the girls making sure you were actually going. You missed the last few nights out. "Hey. I'm on my way," you answered without checking the number.

"Well, that was easy. Knew you missed me."

"...Ransom," you said, swearing under your breath. "I thought you were someone else."

"...Really? Who?"

"I'm meeting up with my friends."

"So? Ditch them and come over."

You snorted, taking one last look in the mirror as you left. "So you can get your dick wet? No thanks."

"Tell me you don't miss my cock," he said. You could hear his smirk through the phone.

His attitude drove it home further that the "I miss you" text was just a fluke. "Why would I miss yours when I can just find a new one at the club?"

You thought he hung up when he didn't say respond right away. "Thought you weren't the 'friends with benefits' type."

"This would be a 'one night stand' type."

"Spare me. We both know you're not taking anyone home."

"Oh, I don't know about that. I'm wearing that little, black dress tonight and I know it'll turn some heads."

"That's bullshit, sweetheart. The only person you're going home with is me."

He sounded angry, which didn't make you feel satisfied as you thought. It still didn't stop you from retaliating. "Why the hell would I go home with YOU, Ransom? It's not like you give a shit about me. You don't miss me. You're just pissed off that I didn't want to be your toy anymore."

"Don't you dare tell me how I feel you when-"

"So if I want to find a guy to fuck my brains out and make me forget you ever existed, so be it. Oh. And when you jerk off tonight, make sure you get your hand nice and wet. It just might feel like a pussy. Enjoy."

You hung up before you could hear what Ransom shouted. You had no intention of hooking up with anyone. And maybe it was wrong to taunt him like that. You were supposed to be different...nice. But what the hell had nice ever gotten you?

You smiled as you danced with your friends hours later, your hips moving in time with the music. The little, black dress turned heads like you said. It even got your group a round of shots. The high died quickly. It wasn't the attention you wanted.

At some point, a stranger grinded against you and you didn't find it in yourself to care. It was just a dance and you were a single woman. The guy was cute. He even-

"Pretty, isn't she?" you heard over the music, turning your head when your recognized the voice.

"Ransom?!"

"And she's mine," he ignored you as he pressed against you. "These? Mine," you gasped as a hand ran over your breasts. "And this?" you were too stunned to stop his other hand from hiking your dress up and sliding between your thighs. "All mine."

"Holy shit," one of your friends said. The rest stopped dancing to watch the show, too drunk or shocked to stop it.

"I didn't know," the guy swore, backing off. You didn't see how murderous Ransom's gaze was.

"Now you do. And trust me, her pussy would have been dryer than the Sahara with you. Not like with me. Soaked like the fucking Nile."

"What the actual FUCK?!" you yelled when he suddenly picked you up and carried you off the dance floor. Not a single person around you tried to stop him. Your friends included. What the hell was wrong with them? Or did they think it was just an act?

You half expected Ransom to carry you out of the club, but he took you to an empty booth in the VIP section. He set you in his lap as he sat down, forcing you to straddle him. "You really think that prick would have shown you a good time?"

"How the hell did you even find me?!"

"Bimbo number three tagged you in her update. 'Night out with my girls. Hoes before bros. YOLO'," he mocked in a high-pitched voice before he glared at you. "You let that fucker touch you."

"We were just dancing," you snapped, trying to push off his shoulders as he gripped your hips. "Ransom, were you jealous?"

"You'll let any prick touch you just because you're pissed at me? That's pathetic," he replied, ignoring your question.

You didn't realize what you did until you felt the sting on your palm. Ransom looked just as shocked as you as he touched his cheek. You had never slapped anyone before, but you were sick of his shit.

"I'm not your girlfriend. We're not even friends. No matter what you did out there, do you understand? I. Am. Not. Yours."

Your words seemed to hurt him worse than the slap, but he didn't let that show for long. That signature smirk reappeared as he gripped the back of your head. "Yes, you are."

He pulled you down for a hard kiss, not budging as you tried to push away. It didn't take long to melt into him and you hated how quickly your body responded. It wasn't fair that he would get what he wanted. But he always did.

"I told you not to ignore me. I told you to come home with me," he said between kisses, reaching under your dress to tear off your panties. He rolled his hips up so you could feel how hard he was in his slacks, tossing the fabric beside him.

"Asshole! I liked those!" you snapped, twisting a hand through his hair as he kissed down your neck.

"I like you better without them," he said, biting over your pulse. "I should mark you up completely. Let everyone know you're mine."

"Ransom...I'm not…" you moaned as he pushed two fingers into you.

"You're MINE," he growled, pumping his fingers as the music pulsed around you. "You need a reminder."

He rubbed your sensitive walls until you writhed in his lap. It could have been minutes or hours. The friction wasn't enough. He kept you right there on the edge. And it pissed you off. "Either fuck me or fuck off," you demanded, whining when he slid his fingers out.

"I'm in charge, sweetheart," he sneered, reaching between your bodies to free himself. You involuntarily clenched when he teased you slick folds with the tip. "And by the time I'm done fucking you, that prick and every other guy here will know whose cock makes you scream."

He didn't waste anymore time teasing you, impaling you completely. You cried out, uncaring that you others were around. Jesus, Ransom was fucking you in a club and you didn't put up much of a fight. Were you that desperate for him?

Ransom fucked hard into you, the lights illuminating his face as he bounced you in his lap. You savored the feel of him as you circled your hips, even as he controlled the pace. "Knew you missed my cock...missed me," he smirked.

You wanted to argue, but it would have been a lie. "Thought you were going to make me scream."

Your head fell back as he lifted you higher and brought you back down. One thing to back up his arrogance was that he knew how to fuck. He knew how to make you ache that left you begging for more. Each moan he pulled out of you likely stroked his ego and you were too far gone to keep a shred of dignity.

"That's right. My pussy," he said in a low voice as he watched you. "Say it. You know I love hearing it."

"It's yours."

"Fuck yes. Haven't...been with anyone else," he admitted with a groan. "You were supposed to come back. But you let some other fucker touch you."

"Fuck…" you moaned as you rode him faster, clenching around his thick length.

"You better enjoy coming for me here. Because I'm tying you up when we get home. Gonna edge you for hours for ignoring me. Maybe days for walking out on me."

You weren't sure how much longer you'd last. The rush of pride you felt that he was jealous made you dizzy. In his own fucked up way, he was telling you he missed you. "Please, make me come."

"I'll let you," he said as he looked in your eyes, his pace punishing as pleasure pooled in your stomach. It was so strong. "But only because I love you. So fucking come."

You screamed his name as you came hard, the intensity making you black out for a moment. You collapsed in his lap as he chased his own end. His grip was tight as he filled you and that familiar satisfaction washed over you. Both of you panted, clinging to one another. It was perfect.

But you could only savor the euphoria for so long. You were afraid to lift your head. The rush of being in public, his words. It was so much.

"I think everyone heard you," Ransom spoke after a moment, chuckling and holding you when you tried to move. "I paid the bouncers as soon as I got in. We're fine."

"Are we?" you asked, keeping your head on his shoulder so as not to face him.

Ransom lifted your head, his kiss surprisingly gentle. "I know I was an ass. I always fuck things up. Just...come back home and we'll talk."

You did have a lot of things to talk about. Like that he let "love" and "home" slip in there. "We can talk.”

He smirked as he kept you in his lap. "Still edging the shit out of when we're done."

"Asshole," you whispered, but none of the malice was there. Maybe after tonight you really would be more than just friends. 

[amor-immortalem]

Replaced

Genre: Heavy Angst, Angst with a somewhat happy ending.

Warning: The following piece is my take on the replaced! au with Arella. Dark themes lie ahead. If you are triggered by feelings of abandonment, suicidal ideation, or outright suicide, this mini fic is not safe for you to read. Please continue at your own discretion.

A/N: I did it guys! I actually managed to break myself with this mini fic by digging into my own abandonment issues. It was fun- cathartic almost. Please enjoy! Also, spoilers for the lesson 16 incident.

What does it feel like to be replaced? If you were to ask Arella, she’d say it felt bitter and painful. Like someone was holding a white-hot branding iron to her stomach and pushing it in to the point it ate through all the layers of her skin and was now searing through her stomach or like someone was rubbing salt into a open, festering wound.

When Diavolo had announced to the other student council officers that a new exchange student would be joining their ranks, Arella was excited- especially when she found out the new student was a female- there was only so much Arella could talk about in a house full of men and one genderless individual that they would understand, all of them having been assigned male at birth and whatnot. So, another woman among their ranks would be a breath of fresh air for her. And it was for a time being- until the brothers had taken favor to this new human.

It started within months of this new exchange student arriving. One by one, her favorite demons started hanging around her more often. It wasn't like Arella could be mad at them. This human was novel and oh so different from Arella. She was everything Arella was not, from her blonde hair to her well-developed body- even her height, which matched closer to the brothers. She was everything human world media told a girl she should be. She even looked like she fit in with them- having taken to the Devildom like a duck to water even without being able to use magic.

Arella wants to be angry with this girl, but she can’t. This girl, named Melissa, was so sweet it was almost enough to make Arella sick. She was smart, innocent, and -above all else- selfless. It was apparent the boys adored her immediately. One by one, Arella was losing them to the charms of this new girl. The first to go was Satan, clearly smitten by her love of books and knowledge of obscure but very talented authors. The second to go was Asmo, often taking her out to clubs or on long shopping trips that often lasted well past curfew. And just like that the other brothers started to follow suit. Game nights between her and Levi? Gone. Drawing up budgets with Lucifer? Not anymore. Going out with Beel to cafes? Not in her wildest dreams. Naptimes up in the attic with Belphie? Hah! Fat chance. The last and most painful to pull away was Mammon- her first man. The one who swore he would always be there for her when she needed him. And oh how she needed him.

Just like when Arella had first come to the Devildom, Mammon was given the task of watching over Melissa by Lucifer. At first Arella tried to justify it as Lucifer worrying about the girl’s safety as even though his brothers had gotten better at controlling themselves, they still had their moments.

As time went on however, she started to notice the little things. Missed movie nights between them, date nights often forgotten about in favor of showing Melissa his favorite spots around the city, the loss of any physical intimacy. Soon, he stopped seeing her all together. Things that she and Mammon did together were now reserved for Melissa: casino trips, movie nights, pranks on Lucifer that would have the eldest chasing after them, running around the city until it was nearly what could considered to be the Devildom’s equivalent of dawn. She knew he was completely gone when she walked down to the dining room for supper one evening and overheard them just casually flirting. Mammon didn’t even make any attempts to dissuade Melissa’s advances. He remembered he actually had a girlfriend, right? Right?!

Or were they even a thing anymore? It had been months since they’d spent any substantial time together outside of classes and even then, he’d moved seats to sit closer to the new human. He’d either ignore her texts or straight up just ghost her altogether. As she listened to them, she had to push down the possessive tendencies that tried to force their way out of her. She pushed them back down into the flimsily locked box they had always been contained in and burying them down in the deepest parts of her mind, forcing herself to accept that she was no longer wanted- no longer loved by the family she thought she’d found. She returned to her room for the rest of the night and for the first time since the initial weeks after arriving here on her first visit, cried herself to sleep.

The next time she interacted with any of the Avatars, it was Lucifer ordering her off to school telling her that she had better not be late and tarnish the good name Lord Diavolo and the exchange programme. Arella only nodded and promptly left the house, not even bothering to finish her morning cup of tea. The walk to school was lonely, Mammon had left earlier with Melissa and it was then, with a broken heart, Arella decided she would leave them all to their new toy. They wouldn’t bother her. They didn’t need her. At least she had Solomon and the angels, didn’t she? No, it didn’t seem to be the case either judging by the mass of unanswered texts.

As she entered class, Arella took her usual seat only hoping Mammon would choose to sit with her for once, would just choose her for once in general. But it wasn’t meant to be. Of course, it wouldn’t. Why would he bother to choose her when there was someone who was much better for him than her? Someone who wasn’t selfish or possessive or... or... worthless... She subtilty looked over her shoulder to watch as they cracked jokes and laughed together and she felt tears pool in her eyes- heart aching at the thought that she would never have that again and the sweet memories she’d made with the demon. The spot she once saved for him was now taken by another demon.

-------------------------------------------------

Two months more of this- it had been eleven since Melissa joined them. None of the brothers even looked Arella’s way anymore- often forgetting she lived in the house with them in the first place. When she tried to reach out to any of them it was Melissa needs this or Melissa and I are doing this, so she just stopped. She stopped eating, stopped taking care of herself save for basic hygiene needs. No one came to check on her. There were no texts, no calls, nothing. They’d gotten all they wanted out of her and now she was like a cast aside doll. She thought about reaching out to any of them but decided against it. They were demons and she was just an insignificant human. It's not like they actually cared and Arella was a fool for allowing herself to entertain the thought.

She should just go home. But where was home? The human world held nothing for her to return to. Sure, she had that degree in biochemical engineering to fall back on but after having a taste of true happiness, would she even enjoy a life doing that? Maybe she could just go back to her original plan. The plan she had made when she first signed on to the exchange programme. 23 years was certainly long enough to experience everything life had to offer, right? She always did tell herself if the year on the exchange programme didn’t work out, she’d end it all. The idea was sounding more and more appealing by the minute.

With her mind made up, Arella swung her legs over the side of the bed. A smile was painted on her face. Her cheeks stained with tears; emerald-green eyes bleary from all the crying she’d done over the past two months. No one would miss her. They left her- abandoned for the better human like she was an unwanted pet. What did she expect though? No one ever stayed. No one ever cared. No one ever loved her enough to begin with. She was always thrown away like the trash she was after her purpose was fulfilled.

With what little strength she could muster, Arella stood as she uttered a spell and a portal opened. She gladly stepped through it, finding herself in her childhood home as it closed- a place filled with nothing but suffering and pain for her. What a fitting place for her own painful end.

“Hello, Mum, Myles... I’m... home... Isn’t it lovely... that you were right after all? I’ll be with you... soon...”

-------------------------------------------------

Missing his call on her D.D.D. was the first thing that Mammon noticed. He knew he hadn’t been the best boyfriend ever since the new human arrived and the demon felt guilty for that. He’d put so much energy into helping Melissa get a date with his younger brother that he hadn’t realized how much time had actually passed- how it had been almost a year since he’d done literally anything with his girlfriend. She was probably pissed at him and rightfully so. Now that he had actually looked at his calendar, there had been so many planned dates and movie nights he had missed with her and all he wanted to do was make it up to her somehow. She probably thought he didn’t want her anymore which couldn’t have been further from the truth. He missed her- missed hanging out with her, missed the dumb jokes they would crack and the laughter that followed, missed the pranks they would play on Lucifer that often ended up with them strung up from the ceiling together. He missed the late-night cuddles and having her tucked up under his arm at night as he held her close. The bed they had once shared was considerably colder now that she was no longer there.

Mammon made his way down to her room. That was the only place she could be. Arella never left her room anymore. She always left for school earlier than anyone else too, choosing to skip breakfast outright, so Mammon couldn’t even catch her to talk then. He thought about reclaiming his seat next to his human but every morning he found her chatting up another demon that had taken his old seat. He often felt his possessiveness spike most during those times but did he even have the right to feel that way after neglecting her for the past eleven months?

As he drew closer to her room, he could see Beel knocking at her door, asking if she’d like to go visit that new café she had mentioned a couple weeks ago. When there was no answer, the Avatar of Gluttony would frown, unsure if she was just asleep or just actively ignoring him. That was the second sign something was wrong. No matter what happened, at the end of the day, Arella was always happy to entertain their whims.

“She’s not answerin’ ya, is she?” The second-born asks as the sixth-born shakes his head, looking like an abandoned puppy on the side of the road. “I’ll go in ‘n see if she’s awake. I have to talk to ‘er anyway.”

Beelzebub nodded as he left back to the kitchen- likely to eat his hurt feelings away. None of them really had the right to feel this way after they’d just ghosted their favorite human though. As he opened the door, Mammon stopped dead in his tracks. She wasn’t there, her phone lay on the bed lit up with missed texts from Asmo and Levi.

Immediately, he took off for Lucifer’s study. If anyone would know her whereabouts it would be Lucifer, right? The family patriarch had the uncanny ability to know exactly where every resident of the House of Lamentation was at any given time so long as they were still in the Devildom.

-------------------------------------------------

After considering her options, Arella was left indecisive. There were a number of ways she could end her own life. She wouldn’t lie, before the exchange programme she would fantasize about the many ways she could kill herself. Would it be by hanging like she found Myles? Or perhaps she could slit her wrists like her beloved mother. If the car in the garage still worked, carbon monoxide poisoning was a valid option too. There were sleeping pills up in the medicine cabinet- a large handful of those would definitely do the trick... Ah choices, choices. As she smiled to herself, the human wondered if any of the brothers had noticed she wasn’t in the house anymore. The chances were unlikely as they were all too busy with their new human but if they had, who was it?

Would it be Asmo, Levi, Belphegor? Surely, it wouldn’t have been Mammon. He’d long since moved on, probably enjoying the start of a new relationship with Melissa. It hurt that he couldn’t have been bothered to even break up with Arella in the first place. What happened to forever? Had it all been the honeyed words of a liar?

She shook her head. It was best not to think too much on it but she still couldn’t help it. Once she was gone- once their pact faded away- would he regret this? Would he regret losing the person who loved him so unconditionally that it was almost embarrassing?

With her mind made up, Arella grabbed a knife from one of the drawers in the kitchen and carried herself up to the master bedroom where she had found her mother four years prior. As she lie on the bed, she pressed the knife to her wrist deep enough to cause substantial bleeding. She drags the blade up her arm, watching as the crimson liquid gushed from the from the wound. She thinks it’s beautiful- a fitting end for a vile creature such as herself.

-------------------------------------------------

“Lucifer!”

“What, Mammon?” The eldest didn’t even bother to look up from the ever-growing stack of paperwork on his desk.

“Did Arella have plans tonight?” The Avatar of Greed asks as his brother finally looks up at him.

“Not that I’m aware of, but I also haven’t seen her all day. As her mate, you should know, shouldn’t you? As far as I’m aware, Arella hasn’t left the house and is still in her room probably practicing her mag-”

In that moment, both demons felt a sharp pain shoot up their arm as if someone had taken a knife and was drawing a line up the inside of their arm. The same pain was radiating from the places where their pact marks were located. Mammon clutched at his chest as he fell to his knees, the symbol representing his girlfriend radiating with pain that reached down to his heart. If the screams of the others were anything to go by, they felt the same thing.

“She’s not in her room!” The white-hair demon manages to gasp out. What scares him most is that he can feel their pact fading away.

Lucifer’s heart leapt up in his throat as the realization hit him. It wasn’t her practicing magic that he had sensed earlier, it was her casting a spell. She opened a portal to the human world and had gone through. He now realizes the mistake they’ve made as he remembers back to the confession she had made to him over a year ago one night when neither of them could sleep and opted for a late-night cup of tea. She had told him that he and his brothers had saved her life that first year during the exchange programme. That if things hadn’t worked out so well, she had planned to take her own life. Back then, he thought nothing much of it since the problem had resolved itself. But with how they had essentially pushed her aside in favor of Melissa, she would have felt unwanted bringing the suicidal thoughts back full force. They had to get to her and fast before it was too late.

Always fast on his feet the eldest, opens a portal of his own, knowing of only one place she would go to take her own life. Both brothers would hop through, landing in the dusty house with a thud. The smell hit them faster than either of them could process it. Blood. And a lot of it at that.

Mammon was the first to scramble for the stairs while Lucifer made a break for the phone, having forgotten his D.D.D. on his desk in the rush to get through the portal. The second-born knows the layout of Arella's house too well, having been here with her multiple times before this. Back in better times when she knew just how much he loved her. As the smell of fresh blood grows stronger, he finds her resting on the bed, a smile on her face as the knife lay between her body and the arm that was still slowly losing blood.

Faster than a flash of lightning, the demon tore his belt off and was on the bed immediately. He took her arm, fastening his belt around the upper part in a tourniquet to stop the blood flow. He shook her frantically, tears spilling down his face freely.

“Arella! Arella! C'mon, baby, wake up! Please!” His voice came out in a scream and he could only vaguely hear his brother speaking on the phone with emergency services. “We’re sorry! Don’t leave us! Don’t leave me!”

With every passing second, Mammon could feel her life slipping away through the pact that was still searing his heart. This was the price of his actions- of all their actions. Her blood was on his hands, literally. He should have done more. He should have been there. He could have called or texted or even just picked up the damn phone when she had called him, but instead just like the blood that had slipped from her arm, the Avatar of Greed let her slip through his fingers. She was gone and there was no bringing his human back this time like they had when Belphie threw her body down the stairs after he’d strangle her to death. He and his brothers had spent all that time protecting her from other demons but they couldn’t protect her from themselves.

Once the EMT’s got there, the demon stepped back from the blood-soaked bed in a state of shock- a state of disbelief. There was nothing they could do for her now. She had no pulse, no signs of life. He dropped to his knees unable to believe that his human was truly gone. His throat felt tight as more tears came. He was only just able to register the feeling of the Avatar of Pride’s embrace as they cried together- something they hadn’t done since the fall, since Lilith passed.

The two demons were informed that the coroner would arrive to collect her body shortly as they left the room. Slowly they got up, Mammon taking her body in his arms as he fought back the urge to sob. The pair returned to the House of Lamentation with Arella’s body in tow, cradled carefully in her mate’s arms. As they stepped through, they were met by their brothers and Melissa. Even the Angels, Solomon, and the Royals were there waiting.

“She’s gone,” The eldest’s voice cracked as a pained grimace formed on his face, more tears slipping down his face. Mammon couldn’t even lift his head to look them in the eyes as the crying, wailing, sobbing started.

“We didn’t deserve ‘er.” The second-born chokes on his tears, feeling utterly broken inside. “We did this to ‘er. All... All seven of us did this... She reached out to alla us ‘n we ignored ‘er.” He’s the angriest with himself.

The prince and his butler only watch on, tears in their eyes. Diavolo remembers all the good times they’ve had with Arella. The way she made the lives of the Avatars better, the fun she brought to the student council meetings, the beautiful light she’d brought to the Devildom. She’d made such an impact on the lives of all of these demons and angels. As selfish as it was, Diavolo didn’t want to let any of that go.

“Bring her back, Barbatos.” He orders and his loyal servant steps forward.

“Place her on the ground, Mammon.” Barbatos says calmly, almost as if he’s done this a thousand times and for some reason the Avatar of Greed obeys the order.

Once she’s on the ground, the green-haired demon pulls open her mouth and takes Mammon’s hand in his, producing a dagger and slicing the white-haired demon’s palm tipping it to side and allows the blood to drop into Arella’s mouth. As the crimson liquid flows down her throat, the effect is immediate- Arella's body convulsing violently before she gasps for breath as the gash along the inside of her arm heals.

Everyone- demons, angels, and humans alike- stare wide-eyed at the scene. Lucifer looks up to his longtime friend in disbelief. He had just...

“Let this teach you all a very painful lesson. I’ve given her life as a demon, do not take this chance for granted. You will not get it again. She needs rest for now, but in a day or two, Arella will reawaken.” The prince’s voice is stern as he peers down at the former human who would now become a very powerful demon. “Treat her right this time.”

It’s with that that Diavolo and Barbatos take their leave. The rest was up to the brothers now to care for her and right the wrongs they’ve made.

-------------------------------------------------

Next

The Bad Ending

Find more on my masterlist

[flames-bring-a-ton-of-ash]

Irresistible Danger - Part 57

Synopsis:  After being caught outside the compound on your own, Negan decides to punish you in the best way possible ;)

Words: 3,388

Warnings: nsfw, smut, swearing

ID Masterlist can be found HERE

Masterlist of all my fics can be found HERE 

Author’s Note: We’re interrupting the emotions and angst for a healthy dose of smut in this one. 

A Wonderfully Well-F*cked Morning

You drifted to consciousness on a wave of pleasure, the sensations happening below your waist causing you to automatically arch your back and reach down. When your fingers came in contact with thick, soft hair at the same time that a wet tongue hit your clit, your brain finally decided to come online. Eyes opening in surprise, you looked down and found the breathtaking visual of Negan’s gorgeous face buried between your thighs.

Holy shit, what a way to start the day. 

Glancing up, his mouth curled in a soul-stealing grin at the sight of you awake and watching. His “mornin’ doll” was spoken directly to your soaked cunt, the rumbled vibration of the words making you give a small moan and open your thighs wider, so he could do as he wished.

And, apparently, what he wished was to drive you absolutely mad with desire. The distant and withdrawn Negan of last night was gone, and in his place was the playful and passionate man before you. He teased with soft kisses along the crease at the top of your thigh and lazy laps of his tongue that just barely grazed where you needed them. When you tried to lift your hips in search of more friction, his large hands pinned them to the mattress. 

It wasn’t long before you had a deathgrip on his hair, thighs trembling, and even the muscles in your stomach starting to quiver. And yet still he continued, the devilish gleam in his eyes when he glanced up at you while gently sucking your clit almost enough to send you over the edge, until he backed off and went back to nipping at your inner thighs instead. 

You were just about to beg, plead, and promise whatever he wanted, including your soul, when a muffled knocking sound broke through the top layer of hazy desire shrouding you. Negan ignored the noise, continuing with his delicious torture so that you almost instantly forgot the sound had ever happened. But then it came again a few seconds later, this time loud and sharp...and right outside the bedroom door. 

Letting go of his hair and jolting up onto your elbows, you looked down at Negan with wide eyes. He had finally lifted his head from your pussy, the sight of his lips glistening with your wetness causing a soft moan to escape that you prayed whoever was at the door didn’t hear. 

“Fucking leave!” he yelled in that no-nonsense tone that both terrified and yet also made an extra trickle of wetness run down your thigh. 

The voice that responded was muffled through the door, but still unmistakably Simon. “Sorry, boss, but there’s a situation that needs your urgent attention in meeting room C.” 

Cursing harshly, Negan dropped his forehead to your lower stomach for a few seconds before lifting his head and yelling back, “I’ll fucking be there in 5!”

You stared in the direction of the office and listened for a few seconds until the unmistakable sound of Simon banging the door closed sounded (perhaps a bit louder than needed, as if he was letting you know that he was gone). You turned back to Negan, who now had a devious smirk on his face as he looked up at you.

Giving a doubtful expression, you said, “Only five minutes?” 

“Oh, doll,” he chuckled, head ducking down so the rest was muffled against your wet flesh. “That’s plenty of time.”

It was then that you realized just how much he had been toying with you before, as his demeanor instantly changed from playful to intense, and he set to work on your cunt. He knew just where to nip and lick, and when he latched onto your clit and sucked with the perfect amount of pressure, you shot off like a rocket, coming in less than a minute from when Simon had left. 

Still panting and sprawled across the mattress, you watched dazedly as he got up and went to his armoire for clothes to get dressed. He winced when tucking his erection into the boxer briefs and dark grey pants, and the bulge made your mouth water.

“What about you?” you asked with a nod in his cock’s direction. 

Pulling on his boots, he then straightened and trailed desire-bright eyes over your sated form spread out on his bed. “I thought I already made that clear, doll,” he quipped.

Unsure if it was the post-orgasm haze making you so dense or if he was purposely being vague, you asked, “What’s that?”

Walking around the side of the bed fully dressed, while you lay totally naked with thighs still spread and naked chest heaving, he ran a warm, calloused hand down over your throat and the tips of your breasts before answering. 

“That this relationship is about more than me getting my fucking rocks off.”

His hand moved lower, between your thighs, and he watched as if mesmerized at how you shuddered and arched into the feel of his touch on your still-sensitive flesh. “However, that being said-” he backed up a step and pointed at you with a stern look on his face, “-don’t fucking move from that bed until I get back.” 

He then tucked his tongue into his cheek, gave a playful wink, and was gone. Staring up at the ceiling, you figured this was one order you’d gladly follow, seeing as how your muscles wouldn’t be able to function properly enough to help you stand, anyways. It wasn’t until a couple minutes after he was gone that you sat straight up on the bed at the remembrance of his earlier words. 

He had called it a relationship!

~  ~  ~  ~  ~

Forty-five minutes later and you, unsurprisingly, were in fact not able to follow his order, after all. Which shouldn’t be a surprise because, well, it was you we were talking about here, and when did you ever listen? 

You had tried though, really you had. After Negan left, and your breathing and heart rate had returned to normal, you sat up against the headboard to wait. Your eyes landed on a book that was open facedown on his bedside table, and the parallel to your own reading habits made you smile. Picking it up, you saw that it was some sort of psychological thriller. Making a note of what page it had been opened to, you huddled down into the plush mattress, the soft black headboard at your back, and started reading from the beginning. 

However, when the black and grey wall clock near the door ticked by almost an hour that he had been gone, you put the book down and sighed in annoyance. Whatever the emergency meeting had been about, it looked as though it might take a while, and you didn’t enjoy the thought of sitting here all morning and afternoon waiting, as if at his beck and call. Your brain also unhelpfully threw out the reminder of your previous plan not to have sex with Negan until a serious conversation was had about that damned padlocked box of unanswered questions. The subconscious, exasperated with the brain pulling this bullshit so early in the morning, yelled at it to please shut the hell up. 

Fuck it, you can at least freshen up a bit before he gets back, you thought while tossing off the sheet and standing from the bed. Stretching pleasantly sore muscles, you wandered over to the large armoire and tugged open one of the drawers. Smiling at how neatly the clothes inside were folded, you selected a moss green shirt and pulled it over your head. It was much baggier than his usual style, and you had never seen him wear it before, making you wonder if he ever got a chance to take off his leader armor and just sit around relaxing the day away in baggy sweats with a good book. Probably not, seeing as how he couldn’t even enjoy a perfectly delightful you-flavored breakfast without being interrupted. 

Heading into the bathroom to relieve your bladder and then wash your hands and face, you looked in the large mirror. Finger-combing hair that had seen better days, you then opened up some of the drawers under the sink that you hadn’t checked yet, mostly out of nosey curiosity. Finding one at the bottom that was stocked full of extra bars of soap, toothpaste, and still-packaged toothbrushes, you let out a tiny whoop of joy. Jackpot!

Opening a green and white toothbrush, you grabbed the already opened toothpaste that was on the countertop and squeezed a dollop onto the brush. Giving a sigh of happiness at the clean, minty taste, you weren’t even worried about Negan being upset you had stolen one of his unopened brushes. Especially since you’d have fresh breath when he crawled back in the bed with you and-

That fantasy died a quick death when the reflection of the man himself stepped into view while you were mid-brush. Locking eyes with him in the mirror, you saw a flicker of something in his expression as he took you in, standing there in his shirt and brushing your teeth with his personal supplies. 

“I thought I told you to be in the fucking bed when I got back,” he said, but his voice didn’t have the extra little growl that signified he was truly pissed. In fact, he almost sounded amused. 

Before you could even remove the toothbrush to respond, he stepped up behind you so that his front was pressed into your back. “Nevermind, doll,” he drawled while still holding your gaze in the mirror. “This’ll work too.”

You almost choked on toothpaste from gasping at the feel of his large, rough hands running up under the hem of the shirt and over your bare hips. Quickly leaning down to spit out the paste into the sink, you turned on the water and used a cupped hand to rinse out your mouth as he continued rubbing his palms along your torso and down over the outside of your thighs. When you put the toothbrush down and straightened, his mouth immediately attacked the back of your neck, sucking and nipping lightly. His hands moved further up under the shirt to cup your breasts, and his deft fingers pinched and twisted sensitive nipples at the same time that he ground his hips against your bare ass, letting you feel the ridge of his erection through the rough fabric of the pants.

You moaned softly and pressed back into him, almost overwhelmed by how quickly he had barged in and taken control of your body’s reaction. Any thoughts of self-doubt or questions of where you stood with him temporarily flew out the window in the face of the onslaught of intense and thorough possession he was directing your way. 

Unlike when you first woke up this morning, no part of him was teasing or going slow this time around. He quickly pulled the baggy shirt up over your head, and the sight of you totally bare made a groan punch from his chest. 

He whipped his own shirt and pants off in a quick flurry of movement before leaning in so that his warm chest was pressed into your back as he opened one of the drawers at your hip and pulled out a condom. 

Wasting no time, he opened it and rolled it down the swollen cock pressing into the small of your back. When he bent his knees to line up with your entrance, you assisted by hiking a knee up on the edge of the countertop, presenting yourself to him in a way that made him pause for a moment, as if in awe, before plunging inside you with a fierce thrust and strangled growl against the back of your neck. 

You looked up and were instantly transfixed by the sight in the mirror. Negan’s tattooed, leanly muscled form towered over yours, his rough edges and possessive thrusts juxtaposed against your softer curves and arching form. 

You watched his reflection as he gripped your hips and looked down between your bodies to watch himself fuck you, the sight making you moan and clench around his cock. His gaze lifted, amber eyes locking on yours in the mirror. 

One of his hands left your hip, trailing hungrily around the front of your body and up over your stomach and breasts before wrapping long fingers around the front of your throat. The grip was light, but the ruthless ownership behind both it and his pumping hips made your eyes flutter closed in ecstasy. 

He leaned in over you, breath coming in hot strikes against the side of your throat. “You like this, don’t you, pretty girl? Like being all. Fucking. Mine.”

The last words were each punctuated by a harsh thrust, making you cry out and open lust-filled eyes. His face was there beside your own, jaw clenched as he watched your reflection in the mirror with a fierce, almost pained expression. He let out a little snarl before turning his mouth to nip at the curve of your shoulder, and that combined with his grip at your throat and heavy, thick cock fucking you against the counter all combined to throw you into an orgasm without warning. He groaned as you shuddered and clenched in his hold, his gravel over sandpaper voice in your ear. 

“Yes, milk my fucking cock.”

Coming down off the wave of pleasure, you realized that his pace hadn’t slowed down, that he hadn’t finished yet. You lowered the leg propped up on the counter, needing both feet braced against the cool, tiled floor to keep your shaky body steady. 

Your gaze dropped, taking in the reflection of what was happening between your thighs. Both his cock and the inside of your thighs glistened with a coating of your release, and he felt even bigger inside of you, now that your walls were a little swollen and tender from both the friction of his cock and your recent orgasm. Right when his movements became almost too overwhelming against your oversensitized cunt, and you were about to ask for a break, he paused his thrusts and removed the hand from around your throat. 

Your thought that he was granting you a reprieve was instantly proven wrong when he gave a growled warning of, “Brace your arms on the sink,” right before his forearms hooked down under both your knees and lifted your entire lower body off the ground. Since the action pushed you forward, your body had no choice but to do as he said, forearms holding the weight of your upper body against the surface of the sink while your lower half hung suspended at the perfect height for his cock. 

He resumed his quick pace, fucking into you relentlessly. And, surprisingly, instead of becoming too much, the sensations pulled back from borderline painful and started to feel pleasurable again. Very pleasurable. 

Your whimper caused him to give a low moan in response, and his voice came through gritted teeth. “That’s it, doll. Fucking come for me again.” 

Trying to find your voice, you wanted to say that you weren’t sure if that was possible, that coming again so soon wasn’t likely. Instead, the words choked in your throat when he bent down and licked up your spine before sucking roughly on the skin of your back. He then ground his cock into you so hard that your pelvis pushed against the edge of the counter, the hard surface rubbing over your clit in exactly the right way needed to send your body spasming into a second orgasm.

You lost yourself in pleasure that had no beginning and no end, just endless heavy waves of bliss. Dimly, you heard him give a groan of completion as he gave a few sharp, hard thrusts, and then his body went still. He allowed your legs to lower to the tiled floor, and thank god for being braced on the countertop, otherwise you would’ve crumpled in a quivery heap at his feet. 

You took in the reflection of both you and Negan’s sex-dazed expressions, skin flushed and dewy with sweat despite the cool bathroom. A satisfied smile curved his lips, and you watched in the mirror as he bent down and kissed the curve where your neck met shoulder, the scratch of his beard rising goosebumps to the already sensitive flesh. He hummed happily against your skin, and you wished that the two of you could stay in this intimate bubble forever. That no outside intruders or internal thoughts could stand in the way of feeling like this with him every single day. 

As if he were thinking something similar, he ran a warm hand down over the curve of your hip and said in a sexy, husky voice, “Now that is a perfect fucking way to finish off the morning.” 

Unable to help a dreamy smile in return, you were finally able to fully stand up from the counter without fear of your legs giving out. Turning in his hold, you twined arms up around his neck and tugged him down for a proper kiss involving lips and tongues and even a hint of teeth. 

You pulled away after a few long moments, and offered, “What are your plans for today?”

Biting his lip and giving one of his signature cheeky grins, he replied, “I have to go over some new outpost security measures with Simon this afternoon. However…” his hands cupped your ass and kneaded possessively, “my evening is all fucking yours.”

Lord, but you liked the sound of that. Standing on tiptoe and placing another, softer kiss to his lips, you suggested, “How about I bring us dinner around 7:30?”

“I’ll be waiting,” he replied with one last squeeze of his hands before he stepped away to dispose of the condom and gather both your clothes off the tiles. 

The men had brought back some freshly butchered deer meat from the supply run, and Ben had been excited to try making stew with both it and vegetables from the garden. Thinking of Ben was also a reminder that you had promised to hang out with him today. You were very curious to hear details about what was going on with him and Simon, not to mention needing a friend to talk through some of your own worries regarding Negan.

Pulling the baggy green shirt back on, you preceded him into the bedroom and grabbed your jeans from where they had been discarded on the floor last night. You didn’t want to return his shirt, so tucked it into the jeans to hide the obviously ill-fitting length of it before pulling on your sneakers. Turning, you found an also fully-dressed Negan watching you. His gaze took in the outfit with an expression that was difficult to decipher, but seemed somewhere between appreciative and smug at the sight of you in his shirt. 

Struggling not to roll your eyes or make a comment about “males and their strange possessiveness”, you walked out of the bedroom with him following behind. Stopping at the closed office door, you turned and looked up at him, unable to resist the urge to reach up and run your fingers down over his bearded cheek. He bent and gave you one final kiss in return, then opened the door and watched you leave. 

You weren’t able to contain the happy grin tipping up the corners of your mouth. Not even the sudden appearance of the brain, who was dragging the padlocked box of questions, could dim your mood. The subconscious strode happily at your side, but as the brain fell more and more behind, struggling to keep up with the heavy metal box, it turned with a sigh and went back to help. 

I know. I know! We’ll have a conversation with him tonight; open up the box and air out some of those unanswered questions. But for right now, we’re going to bask in the afterglow of such a wonderfully well-fucked morning. 

The brain and subconscious didn’t argue, just huffed and puffed as they worked together to finally pick the box up off the ground. Balancing the heavy weight between them, they gave each other exasperated looks, then hurried down the hall after you.

~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~  ~

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN- Season 2] Victor And MC- Chapter 17- Eng Translation (Part 1)

“....Victor is clearly not in front of me right now, yet I feel that he can always see me.”

⌚Warning:⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released in the global server. Don't continue under the cut if you don't wish to be spoiled! (◍•ᴗ•◍)

✧ PART 2: HERE!

✧ NOTE ✧

Highly recommend checking out the bullet point “plot review” translated by @cheri-translates ♡

Please please please remember to revisit CH [27-11] and CH [28-2] of S1 in case your memory of the details have become foggy, before continuing under the cut. Because there’s another very detailed re-enactment similar to CH 10. This one is just.... even more sad. 🥺

ー

✧ [CH 17- 1] ✧

At MC’s Home- 2 days after Hunter Game officially ended: While checking the news MC finds it’s been officially confirmed that the illicit drug “Small Syringes” was used in the Hunter Game and the portal mentions LFG’s acquisition scandal-- STF is going to conduct a thorough investigation on the issue.

Seeing rumors about LFG still circling overwhelmingly, MC gets mad.

However, soon finds the news => LFG’s PR department has officially stated they have no relation with the Hunter Game and they will take legal action against the rumors.

Being able to make the decisive and accurate strategic-decisions in the first instance - this is precisely Victor’s style.

Hearing this, I feel slightly relieved.

MC sends Victor a text praising his vision with an “admiration” emoticon.

She sends him another text saying the media might interview her soon on the matter. She feels public take-over right now might not be the best idea and asks for Victor’s opinion.

Looking at the unanswered dialog box, I sigh lightly.

The chat history is still stuck at ten days ago.

At first I thought it was because the Hunter Game broke off the signal. But now it seems that, the messages have indeed sunk into the sea without a trace.

The sudden outburst of the situation got everyone caught up into a tailspin. Although I believe Victor can guarantee his own safety, I am still a little worried.

I hesitate for a moment, but still type that line I want to ask.

MC’s message:  “Victor, why haven’t you contacted me lately? What’s wrong?”

The phone screen goes dark in the process of waiting, and doesn’t light up again.

It seems that the more one speculates absent-mindedly about a certain possibility, the more those overlooked minor details will arise in one fell swoop.

For some reason, I recall that earlier phone call that came out of the blue, warning me repeatedly to not be reckless.

Now that I think about it, Victor at that time always gave a kind of strange feeling, which I couldn’t tell.

MC: ....Just make a phone call to hear his voice. It cannot be regarded as contacting rashly, I think.

Thinking of this, I pick up the phone without hesitation.

At the same time, Goldman calls and tells MC => Victor has asked her to come to LFG with a report at 10.

MC: Victor? He wants to see me? What else did he say....

I still haven’t finished my words, and there is the sound of a flurry of busy signal coming from the other end of the receiver. Goldman has already coldly hung up the phone.

MC: ....

I’m not at all surprised being treated with such indifference.

But what is the proposal? I don’t seem to have any project recently that needs to be reported on....

I’m a little perplexed for a while. I open my work email-inbox, and search back and forth, but no luck either.

MC: Strange, did I miss any task?

With two hours remaining from 10 o’clock, I no longer struggle. After washing up quickly, I stuff a notebook in my bag, and hurriedly get out of the door.

After all, what I can be certain of is that, I will be able to see Victor very soon.

-✧-

MC arrives at LFG: Goldman continues to coldly ignore her greetings. :<

However, another young man MC is unfamiliar with, leads her to Victor’s office.

After taking in the sight inside the office, my heart inexplicably thumps for a while in confusion.

Obviously it’s daytime, but the blinds are tightly folded, making the room appear exceptionally dim.

Warning strips are attached to the desk and the bookcase on either side, the contrasting color making this already serious office appear even more oppressive.

A strange feeling bubbles up in my heart. I have a vague feeling that this place has already been maintaining this state for a while.

I avert my line of sight, gazing towards the familiar black office chair.

The chair is empty.

Victor is not here.

ー

✧ [CH 17- 3] ✧

Bewildered at the sight, MC asks the young man about Victor.

The man explains Victor only told them to ask MC to come at this time, no other details.

While MC is still perplexed as to why someone else but Goldman took her inside Victor’s office, the man introduces himself as Lawyer Duan JunJie (Caerus introduced in CH 10) and tells MC about the arrangements Victor has made.

Upon MC’s questioning, he tells MC that after the Hunter Game was made public, no one has seen Victor. STF came to investigate here and they came last night as well.

The man leaves saying it’s time for his break, asks MC to make an appointment at the front desk if she needs something.

MC bitterly jokes to herself that all of Victor’s employees are time-conscious like him LOL and closes the office door.

My heart also sinks immediately following the light that has been isolated from me.

The phone is still quiet. I still haven’t received any reply from Victor.

However, in this seemingly blank period of time, he still has been very eventful ー from all the big strategic-decisions made by LFG, to the small ones as replacing the person to receive me.

In a daze, I have the illusion that he is still watching me from somewhere.

This makes me calm down slightly. I take a deep breath, and start to size up the office in front of me.

Despite feeling something amiss, MC doesn’t find anything in particular and she realizes Victor doesn’t want anyone else to find the clues. As such, she suddenly recalls somethingー

MC: ....Proposal!

Since Victor has asked me to come “to report,” I decide to walk through in accordance with the usual sequence of the process, and give it a try.

I use the notebook as the project planner, and gently place it on the table according to my usual habit.

MC: ....Mm?

I stare blankly at the tabletop.

Most of Victor’s office supplies are stored and organized properly. However, there are exceptions too, such as ー the fountain pen he uses to sign documents.

Perhaps because it’s often used, this pen has always been placed on the table by him. But now it’s inserted inside the pen holder.

In normal times, this kind of overly suspicious “looking for difference” would certainly be complained on by Victor.

But right now, anything unusual might be a reminder left behind by him.

I pick up the fountain pen, and examine it carefully, but I don’t find anything special.

MC: Next, Victor will be attending to the documents while drinking coffee.

He is used to putting the coffee cup on his left-hand side, just incase he accidentally spills it while writing. But at the moment, the cup is on the right.

Yet there is nothing unusual about it either.

MC: Am I thinking too much....

I put the cup back in his left-hand side, and continue with the process.

MC: Normally speaking, he would have asked me to look for a place to sit down first while he is reading the proposal.

I turn around to the direction of the sofa not far away.

A porcelain vase is usually placed on the table next to the sofa, and flowers are placed there when esteemed guests pay a visit.

Occasionally I also bring him flowers to “adjust his mood.” So that vase has always been kept here.

But now, there is only a stack of folders in its place.

I open the folder and flip through it, inside it is full of some insignificant files.

There are even a few of the first drafts of my proposals from a long time ago, which still carry the markings he casually made on them.

These are some of the old immature cases I’ve gone to. I didn’t expect Victor to still keep them.

The familiar handwriting at the annotations fades slowly along with the paper.

After turning over a few pages at random, I finally notice something different.

There is a handwriting that appears to be inadvertently marked with some words, but the color of the ink is dark, and it must have been added recently.

There are several pages in a row that have marks like this. I hastily link up the marked words.

MC:  (reading out) “Protect yourself from exposure to NW”....

MC: !

It’s NW again.... It seems the recent events are all connected with NW.

Why would Victor come in contact with them to some extent?

And for someone as efficient as he is, he is using such conservative methods to indirectly convey this to me....

There is only one possibility.

The situation he is now facing is very urgent, leaving him with no way to appear in person.

Nervousness and restlessness occupy my mind, and my heart begin to beat violently.

I immediately check all the other papers thoroughly as well. When I turn to the last page, a post-it note comes off the glue, and falls off.

It’s a pink sticky note with my own handwriting on it which says, “What are we eating later.”

I remember it was during one of those long and tedious meetings. I got so bored while listening that I tore up a sticky note, and passed it to Victor.

At that time, I only received a silent expression. But the sticky note before me now has an additional line of address, and also a line of reminder.

MC: (reading the note) “After you’re finished, head over there first”....

MC: Is it for me to meet up here after I’ve finished handling the matter?

MC finds the address somewhat familiar, but can’t put her finger on it and decides to focus on what Victor needs her to do first.

MC thinks since STF came to search, the clues Victor has left behind might have gotten affected, but she’s also certain Victor will definitely leave something behind that cannot be destroyed.

She tries to think from “Victor’s perspective” and thinks if the “BOSS” will follow her method and use pinhole camera like she uses during BS missions.

After searching every corner of the office, MC indeed finds a hidden camera.

From the contents she finds => three men dressed in NW uniforms asking Victor to come with them. Despite dropping some tart on if NW really wants to be involved with a notorious company like LFG, Victor goes with them without putting any defense.

ー

✧ [CH 17- 4] ✧

I stare at the image before me in shock, chills running down from my heart to my fingertips.

Could it be that he couldn’t be contacted during this period of time is because he was taken away by NW?

My inside is in a chaos, as I hastily browse through the call log and check the time in the CCTV footage along with itー

It’s the same day.

Victor (phone call flashback): Remember, regardless of what happens, don’t panic.

Victor (phone call flashback): Don’t always be reckless, running into dangers....

Victor (phone call flashback): And trust my judgements.

As it turns out, he didn’t make that call on a whim. He was saying these to warn me.

[ Note: The call MC is referring to, and has referred to several times before is the call Victor made in CH 13ー HERE! ]

If I were a bit more attentive at that time, could I have heard his reflecting overtones sooner?

Worry and annoyance fill my heart. But at this very moment, I don’t have enough time to think about it.

MC fast-forwards the video and finds NW also did an investigation in Victor’s office. 

MC opens another video, and she notices => in between getting up and leaving, Victor tapped on a drawer.

MC gets it: She pulls open that drawer and after rummaging through she finds the documents related to LFG’s acquisition of the “Small Syringes.”

MC realizes: The reason Victor is targeted at the moment could only be this, and from how Victor protected these documents, NW was looking for these. But she’s at a loss for what he wants her to do right now.

And the next bit: As much as it shows their strong understanding and chemistry- it’s just sad.... really sad. ;-;

I look at that absolutely empty chair in front of me, seeking to turn my brain to keep pace with his train of thoughts.

Victor (in MC’s mind): Not letting them find the documents is the first step. The documents are the crucial evidence. Thus, the second step should be bringing out their implicit values as soon as possible.

Faintly, even though Victor isn’t sitting there, I seem to be able to see his silhouette ー saying word by word that he has taught me in regular days.

Victor (in MC’s mind): And this is something you’re precisely the expert at. Make reasonable use of these documents and the information at hand, make sure that they are disseminated as far wide range as possible within certain channels, and guide the direction of the public opinion.

When analyzing whether or not to release the assassination list, Victor also did as such, guiding me step by step.

Victor (in MC’s mind): Without action, there must be no gain. Handle the matter calmly and then trust my judgement.

It's extremely quite inside the office, but I can always hear his voice.

MC: Okay, CEO Victor.

I unconsciously raise the corners of my lips, seemingly if only one thinks of his voice, there in lies the power to soothe peoples’ hearts.

I stand on the opposite side of the table. As though submitting the report, similar to the ordinary days, I analyze the questions in the article one by one, which Victor has left behind for me.

Victor (in MC’s mind): For what reason I could be hiding them?

MC: This is the actual fact about LFG’s acquisition of “Small Syringe”, which can entirely cast away the relationship between LFG and the Hunter Game.

Victor (in MC’s mind): What do I want to use them for?

I ponder for a moment, and give my answer.

MC: ....Using the company’s transmission channels to conduct pressure.

Victor (in MC’s mind): How to conduct pressure?

MC: You allowed yourself to have ten days before contacting me, which indicates you’ve never gotten away from NW. However, there is no key evidence to prove that LFG’s acquisition is related to the Hunter Game. Even if it’s for investigation and interrogation, you shouldn’t have been kept all along as well. What's more, according to the general circumstances, the NW also doesn’t have the right to either search or arrest privately. NW’s myriad of actions should be called into question.

I finish in one breath, and again look at the document in front of me.

MC: In addition, although it is not yet suitable to disclose the whole truth.... But these data can just prove that LFG has been carrying baseless accusations.

MC: Victor is too.

I look at that unoccupied chair, and suddenly realize that Victor has prepared everything so thoughtfully that he seems to have anticipated this day a long time ago.

According to Victor’s usual nature, all the things that might make me anxious, he will not easily let me know.

But the fact that he is now letting me participate to this extent explains his current situation mustn’t be optimistic, and he needs my help.

Although I always cannot help but think, if I paid attention to his abnormality a bit earlier, and thought of something sooner, maybe things would have been different....

But now I am moving forward with Victor’s plan step by step. Instead of repenting and redressing my errors, I should believe in him more.

I breath out slowly, and finally sit down in the chair opposite him somewhat wearily, flopping down on the table.

There are many things waiting for me to do. But I still need some strength and courage to withstand the restlessness in the depth of my heart.

Reminiscing and re-enactment of S1 CH 27 and 28 starts.

♫ Music changes to: Victor’s S2 theme  ♫

It’s dark in the room, which inexplicably makes me remember a long-awaited reunion ー a very long time ago.

My eyes were blindfolded by the fabric. But I still impatiently wanted to confirm that, the person in front of me was him.

I wanted to hear his voice, wanted to hear him call my name.

....In this way, I can feel at ease.

And for this reason, I also made a promise with him in a very childish way.

Thinking of the scenario at that time, I cannot help but laugh a little, and follow after the memory of the action by stretching out my hand.

MC: At that time, I certainly didn’t expect that there will be one day, when the dignified CEO Victor will also take the initiative to ask for my help.

MC: Although I still get called a dummy now, but maybe I have matured a little bit, right?

I grin reluctantly at the empty chair.

MC: However, still haven’t gotten quite mature enough. Also there’s no way to be like you, to be as steady as you are and holding your feet at all times.

MC: So.... if I still want to make a pinky promise with you now, would you feel it’s very childish?

Victor’s voice message: You’re surely doing something childish again right now, aren’t you.

Suddenly, Victor’s voice rings out in the quiet office.

I freeze.

Amid the silence, the landline’s light flickers on the desk, and his voice transmits outwards leisurely.

That is a message from Victor.

MC: Why exactly at this time....

Victor’s voice message: I’m naturally well aware of what you can do, to what extent you can accomplish and how long it might take.

As though having a conversation, his reply directly picks up on my question.

Victor is clearly not in front of me right now, yet I feel that he can always see me.

Victor’s voice message: But I guess, you’d now want to seize the opportunity to make me promise you something again, isn’t it?

Victor’s voice message: With your level of enthusiasm for childish things, pinky promise is the most probable thing you’d choose at the moment.

The sound of clothes rustling comes from the speaker. Mysteriously and inexorably, I always feel that I seem to be aware of what he is doing.

Victor’s voice message: About the reward you want, wait until the matter is resolved and then let me know in person.

The sunlight outside the window seems to have become a bit stronger, making its way through a small crack in the shutter and landing on his chair, slightly dazzling to the eye.

Victor (in the flashback of S1 CH 28-2):  “There, pinky promise.”

As I recall, he once said this to me softly.

And at this very moment, his voice continues to rise from the telephone, slowly passing through the speaker.

Victor’s voice message: Now I can make the pinky promise with you.

The memory of that response seems to have traversed time in an instant, and falls back in my ears, carrying it with a reassuring tone.

I seem to truly see Victor, who is still sitting here. He then stands up, holding out his pinky finger in front of me.

And hooks together with my outstretched pinky finger.

Victor’s voice message: Aren’t you going to say anything?

MC: ....

I take a deep breath, as though I have drawn infinite courage.

MC: I promise you, I will do everything I can to resolve this matter, so that you can come back as soon as possible.

MC: I won’t hide behind you this time.

MC: However, you must be safe and sound until I settle this matter.

MC: We’ve pinky promised, and neither is allowed to break our promises.

The air is quiet for a long time. Victor seems to have left a long time for my “bold, visionary words.”

After waiting for a very long time, along with a reassuring, soft laughter ー he drops the final reply for this conversation that has transcended time.

Victor: Don’t make me wait for you too long, MC.

[ T/N: Excuse me while I UGLY CRY AND BREAK THE FOURTH WALL😭 ]

ー

✧ [CH 17- 6] ✧

At MC’s office: MC returns with the documents, and discuses with Anna, Kiki, Willow, Minor on how to release the truth about LFG’s acquisition scandal, and create pressure on NW to release Victor, and thinks even if Victor isn’t with NW at the moment, it will help him in taking his next step.

After working on the report till evening ー the news reaches 100M views, and 10K discussion threads in a ridiculously short amount of time after its publication, and the public opinion heavily leans towards LFG and Victor throughout the night.

The next morning ー unsurprisingly, all the portals are vanished, and NW hasn’t made any public response. MC becomes certain that Victor is still under NW’s capture, and gets anxious again.

As such, MC goes to the address Victor told her to, and realizes it’s Grandpa Chuck’s house.

Grandpa Chuck: Child, you’ve finally arrived.

MC: Grandpa Chuck....

After the world restarted, many events have proceeded towards entirely different paths at the intersection of fate.

This time, I didn’t pay Grandpa Chuck the unauthorized visit, and disturb his tranquil life.

But I didn’t expect that Victor would guide me here to meet him in person.

Grandpa Chuck: Do you know who I am?

I come back to my senses, realize I’ve lost my tongue, and smile awkwardly.

MC: I know. You’re my dad’s friend. And Victor....

Grandpa Chuck releases a gentle laugh, and nods.

Grandpa Chuck: He’s got everything arranged. Come with me.

I follow behind Grandpa Chuck, being a little puzzled in my mind. What did Victor arrange here with Grandpa Chuck?

Walking into the cabin, the memories of what was once here come rolling out in a display before my eyes at this moment.

The wooden furniture reflects a shimmering gentle glow under the sunlight ー neat and warm.

It’s as if everything is the way I remember.

I think of the first time I entered the other dimension. I thought I stayed here for only about two or three hours, and Victor almost rushed in because he was worried about me.

At the moment, the scene from the past comes floating in my mind in a roll, and a corner of my heart instantly becomes soft.

[ Note: MC is referring to S1 CH 11-22 ] :<

MC exchanges greetings with Grandpa Chuck, and they talk about her fathers’ whereabouts. After reassuring her, Grandpa Chuck changes the subject.

Grandpa Chuck: Victor came to me earlier, and requested me to do him a favor. He asked me to let you stay here for the time being. When the time comes, he will come to pick you up.

Grandpa Chuck: In fact, after your father left, I’ve never come here either.

Grandpa Chuck: I promised Victor. On one hand, it’s because I also wanted to meet you, and come here to have a look.

Grandpa Chuck: On the other hand....

Grandpa Chuck laughs as he looks at me.

Grandpa Chuck: He really  values you, and wants to ensure you are safe.

Victor has paved the way for my safety from beginning to the end.

He knew that once I announced all these, concerning the NW always keeping a low-profile, it will be more than just a provocation.

After I try to force NW to return Victor under the pressure of the public opinion, and to provide everyone with an explanation, they will certainly not leave the matter at that.

Therefore, he asked me to come to Grandpa Chuck’s place immediately after I’ve completed the task. But....

NW has never come forward to declare their position. In addition, they are pressing down the level of heat.

As for Victor’s whereabouts and well-being, no one knows yet, and the entire situation of the matter has entered a deadlock.

Thinking about this, I raise my eyes, and solemnly shake my head at Grandpa Chuck.

MC: Grandpa Chuck, I can’t stay here.

Grandpa Chuck smiles, as if he has anticipated my answer long ago.

Grandpa Chuck: Victor was right. You really won’t agree to this easily.

Grandpa Chuck: He asked for you to trust his judgement. If you have any objections, wait for him to return and then protest.

Saying this, Grandpa Chuck comes forward to hand MC the cup her dad once painted as her birthday gift, but at that moment the entire cabin starts shaking.

People from NW appear out of nowhere. One of them holds a knife to MC’s neck, and pushes her towards pitch black darkness.

MC arrives at a place three sides surrounded by neat white walls, a large mirror at one side, and people in white uniforms.

A man in uniform shoots her a cold glance, and reveals the mirror to be a clear glass:

I look out the glass, my breath stalling tightly.

Sitting opposite, Victor is alone amid a land of darkness.

The room takes up a large area, the emptiness sweeping away in the environment inexplicably reveals a lifeless atmosphere.

The wall right behind him is full of display screens. Surprisingly, all the contents of the images are of Victor at this moment.

I mechanically avert my line of sight, looking towards Victor once again.

On his wrists, the handcuffs reflect off an ice-cold and suffocating light.

ー

✧ [CH 17- 7] ✧

In the dimly lit interrogation room, Victor sits silently on the central chair.

The cold light of the chandelier encases the position of his seat, reminiscent of an incorporeal circle of pictures, reflecting the handcuffs on his wrists even more icily.

I want to call out his name, but a man with a tang knife holds the blade directly against my neck.

??: Don’t worry. This is a one-way glass. He can’t see you.

That man appearing to have a special identity warns me. But I don’t have the mood to care about his words, and just keep my eyes glued on Victor.

Although I have already anticipated the possibility of him being held captive, but seeing him being handcuffed at the interrogation table still causes a burst of dull ache in my heart.

His demeanor is still calm and collected, but he is unable to cover up his fatigue.

Victor should not be sitting here.

At this moment, he seems to have sensed someone on the other side of the glass, and slowly lifts his eyes to look over.

He doesn’t make eye contact with anyone on our side. I know that he won’t see me either.

??: Good Morning, CEO Victor.

That man who possibly is a commanding officer, takes a step forward, and starts talking in a deep voice.

??: Today’s breakfast was pretty good, huh? Once in a while, living this kind of life where you don’t need to worry about work, isn’t it nice too?

Victor: [sarcastically]  Someone has been worrying about LFG on behalf of me all along. That indeed makes it a lot easier.

Victor opens his mouth without changing his expression. The man smiles lightly.

NW Commanding Officer: I don’t have the capabilities of CEO Victor. I simply wish to find out about some situations, that’s all.

With that said, he walks away while crossing his arms. A team member next to him takes a step forward, and speaks in a business-like manner.

??: Custody number A021, Victor. Your interrogation will begin next.

That team member speaks while spreading out a record book in his hand.

I glance at it from my peripheral vision, only to see that the words written on it are densely packed, and there are no less than dozens of pages!

??: What is the purpose of LFG’s centralized acquisition of “Small Syringes” in the last few months?

Victor: Commercial secret. No comment. Even if you ask me ten times a day, my answer still won’t change.

Victor’s expression is indifferent, and there isn’t a trace of ripples in his tone.

The person who is interrogating him doesn’t care, and continues to ask the next question as before, akin to an ice-cold machine.

 ??: What is the connection between LFG and the Hunter Game?

Victor: There is no connection. LFG has never heard of the game you are talking about.

??: A few months ago, you used a fake identity to place a big bet in the Hunter Game Region 9 Level 2 tournament. Since then, LFG has begun to acquire the manufacturers of the “Small Syringes” in large quantities.

Victor: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

NW Commanding Officer: Mr. Victor, don’t forget, we have the documents in hand which can prove that you have  placed a bet.

The commanding officer next to me suddenly interrupts, his tone taking a bit of toughness.

Victor: It seems that, the NW commanding officer doesn’t have a good memory. I have already said the same thing many, many times. LFG doesn’t have the slightest bit of concern about the Hunter Game. If you must splash this bucket of dirty water at LFG, in that case, LFG will also investigate this matter to the end.

The conversation between both parties still continues while my heart tightens.

All the signs prove that they have already conducted such an interrogation many times.

I tightly pinch the palm of my own hand.

For so many days now, Victor has maintained a cautious state. I also cannot act blindly without thinking.

People from NW were able to find Grandpa Chuck’s cabin, which indicates they have the means to master Victor’s plans.

Now they have brought me here, making me witness Victor’s interrogation process and concealing my existence from him. They certainly have some other purpose.

At this moment, I’d better remain calm, and observe the changes in the situation.

NW Commanding Officer: Mr. Victor, I believe our “communication” appears to have some deviations. We haven’t asked you to come here wishing to stand on the opposite side with LFG. As long as CEO Victor co-operates with our investigation, and hands over the things we want, you may leave at any time.

Is NW trying to use LFG to threaten Victor?

I nervously look towards Victor, but he merely raises his lips faintly.

Victor: With NW’s abilities and means, what can’t be found? I am here. The doors of LFG are wide open to you all. If you still haven’t gotten what you want, then it means I simply don’t have that thing. 

The NW commanding officer’s complexion changes slightly, a cloud of shadow fleeting past his eyes.

His gaze sweeps over me, then turns his head to look towards Victor once again.

NW Commanding Officer: CEO Victor probably isn’t aware. This news has been very lively over the past two days. [MC’s company Name], the company you invested in, reported several news articles with a series of corrections about LFG’s malicious acquisition of the “Small Syringes.” Even, the footage of CEO Victor being taken away by us was made public. 

He pauses for a moment, his lips curling up in an almost imperceptible smile.

NW Commanding Officer: Especially the person in charge for [MC’s Company Name], MC. Her style of doing things is not only in accordance with your high efficiency, and accuracy but also is able to co-operate with you without showing any trace. Such “tacit understanding,” I presume CEO Victor must be very pleased.

My heart clenches tightly for a split second.

Victor: Making reasonable judgements and handling the news is the most basic professional ethic of the media workers. Since she carried out an incorrect report before, she ought to be correcting it as well.

Victor: This kind of mending the fold after the sheep are lost manner of handling things can only show that her performance in the past few years has been barely passable.

[ Note: Victor uses the idiom “亡羊补牢” (wáng yáng bǔ láo), which literally translates to “to mend the fold after the sheep are lost,” which conveys the idea of “acting belatedly” or “better late than never.” I decided to keep the idiom as it is, cause it sounds cooler LOL ] 

Victor: As for the “tacit understanding,” it’s out of question. Even if you have seen something or misunderstood something, it’s none of my business.

MC: ....

Reason tells me that he is saying this to protect me.... but his icy tone still makes my heart inexplicably a little sour.

NW Commanding Officer: I can understand Mr. Victor being in such a hurry to draw a line. After all, this Miss MC is indeed very special.

NW Commanding Officer: CEO Victor has acquired so many “Small Syringes.” Presumably, he is also aware of the existence of CORE, isn’t he. We found that there might be a bit of relation between Miss MC and CORE.

Victor’s expression doesn’t change, seemingly not being interested in what he has said in the least.

The commanding officer doesn’t care a bit either, and continues to speak minding his own business.

NW Commanding Officer: CORE doesn’t exist in her genes, nor can it be ruled out either. And, CEO Victor hasn’t looked for the CORE as urgently as the other people. Did he figure this out already at an earlier time?

NW Commanding Officer: It’s no wonder that you care about her so much.

Hearing his words, my eyes widen in bewilderment.

How did they arrive at this conclusion? Could it be from that experiment they did on me earlier?

Furthermore, what does he mean by “doesn’t exist, nor can it be ruled out either?”

I subconsciously look towards Victor.

Although his expression hasn’t changed in any way, but a momentary hesitation still flashes through his eyes.

However, he still pricks up his eyebrows, and replies unhurriedly.

Victor: As it turns out, NW mustered large force in bringing me over here and make me listen to this story. But it’s a shame that I don’t have any interest. 

Victor: As far as it’s concerned, for LFG, [MC’s Company Name] is just one of the numerous investment projects. Capital only recognizes profit. Apart from this, nothing is irreplaceable. 

Victor: If this investment project were to be replaced, I would naturally care about the other person in the same way.

The NW commanding officer nods and smiles, looking as if he has finally heard the answer of his satisfaction.

NW Commanding Officer: As expected of someone who is able to reign the business world at such a young age. I quite admire CEO Victor’s personality.

NW Commanding Officer: Indeed, no one is forever trustworthy. Am I correct, Miss MC?

Turning his head, the commanding officer gives me an alarming glance, his tone carrying it with a faint ridicule.

Without waiting for me to respond, he presses some push button. The one-way mirror between us rises little by little.

Victor’s gaze is subconsciously casted over, fully colliding into my gaze, and finally landing on the blade resting across my neck.

NW Commanding Officer: The two of you must have a lot of catching up to do. We won’t disturb anymore then.

The commanding officer gives a meaningful glance, gesturing for the man to put the knife down. The ice-cold edge of the knife streaks across my skin.

NW Commanding Officer: Oh, I’m sorry Miss MC. You aren’t hurt, are you? He is a bit stupid. But I don’t think CEO Victor should care about this trivial matter. After all.... “Nothing is irreplaceable.”

After saying that, he leads that man away, leaving Victor and I on the two sides of the spacious and empty room.

I catch a glimpse of Victor’s momentary astonishment. My eyes unnaturally circle in the air, and finally rest back on his face.

Victor seems to be wanting to speak, but in the end he doesn’t say anything either.

We look at each other in silence, the atmosphere becoming somewhat awkward momentarily.

ー

✧ [CH 17- 8] ✧

After looking at each other for a few seconds in silence, the worries for Victor still overflow out of my heart.

I shoot a glance towards the four corners of the room, and find surveillance cameras in all corners.

Our current state might still be under the surveillance of NW.

I have originally wanted to open my mouth more cautiously, but without the glass barrier, the dazzling handcuffs on Victor’s wrist appear even more jarring.

The worries and distress I have just swallowed come rushing back to my heart, and I cannot help wanting to ask him about his situation.

MC: Victor, you....

Victor: [softly and hurriedly]  Didn’t you go to that address?

I have just opened my mouth when Victor’s slightly angry tone interrupts me.

I meet his gaze, and in there apart from a little suppressed anger seems to be the exact same concerns as mine.

MC: I did go to Grandpa Chuck’s place, but there a bit of mishap happened. A person from NW broke into Grandpa Chuck’s other dimension and brought me here.

Victor: ....Going to such great lengths.

Victor snorts coldly, a bit of chilliness penetrating out of his eyes.

I scrutinize his expression, and word it carefully.

MC: But now that the public opinion is at LFG’s side, we should be able to get out of here soon. After all, NW doesn’t have the right to privately imprison either.

Victor: It seems that what the commanding officer said just now was right. You indeed  have done a pretty good job.

Victor’s tone is indifferent, as though he really has pulled apart the ties with me.

But his slightly upward trailing voice still reveals a little bit of his true feelings.

I try hard to control my expression, and also pretend to speak indifferently.

MC: After all, I still have “basic professional ethics.” In addition, you have been here for so many days, no one approved my proposals.... It truly was a too much of a delayed job.

My volume gradually becomes small, and I blink at him inadvertently.

Victor: In that case, now I will give you an opportunity to report on your work during this period of time.

MC: Huh? Right now?

Victor: And also about the latest news. Since it’s your field of expertise, report on that too.

I am stunned for a moment. But after meeting his tranquil eyes, very quickly I retrieve my train of thoughts.

Victor is trapped here, and is unable to learn about quite a lot of information.

Conveniently, I walk over, and seize the opportunity to eye him up from top to bottom thoroughly.

Apart from the dazzling handcuffs, his body is completely clean, and there aren’t any traces of wounds. I breath a sigh of relief, and rapidly report the information that I have sorted out in my brain one by one.

MC: Actually, my follow-up report on the acquisition was not just in order to follow up on the truth of the matter. It was also because LFG got caught up with the negative public opinions related to the Hunter Game.

Victor: [voice drops strikingly]  Hunter Game has been made public?

MC: Mm. During this time when you weren’t present, Loveland City launched a city-wide Hunter Game.

As soon as the words leave my mouth, Victor suddenly takes a step closer to me.

Victor: [extremely soft and panicking tone™]  City-wide? Did you participate too?

MC: The promoters of the game used peoples’ lives as bargaining chips. Almost all the citizens were forced to participate in the gameplay....

MC: But now the game has already come to an end, and majority of the people are also reinstating their regular lives.

MC: And I was even able to report the news on behalf of LFG. Don’t worry.

I gaze at the glistening emotions in Victor’s eyes, and give him a comforting smile.

Victor gently closes his eyes, as though he is suppressing something. When he starts speaking once again, he has already regained his tranquil tone.

Victor: Suddenly choosing to brave a huge risk like this, what is the purpose of the people behind the game?

I shoot glances a few times towards the surveillance cameras not far away, then stealthily move closer to him, lowering my volume.

MC: It’s in order to unseal the lighthouse. It’s one kind of relic-like existence, and it requires gathering up sufficient Evol energy to open....

I explain the concept of the lighthouse to Victor, and again mention the related information of Joker.

Victor seems to look pensive as he listens to my description.

Considering the situation before our eyes, I don’t have enough time to think much into it, and specially emphasize on NW’s activities at the Small Rock Reef.

MC: At present, NW has taken over the energy gathering system under the Small Rock Reef, and also has taken away the apparatus used to gather the Evol energy. The marked scale stopped approximately at 98% when the apparatus was taken away.

Victor knits his eyebrows, as though he is sorting out the information I have just said.

Victor: In other words, each stage of the Hunter Game is actually all about unsealing the lighthouse. And this time, Joker needs the power of the people of the entire city to unseal the lighthouse.

I nod, but Victor’s expression appears to be sinking.

MC: Is there something wrong?

Victor: Let me ask you. Suppose you are Joker, and you have spent so much time and energy in planning this thing. Now you can already see your success, but your plan has been wrecked. In that case, what is the first you’re going to do?

MC: I’m going to mentally rain curses on the person who wrecked my plans.

Victor: [sighs heavily and helplessly] ....

Victor seems to be chocking up all of a sudden, and casts me an obvious speechless expression.

Victor: Then what about the second thing?

MC: ....Perhaps I will try to give it a go another time? I’ve already accomplished to this stage, and it would feel quite hard to swallow this breath.

Victor: That’s right. At this juncture, he will not allow his plans to fall through the cracks.

MC: But now the game has already been made public. People from all walks of life in the society have fixed their attentions entirely on his actions. There shouldn’t be any place where he can continue to conduct the game, should there?

Victor: The “society” is so huge that inevitably there will be places where the others can’t see. Just like this secret prison. We were completely unaware of it beforehand too.

When Victor finishes speaking, we sink into a brief silence.

He is right. Joker has been in the dark all along. It is only then we became aware of his actions when we were affected by the waves.

And where he will continue this next game, we simply are unable to find out.

Just as we are pondering in silence, a loud bang sounds in our ears, and the ground also trembles slightly.

The alarm installed overhead is set in motion. The room immediately flickers red light, and the shrill sound of the alarm reverberates continuously.

MC: What’s going on?!

Just at this moment, the door of the interrogation room is quickly opened, and several NW members walk in.

??: Please come with us.

When they have finished speaking, they approach us without any explanation and pull us along, preparing to take us away.

Victor stands rooted in his original position and doesn’t move, his expression remains unchanged as he speaks.

Victor: Wait a minute. I want to see your commanding officer.

??: The commanding officer has important matters to attend to at the moment, and has accounted us to assist with your transfer. Please co-operate.

Victor still doesn’t have any reaction, and interrupts them.

Victor: A sudden explosion occurred on the island. Don’t you guys want to know what was the reason?

There is a moment of silence on the other side.

Victor: It was the port where the explosion occurred. Am I correct?

Several team members look at each other meaningfully for a bit. Among them, one member finally turns around to walk outside the room.

Calmly and unhurriedly, Victor sits back in his seat, and also pulls me to his side in the process.

MC: What on earth is going on?

Borrowing the sound of the alarm in the room, I lower my voice, and ask him in a whisper.

Victor doesn’t answer me directly, only squeezes my hand.

[ T/N: He is wearing the handcuffs.... ಡ‸ಡ ]

Victor: You will find out in a moment. Remember, don’t make a fool of yourself.

Very soon, that same officer from before appears at the doorway.

NW Commanding Officer: How did you know about that?

Victor: Just the most basic judgement, that’s all. I suppose, by means of the strengths of NW, a good plan must have already been deployed as the response. But if you want to make it truly foolproof, I can offer a shortcut.

The commanding officer looks towards Victor with some suspicion. Victor opens his mouth as he unhurriedly explains the way.

Victor: The commanding officer has investigated on me so carefully, he must be aware of my Evol. There are many Evolvers within the Time and Space Administration, but only a few of them can traverse through timelines. I have the ability to know the future, and I can naturally help you in controlling the current situation.

NW Commanding Officer: In that case, CEO Victor, why don’t you tell me how is the situation at present?

Victor: In fact, before I came here, I have already seen the situation that is happening now. I learnt that there is an apparatus in your hand that is capable of gathering Evol energy. It originally belonged to the promoters of the Hunter Game.

Victor: But now it seems that, the original owner of this apparatus doesn’t intend to abandon it. And once the number on the apparatus has risen to its full capacity, you may not be able to bear the consequences which will be brought from it.

I furtively observe Victor’s expression, and a wide panorama suddenly opens up in my heart.

Although he indeed has the ability to know the future....

But what he is actually saying right now, is entirely on the basis of his speculations and judgements from the information he has.

Victor’s ability has never only been so simple like a powerful Evol.

I watch as he lifts up his head, and fixedly looks towards the person directly in front.

Even if he is sitting inside an interrogation room, his freedom is restricted by the handcuffs — he is still able to seize the initiative into his own hands.

And the choice he has given, it’s one that no one can refuse.

Victor: Officer, there isn’t much time left for you to consider. It’s time to make a decision.

—

✧ [CH 17- 10] ✧

The interrogation room sinks into a brief silence, the expression of the commanding officer becoming unpredictable.

NW Commanding Officer: Thank you for the reminder, Mr. Victor. We appreciate your kindness, but for now it’s better to shift to a safe place first.

In the face of the commanding officer’s blunt refusal, Victor on the contrary, glances at the digital clock on the side, and smiles as if having a card up his sleeves.

Victor: Before that, I suggest you to prioritize ensuring the safety of the buildings near the port.

The commanding officer’s expression changes, and he stands motionless in his original position.

Victor: Two minutes later, the building at the west side of the port will explode.

A deathly stillness hangs in the air as no one moves, as though here it’s rather one of a stalemated war against time.

Two minutes later, a loud bang can be heard along with a sense of swaying.

I suppress the astonishment in my heart. The commanding officer narrows his eyes, and starts speaking after a while.

NW Commanding Officer: I believe in CEO Victor’s ability, but this is also merely a one kind of passive remedy. If you want to take back the initiative again on the basis of this alone— I’m afraid that it’d be quite difficult. To figure out the other parties’ whereabouts and the deployments in advance, we can interrogate the prisoners who have been re-captured after the prison-break.

I listen to his words, and frown slightly.

As it turns out, the prisoners also escaped along with the explosion just now?

My brain is running at a high-speed. Clearly, the NW commanding officer has already believed in Victor’s ability, and said that originally some information will not be told to us.

Although the situation is slowly leaning towards us, but the decisive bargaining chips are still lapsing.

We need a way to be able to find Joker faster.

Akin to igniting a flint, I suddenly think of something, and subconsciously take a step forward.

MC: Officer, I have a suggestion regarding what you have just said. I could directly read the memory of the prisoners, and find out the whereabouts and the purpose of the attacker much faster.

MC: Afterwards with a basic understanding, CEO Victor could then travel through time and discern his actions in advance. In this way, it’s almost foolproof—

Victor: No need.

Victor’s slightly amplified angry voice quickly interrupts me.

His eyebrows crease tightly while he doesn’t even look at me.

Victor: There are many more ways to confirm the attackers actions. There is no need to let her deal with this matter.

MC: CEO Victor, the most important thing right now is to be able to reach an effective co-operation, don’t you think so?

I turn my head towards him and blink, hoping he can understand my intention.

I know his fears. But since I am by his side, I will not allow him to face the danger all by himself.

I also believe that our tacit understanding can certainly reverse the current situation.

Victor remains silent for a long time, and ultimately closes his eyelids slightly helplessly.

Victor: [almost talking to himself]  Just this once.

When he opens his eyes again, his gaze has already returned to the sharp one, looking towards the NW commanding officer.

Victor: What do you think, officer?

NW Commanding Officer: The plan she has put forward is indeed very efficient. If this is the case, we are willing to give CEO Victor’s proposal a try. However, CEO Victor must have corresponding conditions too, am I correct?

Victor: Three conditions. Any one of them is missing ー this deal is off the table.

NW Commanding Officer: Isn’t this a bit too much?

Victor: You can try to find other partner to co-operate with. But at the moment, you’re in more of a rush than I am.

The commanding officer remains silent, and sits down opposite of Victor.

Seeing Victor regaining the control of the situation, and the ever high and mighty commanding officer looking somewhat defeated, I breath easy in my heart.

Soon afterwards, I also hold my breath, and listen carefully to his conditions.

Victor: Number one, guarantee that MC will not be harmed in any way.

Victor: Number two, unlock my handcuffs and turn off the surveillance in the room. Otherwise, I cannot use my Evol.

Victor: Number three, after the matter is concluded, make sure that we leave safely.

The other person contemplates for a while. Then he whispers a few words to confirm with a team member at his side, and extends his hand towards Victor.

NW Commanding Officer: To a pleasant co-operation, CEO Victor.

Victor doesn’t get up, only flips his wrists slightly to reveal the key-holes in the handcuffs.

The commanding officer beckons, and a NW team member at the side steps forward to unlock Victor’s handcuffs.

Seeing this scene, my heart also seems to be a bit light.

When I am just about to walk over and examine Victor’s condition, someone even quicker than me snaps another hand-cuff onto Victor’s wrists.

MC: You?!

[ T/N: This is the first time MC snaps in this chapter. ಡ‸ಡ ]

NW Commanding Officer: The surveillance in the room has already been cut off, and we have also retrieved the handcuffs restraining Evol. Now these handcuffs will not affect the using of Evol. I also request for CEO Victor to comprehend.

The commanding officer threads his way through a loophole, and speaks in an ill tone, but Victor doesn’t seem to care at all.

Victor: Triviality. But before taking her away, let me have a few words with her alone.

NW Commanding Officer: I believe, CEO Victor will not waste too much time.

Along with the dropping of the sound of the door being locked, Victor frowns once again as he looks at me.

[ T/N: His voice turns into the “only and only” soft™ for MC level soft™ for the rest of the part. ]

Victor: Do you know what you are going to face?

MC: A scientific research organization with a mysterious background - NW, and a villainous Boss who has made a mess of the world, and turned everything on its head?

Victor: It seems that you indeed are quite clear about it. Notー

MC: Not too stupid.

I laugh as I take his words.

MC: Victor, are you nervous?

Even though he has been handcuffed here spanning longer than ten days, in the face of the interrogation under high-pressure, he still remained calm, made calm judgements, and took back the initiative.

But now, he is actually hesitating, and is even deeply worried.

Victor: There must be many uncomfortable things in the memories of that group of prisoners. In extreme terms, there are even memories of hurting others, perhaps of painful times when being experimented on.

MC: This is exactly what I’d like to see.

I straighten up my waist, and look firmly at Victor.

MC: We almost know nothing about NW. This is the best opportunity for us to find out their state of affairs. I am not afraid.

Victor: Really not afraid?

MC: ....Okay, still a bit afraid.

MC: But this is the best option I can think of to help you, and at the same time, seize more initiative.

Regarding those dreadful memories, I’d actually fear them too. But to become the person who stands side by side with him, I simply cannot fear it.

Victor looks at me, and tucks my falling hair behind my ear.

[ T/N: He is wearing the handcuffs.... ಡ‸ಡ ]

Victor: This is something you’ve decided on. Since you have already made the decision, I trust that you can get it done. You have the courage and insight, and also the capability.

Victor: But my worries have nothing to do with them. Pay attention to your safety and don’t mess around.

I look at Victor, and smile softly.

MC: Victor, the same goes for you too.

READ PART 2: HERE!

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