Writing is a fickle lover that comes and goes. I had convinced myself I was a terribly writer and it brought me no joy, but alas. I am a liar. I love writing so I'm back. Don't give up on what brings you joy!
Disclaimer ~
Someday I may own my own set of characters and my own story but it is not today. None of this is mine. See previous chapters for fancy disclaimer. This is also un-betaed but if I don't update now, I may never. Feel free to point out mistakes so I can fix them.
On the day of the ball, Kagome could be found in a bedroom that she had never seen before. She was seated in front of a large vanity, with her back to it, as she watched a joyful bundle of blonde energy bounce around the room. Different costumes, accessories, and dresses were being thrown around the room as she continued to search for the perfect outfit. Kagome did not know who Elizabeth was, having just met her today but Kagome found it hard to frown with her around.
Elizabeth had swept into the manor that morning like a hurricane. Her excitement at going to a ball, and being within the Phantomhive household was contagious, and infectious. In a matter of minutes Lady Elizabeth had redecorated and reorganized the front door, drowning the entryway with pastels. Strangely the small group of servants that managed the Phantomhive household had made themselves scarce, but none had thought to warn Kagome. So she was swept away with Elizabeth and her servant Paula before she knew what was happening.
"I have heard that you like the color green." Her gentle voice could be heard from behind another pile of clothes. Seriously? How many outfits did one girl need? Where in the Phantomhive household had she been storing them? "Would you like to make your first public appearance in green?"
Green. The color of nature. Of new beginnings, blooming plants and her old life. It was such a soft, gentle color. The very shade sent pleasant, torturous memories running through her mind. This was a different life, a different era. She now stood by Sebastian, a different demon with a different team of humans and demons. Did she really want to mix and muddle the two lives?
"I would rather wear something different, something new," Kagome answered.
"Do you know who your partner will be tonight?" Lizzy promptly asked as she peeked over the mountain of clothes. Kagome shook her head, prepared to answer that tonight she would likely dance alone but Elizabeth had her own ideas.
"How foolish of me to ask! Of course you will be dancing with Sebastian!" Lizzy had a new goal as she dived back in. "You can't have colors that will clash with him, so green will not do. I must find you something else that is still adorable!"
With a squeal of happiness, Lizzy started to pull all sorts of garments from the pule. Kagome only had a second to stare fearfully at the purple laced corset before Paula and Elizabeth attacked her. Kagome's squeal for help went unanswered as she drowned in fluff an lace.
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Kagome rocked gently with the carriage as she tried to hide her annoyance. After hours of finding and struggling into the right costume, Elizabeth then proceeded to strip her of it and insisted that she tell no one what it was. She wanted to surprise everyone with the 'adorable' outfit she chose and therefore, Kagome would not be allowed to wear it to the Trancy manor. Instead, Elizabeth would meet her there and help her into the dress, again, when the dance started.
"Alois Trancy." Kagome jolted as Ciel, who was seated next to her, decided to break the silence. "You said the late Earl Trancy died three years ago, didn't you?" Ciel was speaking directly to Sebastian, who was seated across from them.
"Yes." Sebastian's crimson eyes flickered from Ciel to Kagome. Subconsciously, Kagome had started to twirl her skirt around her fingers as she grew more anxious the closer they drew to their destination. In her thoughtless moments, she had pulled the skirt up and was exposing her stocking covered legs once again. The butler reached out and tugged on her dress, ripping it out of her grip and letting it fall elegantly to the floor. He would not let his Doll create a bad image for herself.
"Three years ago . . ." Kagome flinched as Ciel's aura grew stronger and lashed out momentarily. Sebastian's own darkness met the lash, adding more corruption to the slowly purifying soul.
Ciel took a deep breath before continuing. "Alois was kidnapped when he was little and went missing for a long time, and then he returned, shortly before his father died, while bringing with him a mysterious butler."
Kagome's eyes widened as the story seemed familiar. Her eyes flickered between Ciel and Sebastian, the two sharing a conversation without words. Sebastian, a demon disguised as a butler, who also accompanied a young Earl with a mysterious past. "Is this butler a demon?" Kagome rudely interrupted in her soft voice.
"Why do you think that?" Sebastian inquired with a small smirk. "Does the story seem familiar to you, my Doll?" Was he teasing her?
"Not at all," Kagome replied with her own small smile. "It just seems to happen often in the stories I am told about."
Ciel watched them quietly before nodding his head in agreement. "Kagome is right, it does happen often."
His voice was subdued, accepting of something within his words that not even Kagome knew about. She wanted to reach out, to comfort the boy but she knew that he would not accept it. He was a young Earl who wanted to be seen as an adult. Accepting comfort from her would be seen as a weakness, something a child would indulge in.
Instead, Kagome reached out her hand and laid it on his shoulder. His aura caressed her own at her touch, dancing and accepting the comfort that his physical self would not. She felt the tiny jolt that raced from her hip, up her chest and down to the hand that touched him. Her shock of purity was small this time when compared to the others, but never had she purified Ciel's aura in front of Sebastian.
She tried to ignore the dark look that entered Sebastian's eyes, and the strong pulse of his own demonic energy that immediately crushed what purity she had put in Ciel's soul. She couldn't ignore the cold and inquiring stare that settled on her. It was an unseen weight that settled on her shoulders, and she carried it for the rest of the carriage ride.
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Sebastian reached his hand in and helped Kagome exit the carriage. Ciel was already standing before the couple, waiting for them. Kagome quietly thanked Sebastian for his help, which he gave no response to. He was still gazing at her coldly, sending a shiver of anxiety down her spine.
The shivers did not stop though, and they slowly turned into trembles as Kagome found her footing on the Trancy grounds. Mey-Rin, Baldroy and Finny said something but Kagome could not hear it over the blood rushing in her ears. She was too consumed in her own anxiety. Darkness was laid heavily on the grounds, soaking into the plants and walls of the mansion. The demonic energy that haunted this mansion was strong and it was not welcoming to the miko's presence.
Kagome thought she had grown used to the feel of being constantly surrounded by demonic energy. She had traveled for years with a neko-yokai, and a half demon. While their energies were not dark, they were very powerful. Afterwards, she lived with a pack of wolf yokais, constantly being surrounded by their kind. Some members were kind and seemed human but most wolf yokais were dark, more beast than human.
Finally, she had spent her most recent years with her Demon. There was no doubt that Sebastian was an old and powerful Hell's demon. His very energy pulsed and lived within the Phantomhive household, and had been stalking and attempting to merge their energies for decades. This energy though, this darkness that coated the grounds she stood on, made her wish for her slumber. It lashed out at her, demanding her submission and obedience.
It was Ciel who grabbed one of her hands and slowly lead her forward when her hesitation went on for too long. Sebastian followed two steps behind them, acting as a butler should. Like a gentleman, Ciel tucked Kagome's hand into the bend of his elbow and lead her up the steps towards the mansion door.
Once the trio was faced with the pair of large wooden doors, Sebastian reached over Ciel's smaller shoulder to knock. Before he could make contact though, Ciel shifted his weight, causing the demon to pause and look down upon him. Kagome found herself looking at him as well, finding it unusual for Ciel to twitch before meeting a guest.
"Kagome," Ciel began quietly, "if you should feel uncomfortable or tired, you will let Sebastian or myself know. I understand this will be your first ball, and I do not want you to feel like you have something to prove."
"I understand," Kagome gave a thankful smile at the boy's kindness.
At his nod of approval, Sebastian reached out once more to knock but before his knuckles could make contact, the right door swung open. Kagome could feel Ciel stiffening next her, and the hand that was placed over her own tightened briefly, holding her in place. Kagome resisted the urge to take a step back, away from the unknown. It was only the knowledge that Sebastian stood behind them, attentive and ready to defend them against the unknown, that kept her in place. She knew Sebastian would defend her if needed, which helped to quell the desire to run.
"You must be Earl Ciel Phantomhive," Kagome was on the left side of Ciel, her view slightly blocked with the edge of the door and the dark shadows inside, "and Lady Kagome. We have been waiting for you two."
"I am the butler of this house." The speaker took a step forward, letting the afternoon light wash over him.
A tall, handsome man stood in front of them. He had short black hair that was brushed to the sides, with the right bands longer than the left. His skin was pale and flawless, no scars or blemishes in sight. Bright yellow eyes immediately shifted and locked on her own, peering at her from behind rectangle glasses. The glasses seemed unnecessary since all demons had great eyesight but perhaps it was a way to make him more approachable.
"My name is Claude Faustus."
Sebastian must have noticed Claude's eyes lingering since he took a step forward, nearly pressing his body against Kagome's back. It was an unspoken claim that Kagome reenforced when she took a took breath and leaned back, briefly resting against Sebastian's firm chest. There was a moment of stillness as the two butlers locked eyes.
Claude looked away first, falling into a bow and moving to clear the entryway. "Please enter."
Immediately Ciel strode forward, forcing Kagome to follow him inside. They had barely passed over the threshold when a flash of silver caught Kagome's attention. Immediately Sebastian's hand reached out and smacked the gold and black spider away from her face, saving her from walking into the thin web that was hanging in front of her face.
The spider lost its grip on its thread and started to fall to the floor when another flash of black was seen. Claude had reacted quickly to catch the falling spider and safely cradle it on his palms. The little insect glared at Kagome, clicking its pinchers together angrily as it huddled deeper into the strange butler's palms. One of Claude's thumbs gently pet the spider's back, soothing the insect.
Kagome's breathing grew rapid and sweat was gathering on her temple the longer she looked at the bug, somehow unable to look away. The edge of her vision was darkening, her whole focus centering on the spider that had almost touched her. A spider that she had displeased and was now angry at her. Her muscles tightened as she waited for the pain. For her punishment.
"My apologies," Claude's voice cut through her panic and in her panic, Kagome could see him gazing at the spider fondly. "Spiders are part of the Trancy family crest, so it is our custom to not kill them."
"I see," said Sebastian. "Indeed, spiders are nasty creatures. I find that if you brush them away, they just cling to you and never let go." The face he graced them with was too devious to be innocent.
Claude didn't reply. Instead he just reached up and placed the spider below an impressive spiderweb that spanned the corner of the doorway that had gone unnoticed until now. Only when the spider was safely back in its web did Claude resume his bow. "Please, come in," he insisted politely.
The trio continued past the bowed butler. Kagome was still anxious but they walked away from the spider, she found herself able to breath again. Ciel kept a firm hand grip on her hand, anchoring her to this reality, and Sebastian's heavy presence could be felt behind her. For a moment, she was able to look around and compare this manor to the one she resided in now. Nobody noticed Claude's eyes following her, or the cruel grin he got.
The hostile aura pounced without warning. Kagome's defenses were down, making it easy for the malicious aura to cause her physical pain. A choked whimper escaped her as the darkness struck a second time, trying to wrap itself around her. An unseen weight encompassed her tight, like a hand holding her in place. Pain blossomed along her spine and stomach as old scars awakened and screamed in agony. She tried to take several calm breaths like she was taught when she went into labor but the weight around her throat only tightened with each exhale. The room was fading, melting into the shadows that crept along her vision. Confused and hurt, Kagome took a step back, her back slamming into Sebastian's chest.
Sebastian wrapped his arms around Kagome and drew her closer, ignoring Ciel's disapproving exclamation. Kagome could feel Sebastian's own darkness sweeping forward, unintentionally adding to her pain and panic. The two demonic auras were prodding at her, searching for weakness while tangling with each other. Sebastian leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear so his whisper would only be heard by her. "Is something wrong, my Doll?"
There was another lash of pain before Kagome could take no more. The weight of Ciel's gaze was heavy on her shoulders, while Sebastian's concern could be felt in the air, and she did not want to be seen as weak. Ciel was a boy trying against all odds to be seen as a man. Sebastian was a demon who took any task given to him and completed it with ease. She was now a proper member of the Phantomhive household. Her actions were a reflection of the group that had sheltered and cared for her. She had to be strong.
Kagome's aura flared out beautifully as it finally lashed back. Bright pink sparks, streaked with dark purple, went unnoticed by all but her, as her aura destroyed the foreign corruption that was clinging to her. The air around her crackled with power as everyone's hair moved in a nonexistent wind.
Ciel looked around in confusion as he felt lighter, and more carefree. Hidden behind his eyepatch, another section of his pentagram went transparent as another part of his contract crumbled and died. Pleasurable shivers rolled down Sebastian and Claude's backs as her holy power merged temporarily with their darkness. Claude's painful spiritual attack was pushed back, along with the oppressive darkness that had come from the manor itself which had been circling her since her arrival.
The jewel hummed happily from where it rested in its mistress' body as it successfully protected its host. Feeling lighter, Kagome gave a smile to Sebastian as she gently moved out of his grasp.
"I am fine. Simply a moment of weakness."
"Can my butler accompany us?" Ciel asked.
"That would be fine." Claude's face fell back to its unreadable mask before Kagome or Ciel could see the emotions he wanted to display.
"Very well," Ciel reached to take back Kagome's hand. "Let us greet out host."
"I apologize," Claude was quick to interrupt. "Unfortunately my master is away on business. He will be back in time for the costume ball." The wooden doors creaked as they were forced closed again. "I have prepared some tea for you in the drawing room. Most of our guests are already there, though a few are still missing and will arrive later."
"Everyone else?" Kagome quietly asked Ciel, who only nodded as he lead the way, following behind Claude to the drawing room.
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It was certainly odd company that Ciel kept. Once they had entered, the young boy had been swallowed by a ball of pink cloth and blonde hair. The girl's adoration was cute and Ciel's embarrassed reactions only caused Kagome to giggle quietly. After he got free of his fiancée, by promising her several dances later, Ciel lead Kagome around the room and introduced her to quite a few nobleman and citizens of high society.
Most of them, she knew she would never meet again or even remember. The men acted polite but stared at her with leering eyes while the women were sickly sweet and casted glares at her from behind. The room was filled with two-face people which would sooner betray her and the home she resided in than offer a helping hand.
A few, she knew she would remember because they were just too unique or too odd to forget. There was an odd Chinese man who insisted on having a beautiful woman in his lap at all times. He had even offered for Kagome to sit with him and share his pipe but Ciel declined on her behalf. Lau was an odd, suspicious person that watched Kagome with knowing eyes that left her unsure if he could be trusted or not.
The others were a strange Indian couple that watched her just as closely as she watched them. The taller of two had snow white hair that contrasted with his dark olive-tone skin. His right hand was tightly wrapped in a bandage but he moved and touched as if there was no injury. Some kind of holy power, not much different from her own, danced around him. Wisely, his aura kept to itself, choosing to not interact with the young miko or the demon in its midst.
His partner was young, just a few years younger than herself. His gold eyes were gentle, and matched his odd, purple hair. The young man was kind, introducing himself as Prince Soma, the 26th son of the King of Bengal and his servant, Agni, who was the strange man with the holy aura. While they were nice to her, Kagome noticed that their attention was more focused on Ciel, and after a short conversation, they left her alone.
After some time of many greetings, names being exchanged, and some tense words, Ciel noticed that Kagome was weakening. Her greetings were getting quieter, as her breaths became louder and her steps came slowly. Strategically Ciel lead her to a nearby couch and let her sit down. Sebastian appeared behind her a second later like a large, ominous shadow. He laid a hand on her shoulder as Ciel disappeared into another hoard of nobleman.
Kagome melted into Sebastian's touch, her noble air dropping as she relaxed. Her beautiful face grew weary, and her eyes closed briefly as she leaned against his arm. Her body was not fully healed, her muscles slowly building over time, but not always enough to support her. Her physical body was weary and ached, but what hurt her the most was the loneliness. Watching Ciel greet noble after noble, knowing them all by name and status made her realize how alone she truly was. She was once again, the Miko out of Time.
Sebastian could only watched as she leaned into his touch, just like the numerous times she would when she was still doll-like. She always had expressive facial features. Even when she was the breathing doll, her eyes would reflect her emotions, even if it was mainly pain and misery. The tears that her body could not hold back would give away when her memories got to be too much. Now that she was alive, her emotions dance across her face. He wanted to comfort her but he could not at the moment. It would be unsightly for a butler to hold a noble lady like he desired too.
"I am fine, just a little tired." Kagome words were whispered under her breath, trusting that his demonic hearing would catch her words.
"Lady Kagome!" A shrill voice shrieked at the top of her lungs.
Kagome reacted out of habit. Her arms became wide spread and her body loosened so it wouldn't be harmed when a large weight threw itself into her lap. She barely knew Elizabeth but she learned quickly enough that the girl was energetic and loved to throw herself around. For reasons unknown to her, the girl had taken an instant liking to Kagome.
"Kagome, we should get ready for the ball!" Elizabeth's green eyes peered up at her from beneath blonde hair. "Paula and I can help you back into your costume."
Kagome gulped as she thought of the laced corset that wanted to strangle her. She leaned her head back against the small sofa and whimpered for help but Sebastian only smirked and batted his long eyelashes innocently. There was no chance to escape as Elizabeth grabbed one hand and Paula took the other.
The trio of females were met in the hall by another trio of males. They had plum purple hair and small crimson eyes. The three men bowed to the ladies and silently lead them to their rooms. They were obviously identical triplets with the only difference between the them being their bangs. One had bangs that fell straight down, while another had his bangs styled to the left and the last one had his bangs swaying to the right.
By her side, Elizabeth was happily chatting away with Paula, not as all hurt when Kagome stayed silent. Kagome's attention was focused on their escorts. There was no hiding what they were from her. Demons. They were weak, their own darkness submissive to even a human's aura so they were no threat to the girls or her. Kagome was more interested in why four pureblooded demons resided in one manor, supposedly under the control of Early Trancy.
Their escorts paused in front of a door that was identical to the handful that flanked it left and right. Elizabeth and Paula quickly disappeared inside, dismissing the servants. It was only Kagome who turned and bowed to the triplets. "Thank you for your time."
Three sets of eyes widened in surprised. The moment of awkward silence steadily grew, causing Kagome to wonder if she had done something wrong. It was the triplet in the center, with the straight bangs, who reacted first. His lips pulled into a rusty smile that displayed his sharpened canines. The two on his side quickly followed his example, giving her shy smiles before they turned and left her alone.
Kagome entered her temporary room, already knowing that she was heading to her doom. The door shut behind her, giving off an ominous thud. Elizabeth and Paula were waiting for her in the center of the room, each holding a piece of clothing. Kagome sighed, resigned to her fate as she stepped forward so the girls could dress her.
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The music was low, but the rhythm was compelling as Kagome walked in, now escorted with Elizabeth dressed as Native American royalty and Paula, who was dressed as an Egyptian servant. Elizabeth was already chatting about finding Ciel, and no sooner had they passed the doorway, did Elizabeth move away with Paula trailing faithfully behind her.
Keeping up with the young girl's excitement, and the struggle to get into her costume, had left Kagome exhausted. Instead of following Elizabeth, Kagome headed for a nearby couch so she could rest. Her eyes swept the room, noticing the many outfits and recognizing a few faces of the nobles she had met earlier. The familiar faces that lived with her though were nowhere to be seen.
"You appear lonely, Lady Kagome, says Bram."
Kagome jumped in surprised, and turned to look at Snake, who had managed to silently approach her from behind. Unlike the other servants, Snake was not in costume and was still wearing his uniform from the Phantomhive household. His scales gleamed in the light and when he spoke, Kagome could see a glimpse of his forked tongue for the first time.
Kagome was honestly surprised that the hybrid had chosen to approach her. Snake had avoided her as much as possible, leaving her with only glimpses of the ex-snake charmer in the days she had been awakened. It was only the multitude of serpents in the Phantomhive manor that proved to Kagome that this man really existed.
"Hello there, Snake. Is Bram with you by chance?" It had been explained to Kagome early on that Snake only spoke through his pets and without them, he was normally silent and observant. However, most of his pets were deadly vipers or boas of massive size, which made for great guards but were too uncontrollable to be brought into public. Ciel had ordered Snake to keep his pets in the Phantomhive manor and to not bring any to the Trancy ball.
Snake dipped his head before stretching out his right arm and pulling back the sleeve of his jacket. A bright red serpent was wrapped around the length of his whole arm, its blood red scales a shocking contrast to Snake's pale skin. The serpent lifted his head slightly to bare his throat, displaying the thick black band around it. Its beady eyes were eerily locked on Kagome as its tongue flickered out to taste the air. Sensing nothing, the cobra lowered his head back down and let Snake pull the sleeve back over him.
"Bram is a lovely looking snake. I'm glad to have met him." Kagome;s quiet response caused Snake to smile shyly back at her.
"Thank you, you look lovely tonight too, Bram Says." There was a slight hesitation before Snake added Bram's name to the end, which lead Kagome to believe that the compliment wasn't just from Bram.
"Thank you," Kagome absently brushed one of the laced section of her dress. "I wasn't sure about my costume at first but I think Elizabeth did a good job. Why aren't you in costume, Snake?"
Snake's smile fell, and his eyes became distant. "They believe I am already in costume, says Bram." His snakeless arm reached up to brush a patch of scales that rested on his cheek. "My appearance is abnormal, and unwelcomed otherwise . . . says Bram."
"I'm sorry to hear that." His words and actions reminded her of another hybrid and a past life she would never return too. Snake was different because of the drop of demon blood that tainted him. He was judged on appearance alone and was already outcasted from society before he even had a chance. The sad gleam in his eyes haunted her and she never wanted to see it again. She didn't want history to repeat itself. "Snake, would you like to dance with me? I'm sure my strength has returned by now."
Snake blinked twice in surprise, unsure how to react to her question. It would be rude to decline her offer, but he was not sure if it was considered proper either. He was a household servant, and she was a nobleborn lady, and they were deemed different from each other. None of the other servants were dancing either, despite the costumes that allowed them admittance into the ball.
Kagome decided for him when she pushed herself to her feet and grabbed Snake's hand, leading him to the center of the large room. She spun to face him and immediately one of Snake's hands came to rest on her hip as his other hand clasped Kagome's smaller hand in the softest grip he could manage. Serpents were naturally flexible, lithe and beautiful dancers and his pets had taught him long ago how to properly dance with the humans. One of his cobras was convinced it was the perfect way to attract a mate, much to Snake's embarrassment. Kagome and Snake started to sway from side to side, finding their rhythm in the music before effortlessly merging with the already dancing couples.
Kagome was not the most graceful dancer, having only learned the basics but Snake was a great partner. Gently but firmly he lead her into the proper steps and his agile body kept her from stepping on his toes or crashing into his chest. The serpent wrapped around his arm was watching from beneath his sleeve, whispering advice and encouragement to his master.
Neither of them were aware of Bram growing curious of the young woman too. His long tongue would start to flicker to catch a taste of her scent. It was pleasing, with a sharp taste of danger to it. The smell intrigued the red spitting cobra, and while he could understand why his brothers and sisters were wary, he grew curious. It was Bram who convinced Snake to talk to the woman today, and to make sure she was not as lonely as she appeared. He wasn't threatened by her. He was a venomous cobra after all. If she was a danger to himself or Snake, a simple bite would take care of her.
So it was without fear that Bram carefully loosened his grip around Snake's arm and spread his body out. When the time was right, Bram slide his thin body out of Snake's sleeves and into the layers of lace on Kagome's dress without anyone noticing. Her scent was stronger up close, and her dress was soft against his scales. He continued to stealthily climb and move until he could loosely drape himself around her hips, the layers of lace and material helping to hide his bright colors. He would solve the mystery of the weird, powerful woman so his family, including Snake, would no longer fear or wonder about two danced for several songs, neither one saying anything. It was only when Kagome's legs were starting to grow tired, and her steps started to falter even more than usual, that Snake started to slow down his dancing and edge Kagome back to the couch he found her on. The young man had almost gotten her free of the dancing crowd when a small body roughly bumped into them, effectively breaking Snake and Kagome apart.
Kagome had barely managed to keep herself on her feet but before Snake could reach for her, a young child had already snatched Kagome's hands and lead back to the dance floor despite the miko's protests. With strength that shouldn't be possessed by such a small body, the child held Kagome in place and forced her to move to the steps of another song.
Startled, Kagome struggled as she tried to catch a good look at the child's face. The long hair was elegantly done in a curling ponytail, and the young body that was on the cusps of developing curves gave away her gender. Her hair was a deep brown with streaks of white running wild in untamed patterns. Her dress was a bright orange with white lacing decorating the bottom half. Sitting on top of her head were plastic white dog ears.
"Please don't struggle," the light voice was nearly lost in the crowd and music. Kagome tried to pull away again but the girl held strong, and familiar canine yellow eyes glanced up at her. "We wouldn't want to make a scene, would we onee-san?"
Thank you everyone for your support. I know I'm a finicky writer at times so your continued support does help me a lot. I read reviews and re-read reviews when I'm feeling down so don't be afraid to let me know how I'm doing. As a reader, you are the reason I am here and continue to try to write.
I have started to migrate over to AO3 myself. I am moving all stories over there, along with merging two previous accounts. So you may find me over there too at times, just messing around. While I adore and love the review system here and the interaction I get with my readers, it seems like AO3 is the place to be for writers. Don't worry though, Broken Doll will always be updated here first, as AO3 is several chapters behind too.