A/N: Another big shout out to my proof readers! Also, for those of you reading this as the current release, there are TWO new Rem short stories (arc 7) coming out with the latest LN release. I've got them both on commission to be translated, so for those of you who keep current on the WN/LN of ReZero, stay tuned when those get released by their respective translators. Anyway, here's this weeks chapter!

Chapter 84: Left To Lick His Wounds

It's at least good to be away from there finally.

Having returned with a battered and bruised Subaru in the back-hatch area of his car, he remained passed out for the short return trip to where they would be staying in the Capitol from here on out.

At least we didn't have to leave past the Guard House gate.

Seeing as how they were to remain in the Noble's district for sometime, the consequences of YN's actions would surely surface if he had to drive past the Gate so soon after running it as he did to arrive earlier.

But, I don't think it'll be looked into as long as I don't say anything and it remains hidden here.

Parked up behind the ground dragon stables at their new temporary living space, Rem had so generously found a cloth to drape over the car so as to not raise further suspicion.

YN: You think any of Crusch's servants would inquire about it and rat us out?

Rem: Rem is doubtful any of them would even know it was the same item if described to them.

YN: Yeah, I'd just hate to have Crusch be guilty of harboring fugitives.

Crusch: What is this I'm hearing about?

Somewhat startled by her voice, the lady of the Manor they would be staying at appeared suddenly, inquiring on their words.

YN: O-Oh! Nothing at all, Crusch-sama.

Rem: YN-kun...

Squinting at the obviously nervous YN, her face turned less serious as she spoke.

Crusch: The winds of deceit are circling you.

Unsure of what she meant by that, YN guessed she had somewhat of a clue that he wasn't being entirely truthful.

YN: Well, the truth is, if you heard a little something about the Guard House being run on, I was sort of responsible for that...

Scratching the back of his head and expecting some harsh words, Crusch had seemed amused rather.

Crusch: I had heard the rumors. But rest assured, nothing will happen if it is discovered. Noble's and their guests are not required to stop to be searched if they are in a rush.

Man, talk about lazy security.

Rem: —and since we are guests here, that rule will apply to us.

Crusch: 'Apply' is a bold word. 'Bent' is better. Especially since you are in my House's care.

While the ending of the Conference had been tenuous, all important details had not been hashed out before its end, especially in regards to what came next.

Expecting to have been heading back to the mansion by now, YN and Subaru were to be left behind for some time, but hopefully not too long, for their treatment, with Rem acting as representative for Emilia's camp whilst they took up temporary residence in the Karsten Manor.

On the journey back to the Manor with Subaru passed out in the back, Rem had elected to sit behind Emilia, giving her the passenger seat, while YN, of course, drove. Giving him directions, Emilia had also briefly discussed the plan going forward for their treatment, and that she would be catching a specially reserved carriage for herself back to the mansion.

Finding no further issue to address, Crusch had departed both YN and Rem, who for now, were on no further pressing schedule.

Having moved to the guest quarters about a floor up, their space was segregated from the rest of the Manor, which gave them a bit of privacy in the common area they found themselves in.

YN: Kinda weird the guest area only has one way in and out...

Picturing some kind of nefarious or underhanded purpose to the design, Rem set down a cup of freshly brewed tea for YN.

Rem: It is more so that guests can be kept a close eye on. With only one way in, their steps can be retraced should they wander into areas they should not be.

While there was one main set of large double doors leading to the area, there was no other outlet or ways of entrance to the space from the rest of the Manor or outside. With about half a dozen fully furnished, plush bedrooms around several other hallways, the segregated space also included a common area with a table and two sofas, and an enclosed balcony with two seats and tea table, where the two currently resided.

This place really is not easy to get out of, especially since it's not on the ground floor.

YN: Basically, it's a way to make guests who are secretly spies job's that much harder..

Rem: That would be the bluntest way of saying it, yes.

YN: So by putting us here, Crusch wants to keep an eye on us then, huh?

Realizing what that meant, Rem answered him with a question of her own.

Rem: Would YN-kun not expect Roswaal-sama to do the same?

Thinking back on it though, YN recalled Roswaal indeed had done that. But in a much less obvious way.

Coming to the same conclusion, and seeing a look in his eye, Rem realized YN did know what Roswaal's method of watching suspicious guests entailed.

Halting her sip of tea halfway to her mouth, and setting the cup back down on its plate with a distinct *clink,* Rem felt a wash of sadness cloud what was an otherwise happy moment of alone time with her precious YN-kun.

Rem: Rem is sorry, she did not mean to bring up such bad memories.

Looking down at her cup, her voice filled with sadness as she tried to reconcile herself of fargone loops and the things she had done to YN in them.

YN was able to see Rem was pained once more by her guilt, and so he reached out across the table, and grabbed her hand from her cup. Holding it and running his thumb across the back of her hand, it was all he could do to not just jump the counter and embrace her.

YN: Rem, it's alright. I'm not upset at all. It's not something we can always avoid bringing up, so it's okay.

With a heavy heart still, Rem's burden was lessened by YN's words as she moved her other hand to cover his that still held hers.

Rem: If not for YN-kun's forgiveness, Rem is uncertain if she could have found the courage to go on.

YN: I've told you before Rem, there's nothing to forgive.

Rem: There is forgiveness in simply not hating Rem for all she's done to her YN-kun.

YN: Rem...

Somewhat hurt to hear she felt that way, he was unsure of how to respond to that, but in his hesitation, she continued.

Rem: Anyone else would have been disgusted or vengeful at someone who had done such things towards them, even given the unique circumstances—

As her words began to get heavier and heavier with emotion, her hands gripped YN's with a tenured anxiety to them.

Rem: —So why is it that YN-kun refuses to feel this way towards Rem?

Left struck by words that resounded deep into his mind, into his very soul even, Rem continued on as YN remained answer-less to her dwelled upon question.

Rem: Is there some other reason? A feeling that he has? YN-kun is not one that is shallow enough to have that reason be simply because he is drawn to Rem for... ulterior motives. YN-kun does not act in a way that would give his Rem a false sense of security by being untruthful about how he felt regarding everything that had occured.

Tightening the grip she held on his hand, Rem seemed to plead for the answer.

Rem: There is no selfish motive behind it, Rem is certain. But nonetheless, Rem is curious as to what it is that YN-kun feels to cherish her despite not ever deserving that with all she's done.

On the verge of crying nearly, YN felt his mouth go dry as he couldn't formulate a response.

Rem: What is it that makes YN-kun able to look past all these things and still desire to be with Rem as he is?

Asking the ultimate question, neither could see the answer right before their very eyes.

I... I don't understand it either. I feel like I recognize this emotion. I wish I could answer her, but I just don't have the words to...

While YN couldn't understand what it was, Rem couldn't begin to guess what it was either.

Rem is uncertain of what guides YN-kun in thinking this way, but there is one thing she knows for certain it is not—

As her guilt and sadness circled in her complex maiden heart, they were each dwarfed by something else—

—It is certainly not love.

—Her self doubt.

It was this one singular thing that guided her into thinking it was impossible for YN to feel so for her. After all she'd done? The torture, the deaths... That conclusion was impossible, even if it perfectly answered her question to him as to why he treated her as such. It was so far outside the realm of possibility to her it was ludicrous.

Awaiting her answer, her clarification, her salvation, YN was unable to answer still, facing much different, but nearly equally intensive mental gymnastics.

YN: I—...

Yet, even as close as their answer was, it was still as far away as it had remained since the two first met eyes, or first held hands, or first kissed.

Forcing his dry throat to croak out a response, their moment, and possibly even their realization, was cut short.

Subaru (muffled): Wait a second!

Hollering out from his bedroom at the far end of the guest quarter, Subaru's voice remained muffled and retained by the many walls the sound of his voice had to travel through.

Pulled away from their moment, YN was first to speak outside the recomposed atmosphere.

YN: I think Subaru is finally awake.

Also resetting her tone as well, Rem managed to do the same as YN.

Rem: Emilia-sama should be with him. Perhaps they are in a disagreement already.

With YN fearing it may have to do with everything that happened earlier, he dreaded what might happen from here between the Butler and Candidate.

But still, the former tension hadn't yet fully vanished. Still holding his hand, Rem looked down at it, longingly almost as she refused to let go. Looking back at the maid, she answered his gaze.

Rem: YN-kun...

Her heart throbbed from her mix of emotions and the feelings she held for the one who sat across from her. Once more, her inner mind reassured her of what she had convinced herself of already.

As long as Rem can have these sorts of moments with YN-kun, that's all she needs.

About to inquire more how she felt, a reply to the first hollar seemed to dully ring out from the same adjacent room.

Emilia (muffled): I never wanted any of that!

Somewhat wincing from the sound of Emilia raising her voice in such an emotional way, YN thought such a display was unfitting for her.

Rem: Perhaps we should intervene?

Subaru (muffled): You can't help what you don't get! But—!

Emilia (muffled): —And I told you! I don't get it! At all!

With the shouting getting louder and louder and more frequent, the two began to worry if others in the Manor would be privy to it as well.

Maybe part of the guest area being separated as well is to keep the noise down if they decide to throw a party...

Unlikely as that was, Rem had in the meantime released YN's hand and gone to stand. Moving next to him, the two stared at the nearby wall of the common area where the shouting best rumbled from.

Subaru (muffled): Emilia! Listen to me! It's the truth! When I first came to this world, you—!

Subaru don't!

Instantly rocking his senses, YN had gone to stand next to Rem, but was knocked back into his chair by the sudden pain of a Consequence.

As time had stopped, a pair of inky black hands reached from beyond his vision. Wrapping its long finger around his neck, the punishment was quick and swift, just like the other times he'd tried speaking about Return By Death in a petty manner.

Subsiding from wherever they had come from, time moved once more, and with it came a desire for breath.

YN: —Ack! Huff!

Instincts pounding, he reflexively grabbed for his neck with his own hands.

Rem: YN-kun!

Knelt down next to him as he recovered, Rem was caught off guard by his sudden reaction, but upon taking her next breath through her nose.

Rem: —!

Smelling the Witch's scent, Rem knew that only meant one of two things.

Going from a consoling mode to one of slight panic, her hands held the lethargic YN's arm as she shook it, demanding an answer.

Rem: YN-kun! YN-kun!

Still trying to recover from the pain though, Rem pressed him for answers.

Rem: Please don't tell Rem that was—!

Nearly with tears in her eyes once more, it seemed Rem's small body couldn't take many more surprises.

YN: No. No... No, I didn't die. But it feels like I want to.

Rem: YN-kun! Please don't joke about that...

Putting a hand to her chest, Rem looked earnestly into YN's eyes, knowing full well, and not doubting a word he said, that he was still safe and sound.

YN: Sorry, sorry. No, that wasn't a Return—

Rem: —Thank goodness.

With her head falling to his shoulder, Rem shut her eyes in relief as her body lost most of its tension.

YN: —it was some idiot trying to say something he shouldn't.

Summoning his strength, his body felt heavy as he forced himself to stand.

Rem: Please, YN-kun should rest for a moment!

As shouting from the next room continued, Rem's full attention was turned to YN, worried for his condition while her initial protective emotions were still lingering from perceiving the return of the Scent's intensity. Keenly because she briefly believed she had let YN succumb to death under her watch.

YN: Rem... —ack! We need to—!

*Slam!* *Shuffle shuffle...* *SLAM!*

Hearing a door fly open, followed by the district sound of someone moving with a great amount of emotion, it was all tied together by a much louder slam.

Rem: — — —

While it was only possible for Emilia having done so, Rem and YN knew she had just stormed out. Leaving them without so much as a farewell as she departed to her reserved carriage to return to the Mansion.

Unsure if she should pursue the half-elf, Rem turned to YN, seeking guidance. But, knowing what she was thinking, he waved off her concern with his hand.

YN: There's no point now. They both need to be left alone to think. Anything we try will just make it worse.

Rem: Should YN-kun not at least check up on Subaru-kun?

Moving to take a seat in a more comfortable chair, YN nearly fell into the plush sofa in the common area.

YN: Ugh. As much as I'd like to give Subaru a gut punch for that little stunt of his, I'm not going to kick him while he's down.

Even though he deserved it, YN opted to give Subaru some space.

YN: We'll talk to him some time tomorrow. But for now...

As Rem had sat next to him, YN slumped over onto her for a change.

Rem: Please, feel free to use Rem as a pillow.

Letting the groundskeeper rest, Rem watched as he peacefully began to nap from the day's exhaustion finally showing itself.

For the foreseeable future, this will be YN-kun's and Rem's life.

While an air of guilt still permeated her mind for leaving her sister alone at the mansion to fulfill all the chores, Rem couldn't deny she was happy to have so much free time with YN now, outside his treatments that was.

Let us hope it is peaceful.

Caressing YN's passed out face, Rem planted her lips on his forehead.

Rem: Sleep well, Rem's dearest.

With the dawn of a new day, things were pleasantly slow for Rem and YN. Little to do other than lounge around and talk, to most this would have been extremely boring, yet—

—Rem is so very happy to have so much time with her YN-kun.

Just overjoyed to be able to stay by his side and have no other distraction, to Rem, it felt like she was rediscovering him.

Every little thing he does, any tiny quirk, any small habit, it all sends Rem's heart a flutter.

While their day had thus far been uneventful, what appeared to be a familiar face had shown up during a walk through the Karsten Manor gardens.

YN: Emilia-sama?

Coming in through the main gate of the Manor, Emilia lowered the hood of her eared cloak. Catching Rem off guard too, neither of them had expected her to show up.

Emilia: Rem, YN, good morning.

Casually waving to the half-elf, YN greeted her in reply.

YN: Yeah, good morning... I— er, we thought you maybe left early last night. Did you forget something?

Casting her eyes downward, Emilia spoke with a tint of shame or embarrassment on her voice.

Emilia: You all heard what happened last night... there's no need to hide it. I just needed to be away from everything for a night.

Rem: If she did not begin her travel back to the Mansion, then where did Emilia-sama stay last night?

An intense tone of worry was in Rem's voice as she inquired about the half-elf's whereabouts from last night, perhaps knowing if something were to have happened to her, it would have been a short sight of her own.

Emilia: Our inn room is apparently still booked for several more days, so I was able to take advantage of that. But besides, I couldn't leave if I wanted to.

YN: Why's that? Did Puck convince you to stay or something?

Shaking her head, Emilia responded.

Emilia: No. There's simply no carriages for hire right now. Every single one is being used or saved up for some large gathering set to begin in the next few days. Apparently this was known about in advance and that's why there's a reserved special return carriage just for me. As for Puck...

Her words stopping, Emilia's fingers gently fondled the large green crystal that hung around her neck, just above her chest.

Emilia: I had figured he'd gone to bed early last night, but even today, he still hasn't woken up. I can feel his presence, but he's still asleep.

YN: Has... has he done this before?

Giving a simple nod to his words, Emilia confirmed that detail.

Emilia: Sometimes it's been much longer than this, but this time feels different, and I can't explain why. *Sigh* Maybe I'm just worrying too much, given everything that was said last night.

As Rem gave YN a side eye, he could only scratch his head and bluntly reply.

YN: At least the last thing he said wasn't something like 'I'm going out for some milk and a pack of cigarettes.'

While Rem had been around YN enough to know roughly what he meant by that, if not entirely, Emilia could only tilt her head before shaking it again.

Emilia: Sorry, I don't know what you mean by that.

Wishing to ponder again how this was something he disliked that she did, YN's mind still showered Rem with praise for her curiosity. But it was all struck short as Emilia now brought up another question and changed the topic.

Emilia: Is Subaru around at all?

Rem: Subaru-kun is currently receiving treatment from Ferris-sama. Should Rem go fetch him?

Emilia: No, that's fine, thank you, Rem. While I'm happy to hear he's getting his treatment, it's actually better he's distracted while I'm here to retrieve a few things.

All too understanding why she was relieved Subaru was indisposed, YN knew an altercation wasn't something Emilia was looking for at the moment.

Emilia: Well, I really should get going.

Rem: If we do not see you again before you leave, please travel safe, Emilia-sama.

Emilia: I will, and YN, remember too, you're getting treatment as well.

Reminding him of his doctor's appointment for an unknown ailment, YN nodded simply to be agreeable. Departing off with that into the Manor, Emilia had left as quickly as she had arrived.

While still enjoying their late morning walk, Rem turned to YN before they proceeded further.

Rem: YN-kun, while the weather is still nice for a stroll, we should head indoors and try as best as we can to give off the impression we've been there all morning.

Confused as to why she'd suggest this, YN tilted his head in reply, which prompted Rem to explain, a finger pointed upward as she did.

Rem: If word gets to Subaru-kun that Emilia-sama was briefly here, and that we were also outside, he may become disgruntled that he was the only one who missed her.

YN: I see then. We just want to avoid upsetting him.

Rem: Precisely.

Giving her soft, blue hair a pat of praise, YN rewarded her.

YN: Good thinking. That's not a bad idea.

Retreating back inside the Manor, and heading for the guest quarters, Rem and YN awaited Subaru's treatment to be completed, which by then, it would be YN's own turn.

Lazily lying on the daybed that filled the protrusion that was the guest quarters common area's bay windows, YN's upper back rested on Rem's lap.

While the area was too narrow for him to lay out fully and rest his head on her awaiting thighs, it also served to elevate his head higher, right onto her chest, for the purpose of being able to see the cheap entertainment they were being presented.

Cheerfully playing with YN's hair, Rem felt a warmth in her chest as the one who held her heart was laying so intimately with her, the back of his head pressed right above where she couldn't see past her bosom. Normally, he'd be tense and borderline uncooperative in a situation like this, fueled entirely by how highly he regarded her, but for a change, he was docile from being pleasantly distracted.

As the two sat in the warm sunlight coming through the windows, the sound of wooden *CLACK*s traveled through the pushed open window, echoing from down below in the gardens that were overlooked by their perch.

After Subaru had received his daily dose of treatment, and feeling motivated from it, he had requested a sword lesson from none other than Wilhelm. While it would have been YN's turn for treatment right after, Felix had asked for a brief delay, if only so he could prepare for him.

Now in their "waiting room," YN and Rem had been letting the time pass by slowly as they enjoyed each other's company, and took some guilty pleasure in watching Subaru repeatedly get knocked around by a master of the sword.

Rem: YN-kun.

YN: Hmm?

Flicking his hair around with her delicate fingers, Rem spoke with a blush on her face from still being so intimately close.

Rem: After your treatment, should we go to the market to pick up some items for dinner?

Confused on why she would offer to do that while staying as a guest here, YN furrowed his brow.

YN: Wouldn't that be rude of us towards Crusch? Her staff cook for us too here.

Rem: Rem has noticed YN-kun has not been so enthusiastically eating what he is served.

While that wasn't an untrue statement, it wasn't that the food was bad, yet rather—

YN: I guess it's hard to eat anything now that wasn't cooked by you.

Having had nothing but Rem's own cooking since arriving in this new world, spare a few of Ram's steamed tatoes, anything else now seemed bland by comparison.

Rem: Crusch-sama had noticed as well, and she had approached Rem this afternoon. She perceived it as YN-kun disliking it, and as a caring host, asked if she should make some changes.

YN: Huh? That's odd considering when she asked me at the table if I enjoyed it, I said I did. I really didn't want to be rude.

Rem: Crusch-sama is aware that YN-kun did not wish to be rude, but with her, complete, and whole honesty is always a must.

Well, what is she? Some kind of walking polygraph?

Choosing not to inquire more about it, YN let Rem continue.

Rem: Rem explained how YN-kun had recently become quite the picky eater since Rem had started cooking exclusively for him.

Somewhat puffing her chest out now in pride, Rem concluded her explanation.

Rem: So in the interest of optimizing YN-kun's recovery during treatments, Crusch-sama offered her Manor's facilities for Rem to prepare meals.

YN: Wha—? Rem.

Somewhat shocked to hear that, YN's immediate concern was that Rem would have to be subjecting herself to duties in another residence now. While upset that this would mean the end of a well overdue and deserved vacation for the maid, YN was also fearful of Ram if she would learn of him being the cause of Rem having to work despite the need for a break.

YN: Y-You need a holiday of sorts Rem. Please, don't work if you don't have to—

Taking one of the fingers that so lightly danced in his hair, Rem lightly tapped the tip of his nose, halting his words.

Rem: It is not work if it's cooking for YN-kun. How can he expect Rem to view such a required task so coldly if she's to be a responsible wife and mother?

Silencing him with a stark red face, Rem's own blush deepened as she went back to running her hands through his hair, somewhat satisfied to get such a reaction out of him.

'Wife' and... 'mother?!'

Continuing to watch Subaru down below exchange wooden swords with the gentleman butler, Rem moved the conversation along.

Rem: Rem can also tell that there is something else bothering YN-kun. She can tell it's every time the two wooden blades meet.

Referring back to the last time YN would have heard such a sound, while she hadn't been present, Rem had heard of his deeds in the sparring arena with Julius.

With the *CLACK* of swords dully chiming out a few more times in the delay of speech between the two, YN answered Rem.

YN: Do you think I made a fool of myself too when I stepped in to stop Julius?

His actions weighing heavy on his mind still, YN was reminded of it every time he heard the sound resonating from down below. So much so it was hard to get off his mind, and Rem had noticed.

But, shaking her head, the blue haired maid that spoiled him so didn't see it that way.

Rem: Rem disagrees. It was just as she would expect of her YN-kun.

Feeling him tilt his head slightly, moving her chest, Rem elaborated.

Rem: What YN-kun did was the heroic thing to do. Rem would fully expect him to step in for a friend.

To her effort though, YN felt different on the matter.

YN: I feel like a real hero would have stepped in a lot sooner.

Lightly moving her fingers across his head, Rem resumed playing with his hair as she spoke.

Rem: It is not as simple as YN-kun may see it. To Rem, YN-kun is a hero when he needs to be. And only just when he needs to be.

More or less saying that he acted when he absolutely needed to, she continued.

Rem: He doesn't go out of his way to be heroic, and Rem thinks it's best that way. When he does decide to, when he needs to, it is far more impactful.

Leaning forward, Rem gently kissed the top of his head.

Rem: And to Rem, that is how she best views her YN-kun. Not as a hero, but as her hero.

While perhaps not viewing him as a mighty hero like the Sword Saint, Rem did view YN as someone who would be right where he was needed, when he was needed, to do what was needed.

As Rem concluded her point, so had the two below concluded their practice. Knowing their privacy was coming to an end, Rem and YN sat normally in the warmth of the sun on their daybed. Only a few minutes later was it then did Subaru return upstairs to the guest quarters.

With his upper half his jersey tied around his waist, Subaru stumbled into the common area.

Subaru: Phew.

Tired, but physically no worse for wear, the lack of injuries, even just topical ones perplexed the two who greeted him.

YN: Didn't you get knocked on your ass a few times? Where's the bruises and cuts?

Subaru: Oh, Ferris caught me on the way up and quickly healed them. Pretty good right?

Turning to a nearby mirror, Subaru contorted his face with his hands, but being able to see his own reflection, YN saw a realization go across his face before he spun back around to say it.

Subaru: Oh, Ferris also said that you can head over for your treatment now. It's ready.

Stretching out as he stood, Rem much more elegantly rose next to YN.

YN: I suppose we should get it started sooner than later. I'll head over now.

Rem: Rem shall accompany YN-kun.

Smirking at Rem's words, Subaru teased the maid that so infatuatedly followed YN around.

Subaru: Oh-ho-ho, Rem-san, you wouldn't happen to be going too out of worry that YN is spending so much time with a cute cat-girl like Ferris, right?

Coy as he was, Subaru was only met in response by confused expressions.

YN: Huh?

Rem: Was Subaru-kun clueless this entire time?

Having the situation turn around on him, it was now Subaru who was confused.

Subaru: I'm lost.

With YN rolling his eyes, he placed a hand on his shoulder as the two passed him to proceed to where the subject of their topic awaited them.

YN: Subaru, think. You know how that usually goes.

Leaning in and cupping his other hand to whisper, even if only to give the impression he didn't want Rem to hear, and give the illusion she was still in the dark about their origin, YN relayed the reality of the situation to Subaru.

YN: Think 'internet stuff.'

Wide eyes at his words, Subaru turned to the two as they were about to leave the guest quarters.

Subaru: W-Wait! You mean that Ferris is—!?

Rem: Male. Yes. His appearance is one of the other qualities that makes him stand out besides his title of 'the Blue.'

Subaru: —!

Speechless, Subaru wrestled with the idea in his mind with a blank face while the two finally departed. Holding the door open for Rem, YN let her exit first. Taking it from him, Rem bowed as she took YN's hand, leading him off, and leaving Subaru in his stupefied state as she gently shut the door.

Subaru: Huh.

Turning around, Subaru faced the empty common area where he now stood alone.

Subaru: Who woulda thought?

Hands on his hips, he reconciled the concept, but quickly moved his hands to the side of his head and yelled to himself.

Subaru: Why couldn't YN have told me sooner!?

A/N: I must apologize, there was weird formatting on both FFnet and Wattpad this go around. FFnet for some reason, all the text was bolded on mobile only (the other chapters were not like this) and on Wattpad all the long hyphens had been converted to short ones. I have fixed those now though.