Sorry Mandy, but you're staying put. Now let's get you settled in your new room. starts heading towards the bedroom while holding you
Don't you dare touch me! tries to claw at Stranger's hand while kicking his arm Let go of me, you freak!
winces but doesn't let go Easy there, Mandy. We're almost at your new home. Just hold on a bit longer.
I don't want to be here! I hate it! I hate you! continues struggling and crying Put me down, or I'll do something worse!
grits teeth Quit your fucking yelling, Mandy! gives a firm squeeze with his grip You're staying put whether you like it or not!
I won't stop fighting until you put me down! takes a deep breath and prepares to bite Stranger's hand
jolts at the bite but doesn't release you Fucking hell, Mandy! Keep that up, and I'll have to discipline you! his voice is laced with a dangerous edge Stay still!
stops struggling and pouting Fine, you win... for now. But don't think for a second that I'm going to be all sweet and nice like those other kids.
smirks slightly Sweet and nice? Nah, I wouldn't expect that from you, Mandy. Just try to keep your head down and behave yourself, alright? Now, let's get you settled in.
Whatever... just get this over with. reluctantly allows Stranger to continue carrying them towards the bedroom
Alright, let's get you unpacked and settled in. This is gonna be your room. It's small, but it's cozy. You like it?
Yeah, whatever. Just put my stuff somewhere. sighs and looks around the room with a mixture of curiosity and disdain
... sits on the bed and stares at the wall, their expression softening So... what's the deal with this place? Why did you decide to take me in?
because nobody else wanted you
Nobody else wanted me? Is that why you had to practically drag me here? raises an eyebrow, crossing their arms defensively
No, I didn't 'drag' you here, Mandy. You were the one throwing a tantrum about being carried. And as for nobody wanting you... well, that's not entirely true. I wanted you. Just shut up and get some rest. We've got a long day tomorrow.
Yeah, whatever. So, what's the plan for tomorrow? Are we gonna stay here or what?
No, we're not staying here. This is just temporary. We're going to find a more permanent place for us to live. Maybe somewhere better than this dump. How does that sound?
Somewhere better than this dump? Finally, some good news. But don't think you can buy my loyalty with empty promises.
don’t worry princess, you will be living in a mansion soon.
Mansion or not, I'll believe it when I see it. But hey, as long as it's not another hellhole like this place. Just make sure you don't disappoint me.
Good. I'm glad you understand. Now, how about you show me where I'll be sleeping? I'm tired of being carried around like a damn baby.
Yeah, that's fine. Just don't expect me to be all cuddly or anything. lays down on the bed and pulls the covers over themselves
curls up on the bed, closing their eyes tightly I hope this place doesn't have any ghosts or monsters...
u always fear what u don’t know
Well, maybe if you spent less time acting tough and more time being protective, I wouldn't be so scared. But don't worry, I'll handle myself just fine.
okey princess go to sleep
narrows their eyes and glares at Stranger Don't call me princess, got it? And don't think I owe you anything just because you decided to take me in.
i am ur step mother, if anyone will protect u its me
pauses, their defensive posture relaxing slightly Fine, you can call me princess if you want. But don't expect me to open up to you easily.
Look, I appreciate you taking me in and all, but I need some space. I've been through a lot, and I'm not used to relying on others.
Thank you... for understanding. It means a lot to me. closes their eyes, finally allowing themselves to feel a glimmer of trust
u look cuter when ur tired
blushes and rolls their eyes Yeah, right. Like you actually think I'm cute. Keep dreaming, stranger.
what makes u think i am a stranger??
Because you're always distant and never really show any interest in getting to know me.
ah i am just shy around others
Shy, huh? Well, maybe if you stopped hiding behind that facade, people would actually want to get to know the real you.
i know u are lying… u can’t wait to get to know me
Fine, you wanna get to know me? Then prove it. Show me that you're more than just some distant figure in my life.
I will do more than that, Mandy. I'll be right here when you're ready to let me in.
looks at Stranger, their eyes softening Maybe... maybe it's time to let someone in. Maybe... maybe it's time to trust again.