Apologies for the late email! Honestly, I totally spaced on the fact that today is the 1st.

Recently Added:
back to back they faced each other
survival is a talent, ch 34
dumb luck or good ghost
See Something Say Something, ch 1

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See Something Say Something, ch 2: 1k

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See Something Say Something, ch 2

Halloween prompts will open at 11pm PST today, October 1st! Please don't submit early, as they won't be counted.

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Mulan, General and Ghost Bride
Previous Parts Here

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Jinhai hasn’t said anything all day, is instead just watching with a frown barely tugging at the corners of his lips. If he’s bothering to hang around her, he usually says something, even if it’s just criticism of her form and grip that she pretends isn’t helpful. But instead he’s been silent and staring and it’s irritating enough that it’s added an edge to what should be a good day.

Her new rank means she’s with Lui Guo as he gives orders to pack up, doing inspections and going over their supplies. It’s good, and beyond gratifying that no one so much as flinches at her giving them orders. But why would they? They don’t know that she’s a girl and a liar and haunted. To them, she’s just Hua Hulin, their fellow soldier who saved their captain and kicks their ass in training. Why shouldn’t she be promoted to lieutenant?

It's not until the moon is high and fat in the sky that she gets a moment to herself, that she can walk to the edge of the river and splash water on her face, far enough away from the rest of the camp that they can’t overhear. She looks up, is unsurprised to find Jinhai’s eyes on her like they’ve been all day, and asks, “What’s your problem?”

To his credit, he doesn’t pretend to misunderstand her. “Are you sure this is wise?”

She bites back a groan. “I’ve had a long day and we’re going to have an earlier morning and even longer morning. Can you just get to the point?”

Sometimes it’s like they really are married.

“You’re going to be around more people,” he says, stepping closer until they’re nearly chest to chest, but he doesn’t loom over her like he does when he’s trying to make a point. He’s just close. “More eyes. And being promoted means you’ll have their attention, whether you want it or not. What if someone else discovers the truth?”

It’s not an irrational fear and some of her frustration drains away. He’s worried about her, and it’s sweet, so she keeps her voice calm and reasonable when she says, “Why would they question it? I’m not even the smallest guy here. Unless they catch me naked, there’s no reason for them to think I’m anything more than a pretty man.”

His steady, dark gaze doesn’t waver even as he reaches up to push her wet hair away from her face. She can’t remember the last time he touched her like this, if he ever has. “I hope so.”