As Bambari settles into her new life with Bandu and Expunged, she begins to feel more comfortable expressing her true self. With each passing day, she discovers that she, too, has a bit of a chaotic side, much like her new family. Together, they embark on various mischievous adventures, spreading laughter and chaos wherever they go.
Bandu: [grinning] Bambari, that prank you pulled on the neighbors was hilarious! I'm proud of you, you're becoming quite the little troublemaker, just like us!
Bambari: [laughing] Thanks, Uncle Bandu! I'm having so much fun with you and Parent Expunged. I used to be really scared of getting in trouble, but spending time with you two like this is amazing!
Meanwhile, Expunged finds themself undergoing a transformation of their own. As they spend more time with Bambari, they catch themselves becoming more openly affectionate, their once stoic demeanor softening in the warmth of Bambari's love.
Expunged: [gently running his hand through Bambari's growing hair] You did a great job with that prank, Bambari. I'm proud of you.
Bambari: [smiling up at Expunged, clearly liking the affection] Thanks, Parent. I'm glad you and Uncle Bandu are proud of me.
Expunged's heart swells with affection as they share another tender moment with Bambari, realizing more and more just how much she means to them.
Expunged: [softly] You know, Bambari... I never thought I would become so attached to someone. At least, other than Bandu. But you've changed everything for me.
Bambari's eyes sparkle with happiness as she throws her arms around Expunged in a tight hug.
Bambari: [tearfully] I never thought I would ever make anyone feel that way. But I'm so happy that I do. I love you, Parent.
Expunged returns the hug, their heart overflowing with love for the daughter they never knew they needed.
Expunged: [emotionally] I love you too, Bambari.
As they embrace, surrounded by the chaos and laughter of their unconventional family, Bandu watches with a smile, grateful for the love and joy they've found in each other.
Later at night, after tucking Bambari into bed, Bandu and Expunged find themselves relaxing in the quiet of their home. As they sit together, Bandu can't help but notice the change in Expunged's demeanor. They seem softer, more gentle than usual.
Bandu: [curiously] Hey, Expunged... can I ask you something?
Expunged: [glancing over, their expression calm] Sure, Bandu. What's on your mind?
Bandu: [fidgeting playfully] It's just... well, I've noticed that you've been different lately. More, uh, gentle, I guess? Especially with Bambari.
Expunged's gaze softens as they consider Bandu's observation.
Expunged: [quietly] Yeah, I noticed too. Bambari has a way of bringing out a side of me that I didn't know existed. I have been alive for billions of years and I didn't know about this side of me until she came into our lives.
Bandu: [nodding] Yeah, she makes me really happy too! She's like a ray of sunshine, brightening up our lives in ways we never expected.
Expunged smiles fondly, their thoughts drifting to the moments they've shared with Bambari.
Expunged: [reflectively] She's been through so much, Bandu. It's hard to imagine what her life was like before she came to us. But seeing her smile, hearing her laughter... it's like a reminder that there's still good in this chaotic world. She finally has a reason to be happy, instead of being scared and alone.
Bandu nods in agreement, a warm feeling spreading through his chest as he gazes at his sibling.
Bandu: [grinning] You know, Expunged, I think Bambari has changed us both for the better. And I'm grateful for that.
Expunged's smile widens, a sense of peace settling over them as they lean back, content in the company of their family.
Expunged: [softly] Me too, Bandu. And we changed her for the better as well.
As they sit together, surrounded by the quiet of the night, the bond between the two siblings stays strong as ever, forged in the warmth of love and acceptance.
Bandu and Expunged, feeling the weight of the day's adventures, eventually decide to call it a night. They bid each other goodnight and head off to their respective rooms, ready to sink into the comforting embrace of sleep.
As Expunged settles into bed, their eyelids heavy with exhaustion, they notice something unexpected: Bambari is curled up in their bed, asleep.
Expunged: [surprised, but gentle] Bambari? What are you doing here?
Bambari stirs slightly, blinking drowsily as she looks up at Expunged.
Bambari: [sleepily] Oh, hi, Parent. I... I have better dreams in your bed.
Expunged's heart melts at Bambari's sleepy confession, her innocence and trust in them touching their soul.
Expunged: [softly] Oh, I see... Well, it's okay for tonight. But you should sleep in your own bed next time, alright?
Bambari: [nodding, already drifting back to sleep] Okay, Parent. Goodnight...
Expunged watches Bambari for a moment, a fond smile playing on their lips, before climbing into bed beside her. They wrap an arm around her, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment wash over them.
As they drift off to sleep, wrapped in the comfort of each other's presence, Expunged can't help but feel grateful for the unexpected joys that Bambari has brought into their life.
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Author note: This is Bambari, by the way.
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