#and people seem to forget you can noy

[viensamoimoncher]

I've absolutely missed everything to do with this, but why the hell are people wanting the show to get cancelled?!

Don't like?

DON'T WATCH

Is that so fucking hard to grasp?

Without new fans, media dies

Whether or not you like a certain adaptation, you should be happy it's introducing new blood (pun intended) to the source media

Sure, people are gonna have their favourite versions. Some people may not want to read the source material. Some people may not want to see the film. Similarly, some people may not want to see the show

But it's keeping it alive

And some of the new fans are gonna dive into the source material and love it

The brilliant thing is, you can love and respect all versions of something. That's possible. That's great!

And on the other hand you can dislike a certain version of something yet still remain civil and kind to others who enjoy it. That's also great (with a strong emphasis on the 'remain civil and kind to others' part)!

Infighting in fan spaces is only ever going to end badly. Don't like an adaption? Don't be a dick, just be civil and move on

And more importantly, if you love something (like the source material) so much to be so passionate about it, you should at the very least be happy it's not being forgotten

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

Like Real People Do

Pairing: Logan Howlett x Reader

Word Count: 1.4k

Warnings: necromancy kind of.

Genre: kinda fluff idk really

Summary: "Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips // We should just kiss like real people do" ~ Like Real People Do by Hozier

A/N: I was listening to this song and remembered that it was about a bog body falling in love with a woman that finds him and I thought 'this would work great with the deadpool & wolverine plot of Wolverine being dead' and now here we are

***

You trudge deeper into the forest, the bag you're carrying feels like it's getting heavier with each step, but you have to put this to bed once and for all and this is the only way to do it. Eventually you find a spot that feels right and you drop the bag off to the side, gripping your shovel tightly and pushing it into the solid ground. Those first couple of scoops are harder than the rest, the dirt beneath the topsoil moist and much more pliable. You dig and dig and dig until finally, after what feels like forever you think you're just about deep enough. One more push of your shovel and- you hit something. You hit something that makes a clink, like metal on metal. You frown in confusion. Metal? What did you hit? You wonder if it wouldn't be better to simply deposit the bag and forget about the mysterious clink sound but you can't help yourself. You have to know what on earth this deep in the ground is making that noise. You drop your shovel and switch to your hands, carefully moving the dirt around to uncover whatever it is you've stumbled upon. It's cold, duh- metal untouched under cold dirt would be, there's also a lot of it. The more you uncover the more there seems to be, a bunch of long metal pieces all laid out strangely. It's not until you've uncovered most of it that you realize it's a skeleton, or a model of a skeleton? It's made of metal which- skeletons are not, it also has claws attached to the joints in the hand, which humans usually do not have either. Who buries a model skeleton of something almost human? Who makes a metal model skeleton? You should leave it here. Whatever it is it has nothing to do with you, but you can't help yourself, you carefully take the skeleton out of its hole, keeping it intact takes great effort but you manage, propping it up against a tree as you finish what you came here for. You dump the contents of the bag you dragged out here into the hole, and then drop the bag, shoveling the dirt back over it as quickly as you can. Just before you shovel the last foot, you throw several plants into the dirt, something endangered along with several native species, and then you cover the hole all the way, packing the dirt as best you can. Once that's done, you turn to your model skeleton. It'll be kind of difficult to carry it out of here you imagine, but you just have to get it to your car, and there's pretty much no chance of you running into anyone out here at this time. So, you hoist the man-o-metal up, drape a humerus over your shoulder and drag the skeletal structure back the way you came. Going back feels shorter than getting there which is something you won't complain about and as you fold the skeleton into your backseat you mutter to yourself.

"I don't even know what I'm gonna do with you honestly. Are you a decor item or something?" You ask as if the thing will talk back to you. You silently drive home, music from your car speakers quietly filling the space. Each time you look in your mirror the skeleton spooks you, the whole way home. You decide when you get home that your decorative skeleton will go in your workshop. It'll add to the spooky vibe you like to bring to the space. At last, you can officially say you've buttoned up that business, those secrets left for dead buried deep in that forest.

~

You hear shuffling coming from your studio and your body tenses at the sound. You quickly and quietly grab your baseball bat from your closet before heading downstairs to find the source of the noise you're hearing. You sneak down and at the sight of movement, you swing the bat hard at the large figure in your basement workshop.

"Ouch!" The figure grunts and you flip on the lights.

"Who are you and what are you doing in my house?!" You yell.

"Who are you?" He frowns.

"Who am I?! Dude you're in my house!"

"And I shouldn't be." He says as if he's unsure.

"Of course not! How did you even get in here?!" You ask clutching your bat tightly.

"I'm not sure- I thought I was dead." His eyes narrow and he looks down at himself, confused.

"I'm sorry what?" You blink at him.

"Yeah no I was definitely dead. I distinctly remember dying. It's my last memory. Until- you dug me up."

"Dug you- wait a second the skeleton from the forest?!"

"What did you do?"

"What did I- nothing! I dug up a skeleton, stuck it in the car, brought it home and shoved it in my workshop and haven't touched it since! I had no idea it came from an actual person!"

"You found a fully intact skeleton buried in the earth, what could it possibly be?" Logan frowns.

"Hello! I don't know if you were aware of this mister whoever or- whatever you are but the average human skeleton isn't made of metal and equipped with claws the size of KATANAS! I thought it was some kind of Halloween decor or something!" You yell. This is insane, how did a metal skeleton become a living breathing person- maybe person.

"Halloween decor? Buried 8 feet underground?" He looks at you blankly.

"Unmarked! There was no headstone, no personal items, nothing to indicate it was anything more than some forgotten trinket!"You say.

"That's ridiculous." He shakes his head.

"Ridiculous is the strange humanoid that's appeared in my house from APPARENTLY the dead?!"

"Well what did you do to bring me back?" He asks.

"I didn't do ANYTHING I told you." You scoff.

"But this doesn't make any sense, if my regenerative abilities were gonna kick in that would've happened way earlier than now." He looks at his hands with confusion clear on his face.

"Regenerative- what ARE you!? Who are you!?"

"Logan." He says.

"I can't believe digging up a skeleton has made a man basically appear in my house." You shake your head.

"What were you even doing undigging graves anyhow?" Logan asks.

"That's not what I was doing." You say.

"What were you doing?"

"I can't tell you." You shake your head.

"But-"

"Trust me. Drop it." You cut him off.

"So- now what?" He asks.

"Do you have friends? Family? Someone I can turn you over to?" You ask.

"I- I don't remember." He frowns.

"You don't remember?" You narrow your eyes in confusion.

"I know that I died, and I remember you, and that's about it." He says.

"But you didn't know me, you don't know me."

"No I- I remember you unburying me."

"So you have no idea where you belong or who you know?" You frown.

"I- guess not." Logan says.

"Well what am I supposed to do with you then?!" You ask.

"I- I don't know." Logan says.

"Logan-"

"You are very pretty."

"W-what?" You blink at him.

"You're pretty." He shrugs.

"Uh- thank you." You frown.

"I wanna kiss you."

"Excuse me?" You gasp.

"I just- I have no memories and no solution to any of this but all I can think of is how nice it would be to kiss you." He sighs.

"Well- I also have no solution to any of this and while my memories are intact they will not help us with your situation so... okay. I guess." You step closer to him.

"I can kiss you?" He asks also moving towards you.

"Just once." You say. Logan gently cups your cheek and leans down, gently slotting his lips against yours. His lips are- not as rough as you'd expect, and they're very warm. The kiss is soft and easy, like he's not in any rush, but honestly with the whole lost memory thing you guess he really can't be in a rush.

"You taste sweet." He says when you finally pull away. "I wanna kiss you again."

"No way." You step back.

"Why? Did you not like it?"

"No that's not- wait that doesn't matter at all." You shake your head.

"I think it does." He nods.

"Logan you were a prop skeleton in my workshop for almost 2 weeks, memories or no you have to realize how strange this all is."

"Yeah- I guess it is a little odd."

"A lot. Take it back. We need a plan. We need- a minute to figure out what's going on here."

"Alright- can we leave the basement then?" Logan asks. You tilt your head at him.

"Yeah sure. We can leave the basement."  You say.

You have no idea what you're going to do with a skeleton come to life, or back to life? Whatever, you have no idea what you're going to do with him, but it seems that, at least for now, you're kind of stuck with him, although- you're not so sure that's a bad thing when you think about it.

***

[somewhereincairparavel]

okay. So I've finished book 1 of keeper of the lost cities for the first time. And I'm loving this keefe dude already?? Like I never thought I'd like a fictional character so quickly. All it took was like one page for me to fall for him, I am aware that keefe is one of the most loved characters in the fandom, and I can see why (correct me if I'm wrong).

Also the book is a solid 9.5/10, the only thing I was frustrated about was probably the slight info dumping about the whole blackswan thing towards the end? because it took me like 3 reads to understand the whole situation, of course, we could just narrow it down to me being slow too, lol. But I'm VERY excited to continue reading the rest. So while we're at it, I'll put in my first impressions of the characters, so I can look back on it after I've read all the books, to see how much my perception has changed of them.

Sophie- i like her, she's really mature for her age, I keep forgetting that she's like 12 lmao. But she's well written, her emotions seem very raw and natural. Of course, she may seem overpowered but, I think that's the whole point of the story, she is supposed to be overpowered, so I don't mind and i wouldn't call her a Mary sue. Overall great protagonist, my girlie deserves a break tho, she got dumped in the hospital atleast 6 times lol.

Fitz- i actually think he's cool. I liked him better in the beginning of the story tho, I feel like afterwards, the dude kinda just disappeared a little? Keefe and Sophie seemed to have more private interaction than those two, and keefe literally only came by in the middle. But yeah, I feel like he had more of a personality in the start. Keefe and Dex, in my opinion had more personality in 5 minutes than fitz did the whole book, but I wouldn't judge so quickly, it's only the first book after all, Hopefully he'd have more page time in the later books. I still like him tho, just not as much as keefe.

Dex- Yeah he is such a typical best friend, I love him. His beef w the vackers is so funny lol I was relieved when Sophie stuck with him even after she became popular tho, also, he seems to have a crush on sophie right? It's kinda obvious, but overall friendship goals 10/10. I vocally "AWW-ed" after he said "are you kidding, i can't wait to tell everyone that you're my first friend" like I need a guy bestie like him :(

Alden- honestly, my heart warmed so much with his father-like dynamic with sophie tbh. He seemed to genuinely care about her well being, but I don't want to get too attached to him tho, just in case becomes a traitor or some shit later on, you can literally never tell with the adults lol. I've read enough books to back that up. But yeah, i really like him and della, the amount of reassuring hugs he gives sophie really heals me :(, They're like sophies 2nd (well, in her case, 3rd) parents. The amount of effort and lengths Alden put to get her out of trouble is actually sweet.

Elwin- This guy is such a W. He is like an adult keefe tbh. He is probably my favorite adult so far lol.

Cassius- I'm sorry, but Mr jerk face over here reminds me SO much of Lucius Malfoy??? Like ?? I feel so bad for Keefe, like poor baby leave him alone smh. I really wanna deck his royal highness in the face tbh.

Biana- absolutely loathed her in the beginning, she gave off such bad snob vibes lol but I love her now. I like the trope of two people forced to be friends w eachother by someone actually end up becoming friends. It's rather uncommon as far as I've read, atleast.

Grady and Edaline- is it bad that i thought they were going to be evil? Yeah I have so much trust issues, it's concerning. But yeah, they're both big W's, their backstory, their temporary contemplation to reject sophies adoption, everything aligned well with their backstory. Greatly written characters.

And last but not least, the king himself, Keefe- okay, he's like added to my list of fictional crushes now lol (along with Percy Jackson, Jason grace, Steve Harrington, chat noir, Eugene fitzherbert, edmund pevensie and Ravi singh ofc). How does sophie not have a fat crush on him, like- ma'am if you don't want him, I'll take him. But jokes aside, he feels like the most authentic character out of them all, tbh. Epitome of great writing. He was inserted to the story as this random dude that sophie runs into, and becomes an og in like 5 minutes. He is like a mix of Eugene from tangled, Kristoff from Frozen and chat noir from mlb all at the same time?? I cannot wait to see more of him and his backstory, especially with his parents. I know alot of people dislike the humorous guy with depression trope since it's overused, but I like how it played out on keefe, he uses school as an escape, which is very relatable.

Also, bonus, i LOVE the world building, the light leaping and all, very creative. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2

[whoishotteranimepolls]

My observations part 2 there's been some developments

There have been some new developments in fandom behaviors and trends that have changed since my last post about this and since a lot of people have liked it, I'll give the curious people an update before I forget

I have noticed something about the Trigun fandom. I thought you all were just ride or die loyal however, if it's wolfwood holy crap! You guys give the unhinged trio a run for their money. Do you know how many times I've seen unhinged comments about his Catholic titties. And why is the Catholic part so important that it must be emphasized every time? Otherwise you all are still ride or die no matter the character. But I have found a streak of unhinged crazy that I apparently missed the first time around.

I know someone mentioned they wanted to see the Fairy Tail fandom mentioned so I will mention you. So are you alive Fairy Tail Fandom are you okay? Your characters do get requested with some frequency and some of them are pretty iconic but you guys just don't do anything except if it's Gildarts v Shanks. Because how many rematches are we on now because people like that specific matchup just so they can post the meme about Gildarts being Shanks from Temu. Otherwise characters don't do all that well. But I will say one thing. You guys are giving one piece a run for its money when it comes to cursed matchups. However, I'm sure it's a good thing. Remember people are very annoyed with that fandom on my blog

Soul Eater. What has gotten into you guys? If it's Stein the fandom is worse than the unhinged trio. Any other character? I never know what you guys will do

Fullmetal Alchemist you guys have finally exposed you're crazy! Her name is Olivier Mira Armstrong and the unhinged things said on those polls. She is now one of those characters I now question should I mark this as mature content because apparently some of you want to be stepped on by her amongst other things. Remember people I read basically everything that is put in the tags. And for those who doubt her power, as of me writing this, she's tied with Senshi in their poll.

The unhinged trio is still just as bad as ever for those who are not aware, that's the nickname I gave to Jujutsu Kaisen, Dorohedoro and Black Butler because those three fandoms collectively are just nuts. However, the unhinged trio may get a lineup change soon. So I'm going to break down the three of them since I've noticed some specific things about you guys so let's get into that

Jujutsu Kaisen I will give you one thing. You guys are creative when it comes to slutty nicknames I think that's the best way to put it. They're hilarious! I'll give you that. However, I think some of them have scarred me for life. So if you want to know why some of these slutty nicknames are getting shared in the poll reblogs it's because of you guys. But the nicknames some of them are unhinged. However, never change. Jujutsu Kaisen fandom your entertaining. If not, terrifying sometimes. However, without a doubt, this fandom belongs in the unhinged trio. You are the gold standard of the unhinged trio. Your feral unhinged madness cannot be matched by any other fandom.

Dorohedoro I'm wondering if you truly belong in the unhinged trio because I think your craziness only applies to Noi and not to the other characters. So I'm curious to see how this plays out over the next few weeks because as far as I'm aware there's only Three maybe four characters in that show Noi a blonde chick a blonde dude and a lizard. So we're going to see over the next few weeks if you all truly belong in the unhinged trio because there are some other fandoms that definitely are gunning for your position

Black Butler I also wonder if your craziness is fandom wide because you guys don't seem to care if Sebastian is in a poll, but if it's Undertaker or Grell holy crap the levels of insanity. So again, I will be testing to see if you truly are worthy of your spot in the unhinged trio

And I think the Senshi polls meme/trend has kind of died down. I haven't found a request in the inbox for a while and he has officially lost to Noi from Dorohedoro by a large margin and may lose but it'll be close to Olivier Mira Armstrong from Fullmetal Alchemist apparently we found his weakness strong, powerful women.

I hope everyone has enjoyed my second entry into my poll analysis series You can find part one here

[writingwhimsey]

Married to the Enemy- Shingen Ch. 7

Chapter 7

After getting myself calmed down, Shingen and I headed to the banquet which was being held in the main hall. My cheeks were still a little red…but well I hadn’t been expecting Shingen to kiss the top of my head like that! It had been such a sweet and affectionate gesture. Noy to mention, he kept my hand in his as we walked towards the banquet.

“I hope you are looking forward to this banquet tonight, Ava.” Shingen said.

I smiled at him, hoping the pink on my cheeks was enough to pass as just being a healthy amount of color. “I am. I always had fun at the banquets in Azuchi.”

“I will see to it you have even more fun.” Shingen replied, smiling warmly.

We soon reached the door to the main hall and Shingen was sliding it open. When we walked in, I was a bit surprised. At Azuchi the banquets, while casual still held a bit of a formal air about them. Everyone had their spots, sitting by rank…pretty much how they sat for war councils. Here everyone was in little pockets of loose groups and there appeared to be no rhyme or reason to it. Everyone seemed to sit where they wanted to.

“We don’t have any kind of formality here, whatsoever.” Shingen said, as if reading my thoughts from my face.

I smiled. “I can see that…I like that.”

Shingen led me around the room, introducing me to a few more of his vassals that were scattered about the room. They were all rather friendly and polite. We soon came to a spot where Kenshin, Sasuke, Kanetsugu, Yukimura, Saki, and Sasuke were seated along with another man I had yet to meet. 

The man I had yet to meet, smiled at me as we sat down. He had dark hair which was in a ponytail hanging over his shoulder and a beauty mark under his chin. He had a rather relaxed and yet ethereal air about him.

“Ava, I want you to meet my cousin, Yoshimoto.” Shingen introduced us. “Yoshimoto, this is my wife Ava.”

Yoshimoto smiled at me as he looked me up and down. “What a lovely kimono. Truly a work of art.”

I felt my cheeks flushing. Though I know he was complimenting my clothes…it was still the way he was looking at me…and well I was wearing the kimono. “Thank you.”

“See, aren’t you glad I told you to wear that kimono, Ava?” Saki teased me.

“Did you style her hair as well?” Yoshimoto asked. “It’s simple yet elegant and compliments her face very well.”

It was Saki’s turn to blush now. “I did. I also did her makeup.”

“You did such a lovely job.” Yoshimoto praised. “You did well bringing out her natural beuaty.”

Saki giggled and blushed. “Well, thank you, my lord.”

Yukimura was rolling his eyes. “I don’t know why you two are getting so giggly and blushy over his dumb comments.”

Saki turned to Yukimura with a frown. “Because it’s nice to hear nice things from people.” She answered. “How can you be so dense?”

Kenshin sat looking bored as he downed a cup of sake. “I knew bringing women into this castle would be a bad idea.” He said.

“I think they bring a breath of fresh air into the castle. It has always needed a woman’s touch around here.” Shingen said.

“Surely there are maids and others around the castle.” I replied.

“Yes, but they leave me alone.” Kenshin said. “They do their jobs and stay out of my way.”

“Don’t let Kenshin’s sour disposition bother you.” Shingen assured me. “He’ll be better once he’s had more sake.”

“Don’t forget his pickled plums.” Sasuke added.

Soon trays of food were being set before us. Shingen’s was piled high with sweets. I had a few sweets on my tray, but had several other dishes as well. “This smells and looks delicious.” I said. “I still don’t understand how you can eat so many sweets, Shingen. If I ate that many my stomach would be killing me.”

“I just really enjoy my favorite things.” Shingen replied with a shrug.

“Your wife is right though.” Yukimura spoke up. “It wouldn’t kill you to eat more like she does. You know, like normal people.”

“I guess I could cut back.” Shingen said, lifting a hand and stroking his chin in thought. Then a puckish grin came across his face as he turned those gray eyes to me. “You will help me with that, won’t you Ava?”

“I mean, if you’re wanting me to help you, I guess I can.” I replied. “Though I’m not sure exactly what I can do to help.” 

Shingen grinned at me. He was then taking my hand in one of his, while using his other to push his tray away towards Yukimura. “Here, Yuki take this away from me.”

Yukimura eyed his lord skeptically, but did as Shingen requested. He was then bringing him a tray that had a more balanced plate on it.

I looked at mine and Shingen’s joined hands, wondering just what he was up to. “Shingen…”

Shingen looked at me, his eyes warm and an easy smile on his face. “Yes, Ava?”

“What exactly is your plan?” I asked, looking pointedly at our joined hands.

“You’ll see.” Shingen replied. He was then taking a bite of his food, seemingly enjoying it, but he also made a face. “It’s good, but I really do need something sweet to balance it out.” He was then bringing my hand up to place a kiss on the back.

I felt a spark where his warm lips touched my skin and a pleasant tingling sensation worked its way up my arm. “O-oh…wait…am I…now your something sweet?”

Shingen grinned at me. “Beautiful and brilliant.” He said. “Yes, in order to cut back on how many sweets I eat, I’ll just have to steal a kiss every time a craving hits me.”

“Ugh, I should have known he’d do something like this.” Yukimura grumbled. He was then pushing the tray of sweets back towards Shingen. “Here! I’d rather see you eat too many sweets than flirting with your wife.”

Saki was smacking Yukimura on the shoulder. “Oh let them flirt.” She said.

“Them? I don’t see Ava doing anything other than turning into a tomato.” Yukimura countered.

This only made me turn even redder. And while Shingen had accepted his tray, he hadn’t let go of my hand…not that I was complaining. With my free hand, I reached for my sake cup, taking a sip trying to hide my embarrassment.

“I think we should find something else to talk about.” Sasuke said.

“Yes before I get bored and kill all of you.” Kenshin declared. 

“Lord Kenshin…” Sasuke said.

“I don’t blame our lord.” Kanetsugu said, refilling Kenshin’s cup.

We all chatted for a while longer, there was more teasing and joking that went on as the banquet went on. I found myself drinking a bit more of my sake than I normally would have…purely out of embarrassment. Shingen continued to hold my hand throughout the banquet, bringing it to his lips every so often and not touching his tray of sweets.

After a while Shingen leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Would you like to get some fresh air, Ava?” He asked, the fingertips of his free hand brushing against my flushed cheeks…which were from a combination of the alcohol and the intoxicating presence that was Shingen.

A pleasant shiver ran down my spine, but I nodded. “Y-yes…”

Shingen turned to everyone else. “We’re going to step out for a bit and get some air. We’ll see you all later.” He said before standing up and then offering me his hand.

I placed my hand in his and allowed him to help me up. I had more to drink than I thought as I was unsteady on my feet. I could feel myself teetering and that was when I felt a strong arm wrap around my waist.

“Don’t worry I’ve got you.” Shingen said to me as he steadied me. Once he was sure I was secure, we started to walk away, his arm still around me.

We made our way outside and were soon standing in a lovely garden. The cool night air was a blessing on my heated cheeks. Shingen led me to a bench that was beside a reflecting pond and helped me to sit down before taking the seat beside me.

I took in a deep breath of the night air. “It is a beautiful night.” I said as I looked around the garden.

“It is.” Shingen agreed. “Thank you for agreeing to come out here with me.”

“Do you like the garden?” I asked.

“It is a pleasant place to be.” Shingen agreed. “But…also I was just being a bit selfish.”

“How so?” I asked, my brow furrowing in confusion.

Shingen smiled as he lifted a hand to caress my cheek. “Because I enjoy seeing this adorable look on your face, but I am not fond of sharing it with anyone else.”

I felt my breath catch at his words. I could tell by the light in his gray eyes that he was completely sincere right now. “And here I thought you…were just trying to be considerate of me.” I teased after a moment.

Shingen chuckled. “Well, there is that too. I thought you could use some fresh air.”

I smiled at him before turning my gaze back to the sky above us, a beautiful crescent moon and a blanket of millions of brilliant stars illuminating the night sky. We sat there in companionable silence for a few moments, both of us just enjoying the night together. Though of course, now was a perfect time to get to know more about Shingen.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve already spoken with Kenshin and the castle seamstresses. They are all in agreement that you would be a welcome addition. I can introduce you tomorrow.” Shingen said before I had the chance to ask him anything.

“Oh, I would love that!” I said, an excited smile on my face. “Thank you, Shingen!”

“Anything to see that beautiful smile.” Shingen replied. “Perhaps after that we can go out on the town. I’ll show you around and if there are any sewing notions you need, we can get them.”

“Oh, we don’t have to do the shopping…but going out does sound nice.” I replied. “I believe you did mention some bakeries and good tea houses here when we had our first date.”

Shingen grinned. “We could indeed visit some of those.” He agreed. “But if we walk around the shops and you see something you need we can still get it.”

I giggled. “I don’t think I should need anything, but I don’t mind walking around town with you.”

“I am happy that my lovely wife is so willing to spend time with me.” Shingen said, smiling at me.

“Well…you are pleasant company.” I replied. I was starting to feel nice and warm and fuzzy…a bit sleepy from the sake I had consumed and some of my defenses were down more than they normally would be. I ended up leaning my head against Shingen’s shoulder…very firm and broad shoulder.

“Are you getting tired, Ava?” Shingen asked, his velvety voice warm.

“Mmm…maybe a little.” I answered. “But…I’m not ready to go to bed yet.”

“Alright.” Shingen replied, moving so that his arm was around me and my head was on his chest as I rested against his side.

“You know…I was really nervous before our wedding.” I said, the alcohol pulling my honest thoughts from me. “I…I was scared of what you might be like. I mean…a man doesn’t get known as a tiger for being cuddly and all.”

Shingen chuckled lightly, but nodded. “I can see how that would be scary.” He said. “How do you feel now?”

“I feel…like I got lucky with you.” I answered. “You’re kind and warm…very warm.” I was nestling into his side further now, enjoying the warmth of his body. “Letting things go at a pace I’m comfortable with and…making sure I can still work…it’s nice.”

“I am glad that I was able to dispel your fears then.” Shingen said, his voice sincere. 

“What about you?” I asked. “What were you thinking…before we got married? Were…were you curious about me or concerned?”

“I would think you could tell I was curious.” Shingen answered with a chuckle.

“Hmm, you did intentionally run into me the day before.” I replied. “What were you thinking about me…after that run in?”

“That I was a lucky man to get to marry such a beautiful woman.” Shingen answered. “And perhaps I did some more looking into you before that even.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, turning my head to look up at Shingen.

“I asked Yukimura and Sasuke about you, since I knew they were your friends.” Shingen answered. “And I did ask around Azuchi about you. Everyone was quite taken with their kind princess. Not one person had a bad thing to say about you.”

I felt my cheeks heating up. “Oh…”

“And so once again, I was happy to learn I was a lucky man.” Shingen said once again.

“Now you’re just making me blush…” I said, looking away abashed.

We sat there for a while longer, looking up at the moon and enjoying the silence. I could feel myself relaxing further into Shingen. “I think you might be ready for bed, Ava.” Shingen said.

“Mmm…I think you might…be right.” I replied around a yawn.

Shingen helped me to my feet once again and then walked me back to my room. We were soon standing outside my door. “Have pleasant dreams, Ava.” Shingen said, bringing both of my hands up to his lips and placing a kiss on each hand.

I felt a warm tingly sensation flowing from my hands and up my arms at the touch of his lips. As I looked into his eyes, I was overcome by a strong desire. Shingen was constantly showing me affection…I had the urge to show him some as well. He had shown me so much tonight.

“I had fun tonight and I look forward to our day tomorrow.” I said and quickly leaned close, stretching up to place a kiss on his cheek. “Goodnight, Shingen.”

Shingen’s gray eyes went wide, but a slow smile spread across those handsome lips. “Goodnight, Ava.” He replied, leaning in to kiss my forehead.

I felt tingly down to my toes and a giddy smile worked its way across my face as I turned to walk into my room. I had been extra sleepy…but now I felt that I might have a harder time getting to sleep than I thought.

Shingen…

Shingen walked back to his own room after escorting Ava to hers, a smile on his face. His cheek felt tingly where she had kissed him. It had been so cute and so sweet…and his response to kiss her forehead had been a sincere reaction.

“I hadn’t been expecting that.” He murmured, his hand going to rest on his cheek, as if he could hold the warmth of her lips there. “I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.”

[almacambiondaughterofsaleos]

If Viv wants to keep all her ideas and stories in check, she should have a qualified reviser. George Lucas wrote Empire Strikes Back using some of Leigh's OG script and Lawrence Kasdan did the revisions, and look how it turned out.

Viv needs someone BETTER than Neylan, I'm sure tons of people can revise her scripts and make them way better. Cuz judging from all the people over here rewriting HB and HH, we definitely have A LOT. Why noy have a well known critic or two on board for the revisions? No yes men. Just clear constructive criticism which leads to a better draft of the screenplay, faithful to the original vision.

People nowadays seem to forget that not EVERYONE can make a legendary screenplay first try, even the greats know that. So work with someone, not by yourself if you know your ideas and story can fall apart. Back to the Future, Star Wars and Spider Man (bully maguire) all had writing teams, and all of them are phenomenal.

So uh... Can we stop working on our own if we know we are not that good at writing, Viv?

This but Viv lives on people validating her and I have a feeling she ignores good advice given to her.

[thedragonnerd]

Rayaari headcanon - travel through the emotions with tears

(inspired by this lovely anon)

Tears of sorrow and pain

Raya is so young when she loses her mother, that the concept of death is difficult for her to understand. The reality doesn't strike her until bedtime, when she slowly begins to realize that Ma will never again be there to sing her a lullaby, or hug her fear of the monsters away. Benja is unable to stop the tears for hours, as Raya screams and cries and hits her small fists on the bed. Finally, she upsets herself so much she throws up, and her crying trails off to quiet whimpers instead. For months afterwards, Benja and Raya both dread bedtime, for this is when sorrow hits the hardest for her.

Namaari is nine when her Ba dies. Death is not an unknown concept for her, unfortunately. She has already begun to see its cold grasp ensnaring Fang citizens as famine begins to sweep the lands. But nothing can prepare her for the news the young soldier delivers of her Ba's accident, nor the expression on Ma's face when they both realize he won't be coming home. She doesn't cry for the first week after his death, and people whisper about how stoic and brave she's being. In reality, she is too shocked and numb to demonstrate any further emotions, until one night she awakens to find Ma has crawled into bed next to her, hugging her close in her sleep. Hot tears fall down her cheek, and she burrows into her mother's embrace as she cries silently.

After the Druun return, after she loses her Ba, Raya finds herself scared and all alone in the world, besides faithful Tuk Tuk. During the day, she wraps herself in false bravado, learning how to be a confident young woman instead of an easy mark for people with questionable motives. She employs a 'fake it until she makes it' approach to life, and it carries her through well enough...except at night. At night, she can't help but remember both her parents, and in the darkness she softly sings her mother's lullaby to soothe herself as the tears fall.

When the magnitude of what she has done by trying to take the Dragon Gem hits Namaari, she is horrified with herself. She cries quietly at night for weeks on end, reluctant to talk to anyone about her guilt. And then one day, she wakes up and decides she has no right to cry over it – she should step up and be responsible for her own actions instead, and be the best leader she can be. For several years after that moment, she refuses to let herself cry. Then one scouting mission, she loses her first soldier to the Druun, watching him turn to stone over her shoulder as they flee. She manages to hold it together as she tells his family how brave he had been; then, she goes to the kitchen, stealing as much rice wine as she can carry. She hides with her serlots, drunkenly crying into their soft fur until she can barely breathe. After that, she allows herself to cry sometimes, but only ever when alone.

The first time Raya visits Talon, she is fourteen and half-starving. The market place is loud and confusing, but it’s also full of food and wonderful scents. Unfortunately, she has no jade pieces and the soldiers patrolling the stalls do not seem like people with whom she should risk get into trouble. She almost walks away instead of trying to buy anything, but her stomach cramps just at that moment, and she almost gasps in pain. It breaks her heart, but she slowly hands over a ring of gold in order to buy some food – the only thing she has with her that belonged to her mother. ‘You know, that vendor scammed you,’ a young boy tells her with a snort, as she walks away. ‘You should have gotten far more product for the worth of the ring.’ The food tastes like ashes in her mouth after that, and hot tears slip down her cheeks as she tries to choke down the rest of her dinner.

Namaari’s scouting party is ambushed, not by the Druun, but by angry citizens from Spine. She loses good people that day, watching in horror as they are overwhelmed by Spine’s army, still acting as good soldiers trying to protect their Princess until the end. The last warrior screams at her to run, and even though it is against her instincts, she turns and flees into the forest, not even stopping when a sharp pain pierces her side - an arrow hitting its mark. She collapses some distance later, crying in pain and fear. For the first time, she fears she will die alone, bleeding out amongst the trees. Then she remembers her mother, remembers her duties and the promises she made to herself, and staggers upright. Her serlot finds her as she slowly makes her way forwards, and when she finally manges to crawl onto her back, they take off towards Fang.

‘You’re a traitor to your people,’ someone snaps at Raya, as she tries to mediate between two disagreeing Heart citizens. ‘You try to tell us what to do, but you’re a Princess who doesn’t even know half of her own culture. Too busy cavorting with binturis from Fang and other lands to bother with your own.’ She can feel the tears coming on as the words cut deep into all the fears she has about herself – how she isn’t a good leader, how she lost so many years where she should have learnt about Heart and her role as Princess. A hand lands on her shoulder squeezing gently, yet the voice behind its owner is cutting. ‘Gentlemen, I suggest you leave now before you make me do something I regret,’ Namaari says, and when the men depart angrily, silence falls. Namaari doesn’t say anything at first, drawing Raya into an embrace instead. ‘You’re a better leader than they could hope to be,’ she whispers into Raya’s hair, kissing her head gently. Raya clings to her tightly, arms wrapped around her waist.

‘You’re not welcome here, binturi,’ comes the accusation thrown into her face, and Namaari flinches, much to her own disgust. The celebratory gathering is supposed to be for all the lands to come together, but she can understand Fang not being so warmly welcomed. She is trying though, trying to atone for her mistakes, and after a long day of talking herself into having the confidence to attend, she is now just feeling overwhelmed with their cutting remarks. She simply nods and tries to walk away while hiding her face, but Raya is already pushing past her, getting into the personal space of the other women with a snarl. ‘She’s more welcome here than you currently,’ she growls. Then she spins around, holds out an arm gallantly to Namaari with a smile, and says ‘shall we?’ with a wink. Namaari links their arms, and they walk away with their heads held high.

Tears of laughter and joy

There is something charming and fun in watching Sisu learn more about people and their odd behaviours. Namaari is still slightly in awe of dragons in general, but she finds it easier the more she spends time with Sisu and watches her do ridiculous things. Sisu often brings Tong, Boun and even Noi along to visit Raya, and Namaari loves this time especially, because Raya will go and join in on the fun, laughing at her friends’ antics until tears stream down her face. Namaari sits and watches them with a smile, until Raya runs over and grabs her by the hand, dragging her over to the group.

Raya likes to think she is excellently athletic and nimble on her feet, and to a certain extent this is true. Unfortunately, she has a rather clumsy side to her also, and she spectacularly demonstrates this in front of Namaari by mistake. She is trying to demonstrate how smooth her mounts and dismounts from Tuk Tuk’s saddle are, and even goes so far as to try and show off by standing up on his back. And yet, she slips sideways instead, arms windmilling in the air before she drops onto the floor. ‘Are you alright?’ Namaari calls, and as soon as Raya answers in the affirmative, she can hear a cackle of laughter. Namaari is laughing so hard that there are tears shining in her eyes, and Raya can’t feel too embarrassed by her tumble when it brings Namaari such joy.

At the end of a very long day of Council meetings, Raya wants nothing more than to escape the political grandstanding and disappear into the night instead of staying for dinner. She manages to grab some food from the kitchen before it is even brought out for the guests, and then steals Namaari herself as company. They sit under the stars, enjoying their picnic and complaining about the day. Namaari does a wonderful impersonation of the most annoying Councilor in the meeting, and Raya startles into loud laughter at how realistic it is. Soon they are lying next to each other, giggling loudly until they are both crying from laughter.

Namaari kisses Raya for the first time during a sparring session. They are fighting in a casual manner for once, not trying to be highly competitive as usual, but preferring to shoot as many teasing remarks towards the other as punches, enjoying the moment. Raya manages to pin Namaari down on the ground, leaning forwards slightly to highlight her triumphant and teasing expression, and instead sees Namaari staring up at her with a soft smile. Namaari brings both hands up to slide her fingers through Raya’s hair, drawing her down until their lips are touching softly. Raya feels tears welling up behind her eyes at she feels the love emanating from Namaari.

Raya proposes after two years of dating and several days of angsting over whether she has the correct words to say or the correct proposal gifts. But when it comes to the moment, she forgets everything, and just blurts out ‘I love you. Marry me?’ Namaari stares at her in shock for a moment, before stepping forward to kiss Raya. ‘Yes, yes of course,’ she says, her voice shaking from her emotions. Raya cups her cheeks in both hands, gently wiping away her tears before they kiss again.

When they marry, neither of them can get through their vows without some tears of happiness. No-one judges them for it though – most of their family and friends are crying also.

[peterrparrkerr]

Royal au - read on ao3

Tagging: @lokitonypeter @just-things-things @thegreenmetblue @someonepostedart @andacheesyoneliner @bluestarker @lilcoffeecup @useless-fanfictions-for-mcu @tnpt @sarcastich

Reign au!!

*-*

Peter was nervous. He hadn't seen prince Steve in years. Not since they were both children.

He hides the shaking of his hands at his back as he walks towards the castle he once spent his summers in.

It seems smaller and more daunting all at once. Before, he hadn't known about the arranged marriage.

Now he does.

And with an attempted assassination at his back, Peter's only slightly overwhelmed at the prospect of calling this place home.

There's a welcoming party for him. Servents and maids, stable hands and kitchen staff all standing on either side of the gravel pathway that leads to the castle doors.

Peter takes a deep, shaky breath as he sees the king and queen step out. The king looks much older. Deeper wrinkles along the sides of his mouth and eyes, the skin of his cheeks not as plump as before. They sag just enough to be noticeable. And his hair is graying at the temples, thinner than Peter remembered.

"Is that what I have to look forward to, when I am king?" Peter murmured quietly, nerves getting the best of him.

"Of course not," Mj spoke at his side. "King Joseph rules with an iron fist and decite. Not to mention he has lived past two quarters of his life."

"I should hope I live that long," Peter huffed, looking from the king, to the queen. "We should have postponed until after the wedding."

The queen -Sarah- was just as Peter remembered her to be. Short, fair skinned and blond, just like Steve.

"Nonsense," Ned said, giving Peter a small nudge. "The festivities will take your mind off of all that comes with being the future king."

Peter huffs again, but begins making his way towards the royal couple. Mj and Ned are both behind him, on either shoulder.

"Where is the prince?" Ned asked quietly.

"I'm not sure," Peter said, grasping his hands more tightly. It had been so long, he wondered if Steve would even recognize him.

"Is that him?" Mj asked. Peter glances from the king and queen to the left, behind the wall of servents.

Peter blinked, a quiet exhale forced from his parted lips.

"No," Peter shook his head, eyes never leaving the man that made his way towards the welcoming party, taking his spot in the crowd.

"No, that's Tony," Peter breathed. He couldn't believe how Tony had grown.

"The king's bastard?" Ned asked, aghast. "He lives in the castle?

He was no longer the gangly kid with dark hair. No, Tony had grown into his limbs. His dark hair was styled artfully, and he even had facial hair now.

Peter almost stumbled from staring.

"Oh."

Peter pulled his attention from Tony to where Mj was looking, and his eyes widened.

Steve was walking towards them. He had grown too, in ways other than his half brother.

His shoulders were broad, hair even more blond than Peter remembered, and he had grown so tall.

Peter couldn't help the giddy smile that pulled at his lips, and he nearly broke out into a run to reach Steve.

It took everything in him not to, and the two met in the middle.

"I can't believe it," Steve spoke first, looking Peter over. "You've grown."

Peter doesn't know why that makes his cheeks burn. He shakes it off though.

"So have you, your grace," he replies. "Obviously. You didn't look like this ten years ago."

He hears Mj snicker behind him and he inwardly curses. But Steve just smiles.

"You can just call me Steve," he hums.

"I'm Peter."

A smile pulls at Steve's lips. "I remember."

*-*

It takes Peter a couple days to really settle into the new routine and scenery. Mj and Ned usually keep him company in his chambers, though they've been put to work helping out around the castle when their services aren't needed.

Peter feels a little misplaced still. He's used to running through the hallways with Steve, laughing and playing and being with each other from the time they woke up to the time they went to bed.

But Steve is the future king, and he has responsibilities. They speak during meals, and sometimes Peter catches him during the day and they talk -reminiscing about their shared summers.

But for most of the day, Peter is alone. He can't help but feel a sad sort of melancholy for the months before. It just reminds Peter that he's no longer a child.

He's the future king as well, and there's been many attempts on his life since he was young and naive.

"What are you doing out here all alone, Prince?"

Peter jumps, dropping the rocks he had been picking up from around the lake.

He turns to see Tony, the reins of a black horse in his hand as he makes his way over.

Peter blushes, noting his current state of undress. His belt, shoes and stockings are all on the grass, leaving Peter in nothing but a tunic.

His feet are covered in mud, shins wet from walking into the water.

"I, uh," Peter started, brushing his hands off on his tunic, transferring the dirt onto the fabric.

"I was just exploring," he winces. Not something a future king should be doing.

Tony smirks, and Peter's heart skips a beat. He had grown into a fine man.

"I see some things don't change," he says. Peter steps away from the lake and into the grass.

"What does that mean?" Peter asked, bending down to collect his things.

Tony gives a small shrug.

"Only that I remember you used to bring in little rocks and frogs when you were younger," he said. "You always gave the prettiest stones to Steve, and the frogs to me."

"If I remember correctly, you liked frogs," Peter countered, unsure why he felt the need to get defensive.

"I did," Tony agreed. "It is good to know you haven't changed."

"You have," Peter can't help but respond. "You've grown into your legs."

That makes Tony huff a laugh. Peter blushes deep red, cursing at himself and his mouth.

"Will I see you at the wedding?" Peter asked when Tony turned to leave.

Tony smiles and gives a small nod. "It is my half sister's wedding," he said. "Of course I'll be there."

Peter can't help but smile at that, and Tony climbs onto his horse. "I would get back to the castle soon, it'll be getting dark soon."

*-*

The wedding is wonderful, and it does exactly what Ned said it would. Peter forgets all about his troubles as he dances.

At first, he dances with Mj and Ned, but Steve sweeps him off, practically pulling Peter off his feet.

Peter can't help but smile all night. He doesn't know the sister very well, seeing as she had a similar arrangement with her own betrothed. She was visiting her future husband's home in the summer months too.

As the night draws near its close, Mj grabs Peter's hand, a wide grin on her lips as she tugs Peter from the dance floor.

Ned is close behind, the three of them running down the dark halls.

Peter doesn't know where they're going, but he can't help but be relieved at the reprieve from the festivities.

The room Mj takes them to is small and cramped. Hidden behind a curtain. Peter has half the mind to ask Mj how she found it, but before he can, Mj pulls the small painting from the wall.

What lays behind it has Peter's eyes widening. Its the groom and bride, standing in a candle lit room with four other men.

There's a bed and a bath, and its easy for Peter to deduce whats happening.

"We're not allowed to see this," Peter whispered, turning to Mj. The girl rolled her eyes and nudged him.

"Dont you want to know what to expect on your own wedding night with Steve?" She asked.

Peter's already shaky resolve crumbles, and he turns his eyes back to the room, swallowing thickly.

"They have to watch?" Ned asks, on Peter's other side. Peter doesn't take his eyes off of the two newly married as they begin to pull at their clothes, soft and gentle.

Peter feels his cock fill at the sight of the man taking the princess -soon to be queen- to bed.

"They have to watch, to consumate their marriage," Mj whispered back, her eyes also transfixed.

Peter's aching in his tunic, and he can't help the flush to his cheeks, watching as the man pushes in gently, pushing out a breathy moan from the woman.

The three of them watch until the man cums, and Peter almost cums himself at the sight.

"Go, go, go," Mj whispered, quickly hanging the painting back up.

Peter does, rushing from their hiding place and taking to the stairs. He doesn't think he can make it back to his chambers. He may burst if he doesn't find a release.

He takes a right, then a left until he's so deep in the castle that the only people who might stumble upon him are the servents, and they're all busy with the festivities.

Peter gasps desperately as he leans into the wall, lifting his tunic up and pulling at the drawstring of his pants.

He closes his eyes and bites his lips as he finally gets his hand around his throbbing cock. It feels so good, Peter's knees nearly buckle.

He's so close to cumming in his pants, so focused on getting himself there, that he doesn't realize someone's walked in on him until a hand joins his own.

Peter's eyes snap open and he removes his hand, gasping as his eyes settle on Tony.

The man is close, his breath smelling like wine, dark eyes glinting and smirk tugging at his lips.

His hand squeezes around Peter's cock and he can't help but mewl, eyes rolling up into his head and hips pressing closer.

"Tony," Peter whimpered, rolling his hips. He can't help it. He's stupid on the need to orgasm, after watching the groom and bride, thinking about himself and Steve in that same position.

Its too much for Peter to handle.

"Shh," Tony murmurs, stroking Peter as he leans forward. "I'll take care of you, Prince."

Peter kisses Tony when the man's lips land on his. Hes worried he'll crumble to the ground if the wall weren't there for him to lean on.

Tony's facial hair scratches at Peter's mouth, sending shivers of pleasure down his spine.

Tony moves in closer, practically supporting Peter's weight as he snakes his free arm around Peter's waist.

Peter tries to warn him, but all he manages to get out is a desperate keening noise that Tony eats up.

Peter cums hard into his pants and Tony's hand, which slicks up his movements further, drawing more pleasure.

"There you go, Prince," Tony praised against his mouth before moving to his jaw, still stroking Peter through his orgasm. "Thats it."

Peter doesn't know what came over him. He leans back against the wall, trying to catch his breath. Trying to collect his thoughts.

Tony removes his hand, now covered in cum, and smirks down at Peter.

Peter can't help but whimper at him, unsure of what exactly he should be feeling.

Tony grabs Peter gently by the chin, tilting his head up ever so slightly to plant the softest of kisses to Peter's kiss bruised lips.

"Good night, Prince."

[nerdychaoscherryblossom]

Raya and Namaari's Victory Celebration (Part 1 of 2)

This is my fifth entry in the Rayaari series. After the Druun were defeated and Kumandra was unified, Raya and Namaari have decided to have a victory celebration as she, Namaari and Atitaya invite the other kingdoms in Kumandra such as Spine, Talon, and Tail. Enjoy. And don't forget to like and reblog. Also, this takes place after Raya pet the serlots.

*Raya rides on Tuk Tuk, Namaari rides on Buwan, General Atitaya and General Wahn ride on ride on their other two serlots as they travel to Tail with Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee and Amba*

Raya: Well, this is the place. Let's bring the Tail Chief back to life.

General Atitaya: Sounds good, Princess Raya.

Raya: Stay here, Tuk Tuk. We'll be right back. Shouldn't take too long.

*Raya, Namaari, General Atitaya, General Wahn, Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee and Amba enter the kingdom as they find the Tail Chief's skeleton*

Sisu: Here it is. The Tail Chief's skeleton.

Raya: So that's how she died from starving.

General Wahn: That's right, Princess Raya. And that was a long time ago. You have the gem, right?

Raya: Yes. It's reassembled.

General Wahn: Oh. That's good.

Raya: Ready?

Pengu: I'm ready.

Raya: Be careful, don't break her skeleton.

*Pengu places the Tail Chief's skeleton carefully to the ground*

Sisu: All right. Let's bring her back to life.

*Sisu and her siblings recite in Filipino as they bring the Tail Chief back to life. Afterwards, the Tail Chief floats down to the ground and opens her eyes as she looks around*

Tail Chief: Whoa. Where am I?

Raya: You're in Tail.

Tail Chief: Who are you?

Raya: Perhaps you don't remember me. I'm Raya.

Tail Chief: Of course you're Raya. I'm the Tail Chief. *shakes hands with Raya* By the way, why did you all bring me back to life?

Raya: Because we had to so you died from not eating lots of food.

Tail Chief: Of course I did. I would've been completely hungry. Almighty dragons. *bows to the dragons*

Raya: Jagan, the Tail Chief's hungry.

Jagan: Of course. Here, have skewers of meat.

Tail Chief: Yes! Finally!

*Tail Chief eats skewers of meat*

Tail Chief: Oh, it tastes good that I haven't eaten in years. *swallows and belches* Excuse me. So, what can I do for you, Raya?

Raya: We're having a victory celebration tonight and you're properly invited. What do you say?

Tail Chief: Hmm. That sounds like a brilliant idea, but okay. I'll take that as a yes.

Raya: She said yes.

Pranee: Oh, that's wonderful. Now, let's go to Spine and see if their chief still lives here.

Raya: Do you know where the Spine Chief lives?

Tail Chief: Spine, I think.

Raya: Then let's go.

Amba: Let me help you, Tail Chief.

*Raya, Namaari, General Atitaya, General Wahn, Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee, Amba and the Tail Chief exit the kingdom. Raya and the Tail Chief hop on Tuk Tuk, Namaari hops on Buwan, General Wahn and General Atitaya hop on other two serlots. They ride to Spine with the Dragons. At Spine, the guards see Raya and her friends approach as they open the gate. They have arrived and hop off their animals. The gem glows as Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee and Amba hold the gem and turn into humans*

Pengu: Wait, is there something wrong with my skin? *gasps* Oh, my goodness. We're humans! Hey, Raya! We're humans like ourselves! And look how close our butts are! *Raya stifles her laughter* Oh. I know it's funny, but it's true.

Raya: Okay, first of all, I'm not trying to be humorous, but that's how Sisu said.

Sisu: Really? Oh, that's right. Anyway, can we just get the Spine Chief?

Raya: Oh, right, of course.

*Raya enters the throne room*

Raya: Hello, people of Spine. Raya of Heart has just arrived. And I'm looking for the Spine Chief.

Spine Guard: No problem. Chief! There's someone who wishes to meet you!

*Spine Chief walks to Raya*

Spine Chief: Wow. Raya. Welcome. *hugs and pats Raya* I was afraid you might never come back with the Dragon Gem.

Raya: Hello, Spine Chief. I was hoping that you'd be invited to the victory celebration.

Spine Chief: Of course. I'd love to visit the celebration and I love parties.

Raya: Come, there's someone I'd love to show you. Oh, Boun, Noi, Ongis and Tong are in Heart.

Spine Chief: Oh, man. That's fantastic, Raya.

Raya: Thanks, man. *Spine Chief chuckles* Come.

Spine Chief: Right behind you, Princess Raya. Hey, I'm sorry Dang Hai and I broke the Gem six years ago.

Raya: It's all right. I accept your apology.

*Raya and the Spine Chief exit the throne room as Spine Chief sees her friends*

Spine Chief: Almighty dragons. *bows to them*

Sisu: Wow. Greetings, Spine Chief.

Spine Chief: So, where should we head to?

Raya: To Talon.

Sisu: All right.

Spine Chief: Talon it is.

*Raya and Spine Chief hop on Tuk Tuk, Namaari and Tail Chief hop on Buwan, General Atitaya and General Wahn hop on the other two serlots. They ride to Talon as Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee and Amba turn back into dragons and follow Raya and her friends to Talon. At Talon, the gate opens as Raya and her friends hop off their riders*

Raya: All right. This is the place. Namaari and I will find Dang Hai and his mother.

*Raya and Namaari enter Talon as they search for Dang Hu and Dang Hai*

Raya: Dang Hai!

Namaari: Dang Hu!

Dang Hai: We're right here. Welcome back, Raya. I heard that you're approximately inviting the other tribes.

Raya: Hello, Dang Hai. Would you and your mother like to come to Heart with me and Namaari?

Dang Hai: Yes, we'd really love to.

Dang Hu: Raya, dear, where have you been?

Raya: We've been inviting the other tribes to Heart for the victory celebration.

Dang Hu: That's wonderful. We'll come.

Namaari: Then let's go to Heart.

Dang Hai: Oh, and by the way, I heard that you sacrificed yourself for Namaari.

Raya: Thanks.

*Raya, Namaari, Dang Hai and Dang Hu exit Talon. Dang Hai and Dang Hu meet the dragons and bow to them*

Dang Hai and Dang Hu: Almighty dragons.

Sisu: Wow, I never thought Dang Hai and Dang Hu would still be alive. Anyway, let's go to Heart.

*Raya hops on Tuk Tuk, Namaari hops on Buwan, General Atitaya and General Wahn hop on the other two serlots. Spine Chief hops on Sisu, Dang Hai and Dang Hu hop on Pengu, and Tail Chief hops on Pranee. They all ride to Heart. At Heart, they have arrived and hop off their riders*

Raya: All right. We've arrived.

Spine Chief: Congratulations, Raya. You've just invited us to the victory celebration.

*Chief Benja, Chief Virana, Tong, Little Noi, Boun and Ongis approach Raya and her friends*

Chief Benja: Welcome home, dewdrop. So, how'd it go?

Raya: It went perfect.

Chief Benja: I'm glad you're still alive, Spine Chief.

Spine Chief: Thanks, Chief Benja. I knew you'd count on us.

Boun: Tail Chief? Is that you? Wow, welcome back to the living.

Spine Chief: Tail Chief? I thought I'd lost you.

Tail Chief: Hey, don't worry. I was brought back to life.

Chief Virana: Oh. *hugs Tail Chief* I can't believe you're back. And look at you. You're still alive.

Spine Chief: Yes, Chief Virana. I'm still alive.

Tail Chief: *hugs Boun* I missed all the food so much. And now I'm brought back to life.

Boun: Oh, you poor lady. You must be hungry.

Little Noi: *babbles* Tail Chief, hungry.

Tong: That's right, Noi. She was hungry. And wow. It's such an honor to meet you for the first time, Spine Chief.

*Tong and the Spine Chief hug each other*

Spine Chief: Thanks, Tong.

*A band of Ongis meet Spine Chief*

Spine Chief: Oh. Hey, there. You don't seem too mischievous.

*A little Ongis jumps onto the Spine Chief as he pets it*

Spine Chief: Wow, you're just as adorable as your parents. *to Raya* I have a real confession, Raya. *his voice breaks* Dang Hai and I broke the Dragon Gem six years ago. Your father should've just made you catch the Gem, and none of this would have ever happened. We're really sorry. If it's not too late... please forgive us.

Raya: That's all I ever wanted to hear. It truly was.

*Spine Chief and Dang Hai hug Raya as they chuckle*

Raya: *whispers* My boys.

*Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee and Amba turn into humans again*

Chief Benja: All right, everyone. We have plenty of food. Let's all go inside and have a victory celebration.

*Raya, Namaari, Chief Benja, Chief Virana, Spine Chief, Tong, Tail Chief, Boun, Dang Hai, Dang Hu, Noi, Ongis, Sisu, Pengu, Jagan, Pranee and Amba enter the kingdom*

*TO BE CONTINUED...*

Stay tuned for Part 2!

[bonesandpoemsandflowers]

proper storytelling would have noted that my stressful customs interaction was stressful because she (customs agent) ALSO thought I was a sex worker, and my whole summer in Thailand, despite being a jock summer of martial and aerial arts, was four months of people assuming I was a sex worker and attempting to kick me out of places. to be clear: I am pro sex worker. but also, I am not a sex worker. but also also, yes, I am increasingly pro sex worker because I'm always in situations where I'm encountering hostility directed at sex workers.

but anyway, this is a specific thing that they warn you about, on the martial arts forums, about going to Thailand. They do not want to let foreign sex workers in. The standards are different, they say, for locals.

Before going to Phuket, to train at the OG gym on Fighter Street--that gym is called Dragon--my beloved and I were going to a small island called koh yao noi. beautiful literal actual island paradise.

But you see, me, in my too short cutoffs, my short shorts that were also scandalously inappropriate in the Qatar airport, I don't know we're going to Koh Yao Noi. I only know that there's some sort of mysterious, romantic surprise.

So, at customs, the agent is like. Where are you going?

and I, jet lagged and stupid, my dumbass says: I dunno

She's on high alert. I realize I have made a Mistake. She squints at my form. What is your profession?

Freelancer, I say, forgetting about the language barrier. Uhhh. Internet. My job is on the internet.

Internet, she repeats, darkly.

"I'm a WRITER," I howl. "I write books. Articles. Mostly books."

And where are you staying? What hotel? Freelancer?

"I don't know," I say, because I am expecting a Mysterious and Romantic Surprise.

She looks at me. She slides her glasses down her nose a little, to look at me more thoroughly.

"It's a surprise," I explain, as if this will help. It does not.

My beloved, in another line, has been cleared, by the way. He awaits me. Like three people have gone through the queue he was in while I'm failing my basic traveling skill check over here.

A surprise? You don't know?

"I'm meeting someone," I assure her. "Not just anyone, I mean--I'm meeting someone specific--"

Two more people have made it through the queue.

Have I mentioned I come from a family of diplomats? My father is a retired ambassador? I should fucking REALLY understand how something as simple as going though customs works?

Customs Lady LITERALLY SIGNALS TO A SECURITY GUARD.

"No no no no," I said, "I mean I'm meeting--LOOK, he's RIGHT there," I point. Feminism is for later and self actualization is for chumps. I am going to be rescued, goddamnit.

"Client?" the lady says.

"Nooo!" I say, beyond flustered. "He's--BABE, HELP. HELP ME."

My beloved comes over and I do not actually wait for anything to be sorted. I scoot through the threshold. I am In Thailand, officially. The security guard looks at me, bemused and unmoving. I decide this is good enough and I grab both my suitcases and start walking. This seems like a good idea. Mentally, I am screaming and also running. In actuality, I am doing no such thing, but I still make it to the next security checkpoint before my beloved catches up.

"What the fuck did you say to her?" he asks, breathless. "She wanted to have you arrested."

"She thought I was a prostitute," I say, abandoning half my luggage. "Can you believe it?"

"Yes," he says.

"Well," I concede. "Yeah."

anyway, one time I was very flustered after a stressful interaction trying to get through customs, so I'm floundering through the Bangkok airport, breathless, tripping over my own two feet, hungry, disoriented, OH SHIT I'M MISSING A WHOLE FUCKING SUITCASE FUCK FUCK SHIT SHIT FUCK, gotta retrace my steps.

Found it at the last security checkpoint, two dudes puzzling over this abandoned blue roller. "Hi! It's mine!" I burble, a sweaty and very very trustworthy looking person in teensy cut off shorts. "Haha! I'll just! Be going now! With MY suitcase!"

Obviously, that's not gonna fly because I have the panicked mein of somebody about to commit crime badly. So, through the language barrier--I don't speak Thai, they don't speak English--and the power of my beloved, who looks like a reasonable person, we negotiate terms. They will give me back my luggage, if I can tell them one thing that's in it.

My mind is immediately blank, as if I've never packed a suitcase in my life, as opposed to rearranging my bags just HOURS ago. what's a suitcase. what is "packing"? do we not all carry our own baggage, constantly, wherever we go?

"A camera," I blurt out, the most generic of generic traveler items. of course you have a camera in your bag, you fucking idiot. you flew from Miami to Qatar to Bangkok. Everybody packed a camera. this is the most obvious item and the most obvious lie, dipshit.

Everyone looks unimpressed.

The Thai airport dudes open the disputed suitcase.

Not only is there NOT a camera in there, at ALL, but all that there IS in this suitcase is some fishnet stockings, a viper's tongue style whip, and a fucking black leather bunny mask.

"You packed the fucking bunny mask?" my beloved hisses, because we're about to be hauled off to the Thai gulag, probably, and we're gonna miss our connecting flight, and he's gonna have to call my retired ambassador dad, and this is going to be stupid and expensive and embarassing. "you packed the BDSM bunny mask and couldn't think of something distinctive in your suitcase?"

I open my other suitcase, the one I didn't forget, and dig out a camera. I smile weakly. I gesture at the bunny mask and then at my face. The Thai dudes glance at each other.

They give me my suitcase, and they let us go. My beloved thanks them and listens intently to what they're saying to each other as we walk away.

"They think you're a sex worker," he says.

"Shit, who wouldn't?" I say, but now I'm tripping over my own two feet and I have two suitcases.

[femalechibiblogger]

Dorohedoro Fanfictions

About Care by violetnudewoman

"Remember our pinky promise? I want to renew it and add one more thing".

A small and comfort fic about care, friendship and a newly acquired bathtub.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24343945/chapters/58701361

5 Times Shin and Noi Almost Kissed and 1 Time Where They Did by JubblyPippo644292

5+1 with Shin and Noi! Full of violence, pining, swearing and typical Dorohedoro antics!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24218881

Love Is A Smoke by ribbonelle

Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23751673/chapters/57044536

The Three Of Them by SavvaSaam

His partners were fighting for the chance to please him and Risu was drowning in that love and attention like a spoilt brat. He loved that feeling like nothing else. Being torn apart by their tongues, teeth, fingers, skin, everything. One person would never be able to satisfy the hunger burning inside of Risu, but these two knew what to do.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24476902

Partners, Always by ribbonelle

“Kaiman.”

It was different, but similar. Different pronunciation, similar tone. Kaiman only hesitated for a moment, but then he looked at Risu, “Yes?”

“Take off your mask,” Kaiman can’t place the slight change in Risu’s expression before he added, “Please.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23751490/chapters/57044038

Young love by Little_Rose

Just a short story of a first kiss.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24069238

Shell by DarkrystalSky

Risu doesn’t even fight it, in the last moments of his life, love turns abruptly into hate as those pleasant memories - lies, lies, lies - get tinged in the same color of his blood, of the sunset on the ruins.

Risu turns around at the Salmanaza Plains and sees the face of his attacker.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24248968/chapters/58433326

Not what you think by Rina_R

*SPOILER* Set in chapter 79. Aikawa enters En's secret room with a male Nikaido who then transforms back to her female self and things happen.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23752060

Dumbasses in quarantine by mushroomdemon

Just two lads in quarantine.

"At some point it became a sort of habit for Aikawa to tuck Risu in, because the dumbass always sleeps without a blanket. And the living room can get pretty cold. Risu always woke up tucked in a warm blanket and perhaps an annoyed comment from Aikawa. But no matter how hard he tried to be annoyed, part of him always hoped Risu would forget about it again. "

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23534989

Friendly Wager by PerfectSilence1311

A few weeks into a fledgling relationship, Noi and Shin butt heads over a difficult conundrum: who’s gonna dom tonight? They resolve this in the only way they know how - a contest of strong bloody violence.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23393503?view_adult=true

Gravity by SavvaSaam

A small study of how Shin and Noi grow closer over the years.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23408731

The Promise Before A Curse by Foolishscarecrow

For people like them, a verbal agreement is all they need.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22730347

Alone Together by sempre_balla

It feels like an anchor rooting Tetsujou to a life without his family, a life where he and Dokuga are alone, but together.

Tetsujou and Dokuga, trying to piece their life back together after losing their friends.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22758181

The En family bakes a cake by PinotPurple

Ebisu watches cooking videos and wants to bake a cake herself.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22676032

Timeless by Jverse

Working as a doctor at Hole can be stressing, but Dr. Kasukabe is always open to offer a hand. However, despite how that statement may sound, not everything in his hand is at offer.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22271569

Demise of Ebisu by BrookeChiang

A possible fate of Ebisu if Fujita's attempt to save her ended in fiasco...

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22266184

Secondhand Smoke by dirtbag

They sure do this a lot, for something that's so endlessly frustrating.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12192696

Out of the Hole by Laylah

Shin doesn't miss the Hole. Just...a few particular things.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/300920

Welcome to Chaos by jojotier

A normal day in the life of Nikaido and Kaiman as they chase a magic user- except, strangely enough, it seems that all his power is consists of blasting the same perception-altering song. Even stranger, the magic user is absolutely terrified of Nikaido.

Just a little fic where a couple friends do friend things like have a little banter over breakfast, commit murder, and take care of each other.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/22249960

[biaswreckeedbybts]

I have been holding myself from saying this for quite sometime (too long tbh) & honestly I was hoping that I would not drop the bomb just one day before Christmas but it's too much for me, nobody knows me here enough to judge me,so it's easy. You can ignore this if you're in festive mood.

I've been dealing with extreme sadness for quite sometime. I don't even know if it's depression but the sadness is simply born out of my unrealistic expectations from myself but these past two months- I started projecting those high expectations from other people & art forms. Constantly complaining,trying to find something that isn't there & connecting myself through that mistake. I had quit Twitter,insta & even WhatsApp but Tumblr seemed like an okay place. I wasn't questioning my self worth at all but then the smallest of judgement or negative opinions that weren't even directed towards me started getting to me. Fandoms, artists,capitalism,communism, animals,books- everything. From having strong opinions on things to degrading myself into a form who didn't know what to believe,what side to take,what's wrong or what's right. I was questioning each & everything.

Then I saw how talented people are, how they use complex sentences, argue so confidently & i gave into all that & forced myself to become that person. I've always loved doing & learning random things at intermediate level & then I give up but now even that was biting me. Why give up? Why can't I continue something? Why do I forget names, factual information but can remember 5 year old incident?

All this finally got me to my current condition. Completely exhausted,crying over simplest of things & being numb in general. I've tried to stay positive,do yoga, do manifestation,watch relatable videos but nothing worked- it just tired me out more.

When I see people knowing their self worth, knowing their good traits & bad ones- I feel jealous. I want to be that person that says 'thank you,I know that' when someone calls me beautiful but I still appreciate all compliments (without any ulterior motive). I can't be that person.

I am a perfectionist, if there's another word that is 2× perfectionist then I'm that. I'm noy perfect, what I do/say isnt nice or good enough but it was all okay when I was expecting all that from myself, it was okay when I was pushing myself to change MY work & behavior- when I started expecting that from others- who were not related to me or my work that's when my utopian castle crumbled down. Unfortunately I built that castle from a glacier, underneath there's only water now & it's too cold for me too swim or have my survival instinct do it's work.

So coming to an end,I would be taking a break. I want to sleep for as long as I can, until I find another iceberg where I temporarily stay in or the water becomes less cold. Fighting with my demons is like talking to myself,there's no conclusion,no safer end. So I'd not even do that. Idk how long the break will last or if it'll ever end. So. . If you actually read this & came this far,tysm for reading it- I truly appreciate it. & I'm sorry for ruining a festival for you in an already sht year. please take care,until we see each other again.

& sorry for my bad English

[sciatu]

SILENZIO - By JAVIER MOLINA, SU BEHANCE

Quello che ti colpisce è il silenzio, gli animali selvatici che si impossessano delle strade e delle piazze, il vuoto nato dalle assenze, dalla mancanza di volti, voci, passi lungo le strade, macchine in coda, la gente fuori dai bar, le vecchie affacciate alle finestre, i ragazzi che inseguono un pallone, le ragazze che fanno nascere l’amore e i desideri. Anche se in verità siamo tutti qui, nelle case che circondano questo innaturale silenzio, la vita sembra non essere più qui, fuggita via o rubata da qualche mago potente. Questo chiassoso, terribile silenzio ci ricorda il nostro vuoto, la precarietà del domani e ci fa dimenticare perché il vento domina le strade, perché i fiori degli alberi da frutto sono caduti lasciando posto alle foglie perchè le gemme nell’aprirsi portino quella vita che adesso ci appare fragile e bellissima. Nessuno per strada può ammirare lo spettacolo della natura, nessuno vuol comprendere e vivere il cambio della stagione, la fine dell'inverno, l'arrivo di una primavera che tanti ha, purtroppo, un sentore di morte. Non vi sono missili nel cielo a disegnare traiettorie mortali, nel scoppi di bombe, o dei cingoli dei carri armati ad impaurirci e farci nascondere come i topi nelle vecchie case quando sentono un rumore strano. Vi è solo il silenzio a dominare le strade e un bollettino di guerra che ogni giorno segna incertezze, disegna nella penombra paure e vive dell’impotenza di tutti noi di fronte a quanto non vediamo e ignoriamo. C’è solo silenzio, lungo queste strade vuote, il vento che porta i semi e sparge il polline per ricreare la vita e noi chiusi in casa, ad attendere un'altra primavera e tornare, nel rumore e nel caos, a rivedere questa vita da cui, soffrendo, ci nascondiamo.

What you note is the silence, the wild animals that take possession of the streets and squares, the emptiness born of the absences, the lack of faces, voices, steps along the streets, queuing cars, people outside the bars, the old ones looking out the windows, the boys chasing a ball, the girls who give birth to love and desires. Although in truth we are all here, in the houses surrounding this unnatural silence, life seems to be no longer here, fled away or stolen by some powerful wizard. This boisterous, terrible silence reminds us of our emptiness, the precariousness of tomorrow and makes us forget why the wind dominates the streets, why the flowers of the fruit trees have fallen, leaving room for the leaves so that when they open, the buds bring that life that now it appears fragile and beautiful to us. Nobody on the street can admire the spectacle of nature, nobody wants to understand and experience the change of season, the end of winter, the arrival of a spring that unfortunately for many have a hint of death. There are no missiles in the sky to draw deadly trajectories, no the explosion of bombs, or the tracks of tanks to frighten us and make us hide like mice in old houses when they hear a strange noise. There is only silence to dominate the streets and a war report that every day marks uncertainties, draws fears in the dim light and lives on the powerlessness of all of us in the face of what we do not see and ignore. There is only silence, along these empty streets, the wind that carries the seeds and spreads the pollen to recreate life and we closed in the house, to wait for another spring and return, in the noise and chaos, to review this life from which, suffering, we hide.

[libriselvaggi]

three books that changed how I viewed the pandemic

1. Infinite Jest David Foster Wallace

“You’ll never have as much time as you do right now” seemed to be the mantra circulating at the beginning of the infamous Quarantine during Spring of 2020 to boost morale and motivation to get in shape or discover a new hobby. There will never be enough time to read every great book, but I decided to plunge right into reading with Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace’s 1,079 page capolavoro. I did not know what the book was about, but from what I had heard, I knew it could change me in some way. I mistakenly ordered the book from libby, an ebook service through my public library. It was a painful few days of reading because of the sheer complexity of the book. I patiently awaited the paperback I later ordered and revisited IJ with gusto and a highlighter. My first great revelation was that my multilingual vocabulary was an embarrassment to DWF’s eloquence and creativity. I found myself repeatedly looking up words  and tried not to be discourage in adapting to the DFW’s English. I did not want my copy of IJ to end up on my shelf unfinished and unconquered as what happens to many victims of book’s the difficult structure. The so-called “experimental” endnotes are not to be overlooked and play a fundamental role in the precision of the novel. The book, written in a mosaic of stream of conscious prose, narration and dialogue must be read slowly and given time to process. 

Some of the major themes of IJ are addiction, competition, familial relationships, depression, which work together to offer an answer for the essential question of what makes us human. DFW’s characters are all looking for something as it becomes clear to the reader which aspects of IJ’s characters they embody. I found the chapters with Kate G particularly striking although seemingly non-essential to the book’s main characters, members of the Incandenza family. (N.B): this post will be written in more detail once I am able to retrieve my copy of IJ from home full of notes, post-its and highlights). 

DFW was a visionary and saw things in the 90′s that are still relevant. The passage on video calling is comical and pertinent to the Zoom era. In reality, we don’t want to video chat with people because we have to give them our full attention instead of discretely multitasking and we have to look presentable, which in Wallace’s world resulted in people replacing themselves with models. Wallace also predicted the rise of capitalism with his calendar of sponsored years as a form of advertising. He even could see the rise of the influencer. “The Entertainment” the holy grail of the novel in a sense, exposes the most beautiful girl and viewers are so incapable of looking away that they will die soiled in their couch. Is being the star of “The Entertainment” what influencers are aspiring to be? Over the past year, we are all trying to escape the boredom of staying at home. I absolutely fill my days from beginning to end to try to forget about the loneliness that DFW so poignantly represents in each of his characters. I know myself and I have tendencies towards addiction whether that be to certain habits, clothes, Netflix, even my own thoughts. DFW himself was a self-proclaimed TV addict, or he would have been he said if he owned a television. Especially through reading I have been trying to escape the boredom without trapping myself in something that will be unproductive and unhealthy. This book can be difficult to swallow because you will be confronted with your own addictions, sadness and relationships to loved ones. I will need to read this book again one day to truly understand and appreciate it. For now I am still ruminating and reflecting on my own search for distractions, which is what the book suggests makes us human. 

I reached the last page of the book with a sense of accomplishment for myself and both hope and disillusionment towards the world: hope that it is possible to understand and express such complex emotions, but disillusioned that this sadness and overwhelming amount of “distractions” (some good, some bad) still exist. 

2. The Decameron Giovanni Boccaccio

English: As an Italian major I am completely biased in choosing this title as part of my quarantine reading list. It is also the focus of my senior thesis, which I have also received a scholarship from Cornell to complete. My work is titled The Decameron in the Time of Coronavirus and has therefore earned a spot on this list. I began reading the Decameron in its original 600 year old Italian during the outbreak of coronavirus (Spring Semester 2020). The Decameron is a collection of 100 stories framed by the Brigata comprised of seven women and three men who escape the plague-ridden Florence during the Black Death. When I took this course on the Decameron I hadn’t given a lot of thought to the parallels between the Black Plague and the novel Coronavirus. At the time I was concentrated on the theme of the Decameron I had chosen to write my anthology on: adultery. I wrote 40 pages on all kinds of infidelity present in the Decameron and how it connects to social class, religion, gender, and the larger context of the Plague. 

The Decameron tells stories of love, wit, generosity, trickery, social class and religion and fate. Superficially it is seen as entertainment created by the Brigata to survive isolation during the Plague, much as we are entertaining ourselves now more than ever with film and literature. However, the Decameron presents a lot of themes under the guise of raunch or humor that can be endlessly analyzed, especially in the light of the current pandemic. If you are not up to the challenge of reading 100 stories, I highly recommend at least reading the author’s introduction for a description of the 14th century plague. It is chilling similar to how many have responded to Coronavirus: widening social gaps, abandonment and selfishness characterize Boccaccio’s eyewitness testimony and are clearly still relevant in a modern outbreak of a pandemic. In another post I will discuss some of my favorite novellas or stories from the Decameron as well as analyze the modern adaptation by the New York Times. 29 writers were asked to contribute stories taking place in the time of Coronavirus. The Decameron represents so much linguistically as Boccaccio was one of the first major authors to pen the Italian vernacular largely unchanged to the modern language and he realized the importance of empathy and storytelling in times of crisis. 

Italian: Mi laureo in italiano e quindi sono molto sbilanciata verso la letteratura italiana in questa lista di libri da leggere durante la quarantena. La mia tese di laurea e la mia ricerca, per la quale ho vinto una borsa di studio dalla mia università si concentra sul Decameron nei tempi di Coronavirus. Ho cominciato a leggere quest’opera di Boccaccio di un italiano da seicento anni fa durante il semestre in cui il coronavirus si è scoppiato. Il Decameron è una collezione di 100 novelle raccontate dalla brigata di sette donne e tre uomini che sfuggono dalla Firenze infestata dalla pesta nera. Quando ho seguito il corso sul Decameron non pensavo tanto ai paragoni tra la Pesta Nera e il Coronavirus. Invece mi sono messa a scrivere per un’antologia dell’infedeltà che caratterizza tante storie d’amore nell’opera. Ho scritto quaranta pagine sull’adulterio nell’Decameron nel contesto delle classi sociali, della Chiesa, dei ruoli dei sessi e certo della pesta.

Il Decameron racconta novelle d’amore, arguzia, munificenza, inganni, del divario tra le classi sociali, di religione e fortuna. Sulla superficie si vede il Decameron come un tipo di divertimento creato dalla brigata per sopravvivere l’isolamento durante la pesta proprio come oggi noi ci divertiamo con libri e film. Comunque il Decameron ci presenta tanti temi sotto il pretesto di un po’ di volgarità e umorismo che possono essere analizzati senza limiti, sopratutto vista la pandemia di oggi. Se non vorresti sfidarti con una tale lettura di cento novelle, ti consiglio di leggere almeno l’introduzione e il proem del Decameron. La descrizione di Boccaccio è spaventosamente simile alla nostra risposta al Coronavirus: si vedono l’abbandono dei cari, una disparità sociale e l’egoismo, tutti ancora rilevanti durante la pandemia. In un altro post vorrei scrivere della versione moderna del Decameron scritta da 29 scrittori invitati dal New York Times per scrivere un racconto dei nostri tempi. Il Decameron rappresenta tanto linguisticamente nella cultura italiana e dobbiamo ricordare questo lavoro anche per l’empatia e l’importanza di raccontare come aveva notato Boccaccio. 

3. Blindness José Saramago

English: I had heard a reference to a book about an epidemic of blindness in an Italian film. Living in a pandemic, I quickly discovered a remarkable work of “plague-literature” a new genre recurring on many reading lists over the past year. Blindness underlines the role of government and bureaucracy in disarming the invisible enemy, an epidemic. The first to fall ill are treated like lepers and essentially thrown into what feels like a prison for the sick. Fear of the unknown seems to blind even those who have not been infected. The wife of a doctor sacrifices her sight in order to remain by her husband’s side. Her compassion serves as an immunity to the mysterious disease. Using blindness as the characteristic symptom highlights the delicate human nature and our need for empathy and each other. There is such a raw, human nakedness that comes with suddenly being unable to see. The epidemic that unfolds made me think about whether I too have fallen ill to this disease; what in this world am I not seeing? Similar to Boccaccio’s description of the Black Plague and the empathy the Brigata develops by their decision to return to Florence, the darkness of the character’s fate is met with the brightness and warmth of compassion. Although it may seem like a grim choice, this book was surprisingly uplifting and is certainly a challenging read with a rich vocabulary. 

Português: Ouvi falar de Ensaio sobre a cegueira em um film italiano, ou seja sobre um livro que raconta uma epidemia de cegueira e depois achei o livro de Saramago . Vivendo durante uma pandemia, eu descobri um gênero emergente de literature que se chama “literatura de praga” que aparece em muitas listas de livros de 2020. A cegueira como epidemia salienta o papel do governo e da burocracia no desarmamento do inimigo invisível, a doença. Os primeiros a ficarem doentes são tratados como leprosos e jogados no que parece uma prisão para os doentes. O medo do desconhecido cega mesmo aqueles que não foram infectados. A esposa de um médico sacrifica a sua visão para ficar com seu marido. A sua compaixão torna-se uma imunidade à misteriosa doença. A cegueira como o sintoma caraterístico sublinha a delicada natureza humana e a necessidade de empatia . Há uma crua nudez humana que acompanha a cegueira repentina. A epidemia do livro me faz pensar na minha própria cegueira, ou seja o que na minha vido não estou vendo. Eu li este livro não só para aprofundar perspectiva sobre o vírus como também para encontrar mais literatura portuguesa. 

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Happy Together : 12

Amor condusse noi ad una morte.

Character(s): (deceptively) dark!Steve

Warnings: this is a dark!fic, it contains non/dubious-consent elements. It goes without (and with) saying that this is 18+.

Series Synopsis: The reader is stood up while awaiting a blind date, instead finding herself keeping company with the restaurant’s famous owner; Steve Rogers. After that night, she tries to forget her humiliation but she just can’t shake one thing about that night: him.

Masterlist

Chapter Summary: The reader finds herself back where she started.

Notes: Well, this chapter gets a bit dark; a bit intense, but we get a little peek into Steve’s delusions and more of his fragile temperament. I hope you all enjoy this. And please, brace yourself for this chapter. I don’t wanna spoil it but it’s creeping up on the dark.

Thanks to everyone who reads and as always, I looked forward to hearing from you in the replies/reblogs/tags/asks. <3

- 

Cuffed. Caged. Caught by Steve Rogers. The room seemed to shrink as he he entered. You looked to the officers on either side of him. Why were you the one in custody? Interrogated? Your heart raced as you realized your dire mistake. You should have known. Had trusting the man before you not taught you anything? There was nothing, no one in this world you could depend on.

"I apologize for my fiance's behaviour." He turned and shook Gowon's hand, then the other officer's. Her badge read Dawson. You scowled and pressed yourself against the table. "With your permission, I'd like a moment alone…" He lowered his voice but you could hear him still. He wanted you to. "She's stressed. She just needs some comfort, you know?"

"Of course, Mr. Rogers," Dawson was more than happy to agree and Golon gave a sympathetic look. 

The former saviour of New York and defender of humanity still wore his mantle of charity. Why look at him; he loved a madwoman. Tore himself away from his work just to bail her out. You were speechless. What could you say? What was your word against his?

You chewed the inside of your lip as the officers left you alone with your personal villain. Delivered you into the hands of the man you had sought refuge from. The door closed, a loud click sealed your fate. His smile slowly faded. His jaw squared and he rolled his shoulders. His cheek twitched and he stepped toward you. You flinched and he put on a show of softening his movements. You stared up at him defiantly as your teeth gnashed. You couldn't let him know how afraid you truly were.

"It's okay, honey, come on and sit." He turned you back to the metal chair and pushed you down by your shoulder. He took the chair across from you and pulled it around to sit next to you. He draped his arm over your shoulder. From the window, he would seem doting; protective even. "You know people are real worried about you."

He fumbled around in his jacket pocket. He pulled out a familiar item. Your phone still wore its holographic shell. He unlocked it and held it before you face. Your Facebook was open; your timeline active despite your forced disconnection. He slowly began to scroll through the well wishes. Talia, several friends you hadn't talked to since college, your mother even. Mixed in were a dozen congratulations until finally he paused at a photo you had never seen. A photo you had never taken and yet there you were, smiling happily beside Steve Rogers; a perfectly blissful couple. Below was a message written in your voice but not by you.

‘To all my friends and family, I must apologize. For the last year I have been distant; standoffish. I could blame it on work or other everyday obligations but I think it better that I come clean. 

One year ago, I met Steve and the connection was instant. We fell in love entirely and were selfish as we dove head deep into each other. It's gone fast but we can't wait any longer to announce it. We're engaged!

To you all, I thank you for standing by me. It had been a very big secret to keep and I have found planning the whole affair very stressful. That being said, I will be stepping back from my work and online to focus on keeping myself healthy as Steve and I put this all together. 

We will announce the date soon and invitations will follow!’

"What did you do?" You recoiled in disgust; disbelief. With your arms bound, you nearly fell right of his grasp. "You're insane!"

He visibly bristled. He blinked and raised the phone once more. He opened up your texts and thumbed through them. "You're mother sends her regards. She was rather upset that you didn't tell her sooner but I cleared all that up."

Your eyes widened as his veneer of calm barely withheld the anger beneath. "Do it," You challenged in a hiss. "I can tell you want to. You want to spank me again, don't you? Hmm? You can't control yourself can you." 

You sneered at him, waiting for him to snap. Hoping. If he bent you over and smacked your right here, surely the police would never let him take you. The tic in his jaw flared and his arm tightened around you. He leaned in so that his lips were right beside your ear.

"You're in big fucking trouble." His whisper made you shiver. He leaned back and reached up to touch your hair as he raised his voice. "It's okay, sweetheart. Let's just get you home and safe. We can push the wedding back."

He rubbed your back as he stood and crossed to the door. He knocked and Dawson reappeared. 

"I hope she didn't trouble you guys too much. I know you work hard out there. I'm real sorry, she's stressed… she's sick. If it's permissible, I'd like to just take her home. I don't think another trip to the hospital is necessary."

He was lying through his teeth and he was oh so good at it. You hung your head in defeat as you listened to his elaborate fabrication. He had imagined a whole life with you and even printed receipts. You were fucked. 

"Of course, Mr. Rogers. You've done this city an amazing service," Dawson preened, "We only wish you were still out there with us."

"When the time comes you just know. Can't be an Avenger and a husband." He said humbly, "Not a good one at least."

"You can take her." Dawson said softly. "Really, we understand. No harm, no foul."

You felt a tug at your wrists and the cuffs were freed with a twist of the key. Steve was once more at your side as he helped you to your feet. You shot him vilest look you could muster.

"Take care of yourself, dear," Her tone was laced with sickly honey. You kept your jaw set and ignored her as Steve ushered you past.

His arm went around your back as he marched you through the station. You felt as if every eye was watching you. Each person a witness to your betrayal. You were tense against him as you stepped out into the sunlight. If not for the situation, you would've basked in it. 

How long had it been since you had felt natural warmth? Why had you not enjoyed it earlier? Why had you been such an idiot?

He led you to a car in the enclosed garage attached to the station and opened the door. You drew away from him and he caught your wrist. "Get in." He growled. You twisted your wrist and he tightened his grip. "I won't hesitate to put you in the trunk. So get in. Now!"

"I hate you." You snarled. "I hate you." You brought your fist up and it bounced of the bottom of his jaw. "Let me go!" 

His winced just slightly and grabbed your other wrist. He raised them over your head and released them. He bent and scooped you up. He draped you over his shoulder. He held you with one arm and reached into his pocket, the doors and trunk clicked. He rounded the back of the car and opened the trunk. He dropped you inside, your head barely missing the metal. 

He snapped closed the lid and you beat against it desperately. You heard his footsteps and the door; you felt his strength as he slammed it shut. The engine kick-started and you clawed at the interior until your hands stilled in futility.

You dropped your head, squished into the tight box. You grunted in frustration and your eyes burned. This couldn't be happening. You had gotten out. You'd gone to the police. You had felt freedom on your lungs. All this and you were to be dragged back to where your started.

-

When the trunk opened, you kicked out only to have your foot caught. You were torn from the car as Steve seethed. His hot breath surrounded you as he forced you across the tarmac. You struggled, heels scraped on the pavement as you neared the knobless door. You tried to keep yourself from within as you kicked your legs out but missed the doorframe. He shoved you through and you barely caught yourself from falling down the stairs as he released you. 

As the door closed with a deafening clang, you were snatched off your feet. Steve had you over his shoulder once more. Your stomach leaned heavily against his shoulder as he descended. You reached for the railing, the walls, but your fingers slid over them helplessly. The door at the bottom was open still, the knob on the floor. He had not yet been home.

He carried you through the hall and into the dining room. He grumbled as he passed through the kitchen and saw the disjointed window. He entered the bedroom and slammed the door with only his foot. He dropped you onto the bed and you bounced so violently you bit your tongue. Before you could rise, he was on top of you. You batted at him with your hands but he seemed not to notice your struggles.

He grabbed the front of your dress and tore it open, the buttons flying across the room in all directions. “Get off!” You grunted as you tried to stop his hands. His eyes were dark; endless. He straddled you so that you couldn’t move, his breath hot and heavy as he pulled your dress down your arms. When it was at your waist, your hands were trapped in the fabric as his began to explore your bare stomach. “Steve! Stop!”

His hands settled on your breasts and he kneaded them roughly. He tweaked your nipples through the seamed brassiere and ground his pelvis against you. He groaned, a shiver rose through him as the bulge in his pants grew. You whimpered as helplessness weighed you down and lifted your head. You dropped it heavily with a sigh. His hands stilled just beneath your neck and he stared down at you with seething breaths.

“Stay!” He pointed at you, his finger almost touching your nose. His other hand pressed against your throat and threatened to squeeze. “Don’t move, honey.”

As he climbed off, you realized how terribly you were shaking. Your entire body trembled and you couldn’t have moved if you tried. You had never been so entirely terrified. The door opened and he wasn’t gone more than a minute. You looked up just as he returned and he held a large black chest. He set it down on the plush love seat and opened it. He pulled straps from within and your blood surged.

You sat up and untangled your hands from the dress. As he neared, you  rolled across the bed. You knew exactly what he meant to do. You didn’t make it to the door as he blocked you from it with his broad figure. He reached behind him and slammed it again. He walked towards you wordlessly until you were forced to retreat and the back of your knees hit the bed. You fell onto it once more and he grabbed your ankles.

He flipped you easily, your body twisting painfully as you tried to resist. He wrapped a strap around your left ankle and secured it to the bedpost. Next he tied your right, then your wrists. He reached under you and ripped open the rest of your dress. He bunch it up and let it fall to the floor as he stepped back, admiring your form spread-eagle and face down on the bed.

You turned your head as he returned to the chest and reached within once more. He revealed a leather whip and you cursed. He slapped it across his palm as he faced you. 

“I told you, there will be punishment for misbehaviour,” He growled. He rolled your panties down around your thighs as far as they would go. He rested the leather against your ass. “Now, you will take it and learn to be a good wife. And after, you can think on your lesson.”

He lifted the whip and it came down with a poisonous bite. You yelped and the tears rose instantaneously. He repeated the action, again and again. You couldn’t have kept count if you had tried. You sobbed into the bedspread as you gripped the straps that restrained you. He stopped as your ass and thighs were raw. You were certain there was blood too.

You heard the whip fall to the floor. You opened your eyes and watched as he unzipped his pants. He pulled out his cock and began to stroke. You closed your eyes, the sounds of his self-pleasure rising in groans. The bed slouched beneath him as he knelt on the mattress beside you, his cum spilled onto your ass and you turned your face to the bed.

His large hand rubbed his cum into your tortured flesh and he purred. He pulled your panties up over your damp skin and patted your ass. He untied you, your limbs falling limp against the bed. He moved your body for you. He dragged you across the bed and stood you up. You swayed as a sear went through your ass and legs. He supported you with one arm as he angled you around the room.

He grabbed the back of the sofa and pushed it aside so that it faced the bathroom door. He kicked the rug away with his foot and bent to lift the concealed hatch in the wooden floorboards. You began to panic as he guided you down the stairs ahead of him. A small room was hidden beneath with shadowy forms; a narrow bed, a sink, a small toilet. A cell worse than that at the station.

“Go, or I’ll let you fall,” He snapped. You looked at him in shock. “Go on, dear.” All his false affection, his delusional love, had gone.

You peered back down into the secret room and he let you go. You barely kept yourself from slipping down the stairs. You descended a step at a time and looked back up at him as you reached the bottom. He frowned and shook his head.

“You did this to yourself,” He said as he closed the hatch and all went black around you. 

The locked clicked and you heard his footsteps as he walked away. You held onto the steps and slowly sank to your knees. You screamed until it caught in your throat and hung your head. You wept until your head pounded and your chest knotted. 

What had you done?

+

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[nekumiko]

An Unrequited Love for the Books

Fandom: Akame ga Kill

Genre: Romance, Hurt/Comfort

Rated: T

Warnings: Major Character Death, Violence

Chapter: 1/?

Word count: 2128

In between the tall bookshelves, the sound of air being sliced echoes, before several thuds swiftly follow.

Booted feet confidently walk towards the interrupter of the sweet silence, stopping in front of a green-haired man whose ridiculously long coat is pinned to the ground by two of the many fatally-sharp tools he’d barely missed.

He looks up to find a bespectacled brunette in a frilly cream-colored dress and white apron staring him down, her arms crossed and one eyebrow raised in amusement. “Ah!” he exclaims, pointing to her. “I told you to hide once someone sets the trap off!”

She giggles. “Mm-hmm, you sure did.” The girl then treads through the maze of slicers, choppers, and dicers stuck on the cement floor. “But I know what your footsteps sound like.” She reaches the free space between two knives dangerously close to the boy’s feet. She looks up and pokes his chest. “So I didn’t have to.”

“Aww, Layla-chan, that makes me blush.” His gaze on her finger raises to lock eyes with her.

As if the weight of the moment washes over her right then, Layla’s smile turns watery. “Lubba!” she whines before tackling him in a hug – eliciting a pained groan from the boy – and buries her face on his shoulder.

A soft smile overtakes Lubbock’s expression. He smooths her hair down and wraps his arms around her. “Yeah, I came back safe.”

Suddenly, Layla grips the collar of his coat tight and looks up at him. “Is that right?”

The coat slides off his shoulders. Lubbock’s eyes trail the girl’s small, warm hands snaking up his arms and then in his sleeves to reach his biceps, shoulders, underarms. Her hands then lift from his progressively-warm skin for a short moment before diving under his shirt to move up and down, left and right his torso.

He could only gulp. This body check is nothing new, but damn it, he could never get used to it.

After what seemed like hours, Layla steps back and dusts off her hands. “Okay. You’re clean.”

You try hard to keep a straight face every time, but I know… Lubbock smirks. “How can you be sure? You didn’t check the lower ha-“

“Oh, would you look at the time!” Layla spins on her heel and quickly steps over the knives to make her escape. He makes that comeback every time, and she never fails to blush at it. “It’s time for you to actually do some work around here!”

He snickers, bending down to remove the knives pinning his beloved coat. “Did she forget I’m technically her boss?”

“I can’t take a boss who gets caught in his own traps seriously,” she replies, her voice traveling among the bookshelves.

Lubbock whines childishly. “Could you at least help me out, though?”

“You’re on your own. I can’t see your strings, so I might set off the one holding that hatchet up there.”

Lubbock looks up at the deadly weapon remaining suspended right above him and laughs nervously. “So that’s what’s missing in here.”

“To think that you’d get killed not because of a mission, but because of your own traps.” A now-calm Layla pops back out of a nearby bookshelf, dramatically leaning on it and placing a hand on her forehead. “Oh, the tragedy!”

“Okay, cutie.” Lubbock chuckles as he drops the last of the knives in the pile beside him. He stands up and holds out his coat to her. “May I?”

Layla exchanges it with the neatly-folded apron she’d brought.

“How about you just help me reinstall these instead?”

“And let you stand under the ladder and look up my skirt?” Layla scoffs. “No, thanks.”

“It’s fair trade.” Lubbock grins suggestively as he ties his apron.

“What are you talking about? The only one who’d benefit from that is you again.”

“Don’t tell me you don’t feel anything when you check me.”

“Of course I do. I could feel your scrawny body.”

“Wha-? I may slack off in training, but I’m fairly muscular!” With one smooth movement, he closes their distance and gently captures her chin. “Proof? You can’t get your hands off me.”

She raises her arms to push him away, but that would mean touching his chest or shoulders. She quirks up an eyebrow upon seeing him smirk. “Lubba,” Layla says, dropping her hands back down to her sides and merely tilting her head away to break out of his hold. “Customers would be coming in soon. Do we really want them to see all these incriminating evidence of our ties to people whom society sees as dangerous?”

Lubbock laughs and fondly pokes her cheek. “Okay. I get it, boss.”

Since then, the whirring of strings from Cross Tail is the only one that resounds through the book shop. When Lubbock finally looks up at the girl, he finds her already sitting beside him on the cold floor, which he assumes is a subconscious decision.

The various ways the teenage boy could use his Imperial Arm never ceases to amaze Layla, so she takes every chance she could get to watch him tinker with it.

But behind her awed expression, Lubbock could discern hints of longing. So instead of jokingly chiding her for not returning to her post, he instead says, “Let’s go home together tonight.”

Layla startles at his voice. But as his words register, she instantly brightens up. “Okay!”

Now, Night Raid’s base lies 10 kilometers from the capital. Being a non-fighter, and therefore having lower stamina than the others, Layla dreads having to walk that far, especially after a long day of work. Until, of course, the oh-so-kind Lubbock would offer to carry her on piggyback the rest of the way. That’s what she delights in.

At the entrance, a young man carrying a Danger Beast he’d hunted stops to take a second look at them, his eyes growing as wide as dinner plates by the minute.

Confused, Lubbock raises a hand in a cautious wave. “Yo, Tatsumi.”

Tatsumi warily points to the girl still hanging off the green-haired guy’s back.

“Ah, Layla-chan, we’re here,” Lubbock softly says, thinking the girl is already asleep. But his lips almost brush her cheek when he turns to look at her.

A wide-awake Layla had been staring at Tatsumi since she’d spotted him from a distance, and so focused was she on the boy that Lubbock had to crouch down so her feet would touch the ground. Her gaze still fixed on Tatsumi, she bounds over to him and bows in greeting. “Hello, Tatsumi! I’m Layla!” She smiles and turns to the green-haired man stopping to stand beside her. “Lubba’s wife.”

Tatsumi looks at them back and forth before falling on his knees. “Master Lubba!” he cries, holding a thumbs-up. “Good job!”

Lubbock gives him a smug grin and wraps an arm around Layla’s shoulders. “We’ve been going strong for two years now, might I add.”

Suddenly, Tatsumi shoots up and points an accusing finger at Lubbock. “But why do you still try to peek on Neesan and talk perversely about girls?”

Layla gasps. “What? Do you mean… he still does that?”

“W-w-w-what are you saying, Tatsumi?” Lubbock’s voice rises in panic.

“Lubba, I…” Layla’s voice breaks. Then she covers her face and starts sobbing.

Lubbock stands behind the girl to rub her shoulders, laughing nervously. “Layla-chan, you don’t seriously believe this guy, right?” He glares at Tatsumi as he continues, “You trust me, your lifetime companion, more than a boy you just met, don’t you?”

Tatsumi splutters. “I… I didn’t mean to… I-“

“Don’t worry, Tatsumi.” A girl with flowing jet-black hair suddenly appears, with a Danger Beast even larger than Tatsumi’s catch on her back. “That’s just their cover in the Capital.”

Layla raises her face, no signs of crying in her expression at all. “Aww, Akame-chan, you’re no fun.”

Lubbock laughs. “Right? You’re really so gullible, Tatsumi.”

With a roar, Tatsumi rushes forward, barely missing Layla’s face, to grab Lubbock by the collar. The (fortunately) dead Danger Beast he’d caught lies forgotten on the ground. “You really get on my nerves sometimes!”

“Not my fault you’re so naïve!”

The front door opens to reveal a well-endowed blonde. “Oi,” she shouts, “what’s with all the noi- oh! Layla!”

“Neesan!” Layla runs towards her, arms outstretched.

The older woman squeals and meets her halfway. “I missed you so much!”

“Leone,” Akame says, “you’ve been together the other day.”

“But that was for only a short while! Lubba keeps her to himself a lot, but doesn’t even take care of her!” Leone then ruffles Layla’s hair, ruining her half-ponytail.

Layla looks up. “That’s not entirely tr—“

“It must have been lonely, huh?” Leone cuts Layla off by pressing the younger girl’s face deeper into her chest.

Tatsumi and Lubbock stop arguing to watch.

“So jealous…” Lubbock mutters.

Tatsumi does not say anything, but a blush tinges his cheeks.

Lubbock then turns to him to take hold of his collar too. “Oh, of course you’re not jealous because Neesan actually enjoys suffocating you with those boobs!”

Layla finally manages to break away from Leone and looks at the boys. “Shouldn’t we break them up?”

Leone shrugs. “Nah, let them be.” She then tugs Layla into the base. “Hurry and come inside instead! Boss arrived yesterday, so you should greet her next!”

The Boss. Layla purses her lips as she begins to get dragged along the hallways. So that explains why Lubbock had to stay an extra day in the base.

Leone suddenly slows down and matches her pace. “Hey,” she speaks softly now, “we all didn’t expect her to return yesterday. I’m sure Lubba didn’t mean to leave you alone for a while longer. You know how things work.”

“Huh? Oh no!” Layla laughs. “Come on, that doesn’t bother me at all! The longer I stay in the Capital, the more information I could gather, right? It’s just perfect that Boss is here. I could be useful right away.”

Leone nudges her shoulder. “You know you don’t have to hide it from me.”

“I’m not hiding anything, Neesan.”

Information is essential in this line of work. And this is where Layla comes in handy. Despite choosing not to be an assassin herself – and because Lubbock is strongly opposed to the idea – she works as an informant for Night Raid. Being able to stay in the capital for longer periods of time allows her to collect updates and secrets the group could use. Though it feels nice to be useful, Layla’s information would also mean more dangerous missions for everyone. For Lubbock.

Sometimes, though, even if she doesn’t bring home information enough to formulate a mission, Najenda herself would get requests from the Revolutionary Army, and those are always considered urgent.

“Layla,” Lubbock softly calls, his reflection appearing behind the brunette standing in front of the window.

Layla stops biting her thumbnail and turns around in an instant. “Lubba.” She pouts.

“You know I can’t have you traveling alone to the Capital. Take a day off from work today.”

“And you know I am not worried about that.”

Lubbock smiles and opens his arms to invite her in, and she obliges. A promise to come back home is never uttered, because no one ever knows how a mission would turn out. Instead, he always says, “I’ll try my best.” And then he kisses the top of her head.

Layla looks up to smile back, and with her usual reply of, “Please,” she’d kiss his cheek.

As Lubbock follows Bulat, Sheele, and Mine out of the base, Layla watches them until she can’t see them anymore. When she turns around, she spies brown hair peeking out of a wall.

She giggles. “Come on out, Tatsumi.”

Tatsumi steps away from his hiding spot and laughs nervously.

Layla raises an eyebrow. “So?”

“Huh?”

“You want to ask something, don’t you?”

“Ah, well… you kind of confused me just now. Are you and Lubba actually…?”

“Oh, no, no, no!” Layla waves her hands in front of her. “We’re just… um, really close friends.”

Tatsumi blinks. “I guess relationships in the Capital are really complicated.”

Oh, right. He’s not from the city. “Well, to put things simply, he basically saved my life. It just formed some sort of special attachment between us, but not in that way, okay?”

Tatsumi only frowns in thought.

“Besides…” she mutters, trailing off.

“Besides…?” Tatsumi prompts.

Layla startles, not expecting him to still be listening. “Nothing! You should go back in now, or else Akame-chan would actually kill you this time!”

At this, Tatsumi throws her a panicked thanks and rushes away.

Layla sighs and slides down the wall. “Besides, he’s already so deep in love with someone else.”