#home is a coming nao

[incorrect-mltd-quotes]

She always appears at the best times, I swear. She knows. Wouldn’t have it any other way. 

[r3dblccd]

Happy Sunday! Despite the many many layers Nao wears during the day, when they're going to bed they wear barely anything

[the-coa-vjcvu-pke-network]

I think there might be an uptick in sales!

Tarron

[mapoeggplant]

skip to loafer and the "i love you as a person" message

skip to loafer general spoilers

one thing that i'll always be very grateful of skip to loafer is really how they highlight so much the "i love you as a person" mindset — and how that is present in all the narrative, not only on shima and mitsumi's relationship.

this is not only important for the story's target audience, but it also opens the door to a discussion about the value of platonic relationships, which are often "denied" because they are not as "important" as romantic love. and this happens not only when mistumi tells shima that she will like him no matter what happens or who he is — the message spreads to other characters as well.

one of the examples i love most is the moment mika confesses to shima. throughout the chapter, all of her insecurities are exposed and she tirelessly hurt herself saying things like how she doesn't deserve to have someone who likes her in any way (a reflection of the way she was treated throughout her adolescence). this dissolves when shima refuses to throw away the valentine's gift she made especially for him and thanks her for all the care she took with it — an affirmation that her hard work has been recognized and appreciated. this shows mika that she is a person who deserves love and to be valued. for the first time, mika understands that she is being seen as a person, as someone who deserves to be treated well and be recognized.

i know that many people must be thinking that there was an intention for a romantic development in this scene and yes, i agree. after all, mika went to him to confess her feelings. but the way in which the scene was handled makes me think that being seen as a valid person to have feelings was worth much more to her than having her romantic feelings reciprocated — and this, in my opinion, comes back to prominence in chapter 54, when nao, once again, recognizes her pain and connects with it (the appreciation of the "self" when you find someone who understands where you’re hurt).

(...)

(this part wasn't included on the original analysis, but later on I decided to add:

oh my god i was so focused on some very specific scenes for mika that this one slipped my mind and i feel so bad for that! this moment is one of the most important for mika’s development and it also highlight the first time she was seen as a person (by no other than nao). since that day, mika holds nao to a very important place in her heart. i feel that she, at that time, said exactly what mika needed to hear to feel validated and to feel comfortable enough to just go back and spend the night with the girls. if it wasn’t for nao at that time, mika would probably go home and regret ever making this decision — and this ties directly to chapter 54.)

(...)

the second character i want to talk about is yuzuki and all the times she had her identity erased thanks to other people's selfishness.

since the opening of chapter 38, yuzuki talks about how she was always seen as someone whose time was numbered: there was a countdown until the day she achieved "true beauty" and began to be an object of desire, no longer a person. this not only happens thanks to the disgusting adult men that surround you, but also thanks to the friends she tried to make in middle school, one of the most important times of a child’s life, phase where they are beginning to recognize themselves as a person.

yuzuki is simply seen as a object of status to the boys in her class, while to the girls, she’s someone who was only interested in "diminishing others with her beauty" — something she never did, but never even had the chance to defend herself. 

Thanks to that, yuzu is forced to grow up without having an identity of her own, but one forced on her, causing her to rebel and refuse to open up to new people. she had her feelings denied, being defended only when there was a sexual/romantic interest in the mix and forced to believe that she was being selfish for denying such a privilege of being "spoiled" and "admired" by everyone, all the time.

yuzu gets her chance to be valued as a person when she enters high school and meets mitsumi and the other girls. she is, for the first time, seen as a person, seen as a yuzuki, seen as someone who has the right to impose herself and be selfish, something she has never been able to be before. her feelings are not diminished or seen as "not valid enough” but most importantly: she’s finally heard. 

and then, i think we have one of the most important “i love you like a person” moment: the breakup chapter. chapter 46 is a huge twist to skip to loafer’s romantic narrative, which i myself appreciate a lot. kind of a personal twist here, but it’s a breath of fresh air for someone like me, a demi girl, who always had a little trouble with understanding love when i was their age — and now, basically ten years later, mitsumi’s words not only reached shima, but it also reached me and other thousands of readers who needed to hear something like that.

but well, let’s get back on track. chapter 46 is one of the first times we see shima talking about his past relationship with other people and going a little more in-depth with his relationship with his mom. the core message of it all and the core line that guides all of his personal connections is very simple and highlight why shima have so many trust issues: no one ever saw him as a person, but only as a status object, as someone who was there to be used for their own benefit. shima was used by his mother when she forced him to keep on acting, was used by his peers in a situation a little similar with yuzuki (ofc not completely equal, because we need to remember that gender roles also have a huge influence on how both stories developed (see ririka, for exemple. i have a whole thread on her as well, but this is another topic), when both felt like they were nothing but puppets to the ones around them. 

when shima is sitting by mitsumi’s side, he starts to wonder if he really deserves all of that, if he really deserves someone like mitsumi near him. he doesn’t understand his feelings as a whole, because he was never given the opportunity to really explore them and try to dissect it all — this is brought up once again on chapter 53, when he starts to discuss with mukai what it means to love someone in a romantic way (and why loving them as a person isn’t enough on society’s eyes). 

he’s not, at any point, using mitsumi or making fun of her feelings. imagine if you were never allowed to think for yourself and then, suddenly, you have the freedom to do so. how does one express something they never had? how does one understand what it means to have a feeling, any feeling, if all they ever felt was guilt?

and that’s when the bigger bomb hits the scene: mitsumi, seeing how troubled he is, shows how important he is and how she values him as a person. it might seem silly to a lot of people, but just hearing someone saying “i will always like you as a person, no matter who you end up being” when all you ever heard in your life was how useless you were, makes you whole world crumble on the spot. he was seen, he was heard, he was understood. mitsumi valued him to the point of assuring him that a romantic relationship wasn’t more important than the platonic one they had. isn’t that beautiful?

to finish it off, i think the conversation the girls have on chapter 57 is also extremely important to the narrative and to the overall message. by not wanting the girls to see shima in a terrible light, mitsumi is, once again, putting their relationship as friends above any other romantic relationship they could have. she shows how much she values him and how much he is important to her — she sees shima as a person, not as an object. 

and then, makoto comes to picture with a beautiful speech about how loving someone (any kind of love, not one or another) is to hope that they are happy, content, being taking care of and being comfortable with their own feelings. by forcing someone to feel anything you selfish want, you’re not valuing them as a person with their own feelings and insecurities, but only seeing them as a way to satisfy yourself.

of course, i’m not here to defend everyone and say that they never hurt anyone. yes, shima did hurt mitsumi and she still not completely over it, but she’s way worried with losing him as a friend than forcing something out of a relationship that both don’t feel very comfortable with. mitsumi herself is also someone who is slowly understanding her feelings and understanding what it means to love romantically — but never putting the platonic side aside, since there is no right way to love someone.

thank you so much for reading!! i hope i was clear about the points i was trying to bring up, but i'm always open to discussion!!! 💛

[lullabyes22-blog]

Snippet - Girl Talk - Forward but Never Forget/XOXO

Vi and Sevika: Unlikely Bffs

Forward but Never Forget/XOXO

Snippet:

"Transcending survival," it sounds like a direct quote, "and achieving sovereignty."

Vi lets off a low whistle.

"Sovereignty," she repeats. "That's a big fucking word."

"Yeah, well."

The sigh rides a languid plume of smoke. Satisfaction, Vi thinks. But also fatigue. Whatever toll Silco's absence exerted seems nothing compared to the one his return's exacted.

Strangely, Vi recognizes the feeling. With her romance with Caitlyn rekindled, it is impossible to feel contentment: apart or in proximity.  Closeness only opens the floodgates for more want. More worries. More risks to lose what's been regained.

Then she thinks of the kiss she and Caitlyn shared inside the café: warm, safe, solid. Of the longing that preceded it; and the closure that followed. Since then, the bedrock certainty has stayed beneath Vi's feet even as reality spins its dizzying wheels.

Yet, here is a fellow Fissurewoman stuck in a quagmire. Loyal to her last breath, and lonelier for it.

"And that's all there is?" Vi takes the plunge. "What about… y’know? You and him?"

Dark eyes lock on Vi. "Where're you going with this?"

"Nowhere. Just... seems like there's been a falling out."

"And if there was?"

"I'd say 'tough shit,' and move on. Not my circus; not my monkeys. Unless they're living right next door." Vi gestures: at the ebbing signs of festivity around the dockside. At the promise Progress Day offers, for Piltover and Zaun both. "You've kept me in the loop for a year. The least I can do is lend an ear if something's up."

"Thought we weren't doing debts."

"This isn't about debts."

"Then what's it about?"

"Honesty. Or have you spent so long in Silco's shadow, you've forgotten how to be real?"

Sevika says nothing. Her footsteps eat the cobblestones; her drags devour the cheroot. Her profile stays inscrutable. If she's contemplating socking Vi in the jaw, or contemplating other matters entirely, she doesn't let on. That'd be tantamount to losing face.

Vi is, whatever else, half a Topsider.

Half a Topsider—but she's snitched not a damn thing that could be held against Zaun. Nothing to pad the Council's dossiers: no dirt on Silco's business dealings. Jinx's name had been kept exempt entirely. Silco had expected—hell, encouraged—her to spin tales and secure her safety. He knew each song would come with privileges: sweeten deals; polish connections; bolster clout.

If she'd played it right, she'd have been the Council's pet canary, crooning into a platinum-plated microphone.

Vi kept her lips zipped.

Six months at Silco's side, and she'd done squat to capitalize on the ordeal. Nor will she.  Whatever beefs exist, they are private property. Silco may have jettisoned her, Vi may hate him, their mutual grudges may stretch for leagues. And yet there was a bargain struck between them��Silco and Vi—the night the Void encroached on their home.

They'd become fellow survivors in an unholy alliance that no outsider could understand.

Now Vi's silence is the silence of the Fissures: inviolate. She'll carry it till her deathbed.

Maybe Sevika recognizes that.

She doesn't soften, exactly. But her words, when they come, don't hold the usual granite.

"No falling out," she says quietly. "At least, not where Zaun's concerned.  That bag's secured, tagged, and marked as Top Priority."

"And the rest?"

"The rest's the usual. I've got my squeezes. He's got his. Keeps the ashes hauled, and the gears oiled." The granite returns; so does a degree of the old wickedness. "Though if it's gossip you're after, here's a tidbit. Your girl is back in Silco's good graces. And she's planning on sticking around."

The cobblestones dip underfoot. Caitlyn's face flashes, but of course that's not who Sevika means. 

"Nao?" Vi blurts.

"The one and only."

"I thought she was done turning tricks."

"Oh, the tricking's been put to bed. She's Zaun's mistress-in-chief now. Direct line to the Eye." Off Vi’s stunned silence, Sevika tips a shoulder.  "Silco's got his hands in plenty of pockets. And Maven's the one who's pulled every pair of those monogrammed drawers down. Every state secret, every political scandal—it all funnels through her. Guess Silco decided it's smarter to have her onside."

"Motherfuck."

"Yeah, she's got a few of those on file too." Something rueful glitters in the dark gaze. "Thought I'd give you the heads-up. Silco's been trotting her out for public engagements lately. So you might see her viz in the papers. She sure fits the look of a high-class mistress. Posh accent. Poised walk. Polite manners. Plus a dash of brass to keep it interesting. Not to mention—" An expressive cupping, "—a brand new boost to the decolletage. Twenty-ninth birthday gift, courtesy of the Boss." 

Vi shakes her head. 

It's difficult not to feel a measure of resentment toward Nao. Especially after she'd set Vi up to walk into the ambush in the Abattoir. And yet, there's a twinge of pity, too. However shiny Nao’s golden perch, it sits within a shark's glistening jaws. Whatever gains come of staying close, there's always the risk of waking up with those teeth buried in your throat.

Nao should have left when she could.

Then again: wasn't that the advice she'd given Vi?

As for Silco: what's his gameplan? A mistress isn't his style. Too many demands: energy, attention, affection. Demands he'd rather invest elsewhere. Perhaps Nao's meant to serve as window-dressing as he slinks out of the shadows and into the social spotlight. Keep the gossip mill spinning with decadent sleights-of-hand, while he cuts dirtier deals behind the scenes.

Except Vi doesn't buy it. Silco's smallest decision serves a dual purpose.  But he's too subtle to misdirect through such showy gambits as a kept woman on his arm. If he's brought Nao back into the fold, his agenda extends beyond mere showmanship. He wants her within arm's reach: he wants her in his crosshairs.

Meaning Nao's not simply a plaything: she's leverage.

And the fallout—if things go south—could put her six-feet-under.

As if reading Vi's mind, Sevika says, "I've warned her to watch her step. She thinks she's in the Big League. But there's no keeping pace with a man who's ten miles ahead and counting." Her tone darkens; Vi hears grief and envy both. Neither take precedence. There's only an inevitability that comes with long-lived loyalty. "He runs hot; you just run behind. And if you don't run fast enough, you'll burn."

"You've always kept pace. Always run the closest."

"And now, Maven's using my playbook to cut corners."

"She ought to know better."

"Ought to."

"So should you."

Sevika's brow holds that familiar uptick.

"I just mean," Vi says, "it's a shitty hand to be dealt. You've been all-in for years. Now someone else is in the chips."

Understatement is a risky ploy. But Vi has learnt its uses. It gives nothing away—but it also leaves room for backing out. For denial, if that's the way Sevika wants to swing it.

Because even if her remarks are confirmation—yes, this is a breakup—that doesn't mean she wants to dwell in the reality.

In her place, Vi wouldn't.

Because, fuck, she gets it. Heartbreak hurts. Sevika may be older, tougher; the only fighter to meet Vi toe-to-toe. But that doesn't make her infallible. It takes a hundred sleepless nights to perfect that level of sangfroid.

More than anyone, Vi thinks the woman deserves an easy chair by the fireside.

Maybe that's why she asks:

"You doing alright?"

"We swapping girl-talk now?" Sevika scoffs. "Not our scene."

"We can afford to switch it up now and then." Vi kicks a stray pebble with the tip of her boot. "I just… hell. I'll say it. I'm grateful to you. When I was in Zaun, you gave me a square shot. Even if it was to keep the game rolling. After shit hit the fan, you kept the city from splitting at the seams. Silco ought to give you a fucking medal. Instead, he's with girl a half his age, who's profiting from all your groundwork. Soon, he'll either snap her in half, or find a juicer catch. But what about you? Will you still be on his hook?"

"Never been off it."

"But why?" Another pebble goes skittering. "He's not worth it. Believe me. I'd be happy to kick him in the nuts if it'd make a lick of difference."

"It'd make a lick of difference." A smile: fair-off, flickering. "But he'd still be the same bastard. Besides. You break his dick, you're breaking one of Zaun's national treasures."

"Ew."

"Thought we were switching it up."

"Not that way." Vi's spasm is visceral. "I just don't get it.  You can't tell me it doesn't chafe, knowing Nao's strutting in your shoes." A sudden candor makes its way past her defenses: "When I was in Zaun, Caitlyn... she took up with someone else. An heiress. The press got wind, and splashed the pictures on every rag Topside and Down-Low. Gotta tell you. It felt like an axe to the jaw, seeing her with another chick. Like breaking up ten times over. You can't say it's not as bad with you. That you're not..."

The quirk in Sevika’s brow cuts higher. The query's clear: Jealous?

Vi nods. Sevika shakes her head.

"He's welcome to whomever," she says. "Same way I'm free to fuck who I choose."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"You're a rookie at this game, Vi. You've been with that Piltie of yours for what—eighteen months, give or take? And you think you're entitled to judge? Please. Try a decade, and we'll swap war stories."

A smoke ring ripples past Vi's nose: a perfect O-shaped provocation. She doesn't rise to it. Sevika's a natural sparrer: there's nothing she relishes more than a blow-by-blow.

But Vi understands her aim isn't to throw down. It's to throw Vi off her game.

This conversation is veering dangerously close to Sevika's heart-of-hearts. With it comes the temptation to divert, distract, derail. But the moment's past. In its place is a weary sense of trust.

At the end of the day, Vi and Sevika aren't scheming power-brokers.

Just two brawlers rolling with life's punches.

"Is that how long you've been with together?" Vi dares. "A decade?"

"We were never 'together.' Already made that plain."

"Doesn't mean there's no strings attached."

"Strings aren't the same as vows, Vi. And the more time goes by, the deeper those lines get engraved."

"Enlighten me."

Sevika smiles. A strange smile: halved and hidden. A sense of something tethered down deep. "A decade, Vi. That’s enough time to understand where matters stand. What's the bottom line, and the cost of crossing it." The cheroot's cherry brightens, then dims; two thirds' gone. "We grew up together. We fought together. Suffered the same defeats. Shared the same wins. Rode into war on the same wavelength. And when the end came, it gutted us. Me to disillusionment. Him to death."

Vi thinks back to the kitchen, and the parallelogram of sunlight creeping as Silco's confession came closer to completion. And, after: the rush of rage, so white-hot her vision went momentarily blind. That urge to grab the nearest object and drive it into his eyeball wasn't merely vengeance. It was a mercy kill.

Because she'd recognized how much had been cored out of Silco. The pieces of him that could never be resuscitated.

Never be laid to rest.

"He changed," Vi says.  "He'll never be the same again."

"Nothing stays the same," Sevika retorts, without sharpness. "Everything evolves. That Piltie of yours won't be the same girl you fell in love with, five months down the line. Let alone five years. But if you play your cards right, she'll be the woman by your side till you're old and senile." A drag of the cheroot; a coil of smoke. "Ten years, Vi. Not eighteen months of fucking and fights and fun. Ten years of ups and downs. Blood, sweat, tears and doing what needed to be done. Being the kind of XO he wanted, so he could be the monster our city needed. Ten years of struggling tooth and nail to finish what we started, and hitting too many rock-bottoms to count. And each time, I watched him dig in his heels, grit his teeth, and crawl from the wreckage. He never stopped until he'd made his way to the top. Until we'd gone from the slags in the sewer to the kings of the hill." A deeper drag; a longer coil. "Ten years, and d'you think it matters if I'm jealous? If he dips his wick in a million Mavens? If we're 'together' or not? After all that's been lost and gained and fought for?" She shakes her head. "The man's occupied territory. But my blood's on that deed. It’s mine till death do us part.”

"That sounds..."

Like a fucking prison, Vi nearly says. Except that's not quite right.

Whatever Silco and Sevika share refuses to slot into a neat cellspace. And Vi's perspective's biased: it's shaped according to a private lexicon of highs-and-lows, rather than give-and-take. She's never experienced a bond where reciprocity and self-sacrifice interlock. She meets Caitlyn as an equal; Caitlyn will settle for nothing less. It's why she's so active in Vi's struggles; so committed to securing their shared future. A partnership that transcends privilege and poverty; one that hopes to eradicate the divides entirely.

That journey's worth every second spent fighting the odds.

No regrets. No surrender.

Sevika and Silco don't fit this mold. They never have. He leads; she follows. To his highest ascents, and his lowest ebbs. Maybe because she's known who he is—what they are together—long before anyone else did. Known that on the blueprint of their bond, they can build something greater. Something that belongs to them both, and yet outlasts their struggles side-by-side.

Something that transcends even the love itself.

Not survival, but sovereignty.

Yet, Vi cannot help but think:  it must be hard to invest soul-deep in a cause, and not in each other. It must be harder to know you're aligned, no matter the odds. It must be downright brutal to be close —close enough to touch—but separated by a split so profound, you've shaped yourself around it, and can never fill the space in.

It must royally suck to know:  Gods, I'm still in love.

Always will be.

Full fucking circle.

"It sounds..." Vi swallows. "Heavy."

"It is what it is."

"Guess so." A beat. "But you know what?"

"What?"

"If your name's on the deed, then Silco's put it there. Meaning no matter how many beds he's hopped, he's gotta come crawling home in the end." Vi holds her stare. "And when he does, I hope you make him grovel. Hands and knees. Kissing the ground you walk on all the way to Hell. Because the bastard owes you ten times over for not cutting that so-called National Treasure clean off, and mounting it on a pike." Vi crooks her pinky-finger: as solemn as a salute. "Fifty Hexes per ball, right?"

A look of naked surprise flashes across Sevika's face. Her laugh catches Vi off-guard. The husky timbre bleeds into the dark. Sevika's features, in the receding dusk, are subtly altered: young as she must've been before time dealt its blows; beautiful in the flashfire way Vi sees whenever they clash in battle.  

A reminder, too. Some folks are forged to endure, no matter how rough the ride, or how rigged the game.

"Oh, Vi," Sevika says. "If you weren't kissing Piltie puss, I'd plant one on you."

"Keep dreaming."

"I've got better ways to keep warm. Though if you were offering—"

"I'd split you down your seams."

"Sweetheart," Sevika grins, "that's the idea."

[rerefundslocals]

COMING HOME TO YOU TEASER~

When you finally reach your house, there’s an odd round of noise inside and why is it odd? You never have guests over, it’s always you and your mom, and an occasional pop in from Mrs Jeon and it’s never really this loud.

Deciding to stop pondering, you open the door and shock graces your features.

You do not have time to process this as your mom rushes over to you, not giving you time to drop your bags or take off your shoes.

“___! Can you believe it? We were just speaking about Jungkook today and look who showed up!!” Mrs Jeon is extremely ecstatic as she squeezes jungkook like he’ll slip away

Jungkook sits in the middle of your living room, on your worn out brown sectional couches. His hair tousled in a mullet like style, his undercut being the star of the show. His body is clad in a leather jacket and black cargo style jeans on his legs and boots that you don’t know the brand of on his feet.

His exterior is rough, you think. You wonder if he’s heart is just the same considering he left without a word to you.

What catches your attention is new faces sat next to him on the end of the sectional couch. There sits two boys you have never seen before, are they his friends? A train of thoughts consume your brain.

Did Nao know?

Why is he back?

Do you miss him?

And why is he back??

“penny for your thoughts, pumpkin? Come on say hi to Jungkook and his friends!” your mom pulls you out of your head, her warm hand rubbing your shoulder, a sudden warmth that you never knew you needed for this exact moment.

Jungkook pipes up as he smiles, his bunny teeth on display and it reminds you of lost memories of the sweet boy he once was that didn’t do anything without looking for your opinion, you wonder where did that sweet boy go and it makes your heart ache, tears threatening to fill your lashline as Jungkook stands up, stretching his hand for you to take.

Release date : TBD

Authors note : trust me. I'm working on it!

please do not copy, translate or respost without permission! Original work of @rerefundslocals.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Queer Books Coming Out in August 2024 🌈

🌈 Good afternoon, my bookish bats! Here are a FEW of the stunning, diverse queer books you can add to your TBR before the year is over. Happy reading!

[ Text list below ⤵ ]

❓What was the last queer book you read?

[ Release dates may have changed. ]

❤️ Failure to Comply - Sarah Cavar 🧡 I Spit On Your Celluloid - Heidi Honeycutt 💛 You're Embarrassing Yourself - Desiree Akhavan 💚 Death of the Hero - Briona Johnson 💙 Between Dragons and Their Wrath - Devin Madson 💜 The Crimson Crown - Heather Walter ❤️ Sacrificial Animals - Kailee Pedersen 🧡 Oath of Fire - K. Arsenault Rivera 💛 The Palace of Eros - Caro De Robertis 💙 This Ravenous Fate - Hayley Dennings 💜 Mistress of Lies - K.M. Enright 🌈 Wolf Bite - T.J. Nichols

❤️ In the Valley, A Shadow - Samantha Tano 🧡 Follow My Lead - Adrian J. Smith 💛 The Last Woman I Kissed - Venetia Di Pierro 💚 Full Shift - Jennifer Dugan & Kristen Seaton 💙 Hers for the Weekend - Helena Greer 💜 Come Out, Come Out - Natalie C. Parker ❤️ Rules for Ghosting - Shelly Jay Shore 🧡 How to Leave the House - Nathan Newman 💛 Plot Twist - Carmen Sereno 💙 On the Far Side of a Crescendo - Kalyn Hazel 💜 Tiny Oblivions and Mutual Self Destructions - Maxwell I. Gold 🌈 Daylan and the River of Secrets - Edd Tello

❤️ The Italy Letters - Vi Khi Nao 🧡 The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie - Lee Wind 💚 The House Where Death Lives - Alex Brown 💙 Ash's Cabin - Jen Wang 💜 The Avian Hourglass - Lindsey Drager ❤️ The Heart Wants - Krystina Rivers 🧡 A Grand Love - Janna Barkin 💛 You Can't Go Home Again - Jeanette Bears 💜 Libertad - Bessie Flores Zaldivar 🌈 Her Golden Coast - Anat Deracine

❤️ Mighty Millie Novak - Elizabeth Holden 💛 Rise and Divine - Lana Harper 💚 Dying for You - L Flowers 💙 I'll Have What He's Having - Adib Khorram 💜 Changing Her Tune - Amanda Kabak ❤️ Monogamy? In this Economy? - Laura Boyle 🧡 The Rainbow Age of Television - Sayna Maci Warner 💛 Medusa of the Roses - Navid Sinaki 💙 Confounding Oaths - Alexis Hall 💜 Idol Lives - K.T. Salvo 🌈 Brother's Keeper - Quinn Cameron

❤️ Key Lime Sky - Al Hess 🧡 Crushing It - Erin Becker 💛 The Husky and His White Cat Shizun - Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou 💚 Not for the Faint of Heart - Lex Croucher 💙 Tasting Temptation - JJ Arias 💜 Ami - S. Jae-Jones ❤️ You're the Problem, It's You - Emma R. Alban 🧡 Cubs & Campfires - Dylan Drakes 💛 The Dark We Know - Wen-yi Lee 💙 Practical Rules for Cursed Witches - Kayla Cottingham 💜 Riyati Rebirth - Kalani Shimizu 🌈 The Brujos of Borderland High - Gume Laurel III

❤️ A Bánh Mì for Two - Trinity Nguyen 🧡 Dance of the Starlit Sea - Kiana Krystle 💛 Scattered Snows, to the North - Carl Phillips 💚 Beyond a World Apart - Caitlin Myers 💙 Don't Let It Break Your Heart - Maggie Horne 💜 Nothing Heals Me Like You Do - Harper Bliss ❤️ How It All Ends - Emma Hunsinger 🧡 How Do I Sexy? - Mx. Nillin Lore 💛 The Palace of Eros - Caro De Robertis 💙 Prince of the Palisades - Julian Winters 💜 Better Left Buried - Mary E. Roach 🌈 Back to Back - Jo Fletcher

❤️ DITCHLAPSE / [REALLY AFRAID] - Tommy Wyatt 🧡 The Love Archives: Bonus Scenes & Excerpts for Palestine - Various 💛 Guardian: Zhen Hun - Ying Priest 💚 The Sunforge - Sascha Stronach 💙 Queering Reproductive Justice - Candace Bond-Theriault 💜 Gender Explained - Diane Ehrensaft & Michelle Jurkiewicz ❤️ The Unlikely Pair - Jax Calder 🧡 In Universes - Emet North 💛 We Love the Nightlife - Rachel Koller Croft 💙 Lessons from Cruising - Martin Goodman 💜 Wild Ginger in the Rhubarb - Eule Grey 🌈 Not My Circus - Delicia Niami

❤️ Asunder - Kerstin Hall 🧡 The Phoenix Keeper - S.A. MacLean 💛 Encounters with James Baldwin - Various 💚 Verity's Game - Jennifer Giacalone 💙 Hunt Me! I Crave the Chase - Fae Quin 💜 The Audacity Omnibus - Carmen Loup ❤️ Haunted to Death - Frank Anthony Polito 🧡 Blood Orange - Paige Grunewald 💛 The Bad Things We Did - Chris Archeske 💙 Dark Restraint - Katee Robert 💜 Worth the Wait - Kenna White 🌈 The Maid and the Crocodile - Jordan Ifueko

❤️ Loving Corrections - Adrienne Maree Brown 🧡 The Last Witch in Edinburgh - Marielle Thompson 💛 The Duchess of Kokora - Nikhil Prabala 💚 The Scales of Seduction - Rien Gray 💙 Survival Is a Promise - Alexis Pauline Gumbs 💜 Loka - S.B. Divya ❤️ The Every Body Book of Consent - Rachel E Simon 🧡 Southern Lights - Liz Arncliffe 💛 Then Things Went Dark - Bea Fitzgerald 💙 Death at Morning House - Maureen Johnson 💜 The Last Doorbell - William Parker 🌈 The Pairing - Casey McQuiston

[florexyy]

𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐔𝐬, 𝐎𝐧��𝐲 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 / 𝐍𝐢-𝐊𝐢

7. 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐦? Genre: Enemies to lovers, a bit of smau Pairing: ni-ki x fem!reader WC: 1.1K Warnings(TBU!): profanity, slow burnish, y/n & riki have an attitude problem, might contain bad grammar and may be illogical sometimes.

༻꧁✬꧂༺

⇝02.09.22⇜ ♫ 𝐍𝐨𝐰 ����𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠...W.D.Y.W.F.M?

Y/N has been looking for the right address for 10 minutes, cluelessly walking around the neighbourhood, until she found the house Nao-mi described to her.

She looked on her phone to check the house number, hesitantly knocking on the door.

A few seconds passed as someone opened the door.

Y/N stood frozen at the doorway, her breath caught in her throat and her heart sank to her stomach as she stared at the last person she expected to see.

He leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, an infuriating expression plastered across his face.

"The heck are you doing here" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Y/N blinked rapidly, glancing down at the address Nao-mi had texted her. "I- think I have the wrong house."

Before she could even think about turning away, a voice echoed from inside.

"Y/N! Finallyyy, what took you so long?"

Nao-mi came rushing down the stairs, nearly tripping over herself in excitement. She grabbed Y/Ns arm, pushing riki aside and pulled her inside before she could protest.

"Wait, you-" Y/N stammered, looking between Nao-mi and Riki in disbelief. "This is your house?"

"Uh, yeah? Where else would we have a sleepover?" Nao-mi laughed, leading her further into the house. "Come on, lets go to my room!"

Y/N cast one last glance at Riki, who simply rolled his eyes at her as he shut the door behind them. Her mind was spinning. How had she never known that Nao-mi was Rikis sister? How had that never come up?

As they settled into Nao-mis room, Y/N tried to shake the weird feeling in her stomach. But she couldnt ignore the nagging thought that Rikis presence brought up memories she couldnt quite piece together.

"I didnt know you guys were siblings.." Y/N said as she plopped down on the bed.

"I thought it was obvious, we literally have the same last name" She chuckled sitting down next to her.

"Thats the 'Blondie' guy ive been talking about the whole time.." She mumbled gulping down her words.

"So youve been badmouthing my brother the whole time" She laughed throwing a pillow at her.

"I mean yeahh...- hes an asshole." Smacking the pillow away jokingly.

 "Alsoooo, what happened at school on monday?" Nao-mi asked changing the topic.

"Uhhh, it was fucking crazy, i was sat in the cafeteria right, with my headphones on just chilling, until Jay fucking jumped up and launched at your brother, they fucking beat the shit out of each other.

"What the hell... i mean yeah i was kinda wondering where riki got those bruises from, he wouldnt tell me" She sighed.

"Well, jay didnt either no idea whats going on between them.." Y/N replied admiring Nao-mis room looking at pictures on her wall.

Y/N paused before thinking about something Jay had said.

"He just said something about me not remembering something" Her gaze shifted back to Nao-mi.

"Is your brother very overprotective?" Nao-mi suddenly asked.

"I mean..- yeah i guess, why?" Y/N furrowed her eyesbrows.

"I think i have an idea what this is all about.." She said snickering holding back her laugh.

"Hm?" Y/N hummed.

"You know riki brought you home last friday right..?" She carefully asked.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"There you go" Nao-mi said reaching out to grab a glass standing on her bedside table.

"What, wait what do you mean?" She stuttered.

"Riki told me he found you blacked out in heeseung bathroom, and i guess, he didnt tell jay to not ruin his night, but he took you home and well, jay found out through other friends maybe?"

"Kinda immature if you ask me" Nao-mi said sipping on her water.

"What the heck? Why would riki do that" She gasped, the floor suddenly looking very interesting.

"No idea, i know hes not the type to do stuff like that dont ask me" Nao-mi said eyeing her.

'So he was the one who posted that embarrassing picture of me..' She thought 

Y/N suddenly let herself fall backwards, her back pressing against the soft material of Nao-mis bedsheet.

༻꧁✬꧂༺

The house was quiet, the kind of silence that felt heavier in the middle of the night. Y/N had been lying awake for what felt like hours, replaying the fight in her head.

With a sigh, she slipped out of her sleeping bag, careful not to wake Nao-mi. She needed water-no, she needed answers.

Making her way down the dim hallway, she quietly pushed open the kitchen door. But she wasnt alone.

Leaning against the counter, lazily sipping from a glass, was Riki. His blonde hair was slightly messy, his hoodie loose around his frame. He glanced up when she entered, eyebrows raising slightly.

"Couldve guessed youd come snooping," he muttered, setting his glass down.

"Not my fault youre always in my way" She rolled her eyes.

He ignored her.

Y/N crossed her arms, standing in the doorway. "I want to know what the fight was about."

Riki exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. "Not happening."

Now that Y/N heard Nao-mis theory, she HAD to find out, no matter how.

"Why not? Jay wont tell me either, and that just makes me think its something stupid."

"Then assume it was stupid and go back to bed" he said, pushing off the counter like he was about to leave.

She stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Not until you tell me."

Riki tilted his head slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You gonna fight me too?"

"If I have to" she shot back.

For a second, his smirk faltered. His expression shifted to something less playful, more serious. He hesitated, then ran a hand through his hair. "Its not something you need to worry about, Y/N."

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Look... Jay was pissed at me about something, okay? He confronted me, things got heated, and fists were thrown. Thats it."

Y/N narrowed her eyes. "Thats it? Thats the best youve got?"

Riki met her gaze, something unreadable in his eyes. "Trust me. You dont want to know."

Her stomach twisted. The way he said it, the way his voice lowered just slightly it wasnt just some meaningless fight. It meant something.

And now she needed to know even more.

"Riki, this is about me." Her voice was quieter now, but firm. "Just tell me."

He looked at her for a long moment, like he was debating something in his head. Then, with a small scoff, he shook his head.

"Go back to bed, Y/N."

And with that, he brushed past her, leaving her standing in the kitchen, heart pounding with frustration.

"I know you took me home that night." She blurted out, restraining herself from turning around.

He stops in his tracks, gulping loudly.

"Nao-mi told me, thats what the fight was about, right?" She said after a long pause, still aware of his presence.

She finally turned around, just to see his back.

"Yeah, i did" He said barely above a whisper.

But before she could say another word, or ask further questions, he left without saying another word, leaving her behind.

'So it was true' She thought, her eyes wide awake.

⇜Last Part ❀ Next Part⇝

[bluelanternn]

— dream come true

* ˚ ✦ ═ levi ackerman x gn! reader

* ˚ ✦ ═ fluff, suggestive, kisses, a bit ooc levi, needy & clingy levi, non-canon au, all aot characters are alive bcz i said so

* ˚ ✦ ═ synopsis: in which, as his lover, you are determined to make his dream come true and make him the happiest.

* ˚ ✦ ═ author’s note: a happy birthday post for my dearest, levi ackerman. whether this is shit to you or not, it’s an appreciation post for my lover.

Business comes in a form of having to spend much. Having to be retired from the military, Levi Ackerman spent his time being chaperoned—cared for—by you. It did not matter to you on how much he has changed physically, he was still your Levi, your love for eternity.

This day is to celebrate the day that is all about him. You start off his day with a good morning kiss, who grumbled and tried to lean away from your kiss, but you knew he loves you too much not to give in.

“Good morning, sunshine. Rise up.” You pepper kisses all over his neck, grinning softly as you breathe in his scent. The curtains around your room were already open, making the sunlight cascade both of you two. Levi lets out a soft breath. “Mhm, good morning.. what time is it?”

“It’s 8:00, sweetheart.” Your eyes were still full of love even after so many of years of being together. Levi still couldn’t get used on having to wake up later than what time he was used to before, his body clock was now slowly getting 12 hour cycle—and all because of you.

He can now have a full time rest without worrying about anything. His hooded eyes gaze towards you, bringing his hand to caress your cheek. “How come you always look so damn good whenever you wake up?” His statement made you chuckle heartily.

“I should be saying that to you, love. You always look like an angel.” Levi wants to scoff and roll his eyes in disbelief at your words, but the sincerity in your eyes always makes his heart beat so fast. He switches both of your positions—making him now lay on top of you.

That index finger which never makes to send shivers on your spine, travels all over your lips. “Really, that mouth of yours will be the death of me.” Before capturing it against his lips, you two share an intimate passionate kiss, your hands gripping his waist lovingly, your lips peppering kisses all over his neck.

A meow inserted over your conversation, making you glance towards your cat. Beautiful black fur and gold irises, your Nao. He climbs on the edge of the bed, curling himself in a ball.

“Happy birthday, darling.” You peck his lips. “Getting older and older, eh?” You grinned teasingly, touching his skin intimately but not anything more, Levi likes how your touch was sensual yet loving at the same time.

He buries his face on your neck, “Can’t I stay here for a while?” You chuckled softly, feeling his breath fanning over your collarbone.

“I’m pretty sure Eren and the rest are already making their way here. It’ll be rude not to entertain your guests, hm?” A laugh bubbles in your throat making his eyebrows furrowed that worsens your laughter.

“Those brats always come here whenever they want like it’s their own home.” He complained, his grip around your body tightened. Despite his words, you can feel the longing in his voice. “G’nna start charging their ass every minute they spend here.” And his vulgarity on his mouth is back again.

You press your lips over his again, him not hesitating to kiss you back. “Calm down, baby..” You whispered against his lips with a soft smile while he pressed his lips against yours again, interrupting your words with a frown—breathy sighs of pleasure slip out of your mouths. You two were about to make it to the next level before you both hear loud knocking on your door.

“Mr. Levi! [Name]-san! Can we come in? We want to give you something!” Eren’s booming voice rolled all over your home making Levi groan in annoyance. You giggled sweetly, standing as you went to open the door for your guests. Nao begin to make his furry presence known by letting out a soft meow before shrieking when Hange begin to coddle him in their arms.

“G’morning to you all.” You greeted with open arms, having Sasha and Connie jump into your arms with a happy smile. Your eyes wandered over to the food that they brought, making your heart swell in warmth. Their love for your husband never fails to make you smile. “Have you brought his favorite cake?” You run your fingers through Sasha’s hair, your eyes zooming in over her mouth. “Sasha.. why is there icing on your face—?”

“I brought you freshly baked banana bread, [Name]-san!” Niccolo tried to direct your focus on his pastry, sweatdropping with a flustered look on having to cover for his girlfriend—who only sheepishly giggled to herself. “No raisins, just how you like it.”

Armin inserted himself on the conversation, “Not just pastries, Niccolo also cooked baked lasagna, salmon, lobster, and a whole chicken!” If you can look closely, you can see Sasha already drooling, preparing to feast over your banquet but controls herself.

Suddenly, you feel two elbows draped over your shoulders, seeing Mike and Hange grinning. “Now, where’s that old man, huh? Want to see the look on his face.” Hange pointed out with a grin, while Mike added, “Probably not out of delight, but that’s what we are looking for.”

You cannot help but laugh, “Well you guys interrupted us so expect his moodiness.” You winked, both veterans getting the hint as they laughed together with you, though Eren was a bit dense. “Your arms might get sore, why don’t you leave the food here?” You helped placing the delicious food all over the table, the aroma filling your home.

Your living room was slowly being piled up with so many gifts but you did not complain, you were more excited to open the gifts for your husband with a glow all over you. You see Erwin, one of his bestfriends, giving Levi a box of his favorite tea in your bedroom—you laughed when you see how fast Levi tried to open the box.

“Let’s eat!” Jean shouted with a hungry look on his face, both Connie and Sasha agreeing making you grin. Mikasa has to hold back the three for almost ruining the cake, she bowed in respect towards you while you smile once more, your cousin-in-law looking radiating as always—your eyes softened while you put the candles all over the cake.

You heard creaking from your bedroom, seeing Levi already making his way towards you all with his wheelchair. You quickly go towards him, gliding his wheelchair towards the dining table, you laugh seeing the moody expression on his face once again.

Everyone begin greeting him, even them having the courage to hug and ruffle his hair which really didn’t seem to annoy Levi, already getting used to their antics with a sigh.

Lighting up the candles, all of you begin to sing the typical birthday song. “Happy Birthday to you~🎵”, not changing the expression of the birthday celebrant before about to blow the candles.

“Wait, wait. Make a wish first, you old man!” Hange cackled, Eren nodded his head vigorously with Armin making Levi deadpanned.

“Do I really have to? I’m not a kid anymore—“

“Make a wish, you old man.” You pecked his cheek with a teasing grin, pouting playfully. “Surely, you wouldn’t reject me?”

Levi Ackerman has a soft spot for you, he rolled his eyes before shutting them out, silently wishing in his mind. You all watched him anticipating before he blew the candles, you clapped loudly.

“Now, let’s have a feast!”

“YEAH!”

The sun was set as the night shows. Everyone already left your home, you were thankful for them helping you to clean up or else Levi will ban them from coming into your home. Either way, some leftover food were stock in the refrigerator.

“Are we now alone?” Your husband quipped, sipping his green tea, gazing through the stars outside of the window. You have now finished washing the dishes, drying your hands in a cloth before sitting beside him on the couch. Nao-nao is now resting on his own little bed, curled up in a ball.

“Yeah, but your birthday is still not over.” You held his hand, helping you get onto his wheelchair. “I haven’t showed you my gift yet.”

Levi’s curiosity was peaked. It was very obvious that he was getting tired, but you know what you have as his present will make his sleepiness go away. “We’re going outside. Sweetheart, I swear if you bought me a new home—“

“It’s not a house, silly. Although… you’re close enough.” You giggled with bright sparkles all over you, helping your lover take a stroll outside. The wind that brushes over you two, it was very peaceful. “Now, wear this blindfold.”

“I don’t say this very often, but this is quite making me nervous.” Levi shivered with a gloom expression making you sigh. You flicked your fingers over his forehead.

“Why do you always assume bad? We’re getting close, put it on!” Nonetheless, Levi followed your instructions. It was a good excuse to rest his eyes for a second while you continue to giggle like a madman.

“Take it off.”

Levi did take out the blindfold, his eyes widening when they both landed in front, he took in a shaky breath. Two cloves of leaf coupled in an artistic design with an abstract green in different shades.

— 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐈’𝐒 tea —

It was a brand new tea shop. His ever dream, enough to make him so damn happy. Before he can stay still in shock while you smile at his reaction, you stroll inside. Every pack of tea, the tables and chairs were all made from oak, the aroma was nothing but organic fresh tea leaves—you can definitely see how clean everything is.

“The brand sucks.”

“Oh shut up, just let me have this moment.” You retorted, pinching the fat of his cheek. “You can change it with whatever you want, you’re the official owner.”

“How did you afford this?” He asked, gripping your left hand tightly. He continued to be amazed internally, like his breath was knocked out of his lungs.

You were both financially stable enough to provide you both the necessities, yet not more than enough to have a new home. “I saved enough money for your dream, I knew you wanted to open your own tea shop.” You massaged his shoulders. “Clean as brand new.”

You were engulfed in a hug by his arms, him scoffing. “You really are one hell of a lover, eh?” He mumbled while you pretend to be offended. “But this is why I love you.” His eyes softened, his playful scowl turning into a smile. “Thank you, [Name].”

You press a soft kiss on his forehead, sharing a kiss on his lips once again, before he breaks it in a soft, velvety whisper. “Really, thank you. My dearest..” His heart was full of love, because of his family, and you.

You rubbed small circles on his back, “So can you brew me some tea, honey?” You teased.

“Don’t assume you’ll get it for free.”

[looseleafteeaves]

Skywalker and the Rug Merchant

Ekkreth-e-Ruklappa Veltak

I tell you this story to save your life. Ek marst te nao me lanal.

As everyone knows, Ekkreth is clever and cunning and the best at tricking Depur. But occasionally, Depur is able to trap Ekkreth for a little while. This is when Ar-Amu steps in.

This is one of those tales.

Ar-Amu looked upon her children, stone faced, and sad. Her children were still bound up in chains. Ekkreth was missing. So Ar-Amu spun the moonlight into water and gazed into the thin film in the bottom of the bowl, searching him out.

She found him, in a small town tucked far from the larger space ports. None of her people spoke her language, not even Ekkreth. None called each other by name. At night, no stories were shared, or dancing, or plays. They sat inside their homes and made useful things for their work the next day.

Ar-Amu was shocked-never had she seen some of her children this separated from her. So she called out to them from the desert. She called for any of her children to come.

None did.

Ar-Amu called for 7 days, and still none came to her.

Except for one figure, who was not one of her people. Everyday, they would cross the desert, heading to the slave quarters. And everyday, the figure- a simple rug maker- would pause, and stare out into the desert like they could hear Ar-Amu's voice.

Finally, on the 7th day, the Rug Maker stepped into the desert.

"Excuse me? I have heard you calling from the desert for 7 days. Do you need help?"

And Ar-Amu saw her chance.

"My people have lost themselves, and I need someone who can remind them of that. I need you to make a rug that tells them a story."

The rugmaker was shocked. "How can a rug tell a story? Why must it tell them a story?"

Ar-Amu's unveiled mouth turn from stone into a gentle smile. "Because a story can save your life. I will teach you to weave stories, and you will carry the stories to my people who do not have them."

The rug maker paused. "Who are your people?"

"My people are the ones bound in chains. The ones who must be enduring and sneaky and fierce and strong and pretty for the wishes of a being who calls them property. My people are slaves, and one day, they will be free."

The rug maker nodded. "So I will weave a story to save their lives. How do I do that?"

Ar-Amu turned and walked deeper into the desert.

"You follow me, and learn."

Now, while I am sharing the story, the secret of how to weave a story into a rug is not for you. Just know that Ar-Amu guides the Rug Maker into making a rug telling the story of Ar-Amu's promise. While the Rug Maker can't understand what they have woven, they can sense the importance of the task, and they do so with care. They study the pattern so they can weave the story again if they need.

They next day, the Rug Maker trekked into town from the desert, the pinks and reds of the dawns warming the sky. They guide the bantha who carries the rugs into the market, and they settle into an open spot, laying out the rugs and setting the one they had woven with Ar-Amu a little out of the way.

That day, many people stop by. Depur and freeborn and jawa and slaves. None of the people except the slaves stop and glance at the rug. And none ask for the cost except one.

"Rug maker, I am interested in this rug." The figure, bird like in facial structure, and built with hidden strength. Red embroidery wraps their old clothes.

The rug maker smiles. "But of course! It is one of my least popular- I would give it to you but for some water or pika juice."

The figure looks closer. "Why would you give something that takes many hours of work for so little?"

"Because the work does not belong to me, but to the people it was meant for."

The figure- Ekkreth - blinks, reaches into a pocket, and removes a small fruit, and a pouch with water. "You would trade the rug to me for so little?"

"Tell me, Customer, do you feel called by the threads?"

"I see myself in them, if I can look long enough."

"Then it is yours." The Rug maker says. "I gift it to you."

And the Rug maker packed up their supplies, and went on their way.

The slave who has the rug, took it to their home, and looked at it for a long time. But in daylight, it held nothing. After finishing their work for the day, is when the rug changed.

In the moonlight. the figure- Ekkreth gazed upon the story of Ar-Amu's promise, and remembered who they were. They turned into a red bird, and spread that knowledge across all of the slave quarters, and the quarters were able to find their names and their stories.

They could hear Ar-Amu calling from the desert.

They found their way to her.

[lightlycareless]

Do you think Naoya and his brothers feel a slight resentment in the change of Naobito’s behavior towards Naohime when compared to raising them? While Naobito is certainly not Grandpa of the Year, I’m sure his behavior is a significant improvement to how he raised his own. So I’m curious if they’d hold some anger towards him or Naohime(I doubt Naoya would but I think he’s feelings might be complicated) since it shows Naobito had the capability to be better but wasn’t? Or do they think that Naohime is just a Naobito whisperer Lol

Now isn’t this an interesting ask? This is a can of worms I feared opening because it might put some of Naoya’s relatives in a bad light but hey, that’s just how some families work haha.

Anyways, I won’t say much here, everything will be either on the actual post or afterwards :> I hope you enjoy my analysis of the situation!!

Warnings: none. Difficult family dynamics.

I would love to say that all of the Nao-siblings are responsible, mature adults when it comes to their feelings but let's be real, when Naohime comes along that’s when the real issues with their nephews begin.

Sure, they always considered them to be quite spoiled from Naoya’s willingness to give them whatever they want, followed by having an actual mother that cares for them, to finally, how they don’t seem to go through the same suffering they did when growing up around people like the Zen’in. (You defend them, Naoya is somewhat softer when training them, etc)

They don’t like the whole dynamic around your family…

BUT Naohime just takes it to a whole ‘nother level. At the intervention of Naobito, they finally realize that what they felt upon seeing your family… might’ve been akin to jealousy. It’s just that Naoya gets to experience that as well this time around.

However, the worst part of it is that nobody really expresses their sentiments, so they kind of just continue to grow bottled up inside them—and you don’t blame them. It’s the first time they get to see Naobito being… well, an actual human being and not the monster they grew up to fear and avoid, so they just don’t know how to process it.

Naofumi kind of gives you hints about their current turmoil, or at least that what affects those present at the estate—I dare say Naosuke and Naohito couldn’t care less about this because they’ve moved on, really. They’re rarely home anyways. And truth to be told, when they’re told about Naobito’s and Naohime’s relationship, they don’t really believe it— but outside of that, he’s used to never being up to anyone’s expectations so there’s no difference now :’(.

Naohiko is very vocal about it too, always complaining about how the old man “now has a heart” and how “ridiculous he looks” acting like that. He blames it to old age, that he’s growing senile, or he’s finally lost it, but…. Well, he won’t do anything outside that. Like Naofumi, he’s accustomed to never being to anyone’s expectations. Dare say, he probably has children too at this point, so he can’t bother himself to care about other kids that aren’t his.

Naoaki and Naoya though… they take it the worst.

Naoya is conflicted in the sense that he’s happy that finally one of his kids appear to be of his father’s approval (he’ll never admit it, but he’s unfortunately cursed to always seek his approval, one way or the other.) it’s just that… he never expected to see that kind of behavior coming from him. For the longest time, he believed it was too ingrained in Naobito’s DNA to be evil… alongside the eternal questioning of “what does Naohime have that I don’t to earn that kind of treatment?”

He eventually overcomes this when Naohime reassures him of being the best father ever (it’s a type of “Father adores Naohime, but Naohime adores me, so take that!!), because to him being a good father is much more important than being a good son (at least to someone like Naobito.) and besides, to compare himself to Naobito is… his worst nightmare haha. But all possible thanks to your and the kid’s support ♥️.

Naoaki… yeah, he’s the worst. He effectively hates Naohime, unjustifiably, but he couldn’t hate Naobito more so he has to take it out somehow, you know?

Now, he won’t do anything outrageous, but… he’ll try to diminish her achievements, make her feel guilty about what she does or doesn’t do, and most importantly, project his own insecurities onto her, like comparing her to her siblings. Naoaki genuinely believes she doesn’t deserve all that she gets, thinks that he's worked harder and such. Kind of a “I spent my whole life training to try to appease my father, and this kid is just born and suddenly she’s all he’s ever wanted?”

But by that point Naoya is the leader of the clan so if anything happens he’ll make sure to take the necessary measures to protect his family, though I think that Naoaki would rather live anywhere else than be under the control of his brother. So, kind of like Naosuke and Naohito.

Naohime is quite a spoiled kid, but nonetheless, she’s equally loved by you and Naoya, and Naobito, it seems haha. You really did come to change the Zen’in estate for good 😭😂.

TLDR: Naoya is a bit conflicted but eventually surpasses this situation because he loves Naohime too much to let such petty things bother him. (It took YEARS to get this mature version of Naoya OOF worth it) Naoaki already disliked everything that had to do with you and Naoya so now this is just— great lol. He’ll avoid Naohime most of the time… unless Naobito inspires her to mock him 💀

There you have it :> what I believe their thoughts would be regarding Naohime’s odd relationship with Naobito. They for sure think she’s some kind of Naobito-whisperer lol and those bold enough might use that to their advantage (like get favors and such, very bad influences indeed) but I also believe it doesn’t really matter since I envision that by the time she’s around Naoya is effectively clan leader. It’s a miracle that Naobito is still around by that point lol.

I hope you enjoyed my short analysis, and you don’t know how happy it makes me to read that y’all are interested in my other characters 😭!!!! It’s the highest compliment I could get, so thank you so much for sending in this ask 🥺♥️

Take care and hope to see you soon!!

[impala124]

Bad Buddy Ep 7

My thoughts on Ep 1 | Ep 2 | Ep 3 | Ep 4 | Ep 5 | Ep 6

Me, at the end of this episode:

Happy to see that Pran had toned down his flirting, still thinking about him licking Pat's finger and probably would never stop thinking about it, and is back to his usual bantering with Pat.

Pat has a new car and a new boyfriend. You know what that means!! CAR MAKEOUT SESSIONS WITH BOYFRIEND!!!🤞

Pa is coming to university. Hopefully, we'll get to see more of her.

Me, when Pran's mom said that he can bring anyone home, boy or girl, as long as it isn't the boy next door:

Pran apparently has only two modes when it comes to flirting with Pat: snarky and horny. I'm sure Pat appreciates them equally.

Now, I've been a freshman and met many helpful seniors in college, but no one was holding my hand to escort me to a gathering on my first day. Anyway, Pa and Ink are interacting, guys!

Ok, Pa is sharing a dorm with Pat. I like the idea of it, but given that the (flirting) games are on, I don't want Pa to see anything she doesn't need to.

Pat's dad is again doing the most with his "Don't ruin my reputation." Sir, please. Just stop.

Pat looking at Pa's note from her peer mentor and saying that it's from a guy is funny because my boy is talking out of his ass here. Remember the time he looked at Pran's note and thought that a girl wrote it? Yeah, your track record isn't great when it comes to this sort of deduction, bestie.

Product placement interwoven into the plot—bring this back.

Pran's "I want you to do it for me" while asking Pat to change your printhead is just ASDGHGKYH.

Pat, expectedly, folded like a wet napkin. Pat is God's strongest soldier for resisting Pran's brand of flirting, is all I'm saying.

Ink, the badass that you are!! We got a head pat. Holding hands and head pats, I smell something in the air.

Not them holding hands in secret at the bus stop, which exists as proof of their coordination. Snack deliveries, my beloved!!!

I'm just here losing my mind visualizing Pat going to Pran's room with Nong Nao in hand for a sleepover. I wonder who even initiated the conversation, though. Was it Pat casually showing up at Pran's doorstep with Nong Nao in hand, or was it Pran inviting Pat for a sleepover and Pat showing up with Nong Nao in hand? I NEED TO KNOW. How dare they deprive me of this conversation??!!

Shirtless Pat makes an appearance again. The tickling!!!

PA ALMOST WALKED IN ON THEM. Remember when I said Pat rooming with Pa wasn't a good idea in practice? Yeah, this is what I was talking about. Not Pat saying that he's doing a side pack workout 😭😭😭.

Okay, Wai having a crush on Pa will be interesting for sure.

Ink is just not having it with Pat's extra attention!!

One thing I know for sure is that no one who bet against Pran has lived to tell the tale.

Pat, my lost puppy, is here to cheer up his cranky boyfriend. Even Pran can't resist that beautiful face!! The chemistry is electrifying.

Wai is such a manipulative asshole for forcing this responsibility on Pran. He brought back the guitar because he knew that he could coerce Pran into agreeing to his plan.

All the playfulness has left Pat; my boy is feeling dejected now, and Pran is at a loss of words as to how to explain his side of the situation. I'm hurting for my boys.

The rooftop rendezvous!!! They know each other a bit too well. Pran, with his "We'll never reveal our feeling if nothing forces us to do so," is just exposing himself. Speak for yourself, bestie; Pat isn't like you.

Pat coming to Pran's rescue again, when Pran seems to have lost all hope.

Yes, cheer for your man, Pran. Pat's "If my victory puts my boyfriend in trouble, I'd rather lose" got me giggling and kicking my feet like a teenager.

Oh man, the romance is romancing for sure!! Pran fed Pat the curry, the one he wanted to feed to the person he likes!!! So, they both won❤️.

Sparing a thought for Pa's bladder, though. But in the grand scheme of things, what's a pesky little UTI in front of 'soulmates' declaring their love for each other? I think Pa would be happy with the trade-off.

As I said before, Pa is a child of (PatPran's) divorce—

She had to put up with Pat wreaking havoc with his drums in the house during their breakup era.

She moved in with Pat and almost walked in on them during their 'we're trying to get back together' era.

She (her bladder) is being neglected during their makeup era.

There is something to be said about Pat's very public declarations of love (the cute dimples slide in front of the whole class, using the audition for the play to flirt with his boyfriend and him agreeing to play the lead) for Pran done in a concealed manner.

Tagging the usual suspects: @shortpplfedup, @incandescentflower, @starryalpacasstuff, @7nessasaryevils, @greenteadumplings, @grapejuicegay, @madworld-bbs, @usodeshou, @tao-moonb, @fanatic-freakshow . If anyone wishes to be tagged in the future, let me know.

[featherstorm2004]

Personally, I think AFO has a ton of phobias that he refuses to admit because he hates showing any weakness, here's a few that I headcannon.

1. AFO has a phobia of rats and rodents in general because they tried to eat him when he was young, he refuses to go anywhere near them and has abandoned houses that have had rats in them.

2. AFO is extremely superstitious due to the fact he grew up dealing with vestiges and takes the possibility of curses or hauntings seriously.

3. AFO is terrified of ghosts because of the vestiges and refuses to watch scary movies with them in it, to this day he has banned The Ring and Ouija boards from his home.

4. AFO is freaked out by pregnant people due to what happened with his mother and refused to go near Nao till her pregnancy was over-this also applies to babies but to a lesser degree.

5. AFO is constantly scared of running out of things due to his past poverty and so has a bad habit of overstocking and has developed a bit of a hoarding problem but he hides it well.

But yeah those are just some that I've come up with.

[basedkikuenjoyer]

Skip & Loafer 65: Night Moves

Ooooh, I was not expecting this bomb of a chapter while we seemed to be in the midst of dealing with Cherie the heartbreaker. Speaking of...wow that was a big response to that last chapter post. So like, thanks for that. But this time we're back to the real heart of Skip & Loafer, the budding love between Mitsu and Shima. And we're hitting it hard, getting right to their first hurried attempt at a relationship and Shima's vulnerability.

I adore this scene at night. The panels are absolutely beautiful and Shima's so open and honest. He doesn't feel he's good enough for someone who shines as bright as Mitsu. Who of course doesn't really seem to get what's going on. I love how she ends it though. "Come to me if you need me to praise you more."

Get a load of the cover! It's as cute as the main couple are. Surely Nao-chan had a hand in picking out that outfit...and we better see her lovely self soon. Sadly there's gonna be a month off. But these two are the core of the series and I love their dynamic. Shima's so down on himself he can't believe someone as cool as Mitsu would ever just like him for him. No matter how many times he sees Mitsu is exactly the type who would. She just sees a guy who reached out when she was alone and new and helped her find such a new home in the big city.

Don't get me wrong, at times I feel a little down the series hasn't done as much as I'd like with Mitsu's main motivation. The angle of the rural girl doing all this to ultimately help small towns like her home is really cool and something that speaks to my own experience. But the dynamic with her and Shima is just pure gold. Especially following up the realization they're all about to hit the end of these carefree teenage days is creeping in. There's a great consistency there between the friends realizing that and Shima maybe realizing he needs to move fast on getting his own shit together.

I wonder if this is the climax of the school trip? I feel like the sunset in Kyoto could have been that but this feels like it could be too. Cherie needs to tie back in as well, I could see her making a move on Shima to really get Mitsu worked up knowing how she treats boys. And hopefully that's a great chance for a little life lesson from Auntie Nao. But for now, this was a beautiful chapter for both plot and art.

[yourturntothrive]

Your Turn To Thrive: Life After A Death Game

Your Turn To Thrive?

Your Turn To Thrive is a visual novel and stage play sequel to YTTD taking place 6 months after massacre ending with Nao Egokoro as the protagonist. Her and Sara Chidouin start over in a fresh environment as they continue to recover from the events of the death game, forming new bonds of mutual support, and unraveling the mystery of their new home. The story is focused around mental health, post-traumatic growth, and overcoming oppressive systems.

We want to convey each characters mental health experiences in ways that are both psychologically realistic and consistent with their portrayal in YTTD. Nao and Sara are both incredibly powerful characters each with unique strengths and we want that to be reflected in this story, because even in tragedy, life still goes on.

The visual novel is currently being prioritized, and has more content such as optional free time events, minigames, and environmental dialogue. The story will be released in 3 updates roughly similar to the release of Your Turn To Die. Here's a small amount of what we've been working on!

Some of our backgrounds!

In creating backgrounds for Your Turn To Thrive, our goal was a pixel art style similar to Your Turn To Die, but with the ability to display even small objects in enough detail for the environmental point and click elements similar to AI The Somnium Files. To do this, we've made a process to create pixel art backgrounds using real-world photography.

This story takes place in a college setting, so we went around colleges, focusing on liminal spaces, to capture the vibe of this YTTD sequel! These aren't our finalized images, but we think they're looking pretty good :)

Some of our music!

"There's nothing to fear in failure. A person's life does not end there. / As long as you live on... Happiness will surely come to you!" - Kazumi Mishima [src]

Courage in Tragedy is our first public part of the OST, and is meant to be a followup to YTTD's Even in Tragedy combining Day of Tragedy and Step of Courage. Your Turn To Die primarily uses GarageBand loops and For Your Turn To Thrive's OST we wanted to do the same for many of our tracks. YTTT will also contain tracks composed by @crescendotto.

How to stay up to date?

You can find updates here on Tumblr and any of our other socials such as our linktr.ee or Discord!

[bl00dst41ned]

*.·:·.✦ another lifetime ✦.·:·.*

pairing: jude bellingham x black female oc (named her Nevaeh)

summary: in which when a life ends, another one begins

author's note: ummm…….i’m sorry guys. inspired by nao's 'another lifetime' song

warnings: mention of car accident and death

word count: 1856

“It’s gonna be a bit cold”

The translucid gel dripped on Nevaeh’s belly as she laid down on the hospital bed. The obstetrician spread the gel around the round stomach using her little sound instrument. She clicked a button, turning on the screen.

Nevaeh watched it move around until appeared the perfectly-formed baby silhouette. Her eyes gazed at the black and white image in awe.

“There she is”

“Looks like she’s sucking her thumb” Nevaeh pointed before looking at her left.

At her left sat Jude, whose leg couldn’t stop shaking out of excitement. His eyes glistened as he watched his baby girl.

His longtime girlfriend Nevaeh and him were expecting a little girl. Today was their last ultrasound before their baby’s arrival, due in two weeks. And the same as the others, they were in wonder in front of their little creation.

“She’s getting in the right position to get out” The doctor pointed on the screen. “But the due date stays the same”

She told them a few more information on the baby’s vitals and on the upcoming birth before the visit ended. The couple checked out of the clinic before leaving out of the building. Jude's hand automatically reached for Nevaeh's, tangling them together as he rubbed his thumb on her hand.

They walked to Jude’s car swaying their hands together. Once they both got in, Jude booked a Uber for Nevaeh since she had to go home and him, to training. As they waited for her driver to arrive, they sat in a comfortable silence. 

Jude occasionally left soft kisses on his girlfriend’s cheek.

Nevaeh was the apple of Jude’s eye. She could always catch him lost staring. He admired her brown skin glowing in the sun that he loved so much. Her braids that she insisted on getting to be comfortable to give birth. Her naturally curved eyelashes moving as Nevaeh closed her eyes.

“You can’t sleep now, baby” Jude smiled seeing her tired expression. He knew how much Nevaeh hated to be woken up out of a nap, so he didn’t want to take the risk to make her mad, even more now that she was nine months pregnant.

“This driver need to come, I wanna sleep”

Deciding to stay awake, Nevaeh took her phone out, opening the Instagram app only to be met with her baby-filled feed. Her eyes shined from the overload cuteness, tears filling her eyes.

“Why are you crying, babe?” Jude asked, trying hard not to laugh. “It’s the babies again?”

“I just can’t wait, Nugs” Nevaeh called him by the affectionate nickname she gave him years prior. “Like, we’re going to be parents, and it feels like a dream come true” She ranted, full-blown crying. “Because I could not imagine another person to start a family with than with the person I love the most, and that’s you”

Her words had left Jude speechless. Nevaeh was shy when it comes to vocalise her feelings. She would write him letters to express her love, but the hormones had made her talk more and let her emotions out to him.

“I love you too” He responded with a grin. “And I can’t wait for her to arrive too. You’re my forever best friend and will be the greatest mom of all moms”

They exchanged a kiss and Jude went down to kiss her stomach, the baby kicking instantly. They observed her belly move as their daughter’s feet moved.

“Time for you to go” Jude realised the Uber had just came. He walked out the car going to open Nevaeh’s and help her out the vehicle. He accompanied her to the car, settling her in and not forgetting to drop a peck on her forehead.

“Bye Nugs I love you”

“I love you, babe”

………

Nevaeh's hand rested on her pregnant belly, feeling her daughter's light kicks against her palm. Her eyelids were now heavier and she started to doze off. Before she could, she heard the driver shout.

Nevaeh didn't get to look at what happened that her head was projected to the top of the car. Nevaeh crouched as much as she could, protecting her child as the car flipped over and over again. 

The scene looked straight out of a horror movie. The sound of windows shattering, the screams, the metal dropping on the concrete. 

Bypassers ran to the crashed Honda, ambulance already called over. A deadly atmosphere filled the space around. The violence of the accident left no hope to them for anybody to be alive as they still looked inside.

“There’s a pregnant woman!” One of them shouted seeing Nevaeh’s hands around her belly.

She opened her eyes once it stopped, only for them to be blinded by the smoke in the car. She could only mumble weakly "Nugs" before falling unconscious.

...........

"Jude"

At the call of his name, the man started running towards to get the ball from his teammates and shoot it in the goal. He went back to his place with his head down, breathing hard. As he looked up, he saw the club’s secretary, Louise, call him over.

He furrowed his eyes the closer he got to Louise, catching her worried face expression.

“What’s wrong?”

She stumbled on her words, struggling to form a sentence. She finally took a deep breath before breaking the news clearly.

“You need to get to the hospital quick, Nevaeh had got into a bad car accident-”

Louise could not even finish her sentence that he had took off running to his phone and car keys and rush to his pregnant girlfriend.

Each minute spent in the car felt like an hour. His sweaty hands gripped the steering wheel harder every time he had to stop at a red light. He silently prayed for his girlfriend and daughter to be alright and kept all negatives thoughts out of his mind.

At the hospital, he pratically ran to the front desk.

“Hello, I’m looking for my girlfriend” He managed to say in a calm voice. “She had gotten in a car accident earlier”

The nurse looked on her computer before answering to him.

“Third floor, the elevator’s on the far right” She pointed the direction.

Jude thanked her quickly before rushing to the third floor. He cut road of the first doctor that came his way.

“Excuse me, do you know where’s my girlfriend, she got in a car accident”

“Oh yeah, I’ll check, just wait there”

Jude did as told going to the waiting room. He tried to sit still but got up the next minute pacing back and forth in the room and sitting again. He repeated the cycle until a nurse came into the room, catching his attention.

“Are you here for a certain Nevaeh ?”

“Yes, can I see her ?” He immediately asked, frustrated to see her shake her head.

“Not yet. But there’s somebody else who wants to see you”

Jude was confused for a bit, not knowing who he had to see other than his partner. But one look at the nurse’s face made it clear in his mind. She was here.

He followed behind the nurse to a room, with another nurse inside. He approached them to see a newborn girl move around. His newborn girl.

“Look who’s there to see you” One of the nurse cooed. “You’d like to hold her”

“Obviously”

His face now held the biggest smile, showing his white teeth.

“Okay, take off your shirt and sit there”

Jude did as told as she set his daughter on his chest. The little baby gesticulated slowly before settling.

Jude stayed stiff, intimidated by this tiny little human, which the nurse had caught on.

“Relax” She said with a chuckle, earning one from Jude too. “We’re here if anything happens”

They reassured him the first few minutes before setting back, seeing that he felt more comfortable.

Finally alone with his child, Jude took a look to take in her features. Her fair skin from just being born. Her little head, her little hands, her little legs. She looked so tiny in his hands, fragile as porcelain. He watched her eyes opening and closing. Her dark brown eyes, just like her mom’s.

He snapped a quick picture as the nurses came to him.

“Seems like dad is handling it well”

Jude smiled while keeping his eyes on his little one.

“She has a lot of hair too” He rubbed the short black hair. “Nevaeh’s gonna be so happy to not have had heart burns for nothing”

The nurses face expression changed instantly. Their wide smiles were now replaced with concerning looks. It was silent for a few seconds before the one that took him to see his baby spoke.

“Unfortunately, Nevaeh didn’t survive the accident, I’m sorry”

Her voice resonated as if the room was entirely empty.

After the birth of their daughter, he didn’t even think of Nevaeh not being alright too.

“How c- what happened?”

“She…died shortly after the baby was born. I guess she used her last forces into giving birth”

Jude stared into space and his hand mechanically caressed his baby’s skin. A baby he never imagined raising without Nevaeh. Within hours, he had gone through the best and worst moments of his life, his mind split from happiness and sadness.

Jude walked out of the room minutes later, his head hanging low and feet dragging. He joined his family that he had called earlier. They quickly got up at his sight and Denise first started talking.

“How are they?”

“Little girl is here and healthy”

“And Nevaeh?”

His silence spoke louder than words could ever done. Since the news was broken to him, Jude had kept himself from crying, scared that his daughter could feel his sadness. But as soon as his mother wrapped her arms around him, all the tears bottled inside escaped his eyes. 

He cried, his head snuggled in Denise’s chest, feeling like a child again. A child who just fell and needed a hug. His heart got hurt and needed comfort. Denise’s hand gently rubbed the back of his neck while reassuring him. Just like Nevaeh does. 

Like she used to do.

judebellingham

9,557,513 likes

judebellingham I've never imagined having to write this. Nothing could have prepared me for it. Losing my best friend but also welcoming another one. And for that Nevaeh I thank you. For gathering the little rest of strength into bringing our love into this world, that you cherished so much. Best believe she'll be reminded of that every day. She looks just like you aswell. I wish you could see her. Sometimes it's hard to not have you by my side, but there's always someone to help me. So I should be alright. I hope you are granted Heaven. Because that is what you are. You were my Heaven on Earth. Heaven is your name. And that's where we'll meet again. I’ll see you in another lifetime. Until then, I’ll take good care of little Shaili, I promise. I love you both with all my heart 🐻‍❄️🤍 - Nugs

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i'm so sorry y'all but the song inspired me too much

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