#what's her surname u h

[peachtalia]

I wrote a whole infodump on Herakles headcanons on a priv acc (yk for human version since I prefer to view the guys that way) so I’ll paste it all here cuz fun. It’s gonna be super disorganized and may not carry All of my ideas cuz it’s just me writing whatever came to mind in the moment but I’ll try to organize it the best I can from what I wrote. Also plz take into consideration that I’m not entirely following canon here and a load of it is headcanons with some of canon sprinkled in. Also this is a wip ig

I doubt anybody would read my word vomit cuz I didn’t bother to clean any of this up and my sentence structure is def abysmal as fuck but ig u could say I’m putting this here for my own sake but anyone else is free to read if u would like!!

cw talk of parental loss tho

Okay so I’m gonna ramble about names here cuz it interests me a lot. Obv I’m not Greek or in Greece I just have a deep interest in other cultures and like to research a lot and stalk forums and videos on experiences etc. My ideas may change over time as I learn more about the culture. He feels a bit more old-fashioned to me but anyways yeah nah if I happen to say anything innacurate plz lmk @ anyone who actually reads my word vomit haha

So anyways I def don’t see it as my place to bash on him being given the name "Herakles" cuz I Do know that in Greece they would seem to occasionally give Greek mythological names to ppl (ex: singer who's birth name is Artemios); but I noticed they most often use Christian names tho (also fun fact my irl name is the fem version of an old Greek saint and seems common there along with Hispanic countries that would often do the same lololol)

But at the same time I’d wanna assume that being named Herakles would kinda fuck u over since it would be a huge name to live up to. But that’s just me. Plus to me that adds to his overall life theme

Also I’ve mentioned this before but ppl for years would dunk on his surname claiming that it's "not a real Greek surname" when ... it actually IS, it's just super rare based on what I’ve collected. Admittedly ngly I’ve even been a part of this when I was a kid smh (See: Greek actress with the birth name Evgenia Karpouzi, the fandom would always use the spelling "Karpusi" but that's not language accurate to the more commonly taught Greek language romanization based on what I’ve learned.....

Anywho now onto headcanons and stories I like to apply to him lol

He seems the type whose mom is very huge in the historical arts and preservation field and might've been a Greek history professor and took a huge role in curating and preserving Ancient Greek ruins and artifacts...arranged heritage festivals and exhibitions etc.. Taught culture... Maybe pushed him to be very talented and knowledgeable as a kid and would actively pass down her own knowledge onto him and set pretty high standards for him while also spoiling tf out of him and also being caring yet not as present as a mother due to her career. He grew up very involved in the arts both creative-based and performance-wise but probably mostly the latter. He seems like the type who would be quiet and a bit of a loner at times but was also a lot more enthusiastic and expressive at times.

So anyways yeah not only does he suffer under the curse of living in the shadow of his mothers legacy and not meeting the public expectations in following in her footsteps but a lot of his life is basically formed around her and he wasn’t left with much room to actually form his own personal style due to how heavily influenced he was by her own interest and life path and her passing when he was idk 14 made it even harder for him to even try to let go of any of this cuz besides all of her leftover belongings and the collective community memory of her, it was all he had left of her from within himself so letting go of any of it to make more room for developing his own personal sense of style outside of her existence felt like betraying her or going against her wishes.

He feels deeply guilty for not taking on her legacy after her passing and following in her footsteps but he still does what he can to contribute here and there and still holds a load of pride in what he learns from her + what comes from his roots and besides hanging out with and feeding street cats he still has a lingering fascination and interest in philosophy and observing and maintaining historical sites not only cuz it’s great but also cuz it reminds him of her. It Would also make sense given how canonically he’s portrayed having a home that’s cluttered with his mom’s old things and artifacts that he never wants to get rid of since she passed while he was young.

As for his beef with Sadiq I see it as a ‘obnoxious goofy uncle and petty nephew’ sort of conflict lol. But I like to see it as like. Sadiq was a younger college student of his mom’s who would also do volunteer assistant work for her, so naturally he’d meet Herakles thru that. And with him being that type of guy would screw around with Herakles and poke fun at him yk like how those older guys would treat young kids sometimes and purposely provoke them in a joking yet annoying manner (I have lots of experience of this) and Sadiq himself never saw it as a big deal but yk Herakles Hated that shit and he’s the type to take that kind of stuff to heart. Also Herakles would envy the time he spends with his mom cuz here he is able to get involved with her work life and meanwhile Hera is being some kid at home who sometimes gets to go to his moms work sometimes.

And ooomfg when his mom passes u know damn well that envy turned into pure vitriol cuz Sadiq was able to spend more time around his mom before her sudden death. But Sadiq (still unaware of how deep this shit goes for Herakles) takes Herakles under his wing cuz he feels super bad to say the least.

Now Herakles has one of those large Greek families but he’s autistic* as shit so while he can be loud with them he’s also quiet and a bit of a loner at times so he’d be super reliant on his mother for initiating his interactions with others and she’d take a big part in involving him in family gatherings so u know damn well the second she was gone he didn’t know wtf to do anymore or how to connect with others on his own without her being an extra support lol yk like that one social person that helps interactions go smoother.

* yes I am aware that autism may present differently depending on culture but I’m autistic myself and am basing this on observations I’ve made thru autistic ppl I’ve known in different countries and who also have a similar familial dynamic culturally. Even tho I’m in the US I also have this experience myself with my Viet family members. No duh it’s not ‘just an autism thing’ but yk headcanons

Not to mention him being depressed as fuck over her passing and beginning to self isolate. And being so pitied by family members 24/7 SUCKED Ass so idk ig eventually (after many years and moments of Herakles mostly blowing people off) ppl began to avoid him and stopped inviting him to things like yk that sad thing that often happens whenever someone’s going thru a loss and ppl don’t know what to do about it. He’d ignore their invitations often for years. Of course they’d still try to call or send something or visit every now and then but only very occasionally. It’s like an ‘idk what to do’ sort of thing.

So yeah he’s an only child and was raised by a single mother with a busy and active life where he was always expected to become her shadow whether intended or not. Wow. But despite his family inching away from him, bro still has that younger Cypriot cousin who vibes with him and relates with his quietness and occasional loner behavior so he’d often hang around him cuz the rest of the family would overwhelm him sometimes, therefore even during this time he was the last to stick around for the most part and they’d often hang out in silence. He is a bit more chatty than Herakles tho at times. Idk his name yet. That one Cypriot cousin has a younger brother I think, who’d hang around Sadiq but Herakles’s a #hater and doesn’t really like him for that. He’s the type to threaten to cut ppl off from association and he gets petty and stubborn as hell and holds grudges like u cannot believe. Obviously despite his spite he does still care for Sadiq deep down. He says what he wants but he doesn’t actually wish the guy any real harm and would get super bothered and upset if anybody were to attempt to do so.

Oh yeah and I also mentioned before that I see him being narcoleptic lol *maybe* he occasionally dealt with cataplectic symptoms and it would make sense given how rarely he seems to express strong emotions but I still don’t know. I’m not as knowledgeable in cataplexy I admit. But he’s def on the narcolepsy spectrum and lacks a load of motivation and drive in his life overall. Some of it comes from his mildly nihilistic view on life and some of it is depressiveness and the inability to help himself more on his own accord. It probably took a lot for him to get on a stricter medication routine for it. He tries to take care of himself at the bare minimum but he still doesn’t quite cultivate the best or healthiest of habits. He’s often got others around him trying to help him out and check up on him. Think also of the comic strips of Ludwig trying to help him organize and clean his house and get his finances into check.

Idk how his mom died. Maybe it’s one of those things never spoken about but it was sudden and he was at home when it happened and just remembers it getting super late and dark and him wondering where tf she is each time he’d wake up and him attempting to call her work and go to voicemail each time.

Also back on the topic of his tendencies but Herakles can for sure be the sore loser and jealous type but only depending on whether or not the matter involves Sadiq. Otherwise he’s like eh whatever it’s fine I’ll get it next time) and as I said above he’s also got a somewhat nihilist mindset and wishes to just spend his time doing as he pleases lolll his philosophical info dumps would get mind breaking at times and he just drones onnnn and onnnn and on about it it’s like the kind of stuff that’d make u lie on ur back with ur hands behind ur head staring up at the sky like “yeah……..wow…😕” and would prob put u to sleep cuz he speaks in a slower and softer tone. And you’d prob experience a strange yet vivid dream in the moment. He’s got an ambient and nostalgic feel to his presence that’s hard to explain and melancholy yet oddly calming.

Oh also he still practices Orthodox Christianity besides being an atheist on the most part and not even following any religion or religious rules or moral code bc it’s what he was raised doing with his mom and he feels like it’s what she would’ve wanted lmfaooo I guess it’s for nostalgia’s sake and paying respects to her. Maybe he’s an atheist. Idk. Perhaps his philosophical ideals and stuff he’s learned influences his view on general spirituality and religion so in a way he feels like in the end all gods are all to reach a similar point and intention and are an outer extension/projection of our own subconscious beings and are vessels of hope and focal points for moral code and explanations for the world around us. Or maybe he just views them as beings created to give people’s lives purpose. Or he believes all things at once. Who knows what goes on in his mind.

As for his narcolepsy, his mom may have assumed at first that he was the type of child to nap a lot or that he was lazy, but over time she’d realize something is probably up and would recognize that he wouldn’t be able to help it most of the time and that he actually isn’t the lazy type and works hard when he can. She’d get called by teachers often yelling about his tendency of zoning out and sleeping in class and she’d just respond with “Oh yeah? Well maybe your class isn’t interesting enough if he’s always falling asleep in it!”

So yeah. A load of his life was built around her from the start, and he relied on her for a lot, I mean she’s his mom and all too and the only closer(?) family member in his life given that he’s an only child and has no father. The sudden change of her leaving completely threw his life off course so for years he’s been in some sort of endless state of limbo where he’s both apathetic both saddened yet he might not make it so obvious when around others. He just appears quiet, apathetic and carefree for the most part.

[mayajadewrites]

Levi Ackerman x Reader: Moth to a Flame

CHAPTER TWO

chapter synopsis: You're put in a training group for the day, is it to show your skills or so Levi can watch you?

ao3

C H A P T E R T W O – B U T T O N

"Oi." Levi spoke, his arms across his chest. "Listen, you're going to be put into training groups of 4. You're going to spar each other and test your ODM gear skills."

The group nods in unison. "Yes, sir."

"The groups are as follows." Levi lists off names while you anxiously waiting for him to utter your name.

"Lastly, Kirstein, Ackerman, Yaeger, and..." Levi said your surname, almost in a softer tone than the others.

You and Mikasa are arguably the strongest in the regiment, after Captain Levi of course. You're both super fast and work well together when it comes to fighting titans.

Jean and Eren, well they need some help.

"I think he made this group on purpose." Mikasa whispered in your ear. You freeze for a moment. Did she know about you and Levi?

"Why do you think that?"

"We're obviously the strongest and most skilled. Eren and Jean are almost there, but not on our level. So we can show them how its done."

One thing about Mikasa is that she always has her eye on the goal. In the scout regiment, it's to save humanity.

You strap on the ODM gear, tightening the straps around your thighs.

"I wish I could live in between these thighs." Levi kissed the inside of your thigh, trailing his mouth to the fabric of your panties.

Shaking the thought out of your head, you look for your group. Eren and Jean were arguing (per usual) while Mikasa rolled her eyes behind them.

Captain Levi was observing next to Commander Hange. She was always so enthusiastic about watching us train, especially when she just finished an experiment with titans.

"Hey," Jean said your name, waving you to go over to him. "Wanna spar?"

"Sure." You smile, making sure your ODM gear is in tact. While you and Jean maneuver around each other, you feel a pair of eyes on you.

Jean trips over a rock on the ground, pushing his body against yours to the ground.

"You would trip over a tiny ass rock." You laugh as Jean is still on top of you, a chuckle leaving his mouth.

"I fight fucking titans, but a ROCK is what fumbles me."

"What's going on over here?" Levi's voice boomed. You heard his footsteps near your feet. "Kirstein. On your feet."

"Sorry Captain, I tripped. I didn't see that rock." Jean pointed to the rock, brushing his shirt off before helping you up. You take his hand, a bit tighter than normal. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, really." You nod, looking down at your body. The button to your shirt popped open at your chest, revealing your clavicle.

"You need to see a nurse." Levi analyzed your body.

"I don't even think I have a scratch, Captain. Really it's fine."

"That wasn't a question." Levi turned around before you could speak. No part of your body hurt, and it's not like Jean did it intentionally.

You turn to head to the main building with the nurses office, rolling your eyes because this is certainly a waste of time.

As you reach the office, you hear familiar footsteps.

"Captain, don't waste your time on this." You look at Levi. "I'm really fine. It's not like Jean did it on purpose, and I barely fell."

"You could have internal injuries. Maybe a concussion."

"You're being ridiculous." You almost lose your composure as you walk into the nurses office. "I'm fine."

"Well I need to make sure that's true."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

"You look good, cadet." The nurse, Rachel, patted your knee. "You have a little bruise on your chest, but it's nothing to worry about."

"See?" You look at Levi. "Can I go back to training now?"

"No." Levi turned on his heels, exiting the office.

You were stunned. Confirmation from the nurse that you're okay means nothing?

You follow Levi out the door, trying to catch up to him. "Captain, a word please."

Levi turns around, his steel eyes fixed on yours.

"Why can't I go back to training? We have a mission at the end of the week that Commander Erwin has developed a whole plan for. You need me to fight."

"You need to rest today, I can't have you at anything less than your best. Especially because of the mission." Levi took a step toward you. "That's an order."

Your eyes wander around Levi's face, his undercut fresh, his eyes that beautiful shade of stone that you love.

Loved.

You take another step towards Levi, hoping he would move away from you so you can forget these feelings once again.

But he doesn't. He just looks at you, your body, almost fixating on your chest. Your button was still popped, some sweat dripping down your breasts from the end of summer/autumn air.

Levi's tongue grazed his bottom lip. "Button your shirt. Before you get dress-coded."

With that, Levi is gone.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

During dinner, Jean kept stealing glances of you. When he fell on you, there was some sort of spark. You've never looked at Jean in that way, but now it's more of a possibility.

Especially since you're no longer sleeping with Levi.

"How are you feeling?" Jean asked you, sliding his leg close to yours. He was sitting next to you, Connie and Sasha were next to him, and Eren, Mikasa, and Armin were on the other side of the table.

"I'm fine, really. Don't worry about me." You take a sip of your water.

"Nice one, Jean. You could've been in deep shit if you actually hurt her." Eren rolled his eyes.

"You're acting like I did that on purpose!"

"Maybe you did." Eren smirked. "Not to hurt her, though."

"Shut up Eren." Jean's eyes were wide. Jean is no good at hiding what he's feeling – you can tell all over his face. It's obvious Jean has a tiny crush on you, you've just never given him that time of day.

"Jean, do you wanna go for a walk?" You suggest, standing up from the table. Jean nodded and followed you out, Eren making kissing noises from the table.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

"Are you sure I didn't hurt you?" Jean questioned.

"Please stop asking. If I was hurt you would know." You look up at the night sky, watching the moon. "You know, when I was younger I always thought the moon was following me."

"Me too." Jean laughed. "I would always close my eyes for a minute, hoping the moon would be hiding."

Jean told you about his childhood, about his family and what he likes to do for fun. Well, liked. Before the scouts.

He's very easy to talk to, unlike some people.

"What do you two think you're doing?"

[itzpris15634]

LPS head cannons?

oooh sure!

these will be associated with my humanizations.

lez go!

Pepper. She has a tendency to refer to people by their surnames.

“You know what I think, Nevla?”

“Okay Terrio, listen here-“

“Painting’s looking good, Mark!”(which I will admit is a little strange, bc mark can be an actual first name- but shhhh)

So on and so on. It’s a casual nickname’y thing. Though there are exceptions, like when she’s trying to be a bit more genuine and/or personal.

“Penny, I’m really sorry…”

“Russell? Is something up?”

Oh and Zoe. Her main exception is Zoe since she is considerably closer to Pepper than the others are.

Blythe and Russell.

You’d think with Blythe being a fashion designer and all, she’d hang out with Zoe the most. The one who loves modeling and attention, fashion and fame. Right?

N u h u h , it’s actually Russell that Blythe hangs out the most with.

If Blythe is in designer’s/artist’s block, she’ll go to him first for inspiration and ideas. And while he’s confused on why him of all people- he doesn’t know alot about design, and Zoe is right there- he’ll do what he can.

And it seems to work. After some conversation with him, Blythe gets back into a creative flow. Russell doesn’t know what he did there, but he’s happy that he helped a dear friend out.

Russell does not like rain.

His reactions can range from being mildly annoyed, to being absolutely terrified of it. Especially the thunder and lightning parts during heavy storms. During times like that, his friends will be there to make sure he’s alright. Either by being physically there, or talking through a call if not.

Penny enjoys baking.

She loves to bake and will look for excuses to do it. She’ll bake pastries on the holidays like Valentine’s, New Years, Christmas, Halloween.

She’ll even consult Russell’s list of everyone’s birthdays so she can have a valid excuse to make cakes or cupcakes. Girlie just loves baking, and loves sharing her creations with her friends even more.

Minka is very much so capable of other artstyles. She just like her abstract one the most.

I think this was part of an episode where she was exploring other artstyles and frickin hated them. Personally, I think she was just having a bad artist’s day. She actually does like painting in those styles too, but she finds her usual one more fun.

Vinnie absolutely loves stage musicals.

How could he not? The emotions, the singing, the choreography. The choreography! He loves ranting about the latest one he’s seen to Sunil. Sunil doesn’t know what Vinnie is talking about, most of the time, but he’s happy that Vinnie is happy.

AAAAND thas all i got for now

[strywoven]

Vash is both safe and not , comfortable with the grace of leverage Verona’s authority over this place grants him.  For the time being.  Although people seem discomforted by the revelation of the Humanoid Typhoon being in their midst , no-one is inclined to tempt fate by incurring the Matriarch’s wrath and stepping the barest of breaths OUT OF LINE ( so it goes , there are unspoken rules here ; ones learned at birth , ones carried & abided ‘til death ) .  Not even Claudius , who plainly hears everything from his place behind the bar , and who seems the only one brazen enough to tussle , makes any rash decisions.  Instead , all eyes – and ears – remain trained on the pair as if a spectacle , waiting to see what would happen ( more so , waiting to see what judgment would pass ) .  Everything now HANGS IN THE BALANCE and the whole town seems privy to watching the strangeness of it unfold.

❝ Hard not to know who y o u are , ❞ She points out , ❝ Your face is plastered pretty much everywhere I go to do business. ❞  Except h e r e .  Notably , there are no bulletins with wanted posters , there are no bounty hunters lurking in the shadowed corner tables.  This really is just a place of lost souls looking for SIMPLICITY & PEACE in an otherwise ruinous realm.  And Verona has gone out of her way – for generations – to ensure it is secured and remains as such.  ❝ I doubt you really need an introduction , Mr. The Stampede. ❞  Teasing , lighthearted , the tone seems to infect others , eliciting a ( very slightly ) more relaxed air from the people.  ❝ Though you are right , you ought to know who I am , at the very least , if we are to talk about such a pressing matter. ❞  Setting her glass down , she presses her ringed claws to her breast , ❝ Verona.  Verona Valhyr , ❞ She tells him simply , a rehearsed voice to suggest she’s had this sort of conversation many a time.  It feels strange , even now , to give away her wife’s surname ; feels much like it is the UNDESERVED , still-present part of a DYING HUMANITY clinging for life within herself.  ❝ But I am also known by several monikers : the devourer , the deal-maker … You get the idea. ❞  Her hand waves , as if dismissing the weighty implications vested behind such accolades.

… A man ( if we can call him so ) becoming obsessive over Plants ?  Gilt brows knit together , features fixing with confusion much as concern.  This did not bode well.  If he came here— No , she would not allow Wellspring to fall.  She COULD NOT !

Her responding hum is echoed with a grim note : Yes , of course , very well.

Not waiting for a response , nor any further acknowledgement , Verona drains the last of the gin in a single swallow and returns the glass to the bartop before standing from her seat.  She tips her head to Claudius , ❝ I will cover his drink , just put it with my tab. ❞  Claudius scoffs but nods just the same.  Verona turns to Vash , ❝ Well , you certainly look as if you need a proper meal and a bath , ❞ Merely filling the air with words to further diffuse the uncertainties anyone may have , ❝ You can come with me.  To the manor.  Besides , this is WELLSPRING , we would be remiss to send you away with nothing and not an ounce of comfort !  Why , that just won’t do ! ❞  It is a purposefully p u b l i c display of clemency , an olive branch that everyone is now aware of and will consider following in kind.  Smiling , she awaits the other to finish his drink and follow her back outside into the fading light so they can begin the trek ( after all , it shall be a bit of a hike ) .

They were not the only ones. More than one ship in the fleet carried Plants, more than one Plant existed that could walk free of the photosynthesizers that kept them alive. In all his time wandering from town to town, from people to Plants and Plants to people, this is the first time he has met an Independent from another ship.

No, maybe not even from a ship. 

Over a century has passed since the Big Fall. As long-lived as he may be since humanity plummeted down from the stars, Vash did not personally witness every notable event on this planet's surface. People make assumptions. That’s normal. Who to befriend, who to show enmity, who to fear, who to love. Vash is closer to being human than his brother ever allowed himself to. Still, he has had to take measures to hide the parts of him that are decidedly not. Budded quills and feathers where hair should be, glasses that hide the animal glint in his eyes, songs he can only sing in the presence of his sisters.

He does not know her story, but he does know the bickering of two friends when he sees it, and that makes the casual intimidation that much less intimidating. Nothing about her bearing speaks to the notion of hiding, and Vash can’t help but wonder if he is pointlessly dancing around an open secret as the odd man out. It is plain to see that 'V' holds no small amount of authority within this town and Vash directs a thankful glance at Claudius for his earlier intervention despite the sudden note of tension that has settled in amongst the bar’s patrons.

"Oooh, hey, did we skip past introductions already?" Vash laughs, holding up both hands as a docile promise. 

"You seem to know who I am, but I don't know who you are." Not that he’s in a position to be leveraging questions at present. Past experience, however, has taught him that he can get surprisingly far (or shot at) just by being exceedingly polite. Since his identity is no longer a secret or a mere suspicion in the air, Vash has his doubts as far as not getting run out of town in the next few minutes. 

So far so good. No one seems willing to budge without the big boss’s say-so and there’s rustle of leather and fabric from guns pulled from their holsters. He keeps his back turned towards the crowd.

"My brother is…" he trails off, seeking the right set of words to describe such a delicate matter in front of so many obvious eavesdroppers. In most towns, the slightest hint that anyone might be coming to take their Plants would have earned him nothing short of a gun pointed to his head. "Rather fond of Plants. I'm worried that he's grown too obsessive as of late, so I want to track him down before anyone gets hurt."

When Vash brings his glass up to his lips, he hums at a frequency that no human can hear. 

We can talk all you want, but not here.

[sweetestfollows]

The young elites modern au anyone? My hand is cramping up oh lord. Anyway! Here are the daggers! Soon to come are the rose society, and then maybe the inquisition.

Characters do not belong to me, they belong to @marielubooks !

[kannymaei]

The Perfect Girl - Chapter 1 (Kamisato Ayato x Reader)

Author’s Note: NO, I don’t hate Yae Miko or any of the characters! None of this is canon :D In addition, the characters mentioned in this series are all OOC!

Author’s Note 2: Please be reminded that this fanfic is Modern! AU and Highschool! AU and none of this are canons to the actual lore of Genshin Impact. I do not own Genshin Impact nor the characters that belong in the game!

Synopsis: You were a graduating high school student who somehow got involved in unfortunate events and transferred to another school, Teyvat International School. Due to your “complicated” physical features, you became the main target of the school’s “bully”, Kamisato Ayato! Together with his friends, Diluc Ragnvindr, Tartaglia, and Arataki Itto.

Word Count: 2.8k

Taglist: @frieschan​ @nejibot​

TW: Injuries (Burn, Sprained Ankle, Hair pulled until you almost lose it), Mentions of Vulgar words.

Masterlist

Next -> Chapter 2

"This is your schedule," said the man who calls himself Mr. Zhongli.

 "and this is your section,” said the woman who calls herself Ms. Ei.

 I was inches away from walking out of the headmaster’s room when my hand was grabbed by Ms. Ei. "One second Miss L/N, before you leave. Last time I saw you... You were quite... Small. You're so grown up right now, you look like your mother" she gave me a reassuring smile but... Ms. Ei saw me as a child?

 "H-hold on, Ms. Ei? You know my mother?—" Maybe curiosity does kill the cat when I was pushed away by Mr. Venti from the office by saying something similar to me knowing "enough". 

 It's around 1-2 hours before your first class starts so I assume everyone is on their break time. (I have the time of the world to explore this enormous school) you thought closing your eyes walking and entering the cafeteria. 

To your surprise, the school was offering different kinds of food from different countries starting from Mondsadt to Khaenriah. What caught your eye was the Katsu Sandwich and Onigiris, specialties from Inazuma since there is no better in this world other than sandwiches! You wondered how are you going to make friends when... You really feel awkward right now... Everyone is staring at you, after all, you are the rumored nerdy girl in the school. They haven't seen someone new for ages ago because it's an expensive international school. Only people who come from high statuses family can afford this kind of place to study.

"Please state your name," the lady in front of me said before handing me my sandwich and rice balls.

 "U-Umm. Y-Y/N... L/N" you said awkwardly because you can feel some of the eyes around staring at you. Very much oblivious to the pair of lilac eyes who only had his attention on you ever since you entered this hall. 

 "H-how much was it?" You were nervous! You don't know how this school works and you can't believe you're already embarrassing yourself just because you're hungry, tainting your first impression image. 

 "M-miss L/N?! You're an L/N!" She paid her respects to you by bowing her head down before lifting it up again. 

 "I-is there something wrong with my surname... Miss?" What just happened? Why was she surprised that I came from the L/N Family? 

 "Miss L/N, don't worry... You won't be paying for any of the foods and beverages here in the school. I'm pretty sure you already knew why" No I don't! Miss whoever-you-are-cashier... You're having so many thoughts about what's happening until someone tapped your shoulders making you look back to who was it.

"You're the new student right?" She's quite short and has blonde hair and yellow eyes. 

 "O-oh! My apologies, My name is Lumine and you're?"

 "Y-Y/N... L/N" you said processing that you're actually making a new friend at this school. 

"Follow me, let's eat together before our classes start," She said happily with her eyes closed and I followed her 

 "Lumine, stop right there. Just who do you think you are?" This is the same woman you saw earlier with the man who intentionally tripped you. 

 "I-I don't think we know each other..." 

 "Yes, a commoner like you doesn't need to know who I am," she said while rolling her eyes. "Oh, do you know why I'm here? I'm returning this bowl of ramen because I don't want it"

...

...

...

She just poured the hot bowl of ramen all over you from head to toe. It was piping hot that you could feel your skin burning. You could hear the whispers of the other students. 

Maybe Lady Miko doesn't like her at all? 

What a trash! 

She deserves it for crossing paths with her. 

 Maybe Lady Miko noticed how her suitor, Ayato was staring at her? 

 Oh, you're right! 

 "That's not very nice of you Miko," Lumine said and started to wipe your body with her handkerchief. 

 "L-lumine it's okay, I'll just go to the bathroom," you said.

 "Oops... I thought this was the trash can. Go off, Lumine. You don't need to help that trash, you by all people should know she isn't welcome here. What happened to our dear top students? Perhaps you had a change of heart?" She said then walked towards the man who tripped you earlier. 

 "Are you alright?" Someone approached you from the back and wrapped his hands around your shoulders. It was a tall red-head man, based on his looks, he expresses a very cold personality. 

 "D-diluc!" Lumine's eyes widened when she saw the man intervening with the scene Guuji Yae made. 

 "Bring her to the clinic for me, Lumine, thank you," He said and proceeded to hand you over to her. 

 Great, first day on this school then this happened. You wonder what else could go wrong after this. You came across the same said man and overheard their conversation.

--- 

 "That's so awesome Miko~," said the man who owns a pair of lilac eyes. 

 "So when are you going to say yes about me being your boyfriend? I've been chasing you for 3 years now.. you know" He held her hand and kissed it. 

 "A-ayato- y-you know that's a little too early! W-we're still studying you know..." Said Yae Miko who's now all red and a little flustered.  

--- 

 "What's with them Lumine?" Yeah, what's with the both of them. They seem to dislike you that much by tripping you over and then pouring a hot bowl of ramen on your whole body. 

 "It's the power couple of the school! Kamisato Ayato and Guuji Yae" Lumine said with her eyes gleaming like the stars. "Kamisato Ayato has been chasing Guuji Yae for almost 3 years now! But everyone sees them as the power couple because no one seems to court Guuji Yae out of fear since Kamisato Ayato confessed his love for her! It's like they're already in a relationship even if Guuji Yae hasn't said yes to him" She added. 

"Maybe Miko got mad at you because her suitor was staring at you since you came in here." Ayato was staring at you? But why would she get mad and hurt you physically just by all that? 

---

"Looks like your little Miko got a little jealous when she noticed you've been staring at the new girl~" 

"Why would she be jealous, Childe?" Ayato finally faced Childe who was behind him giving him a smug face. 

 "Oh~ probably because you had your eyes towards another girl? Hm?" He added 

 "She's ugly— huge glasses, thick eyebrows, and a messy hair bun. She's like a girl who can't even do simple makeup" Ayato said annoyingly to the ginger head. 

 "No she's not, she's... quite amazing" A short response coming from the one and only Diluc Ragnvindr. 

"Yeah what the hell was that? Diluc?" 

 "Childe, you know, he's starting to act cool around the new girl since this man never had a girlfriend," Ayato said provoking Diluc. 

"Why did you tell Miko to pour that bowl of Ramen at her? Ayato for god's sake! We're already graduating, I'm pretty sure you don't want to do something that would expel you from this school even if the Kamisato Family has its own shares in this school? What would your sister say if she finds out her brother is bullying someone again? I'm very delighted to know what her reaction would be once she gets to know her brother broke his promise" Diluc said while looking into Ayato's eyes. No signs of compassion were seen on his own and walked away from the school rooftop. 

 "He actually has a point, you did promise your sister you wouldn't do anything crazy again in your last year of high school... Maybe it's best if you just stop right now. You wouldn't know what the future would give you. Only god knows if the moment you saw her, you fell in love with her? Hm?" Childe said and followed Diluc downstairs. 

"Fall in love with a trash like her? Plus I didn’t tell her to do it, she poured the ramen all by herself” Ayato leaned towards the balcony of the school’s rooftop.

“What’s with her anyway? Where did she have the courage to answer me as if she didn’t know who am I? She even had the nerve to call me an inconvenience” He added while staring at this so-called girl coming out of the clinic with Lumine.

(Annoying, very annoying. I’m sorry Ayaka, promises are always meant to be broken. Might as well enjoy this last piece of entertainment given to me by the gods) He thought and ran downstairs to follow his friends.

---

“Ayato is evil! Don’t be bewitched by his looks Y/N!” Lumine said while holding my burnt hand that is now wrapped with bandages.

“He has been known to push people to their limits until their human body can no longer handle it and decided to transfer back again to their local high school... and it looks like you were his new target... Stay strong Y/N... I believe in you... We never had any new students ever again because of him, no one dared to report it because he is from a rich family. Money can sometimes buy everything you know? That’s why he always gets away with it” Lumine said cheering me up with her fists clenched. 

“Whatever he is, I am strong so he can come at me anytime he wants and he will fail miserably. All I have to do is hurt his little ego~.” You said while smirking at Lumine as if you have an evil plan on your mind.

“Scary Y/N! Kyaah!” she said as she tries to run away from you. 

“I’m just joking Lumine~,” you said and the two of you laughed together as you return to your classrooms for your classes.

 ---

“My name is Y/N L/N” you bowed down in front of your class.

“Now Miss L/N, you may sit on that vacant space next to Mr. Kamisato” Ei smirked at you as if she knew what was between the two of you. Was there really something between you and Ayato? You’re pretty sure that there was none because all he did for the rest of the day is trip you off him and ordered his girlfriend to pour down a bowl of ramen at you.

“Ms. Ei, I refuse to oblige with her sitting beside me” The man raised his hand with a confused look.

“Why is that Ayato? Is there something wrong with a new student sitting beside you?” Ms. Ei gave him a serious look, hinting that he’ll be in trouble if he deny her request since he is her student.

“I... don’t have anything against...her.” Ayato didn’t have a choice but to agree since he saw the glare that Ei gave him. 

“If he doesn’t want her sitting beside him then I’ll gladly accept her as my seatmate, Ms. Ei” Diluc raised his hand for his request which made Ei a little happy because she needs to watch over Iliya’s daughter (A/N: Iliya is the name of Y/N’s mother!)

“N-no! I’m very fine with her sitting beside me, no need for her to sit beside Diluc!” Ayato shouted as if he was in a rush before the final decision was made and the whole class is now staring at him because of the words that came out of him.

What?

Y/N is gonna be so dead if Guuji Yae was our classmate-

Suddenly, Ayato wants a trash like her to sit beside him?

Didn’t Diluc save her from embarrassment when Guuji Yae poured down that hot bowl of ramen?

She’s not even beautiful compared to Guuji Yae, she’s a nerd ugly piece of trash

The first day of school and now she’s being a whore towards Ayato and Diluc, what a SLUT-

“ENOUGH!” Ei slammed down the blackboard eraser averting the attention of the students at her.

“Y/N, kindly sit beside Ayato whether he likes it or not”

“O-okay” You agreed with her and walked towards the seat next to his. You could feel your classmates gaze upon you as if they wanted to crush you down.

“I guess you’ll have to see me every now and then for the whole school year. I’m Y/N and this is the first time we ever talk to each other properly” You said giving him a peace sign.

“Ayato, and I don’t like you” He answered you without even looking at you, he just kept staring at the window. Out of curiosity, you also leaned at the window having you and his body near each other. 

“You like her right?” You asked him but you didn’t receive any replies from him.

(Tsk... She has a strawberry scent, I thought poor people can’t afford to enroll at a school like this?) He thought to himself completely disgusted at you.

---

Class hours ended before you even knew it and you met an unexpected girl while you were fixing your things at your locker.

“I heard what Miko did to you earlier~”

“No one can snatch Ayato from her”

“I don’t know about snatching someone from her, please leave me alone,” You said without turning your back and proceeded to go downstairs when-

You just got pushed downstairs by the girl talking to you. You’ve been feeling pain from your back to your legs- did you just sprain yourself? 

(That really hurts) You thought to yourself.

The girl who was talking to you followed you downstairs slowly until she finally reached you and leaned toward you.

“Poor thing, this is what happens when you fight back against Miko,” she said.

“Y-You! You pushed me down the stairs!” You grabbed her by the collar and slapped her so hard that her face reddened. 

“H-how dare you to touch my face!” She screamed that made you worried a little because people are going to look at the mess you got yourself again for the third time in one day. 

“S-sara what’s wrong?!” A man showed up, he probably came from one of the rooms, perhaps her classmate. He has white long hair and looks like a gangster?

“YOU!” he grabbed you by your hair.

“S-she slapped me Itto-” Sara whined at him and showed him her reddened face.

“HOW DARE YOU SLAP HER! Let go of her collar Ugly Shit!” You let go of her collar as you could feel your hair and scalp separating from each other. Other than that you also have a sprained ankle you need to worry about.

“E-enough Itto-” Sara begged and he finally let go of his hand to your hair.

“I’ll get back at you for slapping her. Ride by back Sara, I’ll carry you to the clinic” He gave Sara a piggyback ride and left you alone at the staircase.

“Need help?” A familiar voice ranged through the hallway.

“D-diluc?! N-no! I didn’t mean to slap-” Your voice was cut off by him placing his index finger on your lips.

“You’re very much hurt right now and it would be inappropriate for me if I wouldn’t help you right? Don’t worry Y/N I heard everything and your secrets are safe with me” Without hesitating, he carried you in a bridal manner. Your face reddens as you get closer to his face giving you the chance to admire him. 

“D-diluc! What will the other students say if they saw us here?” 

“What would they say anyway? I’m going to bring you to the hospital and not the clinic you know? You’ll meet Sara and Itto there and I don’t want to leave you alone with them. Only god knows if those injuries would worsen.” He smiled at you and proceeded to walk in the school’s corridors. 

You closed your eyes while he was walking with a straight face as the two of you overheard the murmurs of the other student. They are definitely talking about the two of you.

This is new...

I’ve never seen Diluc carry a girl.

I want to have my ankle sprain too so I can get carried by him!

Y/N you one lucky whore!

---

The two of you walked down to the parking area of the school. Diluc helped you get in his car and then drove you to the school’s hospital to treat you for your injuries.

Not being aware of the same lilac eyes that always had his attention on you since the very start of the day. He watches you from afar being carried like a bride by his best friend as he carefully brings you inside. Ayato is truly wondering about what he’s feeling right now about you and Diluc.

Next -> Chapter 2

[dramioneasks]

this specific scene where theo was walking over 2 this french redhead ? & said something like "would u sleep w me?" in french & i think the girl laughed & explained to him what he said ? & TN was saying something along the lines of "no no, my friend D told me to say that" to b painted out as a gentleman & D b painted out as a a-hole, worked like a charm (fyi, D & TN r friends) also D told/lied 2 HP that TN was rude 2 H while H was trying 2 convince HP that TN wasnt rude 2 her (1/2)

(2/2), also i think H & D were dancing and they had this whole debacle over TN's name. I remember H saying "it's not-" and D being like "yes, it's nott" & they were going circles about TN's surname. H wasn't successful convincing HP, HP was head auror ? and walked over to TN and the french redhead and snatched TN off the french redhead and punched? TN when he was snogging the french redhead and while HP walked away from TN and frenchie redhead, he and D gave thumbs up to each other

I just finished reading this!

Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love by isthisselfcare - E, 36 Chapters - Hermione straddles the Muggle and Magical worlds as a medical researcher and Healer about to make a big discovery. Draco is an Auror assigned to protect her from forces unknown – to both of their displeasure. Features hyper-competent, fiery Hermione and lazy, yet dangerous, Draco. Slow burn.

-Lisa

[notquitetwilight]

okay but... but please go on about twilight but in the uk

okay I’m Irish not British so I might not be the most qualified person for this but I think their 800-year occupation of us dominance in our pop culture/tv has educated me enough so:

- Bella is an English Northerner. “Ah nuuh woh ya ahhr.” “Say it, out loud.” “Vampiyah!”

- Edward is even posher than Rob Pattinson and his accent makes him seem like even more of a knob than his know-it-all vampirism so long story short he gets bullied every school they put him in apart from hoity toity proivate schools where everyone is as equally knobby

- If Alaska is the Scottish Highlands, the Denalis are Scottish. If the Denalis are Scottish, they dogwalk Edward rather than put up with his bullshit

- Similarly, if posh boy Eddie treated northerner Bella the way real Edward treats real Bella at the start of the series, she would’ve just told him to piss off and called it a day

- Scot Kate is an Indyref campaigner and that’s why Irishman Garrett fell head over heels so quickly

- As established, the Volturi are the Voltories. Ancient, colonial, conservative, power-trippy, have weird laughs??? It all checks out

- Rosalie is a Chelsea girl let’s be real

- Emmett is a working-class Irish city kid (Rose found him when the Cullens were visiting Siobhán and co) but I haven’t decided if he’s from Dublin or Cork yet. The McCart(h)y surname hails from and is common in Cork buttt I feel like a thick Dublin accent would suit Emmett’s persona and be a funny contradiction to Rose’s posh English vibe

- Chelsea girl Rose: “Is she evuhn Italiuhn?”

Dub Emmett: “Her name’s bleedin’ Belleh!”

- Esme is from Cardiff and Londoner Carlisle learned Welsh for her :))))

- Alice is an Essex hun (but she’s not like other Essex huns™️) because that would be fucking hilarious. If you think I’m wrong please just visualise the Meet the Cullens/Italiano scene where Edward is all, “Alice, what are you doing–” and picture Alice responding “Don’t worry babe, we’re gonna be best friends, ain’t wehhhy? I’ve uwready seen ih!”

- Alice travels to Blackpool sometimes and sets up a fortune teller tent on the pier just for shits and giggles

- Jasper is from Newcastle so instead of saying “pleasure to meet you” or whatever to Bella he just says “yareeet”

- Geordie Jasper anytime he feels Rose ready to set Edward on fire: “Rose is gooin pyuah akka!”

- The wolf pack are Northern Irish Catholics

- Derryman Jacob finding out about Bella and Edward’s honeymoon plans: “Is thess a fuckin jehyoke???? Catch yerselves awn!!!!”

- Paul first angrily turned into a wolf when someone asked him to wear a poppy, while resident Derry Girl Leah only refers to Edward as the “wee English fella”

- SCOUSE CHARLIE SCOUSE CHARLIE SCOUSE CHARLIE. He and Billy watch LFC matches together and he definitely has a “you’ll never walk alone” sticker on his car

- This side of the Atlantic Edward isn’t insulted with “jackass”/“moron”/“idiot” etc but instead his siblings call him any one of these on a recurring basis: prick, prat, twat, twit, dickhead, knobhead, bellend, git, wanker, tosser, eejit (Emmett), gobshite (mostly Emmett)

- Also this side of the Atlantic has a more obvious drinking culture so let’s pretend vamps can get drunk depending on how much blood they drink, in which case you’ll hear Jasper yelling “LET’S GET MORTAL” every hunting trip or Emmett bragging about how “locked”/“legless”/“hammered”/“ossified” he was after 12 bears

- Everyone curses a lot more obviously

- It’s less white than American Twilight so visualise the above characters any way u want!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- On a less funny but v wholesome note, the reason I put the wolf pack as Northern Irish Catholics is bc of the colonial parallels, wolves having a prominent role in Irish mythology, and the historical kinship between Native Americans and Irish people! During Ireland’s Great Famine of the 1840s, the Choctaw Nation sent $170 (a huge sum of money equivalent to a couple of thousand USD today) to families who starved under the rule of a British government that refused to help. The Choctaw people did this despite living in poverty themselves as a result of the Trail of Tears in a display of solidarity between colonised people thousands of miles away from each other. This year, Irish people tried to carry on a similar sentiment by donating to the Navajo & Hopi Covid-19 Relief Fund while these Nations were ignored by the Trump Administration. The Navajo Nation attorney-general estimates approximately $3 million USD of the fund came from donors living in Ireland, so the historical bond between Native Americans and their Irish friends is still very much alive 🥺

[martvota]

Reading “The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” by Suzanne Collins [1]

✴ The switch of perspectives, an utterly rotten setting, the return of various symbols, something about proper character crafting and should we even like Coriolanus Snow? ✴

The first thing I’ve noticed was that people worried Collins might try and give Snow a redemption arc or use the new book as an excuse for his latter actions but I wouldn’t fret – doing so would only invalidate the universe she has built, would make one of the most important characters inconsistent. No proper writer wants that.

If anything, the way I see it, the book is intended to give us more insight on the beginnings of the system and state we (along with Katniss and Peeta, and all the rest) already know. Which is somewhat fascinating, as all well-crafted universes are.

We are given some more information on the civil war/First Rebellion that has spawned the Treaty of Treason but it (mostly?) doesn’t come in form of a history class; it flows quite freely with the main character’s thoughts and other characters’ conversations. There is no excessive detail or raw facts. Instead, we are presented with broken memories and broken homes, traumas, political and economical outcomes – and none of it is impersonal. Susanne Collins has successfully portrayed a society that has just experienced war. The streets that remain ruined years after “peace” has been achieved, the fierce… nationalism, I’d say? Though Panem is technically one state. What I meant was the approach of Coriolanus’ grandmother, almost teary-eyed over Capitol’s completely false glory, extremely hostile while speaking about the Districts. The “us versus them” mentality, the extremely protective kind of patriotism (post-war patriotism, I’d say). The state is trying to lift itself up, the old money families are attempting to regain their riches, and they are choosing the most cruel tactics to achieve that. 

We got to know the situation in the Districts thanks to the previously published books – but this time we are taking a look at the Capitol at its least glorious (and if the Capitol hungers, then it’s easy to say the rest of the country is dying of starvation).

That being said, I think it is crucial to remember whose perspective we are adopting for the sake of the novel. In this case, it is young Snow’s so – a ruined upper class family’s heir, raised to believe that he deserves what is the best solely due to his surname. Yes, he is to become the cold-blooded tyrant and killer of millions. No past excuses those crimes, ever.

But we have to keep in mind his upbringing, his origin – he has never been taught to empathise, only pity or detest; he has never been taught to respect people from the Districts unless that brings him gain (and even then, such respect should be faked – think of his beginnings with Lucy Gray).

So of course he was not crafted for us to enjoy. In fact, painting him as an obviously likeable, misunderstood boy would make for a redemption arc or an excuse, wouldn’t it? Instead, we are given a young representative of an extremely corrupt system, by no means its victim but rather product. He might not be a straight-out villain just yet but this book is our chance to observe him grow into one, all the while remaining not entirely bad nor good – he is remarkable at many things and it shines through the pages; he is remarkable at playing the protagonist. He is not one, he was never supposed to be one, and a great feature of this book is that the narrative tricks the readers into forgetting that fact.

If we are looking for a just and compassionate lead, this novel is not the right place for our search. Few of the characters are outrightly bad, as in, even the ones we’d expect to have no remorse whatsoever show some of it every now and then (and I am mostly talking about the Capitol’s citizens). Which is good – I’d say it prompts the reader to question, why would they do that? ( ← I might touch upon that in another post or add examples in reblogs. )

The only actually good characters I am seeing so far are Sejanus and Lucy Gray, but I believe that might have been the author’s intention.

Speaking of which, I have seen someone accuse Collins of (perhaps unknowingly) attempting to lessen the value of a compassionate and vulnerable stance (such as the one displayed by Sejanus) in the eyes of the reader, due to the way the lead character views it as. I disagree – the reader should not agree with any of the ideology Coriolanus follows from the very beginning of the book. Him being the main character doesn’t mean that the author agrees with his views. And if the reader falls for that narrative for a moment, then that is completely okay – the way I see it, it mainly shows that the character has been written properly (he does with the real life audience the same thing he does with the fictional people around him, tricking them into looking at things from his perspective).

Besides, there is plenty of wake-up calls (though once you get lured in by the narrative they may become less striking), such as the bizarre scene where teenagers are brainstorming how to make a mass execution more interesting. Under a teacher’s guidance, in class, just freely exchanging ideas that will later take a toll on the lives of thousands. That’s terrifying.

Or the entire concept of the monkey cage, the message it conveys; they are locked up in a rundown zoo, out in the open for other human beings to view and mock – as if they themselves weren’t human, as if they were humanoid. Similar, but not developed enough, not bright enough, clever but not intelligent and never equal. And then the privileged masses that put them there dare to act afraid.

That’s disgusting. That’s cruel and absolutely outrageous, and I love how Suzanne Collins has not given up on her expert usage of symbols (another example: the names, but I could go on and on about that), even if I do think some of those metaphors could have been disguised better and not just served on a platter.

( I’m aware this review might come off as void of criticism but it was completely unplanned— my first impression, if you will. )

I though I would wait with voicing my opinion until I finish the book but now I’d rather update this post as I go, as not to forget anything.

I found out about this prequel by pure chance, just because I had been meaning to give the HG trilogy another read after a long break (so chances are I wasn’t and won’t be able to pinpoint all the allusions to the saga).

[noona96n]

(1/?) hello nona! chinese names anon here to answer your call for more names :) u’re enabling me to dive eeeeven further into this fandom lol. however, i had to go through all the episodes again to find out where they are called by their names, so u better appreciate the effort.. just kidding, it was very fun actually looking at their name’s meanings, i never paid attention to it much before, until the “yes” to shuyis father unlocked curiousness in me as for shide’s name ^^

i’d like to take this moment to say chinese is not my mother tongue, however i study it in university for a while now. also, chinese characters can sometimes have lots of different meanings, given how u use them (verb/adjective etc.)

so just take what i say with a grain of salt, i’m just going off of what i learn in my classes and how i experience the characters in use. but i tried my best :)

so here’s what i got. some fit more, some less imo. but that makes sense, names are just names sometimes and maybe i interpret too much story meaning into them haha. PLEASE feel free to copy paste my ask into shorter pieces/leave stuff out!! i realise it is veeery long, i just wanted to be thorough and also explain since you asked :)

高士德 Gao Shide

高 high/tall/high up (no. 1, always on top)

仕 official, work in office (can also mean ‘bodyguard’ when in chess context, the two pieces protecting the king…omfg!!

德 ethics, moral, virtue (fun fact: also part of the chinese word for germany, 德國 lol)

周書逸 zhou shu yi

周 attentive, thoughtful

書 book/letter/write/calligraphy… um… the eMAiLs?? and his notebook scribbles? me is now dead..

逸 (unhurried/calm, can also mean avoid/escape.. b y e omg these writers)

政文 zhengwen

政 politics

文 culture, language, writing, gentle (文 can mean a few things, not sure what they intended with him)

聿欣 yuxin

聿 yu (this is interesting, yu is an introductory particle, at the begininng of a sentence, meaning like ‘and then’)

欣 happy.. so basically they tell us right away she’s there at the beginning and gets a happy ending for her story? lol

哲宇 zheyu

哲 philosophical, wise (L O L.. sorry hun, but.. lol)

宇 room, universe

(fun fact: i think i read somewhere his last name is a charcater that is pronounced ‘shi’, don’t know which one tho. while talking about the ‘i’m not inexperienced’ with shide, shuyi asks: 是哲宇嗎？(shi zheyu ma?) = is it shi zheyu? (the one he has experience with), however i always thought he asked “shi zheyu?” since, as with gao shide before, ‘shi’ can mean different things depending on which character that sounds like ‘shi’. what was used here is “shi” 是 = ‘is (it)’ and then the name. i always thought they meant just his last name here. i mean it both works and means the same mostly: “is it zheyu” vs. “shi zheyu?”. but chinese homophones man, so fun ^^)

秉瑋bingwei

秉 bing can just be a surname, or also grasp/hold/maintain

瑋 big/great, strong/robust

裴守一 pei shouyi

裴 pei again can just be a surname, or also flowing (as in a flowing cloth/garment) …lol

守 guard/defend, watch over, observe (T H I S tho!!)

一 the number “one”, first, entire, whole (this can mean a lot again)

餘真軒 yu zhenxuan

餘 odd, extra, beyond, remaining (hmmm not that’s interesting given his storyline isn’t it?)

真 true, real, genuine

軒 surname ‘xuan’, or high/lofty, pavilion/windows/veranda (often used with RESTAURANTS, or teahouses)

-

chinese names anon here! 🇨🇳 i hope the names all got to you and you enjoy having more insight into them now :) chinese sure is interesting, right? please excuse the length of the asks 🙈you don't have to post all or even any of it, i'm just glad to give more insight :) i love your blog, please continue what you do!

-----------------

firstly, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO EXPLAIN THEIR NAME TO ME!!! i appreciate ur effort, so thank you, thank you, thank you! 

secondly, a lot of my posts are enabled by my mutuals and anon asks! ofc im gonna enable u! i always want to learn new things and read other people’s insights! feel free to come and rant at me anytime!

thirdly, the length is no problem at all! thank you for explaining everything so thoroughly!! and ofc im posting everything! this is a gem! everyone should read it!!

i just want to say that i give so much meaning to names so i really like learning what people’s names mean! our first names are gifts from our parents and the names we and other people give to us are also gits to us! names are such an intimate and integral part of our identity! 

i seriously love u so much for answering my question! thank you thank you thank you! 

im glad u enjoy the content i put out!

[earlgreymon]

It’s me the anon from b4 lol, I forgot to mention how clever all the smau usernames are??? Your brain is so huge for that. Also I totally understand shipping Kari with everyone - she was always my favorite character so the fact that she never ended up with anyone we knew felt like the biggest missed opportunity in regards to shipping. Anyway, love your posts 💖

which anon?? i've been getting quite a lot of anon messages lately and i'm not sure ;_; but all anons have been lovely so far and i love receiving messages <3

thank you so much!! however, i can't take credit of all the usernames because some of them are not mine. i think this is a great time for me to explain them all, if you mind. i know i've explained some of them on the original post, BUUUT ANYWAY.

hi.kari: some of the korean artist i know use "hi" as a part of their username, like seulgi (red velvet), ellin (crayon pop) and song joongki. i'm not sure if hi means that greeting (like "hi!! hey!!") but i feel like it can fit hikari.

kouzzy898: kouzzy is created by @tangledupblue in her smau. 898 is taken from @dutchforstrangers's headcanon who said that koushiro was born in august '89.

14tyagami: i love football, and i know some footballers named their instagram with their shirt number. 14 happens to be taichi's shirt number in reboot. and since footballers use their surname in their shirt, i just had to emphasis the yagami part instead of taichi.

fromsorawithlove: it's from @fromsorawithlove username!! haha. i've mentioned that this name was created by mimi, and although sora was rather uncomfortable at first on using the word "love" blatantly, she didn't have any other idea to rename her insta...

meemstagram: face it. we often refer to mimi as "meems" and i just twist the word.

howlatthemoon: it's the script's song lol. actually, i think it's a fitting name for yamato because there's a wolf element, but not as cringey as teenagewolf (you're no longer a teen, duh). i didn't use knifeofday because i believe the band has its separate account :)

__tk.takaishi: pretty self-explanatory.

jjkido: this too.

iorihida: the ultimate pretty self-explanatory lmao.

yaboidavees: it's from @tangledupblue again, but i put a twist on her yaboidavis. the vees in the back is actually a tribute for veemon! :3

purplefeatherss.__: again, a name from @tangledupblue. also i've mentioned that i had to open my instagram and looked how my japanese friends named their account. i remember they rarely use their full names. instead, from what i learned, they often: 1) prolong some alphabets (like miiiiiyako), 2) use a lot of numbers, 3) also use repeated dots and underscores. idk whether this is true or not, but that’s just base on my investigation.

ken.1jouji: 1 in japanese is ichi, so you know how to pronounced it, right? ;)

bonus is lee.jian025; i took 025 from jenrya's card number (?) according to digimon fandom wiki.

UGH YES. like she was this girl who can fit with anybody, so yeah... glad i found someone who understand about this. i know it seems weird to ship takari, koukari, kenkari, AND THEN JENKARI at the same time. but hey... say the magic word with me:

m u l t i s h i p p e r s

✨

[duvetsandpillows]

Daniel Ricciardo Fluffy A-Z

A = Attractive: what do they find attractive about the other?

He loves your smile, it’s as big as his. He loves taking photos of you no matter where you guys are. His majorly camera roll is full of your beautiful smile.

B = Baby: do they want a family? why/why not?

He cannot wait to have kids. As soon as you mentioned the thought of it he expressed his excitement before sweeping you upstairs to start trying.

C = Cuddle: how do they cuddle?

He loves it when you sit between his legs with your back against his chest, his arms wrapped around your waist. He ended up buying a larger sofa so you guys wouldn’t have to sit on the floor to cuddle.

D = Dates: what are dates with them like?

When you started dating he would take you out to fancy restaurants but when it was your turn to plan the date you took him dirt biking. Ever since then he would plan more exhilarating dates to fill both your adrenaline junkie needs.

E = Everything: “you are my ____” (e.g my life, my world…)

“You’re my one and only.”

F = Feelings: when did they know they were falling in love?

He knew the when you were meeting his family for the first time. You were helping his mum with lunch and he watched how well you got on with her and he realised then and there that you were the one for him.

G = Gentle: are they gentle? If so, how?

You and Daniel would play fight or wrestle but he would never intentionally hurt you. Once while wrestling you got hit in the face and Daniel spent the entire afternoon apologising and treating you like a Queen.

H = Hand/Hold: how do they like to hold? how do they like to hold hands?

Daniels loves to hold your hand no matter where you are. He wanted to make sure everyone was aware that you were his.

I = Impression: first impression/s

He was mesmerised by you, he could believe someone so funny, caring and beautiful actually existed.

J = Joker: are they into pulling pranks?

You two are constantly trying to one up each other with each prank. Daniel once pretended to chop with finger off whole cooking dinner. He used to much fake blood that you ended up fainting as soon as you rushed into the kitchen. He still classes it as one of his proudest moments.

K = Kisses: how do they kiss?

Daniel loves to kiss your neck. He will always come up behind you and pepper your neck with kisses. When it’s just you two he can’t resist occasionally leaving a few love bites, so people knew you were his while he was away at races.

L = Love: who says I love you first?

You said it first. You’d gone out for a girls night, Daniel offered to be taxi driver for the night for everyone (he always worried when all you girls went out, scared someone would try and take advantage of one of you) when he picked you guys up you were quite drunk. When you two arrived back home he carried you up into the apartment and helped you change into one of his shirts.

“I love you so much,” you said before your eyes went as wide as the moon.

“Shit that was too early wasn’t-“ he cut you off with a passionate kiss.

“I love you too beautiful.”

M = Memory: their favourite moment together

When you came to your first race. He’d brought you to the Monaco race as it was his favourite of the year. You’d been cheering him on all weekend, all the way until he crossed the line taking the victory. When he finally got back to the garage he spotted you holding a honey badger teddy with a small trophy in its arms. You were wearing a Red Bull top with a large three on the back with his surname above it. He picked you up and twirled you around. He’s never thought he’d find someone who would share his passion for the sport.

N = Nickel: do they spoil? do they buy the person they love everything?

Despite your constant protests he loves to spoil you. Whether it be designer clothes, makeup or weekends away he wants to treat you like the princess you are.

O = Orange: what colour reminds them of their other half?

Yellow, even before he moved to Renault. You were on the whole very positive and cheerful and will always make sure everyone around you is okay. For your one year anniversary he bought you a beautiful yellow sundress to wear that evening.

P = Pet names: what pet names do they use?

Princess, beautiful, sexy girl.

Q = Quaint: what is their favourite non-modern thing?

Vinyl records. He loves music just as much as he does raving so for his birthday you bought him a vinyl player and a bunch of vinyls, both new and old music.

R = Rainy Day: what do they like to do on a rainy day?

On a rainy day you two love to cuddle up on the sofa inder a duvet and binge watch something on Netflix. It was rare to have a quiet day alone together so you took every opportunity you could.

S = Sad: how do they cheer themselves/each other up

He likes to watch comedy movies or some stand up if you’re not around. If you are he likes to cuddle up to your chest while you run your fingers though his hair.

T = Talking: what do they love to talk about?

Biking, racing, new music he’s found but his favourite is talking about your day, especially if you haven’t been able to join him for a race. He could happily talk about any topic in the world as long as he was talking to you.

U = Unencumbered: What helps them relax?

Going on long walks. When he brought you to Perth for the first time you went on a walk as the sun began to set and you ended up walking for hours just exploring and chatting.

V = Vaunt: what do they like to show off? What are they proud of?

He loves showing off to you, whether it’s a new trick or something he brought while he was away. But he lives showing you off most of all. He’s so proud of everything you do and wants everyone to know how amazing you are and that he was the luckiest man in the world.

W = Wedding: when, how, where do they propose?

He took you on holiday to Bali over the summer break wanting to spend some one on one time with you. You went out for dinner then took a long walk on the beach to where a blanket was laid out with a bottle or champagne and two glasses. As the sun began to set he got down on one knee and pulled out a beautiful silver ring with a small diamond in the middle.

“(Y/F/N) I never thought I’d ever meet someone as perfect as you. I love you so much, would you do me the honour of becoming Mrs Ricciardo?”

X = Xylophone: What’s their song?

Feeling Myself by Beyoncé. It didn’t matter when’re you were, if that song came on you and Daniel had to dance, giving it 100% effort every time.

Y = You’re the ___ to my ___ (e.g the cookies to my milk, the macaroni to my cheese)

You’re the pepperoni to my pizza.

Z = Zebra: if they wanted a pet, what pet would they get?

You guys already have a dog and a cat but you both agreed that one day you’d by a farm and raise a bunch of animals.

[wkngsnds]

So remember when I published “Whether You Fail or Fly”? I rewrote it! Well, some parts of it; I tried my best to reach the dark tone I was aiming for, fixed some things I thought were awkward, and so and so forth. I hope y’all enjoy it all the same.

I’ll post it on here too under a read more.

Title: Your Side

RATING: Teen and older audience

Two weeks ago, he never wanted a tool. Tonight, he’s grateful to his hitwoman.

Fuyuhiko had not been the type to black out during his fights; in fact, he savored every cut and bruise that he could take before Peko eventually intervened. He exists in a constant state of irritation with his anger never falling far behind. Despite being a yakuza, or perhaps that is exactly why, his anger was his weak point— almost as blinding and fervent as Kabukicho during the night. Just like his parents, he got hot under the collar relatively quickly and chose to focus all his energy on his victim, so he’s an extremist in his own right too. Fuyuhiko preferred to handle things “a man’s way”: being direct as possible instead of exhibiting a passive aggressive attitude. He believed he could smash his way through his opponents as he refused to lose sight of his goal.

Tonight was no different.

Peko never got hit during a fight— she was fast, strong, and cunning. However, it would be more accurate to say that she couldn’t afford to get hit; a thousandth second too slow, a single hair strand out of place, and it would all be over. She exists in a hypervigilant state even within the confines of the Kuzuryuu manor. It is not that she lacks trust in her “coworkers'', per say, but protecting Fuyuhiko is the only thing she finds herself capable of doing. Truth be told, even with a small army of guards roaming the grounds it does not guarantee his safety, but by acting as his shield he’s all the more safer. It’s why she keeps her mind blank, but never loses focus; that is not to say she does not think at all— if anything, she is the type to overthink matters more than someone in her position should. These constraints both forced upon her and self practiced are why her rage is restrained. She’s not the type to anger easily, but when the emotion visits her it must be leashed and kept within bounds.

Tonight was no different. 

An ocean of alarm and disquietude drowned the underground of Tokyo, and nearly flooded the overground the day after Fuyuhiko confirmed Natsumi’s corpse. It had not been long until civilians heard of the misfortunate incident, and they took it upon themselves to go home earlier than usual as a precautionary measure. Even if they did not know Natsumi, her surname carried all the weight it needed to: it was not just a member of the clan who died, but someone with a direct relation to the leader. This action of avoidance, of course, did nothing to deter the Kuzuryu clan from their own private investigations; they were a 24/7 kind of business, after all. Each family belonging to the Kuzuryu-gumi had crawled out of their own holes-- those who supported Natsumi above Fuyuhiko worked especially hard to find their princess’s murderer. Then there were those, in their true yakuza nature, who wanted to take advantage of her death to strip the Ultimate of his inheritance. For them, it had not been a simple preference of the younger sibling, but instead a dissatisfaction and disfavor for their patriarch’s son. By extension, Peko received the same condemnation if not to a worse degree. Those in Natsumi’s faction who were slightly sympathetic to the heir blamed the bodyguard for his physical weakness and lack of will; her entire presence caused his spoiled and rotten nature. Put simply her existence, they thought, hindered his bloodlust. Others argued that the main family was not meant to kill as they were an ‘invisible hand’ which directed them all. A minority thought Peko to be a better yakuza than him, but they were smarter than to voice that opinion. There were also a few who thought him cursed— a way of karma for all the blood the clan spilled since its early days, and that blood most certainly flowed like a river. Nevertheless subsidiary matriarchs and patriarchs respected him as their heir at best, but they would not hold their breath for him either.

The funeral service would bring out the worst in the family.

Nastumi died in less than a week of attending the academy, so the two knew their investigation was limited to this timeframe. After confirming her corpse’s identity, the next step was to speak with the custodian who found her; if he had decided to keep information from the police Fuyuhiko had no qualms in using extensive methods of extraction. Meanwhile, Peko worked to address the rumors of a supposed pervert who was thought by the students to be the perpetrator. The mysterious figure had stolen one girl’s swimsuit, and then planned to violate the young mistress (the disgusted rage she felt momentarily dulled the pain in her wrist as her hand formed into a tight fist). Peko knew she needed to focus, so she took a deep breath and went to look for the first girl whose swimsuit had been taken; if the two were both victims to the degenerate, then it was important to establish a possible connection or a pattern. On the hand, if the attacks were random, it would have been hard to track down a possible suspect with the incredibly vague information. They also did not allow Fuyuhiko, understandably, to enter the crime scene, so her chances of success in that area were virtually zero. On the other hand, if this were a targeted attack, then there was a greater problem to be dealt with, and this girl might be connected.

She could not recall any subsidiaries with the name Sato, but it was also possible her mother married out of the respective family. Furthermore, Peko had not been ignorant to the clan’s...favoritism, but she would not be convinced by the apparent blind adoration; it could have been the start of a coup d’etat, and her young master would be the next target. Peko already failed both Fuyuhiko and Natsumi by not protecting the latter, failure to aid him in apprehending her killer or letting him die meant she truly was useless. Therefore, finding this girl and ‘speaking’ to her took over all her priorities. The kendo athlete scans the morning cafeteria until she spots her suspect (someone had kindly described her appearance) sitting at an empty table near the large windows. Like a tiger, she moves carefully to disappear from the girl’s direct line of sight and peripheral vision; she intended to take her by surprise— using that confusion to assert dominance in the conversation and as momentum for a potential confession. However, before Peko could get any closer Mikan had unfortunately bumped into her; like always, the nurse made a scene whenever she apologized to someone, and blew Peko’s cover. To make matters worse, she spotted the injured wrist she acquired from punching the wall yesterday, and became shockingly insistent on treating the wound. Mikan did not yield to any of her protest, and all but dragged her out of the cafeteria to the nurse’s office. For a weak willed clumsy girl, the kendo athlete did not expect her to be as firm in her handling.

True to her sensitive nature, Mikan noticed Peko’s state of irate despite the latter having a stoic face, and began to apologize once again. Stuttering throughout her explanation, it appeared as though she hardly slept the prior night. Mistaking the red eyed girl’s neutral, if not apathetic, question for sympathy the super high school level nurse rambled on about doing an emergency shift at a nearby clinic. Yet, even for Peko who was only half listening something felt off.

‘What you just said...was a lie, wasn’t it?’ A tit for tat question. 

‘H-Huh?! You w-were able t-to tell?’ She focused on the splinting for a moment, ‘U-Um...Pekoyama would it be too presumptuous to ask...if I could c-confide in you with s-something? I-It feels like my chest is going to explode if I can’t g-g-get it out.’

She’s weary of agreeing, but slowly nods her head nevertheless. 

‘I...I saw the body. Kuzuryu’s little sister...W-We found her in the music room l-last night.’ 

‘What did you say?!’

‘Eek! I..I’m sorry!’

‘Tsumiki, you need to explain to me exactly what happened. What do you mean ‘we’?’

At 7:30 pm, both yakuza convened at the heir’s off campus apartment to consolidate all the information they gathered. After deeming that he had nothing left to hide, Fuyuhiko “convinced” the custodian to allow him into the music room. There’s a tight feeling in his chest at the sight of the white tape— he had seen it plenty of time, but knowing it was his sister’s outline made him lightheaded. However, he knew there was no time to be distracted by his grief; he needed to devote all his energy on finding her murderer. Fuyuhiko mentioned to Peko that he saw the broken glass from where, according to the police report, the criminal had escaped.

‘It also said a nearby guard heard the sound of the glass breakin’ but never saw or heard anyone runnin’.’

‘That’s suspicious.’

‘Yeah, and there ain’t any security video footage of a shady person walkin’ ‘round campus. Not to mention, that hole in the window don’t look big enough for someone to jump through. None of this fucking shit adds up!’ He viciously kicks the low table before falling onto the couch behind it, rubbing his eyes and groaning loudly as he did, ‘Either this sick bastard is crafty as hell or...or someone who knows this fuckin’ school’s layout did it.’

She assumes a pensive position, ‘So, someone within the school is the culprit...? I believe that is an accurate deduction. There are even suspects to support your theory.’

‘W-What? Suspects?!’

‘Tsumiki, Koizumi, Hiyoko, Mioda, and a person by the name of Sato were at the crime scene. As it were, those five were the first to encounter the young mistress, and most likely—’

‘The ones who started the rumor of a pervert going around.’ His fists tightened to the point where his fingernails cut his skin and he began to bleed, ‘Those cunts...those goddamn fucking cunts...if it turns one of them killed Natsumi...I will never fucking forgive them. If all five of them were in on it...I don’t care how much blood is on my hands I’ll slaughter them all.’

Peko could not bring herself to calm him down; she shared his sentiments, after all. 

The next day went by in a blur. For the first time in a long while, the two yakuza were on the same wavelength: Peko advised him to avoid confronting any of the suspected girls without enough proof less he scared them away losing their only lead. Conceding to her counseling, he keeps his distance from them and their own classmates in general. However, he did not stand by, and instead went to question a few of the students in 77A. In return, he asked her to monitor the behavior of those four— they were citizens who, more than likely, had never dealt with corpses or killings in their life which he thought gave Peko a great advantage. Bluntly put, it takes a killer to know a killer. 

At the end of the day, when all was said and done their respective tasks were successful enough to narrow down their suspect list quite considerably. Fuyuhiko learned that not only was Sato with his sister on the day of the incident, but the two often bumped heads with one another. Concurrently, Peko overheard an anxious Mahiru mumble about needing to meet with the same Sato during their lunch break, so she messaged him those details when Koizumi had left the classroom. Although he didn’t find them in time to eavesdrop on their conversation, he had caught a glimpse of someone (he assumed to be Sato) throwing away what looked like paper into the garbage. At first he made sure to stay out of sight, but as soon as the coast was clear he made a beeline for the trash bin.

And just like that the number of suspects dropped from five to two to one.

In hindsight, investigating Sato and Koizumi should have been their first thought, but both were neglectful towards Natsumi’s own complaints and scheming. They had not noticed the particular animosity she held towards the photographer, and instead considered it yet another part of her antics. With Fuyuhiko constantly running away from all criticism and Peko mindlessly chasing after him, they never once considered looking behind them to see if she needed help. However, why would they need to? She was strong, probably stronger than the both of them combined and more than they’ll ever be. It is why she had been so reverend throughout the clan-- the reincarnation of a legend or perhaps something even greater than that. Where they both lacked brutality, bloodlust, and pride Natsumi made up for it a thousand times over. Fuyuhiko could still remember the day his father scolded him right after Peko rescued him from the man’s chokehold; it was a heated argument over something senseless the teenager had done earlier that week which left the patriarch a mess to clean up. 

‘This is why you need a fucking tool and your sister doesn’t. Maybe if you had your act more together like her, you would be half the fucking yakuza she is!’

Whether or not they moved forward is debatable, but they left her behind to fend for herself. Natsumi was a tough girl in a league beyond their own, and they were too wrapped up in their selfish problems. Truthfully, Fuyuhiko and Peko knew they were as responsible for her murder as Sato was. 

‘I will NEVER FORGIVE YOU!’

-- 

When the two finally returned to Fuyuhiko’s apartment they sloppily kicked off their shoes, and collapsed from exhaustion in the seats of the sleek black dining table. True to their upbringing, they had chosen a seclusive section of the nearby riverbank as the dumping ground. The route from the school to the river was relatively light, but the combined weight of the corpse, adrenaline, and guilt made it all the more treacherous to walk. Initially, Peko suggested contacting one of the nearby families who worked in construction to place the cadaver in concrete, and then toss it into the river. After a few moments, however, he refused. Fuyuhiko did not want to hide the body; he wanted her to rot for as long as possible before she was found— maggots crawling in and out of the holes they made of her. Normally, he wasn’t the morbidity type, but it would be a lie if he were satisfied with her death alone. Again, it was the first time in a very long while that they were on the same wavelength. 

Fuyuhiko could only watch as Peko stood, unsurprisingly, before he did; she had greater stamina and...experience than he did in all of this. She left his direct line of sight, but kept herself in his peripherals. For him, once the adrenaline of killing passed, the soreness dropped upon him like a ton of bricks, his muscles were tense, and it felt as though the slightest movement made his joints crack. He could feel the phantom force from swinging the corpse back and forth before throwing it down the bank. He rested his forehead on crossed fingers as his eyes briefly crossed over; part of him felt ashamed for feeling so weak-- what did that say about his future as a patriarch? He only did the killing, but Peko, like always, ended up cleaning his dirty work. In this case, she was the one who quite literally carried dead weight on their walk to the river. He did not argue when she picked up the corpse like a sack of rice and arranged it to fit in her kendo. The angles were awkward, but after breaking some joints here and a few bones there the corpse fit perfectly. All he could do was watch her. What could he say that would not end with him being in her way? He knows he can trust her to handle this, but what gave him the right to sit back and do nothing? He can do with expressing gratitude towards her or, at the very least, express a greater sense of gratification at avenging his sister. 

But all he felt was exhaustion.

 “You need to bathe.” It is rare for her to speak with a semblance of authority in her tone towards him, so she captures his attention quickly. On any other day, he might have told her kick rocks for treating him like a child, but he can only put up half a fight tonight. 

“It can wait until morning.”

“No, it cannot.” He heard her reach into a separate duffel bag she left in his apartment earlier this morning, “The stenches of blood and death are ones that linger if you do not remove them immediately. I am sure the doorman noticed, but kept his mouth shut.”

From the bag, she first pulled out a loofah and an antibacterial wash set. Next, there was a roll of black bags, a bottle filled with what he assumed were cleaning chemicals for the bat, and a cardboard box. He handed over the baseball cap at her request; she placed them in one of the aforementioned black bags along with her own and instructed him to throw his personal trash in there as well since she would burn everything later. He could also hear the crinkling of the paper that was used to wrap the corpse being stuffed into the bag. Watching her fix the box and line it with another black bag— the way her movements were quick and sharp nearly gave him vertigo, but it’s her calm demeanor (as if doing everything from muscle memory, which was most likely the case) that causes all his hairs to stand. This...this was her true speciality, wasn’t it?

Still not being able to raise his head, he asked if his own clothes needed to be burned as well, but the kendo athlete reminded him of the suit’s hefty price tag, thus intended to send it back home to be thoroughly cleaned. However, in all her fretting of his needs the realization hits him,

“What about your clothes?”

“Please do not worry about that.” 

“You just said we have to get rid of the stench, so do you have clothes of your own--”

 “Young master. Please go bathe.” Her voice initially sounded strained, then slowed down as if she were controlling her breathing. Not only was this a part of her speciality, but it was clear she had a method for her work that she hadn’t been too keen on straying from-- it was the same inflexibility (one not so different from the blond) that would get her killed on Jabberwock Island. For all the exhaustion Fuyuhiko felt, Peko silently masked her oncoming mental fatigue whilst also trying to ignore the ton of guilt weighing on her. From her perspective, she had just failed for the second time in a row: first, by allowing Natsumi to die and second, by allowing Fuyuhiko to kill by himself. It was not as though she could rid herself of any culpability, because she has disobeyed him in the past for the “sake” of his protection. So why didn’t she refuse him now? He had instructed her to act as if they were fellow high school students, so she would have been well within her orders to randomly check on her-- if not as the young master’s sister, then as a member of the Kuzuryu family she was owed the respect of being welcomed. What made his order so particular this time around that she found herself unable to deny? To make matters even worse, she allowed him to sully his hands with death while she stood and watched the bat crack Sato’s skull open. If she were forced to make an excuse, then it was as if some external power prevented her from interfering. Maybe it was a part of her, the human part, that understood it had not been her place to interject-- that she knew him well enough to know this revenge and avenge was to quench his heart from the sorrow plaguing him. No, perhaps this humanity of hers knew from the very beginning that he would not have been satisfied if Sato died by anyone's hands but his own, so she took the extra precautions to protect him throughout the conspiracy. Taking this into account, it was only natural that the tool she considered herself to be would come into conflict with the meddlesome human she actually was. 

As per usual, his movements drew her out of her spiraling thoughts; his stumbling did not go unnoticed, but before she could reach him to help stand, he had already taken the wash set, grabbed his nightwear, and headed towards the bathroom. 

 “There’s a washer-dryer set in this closet. Wash your clothes.” The door shut promptly behind him

Normally, it took him 15 minutes to get himself clean, but the falling of hot water on his back kept him in for five minutes longer. For five minutes longer, he mulled over his ambivalent thoughts— remembering how Sato’s face contorted into shock, and then overcame by dread and terror at the sight of him...it elevated him. The way she tried to run from him, but Peko threw her to the ground; kept down by an elbow between the shoulders, yet her head kept up by her hair. He’s never felt that kind of power: having everything and everyone in his control. For once, they feared him and not her. For once, someone begged at the feet for his mercy and not his father. 

Did Natsumi beg for her life?

Was she afraid?

Did she call out for him?

Then came the boiling rage once again; the jarring reality that it didn’t matter if he killed one person or left an entire town to die, he still had to bury his little sister. He knew her death wasn’t his fault, he’s not that delusional, but he thinks he could have stopped it. If he stopped running away from being compared to her, would she still be alive? He could have been a better brother if he had not been such a damn child. Would she have come to him for her personal problems if he was? If he had convinced their father that she needed a bodyguard if only to keep her out of trouble would that have kept her safe? If he let Peko go check on her, she would still be here, wouldn’t she? He watched as the blood from his hand (there’s only a crack on the tiled wall) washed down the drain, and then turned the faucet off altogether. As he dried himself, he noticed the basket he left in the washroom before the shower had almost been emptied save for his underwear and socks. He only rolled his eyes at this; she did this every once in a while when they were at home, and he grew tired of chastising her to let the maids do their jobs. Fuyuhiko could not begin to understand why Peko did these silent and small acts for him-- her only “job” was to follow his commands; going beyond that just seemed unecessary. It only dumbfounded him more when he realized, at some point, that she’d done more for him in a single week than he’d seen his parents do for each other since he was born. Of course, it was twice as aggravating when she opposed him returning those small acts every once in a blue moon. 

He exited the bathroom with his pajamas on and towel over his head as he found her meditating in the same clothes she arrived in. Everything around her had been prepared: the box of his clothes was closed ready to be sent home, the ‘burn bag’ was placed into her kendo duffel, and her black yukata was folded neatly next to her. 

Truly, that was what a professional looked like. 

“There’s an extra clean towel in the washroom. ‘Left the soap and shampoo inside the shower for you.” 

“Thank you.” Her weakened voice does not go unnoticed by him-- in fact, much of her behavior and mannerisms are more observed than she thinks. Though Peko believed herself to have spoken in perfect monotone, Fuyuhiko was able to hear the falter in the middle syllables*. It had been easier for him to count the days they were separate than together, so it would be highly alarming if he couldn’t pick out some difference in her attitude. Of course, recognizing the problem and doing something about it were two different objectives; furthermore, doing the obvious by asking her what was wrong didn’t seem like the right answer either. How many times has she asked him, and he’d brush her off at best and yell at her ‘to leave him alone’ at worst. What right did he have to interrogate her when he wasn’t the talkative type himself**? 

Besides, the yakuza heir knew the kendo athlete well enough to sense that she would also brush him off in return just so that he would not worry about her. In this regard, he understood how she felt: just like him, she hated when people fussed about her or gave her any more attention than what she could tolerate.  Peko was simply better at masking her disdain than he was; not that Fuyuhiko tried, of course, but still better nevertheless. In fact, this had been one of the many traits they had in common; regardless of surface level differences, Peko and Fuyuhiko were more similar at heart and at will than other people, or themselves for that matter, tended to realize. It’s why they were able to coordinate manslaughter so well.        

She cleared her throat which snapped him back to reality; it’s clear he had been staring at her for far too long causing her to become both concerned and uncomfortable. She tried not to express the latter, but, again, he’s well versed in her micro expressions. 

“Is there something you need, sir?” Now it’s her turn to watch his movements as he made his way to his bedroom, hands fumbling with the towel still on his head as he slid it down to his neck. 

 “It’s nothing. Go bathe while the bathroom is still warm.” And with that she disappeared, the door shutting quietly behind her.

Fuyuhiko released a tense sigh as he sat heavily on his bed. He could feel the conflicting twitch of his nerves; his muscles ached now that the adrenaline passed, but the near state of silence save for the hum of the shower relaxed him. If he has access to a mass fortune (legality of said money’s source notwithstanding), he might as well spend it on a condo away from the loudmouths that inhabited the Hope’s Peak Academy student dorms. Slowly, he picked his feet up onto his bed and laid down on his pillow; it felt like his head would explode with all the pulsing in his veins.

2:20 AM.

In three and half more hours, he will be awake for twenty four hours— nothing unusual for him, but worth noting in silence.

He breathed. 

Shuffling was heard in the background. 

 2:36 AM

Fuyuhiko was half asleep when Peko finished showering, and caught her trying to leave quietly. He slowly got up and made his way to lean on the doorframe, hand lazily stuck in his jinbei, and watched her. Despite all her yukatas being black, they had subdued patterns on each of them if one looked closely enough-- the blond was trying to discern whether it was her plain one or one that he bought her. He had gotten two of them for her birthday and Christmas last year, and all but screamed at her in an attempt to convince her to keep them.  

He speaks up “That’s the birthday one, right? Your yukata.”

“Yes, it is. Thank you greatly once again.” With a towel in hand, she continuously wrung out the excess water out of her hair, “The material is incredibly comfortable and breathable.” 

Recognizing his semi consciousness, Peko seemed more relaxed under his watch; though it wasn’t her place to understand, she remembered him doing this when they were children. On the worst days (i.e the patriarch and matriarch endangering his life during their fights), he would not fall asleep despite being put to bed first by the maids. Instead, he would watch her nestle into her spot beside him, and only then could he fall asleep. She just like then, she told him to put his worries aside, sleep for the rest of the night, and advised him to take today off as no one would dare pester him over his absence. Though, for as long and as well as she knew him, it was ironic how concerned Peko was for Fuyuhiko yet remained oblivious to his deeper troubles. It’s why she mistook the worry in his apprehension at her leaving for a sense of weariness and exhaustion to which she promised she’d quickly leave him to rest. Of course, her words only inflamed the expression on his face (that was not ironic, but instead typical) while his arms crossed in a defensive position.    

Even if she knew her heart to be kind, she could not comprehend why that kindness would be extended to herself, a tool, and therefore she could not understand why he protested her leaving.

“I-It’s the middle of the night in Tokyo; there’s some pretty drunk bastard roaming out, no doubt.” 

“I will avoid confrontation.” 

“Didn’t you say the lock at the girls dormitory is super loud? Wouldn’t you cause a scene entering this late?”  

“I can move quickly before I am spotted.”

“Gh-- Your hair is still wet, and then you’ll get sick dumbass!”

At this she looks at him directly with a raised brow, but he doesn’t meet her gaze. Her hand rested on the string of her sword bag, “Please do not worry me. I will be fine.”

He seemed to have no more arguments.

 “Then, if there is nothing else you need of me, I shall leave you alone now.” Just as she headed to the door and reached for the handle, Peko paused. Perhaps what he needed now was...comfort, though the bodyguard is not confident enough in doing such a thing-- at least, not in the way he may need it, if at all. Who could fault her hesitation? The last time she tried to ease his worries she let too much of her own weakness show and it worsened the situation.

But if she could provide him some closure...

“What?”

Her posture straightens to face him, “Sato deserved to die-- no, she deserved a fate worse than death. Even Koizumi should...” She stabilizes her breath and unclenches her hand, “I digress. You did it: with your strength and your wits, you killed Sato. That being said, accepting the fact you’ve murdered another person is not without trouble. Regardless if they deserved to die or not, regardless of how strong or skilled you are, regardless of premeditation or in the heat of the moment. Someone’s blood is now personally on your hands.”

“And there’s going to be more in the future.” 

“Yes...I suppose that is inevitable. Please forgive my impudence, young master. Sleep well.”

Just like that she messed up again; she wonders when she’ll learn to just keep her mouth shut instead of trying to comfort him...or whatever that pathetic display of encouragement-- if one could call it that. Peko reckons that life would be easier for the both of them if she were a simple yes man. As per usual, being so wrapped in her worries of offending him she failed to perceive the true problem he was facing at hand. When the yakuza heir said there would be more bloodshed, he did not intend to brush her off, but meant that the responsibility and weight of killing was something he needed to adjust to sooner rather than later. Of course, his usual poor communication which fought with a trepidation he tried to hide from her did nothing to help her understanding.

Sometimes, Fuyuhiko forgets that Peko isn’t a mind reader, so there’s no possible way she would know he feared losing her the same way he lost Natsumi if she walked out the door this instance unless he spoke bluntly.

“Stay with me.” 

The blond wasn’t sure if the words even left his mouth, and if they did he had not been sure if she heard him. Even though he had always been told to command her, he could never bring himself to do it-- there schools lives notwithstanding as he convinced himself it was for both of their sakes. It wasn’t like Peko’s...circumstances were unique to her; in fact, there were plenty of subordinates throughout the gang who shared her position, her ‘status’ as an object. The self-justified feudal system the clan upheld made bile rise to his throat each time he thought about it. Fuyuhiko has witnessed firsthand the horrid treatment of those people (tools, as they were denoted): the fear in their eyes, the way their bodies are thrown like rag dolls, and the absolute aura despair surrounding them. He doesn’t want that for Peko, he doesn’t want her to be his victim anymore than she already is.

In the end, it seemed that she did hear him, but not in the way he expected when she kneels with her back to the door placing her shinai on her lap. 

“I don’t mean guard my door. I meant that I want you to spend the night with me.” 

So much for speaking bluntly.

“Young master...?” 

“Fucking hell-- look, what I meant was,” He exhales forcibly, “What I mean is...remember when we were really small, and I had those shit fucking nightmares? How I wouldn’t sleep until you climbed into bed next to me?” 

He relaxed when he saw her relax. 

“I understand.”

He speaks slowly hoping to regain some composure, “I know this kind of thing is inappropriate even if we’ve done it already. I-I mean, we’re high school students now, ya know? Even if it’s just sharing the same bed space, this isn’t something teenagers should be doing. But I...I just--” 

“It’s fine. You do not have to explain yourself to me.”

“So you’re okay with doing it? Sh-Sharing the bed, I mean. And don’t say just yes because I asked you, got it?!”

For the third time, “I understand.” 

Now it was Fuyuhiko’s turn to overthink their conversation; he knew neither of them were the ‘heart on the sleeve’ types, but he wonders how much exactly she keeps to herself. Whether she thinks him pathetic or weak, but wouldn’t dare tell him directly to his face. Whether she truly hated his existence, and put on a front because she had no other choice. Theoretically speaking, it was a silly thought to worry about. He knew she all but worshiped the floor he walked on-- excused his behavior when it shouldn’t have been excused, took all the cursing he threw at her without blinking, and so on and so forth. But knowing all this and hearing her curt responses did nothing to ease the tension of his nerves.

If Peko thought him incompetent, was there truly any hope for him?

 It doesn’t take him long to set up a makeshift divide on his queen size mattress with an extra pair of flat sheets. Fuyuhiko was in bed before Peko as the latter made sure to lock the door; just like earlier, all he could do was watch her move about doing her own security check. He doesn’t think he’d ever find a justifiable reason for all his starring-- perhaps hypnotism would be the closest explanation. She does everything from opening and closing the window (checking it’s bullet resistance and angles for assassins, no doubt) to leaving the room to make sure the front door and balcony door were properly locked. When she returned, Peko looked over the bedroom; with a small sigh, it seemed her rigid inspection was finally finished. 

Seconds after this, the lights were turned off as now the soft glow of his bedside lamps filled their portion of the room. The mattress dipped when she sat down, and Fuyuhiko heard the faint sound of the silver haired girl fixing her bamboo sword between the bed frame and the nightstand. Her glasses were the last to leave her body, and joined the lamp on said stand. However, before she could lay down Fuyuhiko stopped her with a sudden jolt that even caught her off guard. The yakuza heir reached under the pillow to find the tanto knife he always kept hidden. She had lent it to him long before they arrived at Hope’s Peak Academy— when they went to different high schools; if she were to be separated from him, then at least he could use it to defend himself. Obviously, there were no qualms of ‘packing’ in the estate, but no one bothered to give him a weapon in the first place-- he even had to use part of his allowance to buy his favorite brass knuckles. The clan members assumed with her by his side she was the only weapon he would use. Nevertheless, there had been a sense of satisfaction for Peko that he had kept it with him for the past two years. She had selected the knife from her collection based on what she assessed of his skills and strength.  Once he placed the weapon beneath his pillow, their bodies collapsed on top of the blankets— each letting out an exhaustive sigh. It was the kind of exhaustion that made it impossible to sleep despite a long day of physical labor. Neither of them could be bothered to switch off the lamps, so they laid in silence for a few moments, eyes facing the smooth ceiling above them.

“Hey, Peko. My bad for cutting you off like and saying shit like that.”

Peko was never sure how to take his apologies; she was not the type to hold grudges, and she had never done so with him. They were unnecessary, as she thinks she would forgive him no matter what he does (to her or otherwise). Therefore, she took a moment to choose her words carefully; perhaps if their relationship were better, she would be able to speak more comfortably around him. 

“You needn’t apologize. You are correct: once you ascend to your role as the patriarch, you will have even more enemies.” Her tone becomes more assertive, “Rest assured, I will be the one to dirty my hands and cut them down if they oppose you.”

 “I still should let you speak.” He stared back at the ceiling,  “You said something like that before, ‘Someone’s blood is my hand now’. What were you gonna say after that?”

“Simply...that it would be wise to detach yourself from what you’ve done. Regret is futile, but to associate this with any kind of pleasure is dangerous as well. If you let Sato haunt you it will be as if you never killed her at all.”

“I-Is that what you do?”

Peko eyes darted across the roof above them as if looking for something that wasn’t there. She was a child the last time she gave too much thought into her first assassination; she’s more ashamed for allowing her emotions to seep through than the killing itself. 

“I don’t feel anything when I do. Not anymore.”  

“When was the first time,” Why does he keep pushing her about this, “That you killed someone?”

How could she forget, “When Mr.Hiromitsu notified Lord Raiden that his team identified our kidnappers, I was instructed to dispose of them.” 

He could only stare horrified at her. How does one respond to that? To be told that the person laying next to you, who you grew up with and were closer to anyone else in this world, had been turned into a murder at the age of six. He knew his father wasn’t a saint and in fact might have been the devil himself, but there was something particularly putrid about involving children with his bloodthirst. What was the point of having a code if the boundaries were blurred altogether? Sure, Peko had stained her hands with blood now, but what was his father hoping to accomplish by sending her out to do something so dangerous at the age of six? What if Peko failed and died? Did his father, or his mother for that matter, think they could just replace her without him noticing or caring? His parents should be smarter than that. His parents should know... 

He might have been foolish enough to fear her as children, but they should have known how worse everything would have turned out if they let her die.

 “Young master, I am sorry for my failures on that day.” Her voice brought him back before he spiralled into an abyss.

 “Huh?! Peko, what the hell are you talking about? We’re both still alive ‘cause you were the only one who had any sense left.” 

The swordswoman sat up, feet swinging onto the floor— he couldn’t see the expression she was making, but he didn’t need to know she was blaming herself. Again.

 “My inability to control my emotions worsened our predicament. If I had controlled myself as I was supposed to,” Her fingers gripped the yukata, red eyes dulled and downcasted, “Then perhaps we would have returned to the manor sooner. If I kept my head clear…it is my fault we were lost in those woods for so long.”

He quickly sat up, “Peko, we were six! I’m pretty fuckin’ sure any normal six year old-- hell, any normal person would have also been scared out their fuckin’ wits. Weren’t you just on my case about letting shit go?”

“That is…” What he didn’t expect was for her to turn to him with a pained expression; somewhere along the lines of pleading, regret, and shame all bundled into eyes that once, unwillingly, struck fear into him, “I’m...not...a normal person, I’m-- I am my young master’s tool, a tool to protect you and to kill for you. That is my only purpose. I should never make you doubt your safety. This also means that I must protect what is precious to you, and Lady Natsumi...if I were not so useless she would still be alive and you would not have dirtied your hands.” 

It returned again: the heavy feeling in his chest that was filled with remorse and his self-loathing. He knew she was right, but not in the way she thought. How many times had he pushed for her to be independent of him, to express her opinions and insight? Then, the one time she did as he asked he proceeded to not only dismiss her altogether, but brushed off her rightful concerns for Natsumi’s adjustment into Hope’s Peak. He knew his sister better than anyone, knew the type of trouble she would get into in a normal high school; sure she could throw her weight around ordinary bastards, but this school had its fair share of freaks and superhumans. He also knew that she had Peko run her a few favors (both normal and yakuza related), so it would only be natural for the swordswoman to investigate her transfer even if had no desire of doing so. 

“You...you can’t blame yourself; you were just following my orders. Natsumi was my responsibility and mine alone, and I fucked it up by not checking in on her.” 

But Peko, as stubborn as Fuyuhiko, would not hear it.

“Sir, you mustn’t blame yourself. If I were a tool capable of being trusted, then I am sure your orders would have been different.”

“Why don’t you get it already? Out of everyone in this world, you’re the only person I can trust. Everyone else is willing to kill me without a second thought.” It felt like he was suffocating, “You’re always putting my life first with no damn regard to your own. You're not invincible, Peko!”

“That is exactly why I intend to fulfill my purpose as your tool until I am a corpse at your feet.”

“Goddamnit, we are done with that crap!” He’s grateful that the room was sound proof, “I don’t want a tool! Tools can’t die. They become dull, they break, and you replace them, but they definitely cannot die. If some fucking rotten cunt smashed your skull in you’d die!”

“I-I wouldn’t let that happen, I assure--!” 

Peko’s eyes widened when he suddenly gripped her shoulders; shaking her not violently, but almost desperately as if she would have disappeared into thin air if he didn’t cling onto her that very moment. She had not realized the full look of anxiety and fear on his face until she fully met his stare for the first time that night.

“But you can’t know that,” His voice broke, “You can’t possibly fucking know that! What the hell’s the point if you’re dead?! Natsumi thought she was untouchable, that’s why she was all starting shit with everyone around her. And now what? Now we have to cremate her.”

Finally, his guard breaks and he rests his forehead on her shoulder,

 “So, please...stop saying you’ll protect me until the day you die. I don’t...you can’t expect to keep going with whatever life you give me. It’s not worth it, because if I have to bury you too—”

“...Young master?” Peko remained as still as she could; his voice was so weak that she feared he’d fade away from existence if she made any sudden movements. He was so close to her she was sure he could hear, if not feel, her erratic heartbeat-- not that he fared any better than her at the moment, of course. Since neither were the hugging type (at least not openly), the silver haired girl thought to support him through a light touch on his arms.  

“Please don’t leave me. I’m so afraid. I can’t do this on my own, Peko, I need you.”

Suddenly, his confession sparked a fundamental shift within the two. From her shoulders, Fuyuhiko’s hands now clung onto the fabric of her back leaning into her more, and Peko welcomed him without a second thought. Relying more on her instincts, one arm supported his weight while her other hand rested below the nape of his neck. An outsider looking in may think it a fond scene: two high school sweethearts expressing their love for another in the middle of the night. However, that sort of naivety could only last so long. What the outsider misunderstood was their embrace had not stemmed from affection or intimacy, but possession and obsession as they clung to one another.

In other words

“I will never leave your side, young master. There is no other place for me than by your side. If you wish for me to stay next to you for all eternity then that is where I shall stay no matter what. Even if the world turns upside down, I will stay beside you.” 

“Good.” He pries away from shoulder just to meet her ever intensive stare; it doesn’t affect him anymore (he welcomes it), “Peko, from now on it’s just you and me. Not as master and tool...just together, okay? We live together and we die together.”

“Then let us die of old age and nothing else.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

 Finally, they laid down embracing each other and fell asleep.

 ———

[papermoonloveslucy]

ROBERT ALDA

February 26, 1914

Robert Alda was born Alfonso Giuseppe Giovanni Roberto D'Abruzzo in New York City to Italian-American immigrants. He began his performing career as a singer and dancer in vaudeville after winning a talent contest, and moved on to burlesque. His professional surname derives from the first two letters of each of his first name and his surname at birth: ALphonso D’Abruzzo.

“I learned my trade in the best of schools - burlesque.” ~ Robert Alda

In 1950 he won a Tony Award for his Broadway debut as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, although he was passed over for the film in favor of Marlon Brando. Over the next two decades he appeared in four more Broadway shows. 

Five years earlier he had made his screen debut playing George Gershwin in Rhapsody in Blue (1945).  The film also featured future Lucy cast members Jay Novello, Hans Moebus, Will Wright, Jack Chefe, Oliver Blake, Paul Cristo, and Bess Flowers.  It wouldn’t take more than twenty years, but Alda would also be added to this list. 

He made his TV acting debut on the 1949 anthology series “Your Show Time” episode “The Substitute”.  The program was repeated in 1951 on “Your Story Theatre”.  He also appeared as himself in “The Teen Club” in September 1949. 

In 1955 he hosted “The Robert Alda Show” although not much is known about the program. At the same time he played his first leading role on television in “Secret File USA” doing 8 out of the 22 episodes of the series. 

His first appearance with Lucille Ball (and with Desilu) came on January 13, 1964 in “Lucy Goes To Art Class” (TLS S2;E15).  Alda played Danfield’s most eligible bachelor - and both Lucy and Viv set their sights on him at the same time when he signs up for an art class.   

Six years later, Alda played himself as the emcee of the Secretary Beautiful Pageant when “Lucy Competes with Carol Burnett” (HL S2;E24) in March 1970. The role was originally written for Don Ameche, then re-cast with Ross Martin, before Alda was finally contacted for the part.  He got to use his musical theatre skills singing the pageant’s theme.  Coincidentally, his first wife Joan Browne (mother of actor Alan Alda), was a beauty contest winner. They  divorced in 1946 after 14 years of marriage. 

It wasn’t long before Alda was back, doing what was familiar, playing musical comedy in a revival of Harry’s 1928 college show. Alda played the Dean of Bullwinkle U in “Lucy, the Co-Ed” (HL S3;E6) in October 1970. 

Oddly, Robert Alda has a principal role in the musical-within-the-show but has no corresponding 'real life’ character as the others do. Perhaps the character was cut from the opening scenes for time?  It is possible that Alda was playing himself again.

His final series appearance came a year later in the two-parter “Lucy Goes Hawaiian” (HL S3;E23 & E24) first aired February 15 & 22, 1971.  In both parts he played Captain MacClay, of the Hawaii-bound cruise ship USS Lurline.  

Again, Lucy and Viv compete for the handsome Alda’s attentions - until they find out that there is a Mrs. MacClay and she’s on the ship, too!  The surname MacClay is a tribute to Lucille Ball’s long-time publicist Howard McClay, who also loaned his name to characters on “The Lucy Show.”  The end credits, however, spell 'McClay’ as 'MacClay.’  Although Part Two ends with a musical revue, Tony-winning singer Alda is relegated to introductions and does not get a solo feature. 

Alda’s final collaboration with Lucille Ball was in 1980′s “Lucy Moves To NBC” special. Alda plays Mickey Ludin, Lucille Ball’s attorney, advising her about signing a contract with the peacock network. He shared his scene with Ruta Lee and Gary Imhoff as Fred Silverman. Coincidentally, Lucy gets a telephone call from Howard McClay, who was the real-life Executive Producer and was also the name of Alda’s character in “Lucy Goes Hawaiian”. 

Alda continued acting, notably making two appearances (1975 and 1980) on “M*A*S*H”, the series that starred his real-life sons Alan. In one episode his other son Anthony made it a family affair. Anthony’s mother was Alda’s second wife, Italian actress Flora Marino. 

His final screen appearance was on an episode of the Bea Arthur sitcom “Amanda’s Place” (a “Fawlty Towers” inspired failure) in 1983. Alda died on May 3, 1986, aged 72, after a long illness following a stroke.

[ifliamsmile]

These Four Walls And Me - Dick Grayson Imagine

Pairing: Dick Grayson x Reader

Summary: Dick, all titans and the reader went to a hard mission against the Joker. Something’s wrong and Dick dies, but is he really dead?

Warnings: Cursing, mention of smut, fights. *Y/S/H/N: your superhero name* *Italic means memories*

Credits: Thank you, @incorrect-titans-quotes​ for always helping me. i’d give up on this if it wasnt u.

Today is D day. The day we will finally do what we’ve been planning everyday for one month. To stop the Joker. Dick has done his best to the team, we train everyday with blinded eyes for hours. Because anything can be taken from you in a battle. I forgot to say that Dick Grayson is also my 4 years boyfriend, i may be suspect to talk about him as a hero and as a lover, after all..everything he does is pretty well done, so if there’s something we are in this moment is ready to catch this fucking crazy villain.

[4 PM. Titans Tower, Training room]

This was our last training, i had Dick watching us and Jason against me right now and it’s not easy, after all, the three of us had been trained by Batman himself. Me and jayson had our sticks so we could practice defence, no attacking. Blinded, i could feel Jason’s breath behind and when i feel the closeness of his stick, i hit it with mine

“Are you asleep, Jaybird?” I mock him

“Wait and see, Y/N”

“Be mad, Jason, but defend yourself, concentrate” Dick said in his particular tone.

Attack followed by defence, the training kept going. Every move was necessary. When both of us had properly trained, we followed to the living room, where we met the rest of the Titans. Dick wanted to reunite us so he could talk about tonight.

“I believe all of you are fully ready to this. But it’s a dangerous mission and i need to ask you all, one more time to be concentrated in this. Be fast, be confident, we are in a bigger number but it doesn’t mean he has no ace up his sleeve. After all, he’s the joker.” Dick has concern lacing his voice as he tried to make them all understand it wouldn’t be easy.

We had already fought agains many villains, but this one really had got us in alert. The fact is: Joker is a psychopath, nothing satisfies him more than provoking his targets, whether through chaos, fear, delirium. He’s been here in San Francisco, but this is our place, and he won’t mess it up.

“We can do that, we know the old train station, we rule here in San Francisco so i believe we have advantage” Kory said

“Yes, we will do that in the most titan’s style, this is what we do, guys!” Gar said with his notorious excitement.

“Be careful, smart and lithe. We’ve seen things the rest of you can’t imagine, when in Gotham, I don’t want it to happen here.”

“Don’t worry, Y/N, we’ll do our best.” Rachel says and hugs me. Since she came in, since the start, Dick had done everything to protect her and i may have got into this with him, because i see her as my own child.

We are a Family, every one of us complete our team, so that’s why 1 month of insane training. We are ready.

[ 10 p.m, Dick and Y/N’s bedroom]

“We will stop him, won’t we?” Dick asks while we were cuddling in bed, we took our bath and we were relaxing right now but something doesn’t seem okay, my black-and-blue Bird doesn’t seem that confident as he Always do.

“We will, love, because we strive for that. You’re our mentor, Dick and you’ve done everything so we could be hundred porcent compatible to him in this mission. Don’t worry that much. You, by yourself would detain him, i blindly believe it.” I tell him, filling him with kissies over all his face.

“Okay, okay, baby, i’ll relax, we’ll be lying here after that and we’ll make love like there’s no other day on Earth.” He says in my ear, I wish we didn’t have a mission to lead.

“You’re such a perv, Dick Grayson” I mock him and he starst tickling me.

“You make me, Y/N” and we kiss.

“I love you, D.” I tell him.

“I love you with all my heart, kitten” the surname he use to call me since we met.

We heard a knock in our door. It was Jason.

“Hey, Guys, C’mon, We need to go, he’s almost out of the old station” He says from behind the door.

“We’re coming.” Dick in his serious tone answer Jason.

“It’s time, love.” And we went to change in our suits.

[10:45 p.m, San Francisco’s Old train station]

We get there, to end it up for once. We recognize the place that we had already beat some bad guys. It is dark but with some old yellow lights, behind the railroad of the train, there is an abyss that’s the reason why this station is closed, there’s 2 trains in the railroad, and a misterious silence.

Dick was the first one to appear, he told us to stay back until the joker appears. We stay in the dark, Jason is already upside the train station.

“Joker, i can offer you a deal. I’ll send you right to arkham and you wont have to fight against all of us.”

When we least expected, he apperead. Not in the way we expected, he had a hostage. He was holding a woman by her neck, she had her 30 years or more, tiny woman with glasses.

“This fucking whore was dealing my penalty for criminal acts in gotham. She was going to send me to arkham, can you believe it? and she ran to San Francisco so she could be safe from me.” The freak laughs out loud in his own typical way. “I guess you all asked yourselves what the hell i’m doing here? This cunt is the reason, now that she’s gonna die, i won’t to Arkham anymore and i’ll be free.” More and more laugh, i can’t bare hearing this asshole laugh like this anymore

He knew we’d be coming, he knew we’d be after him, but he didn’t stop.

“You won’t take a life from a inocent, Joker, let her go.” Dick says, confident and being sure that tonight he has one point: stop him.

“You did surprise me this time, Nightwing. Do you really think i’ll be letting her go? This is the first time i see you so defensive, what’s up? Love has made you soft?”

He draws a gun. Fuck. He points the gun at her jugular.

“Where’s the rest of your team of dumbasses, Little Bird? Are you by yourself? Are you going to tell them to leave or i will have to kill her so fast? I wish I could enjoy a little more”

“We can end up in two ways, Joker, one: you let her go and we will solve it with no inocente lives. Two: i kill you.” I can hear anger, fury in Dick’s voice

We were hiding in the back of the two trains, me, Dawn and Donna.. Jason was up in the roof of the station, ready to act, and now it’s the our. I give him the sign.

In a minute lot’s of things happen, it’s like a movie is passing by our eyes

Jason used the birdarangue to hit the joker in the leg, at the same time Dick pushes the hostage and tell her to go. Dick and the Joker start fighting physically, it gets rough and when we move to get in, a loud noise got us mute.

The joker had a bomb. My ear aches, my head is about to explode, but my only worrie is: is Dick fine? There’s a lot of smoke and i can’t see anything but i try to get closer, i need to see him. Something in my heart say it isn’t good.

“NIGHTWING?” i yell and it only hurts more. I have no answer. I crall a bit more and i call him again. “DICK?” still have no answer.

“Y/S/H/N, I don’t know where Dick is, he was right here, he was fighthing the joker, he..i..don’t know” Jason says still confused because he was also too close to joker like Dick.

The smoke was going away, i could see Jason again, he was all blodied because of the fragments that exploded with the bomb.

I was slowly recognizin the faces around me, and i didn’t see my boyfriend’s face. I started getting anxious, i started feeling bad and i had no more air, where’s Dick Grayson? “DICK WHERE ARE YOU, please answer me, dick” i still had strenght to yell but i felt my vision blur and i have no more strenght to finish the sentence. Where is Dick, where’s him?

“Y/N, I found this, I’m sorry, I think Dick couldn’t make it, i think he fell in the abssys.” Hank gave me a piece of his uniform, the black and blue fabric of his Nightwing uniform.

I couldn’t believe, it was like there was no ground in my feet, i felt everything getting far, i could barely hear anything anymore, this was the biggest pain i’ve ever felt, everything hurted and i felt like had no more air to breath.

I fell on the ground, i called, i yelled for his name but he never came, i can only feel donna come to help me and everything went black.

[6 a.m, TitansTower]

I woke up in our bed, It all felt like a nightmare. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t here, I had to go to the living room. I wish I could have stayed in bed because when i got in the room, all i saw was sad faces looking right at me, and i couldn’t take it, he’s not there.

“Y/N, come here” Dawn says calling me to her side.

“Dawn, it was real, wasn’t it? He couldn’t make it, could him?” I sob and try to think straight but it is too hard. It was like one tonne had fall in my head.

“He couldn’t, Y/N, we can believe it, but he couldn’t” Dawn is in front of me right now. Holding my hands, she was trying to make me feel better but I couldn’t. I could only feel pain but this time something else appeared and it was anger, because the Joker took him from me and he would pay.

“Jason, call Bruce” I said in a serious tone and i left to our bedroom.

When i got there, And I, I wanted the sheets to take me under because I can't help but think, what if I had one more night for goodbye? He won’t be here to turn the lights off, it will be only these four walls and me.

I went to take a shower, and staring at the shower’s wall i just could realize the numb i felt.

“I would give the world for more time to look at you” Dick caressed my face while we were under the shower

“I think we’ll have a long time, baby, because i’m yours and i do not pretend not being yours someday..” He kissed me, grabbing my legs he pressed me against the wall and we loved each other.

It hit me like a truck, the feeling of griefing was taking me. I tried to eat but the lump in my throat got in the way, this feeling, this feeling that i don’t have Dick anymore, it wasn’t human.

I follow to the living room, because i need to do it. Jason has lost his mentor, his old brother, the image of everything he wanted to be. Rachel has lost her image of parent. Gar has lost his leader. I need to be there for him, but the pain crashes my heart in many ways.When I get there, I hug every one of them and I sob by crying because I know how it hurts to understand it, then I left to the training room. I need to put this out, I can’t stand anymore, I’m going to train, I’m gonna make the Joker pay.I start to hit the punching bag, I hit it multiple times and I felt like I was losing my control, I kick it, I punch it with all my strenght.

“You, by yourself would detain him, i blindly believe it.” I told him, filling him with kissies over all his face.

“Okay, okay, baby, i’ll relax, we’ll be lying here after that and we’ll make love like there’s no other day on Earth.” He said

“You’re such a perv, Dick Grayson” I mock him and he starst tickling me.

“You make me, Y/N” and we kiss.

“I love you, D.” I tell him.

“I love you with all my heart, kitten”

“NO!” I yell punch the bag now crying when this memory hits me. “NO, DICK!” I punch it harder “YOU’RE NOT GONE” I keep yelling and i felt my body losing his strenght, until i felt Jason’s arms holding me, helping me and putting me on the ground.

“Y/N, I can’t stand seeing you like this, please” Jason says, after all, he’s like our little Bird, our little brother who’s Always on our feet, Always here.

“He’s dead, Jason, oh my god, he is dead.” I couldn’t believe how much it hurted. It is cruciating.

“You can and you will, Y/N, we need you, you gave the orders when Dick wasn’t here in the tower, you’ve Always been our second command.” I look at the kid’s eye and I start realizing they were needing me. Dick would never want me to destroy myself and give up on Titans, Because I can’t count how many things Dick had done for this team, it was his life. Our life.

“I’m here, Jaybird, I’ll recover for him and for you all. I need to talk to bruce first.”

[9 P.M, TitansTower]

I called Bruce, he was broken. But just like him, we seek for justice and that’s what’s going to happen. I ask Bruce to locate the Joker and me and them would catch him. For once.

“Team, go change, Joker is in the Central Museum, we’re going there.” I tell them the plain, we change and follow to the place.

[10 P.M, Central Museum]

The Museum was already closed, no people in there, only the fucking crazy Joker trying to do more crimes, but he wouldn’t, not here and nowhere.

When we first get in there, silente was dominating, he was hiding but he could show up anytime, so we were ready.

“You’re sure you want to do this, Y/S/H/N? Aren’t you feeling too bad, Darling? Your black uniform fits well your new status, because right now you’re a widow.” The bastars laughs out loud from my pain, but right now, i felt empty, i only had anger and fury going throught my mind.

“Won’t you show up, Joker?” I say so he can hear from wherever he is “Come here, Confront me. You’ve already took the life of the man i love. I don’t feel anything anymore.”

He appears, wth the most sassy and dirty smile in that fucking crazy face. My heart is so tiny right now. This man took my love, the only one i had in life.

“You guys won’t stop trying to detain me until i kill one by one?” He says to us

We get ready to start the Fighting but we get surprised by one of the glasses of the top windows cracking. The noise is so loud

“What is happening?” I hear Donna

“You’re wrong joker, you won’t finish to kill one by one because haven’t even started, you crap” This voice, this so well known voice. My heart pounds in my chest and I ask myself if i’m crazy or it is actually happening.

Then i look to the top of the museum and there he is. Holding on his bat-rope. My Black-and-Blue Bird. Alive.

“Nightwing, I asked myself when we’d see each other again. I believed you’d like to do some mistery but here you are. I have to tell you, your timing sucks.” Joker laughs.

I stay paralised looking at Dick. He was here, right in front of me.

“What can I do? It’s a gift.” He answers the joker, fastly gets down to the ground and kisses me. “I couldn’t die, I fought too much not to die, because I had to come back. To you.” He kisses me.

“Rachel! NOW!” Donna yells, she wraps him in her lasso of truth and Raven envolve him with her black magic. They take him to San Francisco police which was outside the museum waiting to take him to arkham. We did beat him.

[1 A.M, TitansTower]

The going back home was unbeliavable, the guys were crazy about it, Gar and Jason wouldn’t get out from Dick’s feet. Our leader was back.

“Guys, I appreciate your love, You all are my Family and i’m so grateful, I can’t explain how hard it was, but i’m here, and tomorrow i’ll clarify everything. Because right now i’m going to love my girl.” Everyone laughs and we follow to our room.

There’s no words, there’s only two crazy lovers wanting everything the other can give, because the time that passed was too much for both of them to handle.

Dick was home, with me.

[nikyiscreepy]

Yup, I joined too to this challenge originally made by @kyril-hphm​

The drawings are a bit sketchy, because in this period I found my sketches more decent than my finished drawings. I don’t even know why Alright, enough of me rambling around, time to see how much would Niky change if she was sorted in a different house, by trying to catch her different vibes.

P.s. Some quotes are vines that I think can give the true essence of their personality in a nutshell

Slytherin!Niky: 

“Do you mind say it again a bit louder? I want to laugh too.”

Probably the only Niky who wants to become / is a prefect

Will call you out on your BS

As long as you’re not being a dick with anyone, she’ll always be on your side

Can hold grudges untill she dies

Drama queen™

If you piss her off, make sure to have a sword with you 

D E T E R M I N A T I O N

Will always keep her word

“Somebody left an ice cube on the ground, it melted and now my sock is wet.. WHO THE FUCK WANNA DIE?!”

Can’t tell for sure if it’s really Niky or is “Lilith” talking

Professor McGonagall had once assigned a three pages essey, she wrote ten

Extra much?

Has no chill

Has a drastic change of personality with her friends around 

Unless you’re a professor, if you call her by her surname it’s possible that she’ll slap you with her hair

Impatient with everyone except with kids

"I'm not being passive-aggressive. I'm being aggressive-aggressive."

Ravenclaw!Niky:

“Do you think it’s called “sand” because it’s between the “Sea” and “lAND”?”

#woke

Either super serious or just high

She’s a living enciclopedia on certin topics

That kid who brings up those kind of thoughts that keeps you up at night 

Kinda obsessive??

Can and will roast you

Keeps a dream diary so that she could search for it’s meaning

Or simply a diary where she writes A N Y T H I N G

*comes out of a closet with a calculator in her hands* “According to my calculations.. I’m gay.”

Swears only in italian, so that nobody can understand her and can confuse everyone in the room

Stylish gal, Enzo Miccio e Carla Gozzi* could never (*my fellow italians know who I’m talking about)

Once had a starring contest with a cat out of boredom

Often has deep conversations with Philip the spider

If you need help she'll give you the most bizarre advice that will actually work

"Hey guys, a good alternative to recycling. When you're done with a glass bottle, eat it. Fucking, eat the bottle."

Can hold back "Lilith" better than any other Niky because of her rationality of letting everything go with a big sigh

Can be brutally honest sometimes

Gryffindor!Niky:

“Okok, listen. How about we go and do something that is potentially stupid and dangerous?”

Crackhead™

Loud af (seriously shut up it's 1am)

She’s that kid that will start drama just to sit back and watch everything going downhill while eating popcorn

Once played “Fergalicious” on repeat at max volume at 03:00 am

Grades? What is that? A sauce? (Kidding, but she does skip classes sometimes)

Whenever you feel down, she knows how to cheer you up

Will do anything for the vines or in the name of  J U S T I C E

"Lilith" isn't really too present because this Niky is already chaotic enough

Probably hanging out either with Tulip, Tonks or Jae

#unbothered

Would be able to set the dorm on fire by accident

“Don't fuck with me! I've got the power of God and Anime on my side! AAAAAAAH-”

Would die for you

*gives you her love aggressively*

Hufflepuff!Niky:

"Hi! Um.. wanna hang out near the black lake sometimes?"

The first time she ever saw a Niffler she cried because she already loved them at first sight

Same happened with puffskeins

A lost Disney princess

Will always have a snack ready for her friends

soft baby™

Always down for sharing feelings or just to talk

*awkwardly laughing*

Brings Philip everywhere so that she could show him the world

A bit chaotic too actually

Always with a terrible pun ready

Actually very stressed all the time

That's why she can't keep in control "Lilith" very well

"Hi.. are you a lost opossum? Do you want a car? *slides gently a toy car* "

Will hug you unconditionally

Gets really soft around kids

Everything is fun and games until you make her seriously mad

If you die, she'll die with you

If you can't find her, she's probably hanging around in the forbidden forest

Won't be ashamed to cry her eyes out to express her feelings