#shipper's letter of instruction

[rhea-is-bored-again]

please ponyboy dating hcs pls 🙏

ofccc!! here u go.

ponyboy dating hcs!!

~yall SO met in class

~he saw you and said hell yes

it was the first day of school, the period right after lunch so people were still chatty.

ponyboy looked around shyly, before his eyes stopped on you, laughing with your friends.

he really wanted to get to know you, just by your smile and the way you talked with your friends and even strangers, made him want you to talk to him like that too.

~and yall got paired for a project, that's when you started becoming friends because yall had so much in common!!

~he finally worked up the courage to tell you how he feels (as a poem obviously) and asked you to the drive in.

you made your way to the metal bleachers as the note instructed, glad that no one else was around.

your heart was still reeling at the poem that..."pb" wrote you.

"i heard no music

the music was you

all love songs were true.

meet me behind the bleachers

-pb"

so you looked around the pillars, and saw ponyboy sitting on the ground, a book in his lap as he waited.

you smiled and nudged him with your shoe. "whatcha reading?"

he immediately looked up, slamming the book shut and flushing a light pink.

"nothin'. get my note?"

"wouldnt be here if i didnt."

he got up to see you face to face, and his eyes took in the person he loved.

"well...?"

"yes."

he looked at you expectantly when you responded with those three letters, hoping that it meant what he hoped.

"yes, ill be your girl. wow, you're cute."

he was red for the rest of the day, giddy asf when he got home.

~once yall were official, you guys were literally a power couple. like nerd x popular yknow??

~AAAAA you guys would secretly cuddle and kiss and stuff in his room and try to be slick about it so darry wouldnt catch you

~soda thinks it's so cute that his baby bro has a girl now

~soda woda is ur number one shipper !!

~darry is more worried about ponyboy being distracted by you rather than you being a bad influence on him.

~and the gang teases you two sooo much

~omgg and you guys go to the drive in together sharing a bucket of popcorn and YOU FEED HIM CANDY AWW

~lot's of cutesy little hand holding that makes him blush

~guys let's be real tho, he wouldnt actually kiss you until you hit the 1 year mark

~other than that, it's you who kisses his cheek and forehead

~you guys are very cute fs fs

a/n: i need a nerd sweetheart like ponyboy. 😔

[thenovelartist]

The Collector - Honkai: Star Rail fanfiction

This game has me in a vicegrip. And I, the chronic shipper, have latched onto DanStelle. So... here we go. A "short" 8.7k (haha) one-shot.

It all started with a dumpster.

Dan Heng would give Stelle the benefit of the doubt in this case. She was a girl who, for all they knew, had only just entered the world via way of a stellaron inside of her. So it wasn’t unusual for her to be curious about things.

It just momentarily caught him off-guard that one of those things would be snooping through the trash.

Well, he supposed once was harmless enough for a girl in her situation. He’d warn her against it later.

(Not that she would listen, to him or March.)

~~~

Next it was papers. Before Dan Heng realized it, Stelle had amassed quite a collection of reading materials ranging from letters to instructions to random bits of fiction. She seemed quite proud of herself for these things, holding onto them with a small smile.

“Are you going to read those?” he quietly inquired after he’d caught her taking a tattered guide book off a crate.

She simply shrugged as she flipped through the pages with a proud smile.

He wasn’t sure how to take that answer.

~~~

It finally hit him after the Belobog debacle was over. Actually, it wouldn’t have hit him so hard if Himeko hadn’t forced him to go grab March and Stelle from their respective rooms for breakfast, a task he’d been less than thrilled with at the time.

After waking March, Dan Heng headed to Stelle’s room, only for her not to answer no matter how many times he knocked.

“Just open the door,” March groaned, having emerged from her own room. “She’s been staying up late lately.”

“Do you know why?” Dan Heng asked.

March just shrugged.

“Then you do it,” Dan Heng said, beginning to walk away.

“I gotta go to the bathroom!” she protested, already skipping away. “You do it; it’ll be fine.”

With a sigh, Dan Heng watched March disappear before turning back to Stelle’s door. Although hesitant, he did push the door open, sticking his head inside to see Stelle fast asleep on the futon of her room.

“Stelle,” he called out.

No answer.

Just as he was debating whether or not just to leave the clearly tired girl alone to sleep, he caught sight of her room, making note of the stack of papers and booklets that were sitting against a wall. To the left of that nicely organized pile was a much smaller pile of records she had managed to find. Her only impressive finds in Dan Heng’s opinion. On the opposite side of the paper pile was an odd assortment of objects that she had found while searching through the trash. Or through boxes. Or random suitcases.

But that was it.

His brow furrowed as he realized that, in terms of physical possessions, that small pile of pilfered objects was all she owned. All she had coming into the world were the clothes on her back, and even those were folded up carefully by her bedside. What she was wearing now was a nightgown that Dan Heng knew she had borrowed from March.

His eyes narrowed on the objects carefully arranged in the corner of her room, new questions coming to mind. Was she collecting those objects because she had nothing else? While he was not one to like collecting possessions, he knew March loved her clutter. Was Stelle the same?

The sound of shifting sheets brought him back to reality. However, he realized Stelle had still not woken up and was simply snuggling her futon blanket closer.

He sighed. He could muse over her empty room later. He had a task given to him by Himeko to accomplish.

But before that…

He looked at her one pair of clothes laying folded by her head. When was the last time those were washed?

With a shake of his head, he left Stelle’s room with the intent of going to March and telling her to give Stelle some clothes to borrow, but she wasn’t in her room. Meaning she was still in the bathroom.

Did she get distracted by her phone again?

Rather than waiting around for whenever March decided to reappear, Dan Heng headed into his room, shuffling through his things for something that would fit Stelle so that her clothes could be washed. That’s when he found an old outfit that had been handed down to him when he had had few possessions: a standard-issue Herta space station uniform. It would do.

Heading back to Stelle’s room, he set the folded shirt and pants next to the bedside of the still slumbering girl.

“Stelle.” He placed a hand on her shoulder.

She stirred at that.

“Stelle, wake up.”

Finally, her eyes blearily cracked open. “Dan Heng?”

“Himeko asked me to wake you for breakfast.”

With a groan, she buried her face back in her pillow.

“I have a spare change of clothes for you,” he commented. “So I can wash yours.”

She froze momentarily before blearily looking up from her pillow to see the stack of clothes he had brought. “Huh?”

“When was the last time yours were washed?”

“Donno,” she groused, voice still tinged with sleep.

He huffed, the corners of his lips quirking upwards as he grabbed her clothes. “Don’t fall back asleep.”

Plopping her head back down onto the pillow, she groaned. “Fine.”

“Or I’m sending March to get you.”

“I can deal with her.”

“Pom-pom, then.”

“You make mean threats.”

Fighting back his smile, he headed out the door.

“Thank you.”

He paused, realizing she was thanking him for the change of clothes. “You’re welcome. You can keep them if they fit. March shrunk them on accident the last time she offered to do everyone’s laundry. Which is fine; they were emergency clothes, anyway.”

He noticed how she finally picked her head up off the pillow, reaching out a hand to examine the new clothes before her. “Still, thanks.”

With a nod, he slipped out the door.

~~~

The Xianzhou ship was no different than Belobog, Dan Heng soon realized. That is, in the way that Stelle continued her habit of rifling through everything she could and collecting anything she found interesting.

“Was she like this in Belobog?” Mr. Yang quietly asked Dan Heng. “That is to say, should I be worried?”

Dan Heng shook his head. “She’s fine. She won’t stop even if you say so.”

Mr. Yang hummed thoughtfully. “I suppose it’s harmless enough. Here I thought she’d be more like March and gawk over things in store windows. Or maybe be like Himeko and be more subtle about it. This was… unexpected.”

That’s when Dan Heng recalled the empty state of Stelle’s room. “I think it’s not incorrect to assume her to be like March. She seems to like collecting things but doesn’t understand how people normally acquire them. And considering she came to us with only the clothes on her back and a baseball bat, she might do this because she wants things of her own.”

Mr. Yang hummed, lips pursed as he mulled over his companion’s words. “That is an entirely reasonable hypothesis. On that subject, I do suppose finding her some changes of clothes would be a necessity.”

“She would need a wardrobe, as well,” Dan Heng continued. “And since I doubt she will give up her scavenging habit any time soon, some shelves for her things.”

“A shelving unit seems more appropriate in her case,” Mr. Yang continued. “At this rate, she will amass quite a—” Mr. Yang suddenly paused, his brow knitting together in confusion as he stared over to where Stelle was. “Did she just find a record in that vase?”

Dan Heng looked over at Stelle, who was practically beaming as she studied the vinyl she managed to excavate out of a broken vase. He couldn’t help but smile despite himself. “Not that I want to encourage this habit of hers, but you’d be amazed at what she finds where.”

“Huh.” Mr. Yang gave a small smile as Stelle approached them again, her prize in hand. “In any case, I think this place is as good as any to find appropriate furniture for her room.”

“Agreed. Though, I do wonder how she’d like actual shopping for once.”

“Maybe we should give her a little spending money and see what becomes of it,” Mr. Yang suggested. “I’d be curious to see how she reacts compared to March or Himeko.”

~~~

It was their last day on the Xianzhou, Mr. Yang decided to give the trio some spending money. Hence, Dan Heng was given the option to either monitor March as she ran about or take Stelle shopping.

He felt sorry for giving Mr. Yang the hard task, but Mr. Yang was the one giving him the choice in the first place.

Dan Heng soon learned something interesting about Stelle: when given money, she became very picky about what she spent it on. That was not to say she didn’t admire things; she admired many things, but spending her money on those things is a different matter.

Which begged the question: what made the things she found different?

As Dan Heng pondered this, he failed to realize she was looking at the same jade abacus pendants for the third time. Only when she came over to him did he snap back to reality.

“Find something?” he asked, any more words dying on his tongue as she came in close, holding the two pendants up to his horns.

He froze, staring at her as she studied the pendants dangling on either side of his face.

And then she smiled, pulling them back. “Thank you.” With that, she turned around, placed one of the pendants back, and purchased the other.

But that’s it. 

Furthermore, that was all she bought, despite looking around at many other stores.

It took far too long for Dan Heng’s ability to speak to return. “Maybe you should buy some clothes while you’re here,” he gently suggested, the warmth in his face fading. “So you don’t have to borrow from March anymore.”

She tilted her head, almost as though the thought hadn’t occurred to her. “I have the ones you gave me, too.”

“As a spare.”

“But I like them.”

Just like that, the heat returned to his face. Furthermore, he wasn’t sure how to respond.

Maybe it was best to just drop it for now and leave the subject of clothes to someone else. “Then are you finished shopping?”

She nodded, holding the pendant close. “Yes. We should get back to the ship. We’ve taken too long.”

“My guess is March is still out shopping,” Dan Heng said. “Or at least meandering about. If you wanted to look for more, seeing as you still have funds—”

“You do, too.”

He ignored her. “Then we can continue.”

“You don’t want anything?”

He shook his head. “There is nothing I require as of now.”

She studied him a moment, mulling over his words before nodding. “I’ve also found all I wanted. We should head back before it gets too late.”

Dan Heng wouldn’t argue. “Then we can start making our way back. And if you see any trashcans that catch your attention, then I’ll pretend to not know you.”

“Hey!”

Dan Heng just chuckled.

~~~

With a twinkle in her eye, Himeko had kindly offered to take March and Stelle into town for the day under the guise of “restocking supplies.” Which was actually her making a perfect excuse to take Stelle out of the Astral Express so Dan Heng and Mr. Yang could bring in the furniture they had bought for her.

“She really only bought the pendent?” Mr. Yang asked, his voice strained as he helped Dan Heng carry one of the two shelving units down the hall.

“Yes,” Dan Heng replied. “Oddly. I thought for sure she’d get more considering how much she likes—turn left—rummaging for things.”

Mr. Yang maneuvered the bookshelf according to Dan Heng’s commands as they carried it through the train. “Maybe the hunt is what she considers fun.”

“Maybe,” Dan Heng conceded. He then focused on instructing Mr. Yang on getting the shelving unit through Stelle’s bedroom door. Once inside, they set it up against the wall that she once had her things lined up against.

Dan Heng then took a moment to place her things onto the shelf. She could reorganize them later, but for now, he felt it the respectful thing to do since he had moved everything to make room for the furniture in the first place. Considering what little she had, it wouldn’t take that long, anyway.

“Well,” Mr. Yang started, assisting in stacking the papers on the shelf, “I suppose it’s not the worst thing in the world. She can have her habits, however odd, as long as they make her happy. Though, it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye on her.”

Dan Heng couldn’t disagree.

“If she shows interest in anything else,” Mr. Yang said once they finished replacing Stelle’s… “collection” on the shelf, “we’ll get it for her.”

Before Dan Heng could respond, he heard the light clatter of metal accompany the soft pats of footsteps coming down the hall. He turned around, only to see Stelle carrying a new “collectable” in her arms.

Her brow quirked in confusion. “What…” But upon catching sight of the new furniture in her room, her eyes widened.

Mr. Yang smiled. “We thought you would like somewhere to put your things.”

When she smiled, it lit up the room, her golden eyes holding the light of a blazing star within them.

“Sorry for trespassing,” Dan Heng said, his face heating up as he turned away, unable to withstand the light that shone from her.

“It’s revenge for trespassing in your room, isn’t it, Dan Heng?” she teased, remarking all the times she came into the archives to search for research material.

“Let’s… call it that,” Dan Heng hesitantly agreed, if only to cover the fact his body was reacting strangely and not calming down.

Mr. Yang shot him a look Dan Heng couldn’t quite decipher before turning back to Stelle. “So, you found a cycrane?”

Stelle smiled, showing off her newest possession. “It was broken in an abandoned box.”

“Don’t you think you should return it to have it fixed?” Dan Heng suggested.

She looked down at the metal bird, the light in her eyes dimming at the thought.

And suddenly, Dan Heng felt a pang of guilt for ever suggesting taking her things away from her. “I suppose they should have taken better care of it. It might have even been replaced already.”

Her shoulders relaxed in relief, and the knot in Dan Heng’s stomach disappeared.

“We actually have two more pieces for you,” Mr. Yang said. “Which we should go get now. We apologize once again for trespassing, even if it was done with the best of intentions.”

“No, it’s cool,” she dismissed, looking over her shelving unit with glee. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it,” Dan Heng dismissed, happy to leave for a moment so as to get his mind back in order. He followed Mr. Yang out of the room, and closed the door behind him.

“That was kind of you.”

Dan Heng’s brow furrowed. “What was?”

With an amused sigh, Mr. Yang shook his head. “Nevermind.”

~~~

The next thing to be put up in Stelle’s room was a cork board, like the one in March’s room, so she could hang photos March took. It also sported a few pictures Dan Heng himself took for records that Stelle commented she liked as well as notes left by the Astral Express crew for her. Unlike March’s decorative board that was randomly spattered with photos, Stelle’s was organized to hold as many pictures as possible.

Currently, the crew was indulging in one last day of exploring before leaving their current location. Well, most of the crew members were. Stelle was currently laid up in bed, sporting a leg injury after their last battle here. March had one arm in a sling yet was still determined to roam about, hence why Dan Heng was pushing past the throbbing of his own bruises to watch her. Heaven knew Himeko was in no condition to come out, and Mr. Yang insisted that he would take responsibility of watching the Astral Express in her place.

And watch out for Himeko as well, Dan Heng would guess. Mr. Yang was protective in that way.

“We should get everyone ‘get well’ gifts,” March suggested.

Dan Heng bit back his urge to protest. Just because he didn’t see a point in such gifts didn’t mean they weren’t important to March. “As in?”

“I don’t know. Flowers or snacks or something.”

“Food or medicine would be the most practical.”

March stuck out her tongue at him. “I forgot who I was traveling with,” she flatly snipped.

“Then I will leave that task to you,” he batted back.

After some time, she finished picking up gifts, and they headed back to the express. On the way, they passed through an open field area, one littered with yellow flowers that had caught Stelle’s eye when they had first arrived. At the time, she had only picked a single wilting flower to examine, but Dan Heng would guess she had chosen one on its last life due to his dry comment of it getting ruined on their upcoming adventure.

But now… now, if she were able to pick them, she would be able to keep them safe and admire them for a few days. And considering her scavenging tendencies, she might be out here picking flowers if she had the chance.

He stole a glance at March, who was humming happily as she marched along ahead of him, one of her gifts cradled in her good arm. Dan Heng carried the other gift—an assortment of interesting snacks—since her arm was in a sling. As it were, paying attention to him seemed to be the last thing on her mind, so Dan Heng bent down and plucked a large, yellow flower still in good condition. Then a second and third followed.

There. Stelle might be miserable on bed rest, but at least she would be able to study the flowers that had always caught her eye.

Once back on the train, March flipped around to face him. “I’m gonna go see Himeko first. Can you put that in my room so I can give it to Stelle later?”

Dan Heng, who had angled himself away to hide the flowers behind the folds of his clothes, simply nodded.

“Thank you!” she sang-sung before skipping off to Himeko.

Dan Heng sighed. Her chipper mood almost seemed out of place considering how affected she’d been by their last battle. It had taken him far too long to realize the extent to which she was forcing her mood, successfully hiding her anxieties for the sake of the others who were bedridden. In fact, she was doing such a good job that Dan Heng thought maybe he should have gotten something for her, just to take her mind off things and offer a moment of distraction.

Glancing at the flowers in his hands, he headed to March’s room, both to put down March’s gift for Stelle on her dresser and leave one of the flowers for her. Catching sight of the notepad on March’s bedside table, he scribbled “Get Well Soon – Dan Heng” on the top sheet and left the flower on top of it.

Once finished, he headed to Stelle’s room and knocked on her door.

“It’s open,” she responded, her voice flat and bitter. Likely a result of having her foot trapped in a cast.

Dan Heng opened the door, revealing a normally feisty girl in his old clothes trapped on her bed by a cast that supported her broken ankle. “How are you feeling?” he asked.

She shrugged, putting aside the book he had given to her before he’d left with March. “Fine?”

“You don’t sound fine.”

She just sighed. “Maybe not so fine.”

With a frown, Dan Heng approached her. “Is there anything you need?”

“Other than my leg out of this cast?”

“Not until it’s healed.”

“Then no.”

At the way she glared at her cast, her nose crinkled in frustration, Dan Heng couldn’t help but smirk. Cute, he thought.

Before he instantly caught himself and felt his cheeks warm.

Covering his embarrassment by clearing his throat, he extended the two remaining flowers to Stelle. “You were looking at these when we first arrived, right?”

The huffy gloom that was hovering over her expression morphed to surprise before giving way to that starlight smile once again. “You saw that?” she asked, her cheeks coloring a bit as she reached for the flowers.

As if he didn’t think she was pretty before, that shy blush only added to his distress. “I did. It’s my job to look out for my teammates.”

“I didn’t realize that meant ‘observe’.”

“Force of habit.”

She chuckled, amused.

As she studied the flowers in her hands, carefully running her non-gloved fingers over the petals, Dan Heng was struck with an odd sense of how lovely the sight before him was. In many situations, Stelle was a force of nature, one that not many dare to reckon with. Whether it be a baseball bat or a lance of fire, she was a blazing tornado that left a path of destruction in her wake, all in a matter of seconds. And yet, that same girl was here before him delicately stroking flower petals the color of her eyes, ones that now held an unmistakable softness. Those flowers in her hands were treated with the same respect and care that she treated all her objects with, no matter what their origin. This picture of gentility was so warm and welcoming that Dan Heng didn’t quite know what to make of it.

So he stood there awkwardly as his heart pounded in his chest.

He should leave, he thought. But all he managed to do was take a single step backwards before he froze. While he knew what he should do, he didn’t want to. Which left him wondering why he wanted to get closer, to be part of this picture of gentility before him.

Why did he want to get so close to this part of Stelle?

“Dan Heng?”

Her words snapped him back to reality, causing his heart to thump almost painfully in his chest. “Oh, uh, sorry. I… got lost in my own thoughts.” His cheeks were burning now. Hopefully, she wouldn’t ask what those thoughts were; he wouldn’t be able to tell her.

Her brow furrowed with concern as she laid the flowers off to the side. “How are you fairing? You… you took a beating, too.”

Oh, she was inquiring about his injuries. “Don’t worry about me,” he quickly dismissed. “Bruises heal faster than breaks.”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean they don’t hurt.”

He simply shrugged.

With a sigh, she patted the spot next to her on her bed. “You can sit, you know.”

“I’m fine.”

At the look of disappointment that crossed her face, his iron will broke. He allowed himself to sit on the edge of her bed, which brought a happy smile back to her face.

“Did you want the company?” he inquired, curious.

She ducked her head, almost shyly. “I wouldn’t mind having you around.”

Before he could come up with a response to that—

“Dan Heeeeeeng!”

—a particularly emotional cry sounded from outside Stelle’s room.

Next thing the duo knew, March was standing in the open doorway of Stelle’s room, tears in her eyes as she clung to the flower Dan Heng had put in her room. “You got me a flower?”

Well… this reaction was not the one he’d expected.

“That’s not very Dan Heng of him, is it?” Stelle teased as she reached for her own flowers.

“It is not very Dan Heng of him!” March cried, shuffling over to throw her one good arm around Dan Heng.

A soft oof escaped him as he caught the girl who practically fell against him, reminding him that he wasn’t as healed as he thought. “March, bruises,” he grunted out.

With a gasp, she scrambled away. “Sorry!”

“I knew you were lying,” Stelle grumbled, now glaring at Dan Heng.

“They’ll heal soon enough,” he dismissed, his voice tight as he waited for the pain to subside.

It earned him an eyeroll from Stelle.

“Anyway, look at the flower he gave me!” March said, showing off her slightly worse-for-wear possession to Stelle. “And he was complaining about get-well gifts.”

“The fact that it didn’t kill him is astounding.”

At Stelle’s teasing smirk, Dan Heng glared.

“Oh! He got you flowers, too?”

Stelle’s smile softened as she brought the flowers close to her chest as though they were a prized possession instead of an afterthought plucked from the side of a road. “Yeah.”

“Man, what’s gotten into him today?” March remarked.

“I’m right here, you know,” Dan Heng flatly remarked, not that either of the girls were listening.

“But why did she get two?” March whined.

“Because I’m special,” Stelle retorted, puffing out her chest with pride as she flashed a mockingly haughty smile.

To which March stuck out her tongue. “I was going to say you should have gotten a whole bouquet for your ankle, but I take that back now!”

They stayed like that for a while just chatting back and forth, Stelle never letting go of her own flowers even as March walked away waving hers in the air.

“Thanks, once again,” Stelle said as Dan Heng was getting ready to leave. March had already left claiming she was tired and wanted to rest a bit. “For these.”

Dan Heng nodded. “You’re welcome.”

“Even though it’s not a whole bouquet.”

His expression fell at her mischievousness. “Then next time, I’ll each get you a single one so you won’t fight.”

“Aww, don’t do that,” she batted back. “This way, the flower has a friend. So she’s not lonely.”

Her last sentence was quiet but not to the point he would miss it. “Then…” He bit back the comment about bouquets, realizing just in time that wasn’t what she was talking about. “She doesn’t have to be lonely. She’ll always have a friend.” With that, he patted her shoulder before standing up to leave.

Behind him, he could hear Stelle’s quiet chuckle. “A friend, huh?” she muttered, smile clear in her voice. “Maybe I am special.”

Dan Heng paused in the doorway before he could go. “Yeah, you are.”

And then he left, unsure why his heart was pounding as he did.

A week later, March had already tossed her flower out, its petals all wilted and fallen. Stelle, however, still had hers. Mr. Yang had shown her how to press and preserve them, and they had been stuck to paper that now hung proudly on her pegboard.

Dan Heng didn’t know why, but seeing the care she’d put into an off-the-cuff gift embarrassed him. It had taken him all but three seconds to pick those flowers, yet she’d taken care of them as though they were priceless. He supposed he shouldn’t be surprised considering how she took care of things she found out of the dumpster, but he still was.

It wasn’t long before Dan Heng decided that the next gift he gave her, and any after, needed far more thought than before. He’d give her things to treasure.

And he tried not to think of how happy that thought made him feel.

~~~

It took a while, but Dan Heng finally discovered the pattern in Stelle’s ever-growing collection.

Things she found were free game. He realized that, through those things, she explored her surroundings. She studied each trailblazing stop by reading all the reading materials she could get her hands on, listening to whatever music she could find, and studying the objects she found in the world, such as the cycrane that she had brought back from Xianzhou and tinkered with. It now hung from the ceiling above her small bed.

On the other hand, things she purchased were done with careful consideration and thought. They had to remind her specifically of the adventure she was on and who she was trailblazing with. Occasionally, she splurged for music or food or other odd items, but that wasn’t common.

Clothes were another matter entirely. Dan Heng had made one mention to March about Stelle’s limited wardrobe, and March had become determined to remedy that. Himeko was also more than willing to jump on the bandwagon, and the two of them became solely responsible for filling Stelle’s wardrobe.

Which was why Stelle was sporting an (admittedly cute) white sundress as they wondered around a festival on the last day of one of their adventures.

It was a rare occasion that Himeko and Mr. Yang had dared leave the Astral Express unattended so the five trailblazers could all partake in the festivities together. Dan Heng had offered to stay behind, but the duel looks of disappointment from March and Stelle had him reconsidering.

“I’ve been here before,” Himeko had explained. “And I trust the security around the Astral Express enough to leave it be for a little bit. It’s rare to have an outing like this.”

“Indeed,” Mr. Yang agreed. “I say we enjoy this while we can.”

March was the most determined to make that happen. She led the charge, suggesting different game stalls to compete at while also buying different foods for everyone to try.

 Dan Heng had to admit that he was enjoying himself. “Family time” was quite the foreign concept to him, but he found this time of being with everyone he’d come to care deeply about quite precious.

Currently, they were sitting at a table, munching on what Mr. Yang insisted should be the last snack March bought for them—much to March’s chagrin—and talking about how to spend the rest of their trip. It was while March, Himeko, and Mr. Yang were discussing this that Dan Heng caught Stelle staring off into the distance.

He turned to see if he could spot what had captured Stelle’s attention, but there was nothing specific that stood out in the line of game carts. “What has your attention?” he quietly asked.

Stelle startled, likely not realizing she’d been caught, before turning back to the half-finished snack plate March had bought. “Nothing.”

“Clearly not nothing,” Dan Heng pressed.

Unfortunately, he didn’t get a reply.

“I think that if we want to watch the show tonight,” Mr. Yang began. “Then we should start migrating over in that direction. It would be better to be early to find good seats.”

“A wise idea,” Himeko said. “Why don’t we head that direction then and scope out the place first. If it’s still empty, then we can meander around a little longer before sitting down.”

“Sounds good to me!” March chipped up. “Stelle, Dan Heng, what do you guys think?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Stelle agreed.

Dan Heng simply nodded his agreement.

“Perfect,” Himeko said. “I say we finish this, then head that direction.”

Their snack was finished quickly, curtesy of March who deemed it her favorite of the snacks she’d bought thus far. But as they were heading over, Dan Heng finally realized what Stelle had been looking at all this time: a game stall.

More specifically, the dragon plush toy that was hanging as a prize.

“Does that interest you?”

Surprised, Stelle’s attention snapped to Dan Heng. “No, it just…” She shrugged, a bashful smile creeping across her lips. “Kinda reminds me of you.”

It was Dan Heng’s turn to be surprised. He stopped in his tracks, staring up at the dragon toy hanging from the awning of the stall by a rope around its neck like a noose. “You… wish to see me hung?”

Scoffing, Stelle threw a playful punch at his shoulder.

He chuckled, brushing off the hit that was probably a little stronger than she meant it to be. “Would you like it?”

Her eyes widened. “Huh?”

“We can play for it,” he offered. “If you want.”

“O-oh.” She turned to look at the toy once again, and Dan Heng could see the little gleam in her eye that he’d come to recognize as happiness for an item.

With a smile, he placed his hand on the small of her back, pushing her towards the game. “From what I can tell, you have to knock over a certain number of masks for the prize.” It also looked like people were having a hard time aiming for the small and probably heavy targets.

That’s when he saw that happy gleam in her eye turn to a competitive spark, like she was facing off against an enemy and preparing to hit them with a farewell hit after screaming “rules are meant to be broken!”

Not for the first time did Dan Heng think that her brand of odd really did fit well with the rest of the trailblazers. Maybe being strange was a job requirement.

“Hello, good sir!” the game stall owner called out as they approached. “Aiming to try your luck?”

“What are the qualifications to win the dragon?” Dan Heng asked.

“Ahh, I thought I saw the lovely young lady with the eye on the prize,” the stall owner playfully commented. “Behind me are three kinds of targets: blue haired, yellow haired, and red haired. Knocking down ten of the targets with red hair will get you the dragon. Are you up for the challenge?”

Dan Heng looked at the mask targets lined up on the shelves. Of the available targets, the ones sporting tufts of red hair seemed the smallest of the three. And if Dan Heng had to guess, there was likely a trick on how heavy they were, too.

“Are you up for it?” he asked Stelle.

Not that he needed to; he swore the energy of her fire lance was glowing in her eyes. “Let’s destroy them.”

Dan Heng chuckled as he pulled out some money. “Five balls for me, five for her.” 

“Daw, don’t be like that,” the stall owner teasingly jabbed, still taking the money and offering up the balls. “You’re gonna make the lady play for her own prize?”

“The lady is more than capable,” Dan Heng clarified, sliding five of the balls over to Stelle.

Taking one of the balls and gleefully tossing it in the air, Stelle seemed to stand tall in pride.

The stall owner huffed, amused. “Well, I suppose your willingness to play along with your girlfriend is one of the reasons you have her.”

That got both Dan Heng and Stelle to freeze, sparing each other a glance before quickly looking away. “Um…” she stuttered. “That’s… not it.”

“Huh?”

Yeah, Dan Heng didn’t think it sounded convincing, either. Not that he had anything better to say.

“Er… so the red ones, right?” she asked, sharply changing the subject as she stepping back into a stance.

Happy to play ignorant, Dan Heng also took a step back. “Yes.”

She turned to throw him a competitive look. “Then let’s show them what we’re made of.”

Dan Heng felt his grip on the ball tighten, his own competitive spirit flaring in response. “Let’s.”

Ten balls and ten red-haired masks later, the stall owner, who was looking a little white in the face, was taking the stuffed dragon toy down from where it hung. “Congratulations,” he flatly said, his voice a bit breathless. “Take the toy. Please don’t show up again.”

With a bounce in her step, Stelle took her prize, squeezing it against her chest as she beamed at the man.

“We should go find the others,” Dan Heng commented, already guiding Stelle away from the stall. He couldn’t blame the man for wanting them gone. However, Dan Heng would admit he found it quite amusing to watch the man blanch paper white upon watching Stelle throw her first pitch so hard that red hair exploded off the target.

~~~

Dan Heng had developed a very bad habit as of late. Never before had he cared for objects. He was content with his books and meager necessities. However, he recently found his eye drawn to shop windows and merchant carts wherever he went.

Why? Because he was always on the lookout for things to give to Stelle.

The clothes he had first given to her were ones she still wore. Even after having accumulated her own wardrobe, he still spotted her lounging around in his old outfit. His heart still fluttered whenever he caught sight of the flowers he’d given her several stops ago. Even now, they still managed to maintain their color, having been preserved at the right time.

As for the stuffed dragon toy they had won together…

It was loved well, he’d say that. A few nights ago, he’d found her hugging the toy tightly as she gazed out the windows at the stars in the main car. Apparently, she’d had trouble sleeping and wanted to see if leaving her room would help. The toy had never left her arms. Instead, it had been hugged tightly as though it were her lifeline. Having been worried for her, he’d stayed up to talk with her long into the night, and as she’d grown tired, she’d used the dragon’s plush head as a pillow.

Knowing how much she cared for these things, he began to wonder if she’d take care of other gifts he’d give to her. Which lead to where he was now. Honestly, he found it a bit embarrassing and hoped no one ever found out. But considering the way Himeko was currently looking at him, he doubted he could hide it much longer.

“It’s not like you to window shop,” she remarked, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “And there’s no holiday or event coming up, as far as I’m aware.”

Dan Heng shrugged, absently wondering how long he could escape Himeko’s prodding.

“You’re not the type to like souvenirs,” she continued. “And I could be wrong, but this culture’s style isn’t to your utilitarian tastes, so it’s unlikely you’re getting anything for yourself.”

 “It would be faster for you to simply ask your question,” Dan Heng answered, realizing with a tinge of disappointment that the answer to his previous question was “not very long.”

“Is it for Stelle?”

At the sound of her name, his stomach twisted, feeling fluttery. He sighed. “Am I being that obvious?”

Himeko giggled. “No. However, when someone has known you as long as I have…”

Dan Heng would give credit where credit was due: Himeko was quite observant.

“Forgive me,” she continued. “I can’t help but meddle when I see a romance bloom before my eyes.”

Dan Heng choked, his heart now fluttering along with his stomach.

Himeko’s smirk fell as she looked at him with bemusement. “Oh? Are you that stunned that I picked up on it? Or…” Her smile slowly returned. “Did you not realize it yourself?”

“I-it’s not like that,” Dan Heng protested.

“Really now?”

“Yes.”

Despite the warning in his voice, Himeko hummed, unperturbed. “Then how would you define your relationship, considering that you’re looking for a gift for Stelle when you’re not doing the same for March?”

Dan Heng opened his mouth to retort, only to catch himself. His answer would surely lead to further doubts, yet it was the embarrassing truth. However, not answering the question would only lead Himeko to believe her original guess was correct, meaning he’d have to explain in detail to avoid confusion. Er… any more of it, anyway.

“Stelle has a habit of collecting things,” he began.

“Yes, she does,” Himeko agreed, nodding along amusedly. “You and Welt were very kind to set up those shelves for her.”

“Specifically, she enjoys collecting items that meet certain qualifications from each place we stop at.”

“And you’re looking to give her one of these items?”

Dan Heng nodded in response, thinking for a moment that Himeko might just understand after all.

“Why?”

“Why?” Dan Heng repeated, confused at the question.

“You don’t indulge March like this.”

“March likes anything and everything,” he dismissed. “Getting her something for the sake of getting her an item would only clutter her room.”

“But Stelle is different?”

Dan Heng realized too late that he did not like where this conversation was going, yet he was helpless to stop it. “Y-yes.”

Much to his surprise, Himeko hummed and nodded, happy to quietly accept his answer. “So, one more question: just what are the qualifications for this item she’s looking for?”

A seemingly safe question. Frankly, Dan Heng would take this one over any more prodding over a crush he most certainly did not have. “She likes things that remind her of us.”

“Us?”

“Specifically, of the people she trailblazes with on each mission.”

Himeko hummed. “So that’s why she has a jade pendant that is reminiscent of your horns, the flowers you gave her, a plush dragon toy, and your old clothes as sleepwear. I see.”

Dan Heng glared at Himeko, whose eyes once again held a wickedly teasing gleam.

She giggled. “Are you looking for something that will remind her of you this time?”

He crossed his arms, unsure of how to answer.

With a sigh, that gleam in her eye softened. “Dan Heng. Can I give you a bit of unsolicited advice.”

“I have the feeling that even if I were to say no, you’d still want to give it.”

She smirked. “I have trailblazed all over the cosmos for many years, and several people have come and gone from my life. If I were you and the option to deepen a bond with someone was set in front of me, I would reach out for it. Trailblazing is a lonely life. Having someone by your side to have and hold would make that life a little more comforting, don’t you think?”

The sincerity in her tone gave Dan Heng pause. “You, Mr. Yang, March, and Pom-pom are all equally my companions,” he responded. “Just as much as Stelle.”

“Yes, but to you, Stelle is different from the rest of us, isn’t she?”

“She… is still the newest member—”

“You would not have done this for March,” Himeko repeated.

At that, Dan Heng had no answer.

Giving him a reassuring smile, she leaned forward, almost conspiratorially. “Dan Heng. Take the chance.”

And with that, she walked away, giving Dan Heng much to think about.

~~~

It was after their most recent mission was completed that Dan Heng finally came to a decision. Himeko had been quietly encouraging, and she must have told Mr. Yang something as the man seemed to be giving Dan Heng subtle looks of approval.

March was clearly still left in the dark, thankfully.

For the umpteenth time today, he reached into his pocket, squeezing the object he had bought. Although he still had his doubts, he’d already made a decision to press forward. He’d spent enough time mulling things over, debating the pros and cons of what this decision would bring and if he really wanted this in the first place.

But now, as he was walking around the outskirts of the city with Stelle by his side, two things solidified in his mind: yes, he really did want this, and yes, any drawbacks outweighed the rewards he would gain if they did move forward.

“Did you happen to find any souvenir you liked?” Dan Heng asked, starting conversation.

Her nose scrunched in frustration as she shook her head. “No. And we leave soon.”

“Maybe it’s a good thing,” Dan Heng teased. “Between that and your scavenging, you’re going to run out of room on your shelves.”

She glared at him.

Despite himself, he smiled. “When was the last time you cleaned all your trinkets, anyway?”

“Four days ago,” she easily answered. “After Pom-pom kicked me out of the parlor when I put my feet on the couch.”

“You should really know better by now.”

“I took off my shoes!”

“Pom-pom doesn’t care.”

Stelle just rolled her eyes. “Pom-pom needs a hobby.”

“Other than cleaning?”

“Other than micro-managing.”

Dan Heng chuckled. “I’m not sure that’s possible.”

“Is that why you coop yourself up in the archives? To avoid Pom’s ‘charm’.”

“No, it’s March’s I tend to avoid.”

At that, Stelle snorted a laugh.

Cute, Dan Heng thought. She’s cute. “Are you certain I cannot talk you out of collecting yet another trinket to dust?”

Stelle grew quiet at his question, her smile fading as she pondered his words. “I… I want to remember.”

His brow furrowed. “Remember?”

“My adventures with everyone,” she clarified. “I don’t have memories before waking with this stellaron inside of me. I want… I want something to remember these adventures by.” By now, her voice had dropped to a murmur. “I want something to prove these times I spent with you happened. Er! All of you, I mean.”

Dan Heng found himself squeezing the object in his pocket once again. “Then here.” He held out his hand, object enclosed within it.

Her expression scrunched in curiosity as she stuck out her hand in response, and he gave her the gift he’d been holding onto for the last three days. Her eyes widened as she studied the little wooden totem now in her hands, one carved to resemble a blue lizard.

“They don’t have dragons on this planet,” Dan Heng said. “That is the closest they have to resembling them.”

She turned her wide gaze up at him. “You got this for me?”

He nodded, taking out the object in his other pocket. “And I got this for me.”

Sparing a glance at the second totem in his hand, she quirked a dubious brow up at him. “You don’t like trinkets.”

“I don’t,” he confirmed. “But… it reminded me of you.”

Her head tilted, she studied the odd, gray creature in his hand. “How so?”

“The locals call them ‘trash bandits.’”

“Hey!”

Dan Heng chuckled.

“Don’t laugh. How dare you.”

But there was no bite behind those words, so Dan Heng didn’t bother to stop.

Rolling her eyes, she turned to walk away.

“Stelle.”

Automatically, he reached out to stop her, snatching her wrist and pulling her back to him. But even once she had turned around, her expression flat, he didn’t let go. “I wouldn’t have gotten it for no reason.”

Slowly, realization began to dawn over her face. That unamused glare turned to something softer, her gaze searching for an answer.

His hand holding her wrist slid lower to hold her fingers.

And something sparkled in her golden eyes.

“It was not meant as a mockery,” he spoke. “Only a reminder of you.”

Her mouth opened, but when no words came out, she closed it and glanced away. When she looked back, her voice was soft. “That’s unusual for you.”

“It’s not a habit I plan to pick up, no. But…” The words died on his tongue, and he glanced away, struggling to find them again.

“Hey, Dan Heng.” Thankfully, she seemed to find words of her own as she gently squeezed his hand. “I… like things that remind me of you.”

It wasn’t quite the confession he was expecting, yet it was still better than his.

He squeezed her hand in return. “I’d rather be there for you so you didn’t need things to remind you.”

At least that wasn’t a half bad response, he thought.

When her face grew pink, he felt his heart pick up its pace.

“Then… can you stay by my side?” she asked.

He smiled. “If you’d let me, I’d like to.”

~~~

As someone who had suffered exile, Dan Heng had grown accustomed to being alone. In general, he was a quiet and reserved person, but loneliness was different. Hence, he would be lying if he said he wasn’t relieved to join the Astral Express crew, to have Himeko extend the invitation to not be alone. He took comfort knowing that this place contained people who cared for him and that he cared for in return.

But then came Stelle, who somehow swayed his heart enough for him to decide to accept her as his significant other. And while that change was a large one for Dan Heng to adapt to, the comfort it brought made the transition go smoothly. To have someone by his side, whether that be while exploring a new planet or simply spending quiet time together in the archives, was something Dan Heng quickly learned to cherish.

Of course, there were many other things he learned about being with Stelle. One being that while he considered her his significant other, as she was significant in his life, she in return—

“Dan Heng?”

He blinked up at Stelle, her worried voice cutting though the foggy mess in his head. “Oh, you’re back.”

“I brought some food,” she said, closing the door to his rarely used room behind her. “Don’t worry; Himeko didn’t touch it.”

“Thank you.” He looked at the tray of food, hoping his stomach wouldn’t protest at the sight. As resistant to illness as he was, there were occasions where something from a new planet hit him so hard he went down. Such was the case currently. Although, his pride would insist that the lack of sleep, the high stress of this stellaron hunting mission, and the beating he received at the end were the reasons he was weak enough to catch an illness in the first place.

He would ignore the fact that Stelle, who’d also gone through the wringer with him, was fine.

Kneeling beside his futon, she placed the tray on the floor beside her. Hands now free, she reached out to press one of her wrists on his forehead and the other on his cheek.

Compared to the heat in his face, her touch was cool, to the point he automatically leaned into it seeking relief.

“I’m trying to source ingredients for one of Natasha’s cures,” she mentioned, pulling her hands away, much to his dismay. “Don’t worry. I’ve almost found everything. We’re trying to find a substitute for one thing, though. For now, this is all I can do.”

She held out the bowl of congee to him, one that was speckled green with what he’d assume were medicinal herbs. “Thanks.”

“Think you can stomach it?”

He shrugged, reaching for the offered spoon. “Hopefully.”

“I suppose of all of us, you’d be the most likely to hold it down, Mr. Iron Stomach.”

“Not necessarily.”

With a slightly amused smirk, she quirked a challenging brow at him. “Unlike the rest of us, you test your willpower against Himeko’s morning sludge—er, coffee, on the regular.”

“Did Pom-Pom tell you that?”

“Yeah.”

He huffed, taking a bite of food. It was slightly bitter, but not offensively so. Furthermore, his stomach didn’t seem to protest it yet. By his approximations, he would be able to get most of the bowl down. “Are we going to leave here soon?”

Stelle shook her head. “Mr. Yang suggested staying here a couple days longer for your sake. We’ll leave when you’re on the upswing.”

“No need to wait that long,” he protested. “We could leave now.”

“I agreed we should stay.”

He quirked a brow at her.

Her smirk now faded, she reached forward to lay a hand on his thigh. Even through the blanket he had draped over his legs, he could feel the light circles she made with her thumb.

Warmth flooded his cheeks as he looked down at his bowl of food. That’s right. To Stelle, he was her precious treasure, and she took very good care of everything she considered ‘hers’. Including him.

Especially him.

So if she wanted to stay for his sake, search around for all the ingredients for whatever concoction she was determined to get for him, he wouldn’t protest. After all, that was just her way of showing how much she cared. “Thank you,” he simply said, raising another spoonful of the food she made specifically to help him to his lips.

She gave him a tender smile. “You’re welcome.”

[alibabaglobalshipping]

Export Customs Documentation: A Complete Guide by Alibaba Global Shipping

In the intricate world of international trade, success doesn’t rely solely on products or pricing—it also hinges on accurate, compliant, and timely export customs documentation. Whether you're shipping electronics to Europe or textiles to Asia, the customs paperwork must be flawless. One mistake can lead to costly delays, seized shipments, or rejected entries.

That’s why businesses around the world trust Alibaba Global Shipping, a leading name in freight forwarding and global logistics, to manage their export operations with precision. With deep expertise in international trade compliance and an end-to-end documentation process, Alibaba Global Shipping ensures that your goods move across borders without friction.

What is Export Customs Documentation?

Export customs documentation refers to the essential paperwork required to legally move goods from one country to another. These documents serve several purposes:

Declare the contents and value of the shipment

Ensure the cargo complies with international trade laws

Calculate applicable duties and taxes

Establish ownership and terms of sale

Facilitate customs clearance at both origin and destination

Having accurate export customs documentation is not just recommended—it’s legally required.

Why is Export Customs Documentation Important?

Improper or incomplete documentation can result in:

Customs delays

Penalties and fines

Seized cargo

Breach of trade agreements

Damage to your brand’s reputation

With Alibaba Global Shipping, exporters benefit from decades of regulatory knowledge and a well-oiled process that minimizes risk and accelerates delivery.

Key Export Documents Managed by Alibaba Global Shipping

As an experienced logistics partner, Alibaba Global Shipping manages a variety of crucial export documents, including:

1. Commercial Invoice

The most critical document, this includes a detailed description of the goods, pricing, terms of sale (Incoterms), and contact details of both the exporter and the consignee.

2. Packing List

This itemized list details how the goods are packed—weight, volume, dimensions, and the contents of each package. Customs agents use it to verify cargo.

3. Export Declaration (EEI or SED)

In the U.S., an Electronic Export Information (EEI) form must be filed via AES for certain shipments. Alibaba Global Shipping handles this electronically to ensure timely filing.

4. Certificate of Origin (COO)

This document certifies the country where the goods were manufactured. It's often required for preferential duty rates under trade agreements.

5. Bill of Lading (BOL)

This legally binding document serves as a shipment receipt and a contract between the shipper and the carrier. Alibaba Global Shipping ensures your BOL is clean, accurate, and aligned with port requirements.

6. Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)

This document authorizes your freight forwarder (like Alibaba Global Shipping) to act on your behalf during the export process.

7. Insurance Certificate

If cargo insurance is in place, this document outlines the policy details and coverage value—especially important for high-value or fragile goods.

Alibaba Global Shipping’s Export Documentation Workflow

Here’s how our streamlined process helps exporters stay compliant and worry-free:

Step 1: Document Collection

We collect essential information from the client—invoice details, HS codes, product descriptions, and shipping requirements.

Step 2: Document Creation

Our team prepares all required export documents using certified templates and customs-approved formats.

Step 3: Compliance Review

We conduct a thorough review for accuracy, compliance with international standards, and alignment with trade agreements.

Step 4: Customs Filing

Our licensed customs professionals submit the documents to the appropriate customs agencies using digital platforms like AESDirect.

Step 5: Shipment Monitoring

Even after clearance, we monitor the shipment and provide real-time updates and support in case of inquiries or inspections.

Industries We Serve

Alibaba Global Shipping provides export documentation services across multiple industries:

Manufacturing: Exporting machines, tools, or raw materials

Agriculture: Shipping grains, produce, and organic products

Pharmaceuticals: Handling sensitive and regulated goods

Textiles & Fashion: Navigating labeling and origin compliance

Automotive: Exporting spare parts, accessories, and vehicles

Technology: Managing high-value electronics and gadgets

Each industry has unique documentation requirements—our team customizes the paperwork accordingly.

Common Challenges in Export Documentation (And How We Solve Them)

❌ Incorrect HS Codes

Misclassifying products can result in wrong duty calculations or even legal trouble. Our experts use updated tariff databases to ensure accuracy.

❌ Incomplete Descriptions

Vague or incomplete product details can trigger inspections. We draft detailed commercial invoices with clear product descriptions.

❌ Missing COO or Licenses

We check whether a Certificate of Origin or export license is mandatory for your destination country and ensure timely issuance.

❌ Late Filing of Declarations

Delays in filing EEIs or SEDs can hold up shipments. Our digital customs submission process guarantees real-time filing.

Digital Tools & Transparency

Alibaba Global Shipping employs cutting-edge digital tools that help exporters:

Auto-fill standard documents

Digitally sign and submit forms

Track customs status in real time

Store and retrieve records for audits

Stay updated on country-specific documentation rules

You gain total visibility into your documentation workflow, from origin to destination.

Client Success Story: Exporting from Oakland to Southeast Asia

A California-based electronics manufacturer needed assistance exporting to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Their in-house team was unfamiliar with ASEAN documentation and kept facing delays.

Solution: Alibaba Global Shipping took over the export process—from creating certificates of origin to filing EEIs. The result was a 95% reduction in customs clearance delays and improved compliance with local regulations.

Outcome: The client saw improved delivery timelines and increased customer satisfaction in Asia-Pacific markets.

Why Choose Alibaba Global Shipping for Export Customs Documentation?

✅ Decades of Experience ✅ Licensed Customs Professionals ✅ Global Network with Local Knowledge ✅ Dedicated Compliance Team ✅ Real-Time Document Tracking ✅ Multilingual Support

We simplify the complex, reduce paperwork errors, and keep your cargo moving.

FAQs About Export Customs Documentation

Q: Do I need an export license for all shipments? A: Not always. It depends on the product and the destination country. We’ll let you know if your goods require one.

Q: Can I handle customs documentation myself? A: You can, but it’s risky. Letting professionals like Alibaba Global Shipping handle it ensures compliance and efficiency.

Q: How long does it take to process export documents? A: Usually within 24–48 hours if all product and shipment info is accurate.

Conclusion: Navigate Exports with Confidence

Exporting goods across borders requires more than logistics—it demands accurate export customs documentation. Trust Alibaba Global Shipping to be your partner in global trade. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on expanding your market reach.

[summerofbuddie]

☀️ welcome to the summer of buddie 🌴

with a little over 2 months to go until the season 8 premiere of 9-1-1 and less than 2,000 fics to go until the buck/eddie tag on ao3 hits 30,000 stories, we want to encourage buddie fic writers to write and share stories with the world!

this event is going to consist of 8 weekly challenges starting the week of july 29th - august 4th and ending the week of september 16th - september 22nd. each challenge is going to revolve around a specific theme. writers will be given the choice to follow specific prompts or to get as creative with the theme as they want.

there are no word count limits to the fics: write as much or as little as you want!

there are no limits to how many fics you should write: you can write a fic a day for the 8 weeks of the challenge (which would make for a total of 56 fics) or only one single fic for the entirety of it!

the only requirement to participate in this challenge is to write at least one fic that has buck/eddie as the main pairing and to post it to ao3!

if you wish so, you can mix and match the weekly challenges. say the theme for week 2 and the theme for week 6 really call to you and you want to write a fic that combines them, that is totally cool! say you want to be adventurous and write one epic +100k fic that combines a prompt from each of the weeks, that is totally incredible!

the world is your oyster! we want to make sure this summer challenge is fun and inspiring for writers so really it's up to you to decide what you want to do with it.

we are going to be releasing all the 8 specific weekly challenges throughout the next week. more instructions will follow with each of the challenges.

(EDIT: THIS IS THE FULL LIST WITH THE 8 WEEKLY CHALLENGES.)

(EDIT: THIS IS THE FULL LIST OF CHALLENGES FOR ART/VIDEOS/GIFSETS.)

there may or may not be some fun surprise challenges throughout the next two months, but this will just be extras! this will depend upon your host's availability and also the engagement the challenge gets.

if you have any questions, either now or at any point during the next two months, please don't hesitate in sending us an ask.

also, if you have any fun theme ideas or any extra surprises you would like the challenge to include we are all ears!

the buddie fandom is such a special one and the talent that buddie fic writers have been demonstrating for years is unparalleled and astounding.

we hope the summer of buddie serves as a love letter to buddie fics, buddie writers, and buddie shippers everywhere <333

now go enjoy some ice cream until the next update!!!

your host,

maria (@thatbuddie)

[lcttruckingco]

Exporting Goods From India To UK: A Detailed Guide.

Considering India is evolving to be the world’s fastest-growing economy, the United Kingdom stands out as a regular and dedicated importer of Indian goods.

 With India being a leading producer and provider of essential commodities—petroleum products, jewelry, electronics, machinery, apparel, and pharmaceutical products—it’s no surprise that exports to the UK have been skyrocketing. As of Q4 2023, UK imports from India increased by 11.2%, amounting to £2.3 billion compared to the four quarters of 2022. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to export goods from India to the UK.

1.1. Understand the Market and Regulations

Research Market Demand: Identify the demand for your product in the UK. Analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and competition. Resources like trade reports, market research agencies, and UK trade statistics can be invaluable.

Know the Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the UK's import regulations, including product standards, safety requirements, and labeling standards. Visit the UK Government's official website for up-to-date regulations and guidelines.

1.2. Obtain Necessary Licenses and Registrations

Import Export Code (IEC): Register for an Import Export Code (IEC) with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India. This is mandatory for all exporters and importers in India.

Goods and Services Tax (GST): Ensure your business is registered under GST and obtain the necessary GST Identification Number (GSTIN).

UK Certifications: Depending on the product, you may need specific certifications to comply with UK standards. For example, electrical goods might require a CE marking.

1.3. Packaging and Labeling

Packaging Requirements: Ensure your packaging meets UK standards, which may include specific materials, sizes, and types of packaging.

Labeling: Label your products correctly, in cluding details like the country of origin, ingredients (if applicable), and any necessary safety warnings.

1.4. Choose the Right Shipping Method

Air Freight vs. Sea Freight: Decide between air freight and sea freight based on your product's urgency, volume, and weight. Air freight is faster but more expensive, whereas sea freight is cost-effective for larger shipments.

Incoterms: Understand and agree upon Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) with your UK buyer to clarify responsibilities regarding shipping, insurance, and tariffs.

1.5. Documentation

Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth export process. Here are the essential documents required:

LUT (Letter of Undertaking): A Letter of Undertaking is required for exporting goods without payment of integrated taxes.

Export License: Ensure you have an export license for the specific goods you are exporting.

Certificate of Origin: This certificate verifies the origin of the goods, which may be required for customs clearance.

Airway Bill: An airway bill is necessary for air freight, acting as a receipt for the cargo and a contract for carriage.

Commercial Export Invoice: A detailed invoice that includes the product description, quantity, price, and terms of sale.

Shipper’s Letter Of Instruction: Provides detailed instructions to the shipping company for handling and delivering the shipment.

Weight Certificate: Confirms the weight of the shipment, which is crucial for calculating freight charges.

Certificates of Inspection (if applicable): Certifications from inspection agencies may be required for certain goods.

Customs Entry: A document declaring the shipment's details to customs authorities.

VAT & Duty: Ensure you understand the Value Added Tax (VAT) and duty requirements for your goods.

1.6. Customs Clearance

Customs Declaration: Complete a customs declaration form for the UK customs authorities, providing all necessary details about your shipment.

Duty and Taxes: The UK Government’s trade tariff tool can help you determine these costs.

1.7. Finding a Reliable Freight Forwarder

Research and Choose: Select a reputable freight forwarder who can handle your logistics from India to the UK. A good freight forwarder will help with documentation, customs clearance, and transportation.

Services Offered: Ensure the freight forwarder offers services such as warehousing, insurance, and door-to-door delivery if required.

1.8. Establishing a Payment Method

Payment Terms: Negotiate payment terms with your buyer. Common methods include letters of credit, advance payment, and open account.

Currency Exchange: Be aware of currency exchange rates and choose a payment method that minimizes risk.

1.9. Building Relationships with UK Buyers

Networking: Attend trade fairs, exhibitions, and business networking events to connect with potential buyers in the UK.

Digital Presence: Enhance your digital presence through a professional website and active social media profiles. Consider listing your products on global B2B platforms.

1.10. Continuous Compliance and Improvement

Stay Updated: Regularly check for updates in trade regulations and market trends. Compliance with regulations ensures a smooth export process.

Feedback and Improvement: Seek feedback from your UK buyers and continually improve your products and services to meet their expectations.

2. Prohibited, Restricted Items for Import Into the UK

Certain items are prohibited or restricted for import into the UK. Prohibited items include illicit drugs, offensive weapons, and counterfeit goods. Restricted items may include firearms, certain food products, and plants. Always check the latest UK import regulations to ensure compliance.

3. Shipping And Delivery Route

Choosing the Optimal Route: Select the most efficient shipping route considering factors like transit time, cost, and reliability. The common shipping routes from India to the UK include:

Sea Routes: From major Indian ports like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata to UK ports like Felixstowe, Southampton, and London Gateway.

Air Routes: Major airports in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore have direct flights to London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

4. Export Trends to the UK from India: 2023 and 2024 Insights

Exports from India to the UK have seen a significant rise. In 2023, the export value increased by 11.2%, with a noticeable rise in sectors like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and textiles. This trend is expected to continue into 2024, driven by strong bilateral trade relations and growing demand for Indian goods in the UK market.

4.1 Key Exports from India to the UK

Pharmaceutical Products

Jewelry and Precious Stones

Textiles and Apparel

Machinery and Equipment

Automobile Parts

Petroleum Products

Electronics

Organic Chemicals

Spices and Food Products

Handicrafts and Carpets

Business-Friendly Demography: The UK’s diverse and business-friendly environment makes it an attractive market for Indian exporters.

Legal Regulations: The UK’s transparent legal system and well-defined trade regulations facilitate smoother transactions.

Payments: Secure and efficient payment systems make financial transactions between India and the UK straightforward.

Shipping: Improved shipping routes and logistics infrastructure enhance the efficiency of trade between the two nations.

5. How Does the UK Charge Import Duty on India Goods?

The UK charges import duty based on the type of goods, their value, and the country of origin. Import duty rates can be found using the UK’s trade tariff tool. Goods classified under the General System of Preferences (GSP) may benefit from reduced duty rates.

6. Summary: India And UK Export Outlook In 2024

The export outlook between India and the UK in 2024 is promising. With increasing demand for Indian products, robust trade relations, and favorable economic conditions, businesses can expect growth opportunities. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, Indian exporters can navigate the complexities of international trade and capitalize on the booming UK market.

[iiiemworld]

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#SLI #ShippersLetterofInstruction #ExportImport #iiiEMBlog

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#iiiEMBlog

[istumpysk]

One of the things I have not understood is the over glorification of Littlefinger's narrative purpose amongst the book fandom especially the shippers and his Stans.

I get it the show dumbed him down but one thing I never understood is some of his fans being sadly insistent on the fact they made his character all about boinking Sansa. But that is not something made up, it's the whole gist of his character.

They say that the man who started the war of the 5 kings couldn't die by the hands of Sansa and they try to redirect his death through a supernatural entity say a corpse like Stoneheart or White Walkers but people forget that instructing Lysa to kill Jon and then telling her to write a letter to Cat so as to lure and trap Ned in Kings Landing but all of that happens before he has his eyes set on Sansa. In fact all of his politicking after Ned's death and from ACOK have revolved around Sansa. From enlisting Dontos to saying the merits of a Tyrell marriage in place of Sansa's to taking Harrenhall as a seat only to gain a title because he was lowborn enough to even marry a spurned princess to putting a wrench in her betrothal to Willas to conspire with Olenna and decide the Purple Wedding was the time to take out Sansa out of the capital to framing her husband for murder so as to widow her and to murdering Lysa to the present Vale succession that we are heading into TWOW.

I don't know why it bothers people to say that his character entirely revolves around Sansa especially from ACOK and after Ned's death. But just because his character entirely revolves around Sansa's, doesn't mean the other way around holds true. Yes he is an important part of her arc but so was Joffrey, Cersei or Sandor. Sansa is a protagonist and Baelish is the supporting character in her arc though he is the most important supporting character in her arc till now, one could say. He is an important plot device and that's it. Sansa is a fleshed out Pov who is a work in progress and Baelish is a static character whose arc is to oil up her hero's journey. It's really hilarious how people get shocked when you say that Sansa has a hero's journey and they are like she is not ugly or an outcast and I am like yeah stop reading those YA novels where everything is a sense of escapism to project upon people who you think had better than you. Also what is this outcast hero worship. George introduces trope but he writes these characters as people. He said the same when he was asked about female characters and he said every demographic you get all kinds of people. So yeah just because someone is pretty doesn't make them evil nor the other way around is true. By that logic Ramsay Bolton should be a hero 🤣. He is ugly and a bastard and unlike Jon, he doesn't have a secret royal ancestry. This obsession with heroic ugly outcasts always makes me believe that this people have not left middle school.

Most of the times I see these arguments are voiced by antis when they talk about after she takes him down, she will die because there is nothing to her arc after his death and I don't get it. Is it because he is the most important non magical antagonist in the books and taking him down renders a certain narrative significance in the text. I must admit its mostly that this accusations are always voiced by key 5 Stans.

Another thing I don't understand is the insistence on him dying with a bang because the show emasculated his death and I am like George for all his talk about moral greyness, always makes sure that his villains die helpless. Remember Tywin, Drogo, Joffrey etc. Even a good guy like Ned dies helpless and Baelish is the anti Ned figure who tries to take that place in Sansa's arc after Ned's death. His death has to mirror Ned's. Overconfidence followed by people that were loyal to him turning against him, add in a daughters betrayal( this time with actual intent to harm him unlike Ned's where she never intended any harm befell her father) followed by helplessness and dying far away from home.

George has himself said Baelish is obsessed with Sansa and the thing with obsession in ASOIAF is that it leads you to the grave. Just ask the woman who was obsessed with Baelish and was later murdered by him.

Nimby! What could I possibly add to this? Well said.

It's more minimizing of Sansa, this time within her own god damn storyline.

The ice and fire threats might be central to the story, but nobody can deny who the political Final Boss is. Admitting Littlefinger's goals rest on Sansa, or that his fate is tied to Sansa, is admitting Sansa is important. They can't do that.

[horizon-verizon]

What do you think of when Nettles' execution letter is discussing between the lord and the guards, as to how to kill her, kill Daemon or not, etc. One thing that always bothered me about this scene for the nature of the relationship between Nettles and Daemon (although no, I don't believe they were lovers at all) is when the guard says Daemon is sleeping next to Nettles.

It can be confusing. But he doesn't say that Daemon sleeps with Nettles, but next to her, which may just fit within their adjoining rooms. And the lord of the place says they won't kill guests in their beds, so plural.

But it also says "may Daemon wake up to find her dead", which may or may not be interpreted as him sleeping with her, but that doesn't necessarily mean that either.

But I always wondered whether or not that scene meant that Daemon really slept in the same bed as Nettles. A doubt is posed in the way all this is formulated.

Many Daemon x Nettles stans argue that this must be the case, thus saying that Norren actually contradicts himself with the relationship he has established as paternalistic. (although sleeping in the same bed isn't something that necessarily relates to sex or lovers) That there's no way they're so scared that Daemon will intervene if he's not sleeping not with Nettles in bed directly.

Except we're talking about the same people who think Daemon could face 40 men alone and get away with it, even with a goddamn sleeping pill. Daemon is the best warrior there is, and their rooms with him and Nettles are connected by a simple door. If he heard any suspicious noise, I'm sure he would wake up and intervene.

Finally, what do you think of all this? Would Daemon have shared Nettles' bed, or not? This passage really disturbs me and the only thing that has ever really put me in doubt.

*EDITED POST* (12/16/23)

First, This Post Got a Bit Long, so Bear With Me.

The Direct Quotes

The section of Fire and Blood anon is referring to starts on page 497 in "Rhaenyra Triumphant". It starts with: “Long leagues to the north, in a castle overlooking the Bay of Crabs”.

[…]‘the prince and his bastard girl‘ supped together every night, broke their fast together every morning, slept in adjoining bedchambers, that the prince ‘doted upon the brown girl as a man might dote upon his daughter,‘ instructing her in ‘common courtesies’ and how to dress and sit and brush her hair, that he made gifts to her of ‘an ivory-handled hairbrush, a silver looking glass, a cloak of rich brown velvet bordered in satin, a pair of riding boots of leather soft as butter. […] and the maidservants who fetched their bathwater said that he oft shared a tub with her, ‘soaping her back or washing the dragon stink from her hair, both of them naked as their namedays.

AND

“Six men or sixty, he is still Daemon Targaryen,” Lord Mooton’s brother objected. “A sleeping draught in his evening wine would be the wiser course. Let him wake to find her dead.”

AND

“This thing is easily done,” said the captain of his guard. “The prince sleeps beside her, but he has grown old. Three men should be enough to subdue him should he try to interfere, but I will take six to be certain. Does my lord wish this done tonight?”

AND

“The queen has forbidden any harm to come to him,” Lord Mooton reminded them, “and murdering two guests in their beds is twice as foul as murdering one. I should be doubly cursed.”

(Fire and Blood; Rhaenyra Triumphant)

Answering the Actual Question

Basically, I still think it’s doubtful he slept with Nettles.

What’s at Stake

The reason why Daemon x Nettles fans/shippers care so much about them sharing a bed versus them having separate bedrooms where they “definitely” slept separately decides whether or not they were having sex with each other. They would have -- or feel they do -- have a stronger reason to claim that Daemon slept with Nettles and cheated on Rhaenyra with her while he was supposed to just be finding Aemond with her (the mission and reason why they are at Maidenpool in the first place). For them, this would show how evil or power hungry or misogynist Daemon is for not respecting Rhaenyra or treating her as his equal.

Answer

A)

You’re right, anon, that the language alone leaves it very open to its readers whether that Daemon could have either slept in bed with Nettles or whether he just slept in a room next to Nettles, or even whether it is the 2nd and they would just have sex with each other. It is simultaneously one of the most fun, the most frustrating, and one of the most indictive of how realistic medieval history telling that GRRM mimics for Fire and Blood’s in-universe writer, a maester named Gyldayn. 

But we don’t consider language by itself when reading any text.

Who is reporting or observing Daemon and Nettles here? It is:

the maidservants

Maester Norren writing about those maidservants

Maester Norren writing what Lord Manfryd Mooton, the captain of his castle guard, his unnamed brother, and Ser Florian Greysteel (the lord’s personal champion) said

those 4 men

We, the readers, can have an understanding that these people and the entire castle knew that Daemon and Nettles had a close relationship and interacted more intimately than they would expect a famous lord and some random peasant girl with culturally-considered-unattractive features to interact.

Immediately, we have to suspect these people because of what I just said: “interacted more intimately than they would expect a famous lord and some random peasant girl”. 

These people would not have liked or that Daemon would act out of his class character by even paying friendly, platonic attention to her. And they would already see Daemon as one whose past with seeking virgin sex workers proves that he looked to Nettles for sex and sexual intimacy. Or they could have been so surprised at his and Nettles’ “audacity” that they then find it easier to believe that Daemon would have sex with Nettles.

(Besides him liking and sticking with Mysaria, Laena, and Rhaneyra for an extended time with no mention of having extramarital sex with his marriages with the last two...and all of whom who would not have been virgins for different reasons).

Example: If Gyldayn/Norren don’t tell us how many times the servant(s) actually saw Daemon bathe Nettles and be naked while doing it and if Daemon were teaching Nettles to bathe herself properly once or twice and that was all, then when the servants/a servant came in witnessed him bathing Nettles, is it not feasible to think that they would talk, gossip, and/or exaggerate? Was Daemon even naked, then, when he would bathe Nettles? How frequently does he actually bathe Nettles when only once or twice would get her to understand so she does it herself? Is this the case of a tall tale? Castles and the work servants do are monotonous and hard-- what better topic of conversation and fun than a sex-perverse prince possibly sexing up a lowborn, brown-skinned girl?

Even Gyldayn gets into an investigation for how Daemon couldn’t have had an affair with Nettles...but he rests his argument on how he believes that she wasn’t a “unattractive” because of her looks but also how he believed she couldn’t possibly be a virgin (being a low classed girl who had to fend for herself) AND how Daemon refused to allow her to be executed despite Nettles (by implication) not mattering. 

In other words, Gyldayn is thinking like a classist and a misogynist and his bias is putting more into a situation than needs be. And these sort of readings really do not tend to reveal real truths but a heavily biased interpretation of events.

But, I already point out how this suspicion first comes to Gyldayn, or Gyldayn first mentions it through citing Mushroom as a source. I go further to into Nettles’ characterization HERE. I mention the bathing in on of these posts.  

Basically there is this repetition of “teaching” and the attractiveness of virginity and what that may have meant for Young Daemon vs Daemon at the Dance/Maidenpool. (By the way, this notion of sexual teaching came from Mushroom, see my post about it [above]; it overlaps with Daemon platonically teaching Nettles how to groom herself.) 

He began by giving her kissing lessons, if Mushroom can be believed. From there the prince went on to show his niece how best to touch a man to bring him pleasure, an exercise that sometimes involved Mushroom himself and his alleged enormous member. Daemon taught the girl to disrobe enticingly, suckled at her teats to make them larger and more sensitive, and flew with her on dragonback to lonely rocks in Blackwater Bay, where they could disport naked all day unobserved, and the princess could practice the art of pleasuring a man with her mouth. At night he would smuggle her from her rooms dressed as a page boy and take her secretly to brothels on the Street of Silk, where the princess could observe men and women in the act of love and learn more of these “womanly arts” from the harlots of King’s Landing.

(Fire and Blood; A Question of Succession)

If you are wont to believe that Daemon wants to go after girls who we’d rule as underage and children just because they are children that he wants to use their childness against for domination, then you are going to be inclined towards DaemonxNettles. If not, but are still disturbed, read as if this is a different world with its own rules (and as this is a fantasy world modelled after European medieval societies, you’d already have to) and throw HotD out the window.

B)

Just like in my questions/posts about the bathing and how other people have argued against the idea that bathing together = sexual dalliance, the sleeping in the same bed vs rooms next to each other don’t really matter to me because sleeping in the same bed is itself not an immediate indication or reveal of true sexual activity. 

So what if they did sleep in the same bed? If you are inclined to read the passage of him teaching Nettles and giving her very practical gifts for the sake of her becoming more “human” instead of a real courtship -- which why would he need or bother to, if he’s so evil and powerful as to just rape her? -- then you will see him as him more as a mentor and caretaker than someone sexually interested in her. thus he lets her sleep in his bed or he goes to hers for physical, platonic comfort. Because he literally is taking care of her:

“the prince and his bastard girl” supped together every night, broke their fast together every morning, slept in adjoining bedchambers, that the prince “doted upon the brown girl as a man might dote upon his daughter,” instructing her in “common courtesies” and how to dress and sit and brush her hair, that he made gifts to her of “an ivory-handled hairbrush, a silvered looking glass, a cloak of rich brown velvet bordered in satin, a pair of riding boots of leather soft as butter.” The prince taught the girl to wash, Norren says, and the maidservants who fetched their bath water said he oft shared a tub with her, “soaping her back or washing the dragon stink from her hair, both of them as naked as their namedays.”

(Fire and Blood; A Question of Succession)

C)

Daemon could have slept with Mysaria back at King’s Landing and that was talked about. If there tales about him and Nettles, why do they only come up when he’s at Maidenpool, where no one but servants and the Lord and his men would be looking at how Daemon interacts at Nettles and be hella disapproving?

Again, I personally still call bullshit.

How people will read this will depend on how they already think about age gap relationships,  them in a medieval/fantasy setting and in real history, their own biases/background/history, and Daemon. These will shape how they read the text.

[autumnslance]

hello i know this is like. super late but i saw some of your posts on werlyt and i wanted to add that im pretty sure livia's attraction to gaius overall is mostly an ENG thing. the scene where gaius tells her to meet in his office later is, actually, standard procedure in japan for bosses when they need to scold employees in private. ive actually seen several japanese players express confusion over non japanese players viewing that in a romantic context. and its obvs not the first time that (1)

(2) the english team has fucked up, as we have seen with nael van darnus always being intended to be female in 1.0 but the english translation team didnt realize that. so while i do think its a shitty attempt at retconning, i do think that the scene everyone cites as "evidence" of gaius and livia having an affair is moreso something that was lost in cultural translation, as he doesnt ever express anything otherwise. the eng team seems to. make many things romantic for no reason

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

Combining both asks. My Sorrow of Werlyt tag; some faint praise and plenty of salt, fair warning. My Livia sas Junius tag as well as I've talked about this before.

I dunno even know that the EN team specifically is "making" things romantic for no reason--in fact, there are criticisms of some character translations that seem to try and ensure there isn't romantic misconception from some characters--as it is players reading so many things with shipper goggles on, and this is a case of poor context.

Though it does sound like a weird request; for me, as a former soldier, once the other officers had left, the criticism or instruction would happen then and there, not in an hour (unless Gaius needed the time for something else), and if needing guaranteed privacy from other soldiers, I would have said "office" not "quarters" as the connotations there are very different in English (and officers/high rank NCOs that I knew had an office separate from their personal quarters while on base). But there are a lot of folks playing EN, perhaps some of them more familiar with the tropes, or simply non-ship focused, that didn't read romance into it at all ever.

Overall, everything Livia says in EN lean toward an obsession with her foster father, though his reactions to her are far more reserved and offhand--to the point of forgetting about her entirely even, his interactions with Cid (and later the Auri quintet) as much more important. He reacts more to Rhitahytn's death than hers, which strikes me as odd. Even something simple would do.

Nero makes a comment after Titan about Livia being "in love" though how much it's supposed to be a joke or what also seems lost in text and translation.

In general I think ARR needed a few more editing passes they had no time and budget for, given they rebuilt an entire game in the span usually reserved for an expansion. They did OK overall, though some weird choices then have haunted the story and characters since.

Also the EN localization team has changed over the years, so the teams have been picking up and recontextualizing the pieces over the years. Koji's been over on FFXVI, so Kathryn Cwynar has been EN local lead since Shadowbringers, as revealed in a 6.1 live letter (she's the bespectacled lady doing translations during FanFest 2021 and those PLLs when Miss Aimi cannot). The EN and JP are mostly written together, but there's still a lot of back and forth, too, as well as interaction, cultural checks, and consistency with the other languages they have to manage. Kate's twitter has an interview pinned with the Local Leads for each language, and the coordinator, from in March 2021.

I also have a post on the Eula/Nael mess, and in that case it's one of those things the devs claim they decided to retcon-but-we-don't-like-to-call-them-retcons, perhaps rather than admit to an error or place blame for mistranslation of a major figure. Which is another aspect of cleaning up some of those missteps that linger, and we're honestly not going to know that answer for sure.

EDIT ADDENDUM: DT has a good point in the Replies too (that I usually mention, at least did in another post); everything we ever see in ARR about the “relationship” is entirely Livia’s statements and POV, across all languages/translations. So if people are reading into it, it’s because they’ve been primed to based on Livia’s comments and Nero’s snarking. Not anything Gaius himself ever said or did, and the “My quarters, one hour” line ends up a victim of translation as players take Livia of all people at face value, not considering her POV is very, very skewed.

Though it is common enough for players to take everyone at face value, heroes and villains alike, without considering their personal perspectives, misinformation, misunderstandings, outright lying, and other agendas, before we even get to how each player interprets those lines they’re taking as absolute truth.

[sunlightandsuffering]

I am re-watching The Final Season Part 1 recently. And it's interesting how I found such details that I've missed in the past.

One of which is... when the Survey Corps attacked Liberio. I see that the whole Survey Corps are assigned to fight the Marley soldiers and their formation... save Mikasa. Even Armin has his own task assisting Hange-san and all the leadership stuffs. But it is only Mikasa that Eren has set aside, and trusted to accompany him on the battlefieldsーin fighting the War Hammer Titan. Wow! (My guess, he had already instructed about this through the letters he asked Falco to sent).

I mean, how can i not seeing this before? 😂

Hajime Isayama is so smooth. He wants to implied that "Eren wants Mikasa for no one but all for himself". Such a possessive brats! 😂 😂 😂

Me who has still not watched the entirety of the final season and probably never will out of sheer pain: 🙄🙄

But yes!! U know those little things are actually what drew me to EM in the first place, like when I first started shipping them of course I just thought they were pretty together and i loved them, their connection was so strong. But like as a shipper during those first few episodes I was looking for ANYTHING to indicate i wasn't losing my mind 🤣 especially bc back then everyone was of the mindset of 'that's incest!' all the haters, that was their biggest argument and I was like PLZ TELL ME I'M NOT LOSING MY FUCKING MIND!! BUt Yams does so many little things like that, so many possessive little moments for them both where it's Mikasa who steps up or Eren who kicks and screams on her behalf, so many times where it's just them 😭😭

[tarisilmarwen]

RobStar Valentine’s Weekend Day 3 - Sugar

(Galfore Shipper On Deck FTW.)

---

Robin glanced anxiously every so often back at the door to OPS.  Raven had promised to keep Starfire out of the Tower for at least an hour.  He hoped that was long enough.

The other end of the communication line clicked open, and Galfore's face filled the main screen.

"Ah, Robin!" he exclaimed in delight.  "To what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"

Pulse trickling nervously, Robin straightened.  "Galfore.  I, uh..."  He rubbed the back of his head.  "I needed to ask a favor."

The man tilted his head with perceptible interest.  "Oh?  What might that be, young one?"

"Well..."  Robin took a deep breath, launching into his explanation.  "Starfire mentioned some Tamaranian dessert she really liked and, well... since her birthday is coming up soon I thought I'd maybe try and make her some.  Except," he said, grimacing with chagrin, "I don't have any of the ingredients and--"

Galfore held up a hand to stop him.

"Say no more, little warrior," he told Robin.  "I will have an envoy deliver the necessary components within the planet cycle."

Robin smiled in relief, tension easing out of him.  "Thanks Galfore.  This will really mean a lot to her."

"For Starfire," he replied, beaming warmly, "it is my honor."

***

Robin frowned down at his batter, staring at it intensely.

"This doesn't look right..." he commented to Galfore, whose face peeked out from Robin's communicator, propped up against a bowl on the counter.

"Did you add the Araxian Cable spice?" he asked.

"Yeah, and then mixed it in with this..."  Robin held up the box, squinting at the foreign letters.  "...Kungit grabble-whatzit whatever it is."

"Before or after beating it into a fine paste?"

Robin's mind screeched as he tried to remember.  "Uh..."

Galfore chuckled.  "Do not worry.  It is a common mistake."

Robin dropped the box in frustration.  "Dammit!" he cursed, slumping forward and putting his forehead on his palms, elbows leaning dejectedly into the counter.

"Despair not, brave Titan, there are plenty of supplies left for additional attempts," Galfore consoled him.  "You are actually doing very well for an outsider."

The boy smeared a hand down his face as he raised his head.  "Yeah that doesn't actually make me feel better."  He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly.  "Okay," he said.  "I can do this."

"That is the spirit!"

***

Her happy gasp was worth every moment of work put in.  Robin grinned and presented the dessert on its platter with a flourish.

"Oh Robin!" she exclaimed.  "A Tamaranian Tarkog'lorf treat?  But..."  She glanced up at him.  "How did you make it?  None of the ingredients are native to Earth."

He shrugged.  "Galfore was a big help," he dismissed modestly.  "I honestly couldn't have done it without him."

"It looks beautiful," she told him, her eyes shining.

"Hope it tastes just as good," he quipped.  He set the platter down, stepping back as Starfire picked up a knife to cut the treat.  He felt embarrassed for asking but... "Um, Starfire?  Are the terms of endearment a Tamaranian thing or...?"

She glanced at him curiously.  "What do you mean?" she asked, slicing through the pastry evenly.

Robin scratched his ear.  "It's just... when Galfore was going through the instructions with me he would keep calling me names like... 'litte warrior' or 'my boy' or... you know, things like that."

Starfire laughed.

"What?" asked Robin in confusion.

She shook her head, marveling at him.  "Oh Robin, that is Galfore's way of expressing that he approves of you."

"Is it?" Robin asked, perking up.

Starfire just popped a mouthful of the treat into her mouth, smiling.

[collapsingintojupiter]

6 and 17 from the prompt list? With logince? I really loved your analogical dads and baby Patton 💙

“I need a place to stay.”

“Good thing I didn’t ask for your opinion.”

Oooh this is gonna be fun.

Characters: Logan and Roman

Relationships: Some Logince for you shippers out there.

Warnings: None, I don't think? Let me know if I should add any though.

***

It was, as they say, a dark and stormy night. More stormy than anything else though; thunder rattled and cracked in the sky, shaking the apartment's thin walls as Logan attempted to make himself some soup for dinner.

Okay, so maybe soup was a bit of a generous name to give it. 

Logan stirred his chicken Ramen over the stove, dutifully following the instructions on the package while lightning split the dark sky in half over and over and over again outside the window. In the living room, the TV murmured beneath the clattering of rain on the roof, which had risen to a deafening roar since the storm had first made itself known with cold drops and sharp wind. 

Logan flinched as the gale outside flung a loose branch against the kitchen window with a sharp crack--at least the glass didn't break, any harder and it might've done just that. 

He finished making his Ramen and poured it into a mug, sniffing at it appreciatively as he padded into the living room to eat. His tabby cat, Newton, meowed at him from beneath the couch. She hated storms, and honestly Logan couldn't blame her. She's going to need more food, he reminded himself. The bag's almost empty. I can try to get into town sometime--

A sharp rap at the door forced Logan to pause his thoughts, turning in surprise towards the entrance to his apartment. He wasn't expecting visitors--he almost never was, not only that but he lived in a somewhat shady part of town and it was common for drunks to wander around after dark.

None of them had knocked on his door, though.

Logan waited, and whoever it was knocked again--it sounded almost desperate that time. Clearly the person had no intention of leaving anytime soon, whoever they were. Logan sighed, heading over to the door and cracking it open. 

A tall man in a red and white jacket looked back at him, drenched from head to toe and shivering violently. His form was immediately blurred by the rain that splattered against Logan's glasses.

"Uh, hi--" he sneezed. "Sorry...I uh…I really need a place to stay. Just…" he looked up. "Just until the storm passes. Please… I've tried everyone else on the street, and I--"

"Come in."

The man looked surprised--no, shocked. "Really? I--I can stay?"

"I believe I just said that you could." Logan's voice was concerned, not irritated. This guy was clearly sick on top of whatever had forced him into the storm unprepared.

"Thank you so much, Mr…"

"Call me Logan." He gestured for the other man to step inside, pulling the door firmly shut behind them. 

"Thank you, Logan. My name's Roman, nice to meet you despite the ah, unfortunate circumstances.

Logan nodded. He looked down at his Ramen, then suddenly thrust it into Roman's hands.

"I have plenty extra," he said when he saw the look on the man's face. "Living room is in there, go sit down."

"Logan, please, I can't take this--"

"Good thing I didn't ask for your opinion." Logan said firmly. He pointed at the couch. "Sit."

Roman sat. He looked like he was going to try and argue again, but then he looked down at the Ramen in his hands and the last bit of his resolve faded as he dug in.

"Thank you."

Logan nodded, turning and padding down the hallway to his room. He returned to the living room a few minutes later with a bundle of clothes in his arms, which he set down on the coffee table. Roman looked at the bundle, then up at Logan.

"You're sick," Logan said before he could say anything. "That won't be helped by you sitting around in those wet clothes." He pointed at the hallway he'd just come from. "Bathroom is down there on the left. Change when you're done eating."

"Not that sick," Roman muttered. "You don't have to--" a sudden bout of coughing cut him off, and once he could breathe again Logan was glaring at him with his hands on his hips. He shut his mouth and did as he was told, finishing his Ramen before grabbing the bundle and disappearing down the hall. Logan sighed, then went back into the kitchen to make himself some more Ramen.

Roman came back right as the water started to boil, dressed in a pair of plaid pajama pants and a plain red shirt. He'd toweled off, and now his damp hair hung around his dark eyes, framing his tanned face. A blanket was draped over his shoulders, swirling behind him like a cape as he came into the room.

Despite the entrance, however, Roman looked anything but princely. If anything, he looked all the more forlorn; all the more tired. His walk was more of a stagger, and his breath rattled in his throat as he passed Logan and collapsed weakly onto the couch.

"I'll bring you something to take so that you sleep better tonight." Logan searched through the cupboards, pulling out two green pills and a glass which he filled with water. 

"Thank you," Roman rasped as he handed it to him. Logan nodded and went to retrieve his Ramen. Though he hated to, it would be best if he went to his room early and ate in there so that his guest could sleep.

"I'll leave you alone now," he told Roman, turning to leave.

"No wait!" Roman coughed again, his body shaking under the blanket. "Stay…please? I...I don't much like the dark." 

Logan narrowed his eyes. Had Roman looked so pathetic a few moments ago? He's not…he sighed; defeated. 

"Very well." Logan took his Ramen into the living room and seated himself next to Roman, nibbling at the noodles and glaring at them when his glasses fogged from the steam. Eventually, he heard Roman's voice as he wiped his glasses off for the third time.

"I like your cat." Logan put his glasses back on and looked up to see that Newton had made her way into Roman's lap. The other man was currently stroking her fur, and before long a soft purr rumbled in her throat. She likes him. Newton has good taste, Roman can't be all that bad if she likes him.

"That's Newton," he stated, gesturing to the cat. "I'm surprised she decided to come out from under the couch while the storm was still going."

"You named your cat Newton?" Roman chuckled and then coughed. "That's a new one."

Logan didn't know how to answer that, so he didn't, allowing silence to fall over the room again. Roman was quiet for a while, contenting himself to giving Newton attention, but before long he was talking again.

"Got any stories to tell, Logan?" 

"Stories?" Logan looked up, surprised.

"Yeah. Where are you from? Got any family? A dramatic life story?" He tried to laugh, but all that resulted from it was another bout of coughing.

"There's hardly anything dramatic about my life story," Logan answered dryly. "Strict parents. Youngest of four siblings. Got kicked out when I was sixteen."

"I'd call that dramatic." Roman smiled; he didn't try to laugh this time. He yawned. "I'm from up North; came down to check on my sister. Family business, I guess you could say. We got in a fight and she kicked me out of her house." 

"She kicked you out when you were sick!?" Logan's exclamation brought out a surprised look from Roman.

"Yeah. She was pretty mad." He grinned. "I'm a pain in the ass. Ask anybody I know." 

"Doesn't give anyone an excuse to…" Logan cut himself off, grumbling, and suddenly stood up with a huff. "Are--are you sufficiently tired for me to leave, Roman?"

The man grinned at him. How dare he be so cute. "Yeah, I think so. Night Logan."

Roman stayed for three days, letting Logan take care of him and occasionally snatching a conversation when he could from the otherwise quiet man. Logan didn't understand why, but he found himself looking forward to getting to talk to the odd and rather dramatic character that had stumbled through his door; he was fun to talk to, interesting. He hadn't really realized how lonely he was until Roman came, and Logan enjoyed his company more than he would've liked to admit.

On the fourth day, Roman was gone. There were no goodbyes or anything like that; he just disappeared. Logan woke up to find his clothes folded and stacked in the hallway near his door, the kitchen swept clean and the previous night's dishes washed, the living room straightened up, and most importantly--there wasn't a sign of the princely character anywhere. When Logan went into the kitchen he found a note taped to the refrigerator.

Dear Logan, it said.

I'm sorry about the hasty exit, but I guess life calls at inopportune times and I didn't want to wake you. Thank you for the hospitality you have extended to me these past few days, and the kindness you've shown to me. I appreciate everything you've done immensely, and I hope to pay you back for it one day. In case you're wondering I'll be back eventually, don't worry. I look forward to seeing you again, maybe we can get coffee the next time I'm in town?

In case you want to talk to me before then, here's my number.

Logan couldn't help the slight blush that tinted his cheeks by the time he'd finished reading the letter, and the little smile that crossed his face as he folded the paper and set it down.

Then he went back to his life.

Except, this time, one might have noticed a little more energy in Logan than before; a few more smiles; a different kind of optimism for life that wasn't there before. And while those he knew might speculate on what had changed for him; why he was different, Logan of course knew the real reason.

After all, his prince was coming back. When, Logan couldn't say for sure. He had the feeling that Roman was something of a spontaneous character. 

But he'd be back.

___

There ya go, hope you enjoyed!

If you’d like to be added to my taglist, please message me or shoot me an ask. I would suggest that you specify if you’d like to be tagged on all my writing or just the story Sunshine and Storm Clouds; if you don’t specify I’ll just put you down for everything.

If you want to see me write something, feel free to send me a writing prompt! I don’t do only Sanders Sides, so ask away and I’ll see what I can do! I love writing and sharing it with you all, so I love to see messages in my inbox. <3 A lot of he prompts I’ve used so far have come from this list, feel free to use these or send me your own!

Taglist.

@antisocialsilvermermaid @just-perhaps @ghostintimelostintime

[fantasyscribblings]

Romione Drabble - First Dance

Yet another ficlet from yours truly. This one for a pairing that I feel doesn’t get enough love. Now, that being said, I am a hard Harmony shipper, and my pairings for Ron are a bit more… off the beaten path. Message me if you’re curious. Also, I’m curious what you guys would like to see! Send me a HP ship and a prompt, and I’ll see what I can cook up. (No ships with Severus or Voldy please, I have my reasons!)

Either way, on with the drabble!

Romione - First Dance

Ron felt a knot twist in his gut as he walked over to Hermione, offering his hand to her. His lips parted slightly as a smile overtook him once more. He couldn’t help it, she was beautiful in her dress, and every time he caught her deep brown eyes, he was reminded that she was now his wife.

The ceremony had been more than he could have imagined, and yet, he’d barely noted anything of anyone but her. She entered the room, and he’d found himself speechless, and astounded once again, that she had chosen him.

Then had come the dinner, and the mortally embarrassing stories from his siblings, and then his father, and of course his mother’s tearful speech as well. Harry had caused him to blush, bringing up memories of times during their youth in which he’d taken her side, often stubbornly so.

Then had come the time for the first dance, a moment he had been dreading since it had been first proposed by his mother… in front of his entire family, no less! This had led his brothers into uncontrollable laughter, and endless ribbing regarding the aforementioned dance. ‘He’s too gangly.’ ‘Here’s hoping she doesn’t wear sandals!’ and far meaner comments were tossed about in jest. Yet, one made by George had lingered in his mind. ‘If it’s anything like the bumble you did with McGonagall in your fourth year, you’re doomed!’

He’d grinned and taken the teasing as only a youngest brother can, his face and ears a hue rivalling his hair, and his eyes rolling so often he’d given himself a proper headache.

A few months had passed since then, the wedding (and dance) growing ever nearer. And he kept thinking about George’s comment. He’d overheard heard Hermione and Ginny talking one night about the dance, and how she was sure it would be fine. Yet, he found he wanted it to be so much more than that. He wanted their wedding to be perfect for her. He was actively trying to get involved with the planning; to show an interest in the steps. To him, it was worth it. She was worth it.

Even just thinking about sharing such an intimate moment with her - the thought of showing her that he wasn’t the bumbling fool he often thought of himself - it gave him enough determination to swallow his Gryffindor pride and scrawl a letter to McGonagall herself, owling it off with Pig before he had a chance to second guess himself.

He’d spent the week after in a near nervous breakdown. He was determined to keep it a secret, lest his brothers find out and gain further teasing material on him.

Finally, an owl arrived, with a simple letter informing him of a Floo location, and that as long as he was willing to follow her instructions, that she would be pleased to help him. So, he’d confided in Harry, figuring it was a safer bet than trying to sneak out. He knew that his best friend, and fiance would pick up on it if he tried. And after all, Harry was far better at coming up with on the fly excuses than he.

After a quick trip along the floo network, he’d found himself in a quaint cottage, with a small kitchen table pushed to the side. McGonagall had been sitting in a chair by the table, sipping tea, and smiled as he had arrived.

Their first meeting had been a pleasant game of chess, where they had talked about why he wanted to learn to dance. The pair of them found a stirring classical form of Muggle music that she had recommended. He’d wanted to go with a muggle love song, and had spent weeks pouring through muggle music stores, yet could find nothing that spoke of how he truly felt.

“It’s simple then Ronald, let the music speak for you. Let the fact that you’ve gone out of your way for dance lessons, and that you were willing to seek help speak of your feelings for her.” She offered, smiling when he flushed in response.

It had taken him nearly four months to get to a point where she was ‘pleased’ with his efforts. He found himself flummoxed by placing his hands on her waist, and the small of her back. But, he got over it, reminding himself of who he was doing it for. He was a slow learner, not so as much clumsy as he was unsure of how to move in the ways she meant. Slowly, he caught on though, and learned to move with the music.

By the time the wedding came about, he was ready, and though he could tell Hermione was growing suspicious, he knew it was worth it.

So, when the time was right, he took her hand and the first notes of the sonata began to swell. He saw the recognition in her eyes, and then the surprise as he led her onto the dance floor, the reception growing silent as he lead her in a slow waltz.

She gasped as he took the lead, a calculating look coming to her eyes as she darted a look over to McGonagall, the Headmistress giving them both a knowing look as she stood beside Professor Sprout.

“So, that’s where you have been disappearing to… Very sneaky, Mr. Weasley,” she teased, leaning into his arms as she too moved to the music.

“Well, Mrs. Weasley, what can I say? I wanted a chance to surprise you for once.” He said with a chuckle, giving her a gentle kiss as they continued their dance.

[ramblings-of-a-mad-cat]

2, 4, 5, 8 I would like to know about Gail as your “MC”

Thank you for asking! (Be warned everyone, Spoilers for Remembrance, my fanfic, are abound in this post.) 

2: How did you come up with your MC and Jacob’s backstory (family, where they’re from, their relationship with each other, etc.)?

-Cracks knuckles-

Gail was initially nothing more than a detail in Luca’s backstory. One thing I decided early on was that they had a stillborn twin they never knew. That was how Gail started. It wasn’t until I was writing Remembrance that I realized I could bring her back for the grand finale after I ran out of Fictober prompts, and that I even needed to with how the story was playing out. I also knew that I wanted to address some of the game’s unanswered questions about Ben - what is he hiding? What does he know about Rakepick that MC doesn’t? From there, I developed the idea that Rakepick raised both him and Gail. I also knew that, while Luca adored Jacob, that Gail’s relationship with him would always be frosty at best. In the Remembrance timeline, a youthful and immature Jacob attributed the distance of his parents to their grief over Gail’s “death.” And resented her for it. Jacob’s mother deliberately told Gail about this to turn her against him. It wasn’t enough though. At the end of the day, she does still love her brother.

4: How does your MC cope with everything they’ve endured with Jacob, R, and the Vaults?

Sometimes people unconsciously repress memories to cope with trauma, they tell themselves a better story. The remarkable and deeply unhealthy thing about Gail is that she has mastered the ability to do this consciously and at will, albeit in very small doses. She puts difficult feelings and experiences into little boxes in her head, then she shuts the boxes and stuffs them in some file room, never to be looked at again. How does she cope? She doesn’t. What MC is doing in Year Six is basically what she does all the time, and she thinks it’s the perfect way of staying present and focused, but it adds up. While she gives the appearance of being friendly and well-adjusted, her mind is in turmoil and she often has to excuse herself and have a breakdown - only to box that too. 

5: How does your Jacob cope with Duncan’s death? 

So, little bit of background trivia. I tend to be a Duncan x Jacob shipper. In my head-canons, Jacob was in love with Duncan and they might have even been together, when he died. So as you can imagine, Jacob didn’t take it well. Something changed in him that day, something kinda...snapped. Like, he was always a loose canon, to be sure. But he went into shock after Duncan’s death, becoming despondent...until he received further instructions from R. “Do not blame yourself, Jacob...” You know, that letter. Which was about the point where it occurred to him that, while he did indeed blame himself...The Cabal certainly wasn’t blameless in all this. He flew into a rage, betrayed them on the spot, and spent the rest of his days at Hogwarts in open war with them. Why else would he trust someone like Rakepick, if not because she promised to  help him fight them?

8: Does your MC have any sentimental items? 

I am totally obsessed with the golden key that you can purchase from the clothing store and have your MC wear around their neck. I feel like it has to mean something, right? I mean witches and wizards have locking and unlocking spells...keys would typically be superfluous. What if Jacob left the key behind for MC? I want to come up with a story for that, but it’s still in development. Otherwise, Gail almost definitely carries around a picture of Ben, like maybe in a locket or something. He’s her adoptive brother, and I’ve considered making a ship out of them too, but I’m not altogether sure it would be very healthy.

Thank you for the Ask!

[the-wanted-niffler]

Quiet Corridor in the Castle

Post-Crimes of Grindelwald.  For Newtina shippers, by a Newtina shipper. Enjoy. x)

- - -

It was the end of the week. Most students were now lazying around out in the grounds, while some were in dormitories or working on homework in the library. Classroom doors opened to vacant desks and chairs. Strolling along the corridor, Tina’s footsteps sounded magnified in the great castle.

Late afternoon sunlight streamed through the high arched windows. The day was a windy one; Tina could hear the vague rustling of tree leaves as her head worked towards formulating instructions, protocol, the next plan – but she couldn’t banish the detached sense of reality as she wandered, alone, along the deserted corridor.

There were many moments where she automatically thought of Queenie, whom she felt must still be doting on Jacob somewhere before the horrifying reality hit her all over again. She thought of the most mundane things they would talk about. How she nagged Queenie about putting too much sugar in her morning coffee. She thought about next month’s rent and how she could help cover Queenie’s share so the latter could buy a new coat. A few months ago, Queenie worked overtime to let Tina buy hers.

“You’re slaying in this coat, Teen! You look powerful. Are you trying to scare them suspects before questioning them?”

“No, Queenie,” Tina gave a laugh, “I just really need a new coat.”

Queenie hummed a little, adjusting the collar for her. “I think Newt would like it, Teenie,” she whispered playfully in her ear, “He wouldn’t be able to resist.”

Tina hoped against hope that it was a lucky guess, since Queenie knew about the letter correspondence Tina maintained. She sincerely wished that it wasn’t Queenie reading her mind and seeing the figure of a shy but awestruck Newt Scamander surfacing in her head.

Queenie twirled away quickly to explore the rest of the clothes in the shop. Tina frowned; she didn’t have the chance to retort.

Tina smiled a little at the memory. The experienced girl with men. More open and therefore more experienced with people in general, really. Her radiant, playful younger sister.

A tight feeling followed around Tina’s chest and throat.

The sound of large doors opening around the corner snapped her out of thoughts. Tina swallowed, steadying herself. Newt, whom she had left in Dumbledore’s office some twenty minutes ago, stepped into view. He caught sight of her and walked towards her, his usual battered case at his side. As he neared Tina, he slowed down to match her pace. A conversation felt indicated, but at the present moment neither of them wanted to talk about what he had discussed with Dumbledore. The topic would unavoidably be centered around Grindelwald and the events in Paris.

For some time, they remained silent.

“Do you find your way around here alright?” Newt asked eventually.

“Not really. Not yet,” she answered, shaking her head. “I’m an Auror but I don’t have the ability to memorize an entire castle in a day. The stairs keep changing and many doors seemed to be locked.”

“Those are walls pretending to be doors, actually,” Newt explained. “They do that.”

“Pretending? We don’t have that sort of trickery at Ilvermorny.” Tina was amused rather than critical.

“Well, you get used to it. As a student. Studying here, I mean. I once heard a rumour about a room that could provide you with anything you want, but I never found it. I resorted to keeping my creatures in broom cupboards.”

At this, Tina pictured a young Newt passing through this very corridor, a tentacled, furry or scaly creature in his arms. He would have looked around in case anyone was nearby before stealing into his broom cupboard, and would certainly been much shorter back then. Did his hair perhaps looked the same as it did now? Leta Lestrange was most likely with him, too …

Tina was aware that her direct interactions with Leta were insignificantly few to basically non-existent. She observed, however. Leta’s eyes told of an independent and headstrong nature, someone who was stubborn in her convictions. She wouldn’t voice this thought aloud to anyone, but somehow … she could see an echo of herself in Leta.

Maybe that was why she, Tina, could get along with Newt as well?

No, no, no. Stop. Tina forbid that train of thought before it got carried away.

“Well … have you ever been caught for keeping those creatures?” she asked, returning to the conversation and voicing a more fitting thought. “I guess not all professors would appreciate them the way you do.”

“Oh, you see, I do have … a friend to help me. A good friend … Well, Leta.” Newt gave up the attempt of avoiding Leta’s name. Tina wouldn’t mind it now, of course. How could she? After what happened? At any rate, talking about Leta, remembering her existence, seemed to help lift the dark veil that had been enfolding them for the past twenty-four hours.

Newt inhaled before continuing, “Leta helped me. Some of the teachers get suspicious when they hear sounds coming out from the broom cupboards. Leta would distract them away until it was safe for me to move the creatures somewhere else. Professor Dumbledore helped me out of tight spots too, so … I managed somehow,” he chuckled,

Another short stretch of silence followed.

“Are you … Are you staying here in England?” Newt asked in earnest.

Tina glanced sideways at him, thinking. The truth was, she didn’t know. MACUSA hadn’t bothered to urgently inquire the status of Auror Goldstein since the events in Père Lachaise. She did liaise with Newt’s brother, Theseus, and coordinated with the Ministry here but that was it. There were no new instructions coming from New York. Yusuf Kama, the man she thought could be a lead for her mission, turned out as lost as she was. Credence, the main reason she was in Paris, had joined Grindelwald. Abernathy, traitor to the Ministry, was right in the heart of Grindelwald’s inner circle. There could be more traitors back at MACUSA, and Queenie …

But maybe she could so some good here. Tina wasn’t sure of the whole picture yet, but Dumbledore would be a key; he was holding Grindelwald’s vial now. MACUSA could need someone here.

The few people left whom she knew she could trust were right here, too.

Tina hadn’t realized she had been walking absent-mindedly until she felt his hand closing somewhere around her wrist. Newt had stopped in his tracks.

“Please don’t go anywhere,” he said in a breath. He chanced an upward glance at her and Tina felt a jolt somewhere in her stomach. The way his eyes wanted to catch hers was wonderfully endearing.

She stared at him for a few moments. Her decision was simple, really. Even her level-headed self came to agree with what she was feeling.

“I’m not going anywhere.” Slowly, she managed a small smile, reassuring him.

A relieved smile instantly formed on his face. Tina felt that she must had distanced herself so frequently that Newt couldn’t believe she agreed to stay put that easily. He didn’t seem quite sure what to do with his hand now. Both of them shifted a little – Tina tried putting her arms around him, just to express her appreciation as a friend (she didn’t feel brave enough to venture further), while Newt seemed to have wanted to hold both her hands but realized he was holding his case. It was a clumsy, awkward moment when his case bumped into both their knees.

Tina’s face warmed with a faint flush. A quick glance and she knew that she wasn’t the only one.

Newt let go of Tina’s hand, yet as his hand slipped away, she felt the gentle caress of his fingers on the skin on the back of her hand. For the tiniest amount of time, the tip of his fingers lingered against her own before he withdrew them to hold his case.

Her insides felt warm at his touch. Letting out a breath, she gave him a small nod, knowing him and her were together in this. The unspoken understanding passed between them. Still blushing slightly,  Tina pretended that she didn’t spot the small, sheepish grin Newt was hiding himself as he led their way on.

- - -

A/N: SQUEEE thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, do Like or Reblog. :)) I loved Harry Potter since I was 10 but the total number of HP fanfics I wrote (including this one) = 2. The other one is a humorous one, involving Uncle Vernon’s moustache … Maybe I’ll post it here soon, just for the sake of it. xD

I’ve been reading and loving so many good Newtina fics since watching COG in Nov 2018. This is my way of giving back a little. x) The idea came to me when I was a few minutes from falling asleep. Newt saying “Please don’t go anywhere” drifted into my head before I passed out.