#aiko's treasure

[clanregium]

aiko is becoming my fave dragon i think… hes so pretty look at him

[sukunasstarlight]

SCARA’S TONE WHEN HE SAYS “DONT MAKE THAT FACE”....OHHHHHH YOU ARE SUCH AN UNDERCOVER CODDLER IM GOING TO BE SICK

[mxrxll]

description physique des enfants

hyung line

hyunsuk

seung & yong

jumeaux identiques

les yeux à Hyunsuk,, obligé

ils ont aussi ses oreilles ?? genre un peu décollée au bout

seung

1m67

je pense qu'il a un style genre softboy???

mais un rappeur soft boy jsp si vous comprenez

vous comprendrez pas

je le vois avec des cheveux marrons et fluffy, genre tout doux

et beaucoup de vêtement pastels

yong

1m70

féroces

style eboy/dark rappeur

mais de temps en temps sans raison, il met un vêtement coloré

des cheveux noir,, undercut (à la sung taehoon)

une tâche de naissance sur le côté de la lèvre !!

taeyang

1m69

le sourire de hyunsuk !!!!!! omg

à part ça je pense qu'il ressemble plus à sa mère

skater boy

des cheveux en bataille marrons

et une cicatrice sur le bas du bras

adoré porter t'es vêtements oversize

meein

1m51

hyunsuk version fille je veux rien savoir !!!!!!

mais avec de meilleurs sourcils désolée hyunsuk

et le nez de sa mère je pense 🥰

en terme de sagesse elle est similaire à Hyunsuk aussi,, et y a le style

un style qui se démarque et pas autrement,, avec des pièces raccommodés et beaucoup de motifs et couleurs

elle aurait des cheveux mi-longs ?? et une frange mais sans en être une

fais beaucoup de coloration

jihoon

dahee

1m60

elle a les lèvres a JIHOON !! 😚😚

+ son eye smile!!

je pense qu'elle aurait un style assez garçon ??

porte souvent les vêtements de son père

mais elle a de longs cheveux (environ poitrine-taille)

et adore se maquiller :)

gunhoo

1m77

les yeux à jihoon!!!!! 100% ses petits yeux ronds omg yes

je l'imagine assezviril?? genre en terme de corps, façonnage et tt; comme jihoon mais,,,, plus grand

par contre niveau style, bcp plus artsy/soft boy

il a une tâche de naissance dans le cou !!

et je pense qu'il a des cheveux courts genre basique?? noir

jiho

1m75

il ressemble exactement à sa mère omg

genre on pourrait se demander s'il est vraiment le fils de jihoon (en terme d'apparence, en terme de personnalité y a aucun doute

je pense qu'il s'habille aussi comme jihoon, genre assez propre, carré,, mais aussi très coloré !

il ressemble à son père au fur et à mesure qu'il grandit et il développe ses muscles

des cheveux mi-longs,, et marron foncé

yoshinori

hikaro

1m80

j'ai l'impression qu'il aurait beaucoup de tâches de rousseurs sur tout le visage

et le sourire à yoshi !!!! son petit sourire, qui illumine ta journée!!

aussi la même forme des yeux,, mais à part ça c'est un mélange 50/50 de yoshi et toi

je pense qu'il s'habillerait dans un style artiste/vintage, avec beaucoup de couleurs et vêtements que peu de gens choisiraient habituellement

mais il est toujours magnifique

niveau coupe, je le vois avec des cheveux longs style mullet,, comme hyunjin de skz

emiko

la plus jolie fille du mONDE omg

1m62

elle a aussi les yeux & le sourire de yoshinori,, mais à part ça elle ressemble surtout à sa mère

de longs cheveux (jusqu'à la taille), marrons et toujours coiffé dans un style mignon

porte souvent les vêtements de son frère et de son père

mais quand elle garde son propre style, c'est rempli de robes/jupes/pantalons fleuris

junkyu

nabi

1m63

les lèvres à junkyu!!!

et quand elle sourit,, elle a presque les m��mes yeux

je pense qu'elle est du genre à s'habiller comme si elle avait toujours un rendez-vous

genre formalité ou pas c'est pas son problème lol

des cheveux marrons foncés jusqu'aux épaules

yesul

1m63

je dirais qu'à part ses yeux elle ressemble exactement à sa mère

genre, quand elle et son père sont ensemble il faut regarder les deux pour 'ah oui'

et comme le dit son nom, elle est super 'artistique' dans sa façon de s'habiller

elle s'en fout de ce à quoi elle ressemble,, si tout les motifs correspondent pas,, si tout les objets vont pas ensemble

des cheveux marrons foncés jusqu'à la taille,, mais je pense qu'elle les teindra en blanc quand elle grandira

mini

1m52

vraiment la plus mignonne

ressemble le plus à junkyu des trois,, surtout leurs yeux, c'est vraiment des reflets

et ils ont les mêmes manières et tout

elle met aussi souvent les vieux vêtements de junkyu qui la rendent encore plus petite

des cheveux marrons foncés jusqu'aux épaules ou la poitrine

et une cicatrice sur l'épaule

mashiho

misumi

1m50

okay,, je le dis maintenant,, c'est une fille à papa,, dans tout les sens du terme

genre elle a les mêmes gros yeux de chats et les mêmes grosses joues et aussi les oreilles légèrement décollées

adorable

a de longs cheveux,, jusqu'à la poitrine qu'elle teint souvent de différentes couleurs

je pense qu'elle a un style rétro,, comme lisa des Blackpink, Elle aime porté des accessoires colorés et vintages

hanako

1m52

je pense que comme sa sœur, il faut vraiment l'observer de près pour remarquer les similarités avec son père

elle est genre un mix 50/50 de ses deux parents

porte souvent des robes,, mais elles sont souvent sombres

je dirais qu'elle a un style hippie gothique/pastel gothique,, ce genre de style, vraiment un mix des deux

a de longs cheveux (jusqu'à la taille) !! & une tâche de naissance brune sur le dos de la main

jaehyuk

bomi

1m63

a des lèvres pulpeuses!! comme jae🥺

mais à part ça,, elle ressemble à sa mère

je pense qu'elle a un style très propre sur elle,, genre elle pourrait allez manger avec ses amis et partir à un entretien d'embauche juste après

a des cheveux jusqu'aux épaules & une frange

aime porté des accessoires mignons

sejun

1m76

je dirais qu'il ressemble beaucoup à jaehyuk!! mais il a le nez à sa mère

par contre a les lèvres de jaehyuk et presque l'exact réplique de ses yeux🥺

je pense qu'il a aussi un style classe/propre sur lui

mais un peu plus casual (?) que celui de sa sœur

a de courts cheveux brun,, comme l'acteur jisoo

a une cicatrice sur la mâchoire

[cosycafune]

FIRST TIME PARENT

Satoru’s a little confused with taking care of his daughter, but it’s his first time as a parent, so scrutiny isn’t something he’ll allow on himself. after all, everything’s a learning experience.

synopsis of acts: vomiting, cuddling, fluff, postpartum, first-time parents. satoru gojo, father au.

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

Satoru’s curious. Curious at the little, crying girl that’s biologically his own. Sure, he’s married to you, supported you through your pregnancy, but seeing the aftermath of your pregnancy left him with a whirlwind of thoughts. Protecting his little Aiko flooded his mind, as how can a little baby so precious adorn this flawed world.

Naturally, he couldn’t help put gently watch his slumbering newborn — before glancing back at a sleeping you in never ending awe. Awe he had once been too afraid to muster up before he had met and fallen in love with you. An irreversible fondness that continues to guide and coddles him consistently; Satoru loves you with all the might he takes to breathe.

However, he turns his gaze towards a crying Aiko — longing to soothe her to not wake you up. After all, you had just given birth and you’re awfully sore. Sore in a way Satoru doesn’t want to interrupt, even if it meant sacrificing everything of his willpower to put Aiko back to sleep again.

To him, all she had done was be adorable, be fed, go back to sleep and throw up on him. That’s all, but she’s still his precious first born daughter.

“‘Ko, let’s not wake mummy up,” Satoru softly murmurs, contrasting the erraticness of his daughter.

“Okay, I’ll pick you up,” Panicking, Satoru gently picks up Aiko — fitting her into the home of his arms.

Even as she harshly cried, Satoru couldn’t help but sit down within the fresh rocking chair. Within the rocking chair and placing her against his heartbeat, just so she would calm and be adjusted to his heartbeat.

After all, Satoru had consistently been doing skin-to-skin — paving a subtle path of familiarity for Aiko. If rendered exhausted, Satoru grew unwilling to care — prioritising you and Aiko’s beauty sleep over his own. As, to him, the two of you are the only perfect necessity to him.

You’re both angels, who deserve to be pampered effortlessly.

“Papa’s here now,” Satoru listens to Aiko begin to lighten, her tiny fist lazily propped against his peck.

Careful with his large hands, Satoru uses his free hand to comb through Aiko’s ivory and brown wisps of hair. Seeing her with his ivory hair warmed his eyes as she carried one of his rare characteristics, leaving a future thing for the two of them to bode over in the future.

“You look just like me, with a lot of mummy,” Treasuring the moment, Satoru slips into a smile, “Aiko Gojo, you’re just your daddy.” Tearing up, Satoru observes Aiko’s gentle cooing.

“Look how tiny you are,” In awe, Satoru’s heart is plentiful — completely adorned with everything he ever needs in life.

“Your first words will be papa!” Enthralled, Satoru’s enthusiastic shouts are followed up with Aiko throwing up milk on his chest.

“That’s what you get for scheming, Sato’,” Chuckling, you capture the blown kiss that Satoru gifts you.

“Now I get to spend a little less time with her and you,” Pouting, Satoru’s whiny point are soothed by an exhausted you — who groggily glimpses at him.

“If you get here in less than five minutes, we can cuddle!” Exhilarant, you propose your arrangement — only for Satoru to be gone before you could blink again.

Well, at least he had cleaned Aiko up and settled her comfortably down.

Satoru’s a good first time parent, even if there was still so much to learn.

What isn’t he good at?

do not copy, modify or post my work as your own on other platforms. all rights reserved, as my work is written by me: cosycafune. 2024.

[whateverisbeautiful]

you know I had to pick songs that remind me of richonne in some way :) thanks for the tag @sarcasmchandlerbing 💗

W - We Belong Together by Mariah Carey

H - Here I Stand by Usher

A - As It Was by Hozier

T - Til Kingdom Come by Coldplay

E - Enchantment by Corinne Bailey Rae

V - Very Special by Debra Laws

E - End of Time by Beyoncé

R - Rule The World by Take That

I - I Was Made For Loving You by Tori Kelly & Ed Sheeran

S - Some Unholy War (Down Tempo) by Amy Winehouse

B - Blue Ocean Floor by Justin Timberlake

E - Every Kind Of Way by H.E.R.

A - A Long Walk by Jill Scott

U - Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) by Alicia Keys

T - Treasure by Bruno Mars

I - I Need You Tonight by James Morrison

F - For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder

U - U Move, I Move by John Legend & Jhené Aiko

L - Little Bit More by Jidenna (shoutout @ririchonne making me realize this song has big Say Yes energy 😊)

rules: pick a song for every letter of your url and tag that many people (if you want to 💕)

@conquerwarrior @givesupp @minitelsoleil @ririchonne @babydollyparton @richonnelvr218 @can08writer @yellehughes @sophiasown @msjrichonne @wontlasttwodays @ginblanco-77stuff @mylifesasafangirl @tinuvielstrider9 @dmightykatana @rpz127 @michonneswig @lazyexceptwhencooking

[unknownpisces002]

Bleed me dry, Make me blue

" She was born in limbo, with the, need to be as simple. As her, makers and the made up things she dreamed."

Shuri Udaku x Reader.

Summary

Fairly different from your peers around you? You're labeled as an outcast. For being far too incompetent to complete certain task and request from your leader, K'uk'ulkan.

As well as from your sister, Namora. Who doesn't make it easy, or let you go without knowing that you'll never be as dexterous, predominant, or treasured as she is.

Which you learned how to accept and live with after while. Because being reminded that you're nothing but a powerless individual everyday, who'll never be anything more except the useless being that you are? Tends to brainwash you and cause you to start believing that those assumptions might be true. Until you find yourself being intrigued by a prisoner, that is. And one of royalty from the surface world, who's encounter will leave you questioning everything you believe in–as well as yourself.

Word count: 6.7K

Themes: friends to lovers to enemies, and then lovers again, angst, eventual sexual content later in the series, slight violence, verbal abuse, reader just wants to be accepted and seen for who she is, forbidden romance i guess you could say?, reader is Talokanil, but we can pretend that she's black, because i wasn't 100% sure if they had any black Talokanil people during the movie?, eventual fluff, and etc.

Tag list: @inmyheadimobsessed @vixentheplanet @shurismainbxtch @pinkwright ( this is my first story ever on tumblr so as we grow together and embark on shuri and the readers journey? just let me know if you'd like to be tagged, and i'll be glad to put more names here in the future ❤️ )

Divider by: @firefly-graphics

Author's note

hi, i'm niy! and i'm a new writer who's decided to branch out from wattpad even though i love writing on there? to tap into something new and write about what i've been interested in lately? which is shuri/letitia. this story will be a series with idk how many parts yet? but i've been putting some thought into this for a while before actually typing anything out? so most likely? there will be a decent amount of parts lol. i don't really know if i have anything more to say, except that i hope you all enjoy part one, and if so? please feel free to follow me and things of that nature. as we proceed to experience this journey of shuri and our kind hearted reader together. 🥹

inspiration for this story period, came from jhenè aiko's souled out deluxe album. which you all probably would've noticed had i not said anything? because majority of the upcoming chapters? will feature a song from there and possibly her other albums she has. but this song specifically? really helped me piece everything together and it got my inspiration and ideas flowing.

but now with further ado? let's get onto the story!

There was an uproar occurring within the city of Talokan, as you paced around nervously in a circle, with knitted eyebrows and an accelerated heartbeat. Outside the front of Namor's cave, where you were being watched like a hawk by the guards who blocked the entrance. As you awaited for him to send some kind of message or bless you with his presence himself.

After Namora had showed up into your quarters unannounced, looking highly displeased and angry, like she always does. Whenever she's forced to take time away from her second in command duties? To be a sister to you–which she hates. And you know that she hates it.

Because she reminds you of it every single time, when the two of you are alone. And far away from other ears to hear, like they've done in the past. Which you were honest to God? Quite a bit thankful for. Knowing that she finally decided to belittle and tear down your demeanor in private? Rather than carelessly doing it around others, and ruining your chances at forming normal friendships or acquaintances with other Talokanil people, who were close around your age.

" Y/N?" Your breathing stilled along with your heart, at the sound of your name rolling off Namor's tongue. " K'uk'uklan." You kneeled before him, holding out both your hands in front of you, as you paid him your respects.

" Ba'ax ts'o'ok in meentik ba'al k'aas?" Rising to your feet slowly after he returned the hand gesture, you tried to steady out your ragged breathing. Seeing that your question had gone unanswered, and that Namor's eyes were boring into yours, with a glint of what looked like disappointment in them?

Translation: Have I done something wrong?

" In ch'ujuk ch'ùupalo' yéetel talamilo' ob?" Namor's eyebrow raised slightly, as he tilted his head to the side. Continuing to stare at you intently, as if he could see straight through you. " Are you unhappy here?"

Translation: My sweet troubled child.

" Because if you are unhappy, and not completely satisfied with the way that things are here? You know there are ways, for me to put you out of your misery and discomfort, Indefinidamente."

Translation: Indefinitely.

A tremor of fear rushed throughout your entire body, once the realization of him threatening to kill you? Had settled inside of your crowded up brain, that was full of thoughts and many different scenarios. As you found yourself trying to imagine what he would do to you, and how he would do it? If you were to continue being the failure that Namora had cursed you to be.

" I am not unhappy, K'uk'ulkan." You responded to his question with a shaky tone, after standing and being silent for what felt like forever.

" Bey u, much sa'asik in." Translation: So please forgive me.

" Much sa'asik in tumen decepcionar, in Ajaw." It didn't take long for the warm feel of tears to come rolling down your face. As you fought to maintain eye contact with Namor, despite it being very intense. As he circled around your small body, as if he was a lion stalking his prey, preparing to pounce.

Translation: Please forgive me for disappointing you, my king.

" Shh, shh, it's alright." His hands came in contact with your skin, as he cradled the bottom part of your chin. Using the pads of his thumbs to dry your face free of the tears. That kept spewing down your face uncontrollably-nonstop, like a waterfall. Or a dam that had been broken and left unfixed.

But at a time like this? You couldn't keep your emotions in tact and prevent your evident occurring sadness from showing, like you'd normally do? Whenever you'd failed at completing a special task that Namor requested. After he'd given you a warning not to screw up or disappoint him. 

Which for some odd reason you blamed the God's and Namora for? Seeing that whenever you attempted to try and redeem yourself for all the fuck ups and mistakes you'd make, while trying to be as great and respected as your dear loving and kind big sister? That you always ended up failing.

And digging yourself into an even bigger hole, that not even Namora couldn't save you from, after you had messed up and displeased the king. " Y/N?" Namor called out to you once more. Allowing you to be snapped out of the small trance you were in, as you continued to weep in front of him softly. Hoping that he'd forgive you for what felt like the hundred millionth time.

And spare your life, instead of putting you out of your misery. Despite your small disliking for your home and some of the people who lived here. Who'd make existing and trying to find your place and what was meant for you? So much harder than it already was. When you had an unsupportive and callous older sister. Who already did that regularly, as if she got some sort of satisfaction, out of making you feel like you were nothing more than an ungifted and worthless individual.

That would never amount to anything or ever be anything. Except for the person that you were right now. Which hurt a lot at times, if you were being completely honest? But over time you grew accustomed and numb to her vile words, and derogatory attitude that she'd show towards you.

And despite how deeply it made you want to put yourself out of your own misery, with the way that her and others had treated you? You refused to let her or anyone else who'd defied and depreciated you in the past, and even still now in the present? Push you to the point of no return.

" Y/N, I need you to take the initiative that I know you have? And that I've distilled inside of you? To be more like Namora. And try harder, way more harder than you do now? So you can be prepared and take charge, like everyone else. So when I call out to you in a time of need or if we're at war?"

" That you'll be ready to stand beside me, Attuma and your sister. And assist us in fighting for our people."

Hearing the word try come out of Namor's mouth, caused your tears to come to an abrupt stop. As you struggled to mask away your apparent frustration and anger, that was slowly beginning to settle over your features. Try, you thought to yourself.

He wants you to try, and be more like Namora? When you've given and lost almost all sense, as well as your peace of mind, trying to force yourself to be a person that the universe and God's above? Clearly didn't want you to be. Seeing that whenever you did attempt to follow up with Namor's commands, as a way to try and regain his trust and respect? That you failed.

Every single time.

No matter how hard you pushed yourself, to be more like your sister or Attuma? 

You've always failed nevertheless. But with a forced smile and eyes full of determination? You nodded and told him you would. Which made him release the hold he had on your face, and smile back at you warmly.

After detaching his lips from the top of your forehead. " In wa'alike' u meent nukuch ba'alo'ob, waal mía." He stepped away from you, inching back near the entrance of his cave.

Translation: I believe you will do great things, my child.

" Kux betpajal ichil le ba'ax yaan Máax ku ya'alik yóok'ol a Buka'aj u ba'al tu beel nojoch? Chúuns tu intentndo yéetel Ma'atech a desanimes, tuméen kolnáalen le k'áate' u páajtal juzgar máak waye'."

Translation: And despite what anyone says about your capability of being great? Keep trying and never get discouraged, for I am the only being allowed to judge anyone here."

" Yes, K'uk'ulkan." Kneeling a second time, you repeated the hand gesture from earlier. Bowing your head down slightly before him, as he did the same. Before disappearing back into the entrance of his cave, where he probably was finishing up a wall mural or painting a new one, as he normally would.

But as quickly as the assumption came? It had faltered away much faster. When the special guest, who you're assuming was the one of royalty, from the surface world. That had the entire Talokan city, as well as the people murmuring and gossiping about? Came walking out of the entrance way of the cave, shortly after Namor had entered back inside of it.

As she was followed behind closely by the guards, who shot you a look of distaste, that clearly meant get lost. And not to watch where they were going, which of course? You ignored and instead went with your instincts, that always led you to get into trouble at times.

But how could you not? After being blessed by the sight of an actual being from the surface. Who was cloaked and wearing a white gown, which you recognized from seeing earlier. When Namora had came into your quarters, and stated that Namor had wanted to see you. After you failed to complete your mission he'd sent you out on.

When a U.S ship had came and tried to steal away vibranium, that was detected outside of the Talokan city walls. And had it not been for Namora coming to save you in time, after a bullet had wounded your side? While you were attempting to fight off one of the U.S agents, who had caught you off guard and snuck up behind you? When you were attempting to fight off another one?

Then maybe you wouldn't have been alive. And of course? Namora wasn't going to let you live without knowing that she'd been the one to save your life. But her doing that and holding it over your head? Was already something you expected she'd do. And despite how annoying it was that she felt the need to bring it up, whenever the two of you talked since the situation occurred?

Apart of you felt grateful to her nonetheless, that she had saved your life. Instead of leaving you to die, like you assumed she would? With how mean and unloving she always acts towards you.

The walk down the hall of the cave was quiet and a bit nerve wracking. As you crept slowly and stealthily, trying your hardest not to look too suspicious if you were caught. Or seen by anyone who'd realize you were somewhere you weren't supposed to be during the moment.

As you approached one of the cells, that had a guard on the outside. Who held onto a staff tightly, as she stood up straight. With her shoulders upright, facing her head forward. In the direction of the entrance, which had allowed you to catch a quick glimpse of the well familiar slightly curled hair, from the female you had seen earlier.

Along with the shaved sides she had, as well as the white gown that was embroidered with teal colored beads. That Namor had made specifically for her, as you watched her from the shadows in awe, from where you were currently standing, with your body slightly crouched as a way to hide yourself from being seen.

Which let you know right away that you were in the correct place.

Seeing how many guards were on patrol. And standing on the outside and inside, which also confirmed that she must've been from a line of great royalty. With how closely her and the other individual, who she was standing beside. And having what looked like an intense or secretive discussion? Were being watched.

" Ba'ax juntéen! Ba'ax ka beetik husmeando ti' le nu'ukulil le áaktuno'? Xeen tu xíik, Wa informaré k'uj. uk' ulkan." One of the guards who stood outside the entrance shouted at you, with her hand pointed in your direction.

Translation: Hey! What are you doing snooping around this part of the cave? Leave at once, or I'll report to K'uk'ulkan.

" I-i was sent down here by my sister, Namora." You spit out quickly, with your hands raised in the air in surrender.

" Yaanten permiso utia'al u yaantal waye'." Taking small steps forward you inched closer towards the guard.

Keeping your eyes locked on hers, as a way to show that you were being honest. Despite the fact that in actuality? You weren't. But of course she'd never know that. And you prayed to the God's up above? That she'd never find out either, once she stepped aside and granted you full access to enter inside of the cell.

Translation: I have permission to be here.

That honestly in your opinion? Wasn't really like one. Nor did it give off an imprisonment vibe, with how the other guards that were located inside? Were offering fruit to both the Princess and the smaller female beside her. While being kind and doing small gestures that you would have never expected them to do, being that they were supposed to be prisoners after all.

But due to the Princess's status of royalty? You assumed that Namor had ordered the guards to treat them both with kindness. And not to bring any harm unto either one of them. Which still felt quite odd and unusual? Especially for him to do? With all the rumors you'd heard about the person standing to the left of the Princess.

Who'd apparently created the machine, that had detected the vibranium, that was located outside the Talokan city walls. " Oh shit, behind you!" The smaller girl shouted frantically.

Alerting the Princess of your presence, as you approached the both of them slowly. With wide eyes full of curiosity and astonishment. And a bit of amusement, as well? At the sight of how afraid the girl who shouted had looked, once you made your way directly in front of both of them.

With a blank expression settled over your features, and crossed arms. That soon unfolded and went down by your sides. As you extended out your right arm, with your hand held out.

" Hi." You said slowly, gazing upwards at the Princess. " I'm, Y/N."

" And you must be the scientist, who created the machine that detected our vibranium?" You turned your head in her direction next, feeling a small smile tug at the corners of your lips. At the sight of how much more afraid she looked now? Than she did just a moment ago. When you were beginning to approach them, after entering inside the cell.

" I made that machine for class man, and I had no idea that the U.S were going to use it to detect vibranium." She held her hands up in surrender, stepping behind the Princess shortly after making that statement.

" I-it was just a class project–"

" And I didn't mean to upset anybody." Continuing to blabber on about her innocence and not knowing that the machine she built, was to detect vibranium? You found yourself letting out a light chuckle at how frantic she'd gotten.

Before extending your hand out to the both of them once more. " I'm not angry." You told her, speaking in a light voice.

" Namor might be angry? But I'm not angry at you."

" And I'm sorry that you're in this situation. Because it's fairly obvious that you're innocent and knew nothing about the machine, being used by the U.S? But I'm not here to bring any harm unto either of you."

" Then why are you here?" The princess muttered out questioningly, raising her eyebrows at you in suspicion.

" To meet and greet you properly." You answered quickly, halting in your footsteps when she stepped back away from you, when she had felt that you were getting far too close.

" Meet me?" She let out a chuckle next, tilting her head towards the side.

" Yes." You nodded your head up and down, continuing to keep your eyes locked with hers.

" I've never met anyone from the surface world before, well? I have actually. But it was a U.S soldier who almost killed me. So, I guess that doesn't really count as actually meeting one and greeting them properly? Like how I'm trying to greet the two of you."

" But if my presence is making the two of you uncomfortable? I can leave." Turning on your heels, you let out a deep sigh. Feeling foolish all of a sudden for coming down here, and thinking that the two of them would be delighted to see you?

When you were nothing but a stranger, who lived in a place that neither of them would be able to survive in. With a completely different appearance than they had as well, but even still? You had hoped that they'd be a bit more welcoming.

Seeing how they weren't so uptight, with the guards who were currently still inside, before you approached them. " No..wait." You paused immediately upon hearing that, with your backside still facing the two of them.

" I am, Princess Shuri. Of Wakanda." She spoke aloud. " Daughter of Queen Ramonda, and King T'Chaka."

" It's a pleasure to meet you, your highness." You turned back around facing her, proceeding to bow and greet her properly, like you were taught to do by Namor. When being in front of the presence of royalty.

" And it's also a pleasure to meet you too." You glanced over at the scientist next, hoping that she'd tell you her name. And quit being so afraid as if you'd hurt her? When in reality? All that you wanted to do was get to know them.

And possibly learn more about their life on the surface world? Before Namor decided to do whatever it was that he'd do with them. " I'm, Riri." She finally revealed her name, after a long awkward moment of silence.

" Riri Williams."

" Nice to meet you, Miss.Williams." Another smile settled over your face, as you clasped your hands together nervously, and averted your focus back towards the Princess. Who was already eyeing you intently, as if she was in deep thought about something.

" So.." You trailed off, taking a seat against the floor. " What's Wakanda like?"

" Because I've heard Namor mention, that the air there? Is pristine. And how the water is nothing compared to the water, here in our ocean."

" It's beautiful." The princess spoke quietly, smiling a bit to herself. At the thought of her homeland and the people who lived there. " Beautiful and peaceful."

" But your home here in Talokan? Is quite beautiful too." Her gaze returned to your face, when a small, cheerful laugh–had erupted from the back part of your throat. Which puzzled her and Riri for a moment? As they wondered what is was, that you found so funny.

When Talokan, was just as beautiful and full of joyful individuals? Like Wakanda.

" Have I said something that's amused you?" Shuri questioned, with confusion settled across her features. " No, and yes." You answered, taking this time to pick with the bottom part of your mouth mask, that had covered up your mouth and nose.

With water being on the inside, that allowed you to breathe properly. 

" You don't think that Talokan is beautiful?" There was a hint of amusement and disbelief in Shuri's tone. As she watched you closely, looking as if she were trying to read you. And figure out why you had given the response you did.

" I do." You nodded. " But some of the people here? Aren't quite as joyous and kind as you think." Mumbling the last part of your words so lowly, that both the Princess and scientists had glanced at one another afterwards. As a way to see if either of them had heard what you said.

Made you laugh for what felt like the thousandth time, as you rose to your feet again slowly. And smiled cheekily at the both of them, before repeating yourself. Once you saw how stressed they both had looked, while trying to decipher what you had muttered out moments ago.

" I love being from Talokan, and living underwater. With the fish and whales, and all other beings that exists here. But..sometimes? It gets a bit overwhelming. Trying to exist inside a place, where you'll never be able to fit in or be accepted? Regardless of how much you try to make other's, see you as an equal."

Opening up about your troubles to strangers? Had never been something you'd think you'd ever do. With how much other Talokanil people your age? Had judged you off the mistakes you've made. While trying to be as great as Namora, who never had to try too hard, to be respected or treated fairly.

Unlike you, on the other hand? Who went through hell and back, just to have someone smile at you. Or acknowledge your existence, on the days that you walked alongside of your sister, with eyes full of hope and admiration? That you could be as gifted as she was some day.

And be the one that Namor called out to, for help and to be a listening ear. But of course? You knew that those dreams of being as great as Namora, Attuma, or any other guard here? Would never be an actual reality.

Because you were ungifted. And far too incompetent, to be as great as any of them were.

" I know how that feels." Riri glanced up at you, with eyes full of sincerity. " To want to be accepted and fit in with others? To the point that you work yourself to death and jump over mountains, just to please them? When all they'll do is reject you and laugh in the end."

" But you wanna know what helped me get through that?"

" Yes, please." You nodded eagerly, with eyes full of desperation.

" I said fuck them, and chose to do what it was that I wanted. Because I realized that being like others? Was lame as hell and unoriginal. When I could just be in my own lane. While doing something that made me genuinely happy? Instead of forcing myself to be someone? I knew that I wasn't."

Her words of advice were kind, as she flashed you a warm smile. Before placing her hand atop your shoulder hesitantly. Causing fresh tears to rush to the brim of your eyelids. As you threw your arms around her tightly. Which had caught both her and the Princess completely off guard.

But she returned the gesture despite that, making your heart pump with happiness. For what felt like the first time in forever. Being that for once in such a long time? You had been seen and understood for who you were, without having to do anything to show them that you were worthy of receiving their kindness and respect.

" Thank you." You sniffled, stepping back from the hug after a while. With your hands wiping away at the tears, that were falling continuously down your cheeks. 

" So, so much."

" No problem." She patted your shoulder once more, offering you the sleeve of the robe she wore, to clean your face. Causing you to smile and shake your head, declining. Before you shifted your focus back towards the Princess.

Feeling your stomach go into knots, when the corners of her lips curved upwards. And she smiled at you. Allowing her perfect, pearly white teeth to be seen. And the sharpness of her jaw to pop out, and catch your attention. Sending you shying away from her gaze and inching near the exit of the cave, so you could leave.

And be gone, before Namora or even worse? Namor showed up unexpectedly.

" It was a pleasure meeting the two of you." Turning around a final time, to face them and wave goodbye. You couldn't help but avert your gaze back to Shuri. Who had already been watching you as you were proceeding to leave.

With an unreadable look in her eyes, that had left you wondering what she might've been thinking about? But you figured that there was a possibility she could be homesick? Since she had been taken and brought into a place, full of people and things, that she wasn't so familiar with.

" Same to you, entle." Shuri was the first to speak back, a surge of confidence and amusement filling her body. As she watched your brows knit together in confusion, while you tried to figure out what it was, that she had said to you meant.

Translation: Beautiful.

" And perhaps maybe one day, if you're allowed and granted access to leave? Then you can come to Wakanda and visit. So I can show you just how beautiful and pristine, the air is there."

Nodding on that note, you said a quick 'yes', with a voice full of excitement. Hoping and praying to the God's, that Namor would allow you to visit her? And experience being in another place, that was far more different and clearly advanced than here? Seeing how the black beads on the bracelet, that was wrapped around the Princess's wrist? Began to glow a light blue color.

Which you're assuming she hadn't noticed? With how closely she was eyeing you while smiling uncontrollably, with a smile so infectious and warm? That you found yourself returning the expression. And soon your cheeks began to grow sore, with how widely you had spread your lips, to mirror her exact grin.

" The two of you, might as well go ahead and fuck each other. Instead of doing the shit with your eyes." Riri let out an exasperated sigh, plopping down to take a seat against the cot that was behind her.

Fuck? You thought to yourself with a frown. Growing confused at what the smaller girl had meant. As you wondered why the Princess had began shooting her a glare, with a face full of what looked like embarrassment?

" Please excuse Miss.Williams, vulgar language." Shuri turned back around to face you, speaking in an apologetic tone. " She has a tendency of being very..blunt? And talking without thinking about what comes out of her mouth."

" If I'm being honest? I have no idea what she said even means, but I have to get going now. And I hope to see the two of you again soon? If Namor grants me access to leave, that is. Oh, and Riri?"

Your eyes glanced over your shoulder, watching as she sat up from her slouched position and raised an eyebrow questioningly. " I hope Namor forgives you, and allows you to go home."

" I hope he allows the both of you, to be reunited with your families. Because the two of you are far too kind, to be held here? When neither of you have done anything wrong."

And with that, you walked away. After waving goodbye a final time. Feeling much more lighter and happy? After being in their presence and experiencing their kindhearted energy. Which was something you were going to miss, very much.

Had Namor decided to get rid of them, like he'd been telling Namora he would do? If the Princess hadn't complied with whatever wishes he had. For Riri, the scientist.

You're awoken out of your slumber, by a rough hand being pushed against your shoulder. Which causes your body to shoot up, and your eyes to open on automatic. As you rubbed your hands against them lightly, trying to get used to the bright lighting that was now on in your quarters. Causing you to squint slightly, and rise your body upwards from it's curled position.

When you made out Namora and Namor's faces, being not too far away from your bed. As looks of anger and dissatisfaction? Were evident in their intense gaze upon you.

" Jump'éel guardia kíinsa'abij le áak'aba' tuméen juntúul intruso." Namora approached the side of your bed, urging you to stand. Without caring about how rough she was handling you. As you struggled to catch your balance, after she'd shoved you onto your knees. Allowing you to be directly in front of Namor.

Translation: A guard was killed this evening by an intruder.

Who had stooped down to meet your level, as he cupped your chin tightly. And gave it a light squeeze, making you squeeze your eyes shut in fear of what he'd do to you? After he opened his mouth and spoke the next words.

" Ba'ax seguramente k'a'abéet a yaantal jump'éel extraña inclinación? Ka lela' p'u'ujul, in waal."

 Translation: You surely must have a strange penchant? When it comes to upsetting me, my child."

" And before you deny being anywhere near the caves where the cells are, this evening? It has already been told to me? That you were there. So please, Y/N? Make this easy for all of us. And most importantly? Yourself. And tell me exactly why, you were seen conversing with the Princess and the scientist? In the first place."

Each of his words hit you like a bullet, with how harshly he was speaking. All while keeping a neutral like facial expression present, which honestly? Had to be one of the things that you feared about him the most. The way he could be threatening your life? And not look angry or frustrated.

Unlike Namora? Who allowed all of her rage she felt right now? To be showcased off. So you'd be able to know that she was pissed at you, and of course? Disappointed–as always.

" In ajawo', Sa'asik in, Béet." You pleaded, turning your head away in discomfort, when his grip on your chin had tightened.

" I was only curious and I wanted to meet them." You added.

Translation: My king, please forgive me.

" I knew nothing about the Wakandan's plan, to come and retrieve them. In ts'aiktech in jach t'aan, I knew nothing about it!"

Translation: I swear to you.

" I see." Namor finally spoke, as he released the grip he had on your chin. Which made you collapse backwards and fall against the cool floor. As you scooted away from him near your bedside. With hot tears rolling down your cheeks, and ragged, labored breathing. 

" And the air in Wakanda? Was very pristine." Pausing in his footsteps, he snapped his finger loudly. Making Namora rush towards his side, eager to comply with whatever task, he was proceeding to ask of her.

" Beetik a querida kiik utia'al sáamal." Namor's eyes peered down at you from the side, as you continued to cry uncontrollably. Cradling the bottom part of your chin, as your heart rate began to accelerate, upon hearing his words.

Translation: Prepare your loving sister for tomorrow.

The demanding request left both you and Namora, staring up at him in confusion. While he on the other hand, kept his same neutral like expression present. Pointing over at you as he eyed Namora closely, and waited for her to come to your side like he'd requested.

" Beetik u ba'ax, in Ajaw?" The confusion in Namora's voice was evident, as she approached your side slowly. Despite the fact that you could tell, she wanted nothing but to grab you up by the chin herself? And scold you for being so foolish and careless, as if you sneaking down to the caves, to talk to the prisoners? Wouldn't have been discovered.

Translation: Prepare her for what, my king?

" Y/N, mentioned her distaste for living in Talokan to the Princess." Namor announced what you had mentioned to Shuri and Riri aloud, the statement making Namora crane her neck. And snap her head down in your direction, which allowed you to almost feel how much her anger was beginning to radiate from off of her body.

" I-i never said I hated it? I-i just said th–"

" Chan tonta, Bix a atreves t'aan k'aas u k wotoch!" Namora raised her voice, as she gripped the bottom of your chin, forcing you to face her. Without caring about the fact that the gesture was starting to hurt you.

Translation: You foolish little girl, how dare you speak badly of our home!

" Teech jump'éel su'utalil!" Her shouting continued, and her choice of words had caused your chest to ache. As you widened your eyes and stilled your breathing. At the sound of a choked out sob erupting from your mouth, following light sniffing.

Translation: You are a disgrace!

" N-namora, please." Seeing your sister this angry with you? Was a sight you hadn't witnessed in a while. But just hearing her say that you were a disgrace? While looking at you as if she was ashamed to even be related to you? Had caused what little bit of hope you had of the two of you rekindling your bond? Shatter into millions of pieces, like broken glass from a mirror that had been cracked.

" Enough!" Finally speaking again, after allowing Namora to tear you apart with her words? Namor had motioned her back beside him, causing her to let go of your chin, all while adding a bit of force as she did so. Which made your head fly back and bump into the edge of your bed, leaving a throbbing sensation present on the left side of your head.

" Y/N?" 

" Y-yes, K'uk'ulkan?" You stammered out nervously, rising up to your feet with your chest puffed out. As you awaited for him to say what he wanted from you. " Come." He curved his index finger, beckoning for you to walk towards him.

And you did so slowly, with your hands clasped together tightly, as they shook and began sweating a bit? After you finally made your way in front of him, and his intense, intimidating eyes? Were now gazing down at you.

" Tomorrow? We will be going to Wakanda for revenge." He started off slowly, causing you to swallow hardly, and just nod. " And the Queen and scientist? Will be killed."

" Which will leave the Princess, with no choice but to be crowned Queen. And that will put us one step closer? To getting Wakanda to form an alliance with us, so we can go to war with the surface world."

" And I know what you're thinking, my child." A deep chuckle left his lips, as he began circling you like he'd done earlier. " You're thinking that the Princess won't comply?"

" And that she'll refuse my offer? Because the death of her sweet, loving Mother. Am I correct, Y/N?"

Shrugging your shoulders, you muttered out ' I'm not sure' incoherently. Feeling what little of a heart you had left? Break for Shuri. At the mention of Namor, admitting that he was preparing to murder her Mother on tomorrow, after they had just been reunited this evening.

" Ah, I see." His circling around you stopped abruptly, making you glance up at him with glossy eyes and raised brows. While Namora stood off towards the side, continuing to stare at you with nothing but disgust and disappointment, and if you weren't mistaken?

A look of hate.

" I can sense your pity for the Princess, Y/N. And I know that this is a lot of information to take in? And that you're probably angry with me, for preparing our soldiers to tear down the home, in which your new found friend lives? But I warned her Mother, before their people came and killed one of ours."

" So whatever pity or sadness you feel for them? Lose it!" Flinching from his tone as he shouted at you? You dropped your head in shame, struggling to keep back your sobs when he opened his mouth and spoke his last words, before proceeding to leave from out of your quarters.

" People from the surface world? Only care about themselves, Y/N. And as pure hearted as you are? I apologize in advance for what I'm about to request of you. But just know? That you refusing my command? Will leave me with no choice but to kill you."

There it was again, you thought to yourself. As you reflected on how your body had felt? When he had threatened to kill you earlier today, with no hint of remorse in his tone as he did it. And as you looked over at Namora, she didn't seem the slightest bit phased about Namor's threat to end your life either.

And that there? Had stung, and before you knew it? You were crumbling right in front of both of them. Not caring about how weak you may have looked, as you wept uncontrollably. With loud, painful, sobs escaping from out your mouth.

" Tomorrow when we go to Wakanda? You will be accompanying us. And when we get there? Your job is to find the Princess, and convince her to accept my offer to form an alliance with our people. So that Wakanda and us Talokanils, can go to war with the surface world together."

" And I'm also aware, that after I kill her Mother and the scientist? That she will not be too elated to have you in her presence. And maybe? She'll have you thrown into a cell where you'll be held as a prisoner? But despite that possibility? Your job is to convince her to join me."

" Ka wa leti' u niega?" You choked on your words, staring up at him with anger. That you weren't afraid to mask away, like you'd normally do. When he had taken it upon himself to make you feel in the exact same way, that Namora would make you feel.

Which was worthless. And like your feelings about things? Didn't matter.

Translation: And if she refuses?

" Then you sing to her, and you make her agree." He stated sternly, referring to your siren abilities, that helped you perform hypnosis. And place someone under a trance, that would beckon them to you, and allow you to be in complete control of them.

" Do I make myself clear?" Inching near the exit of your room, he paused in his footsteps. Refusing to leave, to go and alert the soldiers of their task for tomorrow. Until you spoke up and answered him.

" Yes, K'uk'ulkan." You said quietly, drying at your eyes with the palm of your hands.

" I understand."

Inching back towards your bed, when he remained silent. And continued to stand in your doorway, you shot Namora a look of hurt. Hoping that she'd feel guilty for not having your back, in the way that you tried to have hers–despite your lack to be as dexterous as she was?

But you knew that deep down? She didn't care. And that she'd rather watch you fail and be punished, than to assist you in being better at the things you weren't as good at.

" Oh, and Y/N?" Namor said your name lowly, as he was halfway out of your quarters.

" Yes, K'uk'ulkan?"

" You mentioned that you wished to be granted access to visit Wakanda? So despite your mission? I hope you take the initiative to enjoy your time away from Talokan. Because after one week time has passes, and I return ready to conquer the surface world? You'll never be able to leave these waters again."

" So enjoy your stay, In ch'ujuk ch'úupalo' yéetel talamilo'ob." He laughed menacingly, turning around to face you fully with a look of amusement present.

Translation: My sweet troubled child.

" And please do not fail to disappoint me, Y/N. Because if you do? Then you'll leave me with no choice, but to put you out of your misery. Like you've so desperately been wanting for the past year."

[xxstraykidsaikoxx]

Friendships W/ other idols

• 𝕄𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕀𝕕𝕠𝕝𝕤

➷ NI-KI (NiKo)

Long lost siblings

Japanese Maknaes

Ai's contact name: KuroKo🐈‍⬛

Niki's contact name: Niki Riki💫

Ai and Niki is a pair that is dubbed to be unstoppable. When they're together, it is guaranteed to be hyper and excitable. The two met during ISAC when the maknaes of the groups competing had to give a speech (i think it was ISAC someone correct me if im wrong😭) and after their speeches were done, they talked a little and their personalities just clicked. Aiko calls Niki the brother shes never had but needed, while Niki calls Aiko one of his comfort people.

➷ SUNGHOON (AiHoon)

Introvert besties

Winter lovers

No contact names known

Again, Aiko and Sunghoon were a pair that unexpectedly got along. They met through Ni-Ki and bonded over their shared love for the winter season (i forgot if hoon's fav season was winter or not so im making it his fav season alr). Not too many interactions between them but they do have a few dance challenges together, for both S-CLASS and SWEET VENOM.

➷ HARUTO (HaruKo)

Trainee besties

YG artists

Ai's contact name: Kuma💃

Haruto's contact name: Haru🐰

Haru and Ai's friendship started way back in early 2015 during the japan auditions for YG. Ai and Haru were of the few accepted and met at the airport to Korea to begin their training. They remained to keep in contact as they trained. When Aiko was removed from the BLACKPINK lineup, Haruto was there to comfort Ai the best he could. When Aiko eventually debuted in SKZ, and Haruto in TREASURE, they continued their friendship through interactions at award shows and dance challenges together, which evidently sparked a dating rumor. This was addressed and shot down after explaining that the two are just really close due to their history together and it was quickly resolved.

➷ JAEMIN (JaeKo)

Coworkers to besties

Supportive friends

No contact names known

For those who don't know Jaemin I'll give some quick info. Shin Jaemin is a member of a newish boy group called 'XEED' and he actually used to be a back up dancer for SKZ! Many have noticed he looks nearly identical to Hyun and I myself have bought into it, (in fact Jaemin is what got me into SKZ)

Now onto their relationship. Aiko and Jaemin became friends when Jae became a back up dancer for the group. Because of Ai's friendliness, Jaemin found himself talking to her alot, often asking her for tips and advice despite being older than her. When Jaemin made his debut in XEED, Aiko helped promote the group by doing dance challenges and posting about it on her social medias. In turn, Jaemin has helped promoting Ai's solo activities any way he can, also doing dance challenges with her and posting about it on social media.

ᴍᴀsᴛᴇʀʟɪsᴛ

[oceaneyesinla]

This wasn't actually what I planned to be my first fic about Miyako, but inspiration struck at 1AM and who am I to argue?

Here is some fluffy fluff, where Giyu just really loves his family. This is post end of manga, so there are some mentions of what happens. There's also some allusions to pregnancy, if that's something you're not comfortable with.

“Yes, my love?” Giyu turned, soft smile turning his lips up as he looked at his daughter, hands reaching up for him. After four years, he had plenty of experience navigating parental life with one arm and he scooped her up with ease, pressing a kiss to the side of her head as little fingers clutched at his clothes. One day, she would be too old and too big for him to do this, so he would take his opportunities where they came.

Divider by @cafekitsune

“Papa?”

“Where’s mama?” Aiko had been asleep when his wife left, barely stirring when she pressed a featherlight kiss to black hair before she left their family home. A pout was beginning to form and Giyu was quick to snuggle her a little closer. Their little treasure was clingy at the best of times, especially when it came to her mama. After a nap? She would be attached to one of them until she had woken up fully.

“She'll be home soon. She just went into the village.” At his reassurance, she brightened up again and once again, he was reminded of just how much she was like her mother. With raven hair and big silvery eyes, she was all but a clone of his wife, and thankfully, her disposition was more her mothers’ as well. The years since that final battle had softened the solemn shield he hid behind, but his taciturn attitude was always a part of him. He much preferred Miyako’s easy smiles and constant displays of affection.

Giyu would have suggested they go play outside, to take advantage of the good weather they were having. Before he could, the soft slide of a door signalled his wife’s arrival home and Aiko’s insistent wiggling forced him to put her on the ground so she could dash to her mother. He would have been offended, if he weren’t following behind just as eagerly.

“Hello, my sweet girl! When did you wake up?” Miyako’s smile rivalled the sun as she patted Aiko’s head, resting over the gentle swell of her belly. When that smile turned on him, he was powerless to do anything but smile back.

Never in a million years did he think he could have something this beautiful, this fulfilling. When he met Miyako all those years ago, he never imagined they would end up like this. This simple family life was a luxury he assumed he would never get. He and Miyako had always agreed - as long as demons still roamed the land, they could not have children. The losses they had suffered left deep scars, and neither of them could fathom losing something so precious, so integral to their being. The constant threat of losing each other was painful enough.

Then the unthinkable happened. Kibutsuji Muzan was destroyed. The demons were eradicated. Neither of them came out unscathed, physically or emotionally, but they were alive. 

Now, he got to stand here, listening as his little girl babbled away to her mother. He had the luxury of standing and staring at the love of his life, knowing that this wasn’t just some fleeting encounter before they headed to opposite ends of the country. Tonight, she would be safe in their futon, soundly sleeping right by his side. They would wake in the morning and there would be no hurried goodbyes and pleas to stay safe. There would be Aiko shaking them awake and insisting they go visit the Uzui family. Most importantly, there would be time - time for their family, time for love. Time for him to appreciate everything the universe had seen fit to gift him with.

“Giyu, you’re staring.” Miyako was watching him, amused smile on her lips.

Heat pooled in his cheeks but he stepped closer, “My whole world is right in front of me. How can I not stare?”

Her smile only widened at his words and she reached out for him. As he stepped into her loving embrace, lifting Aiko up to snuggle between them, he couldn’t help but feel like he was coming home.

[dazzlinggleams]

𝓞-𝓗𝓲𝓷𝓪'𝓼 𝓠𝓾𝓮𝓮𝓷 𝓸𝓯 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝓕𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓿𝓪𝓵

☆ —— The vibrant streets of O-Hina Town were abuzz with excitement and celebration. The Princess Festival, a cherished holiday celebrated exclusively for women, had transformed the town into a bustling haven of colorful stalls, lively games, and extravagant sales. It was a time for festivities, fashion, and fun, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and freshly prepared treats. Tomoyo, in her element, strolled through the festival with her Pokémon team by her side. Her Clefable, Peach, walked gracefully alongside her, while her Sylveon, Sorbet, pranced playfully ahead. Tomoyo wore an elegant outfit that complemented the festive atmosphere—a pink embroidered kimono with a matching obi. Her long, platinum blonde hair was styled in a complex updo, interwoven with Kanzashi that glinted in the sunlight sanw swayed gently in the wind. She wore delicate earrings and a dainty tiara, completing her look with a comfortable pair of Geta.

As she admired the festival's array of stalls, her attention was drawn to a commotion at a nearby park. There, a rival trainer named Aiko was showing off her extravagant purchases. Aiko was known for her flamboyant style and competitive spirit. She flaunted a collection of fancy food and high-end clothing, her pride evident as she boasted about her acquisitions. Despite her confidence, Aiko's display was abruptly interrupted when a Lickitung rolled out from the bushes, drawn by the delicious scents, mouth watering as its eyes set on the female trainer and the goodies she cradled in her arms.

The Lickitung's long, sticky tongue lashed out, engulfing the food with an insatiable appetite. It then attempted to devour some of Aiko's clothing but promptly spat it out in disgust. Furious, she'd call out her Pokémon—an imposing Nidoking—and demand it battle the Lickitung. However, Lickitung’s enormous, slobbering lick sent Nidoking reeling, leaving Aiko infuriated. In a fit of rage, she hurled a Poké Ball and captured Lickitung, her frustration temporarily assuaged by the new addition to her team. Determined not to let her mood sour the day, Aiko dragged her Pokémon and a reluctant team of helpers to continue shopping. Meanwhile, Tomoyo, intrigued by the commotion, continued to explore the festival. She came across a store with an announcement over the intercom about the Queen of the Princess Festival contest. The prize was a set of coveted Pokémon Royal Court Dolls, a treasure she knew would be the perfect addition to her personal doll collection. Another prize was a photograph with the renowned movie star Diantha, but Tomoyo's heart was set on the dolls (although she'd be lying if she said she didn't want the autographed photo of her favorite champion.)

The contest, held on a grand stage, featured a lineup of beautiful contestants dressed accordingly and adorned with crowns and other hair accessories. Tomoyo's Clefable and Sylveon looked stunning by her side, their attire meticulously coordinated with her own. The stage was abuzz with anticipation as the announcer revealed that the contest wasn’t just a beauty pageant—it was also a Pokémon battle competition. The blonde felt a surge of excitement and confidence. She had come prepared with her Pokémon, and as she took her place on the stage, where she noticed Aiko making her preparations. Aiko, still seething from earlier, was determined to win the dolls and prove herself. She had her Nidoking and her newly captured Lickitung at the ready, although the latter was proving to be rather difficult.

As the competition began, Tomoyo's team made a strong impression. Peach, Sorbet, and her Togekiss, Vanilla, showcased their grace and skill, besting several of the lower tier contestants. Meanwhile, Aiko's Nidoking and Lickitung were formidable opponents, their attacks powerful and relentless. Despite their fierce rivalry, Tomoyo couldn't help but feel a twinge of empathy for Aiko, who, like Tomoyo, had once longed for the Pokémo Royal Court Dolls but had never had one of her own. Curious, to say the least, as she came off as the type of girl who always got what she wanted.

The finals approached, and Tomoyo and Aiko were scheduled to face off after successfully reaching the top of the leaderboard. The contest brought forth a wave of nostalgia and raw emotion. Aiko's vulnerability surfaced as she recounted her own childhood struggles, revealing how she had envied other girls who had Pokémon Royal Court Dolls while she had none, mostly because she grew bored with whatever her parents bought her within days, and the pair had finally decided to put their foot down when it came to the expensive dolls. Tomoyo found herself somewhat empathizing with her rival, but this would do little to discourage her. She was going to mop the floor with Aiko.

The final battle commenced. Tomoyo's Sylveon and Togekiss fought in tandem, but Aiko’s Lickitung proved to be a challenging opponent. Its confusion-inducing licks caused significant trouble for Tomoyo’s Pokémon. As the battle intensified, her team showed their resilience and teamwork. In a dramatic turn of events, Lickitung’s chaotic licking inadvertently triggered Vanilla's Aura Sphere, a blast of bright light shooting in the direction of the pink Pokémon and making contact with its chest. The fighting move hit for major damage, and the normal type found itself flung across the battlefield, where it landed beside Nidoking, who was now left alone to fend off both of the teammates Tomo had left. Despite the odds, a combination of that Aura Sphere and Sylveon's Hyper Voice disorienting it long enough for Togekiss to swoop in with a Fly attack and slam into the overgrown Pokémon. With both of her opponent's Pokémon hitting the ground, Tomoyo secured a victory. The crowd cheered as she was crowned the Queen of the Princess Festival. Aiko, though disappointed, accepted her loss with grace and, in a gesture of camaraderie, congratulated Tomoyo on her well-deserved win.

As the festival drew to a close, Tomoyo made her way to the Pokémon Center, where she packed her prized Pokémon themed Royal Court dolls and carefully wrote her home address all the way back in Laverre City. it had a long journey ahead of it, but she knew that her mother would be quick to put them on display in her bedroom, where Tomo would get to enjoy them whenever she visited her hometown.

In a delightful twist, the Pokémon Center staff, inspired by the festival's spirit, had decorated the space accordingly, creating a heartwarming scene of unity and celebration. Tomoyo, touched by the gesture, shared a moment of joy with her Pokémon, concluding the festival on a note of friendship and newfound understanding.

And so, the Princess Festival in O-Hina Town came to an end, leaving behind memories of excitement, competition, and an unexpected win.

[missmyloko]

The Inoue School of Dance

On The Ninth Day Of Fun I present... a new feature! I’ll be looking at each of the dance schools in turn, so for now enjoy the first one! History The Inoue School, and thus the Inoue Style, began with Inoue Sato (井上サト), who lived from 1767 - 1854. She was entrusted to the care of the Konoe family in Kyoto from an early age as a lady-in-waiting, and showed great promise in the traditional arts. Since the Konoe were of the nobility, Sato had access to the same education as those of the aristocracy, so she was taught only the best. Eventually she went on to become the dance instructor for the Konoe children. When she left their care in 1797, the Konoe family bestowed upon her the name Yachiyo (八千代) and gave her use of the well frame (bishimon) kamon to start her own school of dance.  From there she gained her first students of the style and in her old age eventually named a successor, Inoue Aya (井上アヤ) (1770 - 1868), who was granted the title of Yachiyo Inoue II. Not too much is known about Aya, except that she was supposedly the niece of Sato and recognized the talent of a young girl named Katayama Haruko (片山春子) from a very young age and raised her up to be her successor, which would end up being pivotal in the Inoue school’s history. Haruko (1838 - 1938), who inherited the title of Yachiyo Inoue III, would be the one who would be called upon by the governor and mayor of Kyoto to choreograph a dance for the 1872 World Expo to showcase the talents of her students, who at this point happened to be the maiko and geiko of Gion. Her dances became the first Miyako Odori, whose success was so grand that she was granted any wish that the governor could provide. As we know by now, her wish was to unite eight of the finest neighborhoods in the Gion district into its own new kagai named Gion Kobu where only her style of dance would be taught and leave the rest to be called Gion Otsubu. Like Aya before her, Haruko also found a talented dancer from a very young age to eventually replace her, but this time, it was another special young girl: Aiko.  Inoue Aiko (井上愛子) (1905 - 2004) began dancing at the age of 3, when those who are of prominent artistic lines usually begin their training instead of age 6. Although not related by blood, she would marry Haruko’s grandson and be adopted into the family. While not a standout beauty, her dancing skills were peerless and it would be the young Aiko who would lead the school as Yachiyo Inoue IV beginning in 1947. It was during her tenure that the world saw much change, specifically, the hardships endured during and after World War II and the slow decline of the karyukai when the bubble economy burst in the 1990s. During her lifetime she was named a Living National Treasure and received various awards and honors from the government for her dance. Like Haruko, Aiko recognized the talent of her granddaughter, Michiko, and named her successor upon her retirement in 2000. Inoue Michiko (井上三千子) (1956 - present) is the currently the fifth holder of the title Yachiyo Inoue. Like her grandmother before her, she began dancing at the age of 3 and showed great promise. Also like her grandmother before her, Michiko has also been named as a Living National Treasure, one of the youngest ever to boot. Michiko’s leadership through the corona virus pandemic has been nothing short of the definition of strength and endurance and hopefully she can continue to pull through as Gion Kobu rebuilds.  Now, unlike previous generations, the next Yachiyo Inoue has already been chosen so quickly after the last head’s passing. Michiko’s daughter, Inoue Yasuko (井上安寿子) has already been chosen by committee to eventually replace her mother upon her death. Like the previous heads before her, Yasuko has been groomed since the age of 3 to be a dancer, and her skills are quite impressive. She’s been noted to be a dancing prodigy, hence why her selection has already been made.     Style The Inoue style of dance is derived from the Noh court dances, so its movements are usually slow and punctuated by quick, dramatic ones.    Natori Those who become natori in the Inoue style are given a special fan signed by the current Yachiyo Inoue and is decorated with a camellia flower, a symbol of the school. Each year they receive a new fan with a new design at Kotohajime. Unlike other dance schools, those who are natori in the Inoue school cannot teach dance unless they are an accredited teacher.       

The natori graduation fan. The background is actually pink, but the gold flakes make it appear orange. 

[shinagawa-division]

ARB Birthday Special: Sumire Shinomiya

~~ November 6th ~~

“Your pretty empire took so long to build, now, with a snap of history’s fingers, down it goes.”

Login Lines:

“Haaah…it’s that time again, I’ve been counting down the days and I still feel a sense of dread whenever this day comes, you’d think I’d be used to it now but no, it’s always the same…this wretched excuse I call for a li-huh? Oh…you have a present for me…thanks.”

Voice Lines:

“Holy shit, has it really been 20 years? Well, it’s been 8 for me but it’s not like anyone would understand if I told them, they couldn’t anyways.”

“What’s with all the weapons and protection gear? Look, you don’t get to be where I am and not have a shitton of enemies, my birthday may seem like a time to let loose and relax and it is don’t get me wrong, but it’s also a prime opportunity for anyone to come get their licks in so I have be on my guard.”

“The Den is once again celebrating my birthday to the extremes. This year they decided to hack into the Nation’s airwaves to play all my favorite songs and that’s not even all, they haven’t anything to me yet but they did mention that there would be a big surprise when I show up at the Den. Good grief, I love those guys.”

“̷͇̌I̵̧͑’̶̤̀ṁ̶̳ ̸̪͆t̷͇̆î̸̲r̸̭̈é̶͉d̴̲̈.̶̣̐ ̶̘̕Ï̷̢’̴̱̈́m̶͇̌ ̵͖̿ș̸̍o̸͉͆ ̸͕͋s̸̬͂o̸̭͊ ̶̞̂t̴̬͋i̸͍͐r̷̦̽e̴̜̓ḓ̴̇,̸͚̓ ̶͉̍Ị̶̈ ̵̥́j̵͕͝û̶̥s̴̜̿t̴͇̃ ̴̡̎w̶̕ͅá̵̬n̷͘ͅț̶̄ ̴̨̋i̶̱̾t̸̜̂ ̶̦͐å̴̘l̸͙̀l̷̼̀ ̸̨͐t̶̲́ó̵̫ ̶̻̄e̸̫͆n̷̺͂d̷͎͂,̴͖́ ̴̯͂p̸̗̃ḽ̸͑e̶͇̊a̴͉̐s̸̢͛e̶̱̐,̶͌ͅ ̵̩̇Ǐ̸̫ ̴͕̇ḍ̴̋ȍ̷͜n̶̯̒’̴̠̀t̸̠̕ ̶̙̾w̴̻͐a̷̝͊n̷̟͝t̸̘͛ ̶̩̆t̸̟͌o̵̼͘ ̵͌͜d̴͖̚o̶͙͒ ̸͎̽ṫ̵̜ĥ̴͈ị̶̉s̸̙̾ ̷̺͑a̷̻͌n̴͎̊ÿ̶͕́m̸̹͂o̶̤̽ṛ̸͗e̴̘͋.̷͈̇”̷͖̚

“My dear Malphas had his hivemind perform a show for me, dozens upon dozens of spiders spinning synthetic webs and doing tricks that would remind you of a circus, it was so lovely and I gave Malphas all sorts of upgrades as thanks for the lovely present he gave me.”

“Ritsuko! My favorite batshit scientist! Is it bad to say that I’m glad to see you? Oh shut up and take the compliment. Wow, I feel so special to know that I’m your only other friend besides Miho. Oh? You got me a present? That’s three years in a row Ritsuko, I’m amazed by your consistency, alright let’s see what you got.”

“Are these…chemicals? Wait what?! And you managed to make all these from our DNA samples?! Holy shit! Ritsuko, I can’t believe you just made liquid superpowers! That’s fucking amazing! Thank you!”

“Miho….Thank you….oh, um, thanks…you didn’t have to but I guess I appreciate it?”

“This is…a bracelet…I mean, it’s pretty but…it looks worn, why did you give me this?…W-what?…My…mother? This was hers? I…It’s my favorite color…and it looks so pretty…h-huh? Wait! Miho! You can’t just drop this and leave! Wait!”

“Oof! Ack! Aiko! I know you’re excited and thank you for the birthday wish but you’re k-kinda crushing me r-right now…*gasps* It’s alright, I’m glad that you’re feeling happy, just seeing you as you are now makes me happy too…*chuckles* y’know you don’t have to get me anything right? You as whole are already a gift. Alright, alright, let me see it.”

“Whoa…this is..really fucking cool! Where’d you get this? You made it?! Ah, with the help of the others, well, that’s still awesome, thank you so much Aiko, I’ll treasure it.”

Ritsuko Lines:

“Happy Birthday, Sumire. My, I think you’re the first person to have ever say that, are you feeling well? Fufu, fine, just know that besides their aunt, you are the only one that can say such things to me and still live another day. But enough of that, I have your gift here with me and I’m sure that you’ll like it.”

“Yes, they’re chemicals, but not just any chemicals, thanks to you and your friends…assistance, these chemicals, if ingested will significantly improve and boost an aspect of your biology. The yellow liquid will increase your speed, the dark green one will increase your strength, the pink one will give off potent attractive pheromones, and so on and so on…*sigh* Yes, essentially, they’re “liquid superpowers” as you so crudely put it.”

Miho Lines:

“Sumire….Happy Birthday…*coughs* um, I know you must have a lot to do today so I’ll make this quick. Here you go.”

“Yes, I know it’s not your usual style and I tried to keep it as pristine as possible but…your mother loved that bracelet so much that she wore it everyday so of course it’s not going to be the same. Yes, that bracelet belong to her mother and now it’s yours, I…trust that you’ll take good care of it, if not for me then at least do it for her…right, I’ll take my leave now.”

Bonus! Aiko Lines:

“BIG SISTER!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hm? Ahh! I’m so sorry! I’m just so happy because it’s your special day! Yay! I’m glad you’re happy too big sister! Oh! I even have a present for you! *pouts* Big sister! I’m glad that I have such a positive influence on your life but I still want to show my gratitude! Pleeeease? I worked very hard on this! Great! Here! Open it! Open it!”

“Ta da! A scorpion bracelet! With a little ring attached! I made it myself!…Well, I did had some help from everyone else but I did most of the work! So? Do you like it? Yaaay! I’m so glad Big Sister likes my gift!”

[lonelyspriter]

"The Waters of Disaster and i am, the WARRIOR!" - Updated hat and scarf for promotion of Knuckles Series.

"Knock, knock! What is this?! That's Knuckles and Tikal's daughter named Kelly."

The most fighting tomboy warrior and current guardian of the Master Emerald, one of Alex's friends.

Her persona: Tough with Buttercup's personality from PPG.

Year and birthplace: 10 years, Angel Island.

Species: Echidna Demon.

Alias: Knuckles the Girl (by Sonic), Knucks, Knux, Kary (by Mrs. Harukaze), The True Strongest Thing Alive, Guardian of the Master Emerald, Champy (by Pop), World's Master Treasure Hunter, Dear Daughter (by Knuckles, same catchphrase like Dr. Eggman).

Alignment: Good.

Likes: Same as Knuckles' like list, helping her parents' requests (although, she's annoyed for doing with Chao by Tikal's request but must helping), teachering Doremi and Nagisa (like Knuckles to Wade), her motorbike, coffees (with milk or cream).

Dislikes: 8 some things of Knuckles' dislike list, Girly things, Some disgusting things.

Friends: Alex (best friend, teammate and rival like Sonic vs. Knuckles), Tom (best friend and teammate), Rooney (good friend on meditation), Zoe, Onpu (good friend), Katie (close friend), Hana, Momoko (friendly rival), Sonic (good friend and rival), Tails, Sticks (2nd friendly rival), Mighty (strongest friend), Shadow, Marle, Trip, Aiko (friendly rival), Hazuki, Rusty 2.0, Omega, Tania, Amitie, Ringo, Chris, Frances, Doremi (protégé and best friend), Pop (good friend), Mrs. Harukaze (Haruka, good friend), Classic Sonic and other Classic heroes, Zooey, Roy, Amy (close friend), Knuckles (father), Tikal (ghost, mother) †, Knuckles' father (grandfather) †, Pachacamac (ghost, godfather) †, Big with Froggy, Silver, Tangle, Espio, Vector, Charmy, Tails Nine (New Yoke City Counterpart).

Neutral & Frenemies: Dr. Robotnik, Sage, Dr. Done-It, Surge (arch-rival), Kit.

Enemies: Badniks, Dr. Eggman, Dr. Mindman, Heavy King, Metal Sonic, Rusty Rose (until being upgraded), Tails Nine, Scratch, Grounder, Coconuts, Decoe, Bocoe, Princess Bibin, Zavok, Keisuke, Mr. Dr. Eggman, Mr. Dr. Robotnik, Dr. Deep, Dr. Don't, Dr. Babble, Dr. Done-It (New Yoke City counterpart), Infinite, Nominatus, Retro, Beta, Oyajide (victim), Mason (victim), Willoughby (victim), Rough, Tumble.

Voice - Children (Overall), Meritxell Ribera (Spanish).

[wanderei]

生きがい ㅡ ( ee ‧ kee ‧ gayi. ) reason for your being; a reason to get up in the morning. 私の生きる理由。

𝘪 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘪’𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥, 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘪𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯?

have you ever wonder about how the destiny works? don’t you think the way the universe and destiny works are always similar to some kind of magic? the universe led us through the labyrinth of time, and make me crossing paths with you. the stars are aligned, and destiny starts to unfurled it’s script for us. our destinies entwined, and our souls found each other. it was the best thing that ever happened to me. although i know, you’ll probably tired of hearing this, but crossing paths with you are something that i’ll always be grateful to. although, we didn’t meet each other at our best, but i believe, in the meantime we will bloom together, both of us, you and me.

𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴, 𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘢 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘪 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘱.

oh my prettiest rue, i really hope you do realize that i’m always here for you, i’ll make sure to coated you warm with my love, and make sure you’ll never feel alone. whether on your good days nor bad days, i’ll still love you. i’d still kiss you even with the tears on your face and i’d still hug you even if you’re bleeding. even when the world is falling apart, i’ll always be here for you, holding you tight and make sure all the times we’ve spend together can make you feel the happiest and make you feel loved. sometimes, i wish you can see yourself from my point of view, so you can see how much of an amazing person you are, and how precious you are for me. you are.. the prettiest. you are more than an art, more than a muse, you are something that i couldn’t describe with any words in this world. i wish pretty, beautiful, amazing, or perfect can describe you well but it still feels not enough. because you are you, and being beautiful, being pretty, being strong and being amazing are something that related to a concepet for me, while you.. you are something that i can touch, you are real, and i love you for what and who you are. so please, make sure to love yourself for my sake, okay? untill i can finally hold those hands of yours and kiss it. my precious treasure, my prettiest poetry, my rue edmund clementine. i love you, forevermore.

ㅡ written by, forever yours; sereine aiko.

[godsgamefreak]

FFXIVWrite2023 Masterpost

I don't have a good idea for banner for this so I'm stealing the official one /o/

I'm making a masterpost here for links to my entries for FFXIVWrite2023! Each one will actually stay on Tumblr where I can post longform content directly, but will also include a link to my Ao3 page, so you can read wherever feels best to you! And hey if you wanna throw some kudos my way on there I wouldn't say no.

#1 - Envoy. Logan questions why he has to be the one to talk to the leaders of the realm, and gets some comforting insight.

#2 - Bark. An ancient presence of the Twelveswood watches a comforting light do its best to help.

#3 - You Pick. Unwritten.

#4 - Off The Hook. Unwritten.

#5 - Barbarous. Unwritten.

#6 - Ring. Unwritten.

#7 - Noisome. Unwritten.

#8 - Shed. Vincent and Arluin are struggling to make it through their days as runaways, but have come up with a daring plan that couldn't possibly go wrong.

#9 - Fair. Naomi is trying to follow in her brother's footsteps but is finding the path not as straightforward as she expected.

#10 - #2 Bark. An ancient presence of the Twelveswood watches a comforting light do its best to help.

#11 - Once Bitten, Twice Shy. A Prank War is let loose on the Rising Stones. Who fights? Who flees? Who crumbles?

#12 - Dowdy. Aiko visits the Great Gubal Library and is asked a question she wasn't expecting.

#13 - Check. A rumoured treasure fuels adventure when Aiko presses her comrades into investigating a piece of a map she found.

#14 - Clear. Cherise tries to teach her brother a lesson, but it doesn't seem to be working.

#15 - Portentous. Doom hovers overhead, figuratively and literally, as Vincent tries to persuade a ship to stay in port.

#16 - Jerk. While trying to secure a buried relic of the past, Jen is interrupted.

#17 - Off The Hook (#4). What happens when the Warrior of Light gets a cold? His friends step up to lend a hand!

#18 - A Fish Out of Water. Naomi has left her home to travel across the ocean and go on an adventure in a brand new land.

#19 - Weal. After so much time and effort spent solving problems and saving the world, it’s nice to lean back and think about how everything’s going better these days.

#20 - Hamper. An early lesson as a gladiator serves Logan well in a battle much further in the future.

#21 - Grave. After some delay, Naomi visits the final resting place of her family.

#22 - Fulsome. Few could live up to the fulsome nature of a particular Ishgardian elezen.

#23 - Suit. What do you do when you have nothing to do but wait for a world changing conflict?

#24 - ?

#25 - ?

#26 - ?

#27 - ?

#28 - ?

#29 - ?

#30 - ?

[electrasev5nwrites]

Ninja Daily: Vapors 70

Donkey shrunk down a little further in grudgingly given sympathy, not really paying attention to his own spar. Fish gritted his teeth and pushed the older man, trying to get him to focus. It was a lost cause.

"Are they really that fascinating?"

His subordinate jolted at the exasperated tone, glancing back at him. "No." Donkey snorted. "Just glad I didn't get paired up with the rookie. She must be on the rag."

His eye twitched, and Yukimasa reflexively moved to swipe Donkey's feet out from under him and unceremoniously spill the older man onto his ass. "Inappropriate," he scolded lowly, putting away his blade to turn their match into taijutsu. 'Not to mention it's an idiotic comment to make. It seems far more likely that Aiko-san has a personal grudge against Boar to work out.'

Despite the hypocrisy, Yukimasa's eye wandered over to the other spar. He cringed a little as the big man barely dodged yet another barrage of those bizarre glowing chains, getting his standard short-sword tangled up in a failed attempt to block them and having to abandon it. Oh- no, not completely dodged. That was just cruel. Yukimasa resisted the temptation to cover his own behind to ensure that he didn't get spanked. How embarrassing.

'Whatever Boar did, he probably deserves the workout,' he tried to tell himself. But really, to be honest… 'Better him than me.'

In a head-on fight with intent to kill, he knew he would be able to overpower Butterfly. But that repertoire was completely out of reach in a training match. As far as he could tell, she was both exponentially faster and more vindictive than he'd pegged her as.

A grudge could explain her enthusiasm, but the drastic increase in speed was frankly baffling. There were more than a couple times when he literally could not see her move. It seemed as though she was suddenly in another position without even moving to take a step. His best assessment… 'It's creepy. Really creepy. I should probably ask her what's going on. Either that or work on my own speed and perception time until I can figure out how she's doing it.'

Most of the time, he could see the purpose of her bizarre bursts of speed—she was pushing Boar into a corner, or pulling away his weaponry, or otherwise harrying him. But occasionally she flickered somewhere and then immediately moved, as if she'd miscalculated the first time. So she probably hadn't mastered whatever she was doing to increase her speed, or at least hadn't mastered her ability to perceive as quickly as she could move.

Yukimasa didn't particularly treasure the possibility of being outmatched by his youngest soldier. Finding out that she wasn't nearly as much of a rookie as he'd initially thought was a good thing, but that didn't mean he wanted to be surpassed so soon. He'd always thought that he was speedy himself.

He shook his head, casually sidestepping Donkey's attack and letting the other man take the offensive entirely, only blocking and dodging. Donkey's hits hurt, but strangely enough his attention kept being drawn to his elbow where Butterfly had touched him to get his attention at the start of practice. He could swear that her chakra signature was lingering… But that was ridiculous. Of course, it was in the one place he couldn't look at, he scoffed quietly. Typical. So his paranoia would just have to fester.

With a frown, Yukimasa determined that he would have to follow up on that later. It hadn't occurred to him at the time, but it was unusual for her to touch him, and she'd… she'd actually touched the other two as well, hadn't she?

'Methinks the rookie is up to something tricky…'

His lips quirked into a smile under his mask as he rolled to the left and darted from pole to pole in the training ground, Donkey hot on his heels.

'It almost fits. She didn't speed up until she got her first hit in on Boar, and then he couldn't avoid her at all.'

But he just couldn't think of a way to connect that. She was a tracker, so it wouldn't surprise him if she had a way to zero in on a target that required some sort of physical contact for a genetic sample or something, but that couldn't possibly explain how it could help her when she already had an opponent within short-range.

'If I can't figure it out in a month, I'll ask her,' Yukimasa promised himself silently, holding up a hand to signal that practice was over. It would be a blow to the ego to have to come slinking to her for information, but better that than do nothing about apparently being far slower than he'd realized. Three masks swiveled to take him in, and he had to blink for a moment to readjust to the situation mentally and recall what he needed to say.

"We're on patrol tonight. Dismissed until 2300 hours, team."

They were just barely too disciplined to groan about their on-call status being bumped up to active duty, but shuffled off. Yukimasa was eager to take advantage of what relaxation time he could, even though they only had about three hours. He spent his time taking a shower, raiding his aunt's fridge for leftovers (she was the best cook in Hi no Kuni, he'd swear it on his headband) and flopped down for a short nap before he re-dressed in uniform and met his team. They seemed good-naturedly resigned to the extra shift, though admittedly it could be hard to tell when they were all masked and silent.

'There's something exhilarating about running a four-man team through Konoha in the dead of night.' The wind was whipping through his hair, his heart was pounding, and his unit worked in perfect unison covering their patrol designation only by the grace of shockingly white starlight. It seemed like the city was theirs at this time of night.

'Rather romantic musings,' he chided himself, not really feeling guilty about his good mood.

Donkey and Butterfly stiffened in unison. He caught the movement in his peripheral, but had sensed the intruder so soon after they did that he hadn't had time to wonder what was wrong. He pushed slightly farther ahead of the group, pushing them to fly down out of the cover provided by the rooftops to land in a diamond around a figure in one of Konoha's outskirt training grounds.

"Name and identification number," he demanded brusquely.

Occasionally, shinobi were out training in the dead of night. There wasn't a problem with that, at least when there wasn't a wartime curfew. Inadvertently intimidating poor, hard-working Chuunin was the most entertaining thing that usually happened on these patrols, but it wasn't a big deal. They would stutter out their information politely, white-faced and clearly unnerved by their ANBU protectors.

This person—a woman, he thought it was a woman—blinked at him. "Of course." Slowly, she reached up to cover an involuntary yawn- that turned into a spray of what had to be a liquid poison. Shocked, Yukimasa jumped back, noting that some of it had made contact with Butterfly on his right, and grabbed for his sword.

"Capture, not kill!" he barked, throat nearly closing up.

That didn't mean that they couldn't maim her, of course. She just had to be able to be taken into interrogations.

Heart pounding, he swerved inward, catching the fist that flew at his face- and then blinked stupidly when a shock of those blue-colored chains sprang out and wound around the intruder. She looked just about as surprised, comically wiggling like a worm with her hands bound awkwardly (one snugly held to her torso, the other poking out and still caught in his grip) before she teetered over with a whumph.

Boar cleared his throat, shifting his weight from foot to foot uneasily. "Well."

"What?" came the muffled reply, sounding honestly perplexed. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, no." Yukimasa stifled a snicker. 'Just something anticlimactic, I suppose. Whoever taught her had a very poor flair for the dramatic.' He knelt, pulling out a length of wire from his hip pouch and beginning to secure the prisoner in a more permanent fashion. "Could you move this bit- yes, thank you."

He bit his lower lip in concentration, completely binding both of the woman's hands before he moved to secure them together so she couldn't even try to whack them with her wire-wound hands. As he worked, Butterfly obligingly wiggled the chains keeping the woman immobilized, at times moving them up or out, dissolving a few links altogether, or shrinking an area to wire-sized tendrils that left him plenty of room to maneuver while still keeping their prisoner still. He had to take extra wire from Boar—this woman was rather tricky, and had nearly managed to get a leg free to kick at him. She was cursing up a storm now, but he paid it little mind. When he was done and Butterfly had slipped the last of her chakra generated chains off, he patted their prisoner's head just once before slinging her over his shoulder like a sack of rice.

The mask hid his grimace. She was heavier than they looked, but it could have been all the metal restraints. "Donkey?"

It took a moment for the man to catch on, but he stepped forward and put his hand to the woman's forehead to force pulse of chakra in that caught her in what was probably a rather nasty sleep genjutsu. At least she stopped struggling. It would have been rather embarrassing if her wiggles managed to put him off-balance. He wasn't the largest man.

"Lovely."

Surprised at her tone, he glanced up—and blanched. "Ah. That was an acid that she spat earlier, wasn't it," he said rather faintly.

If it was possible to communicate a glower from behind a mask, that was exactly what was happening. It could have just been his imagination though. 'I feel a little guilty… I should have realized that she was injured before now.'

Butterfly must have dodged most of the spray, as the only damage he could see was splotches of blood poking out from holes in her left glove that had not been there before. Just droplets, then. She must have miscalculated the force used and how widely it would spatter. Idly, he noted her move to clench and flex her hand, as if making sure it was still in working order.

As the highest ranking member, he'd taken it upon himself to keep the rookie close in their formations. Unfortunately, that did increase the likelihood that she would get caught up in attacks meant to take out the largest threat. As she had today.

It was the type of injury that would be discomforting, but nothing that a half-decent medic couldn't fix given half an hour and a large quantity of sanitary water, he assessed. 'After we report, I'll take her to the hospital to get patched up.'

"Boar, Donkey. Take the intruder to the holding cells and report to Ibiki-san. You'll be at his discretion for your next orders."

They nodded in unison, and Boar moved to pick the woman off his shoulder and into a princess hold. As they left, he turned to the remaining member. "Come."

The order was probably unnecessary, but he thought it polite. At this hour, the Hokage was certainly not in her office, but all reports of actual intruders had to be made directly to the highest authority for further orders. Doubtlessly Ibiki would send out at least another full patrol to check for any other breaches in security, but Tsunade might have more insight.

He found the woman in what looked to be her bedroom, sleeping in—"oh my," Yukimasa said faintly, hoping to god that he wasn't about to get a nosebleed while the Hokage moved to pull on a nightgown.

"What is it," she barked.

Eyes still averted, he swallowed, hard. "Reporting an intruder in sector two, Hokage-sama. She was taken captive and should be in Ibiki's custody by now."

A lowly ANBU had no reason to expect the Hokage to pay attention to him, but he still felt a little uneasy when her gaze drifted right over him. "Is that all?" At his nod, she rubbed at her eye. "Alright then. Come here, Aiko-chan. What happened to your arm?"

His heart dropped to his gut.

'I'm dead.' Yukimasa realized dully. 'Not only did I not get some random rookie as a snub, I must have been assigned someone important. Someone the Hokage knows by name. And I let some amateur hurt her. I'm a terrible captain, and I'm dead.'

Aiko sighed, rotating her wrist and periodically bending her elbow to be sure that the new patches of skin didn't stiffen. She was lucky, really. If she had gone to another medic, she would have shiny patches of scars dotted on her arm.

'I wouldn't have gotten burnt at all if I wasn't a twit in the first place,' she moped, giving a sad little kick that scuffed at the floor as she struggled out of her uniform one-handed.

It was embarrassing, but it probably served her right. She'd been beaming under her tacky little mask about getting so much better about using three moving Hiraishin tags to navigate. (It was hella hard, especially since that bastard Fish just wouldn't stay still while she'd been working out her frustrations on Boar. Fish was fast.) Making a rookie mistake like underestimating the way that stupid acid was going to carry on the wind was just karma for getting arrogant.

Tsunade had dismissed Fish (and good thing too, he'd been terribly twitchy) and healed her right away. Of course, that had meant that Aiko was sitting on the edge of Tsunade's bed and wincing with her eyes squeezed shut while the Hokage grew her new skin when a shame-faced messenger from T & I had come by to sheepishly admit that their hostage had woken up and used some sort of suicide technique.

He hadn't given details, but he'd had a bit of what looked to be brain matter in his hair and more than a bit of blood on his front, so Aiko had taken a guess.

At least seeing her had reminded Tsunade to take her ANBU team off active patrols and first reserve lists. She was really starting to feel stressed and like she had a little too much to juggle at once. Aiko was only free from regular ANBU duties, but that probably also took her away from her Root project, since she hadn't moved to actively sneaking around.

At this point in time, Tsunade was hoping to gather what information she could about Root's infrastructure before she made a move against Danzo. If it fit her fancy, she could have had him arrested at any time. But that would have left him with an unknown amount of resources with unknown orders. The more that she could find out – where and how many bases they were, what financial and human resources they had, what Danzo was trying to do and might have as safeguards if he needed to be rescued from the law—was better, as far as the Hokage was concerned.

Of course, nothing could be perfect and her break wasn't complete. She'd immediately been given other orders for a project she'd start in the coming week. At least it would be less time-consuming than ANBU patrols and guard shifts interspersed with occasional midnight summons from Danzo.

'At least, it is since I have Hiraishin,' she reminded herself wryly. 'If I didn't…' Aiko shuddered.

Apparently Terumi Mei had included a proposal for some sort of conference in the documents she had sent back in Kakashi's care. Among other things, she was angling to get included in the Chuunin exam rosters, so that she could boost her tourism and mission requests.

Thankfully, Aiko had dodged that bullet. She hadn't managed to evade getting stuck as the designated messenger/delegate from Konoha to help Terumi put together the conference. Tsunade hadn't gone into much detail, but she understood a fair bit of what was going on. Terumi was looking to adjust her contracts with pretty much every country that she could. In order to be competitive, anyone who had anything to do with Water Country would have to send representation to ensure that they didn't get stiffed. Of course, if half the countries in the Elemental Nations were sending representatives, then the other ones would get suspicious and sneak in to be sure they knew what was going on, so Terumi was skipping the middle man and obligatory spies by just inviting them all in the first fucking place.

Supposedly, Nadeshiko was the other host for this event. In honor of that, it would be restricted to kunoichi participants.

Tsunade had growled something to the effect that Terumi just wanted to make things difficult and didn't want to let the Raikage into her country.

'To be fair… I'm not sure I could blame her.'

Aiko had never met the man, of course. But his reaction to Gaara's call for international action had been a pretty poor first impression. The Raikage couldn't actually be a total idiot, but …

'No, there's no point in lying to myself, Aiko snorted. 'Of course he could be a moron. That's what happens when you choose your leader by strength instead of intelligence or political mien. Them's the breaks.'

She toed off her boots, not bothering to fix them when they fell over. The only sound that greeted her in the apartment was her fridge humming. Aiko grimaced, half-wishing she'd taken a tv from the other house so she could have some background noise. It felt like she was living in a cemetery sometimes. To fill the air, she absentmindedly began singing whatever came to mind under her breath. 'Kiss the Girl' had turned into 'Mac the Knife' by the time she found what she had been looking for in her room.

"Aha!" Triumphantly, she flicked through one of the notebooks she'd filled while traveling with Jiraiya and Naruto. He had shown her something that at the time had seemed paranoid and stupid, but now… "Why wouldn't I want to put up a seal that prevents foreign chakra constructs from getting into my house," she muttered under her breath, half-mocking herself but partially serious.

It was a nasty little piece of work—or she'd thought so when she looked at it last. At this point, it seemed gloriously simple. Unlike the last seal she'd put up, this one hardly needed to be interlaced into the overwhelming security system that spider-webbed through the apartment, over walls and across the ceiling.

Instead, she ran a simple line around the borders of her apartment, tracing the baseboards and crown molding to ensure that she had specified the relevant area in all three dimensions, and attached the threads to a single seal that she tapped onto the ceiling. She bit her tongue between her teeth and breathed slowly as she did it, less because the seal required concentration and more because she had to do that part while perched with one foot on her kitchen table and the other braced against the wall that separated the kitchen from the living room.

If her balance had been any less good, she probably would have hurt herself falling when the seal flickered into being, out of pure shock.

"Ah!" She slipped and dropped to the floor in a crouch, tears rising to her eyes and both hands cradling her jaw. 'Owww.' Aiko swallowed, as if that would end the burning on the very back of her tongue, almost to her throat. 'How on earth did I forget about that?'

Of course her root seal was using Danzo's chakra. It was just a little trace, but it was enough to cause discomfort. It faded to manageable levels even as she focused on breathing calmly, and after a moment she waveringly rose to her feet and stumbled to her bedroom with one hand to her temple.

By this point, the pain had radiated out to give her a seriously wicked migraine. She couldn't let that distract her, though. The notebook she had been working out of had provided an array that would allow her to adjust the wards to let certain chakra constructs in. She was going to have to allow the Root seal, potential problems be damned, because she couldn't live with this in her own home.

'Again, I'm an idiot,' she berated herself, trying to concentrate on the details she was reading. It would be important that she adjusted her wards to accept just the root seal, and not Danzo's chakra in general. She didn't want the man himself being able to send clones or the like in her apartment, no matter how unlikely that was.

'It may have been easier to just tolerate Sai's stupid ink roaches.' She huffed indignantly. Fucking roaches. Why was it never ink butterflies, or ink puppies? What was wrong with things that weren't completely foul offenses against nature and good taste?

The thought had been meant to convince herself into taking the seal down entirely, but instead it bolstered her to focus better on the modifications she needed to make. No more fucking roaches, thank you. Granted, she didn't see a reason for him to spy on her any longer, now that they both knew the other was in root. But still, as long as Danzo was paranoid, there was a chance that people would be spying on her, and that just wasn't acceptable.

Even after she struggled through altering the seal (and thank all the kami that she'd gotten around to replicating it, because otherwise she wouldn't have been able to tailor the security seal to allow Danzo's chakra when in a root tattoo), her headache lasted. It faded, though, so she pawed through her cabinet for pain relievers and swallowed two down dry because the thought of waiting for tea was unappealing. She made the tea anyways, of course, because it helped her get to sleep and she desperately needed that.

'I really don't want to be alone,' she realized, feeling oddly lonely.

It was a little late to do anything about that, though. It was four in the morning at that point, and she was feeling far too worn down to stay up until nine am to meet with team seven. Aiko could be pretty rude at times, but she wasn't feeling bold enough to bother anyone at such an awful time just because she wanted company. She was far too old to climb into bed to cuddle with Naruto now anyway.

Hot tea settling in her belly, she set her alarm for eight twenty and pulled the covers up to her chin. What little sleep she got was fitful, but that was a problem she periodically had and nothing new.

"I feel like shit, and I probably look like shit," Aiko muttered when her god-awful alarm when off, but dutifully pulled on the first outfit in her drawer and avoided mirrors. That part was easy, since the only one was in her bathroom attached to the medicine cabinet. The heather grey leggings and sleeveless top set with a peach skirt she had found most certainly did not fit her mood at all, but she couldn't muster the effort to give a single fuck, or the determination to sort through her mostly dirty mission appropriate attire for something plainer and more somber. Awkwardly, she gathered her hair into a messy spritz high on her head while attempting to shove her feet into her boots, an apple held between her teeth all the while.

At least the juice and sugar from the fruit seemed to revitalize her on the short trip over to the training grounds where she could feel everyone else congregating. Naruto was already there with Yamato and Sai. Kakashi was lingering by the memorial stone, but she still didn't have a tag on Sasuke.

'I should take care of that today. I might as well ask him, though, instead of just sneakily touching him. No matter how funny it is to see Yukimasa trying to see the end of his elbow, it's not really morally upright to do that to comrades.'

She'd been a bit gung-ho about planting her seals wherever and on whoever took her fancy lately. But when the target in question was a teammate who already knew about her Hiraishin, she might as well be honest. As she walked up to the group, she noted that they were only waiting on Kakashi. It figured.

'Then again, Sai doesn't necessarily know about Hiraishin, and he'll be there.' She frowned contemplatively, distracted by her earlier train of thought. 'I don't exactly plan on telling him that I tagged him, especially not with an explosive.'

"Morning," Yamato nodded. She gave a grunted reply an instant before Naruto seemed to spot her and launched into some discussion that she couldn't focus quite enough to follow. His enthusiasm did make her smile, though.

"What?" she asked distractedly, turning to blink at Sasuke. He'd muttered something.

Sasuke frowned, creasing his forehead. "I asked if you were alright. You look terrible." Behind him, Sai looked up and gave one of his clinical once-overs, seeming to catalogue her hideousness for himself.

She gave them both a dirty look. "Thanks. You really know how to perk up a girl's ego."

"That's not what I meant," Sasuke scoffed. "Your eyes are glazed and you're clearly half-asleep."

When all he got in reply was an imperious sniff and a raised jaw, the Uchiha rolled his eyes and seemed to give up. Yamato got them all started on some conditioning while they waited for Kakashi to show up. Aiko couldn't help but wonder about what such a large group would do. Six people? It was a little ludicrous. Really, this was two different teams that just happened to both be headed by Kakashi. She felt a little out of place practicing with Naruto and Sasuke. Yamato gave her a weary look that communicated he might be on the same page.

"-why you gotta be such a bastard all the time-"

"Same reason you're an idiot, probably," Sasuke jeered, flipping a bit of bang off of his face and pushing to touch the tree that he and Naruto had established as the goal first.

Sai looked confused at it all, but kept longingly veering closer to the bickering boys. Yamato heaved a tired groan, but his expression brightened almost immediately after.

She would have known that visible relief meant Kakashi had shown up even if she couldn't feel the seal he carried.

"All right boys, break it up," Kakashi sighed. He didn't sound particularly invested in whether or not they listened, but they stopped shoving each other long enough to pay attention. "If you're really feeling that frisky, save your energy."

Naruto was practically vibrating with excess energy. "Can we have a battle royale again?" He pumped a fist and crowed, "Yes, yes, yessss," when Kakashi nodded with an amused air. "Last one standing picks where we go out for dinner!"

"No," Sasuke interjected with a cruel little smile. "If Kakashi isn't the last one standing, he buys dinner for everyone."

"Now hold on just a-"

"Alright! Kage Bunshin no jutsu!"

What followed was hideous chaos. Aiko had reflexively taken higher ground to get out of the mass, but Yamato had jumped after her almost immediately. 'Alright. I should use this as time to practice more triangulation. It's probably going to be even harder with extra seals around to choose from and not everyone on the ground level.'

Thus committed, she pulled on seals and bounced around like a rubber ball. At least, that was what it felt like.

Sometimes it worked really well, like when she tugged on Kakashi's stationary seal (he was hiding in a tree) along with Yamato and Sai's in order to spring herself up behind Yamato, completely baffling him.

Other times… Well. It only happened once, but she was ridiculously glad that no one was paying attention when she accidentally materialized a foot to the left of the tree branch she had aimed for and started to fall. Her expression was probably embarrassing. After a while, Naruto seemed to catch on that she hadn't been hit at all, and veered away from the three-way fight he'd been having with Kakashi and Sasuke to provide Yamato with an assist.

She might have had to worry if Sai didn't side-swipe him with a magnificent ink cockatiel, which he then rode to higher ground when Naruto staggered to his feet ready to knock Sai's block off.

"Aiko, switch me!" her otouto rasped, turning to barrel at Yamato instead. She snickered.

"Of course." She crouched and sprang straight upwards as if she planned to jump directly up to Sai, despite the fact that he was far too high for that to work. There was just enough time to giggle internally at how much this could fluster him when she used Sa i's seal to rubber band herself directly above his ink bird and land like fucking Batman.

Sai was too disciplined to look surprised, instead moving to confront her with taijutsu as much as was possible in the limited space they had. When his split attention caused the bird to veer off course and tilt over, he jumped straight off.

She probably should have followed, but instead she sprang up to the bird's head and spread her arms wide, grinning into the artificial breeze. "I'm queen of the bird! Wheee!"

It wasn't quite 'King of the Mountain,' but it was close enough to rouse competitive feelings in Sasuke. Light-footed, she trotted off the ink beast even as it crashed, ducking under his initial blow and weaving around him, letting her arms sway and not even attempting to get her own hit in. 'He looks so serious,' she giggled, easily flipping backwards and landing facing him. His eyes widened and he moved to say something, coming at her with a fist cocked. She readied herself to grab his fist and use him as a brace to flip over the blow-

The next thing she knew was pain in her upper back and that her nose was in the dirt. Dizzily, she braced her palms on the ground and attempted to push herself up, swaying a bit.

"Sorry!" Yamato called out from somewhere behind her. He really did seem apologetic. "I was aiming for Sasuke."

"You suck!" she managed to hack out, collapsing onto her side. "I'm out. Avenge me, Sasuke!"

'At least I didn't even break a sweat and I'm not gross. That was an abrupt ass-kicking. I forget how powerful his wood ninjutsu really is,' she thought, feeling terribly sorry for herself while the now five-sided battle raged around her. That thought cracked her up. It hurt to laugh, but she couldn't help it.

Apparently, that was just a little bit too strange, because her teammates turned some level of attention to her.

"I could swear I didn't hit her head!" Yamato called, sounding a little panicked. "Sasuke-"

"No, I'm fine," she gasped, wiping away tears. "It's just- I was thinking that your wood is soooo hard, Yamato," she crooned, curling further in on her side.

The silence that followed was aghast, only broken when she collapsed into a fit of giggles, slapping the dirt. "I don't know you," Naruto muttered, an inappropriate grin stretched across his features nonetheless. Yamato looked like a tomato.

It took another six minutes of merry hell, but Yamato and Naruto apparently decided that they wanted a free meal enough to work together. She watched with interest while Naruto scattered what she would have assumed were pre-prepared explosive seals and over charged them while Yamato penned everyone into a wooden cage to prevent Kakashi from sneakily escaping. The seals turned out to be paralysis seals. She managed to dig into some reserve she didn't know she had in order to laugh at his morose expression when he woodenly fell over, resigned to paying for lunch. She dragged her sorry carcass over and picked at the chakra threads restraining him, grinning all the while. "I'll pay for half of lunch," she offered. "Since we were the first two out."

He heaved a sigh and gave her a very sad looking stare.

"I'm not paying for all of it. You lost, fair and square." Her lips twitched. "No arguing." The last bit of the seal unraveled with what seemed to be a sense of a snap to her, and her eyes flickered to watch the chakra she could sense but not see. It dissipated when she didn't try to hold it together, wisping away into its two components and then to nothing. She had wondered if he had bought the tags, but it really was Naruto's chakra, so he'd made this on his own. Impressive.

She looked up to find that her captain was giving her an odd look, having traced her gaze to see there was nothing there.

"The seal network," she explained vaguely, waving a hand. "When it snapped, it…" Aiko trailed off. "What?"

Kakashi's brow was furrowed, but he just shook his head. "Nothing, nothing. You're talking about sealing concepts that are over my head again."

She scoffed, shoving him with a shoulder. "You're a lying liar who lies."

"I'm serious."

Aiko rolled her eyes. "Yeah, whatever." She drew her knees up and rested her elbows on them, wincing a little at what felt like a massive bruise on her back. At least it wasn't so bad after she'd managed to get her breath back, but it sort of felt like she'd gotten in a fight with Gai. Yamato really was formidable in a fight, even if he was rather silly outside of it. "You're just propping up my ego, like how you let those two catch you."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

Her reply was a withering glare. 'No way do I buy that. He let them get him out of the match, probably because he was bored with sparring.'

She pulled up a bit of grass and tossed it at him instead of continuing to argue. In companionable silence, they watched the shifting alliances and fights among the remainders. A glowering Sasuke was the next to join them, followed by Yamato. The last fight made her shift uneasily, twisting her fingers together.

"Maybe we should stop them," Aiko ventured.

Kakashi shook his head. "I think it's best to let them fight it out and get this out of their systems.

Displeased but obedient, Aiko watched Naruto and Sai go at it. They'd abandoned all finesse in favor of beating on each other with their fists. She cringed, covering her face with her fingers, but peeked out with one eye nonetheless. It wasn't pretty. She couldn't quite hear, but they seemed to be arguing, and Sai actually looked visibly upset.

-even have any feelings-

-such an-

-Of course I-

"Wow, that's ugly," Yamato muttered, scratching at his head. He gave an awkward laugh. "Those boys really want to be able to pick dinner, huh?"

The joke fell flat. So did Sai, physically pinned by about 150 lbs of angry, confrontational Uzumaki.

"Alright, that's enough."

Naruto took a long moment to get off Sai, but huffed, stretching, and turned to the group.

"Whatever you say, nee-chan. Kakashi, I hope you're ready to buy a whole lot of ramen."

Sasuke groaned and started some argument about lunch, but she was focused on peeling Sai up off the ground. He followed silently, a little depressed looking. It tugged at her heart strings, so she moved closer to his side and stretched her arm over his shoulder. At his inquisitive look, she shrugged sheepishly. "I'm barely standing," she lied, giving a fake smile that was much more convincing than his because she knew to crinkle her eyes and duck her chin to feign embarrassment. Wordlessly, he tucked an arm around her waist to steady her.

Of course, her sneaky way of getting a half-hug in backfired on her at Ichiraku, where the group kept an embarrassingly close eye on her as if they thought she was about to sway off her stool. At that point, she could hardly claim to be fine without Sai realizing that she'd just been trying to distract and comfort him, so she scowled and bore the mothering as patiently as she could. Her vice was probably pride—it galled to let people think she was less capable than she really was, but she could do it in a pinch.

Worst of all, the difficulty she was having focusing on conversation and the yawn that came unbidden indicated that perhaps she really should be lying down. Granted, it was because she was sleep-deprived and not because of injuries, but she really should be more disciplined than to yawn in public.

Her pride might be stinging, but at least she had her self-satisfaction to keep her warm on cold nights.

'I think I was right earlier.' Aiko pushed her empty bowl away and drummed her fingers on the wooden bar surface, waiting for the boys to finish eating. 'Sai is unconsciously leaning closer to me. He may not have realized it, but he definitely wants physical affection.'

Not surprising. Touch was a human need, and he'd been denied a lot of the things that humans need. If Naruto really had hurt his feelings, he would be more vulnerable than usual. Either he would open up or shut down… making today a good opportunity to work on making sure he was emotionally reliant on her and less loyal to Danzo.

"Also, what the hell was that, Aiko?"

"Huh?" She glanced up. "I wasn't paying attention."

"The thing you were doing in practice," Sasuke clarified for Naruto, leaning forward onto his elbows. "It wasn't quite…" His eyes drifted to Sai. Pointedly, he finished, "the usual thing."

'Was so, just because I wasn't ending up anywhere near you guys doesn't mean anything.'

She gave an intentionally catlike smile, turning her face up. "Not telling."

Sasuke scoffed, but abandoned the subject. Kakashi slumped slightly out of her notice, apparently not willing to ask but curious as well.

Underneath her stool, she tapped her boot against the metal bar and tried not to grimace. Kakashi had been doing that ridiculous trick where he distracted the others before taking off his mask to eat, and was now slumped contentedly in front of three empty bowls. Her stomach hurt in sympathy just thinking about overeating like that. Yamato was futilely trying to hold a discussion with Ayame, who was staring wide-eyed at Kakashi and none-too-subtly tugging at her clothing as if she was overheating. Teuchi was cheering Naruto on in what appeared to be an eating contest with Sasuke.

'There is no way that can end well. Sasuke doesn't even like ramen.'

With a scrape, she pushed her stool back to stand and bent to dig into her boot for the pouch she kept inside. "What's the bill, Teuchi-san? I'm paying for half." Intentionally, she swayed just a bit. Subtle enough that it looked as though she was attempting to stay steady, but drastic enough to catch Sai's attention. Straight-faced, she counted out bills and laid them out on the counter, noting his conflicted attitude out of the corner of her eye. "I'm heading home, guys."

Sai didn't say a thing while she waved and exchanged goodbyes with those few who were paying any attention at all, but he stood and walked with her as if there had never been a question. She didn't call him out on his spontaneous chivalry. It would be a mistake to make him feel uncomfortable.

He might turn her down if she invited him in. So instead she just held the door open and moved to the side as if there was never a question that he'd come in, taking off her boots and gesturing to a pair of house slippers. "Those are for you."

With strange reluctance, he switched out his foot gear. Maybe he thought she was going to steal it when he wasn't looking? Ridiculous. She'd only do that if he ran off with the house slippers.

'Don't smile,' she sternly commanded. 'No matter how cute his uncertainty is, do not smile.' Sai didn't appear to know what to do in her home when not spying on her, so she determined that she would have to play hostess properly to avert awkwardness. "Why don't you have a seat on the couch? Do you need anything?" He was silent, so she moved to fill the air as she started tea to get the taste of lunch out of her mouth. "I was hoping to show you the next book Ino wants to get published, since they liked your other illustrations so much."

When she came out with tea, (rubbing at her temples because that damn headache was back, making her head feel muffled and about to pop) Aiko saw that Sai had found the book in question on her coffee table and was paging through it. She set their cups down relatively close together and sat down at his side to peer over his shoulder.

'Damnit, not another yawn.' Vexed, she rubbed at her cheek with the hand that wasn't cradling her hot beverage, but it was a losing battle. Somehow she managed to focus enough to at least begin a discussion, but hell if she could remember a thing that they said. Whatever it was must have worked for Sai, because he pulled out his sketch book and began to languidly trace something out.

He was looking like a really good pillow at that point in time.

'I was just noting that he longs for human touch,' she justified, unknowingly pouting. Black eyes flickered from her and back to the paper. 'It's not just a nap, it's a step towards my ultimate goal. Does that story logically hold together?' Aiko rubbed at her eyes again. 'I think it does.'

She turned onto her side, pushing her feet out to the far end of the couch and letting her head drop in a smooth motion.

Sai stiffened as if he was afraid the head on his lap was about to turn to bite him.

"Washboard?"

"Can I take a nap, Sai?" she muttered into his tummy, curling her knees up into the back of the couch. With her nose poking into his bare skin, Aiko couldn't see the slightly wild-eyed look he gave her, or that his grip on his paintbrush shook slightly. 'He didn't say no…' She gave up entirely on staying awake.

[royal-hair]

Empress Masako and Princess Aiko of Japan visiting the special "The National Treasures of the Tokyo National Museum" for its 150th anniversary at the National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo - 24.11.22