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hazel2468 · 4 years

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Light Like Water from the Sky

Okay, here goes! Chapter 2 of my Jojo fic is ready to post. Hope y’all like it. As usual, I’m putting it under a cut.

No content warnings for now, though in the future there will be for violence, and as of yet undetermined not sfw content.

Chapter 2 (…If I am Anywhere to be Found)

It was easy to follow the man with the silver hair. He towered over most other people, and his attire meant that he stuck out like a sore thumb amongst locals and tourists alike. How he wasn’t baking to death in all that black on such a sunny day, Ruby didn’t know- nor did she really care. It was possible that tailing him wouldn’t lead to Bruno at all, and she entertained the thought that she would end up walking right back into danger. But her gut told her otherwise, and her gut was rarely wrong.

She ended up back on the main street, weaving amongst the crowd, being careful to stay out of sight. Ruby was rusty- it had been a long time since she had to follow anyone, but this man seemed too sure of himself. Without so much as a backward glance, he turned a corner, and she jogged to catch up. Maybe he thought he scared her off. While the thought irritated her, it was working in her favor. She peered around the corner, taking acre not to jostle her groceries too hard-

And she froze. Standing next to the jerk who had accosted her was a man in a blue and white sweater, wearing a hat (and it looked like it was made of wool… In this heat?) and with a poorly concealed revolver in his waistband. And beside him…

Was Bruno.

He looked the same as she remembered- well, almost the same. Somehow, his suit jacket had gotten even more low cut, and she could see the black lines of a tattoo swirling across his skin. He was frowning at the man in the hat, arms crossed.

“Hey, Bucciarati.” The man with the silver hair raised a hand, waving.

“You’re late, Abbacchio.” Bruno said sternly. Abbacchio, the asshole, shrugged.

“I ran into a bit trouble. Some chick was looking for you. I took care of it.”

“Oh, really?” the man in the hat elbowed Bruno in the ribs lightly, grinning. “Well aren’t you popular.”

“Mista, shove it. And please tell me you weren’t rude, Abbacchio.”

Ruby ducked back behind the wall, stomach tight. He was right there. She should just walk up and say hello- would really show that Abbacchio a thing or two. And while the idea was tempting… She was nervous.

It had been three years. Four, if she started counting from when she left Italy. And four years was a long time, especially in Bruno’s world. She chanced another peek, and it seemed her luck had run out, because this time when she stole a glance at Bruno’s face, their eyes locked.

She nearly dropped her bag, fumbling as an onion tumbled to the ground and rolled away. Cursing, she reached for it, aware that all three of them were watching her now.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Abbacchio rumbled, and she knew that he would be giving her a murderous stare when she looked up. “I told you not to-“

“Ruby?”

Bruno was pushing past Abbacchio, eyes wide, as if he was looking at a ghost. He might as well have been, Ruby thought bitterly- she had basically disappeared on him.

“Hey, Bruno.” She managed, straightening up and tucking the wayward onion back into her bag. “Long time no, see, huh?” What else was she supposed to say? Trying her very hardest to look as casual as possible, she started down the sidewalk towards him. He met her, taking long strides, and he reached for her before hesitating and drawing back.

“May I?” he said, and Ruby broke into a smile.

“Do you even have to ask?” she laughed, before placing her groceries on an unoccupied table and wrapping her arms around him. He responded in kind with a warm chuckle. “I’ve missed you.”

“I missed you too, bella.” He murmured, the little term of endearment sending a shiver down Ruby’s spine. He smelled like cologne and summer, and she pressed her face into his shoulder, willing herself not to cry in front of three Mafiosi. Opening her eyes, she caught a glimpse of Abbacchio over Bruno’s shoulder. He looked decidedly displeased, scowling at her, and she winked at him. “Where have you been?”

“Poland.” She replied, leaning back to fully take him in. His hair was longer than it had been the last time she saw him, and he had half of it done up in a braid at the top of his head. It suited him. “I spent some time in Spain, and Germany, too. But mostly I was with family.” His blue eyes turned sad, and he ran a comforting hand up her arm.

“I heard about your mother… I’m so sorry, cara.” She shook her head.

“It’s alright, really. She was ill. I just… I couldn’t come back so soon after. I should have kept in touch, I’m s-“ he placed a long finger to her lips.

“It’s okay, Ruby. You’re back now. That’s what matters.” Bruno was beaming again, and she gave him an appraising once-over, raising an eyebrow at his eccentric suit.

“I see you’re still a fan of polka-dots.” She said with a smirk. “You look good, bello. And what’s this I hear about you being some kind of big-shot now?”

“That’s a long story.” Bruno said, wrinkling his nose at her. “Besides, I hardly think I’m the one who looks good. Stunning, as always.”

“Tu provichi!” Ruby swatted lightly at his arm and he laughed again, the sound echoing down the street. “There’s so much I want to talk about… But it would seem,” she gestured over his shoulder at the other two. “That I’m keeping you?”

“Ah…” his face fell. “I’m sorry, bella. I don’t-“

“Bruno, really. Don’t worry about it. You have to go do your capo business, and I have to get the groceries home for dinner. Tell you what.” She rummaged in her purse for a pen and then tore a scrap of brown paper from her grocery bag. “I’m back. I got an apartment, and I’m working with Papa in the shop again.” She bent over the table, scribbling her number down and then thrusting the paper at Bruno. “Call me anytime. Or text me. I always have time for you, caro.” He took it, and she gathered up her shopping. “I’ll leave you to it- I think Bela Legosi is about to blow a fuse.”

Bruno snorted as Abbacchio huffed indignantly, turning tail and stalking into the restaurant. “I’ll be in touch.”

“You better. Ciao, Bruno.” She grasped his hand, entwining their fingers for a moment before spinning around and making her way back towards the main road, smiling and feeling lighter than she had all day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bruno had been staring down at the scrap of paper in his hands for the last ten minutes, transfixed by the curly numbers and scribble of Ruby’s name in the corner.

“Earth to Bucciarati? Hello?” Mista was waving a hand in his face, and Bruno jumped. The gunslinger was grinning at him, eyes wide and bright. “So… Are you going to explain what the hell that was?”

“…I don’t know what you mean.” Bruno said. Abbacchio was glaring at his glass of wine, clearly irritated.

“Can’t believe she fucking followed me. What a little…”

Narancia and Fugo, who had been pouring over some equations when the other three entered, were now watching with curiosity as Mista continued to prod Bruno.

“Come on, Bucciarati! Who is she? Don’t leave us hanging!” Bruno frowned as Mista dropped back into his seat, pulling his gun from his pants and snapping open the chamber. The Pistols clambered out and over his hand, squabbling as he held out a piece of cured meat to them.

“She’s… an old friend.” Bruno said, rubbing the paper between finger and thumb. “I… I should just throw this out.” Mista choked on his water, coughing until Abbacchio leaned over and thumped him heavily on his back.

“Throw it out? We were both looking at the same person, right?” he said when he finally recovered, throat gravelly. “Shit, if you don’t want her number, I’ll take it!” Bruno chewed his lower lip, sparing another glance for Abbacchio. He was angrily swirling his drink now, eyes dark.

“Don’t beat yourself up, Abbacchio.” Bruno said. “That’s just Ruby.”

“What kind of…short person follows a fucking gangster around?” Abbacchio snarled in response. “Is she trying to get herself killed?”

“What does being short have to do with it?” Narancia interjected, leaning over the table to glare at Abbacchio, who scoffed.

“She’s even smaller than you.” He said. Mista chuckled, squinting at Narancia.

“Damn. And she stood up to you, Abbacchio? She’s got guts. Didn’t you say she pulled a knife on you?”

Bruno gave Abbacchio a firm pat on the shoulder, suppressing a chuckle as his teammate glowered up at the ceiling. “Yeah, she did. Slippery little thing.”

“She sounds it- But you’re avoiding the subject, Bucciarati.” Mista said, and Bruno bit back a groan. Damn, he was persistent. “So, she’s an old friend. And you sure seemed happy to see her… I don’t think I’ve ever seen you hug anyone.”

“He hugged her?” Narancia said through a mouthful of food. “You can’t just HUG someone and then ditch their number!”

“I don’t think that’s how hugs work, Narancia.” Fugo said. “Still… He has a point, Bucciarati. That would be a little rude.”

“What’s the harm in texting her?” Mista asked, pushing Number Three away from Number Five as they tussled over a grape. “I mean, she asked you to.”

“The harm,” Abbacchio said, before Bruno could answer, “Is that she clearly has no sense of self-preservation.”

“I think you’re just mad that she got the best of you.” Narancia said, ducking behind Fugo as Abbacchio snarled in his direction. Bruno looked back down at the paper, and then pulled his phone from his pocket. Mista cheered.

“I’m just saying hello.” Bruno said, before he could go on another tangent about pretty girls and dates. “When I need your advice, I’ll ask for it.” Mista grumbled, and Narancia began craning his neck, trying to get a look at the little screen until Fugo pulled him back down into his seat.

Bruno wrote and re-wrote the message three times. It was only when Abbacchio, who was watching him, made an impatient sound that he bit the bullet and sent it.

‘I would love to catch up sometime, bella.’

The fact that she clearly didn’t have his number anymore put the ball squarely in his court. Bruno didn’t want to come across as too pushy or eager, no matter how excited he was to see her again-

His phone pinged before he could even place it on the table.

‘I’m free evenings and weekends. If that works with your tough-guy schedule.’

He laughed, and then Narancia and Mista were hanging over him, shoving one another as they tried to read the message over his shoulders. Turning his back on them, he replied-

‘Coffee and a walk Friday evening?’

This time, he managed to get his phone into his pocket and gave his two rowdy subordinates a look and a short lecture. Mista kept grumbling about his lack of ‘romantic undertones’ and Narancia peppered him with questions about Ruby. When Fugo interjected that he doubted Mista knew anything about romance and they dissolved into debate, Bruno felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He smiled- he didn’t need to look now.

He knew what her answer would be.

#my writing #fanfiction #jojo #jjba #jjba part 5 #poly bruabba #light like water #i'm having a LOT of fun writing this #like #a lot of fun #also you know #i'm self-quarantined so not much else to do #also #please forgive my shitty italian #i spent like a full day looking shit up #but i'm not sure if it's right #my search history is now full of just #italian curses and terms of endearment

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starlightervarda · 3 years

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Hello I find your blog very helpful, especially your post about terminology and the one about Christmas. I have recently realised that despite being athiest I tend to say 'Christ' or 'Jesus Christ' alot when I am shocked, like if someone makes me jump and was wondering if there was a equivalent that Joe would be likely to say? Thank you.

Hello!

COMMON USAGE OF RELIGIOUS PHRASES 

Yeah, like you said, religious phrases are intertwined with so many languages, and it’s a pretty thoughtless thing to use them expressions or in place of things like ‘please’ ‘seriously?’ and ‘that’s insane/terrible/amazing!’

If you mean in English or even French and Italian then Joe will use what’s already staples of that language like, as you said, Jesus Christ! and Oh My God! Like how he said Santa Maria madre di Dio in the movie, because that’s an Italian phrase similar to Oh My God! or even nom de Dieu de merde (for shitty God’s sake) which is kinda like ‘Jesus fucking Christ’ in French. 

If you mean in Arabic, some things for he and Nicky to say that he then taught to the rest of the Old Guard, then a lot of the aforementioned phrases I listed in my terminology post. You can use pretty much all of them outside religious context, most people do, but I’ll expand a little on a couple. 

For example:

If you see something wondrous or beautiful or hear good news it tends to be followed by Allah! or Ya Allah! (O God!) which, like I mentioned before, it’s most likely where the Spanish word Olé! comes from, used in a similar manner. Oh My God! basically, but in a positive manner. (I use it a lot when I see something tasty, beautiful or cute like Wow! or Aww!)  

Say, Nicky presents him with a Damascus steel sword at some point at the start of their relationship and he’s in awe and pleased, or he sees a rainbow after a storm, and he’s like Allah!

Under that are Mashallah (God willing) and Ismallah (God’s name) which can be used as a compliment like ‘God bless you/Good for you/That’s good!/ Wow!/Knock on wood!’ and, like everything else on this list, can be used sarcastically/mockingly, in the vein of Goddamn like ‘Wow (Mashallah) Booker, you really thought Merrick had your best interest at heart?’ or someone says something very stupid like ‘I invested all my money in floppy disks’ and you’re like ‘...God bless you (Ismallah aleik)'.  

Then there’s the meme staple: Estaghfarallah/Astaghfurallah/Istaghfarallah, etc. (Ask God’s Forgiveness) could come the closest to Jesus Christ! as a response to exasperating news or someone that did something stupid or even that something really fucked up happened i.e. stuff you disapprove of on a fundamental level. Accompanied by rolling eyes or frustration or, at worst, a shout.

In a lighthearted way it’s close to Yikes or SMH or Dude, what the fuck? It’s in a lot of cheesy memes. 

(So much discourse has some Big Astaghfarallah Energy).  

Alhamdulillah (Praise God)—shortened to Hamdellah in some dialects—is basically Oh, Thank God! an expression of relief. It can be interchangeable with Ahmedak Ya Rab (literally Praise God) but that one is for really good news or occurrences, like when Nile came to their rescue in the lab. Inshallah (God willing) is used as ‘We’ll see’ or ‘That’ll happen’ or ‘If you say so’. Like ‘Joe, they say by the year 2000 we’ll have flying cars!’ ‘Sure we will (Inshallah)’. 

Allahoa’lam is a response, almost literally the same phrase and use as God Only Knows when someone asks you something, can be genuine or cranky/sarcastic. ‘Yusuf, how do you damascene steel?’ ‘God knows (Allahoa’lam) how the Syrians make those blades look like that’.  

Wallahi is literally ‘and God’ but it’s used as I Swear to God and along the lines of Seriously? and Honestly in responses, used in all moods. Like ‘Honestly (Wallahi), I can’t tell you what a dodo bird actually looked like because we weren’t in that part of the world at the time’ or ‘Booker, if you don’t get out of my sight I swear to God (Wallahi) I’ll punt you off the London Eye’.  

Other examples: ‘Seriously, (Wallahi ya) Joe, I’m telling you, Napoleon was an average-sized man, depicting him child-sized was demeaning propaganda!’ or ‘Hey, Joe, did you know the word algebra comes from the Arabic word al-jabr?’ ‘Really?/You don’t say (Wallahi)?’

Haram literally means ‘forbidden’ but outside a religious context it’s used as That’s awful! or How could you/they? / What is wrong with you/them? (attached to ‘aleik = you or ‘aleihom = them) kinda of like Have you no shame? or generally a response to anything upsetting, depending on the tone it can be Estaghfarallah’s nicer alternative, more pitying than judging. Or it can be reprimanding like if you see someone dragging their dog by their collar or generally being a dick the response would be haram ‘aleik(i)! = What is wrong with you?/Cut that out!  

Then there’s stuff like Rabina yakhdak (May God Take You) essentially means ‘Go die’ but it’s used as Fuck off! or Go fuck yourself!, same goes for Allah yel’anak (May God Curse You). There’s also Allah Yeqrefak (May God Repulse You) for when someone says or does something gross/fucked up. 

In Tintin in the Land of the Black Gold they slip in a bit where a character says ‘May God Curse You, you son of a bitch, I hope he curses your father too!’ i.e. ‘Fuck you, you son a bitch and fuck your father too’. The dog is not impressed. ‘Don’t listen to him, Tintin, he’s saying very nasty things’.

The greeting A-Salam ‘Aleikom / Assalamu ‘Aleikum (Peace Be Upon You) can sort of be included here because it’s short for a-salam ‘aleikom we rahmat Allah we barakatuh (May Peace, God’s Mercy and Blessings Be Upon You). Can even just be shortened to just Salam. When you depart you say Ma’ A-Salama (Go with Peace/Safety). You can sorta kinda combine it with Alhamdulillah as Hamdellah ‘al Salama / Hamdella ‘Assalama (Praise God for Safety) to greet someone when they arrive somewhere, like after a trip.

Obligatory Salma ya Salama by Dalida.

There’s a bunch of others stuff I’m probably forgetting, but these are the ones I use on a regular basis. 

But, in general, he’ll use English phrases same goes for any language, be it Jesus Christ or For God’s sake!  etc. and whatever the equivalent in any other language it is.

#watch me remember five other things after i post this #arabic langblr #arabic #yusuf al kaysani #the old guard #tog #joe al kaysani #nicolo di genova #andromache the scythian #sebastien le livre #nile freeman #kaysanova #quynh

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issabangtanfic · 4 years

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[Jungkook] The Windmill House (Chapter 3)

Masterlist

Synopsis: When for once rich doesn’t rhyme with Christian Grey.

Pairing: Jungkook x OC

A/N: Feel free to submit a cover! Tell me what you think in my inbox! Enjoy!

"Morning Maya." Jade sings, elbows on her desk, resting her chin on her heads, head tilted to the side and lashes batting at me.

"Morning Jade?” I reply hesitantly. What is wrong with her? She’s strange.

"Pancake?" Je proposes, pointing t the plate on the corner of her desk. Okay, at least that’s normal.

"Always." I take two.

Walking past her, I make my way to my office. I unlock the door and flick the lights on, discovering a bright bouquet of orange flowers on my desk. Intrigued and confused, I open the card.

Please forgive me. - J x

“Boy problems?”

I look up and see Jade standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame of the door, arms crossed under her perky breasts.

“Well, I must have hearing problems because I did not hear you knock.” I retort.

“I didn’t." She brushes me off dryly. "Who keeps sending you flowers?” She asks, walking further in. I fold the card and hide it behind my back.

“No one.”

“Oh, com on. It’s the first time I hear about a man in your life.” She whines. “I’m curious.”

“About what?”

I look behind Jade's form and see Ava ambling into my office, pancakes in hand. Oh bloody fucktruck.

“The identity of Maya’s lover.” Jade says over her shoulder, and I watch her face light up like Christmas.

“Finally!” She cries, striding across the room to join Jade.

“I don’t have a lover.” I groan, rolling my eyes at them.

“Well, I do now. He’s right over there.”

I look up and see Ava gazing out the glass wall of my office, and when I follow her eyes my heart nearly stops.

Mr Jeon is here, all navy blue suit and pale shirt, chatting with Fred in the lobby.

“That’s Jeon Jungkook.” Jade chimes in once she notices. What in the bloody boiling hell is he doing here?

“Who?” Ava asks.

“The Violet Mansion.” Jade says. I turn to them.

“The Violet Mansion?” Ava's eyes are shining.

“Lucky bastard, you get to work for this snack?” She gushes, reaching across my desk to slap my shoulder. I pinch the bride of my nose.

“I thought he had cancelled.” Jade says to me.

“We’re working on something else.” I reply evasively.

“Oh yeah? Why is he here, though?”

“I have no idea.” I murmur, lifting my eyes to the ceiling. When I look back at Fred and Mr.Jeon, they stop chatting and Fred starts leading my client down the hallway.

“He’s coming.” Jade gasps, and her and Ava scramble out of my office hastily.

Oh shitty freak fuck.

Grabbing some papers, I stand and try to exit as well, but I'm met by the two men at my door before I can run away.

“Maya, my lovely flower.” Fred gushes, a grin splitting his handsome french face.

“I know I’m busy but you could’ve taken a minute to tell me you got two wonderful projects with Mr Jeon.” He nearly sings, giving my shoulders a squeeze. My face blanches.

“Two?” I blink rapidly.

“Yes, dear. The mansion and the windmill house, that is fantastic news.” He explains, draping himself over my shoulder and hugging me. I have the Mansion project? Since when?

I glance at Mr Jeon, who gives me a knowing smile. That's why he was here, to trap me into working with him after I snapped yesterday. Bloody bastard!

“Maya is a real jewel. She has a very sharp vision and knows how to turn emotions into spaces. She’ll do wonders.” Fred says to Mr Jeon, and all I want is to burry myself in the deepest hole in the world.

“I’m sure she will.” Mr Jeon agrees, speaking to Fred, but his eues are on me, dark and playful. I feel my face heat up.

“Mr Jeon would like to schedule some appointments and pay his consultation fees.” Fred informs me.

The idiot that I am even forgot to charge him for the two appointments we've had.

“Sure.”

“I’ll leave you to it. Have a good day, Mr Jeon.” Fred murmurs, shakingMr Jeon's hand one last time before leaving my office. Once I'm left alone with Mr Jeon, I change position so my back is turned to the rest of the office.

“Good morning.” Mr Jeon says to me.

“Did you really just do this?” I grind out, closing the door behind Fred, and watch his brow furrow.

“I tell you I hate men who try to control my life, so you decide to forcefully give me not just one but two projects so I have no choice but to see you.” I mutter.

“No, it has nothing to do with yesterday.” He says categorically. What a bad liar!

“Of course.” I scoff, rolling my eyes and crossing my arms. The corner of his mouth curls up.

“Miss Fair, will you please unravel you knickers?” He chuckles. Can he stop talking about my knickers?

“I went through your portfolio before I gave it back. Do you remember Lusso?” He explains. I nod timidly. Lusso is a designer home I worked on for an Italian millionaire. He hosts parties there.

“I went there later in the evening.” He explains. “You could do wonders in the Mansion.”

Oh but he didn't have to see my portfolio before he gave me the Windmill House.

“You won’t have to see me if you don’t want to.” He says, almost promising me.

“I’ll schedule appointments to give you my brief and then…” He waves his hand evasively. "You have carte blanche.”

I glare at him, not knowing what to say. I could live with that, but on the other hand I still don't want to be involved with him and his sickening looks.

"Listen," He trails off. "I'm really sorry I offended you yesterday." He murmurs. Is he now? I bet he doesn’t even know why he’s sorry.

"It all came out wrong, and I sounded like the biggest dickhead." He admits. I could get used to him calling himself a dickhead.

"Please accept my apologies." He pleads.

"So you can go back to pressuring me into having sex with you." I retort. He makes a faint expression of shock.

"I'd never pressure you." He says softly, shaking his head.

"We both want it." He murmurs, taking a step closer to me. I step back. Oh, we're not going there.

"D'you know what? Just leave it." I snap, dropping my papers on my desk.

"You must have tons of other candidates who wouldn't need you to say anything for to take their nickers off." I mutter.

"Is that it? Are you holding back because you feel like you're just one of many?" He asks on a scoff. Like I wouldn't be? Tell me this man doesn't get laid every single day.

"What have I done to make you think that?" He asks softly.

"I'm not discussing this with you." I say categorically, feeling insecure.

“Let’s see about these appointments.” I prompt, needing this conversation to end and stay professional. He forced his way back into my life, but I still can keep this whole thing work-relate. Who am I kidding?

“Sit down.” I order more than invite, internally happy to be ordering a man like him around. He obeys quietly while I sir down in front of my computer. I turn it on and open my virtual office, feeling his eyes on me and forcing myself to keep my eyes on my screen.

“Is Friday okay?” I propose after checking my agenda.

“Yes.”

“Friday for the Mansion and how about… next Tuesday for the house?” I continue, avoiding eye contact. I see him bring his hand to his chin in my peripheral vision.

“Perfect.”

“What time?” He asks me.

“Whatever’s best for you.”

“Actually, the evening sounds better on Friday.”

“Seven?” I propose.

“Ish.” He retorts, pulling my eyes to his. He’s looking at me intently, eyes playful and dark and sexy.

“Ish.” I repeat, refraining a smile. I feel my face getting hot.

“How about eleven in the morning on Tuesday?” I say, returning my eyes to my screen.

“Perfect.” He replies. “We could grab lunch right after.”

He pulls my eyes to him again, and I see he’s smirking, his facial expression one of satisfaction.

“Together.” He adds. Oh, boy.

Clearing my throat, I ignore his remark completely.

“I’ll see you on Friday, then Mr.Jeon.” I declare, rising from my seat and inviting him to get the hell out of my office.

“Please, Miss Fair.” He croons, getting up and buttoning his suit jacket. “Accept my apologies.” He pleads, and his face is more serious this time.

“I’ll think about it.” I lie. He tilts his head to the side.

“You don’t like flowers?”

I roll my eyes and circle my desk, opening the door for him.

“Goodbye, Mr Jeon.” I say politely. He chuckles at me, shaking his head, but leaves without a fuss.

Later that day, Jade comes into my office with bouquet of flowers big enough to hide her entire form.

“For you.” She sings, standing in my doorway. And I prey, I prey it’s not form who I think it’s from. I get up and walk over to her, reaching for the card first.

“Done thinking? I hate waiting. - J”

“Ugh.” I groan, rolling my eyes.

“Who’s J?” She asks as I take the flowers form her hands. I turn on my heels and drop then onto my desk, deliberately leaving her question unanswered.

“You might ask him to stop doing this while Fred is here.” She suggests as I walk back to her. I give her a sarcastic smile, but she’s right.

“Thank you Jade.” I murmur before closing the door.

“But who-“

I sigh, walking back to my desk, and decide to dial the man harassing me.

“Are you done thinking about it?” He says as soon as he picks up.

“You need to stop sending me flowers.” mutter.

“Only if you accept my apologies.”

“Okay. I accept them.”

“That means you wont mind me being there during all our appointments, right?”

“Bloody-“ He mutter, shoving my first in my mouth to prevent myself from shouting.

“Okay.” I breathe, holding the bridge of my nose in annoyance. This man is annoying.

“Wonderful.” He pipes up, contempt in his voice. “I’ll see you on Friday.”

I hang up, frustrated I gave him this victory. I hate men like him. Men who trample all over you and force their way into your life. Men who always get what they want.

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unibrowzz · 4 years

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My 2020 reviews

All the cool kids were doing these so now I finally dragged my ass into doing them too lmao.

Albania- Fall from the Sky

A song I swear cursed this whole contest from the moment it won Festivali i Këngës. Like with the shitshow this song caused I just knew the whole year was fucked. With half the fandom whining they didn’t get their first club song of the year to the other half smugly shoving it as their winner despite no other songs being around to compare it to, the whole fiasco just left me knowing that 2020 would end in tears, just hopefully not my own. As for the song, it’s lame. It’s a standard ballad with OBSCENE amounts of autotune, which is weird because the girl can actually sing pretty decently without it, so why they decided to make her sound like a damn computer is beyond me. And WHY did they translate it, haven't the past few years proven that Albania's better off leaving their songs in Albanian?

Armenia- Chains on You

A bootleg Ariana Grande song, and a really shit one at that. The kind of song only people who think being young, gay and mean counts as having a personality would say is good.

Australia- Don’t Break Me

One of the few decent Australian entries (but that REALLY isn’t saying much coming from me, I barely care they’re in the contest by this point) but marred by a horribly untidy performance and lacklustre lyrics. At least it’s not fucking pop-opera, that’s all I can say. I’d rather listen to the sound of my face being dragged down the runway at Heathrow airport than be subjected to another Zero Gravity.

Austria- Alive

One of those pseudo-jazz dance songs, á la Olly Murs or Bruno Mars (I swear there’s a song like this in every recent contest). I mean, it’s good, but it’s just kinda meh since I’m kinda getting tired of this genre rearing its fedora-wearing head every time a new lineup rolls in.

Azerbaijan- Cleopatra

One of the “better” trashy entries this year, comprised of about five different musical genres, six ancient cultures being appropriated and absolutely zero class. Probably sounds at least 50% better when you’re absolutely steaming drunk and face down on the floor in the middle of a gay bar.

Belarus- Da Vidna

Somehow, this song sounds both very unique and original yet trite and average at the same time. I couldn’t decide whether listening to it was a new experience or if I’d heard it a million times before.

Belgium- Release Me

A song which just drones on till it ends. I would say it’s ripping off the song that won last year, but it forgot that having a chorus stops your song from being three minutes of snooze.

Bulgaria- Tears Getting Sober

A typical breathy mumble-girl song, AKA a genre I can’t fucking stand. Really don’t see the hype with this one, the melody is pretty but the vocals are out for lunch and it’s otherwise completely and utterly boring.

Croatia- Divlji Vjetre

One of the token big dramatic ballads you listen to once, enjoy, then forget about until Darius in the Discord server plays it one night whilst you’re hitting up the radio bot with requests. You’ll find that “nice, but forgettable” is a common theme for this year.

Cyprus- Running

Ironically Cyprus didn’t send a crappy Fuego knockoff for 2020, and I say ironically because a crappy Fuego knockoff would’ve actually stood out this year, and I say crappy because honestly Fuego wasn’t even all that great to begin with. "Running” itself is just one of those edgy tortured soul pop songs which, let’s be honest, would have been paired with an impressive performance which would’ve overshadowed how bland it is. Kind of like “You’re the Only One”. Or even Fuego for that matter.

Czech Republic- Kemama

Standard Afro-pop, a genre we don't often see at the contest so I'll let it pass. I feel like this is the kind of song that’s infinitely better live, and that it would’ve been one of those songs that suddenly became a frontrunner after the semi finals, but I guess we’ll never know eh?

Denmark- Yes

The quintessential mid-10s Eurovision song. It's got guitars, happy people, Scandinavian origins… it’s just a typical radio guitar song, nothing special.

Estonia- What Love Is

I mean it's better than La Forza. Granted, the sound of someone pissing directly onto a microphone installed in the bowl of a toilet would sound better than La Forza but still. Going back to this song, it’s just... a standard Eastern-ballad with some very desperate lyrics. It feels kind of outdated, if I’m honest. Like something about this just reeks of 2011.

Finland- Looking Back

Yet another dreary, forgettable ballad. It comes to something when the best song they COULD have sent was a party song which sounded like it was from the mid 90s. At least that song was memorable. That said, this one at least has some decent lyrics. Bravo for that I guess.

France- Mon Alliée

France decides to say “fuck it” to being an underground fan-favourite and takes a leaf out of the UKs book by sending the same rent-a-Swede schlock they’ve been sending since 2015. I’m just confused as to why anyone in their right mind would choose to follow the UKs example but you do you France.

Germany- Violent Thing

A rehash of Sweden's entry from two years ago, but this time sung by Justin Bieber circa 2008. Kind of alright if you can stomach the singer's whiny voice, but otherwise pretty dull and kinda forgettable.

Greece- Superg!rl

Hello fellow kidz, we are hearing you like the girl power? The super heroes? The t3xt $p3ech? We made you song, please give us the votes *dabs*

Georgia- Take me as I Am

I mean… this sure is a choice. This feels like one of those songs that everyone memes on because the lyrics are kinda janky and the singer’s voice (and accent) take a bit of getting used to, but other than that it’s just one of those NQ songs for hipster fans to declare as their unironic winner at a later date. All in all this just feels like the male equivalent of one of those mid-10s fat acceptance women’s songs, only a lot shoutier and this time he has more flaws than not being skinny.

Iceland- Think About Things

A bootleg George Ezra song, performed by a load of disinterested tumblr users in their pyjamas. Because if there’s one thing that sells me on a song, it’s being given the evils by a bunch of nerds who look like they’ll send me death threats for not agreeing with their Pokémon headcanons. To be fair, the song is kind of groovy since it sounds so 70s, but the performance is very off-putting to people who aren’t in the Eurovision loop. And also people who are, because I sure as Hell don’t see the appeal in this myself and this whole performance just feels like Save Your Kisses for Me without the charm. I feel like this would’ve come second or third, definitely with a lot of televotes but either the jury would’ve dragged it down or it wouldn’t have scored enough televotes to win.

Ireland- Story of my Life

A song that’s at LEAST ten years out of date by this point, think like an early Katy Perry, Jessie J or Avril Lavigne song. I’ll forgive it because even though it sounds like it should’ve been entered in 2013 (at the latest), it at least evokes some nostalgic memories of shitty school discos and holiday parks.

Israel- Feker Libi

The female equivalent of the Czech song. Unsurprisingly, people went wild for it when it was released. I guess only women are allowed to sing Afro-pop at this contest. Like with the Czech song, I’ll forgive it since Afro-pop is a cool genre anyway, and even though this is just another club song I can at least see myself dancing to it.

Italy- Fai Rumore

Well, at least my wish of “Italy sends a typical power ballad devoid of anything the mainstream fandom likes” finally came true. It was pretty refreshing to have a year where people weren’t shoving Italy’s entry up my nose left right and centre. In terms of my actual thoughts I can’t deny that the guy has a tremendous voice, but for some reason the song just doesn’t… click with me. I guess I like my male Italian singers a little more gruff and raspy, if you know what I mean. They gotta sound like they smoke at LEAST five packets of cigarettes a day for me to take notice.

Malta- All of my Love

Listen I am 100% rooting for Destiny Chukunyere to win this contest some day but man was this song a disappointment. It feels so… un-special and generic, like it gets the job done and that’s it. It’s not the stand-up-and-belt-it-out soul anthem I’d hoped for, it’s just… there.

Moldova- Prison

All I remember about this song is that it vaguely reminds me of that one Meccano song about the gypsy who makes a deal with the moon or something. And I’ve TRIED to remember more about what it sounds like, trust me.

Latvia- Still Breathing

The one horrible weird song you get every year which overuses strobe effects to the point it comes with an epilepsy warning. Would be bearable if it wasn't for the singer’s insistence that this is actually some feminist masterpiece when it's really just a self-empowerment club song about the singer fingerbanging herself over the fact she writes music.

Lithuania- On Fire

One of the songs everyone thought was going to win at one point, even though it seems like a surefire non-qualifier to me. It’s one of those weird entries, but not the kind of over the top, batshit insane, you’d-have-to-be-drunk-to-enjoy-it weird, the kind of subdued surreal weird. Like this is weed instead of LSD or cocaine weird. Granted my mom, who I consider to be a "typical" Eurofan, actually really liked this song when she saw it in the recaps, so who knows maybe this would have done well with televoters after all.

Netherlands- Grow

I appreciate this song for how artsy and clever it is with its structure, since it starts off acapella and the instrumental builds up with the song until it stops suddenly, symbolising a person’s growth from a child into an adult, and ending suddenly with their death (Geddit? The song’s called “Grow”). But it feels like the kind of song that would be lost on a Eurovision audience. The juries would have taken note, for sure, but the televote… let’s be honest, they’d have been too busy drunk voting for Russia to care about anything else.

North Macedonia- You

Well, it's better than the miserable dirge they sent last year, but given how I'd rather pleasure myself with a steak knife than listen to that song, that really isn't saying much. Going back to “You”, it really just feels like a diet version of Switzerland’s entry from last year, combined with Sweden’s song from 2018. What I’m saying is it’s your average “I’m a man in a club and I want to dance with and probably fuck this hot girl I just met” song, which I a new genre I just made up. You’re welcome.

Norway- Attention

One of those songs you appreciate because it sounds nice and the singer has a good voice, but instantly forget because it’s really not all that interesting. If I sound like I'm repeating myself, welcome to Eurovision 2020.

Poland- Empires

“Rise Like a Phoenix” but sung by a wannabe Adele and not a mascara-wearing Jesus in a dress. Like a lot of other songs on this list, it’s just average across the board, likeable when it’s on, but instantly forgettable as soon as the next song comes on.

Portugal: Medo de Sentir

Pretty, but also similar to their ill-fated 2018 entry, only with a bit more energy and less pink hair. What I’m saying is this would have been another NQ unless the crowd who enjoy subtle ambience music come in to save it like they did with Slovenia's entry last year.

Romania- Alcohol You

See Bulgaria, because this is practically the same song. It’s just as dreary, just as badly sung (if not worse because holy shit this girl sounds like she’s being suffocated), and I suppose you COULD excuse that by saying she’s drunk or hungover… but I don’t want to listen to someone ungracefully mumble into a microphone for three minutes.

Russia- Uno

A classic big camp party song, the kind of song people who haven’t watched Eurovision since 2003 think wins on the regular. I can see why people would like it (especially in this boring year lmao, I applaud Russia for taking the opportunity to loosen their corset and just send a complete mess instead of their usual clinical vote grabs), but it’s just not something I enjoy. It's the song that plays into the misconception that Eurovision is just a clown show for drunk people, like this is just here to be that one flash-in-the-pan meme song that only entertains people who don’t really care about Eurovision until the day before it airs. Kind of like the old ladies they sent in 2012 (remember them?).

San Marino- Freaky!

San Marino, in true Sammarinese fashion, have yet again sent a decade-ambiguous song which sounds like it was either released in 1978 or 2003. I feel like this would have been one of those songs which could have surprised us if it had a really wacky, creative performance (think like Moldova in 2018), but this is San Marino so you know that would never happen.

Serbia- Hasta la Vista

Insert unoriginal joke about a decade wanting their shitty trend back right here. Okay maybe that’s a bit harsh, especially considering how this song is actually, yanno, unique in comparison to the rest of this year. But it still feels weirdly dated, in a way where I can’t decide whether it sounds like it belongs in 1998 or 2018. I suppose girl power ages a song regardless of when it was released.

Slovenia- Voda

Yet another standard Balkan-European power ballad which you appreciate because it’s well sung, but forget the moment it ends because it’s kinda boring. … Does anyone else have a bit of deja vu?

Spain- Universo

For some reason I feel like this song is shilling itself out to someone but I have no idea who. Aside from the horny people voting solely because the singer is moderately attractive even with that wretched Jedward haircut.

Sweden- Move

Imagine soul but… boring.

Switzerland- Répondez Moi

Imagine Arcade but… in French.

United Kingdom- My last Breath

Not the best the UK could have done, but it’s at least a modern offering unlike the residual dregs of the mid-90s that we sent throughout the 2010s. It’s definitely a bit too generic to have done any better than maybe 15th, but hey at least the cancellation means we won’t have to see it not do as well as the BBC thinks it’s entitled to do, prompting a billion clickbait articles about how Brexit somehow affected our performance.

Ukraine- Solovey

At long last we come to something you probably weren't expecting: a song I actually really like. Which is weird because I usually don't care for or don't like whatever Ukraine vomits into the contest, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a song I liked from them in such a weak year. This song isn’t for everyone, it’s white noise singing which is a very acquired taste, but this is honestly the only 2020 song I find myself coming back to over and over. And it’s in Ukrainian too, so you don’t have to put up with their usual mangled English offerings.

#and that conclude's the mods thoughts lmao #eurovision #if this is good i might do this with other years let me know what you think #mod speaks #mod reviews

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comicteaparty · 4 years

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June 29th-July 5th, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from June 29th, 2020 to July 5th, 2020. The chat focused on Without Moonlight by Tantz Aerine.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Without Moonlight by Tantz Aerine~! (https://withoutmoonlightcomic.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until July 5th, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

I really like the flash forward aspect of the beginning - keeping the scene in the back of your mind really helps keep things tense as you see the story build towards the scene we see at the start.

(it also helps with the tone - it would be pretty jarring to go from kids stealing food from trucks to the scenes where bodies start dropping if we hadn't established that dark tone early on)

One thing I like about the comic is how the text colors switch based off languages - blue is greek, black is german, red is english, and i believe green is italian. Really makes the language switches easier to keep track of in the back of your head.

I like the comic's theme of... "your actions have consequences", essentially. There are dozens of moments where something bad happened because of one character's action or lack of action, and it's a matter of... when there are so many factors, who should be held responsible for these bad events?

RebelVampire

I like that the beginning of the comic is...more light-hearted despite the situation? I mean it's tragic and I don't mean to paint the situation lightly, but it's also kids and kids are like beacons of hope. So despite it all there were happy smiling faces. Before the chaos descended. My favorite moment in the comic so far was probably when Basil was rescuing Fotis and Wolff decides to let them go. It was a rare moment of humanity where there was no whose side is whose. Just two people doing a bro favor because neither thought a child deserved to be tortured. My favorite character is Basil. Basil really is just the down-to-earth dude he kind of finds that balance between doing what's right but with principle. And he also gets going when the going gets tough. And I'm sure nothing ever bad happened to him in this comic. My favorite characters interacting are probably Fotis and Martha right now. I like this dynamic that they're brought together by tragedy. So it's kind of interesting to see that bond, while also kind of experiencing this weird age gap where even though Fotis is much younger, he grew up almost instantly cause of tragedy. Something I like about the art is just kind of the grim color palettes. The comic is not overly bright, and I think this choice really enhances the grim situation of the comic. It also adds more of a sense of realism because WWII is serious business and was not fun at all for anybody. For themes, I love that the comic kind of explores demonization vs. humanity, especially through Wolff. It is always extremely to demonize the side you're not on, and we see Wolff both do this himself and be a recipient of it. And the comic really wants us to ask are they monsters, or are they still, unfortunately, humans doing really shitty things.

As for the comic's overall story, I love that not only is it historical in its setting, but just that the comic really throws no punches. You have people dying in gruesome ways, torture, espionage, double agents, greed, etc. Just like everything you'd expect regarding war. In regards to strengths, honestly, what I just said above. So many stories are really, really terrified to actually go deep into that grim reality that is war. And even fewer are willing to show that war very rarely has heroes since at the end, it's people killing people which is not cool. And I think this really makes the comic stand out since there are parts that are gonna stick with me for years.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. What is your takeaway in regards to the comic’s themes about war and the horrors and tragedy that happen because of it? In regards to these themes, how do you feel about Arthur Wolff, and do you think it’s possible for him to be redeemed and/or at least forgiven?

10. What do you think the comic has to say about survival and hope, especially when humans are faced with the most horrid of circumstances? What moment stood out to you the most regarding this? Also, who do you think will survive the story?

11. Do you think anything will actually happen to Orestes in regards to his actions so far? If so, what unintended affects might occur because of whatever does happen? Additionally, what do you think will happen to his contact, Iris?

12. How do you think the events of the story will continue to change Fotis, and will it be for better or for worse? What about the other children? Given the historical base, what do you think they’ll even do once the occupation ends?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

My takeaway from the comic is that war sucks, nobody wins, everyone suffers, and that even good people do some terrible stuff in the name of survival. However, within all that, we're all essentially human and have the capacity for good. Which is why I feel Wolff is an important character, since he's that shining beacon that reminds us that people on the worst side of history possible can still take a step back and go, "Wait a second." As for redemption and forgiveness, I think this is a yes an no. Can he redeem and forgive himself as far as he's personally concerned? Maybe someday. Will others? Probably not in a million years. In contrast to the above, I think that the comic also has strong messages that, even in the face of desperation, humans, as a whole, have a tendency to fight and that, much like everybody in Star Wars, will always have hope. As for the moment that stood out to me the most, I think it was actually the beginning when the kids are risking everything to get supplies. They know it's dangerous, and yet they persevere and don't give up despite being who'd you think would give up first. As for who will survive, maybe Alex cause Alex is toeing the line of safety and staying out of the spy drama. I think Orestes still won't be dealt with for a while, and if anything, will be the victim of vigilante justice because someone didn't want to wait for even a sham trial. I think that they won't realize in his traitorous ways though he really did help out, and will find themselves more at odd with the Nazis. As for Iris, she probably gonna die. Cause that's what happens when you play double agent. I think the events of the story really aren't gonna do good for Fotis, and, at the very least (and assuming he's not dead), he's going to be bitter and have a ton of PTSD. Probably the same for all the children, and I think overall they'll just feel lost once the occupation ends cause normalcy forms fast.

Tantz Aerine (Without Moonlight)

Thank you so much for all the thoughtful analysis and commentary @RebelVampire ! I'm so glad that you have found all these themes in my story

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

RebelVampire

I am most looking forward to seeing if Fotis has some epiphany about the horrors of the path he's on. Right now I kind of think he's just kind of...going through the motions and acting mostly on anger. And so I'm interested to see if this will be the case throughout the rest of the story or if at some point his brain stops for a moment and goes "Hey wait a minute these are some pretty serious implications." I think either could change how his character development proceeds. My final words are that I admire this comic's bravery and risks. A lot of creators don't want to write about things like WWII because it's still a little too close to home and painful. But I think these topics are important to show with historical fiction cause not only is it an opportunity to teach about lesser known history in greater detail, but an opportunity to otherwise humanize an event that comes off different when you're just reading facts in a book. So bravo to this comic for doing that.

Tantz Aerine (Without Moonlight)

@RebelVampire Thank you so much! You honour me. Researching this comic has been both a revelation and a painful affair. As for Fotis, you're very right he IS very angry and very grieved at this point in time. We'll see how he will be soon! I can't begin to say how much your words warm my heart thank you again.

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Without Moonlight this week! Please also give a special thank you to Tantz Aerine for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Without Moonlight, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: https://withoutmoonlightcomic.com/

Tantz’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/withoutmoonlight

Tantz’s Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/tantzaerine'

Tantz’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TantzAerine

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #comic chat #comic discussion #book club #bookclub #webcomic bookclub #webcomic book club #comic tea party #ctp #without moonlight #tantz aerine

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worldcakecakecake · 5 years

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On Deutschland and Italia by Lovino Valenti

Lovino writes a series of blog entries on the relationship between Germany and Italy as he deals with a move to Hamburg, his brother’s wedding, and his budding romance (which he denies) to the infuriating Gilbert Beilschmidt.

Chapter 3

On Deutschland and Italia.

Italy’s troubling relationship with Germany in the current immigration crisis.

Making Peace with Gilbert.

The relationship between Germany and Italy has recently soured so much that a recent anti-European agenda has been rising in Italy, dividing the country in preference to staying or following Britain’s example. There has been talk of creating a new mini-schengen…and guess who Germany will gladly kick out from it. Apparently, it’s a lesson to us for following in Greece’s footsteps. There’s been very crude remarks from the very Italian media, even from the point of view of high positioned leaders in the government, from that people that I both cannot and do agree with. But to be honest, this new idea of Italy’s is dangerous and as much as I hate to admit, we do depend on Germany to keep ourselves somewhat stable and show a strong European Union. But we shouldn’t be treated as subordinates, side casted when we are indeed one of the powerful economies of the continent. Many of you had commented to creating these very agreements with my own tyrannical German government here…which is Gilbert. Sure, what I just wrote had relativity and I might as well tell myself the very same thing…but I am not so easily persuaded after all he has done. I can’t just simply get over years of bullying like that. There has to be forgiveness, a common ground, an admit to all our wrongs that I know Gilbert is incapable of. Until we come to that meeting point, the crisis between us shall continue.

The dinner was at seven, and with the perks of living above the restaurant, Lovino was there to help with the preparations of the table, dressed and rubbing his hands ready for his pizza.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Feliciano came, hugging him from the back tightly, even hanging, which brought them to spinning, Lovino reluctantly having to hold his arms around him.

“You promised me pizza,” he had to remind.

“And you will have it! I already have the cooks on it,” he winked and promised.

“You better!”

“This shouldn’t be only about pizza,” Augusto intervened, placing his loving and strong hold on their shoulders. “It has to be about the wonderful news Feliciano has for us,” he cuddled against him.

“I just care about pizza.”

A hit against the back of his head.

“They’re here!” Renata called, having just spotted their car enter the parking area, hurrying to the table to make sure everything was well set.

“Please behave,” Feliciano begged Lovino lastly.

“Me? You should be telling that to Nonno as well!”

“I always behave!”

Lovino raised an eye but didn’t continue.

Feliciano came to the door just as his large and buffed boyfriend entered the restaurant, taking him by the elbows so they could kiss as disgustingly as ever to Lovino, who rolled his eyes and kept them away. Augusto and Renata gushed.

Ludwig spotted Lovino and tried to send a greeting smile, but Lovino grimaced and even moved further away, helping some of the waiters place the bread baskets on the table.

“Is he ready?” Ludwig asked in a whisper.

“Ready for the dinner? Of course he is!”

“I meant…for Gilbert…” and that’s when Feliciano came to the crashing, heavy realization that now Gilbert had to come into the restaurant, share a table with Lovino, after he had told him he wasn’t going to be there and how their last meeting had been (Nonno Augusto told him).

“Um…” he couldn’t finish as the rest of the Beilschmidts came in, the restaurant now filled in their loud greetings and instant chats. It started swell and Lovino had even come to greet them quite behaved. For now, Ludwig and Feliciano were breathing, for they knew that once Gilbert entered, they had to act quick.

“Hallo, Valenti! Where’s the pizza!” Gilbert shouted, unmistaken, in no way to be missed.

Augusto, Vincenzo and Renata smiled to his welcome, giving him their usual kiss to the cheek, but for Lovino it was the rapture to darken the dimmed and beautiful lighting of the restaurant. That was the moment Feliciano quickly went to his side.

“What. Is. He. Doing. Here?” Lovino grinded, as a sort of hold from not going and hurling himself at Gilbert to drive him away, thinking perhaps he was intruding.

“Lovino! The pizza!” Feliciano distracted, pulling him towards the table, trying to keep his face on the just placed ‘Italiana’ pizza, going as far as to even push him to just stare at it while they all took their seat. Feliciano took sitting beside Lovino, Ludwig on Feliciano’s other side, Gilbert in turn in his other. Ludwig thought that his stature could do well to hide his brother and at least he was away from sitting frontal in Lovino’s vision.

“Come on! Taste it! Taste it! Taste it!” Feliciano excited.

Bless pizza indeed, for it was Lovino’s hunger that kept him from shouting out or angering the more, for now distracted in the heavenly ingredients melting well in a wonderful combine in his mouth.

The table was filled in all kinds of conversations soon enough, enjoyable, wonderful food coming in, Gilbert and Lovino participating in their own chats and bites without having for a moment needing to interact. All the inhabitants of the table made sure of that.

They had come into dessert without a major disaster, Ludwig and Feliciano looking between themselves with such stupor, excited to soon tell the news to their families. Feliciano spun his ring in anticipation under the table.

“Gilbert is one of my best mechanics. I’ve seen him fix cars in simple hours. I’m sure he can fix whatever your problem is,” Aldrich told Vincenzo.

“That’s right! I’ll have it ready for you in a jiffy!” Gilbert assured loudly, one Lovino just couldn’t ignore.

“Then why can’t you have my car ready, asshat,” Lovino had to put in, grimacing against his glass of wine as he drank.

Gilbert remained silent and Ludwig just hoped that he wouldn’t provoke anything else, that he could bite his lips and focus on his own pizza before him.

“I said you have to get ready to wait. I’m not touching your car,” Gilbert grimaced as well, hoping as the rest it wouldn’t escalate from this.

Lovino scoffed, “shitty mechanic you are then. I don’t know what everybody is going on about.”

“If you weren’t such a shit head yourself, then maybe I could have given you that car in record time,” he rolled his eyes.

“Or maybe you just can’t do it.”

“With that disgusting car, it’s easy.”

“What? Never seen an actual beautiful car in all your time working there?”

“I’ve seen some more pristine than whatever you can afford.”

“You can’t even afford to have the stuff you horribly fix.”

This new fight took control of the table, all silence as they plotted how they could stop this, if there was something that could break it.

“You clearly haven’t seen my car,” Gilbert rolled his eyes, proud of his own.

“That disgusting tow truck?”

“Don’t insult Marina!”

“You fucking named it!”

“Nothing wrong with that,” Augusto intervened, hoping it could ease things.

“Actually, I do believe it’s rather silly,” Aldrich added.

“Nothing wrong with some harmless fun,” Louis said.

“I’ll name my car…Pietrina,” Renata made it seem so wonderful and imaginative.

“Oh god, Rena, no!” Monika said loudly.

“Pietrina sounds awful,” Reinhardt had to say.

“My grandmother was Pietrina!” Vincenzo insulted.

“Well I’m sorry she had an awful name!”

“A German man named Reinhardt is telling me this! You don’t know class?”

“Don’t know class? Well let me tell you!”

And from a serene moment, fights filled the table, loud and focusing, surely having many others in the restaurant staring, some even deciding to leave at such disturbance. The only two who stood out from this were Ludwig and Feliciano, who gazed between each other hoping for some sort of solution to stop all this.

“I think now would be a good time to tell them,” Ludwig suggested.

“Like this?” It was all so awful and unsightly, definitely not how Feliciano had imagined it.

“Can’t we just get them to stop fighting?”

“I’m sure it’s not going to work.”

They were so dedicated to their fights, it’s like they forgot that Ludwig and Feliciano were there too.

Feliciano sighed, nervous. This had to be it.

“Okay,” he nodded to Ludwig, both taking their hands tightly under the table, prepared.

“Um…” Feliciano began, raising a hand hoping it could catch their attentions. They continued to shout over it, their eyes too dedicated to their fights they didn’t even raise their glances to him.

“Guys,” he tried calling again, nothing changed. “Guys,” a little bit louder this time.

Ludwig was getting exasperated.

“We’re getting married!” He ended up shouting, piercing enough to not only bring silence to the table, but to the entire restaurant.

Their eyes were on them, surprised, questioning, but it was the silence and attention they needed.

“Yes…uh…Ludwig and I are getting married,” Feliciano admitted shyly, raising his hand along with Ludwig’s to show the ring on the appropriate finger. “And I’m…moving with him to Santo Domingo.” There was still no response, only the same bewilderment that kept them frozen and silent.

“Woo…” Feliciano celebrated, trying to get them all to react…yet nothing.

On Deutschland and Italia.

Starved Germans and Desperate Italians.

Ludwig and Feliciano.

In the 1950s, Germany signed a recruitment treaty with Italy that brought a large swarm of migrations to the country. It was at this exact time, after a horrible destructive war, that Germans began taking those postcard vacations to Italy…introducing us to the horrible image of socks with sandals.

While Germans bathe in warm Italian sun, Italians themselves are overworking in their cold country.

Italians had no other choice than to adapt, bringing with them stronger heaters, warmer clothes, even the very machines and trinkets that made our food.

I can assure you nothing stops us from keeping the freshness.

We had to learn a whole new language, had to deal with force labor, cramped quarters in old army barracks, horrible nicknames and stereotypes.

Germans instead discover their love for Italy.

It was paradise to them, an image brought forward to them by brochures, romantic movies and songs.

They came to Italy in just the large numbers Italians took to Germany. In response to the harsh treatments and comments, they began to be ridiculed with their own nicknames and stereotypes, many that continue to this day.

Sure, Gilbert and I might dislike each other a lot, but my brother and his brother don’t share that sentiment.

Just this weekend they announced that they will be marrying each other…so you can understand how different our relationships are.

Ludwig and Feliciano, because of this stronghold our families held, had known each other since birth and it was a tragedy separating them later when we had to leave for Italy. About fifteen years later, Feliciano returns to Hamburg made one fine piece of ass and Ludwig is one those many fools drooling and getting horny over my little brother. Whatever returning childhood friendship they wanted was thrown to the curve when they preferred dating, fucking, getting into a serious relationship and now marriage.

My brother would have stood a chance…if he wasn’t into…tall and blond buff guys that…bake.

In one part, I’m glad my brother found love, to someone that I have to admit will be loyal, devoted and loves him just as immensely. In another part…it’s Ludwig…a Beilschmidt! My brother is marrying…a Beilschmidt!

I know our families were practically married already, so you must be thinking how this could make any difference. It makes a lot of difference because they’re connecting our families more. This time, we’ll really be family, we’ll be related, which means more time with them, more I have to take Gilbert’s shit and it will probably continue on until my last days.

Currently I am in a mixture of emotions and I still don’t know how to react about this to my brother. But rest assured, I won’t sit back and take it all lightly.

“Are you insane?” Was Lovino’s loud entrance into Feliciano’s apartment, stomping, ringing every item on him, taking the chair, the slide alerting, practically smashing himself against his seat as he stared at Feliciano straight on demanding answers.

The younger was siting calmly at his stool, a hand with a paintbrush against a canvas, his other holding a medical report he was currently reading over to make sure it was correct to hand in.

“Buon giorno, fratellone,” he greeted as nicely and kindly as ever.

Lovino only huffed and slammed a hand against the table. “Don’t give me that crap. Come on, explain,” he heavily signaled with his hands, as if creating the space for Feliciano to take.

Feliciano groaned, rolled his eyes, closing his book and putting his brush into a jar of water with others.

Curse the day he gave his brother a spare key.

“I love him,” Feliciano thought was sufficient enough.

“I need more reasoning than that.”

Feliciano huffed, but yet answered, “he’s my perfect match. We can live together, we see each other in our futures. There’s no one else I could love and want to be with more.”

Lovino was still unconvinced.

“He’s the sweetest man I know, a gentleman, respectful, patient, hardworking. He brings me peace and happiness.”

Lovino didn’t change his expression. “That’s it?”

“It should be enough, Lovino!” Feliciano angered.

“Not to me!”

“To you! This is me we’re talking about and if I decide to be with Ludwig and move with him to the Caribbean, then that’s what I’m going to do! I know you dislike the Beilschmidts, but I won’t let that stop me from being with the man I love.”

“You do understand that marrying him involves basically dragging your families together, right?”

“Lovino, it doesn’t have to be that way. If you don’t want to be with them, then don’t.”

“And yet look what happened last night. You said Gilbert wasn’t going to be there and you go ahead and betray me,” he says like it was a big tragedy upon their play.

“It was an important announcement. You honestly didn’t want Ludwig’s brother to be part of a family moment just because you didn’t want him there?”

“He has to understand my boundaries.”

“It was a family dinner!” He was on the verge of shouting. His brother could sometimes really drag him up the wall. “One that I wanted you in as well and I knew you wouldn’t come if you knew he was coming too. So I’m sorry that I did lie, but I really wanted you to be there.”

Lovino lay in pensive silence, Feliciano giving himself that time to breathe and calm. “I’m sorry okay, I’m sorry,” he repeated, hurt.

Lovino sighed, “it’s fine, I guess I am just…overacting over everything and I…I’m sorry I fought like that in the dinner. I should have controlled myself…and so should have Gilbert.”

Feliciano rolled his eyes but smiled still.

Comforting silence than lay over them, but Lovino was still insisting. “But, again, why are you marrying Ludwig?” He was back to his defensive self.

Feliciano groaned and prepared for what would be his day.

“I get it, Lud. Feli is adorable, gorgeous, I would have happily married him too!” Gilbert opened the door of the café for them. “Wise decision, wonderful, I’m very proud of you.”

“But?” Ludwig was expecting it.

“I mean…are you sure you want to be part of that family?”

“Gilbert, we’ve known them since we were kids. They’re already practically family,” he rolled his eyes, ordering their usual drinks.

“This is different! You will now completely submerge yourself in them. It would be spiritual, legal. You’ll be tying us stronger together than ever before.”

“And that’s…bad?”

“Yes, and that’s because you’re tying me to Lovino too.”

“The ones who are getting married are me and Feliciano, not you and Lovino.”

The image Gilbert got in his head was haunting.

“We’d still be considered family. We’ll have to meet in constant holidays, reunions, parties, and I don’t think you want that fight at the dinner again,” Gilbert warned hoping it could convince.

Ludwig still took their table unchanged, waiting patiently for their drinks.

“You’ll probably get used to each other at some point and stop,” Ludwig believed and was convinced.

“If Lovino can hold a grudge against me still after fifteen years, yeah, I don’t think so.”

“You can learn to not let it get to you.”

“I can’t just hold back.”

“You’ll have to if you want things to continue peacefully.”

“I’m not going to quit like that,” he announced, just as a waiter brought them their drinks.

“Well, you’ll have to, or at least while me and Feliciano are here preparing everything for the wedding. Afterwards, I doubt you guys will get the chance to meet.”

“I doubt our families would let that happen,” Gilbert rolled his eyes.

Even without Ludwig and Feliciano in the country, their grandparents and parents would still have their own reunions that all were expectant to participate in. As long as he and Lovino were in the same city, it was unavoidable.

“Anything I can do to convince you to back out of this?” Gilbert was ready to help him in whatever escapade, a mischievous grin that Ludwig already stared with scold in his expression. “You’re really doing this?”

“Everything is starting to get set.”

“Fuck.”

Ludwig rolled his eyes and decided on just focusing on his drink.

“But to the Dominican Republic!” Lovino shouted, decorated with a wine glass in his hand, pacing the room as he took his drink.

“Ludwig got an opportunity there and I want to go with him,” Feliciano lay in calm on the couch.

“What about you?”

“I’ll be volunteering at a children’s hospital,” the doofus actually sounded excited.

“Volunteering only?” Lovino wore the same insult that the rest of his family wore when Feliciano mentioned it.

“So,” Feliciano had shrugged it as always.

“As in you won’t be getting any pay?” How was he thinking of surviving?

“They said they’ll be giving me something depending on the patients I take and the amount of workers.”

“I doubt it will be enough.”

“Relax, with what Ludwig will get, we’ll be more than settled.”

“So, he’ll be your sole dependence then,” Lovino angered.

“We’ll be fine! If anything I’ll paint and sell my artwork.”

“Who does Ludwig think he is?” Lovino insulted for his little brother. “I get it now! He decided on marrying you to drag you along with him so he can keep you to yourself without having to worry about leeches over here.”

Feliciano groaned into his hands, breathing out whatever worsening of his anger. “We both talked about this! Even if he hadn’t proposed, I would have still gone with him!”

“He wants to make you a housewife!”

“No! Ludwig didn’t make me do anything! Lovino please understand that this is all in my choosing and what I know will make me happy.”

“Maybe Ludwig made you believe that!”

“You’re really trying out my patience here.”

“So, while you work yourself in files and tracks, numbers and sitings, Feliciano will be lazing about in your house expecting you to come home and cook.”

“He’ll have a job too and despite his constant naps, he is not one to skip on cooking. I highly doubt he would leave such responsibilities,” Ludwig defended, entering the familiar workshop.

“You can’t be too sure!”

“I’m constantly in his apartment, I’m actually pretty sure.”

“Gilbert! A Nissan just came in and the customer paid us extra to have it done by tomorrow evening,” was the first thing Opa Aldrich announced as both had entered his office.

“Got it! We’ll continue discussing this later,” the older brother pointed rather menacingly, with power in his stride as he headed to work.

“Still trying to convince you out of this?” Aldrich guessed as much.

“Yes. He has to know I’m sure about this.”

“He’s just looking out for you.”

“Why would I need him to? This is Feliciano were talking about! There’s nothing to be worried about.”

“We might never know, Ludwig. We still have to watch out. With Feliciano being so eccentric and you so orderly, I believe there are things that will clash between you two and cause discomforts and betrayals,” Aldrich worded out his own concerns as he wrote and picked between files in his desk.

Ludwig couldn’t believe his grandfather was actually uttering those words.

“Opa, you know Feliciano yourself,” Ludwig had to sit down, not being able to take these doubts. “Yes, he is lively, vibrant and outgoing, sometimes unwatchful and clumsy, but he is still very devoted and sacrificial when it’s needed. I’m sure that in our marriage he will show it more strongly than ever. I highly doubt he will be capable of this……do you think I will be?”

“I know you…and I know you won’t.”

“As I know Feliciano and I know he won’t. How would you feel if Augusto had these very doubts about me?”

Aldrich didn’t give any other word, seeming more focused on his work.

“I’m just looking out for you is all.”

Ludwig still felt the question from his part, disliking and already fearing for this coming process.

< chapter 2

chapter 4 >

#on deutschland and italia by lovino valenti #prumano fanfic #prumano fanfiction #prumano fic

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im-tops-bottom · 5 years

Text

Ding ding ding....here's an idea

As the rain begins to pour from the night sky, Bucky notices his enemy from school dressed in nothing but a rock band shirt and jeans standing under a street light. His arch nemesis must of stayed for the Schools home game which only means one thing. He sighs as walks up to

"Tony?"

Tony jumps back in shock and wraps his arms around himself.

'oh no that will not do' Bucky thinks to himself as he stands in front of Tony. 'please god tell me I did not just see all of that' he sighs as he crosses his arms and gives out a determined look.

"I'm gonna say this once and once only, uncross your arms"

Bucky frowns as he sees Tony's body shake and knows that it's not just from the cold. Something bad happened.

"now why the fuck would I listen to someone who bullies me every damn second of the day"

Now there's a shocker.

"wait bullying? What no i-"

"yes you have. We were born on the same day at the same hospital. Our mum's became best friends because of it. We grew up together and became best friends. Ever since your boyfriend Steve"

'boyfriend?' Bucky thinks to himself as he becomes confused by the situation.

"stepped on the scene, I accidentally said one thing because I was an ass and then you got angry, dumped me as any sort of friend and spent your life stuck by his side and made friends along the way. Then because of you telling everyone that I was a rich, mean jerk! Rumours started spreading. I'm the most hated person in the damn school all because of you"

"wait what?"

Bucky is really confused now.

"don't give me that shit. You knew exactly what you were doing. You were a fake friend who was probably told to interact with me but I saw your true colors. Everything that has happened to me is all your fault. I hate you! Now leave me the fuck alone so I can get on with my pathetic life"

Tony angrily tries to stomp away but gets pushed against the wall. He winces as he feels the pain from the bruises on his back. He glares at Bucky and growls.

"what? You gonna beat me up just like the rest of the school? Go on, do it! I dare ya! No one will give a shit"

Bucky glares and growls right back. He then pulls tony along and settles him in front on his motorbike do he can make sure the smaller man doesn't try anything stupid. He heads off towards his apartment that he shares with his friends because it was closer to the school. He uses the time to clear his head and has flashbacks to every shitty thing he has ever done to Tony including the day that started it. He was an absolute asshole and regret and guilt eat him up. He treated Tony like shit and knows there's gonna be hell to pay.

As soon as they reach the apartment Bucky picks the protesting Tony up and carries him inside. He ignores everyone's looks and heads straight for the lounge. He throws an angry Tony on to the couch and doesn't notice that all his friends had stepped out of the kitchen and are now watching everything unfold.

"who did this to you?"

"like hell I'm telling you anything"

"Tony don't fucking start with me"

"or what? You gonna beat me? Rape me? Mug me? Do whatever you want because I don't give two fucks about what happens to me"

Bucky stares in horror. 'hold the fuck up' he thinks to himself.

"rape? Why the fuck would I do that?"

"you wouldn't be first one and certainly won't be the last"

'oh lord what the fuck have I done. I ruined his life'

"I really am blaming you for for everything. My parents hate me and blame me for what happened between us. They tell your mum that Everytime she brings up how much she misses me. If it ain't my parents physically, mentally and emotionally blackmailing then it's the school"

Buckys shoulders drop as the energy he had felt was draining from him. He steps back as Tony stands up.

"but it don't really matter. Jarvis and Ana came for a visit last week and I told them everything. They're helping me out which is awesome because it means I never have to see you again."

"what? Why?"

"I'm moving England with them. Starting fresh. Cleansing myself of all the toxicity around here"

Bucky feels his heart break into millions of pieces as his whole world comes crashing down right before his very eyes.

"all the pain and misery will be nothing but a nightmare that I can just put in the past and with therapy and medication, I can easily just forget about it. Forget about you. It'll be a dream come true"

Bucky feels like he needs to do something. Something to make him stay. He was a stupid asshole and something inside him is telling him to fight for this. Fight for Tony to stay.

"you can't leave"

"and why the fuck not james!?"

Ouch that one hurt. he's never heard his real name leave Tony's lips before. It was always a nickname or simply Bucky. He especially hasn't heard him say it like it's something wrong and disgusting.

"because!"

Tony rolls his eyes and heads towards the front door.

"I'm leaving. You're wasting m-"

Tony stands there in shock as Bucky back hugs the shit out of him. Bucky cries into Tony's hair as he holds Tony tight. He then breaks out into an Italian song Tony's mum used to sing when Bucky came for a sleep over. It used to always put the boys to sleep. After he finishes his voice completely cracks.

"don't leave me Tony. Please! Just don't leave. Stay"

Bucky loses all hope and sanity when he feels Tony squirm and breaks out of his hold. He watches Tony walk away without looking back. he drops to the ground as he hears tony say "I'll never forgive you. just remember you made your bed. Now you get to sleep in it. Goodbye James." And just like that he was gone.

Time passed by slowly and what felt like years rolled by and soon Bucky and his friends graduated. He tried to be happy but he just couldn't. Not yet anyway. He spent the remainder of high school trying to become better man.

"I hope this plan on yours works out Bucky"

"it will Stevie. It will"

"and if it doesn't?"

"then I don't know what I'll do. I need him back in my life Stevie and I'm not gonna wait any longer. It's been 3 years and we need to sit down and talk"

"all right Bucky. But just remember you always have a home here and we will always have your back"

"I know. Thanks Stevie"

"don't thank me just yet. Now hurry up and pack. Your flight leaves tomorrow morning. Don't make the crew regret saving up to purchase that ticket for you"

"aye aye Captain!"

Bucky laughs as Steve rolls his eyes before leaving to go talk to his girlfriend Peggy. He smiles as he watches them hug and kiss. One day when the dust settles he hopes he can have that with Tony.

It took him half a week to realize that not only does he miss Tony but he had been in love with the guy. Took him talking to Natasha about it to realize that he had already known and turned that love into hatred because he was scared. He had apologised to Steve because he was the scapegoat but Steve just rolled his eyes and told him not to do it again.

The next day Bucky finds himself in London. His mum had used his college money to purchase him a house there and once he settles in is when all hell breaks loose because who happens to be his neighbor??

"James?"

"Tony"

The two stare at each other in shock. Everything comes crashing down after that

#winteriron #why are my ideas so angsty?#do with it as you please

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juliussneezerfics · 5 years

Text

His Past, His Present, His Future - Chapter 14: A Disaster and a Half

Truth or Dare... or drink finally happens. Drunken shenanigans ensue. Japan worries about the others.

Ao3

*******************

The rest of the day passed in a haze. Germany enjoyed reading his books and the newspaper under the shade of his umbrella, Italy occasionally coming over to join him and take a nap on the sand. At one point, Spain came over and carried Romano to the water, dumping him in. The others reveled in the protest Romano gave, shouting profanities and squirming in Spain’s arms as he carried Romano bridal style. After Romano stood up from the water, still scowling, he was quick to forgive Spain after he brushed Romano’s hair out of his face and gave him a salty peck on the lips.

At last, the sun was going down. Seborga built a fire only after he assured Japan that he would clean up after it. They were sitting around the fire, the air starting to cool around them as the heat of the flame warmed their tanned skin.

They were situated around the fire with Seborga seated by the insulated bag. He pulled out several shot glasses and a bottle of tequila. He poured the shots as the others passed them around, waiting for the game to begin.

“Okay, I’ll go first.” Seborga volunteered. “Whoever here is a virgin, take a shot.”

Japan chuckled. “That’s not how the game works.”

“Ah-ah!” Seborga protested, lifting his shot glass. “My tequila, my rules. Now all virgins drink.”

Germany flushed with embarrassment as only he and Italy took a shot.

Noticing his blush, Spain laughed. “No shame, Germany! It’s kinda’ sweet!”

Germany grunted, staring down at the sand.

“Yes, and Italy is one too.” Japan observed with a faint grin. “You’re not alone, Germany. No need for concern.”

Germany sent a level glare to Japan as his blush deepened. This was humiliating. And Japan was here teasing him, the little shit.

“It’s okay, Germany!” Italy said, a slight flush already on his cheeks from the booze.

Germany grunted. “I can drink you all under the table, though.”

“I hold my alcohol best out of my brothers. Even better than Italy!” Seborga challenged with a smug grin.

“What about Romano?” Germany asked.

Spain snorted. “He’ll be wasted the moment he takes his first shot. He’s a real lightweight, and alcohol hits him faster than anyone I’ve ever seen!”

“Hey!”

“Can you say I’m lying?” Spain asked.

Romano slumped slightly. “No.”

“You go, Japan.” Seborga commanded.

Japan paused, surprised. “Oh. Okay, um... Spain. Truth or dare?”

“Dare. Momma’ didn’t raise a coward.” Spain answered.

“What Momma’?” Germany asked. “We’re nations.”

Spain waved a dismissive hand. “Doesn’t matter. Dare.”

Japan nodded. There was a period of silence as he tried to think of a dare. “Go in the ocean until the water gets up to your neck.”

Spain’s eyes widened. “What? No! It’s so cold! I only just got dry!”

“You already found his weakness.” Romano had an evil grin. “The cold.”

“So you won’t do it?” Japan asked, a rare expression of challenge on his face.

Spain returned the expression, though his look of challenge appeared more reluctant. “I will!” He stood, brushing the sand off his trunks as he gingerly paced down to the seaside. He paused, his chest expanding as he took a deep breath. He made it up to his ankles before he retreated, sprinting back to the fire. “I can’t! I tried. I did my best, okay? But I can’t!”

Germany chuckled as Spain rested his feet in front of the fire.

“Oh, that’s good. Warms me right up.”

“The tequila will warm you up more.” Seborga snickered. “Drink up.”

Spain tossed back the shot glass. “Worth it.”

“Your go then, Spain!” Italy cheered as he refilled his shot glass. He offered it to Germany.

Germany took it and refilled his own.

“Okay...” Spain looked around with an evil smirk. “Italy.”

“Hmm?” Italy hummed, looking excited.

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

Romano coughed. “Pussy.”

Italy giggled. “Fine, then, dare!”

“I dare you to curse.” Spain said.

Italy raised an eyebrow. “I curse all the time.”

“No, I mean I want you to drop an ‘f’ bomb.” Spain clarified.

“What are you, ten?” Romano asked. “Just say fucking fuck like a goddamn adult!”

Italy laughed at Romano’s outburst. “That’s really your dare?”

“Yup!”

“Okay then, fuck.” Italy shrugged his shoulders. “I’m 2,000 years old. It’s not like it’s a big deal!”

Spain grunted. “Fine, then.”

Germany raised an eyebrow. It was almost like Spain wanted Italy to get wasted. Not that he was surprised. Despite his hardworking spirit, Spain could be a party animal.

“Okay, my turn!” Italy said. “Germany.”

“Yes?”

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“I truth you to pick dare.”

The tequila in Germany caused him to laugh. “What? You can’t do that.”

“Tequila-owner-override!” Seborga declared, waving the bottle around as evidence. “I’ll allow it.”

“This isn’t court!” Germany protested.

“Bold of you to assume we care, muscle-head.” Romano added with a devilish smirk. “You have to do it.”

“Fine, dare.”

Italy bounced. “Sing ‘Bubblegum Bitch’ by MARINA!”

The Italian brothers burst into laughter, leaving everyone else confused.

Germany glanced around, feeling disconcerted by the others’ reactions. “... what’s that?”

Seborga messed around on his phone for a minute. “Wait, I’ll show you. Oh, mio Dio...” He lifted his phone, the song playing.

Germany grew slowly more and more aghast as he listened to the lyrics, shaking his head when they got to the chorus.

Spain laughed gleefully at the image of Germany singing the lyrics. Japan found it within himself to chuckle quietly to himself, despite the pinkness in his face from the racy lyrics.

Germany had enough. “Stop the song, stop it!” He knocked back a shot. “I don’t care how many shots I have to take, I’m not doing it.”

“I might just take you up on that!” Italy said. “Another shot for refusal.”

Germany delighted in a warm feeling that spread from his stomach through his entire body. Like he swallowed a shot of hot coffee instead. He smiled a bit. “I thought I just took a shot for refusal.”

“Then take another!” Italy leaned forward, peering at Germany through heavily-lidded eyes. “Unless you’re too chicken...”

Much to Germany’s dismay, he felt a blush rise to his cheeks. He was unsure whether this was from Italy’s proximity, or from the drink that was finally taking effect. He hoped desperately that his sunburn would cover this. He swallowed his nerves, though, and made a fierce eye contact as he lifted his shot glass in a toasting motion. He relished how Italy’s smirk fell before he tossed his head back, taking the shot. He dimly registered Spain’s wolf whistle in the background. As Germany screwed his eyes shut from the burn of the tequila, he heard Romano’s amused voice.

“The bastard has no shame.”

“Stop, Romano!” Italy responded, sounding unusually flustered.

“Come on! You were licking your- ow!”

Germany opened his eyes, coughing. He could see that Spain was chiding Romano about something, but he was unable to hear what. The cough passed, and Germany could see that Italy had a fierce blush on his face. “What’s wrong?”

Italy laughed nervously. “Nothing.”

An uncharacteristically smug smirk found its way to Germany’s face. “I know exactly what your problem is.” He leaned toward Italy slightly. In his inebriated state, he found it difficult to maintain space between them.

There was only the crackling of the campfire as Italy swallowed. “What?”

“You’re worried that I can hold my liquor better than you!” Germany declared, sitting back as he held back his impulses.

Japan sighed heavily.

“Damn it.” Seborga muttered.

Italy’s mouth split into a grin as he took another shot, his nose wrinkling with the bitter taste. “There. Did it!”

“Hmm... not bad.” Germany allowed. “Seborga. Give me the tequila.”

“Hey hey, this is Truth or dare or drink. Not drink.. and drink and drink and drink.” Seborga protested with a grin. “Besides, I’m still way too sober for a drinking competition.”

“Plus,” Japan added. “You’ve already taken three shots, Germany. Anything more before the alcohol really hits is too dangerous.”

Germany grunted. He was looking forward to a drinking competition. “Fine. Who hasn’t gone yet?”

“I haven’t.” Japan volunteered. “But Mr. Seborga hasn’t either. Or Mr. Romano.”

“Seborga, please!” Seborga protested. “We’re all friends here, Japan!”

“Okay...” Germany looked at all three of the nations, wondering which one to pick on first. His gaze landed on Japan. Japan would likely be most comfortable with Germany daring him... or truthing him. “Japan. Truth, or dare?”

“Truth.” Japan answered.

Germany hummed. “What’s your favorite breed of dog?”

“That’s a shitty question!” Romano protested.

Germany sighed. “There's no such thing as a shitty dog-related question. And I’m not going to ask him anything bad, he’s the only one of us three not wasted. He’s officially our designated driver.”

“Yes!” Italy sat up straight and pointed at Japan, his flush more evident now. “Designated driver! Japan, you’re officially designated! I designated you!”

Germany scoffed. “I designated him first,”

“Well I was the one who pointed! Look!” Italy pointed his finger again, demonstrating.

“Nice pointing, bro. I’ve never been more proud.” Despite the deadpan tone of Seborga’s voice, he had his usual grin.

Italy gave Seborga a heartfelt smile. “Aww... Seborga!”

“Oh God, he thinks you’re being serious.” Romano shook his head.

Germany’s focus was honed in. He desperately needed an answer. “Favorite dog, Japan, don’t try to avoid it.”

“Shiba Inu. Easy.” Japan answered.

Germany nodded sagely. “Ja... I like German shepherds.”

“Of course you do, you egomaniac.” Romano muttered.

Germany frowned. “South Italy, you’re mean to me... maybe you need a dog. Dogs make people happy. I have three. Blackie, Berlitz, and Aster. Do you have any pets?”

Romano raised his eyebrows. “The kraut’s cracked.”

“Not crack.” Germany raised his empty shot glass and gave it a helpful little wiggle. “Alcohol.” He snorted.

Italy joined him, chortling. “Nice one.”

Seborga, Japan, and Spain laughed along, though their laughter was more directed at the nations than the pitiful joke.

“I suppose I have to go again.” Japan realized after the laughter had died down. “Romano.”

“Oh, God.”

“Truth, or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Um...”

Romano raised an eyebrow.

“What is your favorite dog?”

Italy laughed unnecessarily hard at this.

“Really? It’s finally my turn, and you don’t even have a good one!”

“I’m better at dares.” Japan admitted.

“Fine then. Dare.”

Japan hummed, thinking. “Give Germany a hug.”

Romano knocked back a shot without hesitation. He coughed at the taste, not even chiding Spain as he reached over and patted him on the back. “That’s disgusting.”

“But effective, right?” Spain said.

Romano ignored him. “Okay, Seborga. You’re all who’s left.”

“Ah, so you saved the best for last!” He winked.

“Oh, God. Truth, or dare?”

“Truth.” Seborga decided.

Romano sat up. “You were the fucker who stole my favorite tie in 1894, weren’t you?”

Seborga laughed. “You’re still on that?”

“You bet your saggy ass I’m still on that!”

“Then yes, I was.”

“Son of a bitch!” Romano lurched forward, stumbling over his steps as he attempted to tackle Seborga.

“Whoa, whoa, ‘Mano! Watch the fire!” Spain grabbed Romano by the hood of his jacket, pulling him backward.

Romano stumbled over his own feet, landing in Spain’s lap. “Fuck you.” He muttered.

“Yeah, yeah.” Spain smiled down at the man in his lap.

Romano curled into himself, tucking his head into the crook of Spain’s neck. “Goddamn... I could’ve taken him. Fucking pussy-ass bitch. Coulda’ done it.”

Seborga was doubled over, laughing so hard that his voice was reduced to a wheeze.

“Of course you could, Romano.” Spain encouraged, failing to keep from giggling.

“I hear you, bastard.” Despite his words, he stayed in his position. The circle around the fire was small, so Germany was able to hear as Romano sniffed deeply, followed by a satisfied hum.

Spain giggled, tightening his hold around his boyfriend.

“Aww, how sweet!” Seborga cooed with a wicked smile on his face.

Romano said nothing, instead choosing to wiggle his arm out of Spain’s hold and flip Seborga the bird.

Germany turned as Italy started laughing beside him. He found himself smiling at the blush on Italy’s cheeks. He mused that Italy looked sweet when he was tipsy. Germany on the other hand knew that his entire face, neck, and even his ears were covered with an intense blush whenever he drank. And shots? Shots were something else.

“Okay, and we’re back full circle.” Seborga said. “We should probably take a break so the shots will finally catch up to everyone. Then we can start the drinking competition!”

“I don’t think that’s wise.” Japan advised. “I would advise a four shot limit.”

Italy gasped. “Japan, you’re so sweet! Look at you, taking care of us!” He leaned over and wrapped his arms around Japan in a hug. Or he would have, had Japan not reached forward and caught Italy’s forehead in his hand.

“Not around the fire, Italy.”

Italy slumped down in the sand with a pitiful groan. “But Japan, I want a hug!”

“I’d give you a hug, Italy.” Spain volunteered. “But I’m already holding someone.”

“It’s not holding, bastard.” Romano protested. “I'm using you as a chair.”

“Mm-hmm.”

Italy grunted, sitting up. “Fine.”

Germany reached over and ruffled Italy’s hair. “It’s okay. Maybe they’ll let you give hugs when you’re sober.”

Italy looked over to him. “I’m already sober!”

“This is sober?” Germany asked.

“Yup!”

Germany found himself loosening up quite a bit, not caring as he started laughing. “You’re about as sober as Romano.”

“Fuck you.” Romano replied, burrowing himself further in Spain’s arms.

Germany snorted again. The tequila was definitely hitting. “Like you could.” He muttered with a slight smile.

“Like I’d want to.” Romano replied without hesitation.

Japan’s eyes widened at Germany’s response.

“Holy hell.” Spain giggled. “That’s out of character, Germany!”

“Germany, how long has it been since you took your first shot?” Seborga asked.

Germany just shrugged with a smile. He thought of how he probably looked. He imagined that the next day Sober Germany would want to come back and strangle drunk Germany. Well fuck sober Germany! Germany looked up as there was laughter sounding around the campfire. “Why are you laughing?”

“Because you just said ‘fuck sober Germany’!” Italy explained with a laugh.

Germany looked down at the sand. “I did?” That was out loud?

Japan nodded, laughing. "You had a lot of conviction, too. It is good to see you so passionate about this."

“Well however long ago it was, Seborga,” Spain began. “I think it’s been long enough. The shots have finally hit.”

“Finally!” Seborga refilled his shot glass, taking it without a struggle. He downed a second one, then a third. “Wait, is it even a drinking competition with a four shot limit?”

“At this point it’s laughing at drunkenness.” Germany decided.

Japan nodded. “Much safer. Not safe, but safer.”

“Seborga! Pass the tequila!” Italy reached his arm forward and made a grabbing motion.

Seborga tossed over the bottle.

Italy caught it, unscrewing the cap.

“How is it you’re more coordinated when you’re drunk than when you’re sober?” Germany asked.

Italy beamed at him as he poured another shot. “I told you, Germany, I’m still sober!” He didn’t notice as he overfilled his shot glass, causing tequila to spill over his hand.

Japan reached over and took the bottle from Italy. “That’s enough for you...”

Italy pouted, but he downed another shot.

Germany tried not to stare at Italy’s neck as he swallowed the shot. Tried not to think about how much he would like to lean over and mark it... mark Italy... He blinked. That would be nice... to just lean over and kiss his neck. Wouldn’t that be nice?

“Germany?”

Germany blinked again, shocked out of his stupor. He nodded, realizing he had been staring at Italy. “Ja.”

Italy raised an eyebrow as he giggled. “I don’t understand you sometimes.”

Germany nodded again.

“Oh God, they’re hopeless.” Spain laughed.

“Can I take my last shot now?” Germany pleaded, tuning out Spain.

Japan furrowed his brow, handing Germany the bottle. “Just one, then I get the bottle back. Okay?”

“Okay.”

“Promise?” Japan asked.

Germany cracked a smile. “You’re nice, Japan. It’s because you have a dog, isn’t it?”

“Nooo!” Italy protested, drawing out the word. “He’s jus’ a nice person!” His words were starting to slur.

Germany nodded sagely, considering Japan with seriousness. “Ja... Japan, you’re nice.”

Japan cracked a smile. “Thank you. Now do you promise just one shot?”

“Of course I promise!” Germany said. “A German is worth nothing if he’s not worth his honor.”

Romano stirred, looking at Germany. “No, a German is just worth nothing.”

Germany sighed, choosing not to say anything. He was just concentrating on pouring his shot. The tequila came out of the bottle in a thin trickle. He held the glass up to eye level.

Seborga snorted, his ears turning red. “Need some help there, Germany?”

“Mm-mm.” He straightened the bottle. It looked like a shot, right? After a moment of consideration, he poured a final splash in the glass. “Done.”

“Finally! I thought we’d be sitting here forever!” Spain laughed. “Can I have some of that?”

Germany looked to Japan for permission.

Japan nodded.

“Okay.” Germany handed Spain the bottle, Spain shifting Romano in his arms as he reached forward and grabbed it.

Germany took his shot, the alcohol taking effect much faster than the other shots had. He suspected it was already the drink taking effect, and he found himself letting loose high-pitch giggles. He felt funny. He had been drunk before, he’d been drunk many times. He was a nation, after all. But it always felt outrageous!

“Wha’ isit, Germany?” Italy asked. As his words slurred, his Italian accent became thicker. Like he was stuck somewhere between Italian and English.

Germany chortled. “I dunno’.”

Italy joined in his drunken laughter, leaning against Germany.

Germany hissed in a breath, pulling away. “Ow!”

“Wha’s wrong?”

Germany looked at Italy apologetically. “Shoulder hurts.”

“I’m sorry... I fer-got ‘bout your sunburn.” Italy said. “Here, make it better!” He leaned forward and gave Germany’s shoulder a little kiss before pulling away. “There! Fixed it!”

Germany’s eyes widened, his blush returning full force.

“Is that really the best you can do, fratello?” Seborga challenged.

“Huh?” Italy asked.

“I dare you to kiss Germany!”

Germany turned. “Huh?”

Romano opened his eyes and snickered.

Japan peered over at Seborga, looking fully engrossed, if not concerned at the exchange.

“I jus’ kissed ‘im!” Italy said.

“I mean a mouth kiss, silly.” Seborag clarified, leaning forward.

Germany’s jaw dropped. “A what?”

“What’s a kiss between bros? Besides, you’re already at your four shot limit, Germany. You can’t refuse!”

With his drunken logic, Germany realized Seborga was right. He then decided that even if he hadn’t reached his four shot limit, he wouldn’t have refused. However, he wasn’t sure how comfortable Italy was with this. He looked at Japan for help, already knowing he wasn’t going to get it.

Japan gave him a shrug with a small smile. Of course.

Germany looked over to Italy, surprised at the look he saw from him. He saw a serene smile on his face. He was looking at Germany with heavily-lidded eyes. “I’m up for it if youare... I think I’ve reached my limit on shots.”

Germany raised an eyebrow. “I outdrank you?”

Italy nodded. “So, you up for it?”

“It’s not like I can refuse.” Germany said.

Italy’s face fell.

Germany panicked. He didn’t mean it like that, he was telling the truth! That didn’t mean he didn’t want to kiss Italy, heaven knew he wanted to for the past several decades! He managed to screw up this opportunity, too? “No, tha’- tha’s not what I meant, I... ja, let’s just do it. Get it done.”

Italy smiled a bit. He leaned forward.

Germany leaned forward also. It was a little awkward, what with sitting on the sand and leaning forward, not touching each other, but it was a first kiss. It was supposed to be awkward. And Germany was ready. He was so damn ready. And now when his inhibitions weren’t around... they were so close. He was about to close his eyes, when Italy stopped.

Italy’s eyes widened, his face paling before he leaned to the side and vomited.

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yeehaw-sphnix-blog · 5 years

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!!!!!!!

sksks im so fucking dull and boring so this isn't gonna be interesting

tagged by @iffy-outlaw (ive never been tagged with like questions or anything so likkke HHHH)

rules: answer 21 questions and tag 21 people you want to get to know better

nickname: i really don't have one. my name is keirah. everyone calls me keirah for the most part unless they don't so.

height: 5'5 or 5'6 maybe? somewhere around there.

last movie i saw: good will hunting w/ robin williams and matt damon jEsuS fuck is that a phenomenal movie

favorite artists: green day, the doors, the beatles, tool, placebo, pearl jam, twenty one pilots, muse, chris cornell, jack white, michael jackson, and many, many others. trust me.

song stuck in my head: lakini's juice by live

do i get asks: never lol

other blogs: i have an old shit one floating around this website somewhere but i don't remember the name. besides that, this is my only account.

following: maybe 80 or something i don't remember. i dont like following too many people. going through my tumblr everyday is a fucking pain and takes me like an hour.

amount of sleep: no exact number but all i know for sure is that its definitely not consistent.

lucky number: 111 idk why. always pops up in my life at the right time it seems. if that makes any sense.

what i'm wearing: an x-men t-shirt and some panic at the disco pajama pants. im a fucking child i know.

dream job: im not entirely sure yet. ive always wanted to pursue a career in the arts but im not very good at like music or drawing or anything like that. i would call myself creative, i know i have the potential to do those things im just lazy and unskilled. maybe music. but i also really enjoy writing, science, psychology, that sort of thing. i honestly have no idea. right now i just kinda wanna work at a subway. idk why. seems like a good job. i like sandwiches.

fav food: im a vaccum cleaner ill eat pretty much anything but i really like steak, italian food, anything that's awful for me pretty much.

dream trip: i've always realllly really really wanted to go to ireland. take my family there, be able to see all the structures and shit. if i had it my way id go literally every place i could in the world (as an american). i also would love to go to florida again. idk why i just love really humid, hot, gross, sticky weather. if its so humid that i stop breathing for a second then i am pleased. maybe go to new zealand, germany, and egypt one day too idk.

do you play any instruments: i play concert percussion. im not good. i mean i kinda am. i can sorta play bass guitar but like thats it.

languages: obviously english and a little conversational german.

favorite song: i have too fucking many. thats a post in itself. one that comes to mind rn is scared of girls by placebo.

random fact: there was this one time in 4th grade where we had to run around our gymnasium like 28 times in under 12 minutes (i think 28 laps was equivalent to mile) and i did and i got on the top runners list and i was really proud of myself and i have never gotten any sort of achievement for athletically excelling in something since then so that says alot about me.

describe yourself as aesthetic things: (i tried my best i apologize) humid rainy days, brightly painted mexican restaurants that you see in really shitty parts of neighborhoods (you know what i am talking about), the smell of antique stores, bustling big cities at night, shitty gas station coffee, a blanket that just came out of the dryer, the sound of someone screaming "i wanna big titty goth girlfriend" in an echoey cavern, itchy cooch, and sore kneecaps

im really sorry i cant take things seriously✌️🤠

that was alot of fun actually. also not gonna tag 21 people because not to be rude but i don't think there are 21 people on this app that i want to know more about and i don't wanna seem annoying so ill only tag a couple. plus i only know like 2 people so.. heh👊👊 sorry for breaking the rules not lol rules are for quitters and also sorry to bother the 4 people i tagged i apologize forgive me for my sins i hate inconveniencing people ok gBYe

@pollypocketlizard @basicallyreece @ohorthur @mailordercowboy

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nowherelinnea · 7 years

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pksp headcanons!!!

(Hi everyone!!! I thought about sharing the headcanons I often use when writing fanfictions for the italian blog “Pokemon Courage”. My english is a bit rusty so please forgive me <3)

- Silver finds puns so fucking hilarious

- Silver loves mecha and has a massive collection of action figures

- Gold's general behaviour in HG/SS got me thinking he's more insecure that he lets on. This is in part true because he kinda implied that himself in various monologues, but I kinda "decided" the extent of that myself. He is mad at society for thinking he's a good for nothing, but secretly thinks the same. He hardly finds the motivation to fight his reputation and subconsciously keeps acting like that in front of others to hide his general discomfort in thinking he's not good at anything.

- Crystal kinda looks like the kind of person who could be a teenage single mom.

- Blue gets mad at Silver whenever he doesn't agree with her, sometimes this evolves in a typical bro-sis fist fight - although Silver never hits back.

- Red likes playing basket.

- Altough his heart of gold is quite evident, at times Red can be a douchebag but never about serious matters (based on how he acted at the start of pksp).

- Green was forced by his family to learn to play the piano as a part of his education. He was never really interested but he has a good voice and is also skilled with the guitar. When he was an angry teenager he played in some cover band, mostly playing Linkin Park songs and some other angsty shit.

- Silver and Gold understand each other very well.

- They sometimes freestyle, but they are very shitty at it and mostly insult each other in rhymes.

- Yellow and Silver are very good friends and often chill together in the Viridian forest.

- Silver is also friends with Dia, altough they are very different they both really like robots.

- Blue and Y are really good friends.

- People often compare Y and X's relationship and looks to Blue and Silver's.

- Crystal and Yellow do crossfit together.

- After FRLG Green and Silver became friends, Blue is very bummed out and finds this new dynamic pretty boring.

- If he tries hard enough, Gold is actually pretty good with women.

- Silver tends to cope with the lack of affection by sleeping with random people. That does more harm than good of course...

- People hardly believe it when they hear abt it because he is so silent and shy

- Before HGSS Crystal and Silver mostly ignored each other. After, though, they became good friends and Crys finds Silver kinda cute in a puppy way(???), and ofter spoils him as she would do with a child. Gold is lowkey jealous and feels left out at times. That of course means he'll rile Silver and Crystal up (mostly Crys tbh, Silv is way too chill, he would have gotten mad when he was younger but not anymore).

- Silver is a real gentleman. He hold doors open for girls and shit.

- Green drinks a lot. He does not have a problem with alcohol, he just likes drinking rum with his coffee and chill after a hard day with a glass of brandy or whatever.

- Gold and Silver are stoners.

- Altough this kinda clashes with the headcanon above Gold becomes at some point a professional athlete. Though he does not have the mind for it.

-Gold’s parties are LIT.

-As children, Green and Daisy did not get along at all.

-Green has a tattoo of his Charizard on his arm.

-Silver is as vain as you’d expect any other member of the water team to be. He never has a hair out of place.

-At some point Gold gets an undercut. JUST THINK ABOUT IT!!!

-Gold and Red are BFFs. They often run around with a skateboard and a bike respectively. They are the typical jocks.

-Platina and Blue are friends.

-Blue is a computer engineer.

-Gold is very smart. He probably would be good with physics??? (kinda like Undertale’s Sans. They are very similar to me)

-Silver HATES when people tell him he doesn’t talk much.

#pokespe #pokemon special #pokemon adventures

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everettv · 7 years

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The Cold of the Sea

Hetalia Rare Pair Week 2017 Day 3: AmeIta, Gold @hetaliaotpchallenges Alfred dashes to the front of his ship, smiling brightly. He leans over the edge of the boat and looks down into the ocean. “Wow! It’s so clear!” He says happily. Alfred stands up straighter and glances back at his older brother who scoffs at him. “If you’re going to be on a ship to America, a luxury ship at that, you need to control yourself.” Arthur scolds, sniffing softly at his little brother’s actions. “Honestly, when Mum and Dad bought this trip for us to visit them, I think they would have assumed that you’d act more like an adult.” Arthur starts for the inside again, the outside air being quite cold. Alfred sighs softly and looks out over the water. It was going to take several days for them to reach America at the rate they’re going, and though he quite enjoyed living there when he was younger, he isn’t really looking forward to being cooped up for that long. His eyes linger on the ocean, loving the way it looks, before he turns. He immediately crashes into someone else, sending them sprawling to the ground. Alfred gasps and helps him up. “I am so sorry!” He says, brushing the dirt off of the other person’s shirt. Feliciano giggles and grabs his hands. “It’s okay, don’t worry about it. It was just as much my fault as it was yours.” Feliciano responds and let’s go, smiling brightly. His eyes glitter in amusement and Alfred finds himself staring at the golden colour. “Oh… Okay.” Alfred licks his lips and tears his gaze away. “Your accent is strange, where are you from? I was born in America and then taken to England when I was young. Now I’m headed back because my parents live there and wanted a visit.” He smiles softly. Feliciano nods as he listens. “I’m from Italy but was taken to England. I was adopted because my parents died and my grandfather didn’t have the means to take care of me.” Feliciano tilts his head a bit. “I’m going to America because I found out where my brother ended up. My parents paid for me to get a first class ticket, and I’m really excited. This is the prettiest ship I’ve ever been on!” He hums. Alfred nods. “Oh my parents paid for first class too. So I guess I’ll see you in the dinner room, right?” He asks gently. Feliciano nods excitedly then checks his pocket watch. He frowns slightly at it then shrugs. “I have to go. I will sit with you in dining, alright?” Feliciano gives another easy smile then goes to his room. He sits down in his room and starts to write another letter that he is to send as soon as he lands in New York. He smiles and tucks it into an envelope before laying back on his bed and closing his eyes. He’s heard about the many things offered by the staff that allowed them to have fun while they are on the ship, but he doesn’t want to do any of it. He’s scared of sailing and the ocean. Feliciano covers his face with his arm and sobs softly, wishing that he didn’t have to do any of this. He misses Lovino so much, though. Alfred smiles at Feliciano, running a hand through his hair. His unintentionally drags his eyes over the entirety of the Italian’s form before he disappears behind a corner. Alfred dashes inside to where his brother is reading, tossing himself into a chair beside Arthur. “You know what? I think that this ride might not actually be that horrible.” Arthur raises an eyebrow at the sudden change in attitude. “Oh yeah? And what changed, hm? It’s only been, what, half an hour?” He doesn’t listen to Alfred’s response, just checks his pocket watch. “Supper will be served in a couple hours. Keep yourself busy but remember to wash up and change into something nice by then.” And Alfred remembers to. He adjusts his tie nervously, heading into the dining room. He looks around, meeting the warm golden ones of his new found friend from across the room. The blond smiles brightly and dashes over to him, pulling him into a hard hug. Feliciano blushes and hugs him, smiling a bit. Feliciano lets go before anyone can noticed that it was too long. He follows Alfred over to where Arthur is sitting. “Artie! This is my new friend… Um…” Alfred looks at Feliciano, who laughs softly. “My name is Feliciano. You are… Arthur I’m guessing?” He holds his hand out and politely shakes the Brit’s hand before sitting beside him. “Don’t you just think that this ship is absolutely marvelous? Nothing wrong with travelling in style.” Feliciano hides his smile behind a hand, looking up when a waiter pours them all flutes of champagne. Feliciano delicately picks his up and takes a sip. Arthur is shocked for a moment before nodding. He shakes Feliciano’s hand and smiles in response. “Really now, Alfred, making friends without even asking for names. Especially from such a charming young man. I do agree, the ship is absolutely marvelous.” Arthur thanks the waiter and glances at the bubbling substance before returning his gaze to Feliciano. “Do forgive my brother. He was raised under different expectations than I was, and he is quite a bit… Er… Shall we say reckless?” He smiles. Feliciano giggles and turns his gaze to Alfred. “It’s okay. I find that I quite enjoy to live life more recklessly than most.” Feliciano responds, eyes glittering again. He just has to pretend to like being on the ship when he’s around other people, no matter how much his stomach is churning. Alfred frowns at Arthur then smiles brightly at Feliciano again. “Don’t worry, Arthur is just being a prick.” Alfred responds and smirks at his brother’s indignant huff. Arthur watches Feliciano and Alfred talking, watches the way their eyes sparkle as they bond and looks down at down at his dish. That night, before they retire, he grasps Feliciano’s arm. “You would do well not to fall in love with Alfred. I do not care, but there are others on this ship who would look down upon it. It’s unwise to show those affections in public.” Arthur says quietly. Feliciano pauses, pulling his arm out of Arthur’s grip with a nod. “Please heed my warning. I would hate for something to happen to Alfred because of this. After this journey, don’t speak to him again.” Feliciano watches Arthur go, eyes flat gold. “I hear you.” He whispers. “But isn’t that up to Alfred and I, not you?” He asks coldly. “Do the world a favour, let him make his own decisions if you want him to act like an adult.” He walks away and heads to his room. The next day, despite being angry at what Arthur said, he avoids Alfred like the plague. He knows Arthur is right, and he also doesn’t want to get hurt before he can reunite with his brother. Midway through the third day on the ship, he comes to realize that avoiding Alfred is a little harder than expected. Alfred looks down at him with fierce eyes. “Why have you been avoiding me? Did Arthur say something to you? Because it’s bullshit.” Alfred walks into Feliciano’s room. The Italian smiles in amusement and closes the door behind him, shaking his head a bit. “You’re supposed to be invited in, silly.” He teases and leans against his door. Alfred turns to him and pouts. “I was trying… I was trying to stay away from you before I developed unhealthy feelings. Too late…” He gives a sad smile. “Arthur warned me not to fall for you, but you were just so much fun to talk to and I did it anyway…” Feliciano blushes lightly and moves so Alfred could leave if he wants. Alfred pauses and stares at Feliciano. “You fell in love… In such a short amount of time?” Alfred asks. He blushes a bit. “Doesn’t that only happen in fairytales and shitty Shakespeare plays?” He runs a hand through his hair slowly and pulls Feliciano into a hug. “I don’t feel the same way, but I do have a crush on you.” He whispers, tilting Feliciano’s head up and kissing him lightly on the lips. Feliciano is stunned for a moment but kisses back, gently holding the front of his shirt. They lay in the bed together, Feliciano’s head resting on Alfred’s chest. He talks about nothing and everything all at once while Alfred listens. He runs his fingers through Feliciano’s hair and stares at the ceiling, a content smile on his lips. He never imagined that he would find someone like him, especially not on a ship. He’s shocked that Arthur saw before he did. Feliciano gets up at dinner time, sighing. “We musn’t do this again until tomorrow. Meet me after supper. That would be around ten pm.” Feliciano opens his watch and then smiles a bit, nodding. “So, we have to stay away from each other tomorrow. Especially around your brother.” Feliciano runs a hand through his hair and starts to clean himself up for dinner, adjusting his tie. He notices Alfred leave, and then goes up to the dining room. He makes a point of sitting nearby, but not close to Alfred. They can see each other from across the tables. Halfway through dinner, Feliciano notices Alfred making faces at him and has to stifle a giggle behind one of his hands. He shakes his head at Alfred, trying to get him to stop before he chokes on his dinner. Alfred doesn’t stop, so Feliciano retaliates by making faces in return, causing Alfred to actually choke on his dinner and Arthur to smack his back until he can breath again. Feliciano laughs loudly in response to that, drawing attention to himself. He waves away the eyes and finishes his food. That night, Feliciano is out on the freezing deck wrapped in a blanket and looking up at the stars. He looks back when someone opens a door nearby, sighing softly. “Hey, Alfie.” He murmurs, looking back up at the sky. “This isn’t fair.” He whispers. Alfred hugs him softly from behind and shakes his head, kissing his cheek. “It’s okay, Feli. We’ll get a small house wherever we decide to live and we’ll get a small house. We’ll live there together and no one will ever know.” Alfred whispers in his ear, an empty pipe dream. Feliciano nods along, like he understands the whole thing. They stand together like that, neither really knowing just how long, but giving in and returning to their rooms when their lips turn blue. Feliciano spends the next day sketching people and giving them away, a smile on his lips. He absolutely loves to draw. Arthur gets him to draw himself and Alfred, and Feliciano gladly does so. He hands over the sketch when he’s done with a brilliant smile. At lunch Feliciano does it again, this time only drawing Alfred. He wants to have something that he can remember Alfred by when they leave. He’s certain he will never see Alfred after their time on the ship together. After lunch Feliciano plays cards with a few strangers, smoking as he does so. He enjoys it quite a bit, though the cigarettes choked him a bit at first. He loses some of his money in the game but can’t bring himself to care very much. Feliciano finds himself on the desk watching the water again after he’s done, stomach churning at the rough waves. “How much longer?” He whispers to himself. Dinner is uneventful, in Feliciano’s opinion. He’s glad for the big events distracting everyone when Alfred slips into his room that night. Alfred smiles at Feliciano, locking the door and pulling him close, nuzzling into his hair. Feliciano relaxes against him, closing his eyes. This time, Alfred talks about nothing and everything at once. Feliciano is glad to hear all about Alfred. Panicked screams from outside the door causes Feliciano to burst into the hallway and head onto the deck to find out what’s happening. He turns to Alfred, who had followed him closely, and takes a few deep breaths to calm himself. “The ship hit an iceberg. It’s sinking.” He whispers. Alfred holds Feliciano’s arms tightly and looks toward where they are loading the lifeboats up. “I’ll see if we can get on those. Wait here.” He whispers, heading over to the officer helping load it up. Alfred returns a few moments later. “They want women and children first, then we can get on.” He assures Feliciano. “They want us to put on our life jackets from our rooms and wait either in there or the lounge until some room opens up.” He smiles comfortingly. Feliciano nods and gets his jacket on. Both wait in Feliciano’s room. By the time the water reaches them, both realize there’s no hope left for them. Alfred presses his lips to Feliciano’s softly and strokes his hair. “This… This was fun, Feliciano. I’m sorry you didn’t get to see your brother again.” He whispers. Feliciano closes his eyes and shakes his head. “I knew it was too good to be true.” Feliciano responds softly. Alfred sighs and holds his hands tightly. “I think… That this is going to be horribly cold and painful.” Feliciano whispers, burying his face in Alfred’s chest. Alfred stands up, pulling Feliciano with him and out to the deck. The ship is on it’s end and sinking quickly. “Maybe… Maybe if we jump in the water… Maybe we’ll make it until they can rescue us.” He says. Feliciano finds himself listening. Alfred grips his hand tightly. “We’re going to sink with the ship. Be prepared. When we hit the water, it’s going to be cold.” He whispers. Feliciano nods. They sink in, and Feliciano feels his breath stop at the freezing sensation. Several minutes go with them grasping each other and shivering, bodies too cold. The only thing keeping either of them afloat being their life jackets. By the time help arrives, it much too late for either of them.

#hetaliaotpchallenges #rarepairweek2k17 #fanfic #long post #ameita #aph ameita #death tw

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