The wonders of the ocean have secrets

airport

kuroo tetsurou · fluff · 2.2k

warning: slight suggestive theme, mild language, characters are aged-up

a/n: did i write this on impulse because i still can’t believe i was actually in this situation? maybe. did i write this as a manifestation of having a kuroo to bitch about and assure me? maybe too. did i get more encouraged to write this after reading a discussion in a server on bra sizes and brand recommendations a few days ago? maybe three.

“Kuroo, I’m serious. Stop laughing.”

A distinct cackling laughter from the speaker of your phone fills the four walls of your bathroom, along with a lazy lopsided grin flashing on the screen that’s perched on the wall mounted shelf next to the sink.  

“But you’re making it so hard not to! Plus, you’re supposed to brush your teeth for two minutes, not talk and brush your teeth at the same time for two minutes.” Kuroo reasons, laughter turning into soft chuckles.

“Sorry babe, but I didn’t catch anything you said just now because you sounded like a fish blubbing underwater, except you’re blubbing white foam instead of bubbles.”

He finds it hard not to grin like a fool at your figure from his side of the screen, hands on your hips with a toothbrush stuffed in your puffed-up cheeks, hair pushed back with an elmo headband that he finds ugly yet cute because of the two ridiculously huge eyes dangling on top.

You mumble something yet inaudible while wiping away the drool of toothpaste dripping down the side of your mouth, a small pout dotting your lips.

“Rinse up and tell me from the top again once you’re done, alright?” Kuroo sighs, shaking his head adoringly as he manages to make out a ‘fine’ out of the string of muffled sounds from you.

And do you listen to him completely? Of course not. So he rests his left cheek on his palms, humming to the bits of information you try to squeeze in without accidentally swallowing tap water while cleansing your face.

The white tiles in the background shift to cream walls shakily, along with the shuffling sounds of room slippers against the wooden flooring. “Then as we were walking towards the karaoke place, I somehow fell behind the rest and ended up beside him. And guess what happened?”

“He confessed to you?” He jokes, oblivious to where this is heading, yet.

“God, I’d rather that happen.” You take a seat in front of your study desk filled with skincare products tucked on the side, placing your phone against the wall. “Instead, he called out to me, which I turn to him and find him looking at my boobs, saying ‘oh, its nothing’,”

Kuroo visibly flinches a little, eyebrows furrowed in disgust, eyes widening slightly, like he just tasted a sip of milk that has gone bad. “Excuse me?”

“He was looking at my boobs, Kuroo. My boobs. Shamelessly. Saying ‘oh, its nothing���. What the heck?” You mentally thank yourself for not opening the cover of the toner in your hand, to save the mess you would have made from all the expressive hand gestures.

“And you were wearing your usual tank top, right?” He smacks his lips together, as if trying to get rid of the bad aftertaste.

“Yeah, the usual square neck rib knit tank top that I always wear.” He tilts his head to the side, eyebrows knitted in confusion. Your wardrobe of tops flashing through his head. “The one that you don’t understand why I own a several pieces in different colours. That one.” A long ‘oh’ resonates through the speakers, the particular top emerging from the sea of clothing.

Kuroo processes the image for a few seconds. “That’s not revealing at all.”

“Exactly! It’s like the most basic thing? There’s tons of girls out there who wear the similar thing as me too.” You tap your toner onto your face with your hands. “And I was even wearing a jacket on top of it? It’s not like I was fully exposed or something. But even if I didn’t have my jacket on, I don’t see how it’s taken as a sign to stare brazenly like that. I wear whatever the heck I want to make myself feel and look good, not for someone else to ogle at, unable to keep their raging hormones in check.”

He hums in agreement. “What did you do or say to him then?”

“Honestly, I don’t know what made me so pissed at that moment either.” You sigh, reaching out for your wash-off mugwort mask. “I snapped at him, telling him that when he talks to girls, he should be looking at them in the eye, not at their boobs.”  

“That’s my girl.” Kuroo flashes his signature cheshire-grin. “What did he say then?”

Your lips purse together, recalling the situation. “I don’t think he even heard me. Partly because you know how I rush through words like I’m rapping when I’m mad.”

“Told you to apply for that rap competition show on tv.”

“Kuroo.” Your glare earns an apology and light-hearted chuckles. “Another reason why I don’t think he heard me was because he actually had the balls to sit next to me during the karaoke session.” His eyebrows arch at the statement. “To which I dragged Mizuki to sit next to me and he got pushed to the side with the other guys.”

He huffs through his nose with a tinge of frustration, fingers running through his dishevelled hair. “How old is he again?”

“20, I think. But still, that’s no excuse for being so disrespectful towards girls and women. He’s already a full-grown adult for crying out loud.” You set the timer to 15 minutes on your phone, shuffling to your bed. “Out of all the boys I’ve met that are of his age or back when we were his age, I’ve never met such a disrespectful guy. In this area of discussion, I mean.”

“You mean you haven’t met such a horny monkey before.” Kuroo summarises. You snort at his remark, making yourself comfortable under the covers while waiting for the mask to work its magic.

“So you’re mad that he looked at your boobs.”

You place your phone between your folded knees, slouching against the bed frame. “Of course I am. It’s a violation against my body. How the fuck does he think he’s entitled to look at someone blatantly like that? Imagine someone staring at your dick like its nothing.”

The stupid cocky smirk appears on screen again. “Not gonna lie, but I would be proud. Or amused.”

“Freak.” You scoff, scrunching your nose at his reply.

His amber eyes gleam under the dim lights through the screen. “You sure you’re not mad at anything else?” He prods, not letting you off the hook.

“I guess I’m so mad because I never expected this to happen to me. I mean, look at me. What’s there to look at when I’m basically as flat as an airport?” You gesture to your breasts, ignoring his ‘you’re exaggerating’ interjection. “I would understand if he was staring at someone voluptuous or well-blossomed. But what’s the point of staring at a wall so flat there’s no cracks or dents in between?”

Kuroo’s sharp yet soft features settle into a knowing look. “So there is something else that you’re mad at.”

You narrow your eyes at him. “That is?”

“You’re upset that your boobs are small.”

Your eyes take a 360-degree turn, huffing exasperatedly. “I’m not. I’m happy with the way they are.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“You’re not.”

“I am.”

His firm discerning expression in the 10-second-long stare off has you heaving a long sigh in defeat. “I mean, there are times which I wish they would be just a little bigger…” You hesitantly admit, biting the inside of your lips. “So I don’t have to rely on push-up bras that much. And they would look nicer in wireless bras… Or in deep v neck cuts… Or plunge dresses…”

“Babe, they’re perfect with the way they are now.” Kuroo’s words doesn’t come out as pity or consolation; it’s filled with raw honesty and sincerity.

You glance down at the soft flesh beneath your oversized t-shirt that once belonged to Kuroo. “I know, but sometimes you can’t help but want more, right?”

“I understand, it’s natural.” He nods in acknowledgment. “But we have to be grateful with what we have, don’t we?”

A soft smile tugs the corner of his lips at the sight of your pout. “You’re right. Why did I get myself so worked up just because of one horny monkey when I have such an amazing and supportive boyfriend?” His lips curl up with a little more pride at you remembering and reusing his little remark.

“At your service, always. And ever ready to chase off any horny monkeys in sight.” He places his hands to his eyebrows as a salute dramatically, earning a hearty laugh from you.

“Question time. On the bright side, don’t you save more on bras because they require lesser fabric than bigger sizes? Less fabric, less production cost?”

“If only it were like that, Kuroo. You know what, we’re going bra shopping for our next date.”

“May I be granted the honour of choosing the fine piece of garment?” He places his hand over his right chest.

You hold onto your imaginary ruffled dress in the air, dropping into a mid-curtsy. “If I have the honourable chance to be blessed by your gracious kindness to pay for it, be my guest.”

“Of course, m’lady.” He bows curtly, giving you a flirtatious wink.

You giggle at his sappiness. “Okay my turn. Aren’t you jealous that you don’t have the chance to hold them like other boyfriends do for their busty girlfriends when their boobs swell and get sore during their periods?”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal, but the glint in his eyes says otherwise. “It’s not like that’s the only time I get to touch them.” He wiggles his eyebrows at you suggestively.

“Pervert.” You gasp, covering your breasts with your arms.  

The timer on your phone beeps, signaling it’s time for you to wash off your mask.

“Didn’t take you to be a boob person. Thought you were more of a butt person.” You place your phone back on the wall mounted shelf in the bathroom, turning on the tap water to run.

“I’m neither. Because I’m a you person, your person. A person that loves you as a whole, not by parts.” You swear you can see him giving you that smug grin of his with your face submerged with water, washing off the remaining residue.

“You know, maybe God deliberately blessed you with a lesser amount in this aspect.”  His voice echoes through the speakers.

You reach out to your face towel hanging next to the sink and place gentle pats on your face. “And why is that?”

“Because God knew that you’d be unstoppable if you were blessed in all aspects. I mean, look at you. You’re already slaying it despite your fun-sized boobs.”

You nearly choke on your own saliva from the fits of laughter at his comment. “What the hell, Kuroo. No one calls a C cup and below fun-sized.”

“If people call those below the height of 160cm fun-sized, I don’t see why I can’t do the same with breast sizes.” He reasons with a nonchalant face.

“Fine, fun-sized boobs they are.” You give in, switching off the bathroom lights. “Your drop-dead gorgeous kick-ass girlfriend has fun-sized boobs.”

“And I love it. That’s what makes her special too.” He adds, face full-on smitten with love.

“Shut up, cheesy conman.” You chuckle softly, your face a mirror image of his.

“Well, you chose one yourself. No refunds.” The coolness of your moisturizer helps soothe the warmth blossoming across your cheeks, but not the warmth spreading throughout your chest like a cosy fireplace on a cold winter day.

【☾】

Zero and one digits flash on the top right of the screen, signalling it’s way past your bedtime. You’ve been on the phone with Kuroo for close to two hours, no wonder you feel yourself drifting to sleep each second. Kuroo senses it too, from the way your eyes twitch and lose focus.

“Alright, last question before we wrap up for today. When are you hanging out with them again?” He asks, stifling a yawn.  

You let out a yawn as well, stretching your arm over your head, popping a few bones. “I don’t know, but I may skip if he’s tagging along.”

“Nope, we’re going together. Me and you.” Kuroo states matter-of-factly with droopy eyes.

You rub your eyes that has been lidded with sleep. “What if you’re busy on that day like today?”

“Then I’ll just clear my schedule for the day. Gotta show the lil boy who owns this airport.” His deep voice croaking through the speakers of your phone.

“Airport?” You question, confused at his statement, wondering if sleep has started to take over your sense of hearing.

“Airport.” He gestures at his tiddies sleepily.

“Kuroo…” Your distressed groan doesn’t stop him from his babble.

“Gotta show to him that it’s a private one too, not some public area that’s available to any common folk like him. Right, babe?”

a/n: in Chinese, there’s a saying of calling flat chested girls or girls with small boobs as 飞机场, which means airport because the airport runway is flat. so it’s like one’s chest is so flat that it can run the plane lmao. all sizes are precious, don’t get me wrong. this is purely for entertainment purposes

shoutout to @moonboohoo​ for being my irl Mizuki that day ily ❤️

newfragile yellows [591]

“Dad’s mad,” Ellana says.

Bull glances up from the book fair order catalogue he’s skimming through. It’s that time of year again when all of their elementary school aged kids loose their mind over the book fair and decide they want to read every book they’ve always thought they wouldn’t want to read. Bull knows his kids by now. They aren’t getting all of these books. Some of them, yes, all of them, absolutely not. They still haven’t touched some of the books from last year. They’re still in their plastic shrink wrap.

“How do you know that?”

“He’s gone on a knitting rampage,” Ellana replies, frowning at her phone. “Or crocheting. Both, possibly. He’s asking me which yarn looks best for this…whatever it is he’s working on. He’s already got a good, what. What do you you think that is?”

Bull glances over and sees that Solas has sent Ellana a picture of what’s possibly a blanket or a very, very baggy sweater in progress. It’s a light sea-foam green. Well, it started as white then it blended into the sea-foam green, and it’s currently about three feet long and six feet wide.

“Too much,” Bull answers, setting aside the catalogues so he can lean onto her, putting an arm around her shoulder. She hands him her phone as she yawns, picking up the remote to flip through channels some more. Bull scrolls up in her chat history, seeing several images of the blanket-sweater in progress and several texts in which Solas has a one-person debate on the types of yarn, colors, and pattern he should be using. Ellana hasn’t responded to any of these texts. The last text from her is from about three days ago and it was talking about something regarding work. Solas has gotten an impressive amount going here.

“How do you know he’s mad, though? He could just be stressed.”

Solas once knitted Bull an entire winter set in less than a month on stress alone. Bull isn’t sure if he should be thinking about it fondly or not. The man ended up passing out for almost three days somewhere in the middle of it and Ellana had to call in members of their extended family to get him to return to acting like a functioning adult.

“No, he’s mad,” Ellana says, “Check the family text.”

“The family text for work or the family family text?”

“The work one,” Ellana says. “Andruil stole a case from him.”

“But all of you guys do that to each other all the time.”

“I know. But this is the third time in a row. June said he might be losing his touch and it might be time for retirement. It was a joke. You know how June is. He thinks retirement is code for start a business that supports the local economy. And you know how Dad is about comments on his age. He takes them all very seriously.”

“He looks good for sixty. Still sharp.”

“Except for when his younger sister is stealing cases from him sequentially.”

“Yeah.”

Bull hands the phone back. Ellana immediately sets it face down on the arm of the couch and makes grabby hands for the book catalogues. “What do our book worms want this year?”

“Too much,” Bull says, trading her the catalogue for the remote. “A million channels and we still can’t find shit to watch.”

“We’re boring people, that’s why,” Ellana says, flipping the catalogue open. “Is it one catalogue per child, or one per family?”

“One per kid.”

“Then where are the rest of them?”

“Still with their respective kid,” Bull answers. “Grim’s the only one who finished so far. Mahanon almost got there and then he and Krem started scheming.”

“About what?”

“They’re in the same class, so I think they’re planning on sharing a list so they can get bonus perks or something.”

“Mahanon is getting spoiled from having siblings,” Ellana muses. “They're bringing out the worst in him. I love it.”

-

“Something you want to talk about, kid?” Bull asks when Mahanon mashes his head into Bull’s side, hands gripping onto his belt.

Mahanon grumbles. Bull hears a sniffle and feels a little bit of damp at his hip.

“Don’t wipe your face on people.”

“Itchy,” Mahanon grumbles. He pulls away and Bull gets the sight of Mahanon’s watery eyes, angry red nose, and damp upper lip. Allergies. Mahanon swipes an arm over his face and Bull quickly digs in his pocket for the half-empty packet of tissues he’s been carrying around for the past three weeks. Mahanon sneezes violently, looking startled by his own sneeze.

And that sets off four more sneezes, rapid fire, that make the little boy look increasingly dazed from the concussive force of each sneeze.

It’d be cute if Mahanon didn’t look like he just got dragged through something.

Bull holds the tissue out. “Do you want me to do it?”

Mahanon sneezes mid-nod.

“I’ll wait you out, kid.”

Mahanon just keeps sneezing away. Bull’s actually starting to worry that he might not be breathing enough in between because the kid starts to wobble.

His eyes are water and his face is a mess by the time he’s done.

“Sorry,” Mahanon mumbles through his stuffy nose as Bull quickly takes care of the mess on his face. He holds still as Bull holds the sites to his nose.

“Blow.”

Mahanon blows, looking miserable.

Bull carefully attempts to get Mahanon’s hair into something less like messed up bird and possibly slightly more like untidy boy.

“Still better than your mom,” Bull says, bending down to give Mahanon a quick kiss on the forehead. “And Rocky.”

As if on cue, they all hear Rocky’s bomb-shell of a sneeze from the other room.

Mahanon sniffles some more, and moves to return to mashing his face into Bull’s side but makes an affronted look at the damp spot on Bull’s shirt.

“That’s all you, Mahanon,” Bull says. “That? That’s all you.”

“Ugh. Gross.”

“Yup, allergies are gross. Come on, let go. I’ve got to make lunch for everyone and I’ve got to move around for that.”

Mahanon lets go, but as Bull walks he pushes his head against Bull’s back. Bull grabs a box of tissues from the closet and passes it to the kid behind him.

“Take that to your mom. She’s probably out by now.”

"Oh so you're the camp counselor my sibling keeps raving about"

7/11/17 Dear Maya, I'm having a great time at camp! It's been only a day, but my cabin mates are so nice. We took the swim test and the pool is super awesome. I have two counselors, one is a girl named Missy who's in my cabin with all the girls, and then there's Lucas who's in with the boys. And just between us, he's realllyyy cute. Like, seriously. Not even a little. He's full blown young Zac Efron level cute. Not for me of course, because I'm 8 and he's 23. But you're 22 and I could totally see you two dating. He's awesome and he's from Texas. You should talk to him when you come to pick me up from camp. Love: your sister, Phoebe 7/17/17 Maya, I made a friend! Her name is Emma and she is very nice. She has super long nails, and they're real! She's so cool, and she's 10 so she's older than me. And about Lucas, I asked him if he's single (even though you said not to). He was nice about it, and he said he was! He's perfect for you, Maya. I told him about you and he seemed interested. You should send me a photo of you so I can show him. I know you probably don't want to, but please??? I'll be sweet and put it by my bunk so that he just happens to see it. I won't shove it in his face, I promise. Hoping for a photo, Phoebe 7/20/17 Dearest sister, Lucas saw the photo. He was all "wait is that your sister" and I was like "yeah" and I swear to god he blushed and smiled all cute. He's just getting awesomer and awesomer as the days go by. He taught me how to make lanyards and I'm making one on my water bottle, but his is better than mine. That's okay though, I'll get better. He's definitely my favorite counselor. I think he likes me too. And he'd definitely likey-like you. I showed Emma your picture and she says she totally "ships" you guys, which means she likes you as a couple. I agree with her. Turns out he's been doing college at NYU! He was held back a year when he was little for some reason he won't tell me, so he's in your grade. Awesome, right? Parsons and NYU are pretty close. You could totally date him! Okay, I'm done. Hope everything's good. Tell mom I say hi. -Phoebe 7/25/17 So I'm leaving tomorrow, which seems crazy. The two weeks went by super fast. They have this thing they do at this camp where by the end of the week, you ask any counselor to "tie your rag." You pretty much make a goal and work hard to get to it and then a counselor you look up to ties a handkerchief around your neck as a sort of badge. I'm very proud of myself, I faced my fears and went on the big zip line that they have here. I asked Lucas to tie my rag. He's the greatest. We're great friends now, and I think I'm his favorite. We always talk when we're walking around camp and I've told him loads about you. He says he'd like to meet you when you come, and I'm so excited! Don't hate me for this, because it wasn't my fault, but all the girls in my cabin saw your photo, and now they all want you to date Lucas. It kinda got around, and now everyone teases Lucas about it. He takes it well and laughs and stuff, but that might make it awkward when you meet. Sorry, I didn't try to make this happen! My whole cabin just knows a cute couple when they see one! Anyways, I'm gonna go now. Can't wait to see you and introduce you to Lucas tomorrow! I'm gonna miss him when I come home. (Unless you guys date. Then he could be like my big brother or something. That would be the coolest!) Love, Phoebe :) Maya chuckles as she finishes reading over the last letter that was sent to her by Camp Orkila from Phoebe. Her little sister always can make her smile, and she must admit she's excited to see the little firecracker again today. And Maya must admit, she's curious about this Lucas guy. If he's really as cute as Phoebe says he is, then Maya won't refuse an introduction. Although she can't help but feel a little embarrassed that Phoebe had the whole camp unit shipping her and this Lucas guy just from one photograph. So yeah, that's a bit embarrassing, but at the same time it makes Maya more curious about him. What is it about the two of them that had twenty 8-11 year olds turned into huge "lucaya" fans? Maya feels like it was Phoebe's loud and bubbly voice (something from Riley that had rubbed off on her) blabbering about how Lucas and Maya were perfect for each other. But alas, Maya finds herself pulling into the grass parking lot in her rental car in the Texas summer camp. She had to take a flight from New York to get here, since her mom was too busy with work to come get Phoebe. So here Maya finds herself, in Texas for the weekend with her sister. Maya steps out of the car and locks it's doors, sighing to herself at the sudden Texas heat. She was glad she put on a shit-ton of sunscreen, for she knew her fair skin would soon be looking quite lobster-esque if she hadn't. She feels beads of sweat start to form on the back of her neck, so she ties her messy blonde waves up in a high ponytail using the hair tie on her wrist. She tightens the ponytail as she walks to tent with a banner that reads "pick up campers here", seeing a huddle of kids with taller counselors getting them to participate in circle games and conversations. Maya sees some girls crying and hugging about their departure, not including Phoebe not to her surprise. Phoebe isn't exactly the crying, weepy emotional type. She suddenly spots her little sister in a different place, sitting in the grass and weaving something attached to her water bottle concentratedly. Maya smiles at Phoebe, her straight brunette locks falling into her eyes as she looks down at her water bottle attachment. Her brown hair was a trait that surprised everyone when she was born, a trait that she had gotten from Shawn's side of the family. But she still had the same striking blue eyes as Maya did. Yet she got lucky with tanned skin, as opposed to Maya's pale complexion. Maya starts to walk over to her, but she slows a bit as she notices a boy sitting next to Phoebe, working on his own lanyard. That must be Lucas. Phoebe wasn't lying when she had said that Lucas looked like a young Zac Efron, with his sea foam green eyes and his tousled dirty blonde hair. He had a sharp jawline and broad shoulders, his skin tanned from days at the summer camp. Maya smiled slightly as he shares a laugh with Phoebe, the two seeming to share a connection. Maya walks closer and sees Phoebe look up to her, a large smile spreading on her face. "Maya!" She smiles, hopping up from her sitting position in the grass and engulfing Maya in a huge hug. Maya hugs back tightly, Phoebe almost the same height as her despite being eight years old. "Hey, sister spaz. How was camp?" Maya beams at Phoebe, pulling away from the hug and tucking a brown lock behind her ear. "Great! Did you get all my letters?" Phoebe says enthusiastically, folding her hands together with a huge smile. "Oh, I did." Maya says with a chuckle, glancing at Lucas who is now standing as well. Maya feels her cheeks flush as their eyes meet, pulling her stare away and putting it back on Phoebe. God, he was hot. He hasn't even said a word and Maya already has butterflies in her stomach. "Oh and Maya, this is Lucas, the best counselor ever." Phoebe beams, pulling Maya by her hand so that she's standing closer to Lucas. "And Lucas, this is my sister Maya. Also known as the best sister ever, who is twenty-two and available and very pretty, if you haven't noticed." Phoebe says shamelessly like she always does. Maya feels her cheeks grow incredibly hot, Lucas's face becoming adorned with a boyish smile. "Nice to meet you, Maya." He says with a Prince Charming-like smile, Maya's stomach tightening further into its knot as she hears his deep, gravely yet kind voice. God, this guy is perfect. How the hell did Phoebe think Maya of all people had a chance with him? And how the hell does he not have a girlfriend? "And you," Maya replies, trying to keep her usual sarcastic tone as a cover for how jittery he's making her feel. "So you're from New York, huh?" Lucas smirks, and Maya notices his very slight southern drawl. She can't help but find it attractive. "Yeah, born and raised. I hear you're from here in good ole Texas country, Sundance." Maya attempts to cover her attraction with her usual name calling and teasing. "Maya, be nice." Phoebe huffs from her side, tugging on Maya's hand. "Fine. Sorry." Maya chuckles, Lucas smiling down at Phoebe. "It's all good, Phoebe," Lucas says to Phoebe, before looking up to Maya, "Sundance, that's a new one. Props to you." Lucas laughs, smiling down at Maya with a slight blush on his cheeks as well. Maya notices the small crowd of giddy ten year olds watching them with wide eyes, the talk of the camp for the past two weeks finally standing in front of them. "So I hear you're going to NYU? Phoebe told me all about it in her letters." Maya asks, making conversation. "Yeah, I am. And you're at Parsons?" "I assume Phoebe had lots to say about me too?" "Oh yeah." Lucas says with a chuckle, Maya laughing slightly as well. "She has quite the big mouth, this one.." Maya smirks, pulling Phoebe into a tight side-hug. "Yeah. It was awesome having her here." Lucas smiles at Phoebe again. "She had a blast. Right Pheebs?" "Totally. You're my favorite, Lucas." Phoebe smiles, and Lucas laughs. "Just between us," Lucas says, leaning in and whispering, "you're my favorite too." Phoebe somehow beams even more at this, Lucas giving her a fist bump. "Now can you please give Maya your number so we can hang out again? And also so you two can see each other again? Come on, I know you like each other. It's like, all over your faces." She says bluntly, Maya blushing intensely. "I mean, I wouldn't mind getting together sometime, Maya. I get back from camp in August." Lucas smiles, scratching the back of his back as excited squeals come from the group of ten year olds. "Oh! I mean, sure!" Maya stammers, keeping her cool as her cheeks somehow turn redder, "uh, here. I have a pen. I'll give you my number." "Oh, okay cool." Lucas says with a big goofy grin on his face, Maya ripping a small slip of paper from her sketchbook in her purse and scribbling her number onto it before handing it to him. "Alright cool, it was nice meeting you. And Phoebe," Lucas turns to Phoebe and gives her a hug, "it was so awesome to hang out with you." "It won't be the last time. Especially when you two start dating." Phoebe smirks, Maya and Lucas both blushing, Maya chuckling nervously. "Hopefully." Lucas smiles at Maya, her stomach dropping as she looks into his sea foam gaze. He really is a ten. "See you soon ish then." Maya chuckles bashfully. "Until then, blondie."

1.5 - Trouble

Idolish Seven - Part 3, Chapter 1.5 For more Part 3 translations, click here!

Translation below the cut!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You're pretty used to these sorts of parties, Sougo-kun. Nothing less from FSC's hei-- Osaka Sougo: Ah....... Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: He-- hey, I kinda wanna eat meat! ......Sorry, that was supposed to be a secret, wasn't it. Osaka Sougo: Oh no, I'm the one who should be apologizing, if anything. Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You know, I've given it some thought since then. Why don't you try talking it out with your family again? Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Nobody's happy when they're at odds with their family. Right now, I've got connections to FSC through TRIGGER's TV show. (1) Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: If you want, I could try to mediate the situation, to the best of my ability. How about it? Osaka Sougo: ....... Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It'll be okay. There's no way a parent could ever hate their child, Sougo-kun. Osaka Sougo: ......You must've been raised in a warm and loving family, Tsunashi-san. Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sougo-kun...? Osaka Sougo: Thank you for offering, but I'm afraid I must refuse. Please don't mind me. Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: But-- Osaka Sougo: There is no need to worry. Thank you for your concern. Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: ....... Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: ......Got it. I'm sorry I butted in like that when I don't know anything about your situation. Osaka Sougo: Not at all....... I apologize.

Yaotome Gaku: Tsumugi. Where are the other guys? Takanashi Tsumugi: Gaku-san. I'm just on standby here, since they've all got good conversations going with other people. Yaotome Gaku: I see. So, how have you been? You've been preparing for their first anniversary tour on top of your usual work, right? It must be a handful. Takanashi Tsumugi: Indeed, it is. But it's their anniversary tour! Everybody at the agency is just bursting with energy! Yaotome Gaku: Ahaha. So that's how it is. I'll make some time and drop by, one of these days. Takanashi Tsumugi: Thank you very much! We'll welcome you with open arms. I'm sure everyone will be delighted! Yaotome Gaku: Yeah. Woman: Good evening, Yaotome-kun. You two sure are getting along swimmingly. Are you perhaps Yaotome-kun's cute little date for tonight? Yaotome Gaku: Oh.... No, it's not like that. Takanashi Tsumugi: Nice to meet you, I'm Takanashi Tsumugi from Takanashi Productions. I work as IDOLiSH7's manager. Woman: Oh my, IDOLiSH7's manager. It's nice to meet you too. You know, everybody was just so surprised that Yaotome-kun was grinning so much-- he's usually quite surly. Yaotome Gaku: Haha, I get that a lot. I don't look that displeased, do I? Woman: You do, you definitely do. You're just like an open book, Yaotome-kun. It shows on your face. Yaotome Gaku: Man, that's harsh.... Well, I'll see you later, Takanashi-san. Takanashi Tsumugi: Yes! Thank you very much. Keep up the good work! Yaotome Gaku: Yeah. Yaotome Gaku: .......

Izumi Iori: What's the matter, Nanase-san. You're blankly staring at the venue. Nanase Riku: I just thought it was amazing.... There's so many people who work in our world. Nanase Riku: These people are just like us and have dreamed about living in the world of music. They've been here for decades, if not more, and there'll only be more and more people as time goes on. Nanase Riku: Each and every one of them is like a star, brilliantly shining. They come and go, flowing like the Milky Way, and eventually become part of history. Nanase Riku: Zero, and us too. We're all in the midst of that great passage. ......As are Kujou and Sakura Haruki....... Izumi Iori: Indeed....... Izumi Iori: Speaking of which, we are only one year in. We need to focus and get ourselves together, lest we vanish like sea foam. (2) Nanase Riku: You're right! We still haven't settled the score with TRIGGER. We'll also be facing challengers at Black or White this year. Nanase Riku: I hope we'll be a group that the challengers won't be ashamed to face-- just like how TRIGGER was to us last year. Izumi Iori: If we are aiming to fight TRIGGER and Re:vale, then the MOP is the perfect time to do so. Nanase Riku: MOP? Ah, it's the thing that decides which idol got the most support this year, right? (3) Izumi Iori: It will be a race to collect awards like the JIMA and Diamond Disk. Izumi Iori: Last year, it was a showdown between Re:vale and TRIGGER, and Re:vale ended up winning. TRIGGER intends on winning this year, without a doubt. Nanase Riku: And we'll be butting into that fight! Sounds interesting! Izumi Iori: Haha, how reliable. Ah....... Nii-san, Rokuya-san, where are you going? Izumi Mitsuki: We were gonna go to the bathroom, but I figured we could also look for Yamato while we're at it. That dude might be holding on to him still. Rokuya Nagi: Please go, Mitsuki. I would love to rendezvous with all of the ladies dressed up tonight-- Izumi Mitsuki: I'm doing it to get you away from the venue too! You're getting way too into this! Right after you've come back from Northmare, too! Rokuya Nagi: OH......! Izumi Mitsuki: Later guys! If they bring out dessert, grab some for me okay? Nanase Riku: Gotcha!

Izumi Mitsuki: Stop flirting around! We're idols, in case you didn't remember. Rokuya Nagi: No, no! Bestowing words of praise to women is but a part of a gentleman’s manners. Izumi Mitsuki: You could say that again. Ah, there he is! Yamato-san-- Man in a Suit: Ahaha.... I've heard a lot about your work. It truly does runs in the family. Nikaidou Yamato: ......Thank you very much. Izumi Mitsuki: 'Runs in the family?' Maybe he knows somebody in Yamato-san's family? Yamato-san doesn't like talking about them, so maybe we should stay outta their way....... Rokuya Nagi: Hm...... I want to know. I'll give that man my business card and get closer to him. Izumi Mitsuki: H-hey! Hold up, Nagi......! Man in a Suit: What was it, IDOLiSH7? It looks like things are going quite well with them. That's very fortunate, especially in times like these. Man in a Suit: Say, Yamato-kun. You're finally making it big. It'd be awful to cause trouble now, especially when things are going smoothly and without any problems. Don't you think so too? Nikaidou Yamato: Haha.... Don't worry. I don't have any intentions of exposing that right now. Nikaidou Yamato: Not Chiba Salon. Izumi Mitsuki: ...'Chiba Salon'......? Rokuya Nagi: ....... Man in a Suit: ......That's a relief. I remember you telling me, when I first invited you to the entertainment industry.... Man in a Suit: That if you did enter showbiz, you'd only be doing it to get famous and grab everyone's attention-- so you could expose the secrets of Chiba Salon. Man in a Suit: You know, I was shocked to hear that you debuted as an idol, but I'm glad you weren't serious about going through with that. This is the best course of action for you, and for your friends. Nikaidou Yamato: ....... Man in a Suit: I'll be going now. Please give your father my regards. Nikaidou Yamato: Hmph. I haven't even seen his face. If you'll excuse me.... Nikaidou Yamato: ......! Izumi Mitsuki・Rokuya Nagi: ....... Nikaidou Yamato: ...You guys.......

Kujou Ten: ....... ???: Kujou Ten. Kujou Ten: ......Who are you? ???: My, my. This is my first time seeing the real deal. Kujou Ten: ......Just who are you? And why are you standing in front of my house? I'm going to call the police. ???: Hehe....... ???: Kujou's made someone like you into his son, and calls you 'perfect?' Kujou Ten: ....... ???: Let me tell you something. Something that's even better than my name. ???: Your life is pointless. Try as you may to dance, to win trophies-- but both the fans and the world are frivolous. ???: One day, you will be forgotten. All of the things you've ever given, all of the things you've ever shown, everything, everyone-- all of it will disappear, far beyond memory’s reach. ???: You will no longer be the person they wish to see, and your song will no longer be the music they want to hear. ???: After all, that's what happened to your younger brother. Right, Nanase Ten? Kujou Ten: .......

To be continued....

TL Notes/comments:

If you don’t already do this, I highly recommend tapping thru the game (or a video playthrough) of the chapter as you read to get the nuances behind each spoken line!! 

(1) The more literal would be: "It's really unfortunate that your family doesn't get along. " but I didn't really like how that sounded (kind of sarcastic? a little condescending? though that is kind of what's going on here, given the context of what happens in the later part of this conversation)

(2) "vanish like smoke" (also, "disappear like bubbles" LMAO) were my original tl's, but I wanted to keep that whole star/river/water metaphor going!!! It's fucking Beautiful. Riku waxes absolute poetry here, I Love It.

(3) phrasing was kinda confusing in orig? lmk if i mucked up this one! Slight note on the title, it means wind+waves and also strife. 'Strife' was the working title I used for a while then i actually translated the title drop line, and in context (波風を立てる) it means to cause trouble. yep!

haruka is fun to translate THOUGH there are like one or two sentences i am just not 100% satisfied w/ how i tl’d or any way i try to approach it so :| btwn every draft revision it has changed a little so yeah

BIG THANK U TO KURI AS USUAL 4 CATCHING MY WEIRDASS SENTENCES AND PROOFING!!!

As usual, if you see any mistakes/mistranslations/etc, please message me!

Thank you for reading!!

My first Sprint Triathlon Experience

I could probably count on one hand how many times I trained for each sport event leading to the weeks that I put on that tight one piece. Not that I didn't take the training seriously, but that's what my time allowed for me to do. Just so freakin' happy that I did finished my first triathlon event.... AND LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT! ... And gotta love those automatic PR's: 1:31:33

Morning of : 

SETTING UP:Found a spot in the 2nd row of the racks next to a Brazilian lady #55 who looked like she knew what she was doing, and another nice lady named Brenda who helped me a ton! First, she did mention to keep a narrower space for myself in case someone wanted to come next to me. So i did. Then another lady came super close to my front tire with her stuff. She looked a little more nervous. And even Leanne, the lady who checked me in came by and said hi to me! She said she's been doing tri's since her late 20s and she’s now 60! You go mama! She looked like early 40s. Dang, I wanna me like that! So i'm feeling super NEWBIE status and I'm here looking like a lost child haha. I asked Brenda if theres a certain way she sets up her transition area and yup! Makes sense. Place it in the order you'll be using it. 

Heres a pic of it:

Here are some things I wish I knew: Bring something I could step into to rinse my feet. Maybe a stool would help? Have my phone ready to go on my bike. Stretch your hamstrings and hip flexors with the ball and foam roller more.     And a huge thing: having a running belt! Since i knew i had to run with my number on me, I took my lululemon fanny pack strap and attached my number to it. Brenda was the one who told me I didn't need to put my number on yet as I was practicing putting my pins on haha. So thank God i had that. Or else I would be fidgeting with it. 

SWIM:

Training: Thinking back to my first time ever competitive swimming event at the Honolulu Triathlon (Sprint - 750m), it made me want to practice this more than anything else. I really thought this might be the hardest part for me during the actual race day. The last time I had am actually in person swimming lesson was when I was like 5? Lol so, I read my books (usually the most confusing bc I need to visualize everything), watched some YouTube videos, and observed swimmers as I went to Palolo Valley Swimming pool. After discovering this pool that was only 5 min from my gym, I went a total of 3 times to practice on my swim! Each time I would do at least 600m, just to practice harder than my actual race length. One time I got 700m in the 40 min I decide to swim. You don't realize how much of a workout swimming actually is! One of the biggest lessons I learned is to STAY CALM. In the midst of putting my body in a mild hypoxic state where you're not breathing as you normally would. "THE BREATH IS SO IMPORTANT" - seriously cereal! As a Yoga teacher and personal trainer that starts with talking about the breath and diaphragmatic breathing, I realized that without this, we are nothing! Well, not nothing, but we are more likely to get anxious and if so consistent, could lead to depression! No good! 

Anyway, back to the swim training!  I also swam in open water like twice only, but next time think I should do more because the ocean water vs pool water is like night and day difference. From the breathing technique to just the extra resistance you get from the thickness of the water, current, and waves, I'll definitely be swimming more in open water. Elenor, the nice older lady who's retired from doing like idk 20 or 40 ( i just know a lot lol) of triathlons, she said the same thing, especially 2 days before the race which was the last time I swam to train. 

Day of:

Favorite part!! (Surprisingly!) I was probably most excited for this because I saw how working on my technique since the HNL TRI has worked for me!! As I jumped into the water to swim to the buoys to start, i started feeling a little like "sea sick." Never felt that before going into a swim. We had 3 min to swim to the buoys bc i was on the 2nd heat! (Go orange swim caps! Pink would have matched me but i wouldve had to be doing the relay. Lol i would mention this bc my color theme was black, grey, and bright pink haha)   Ran into fewer ppl this time at the start. Thank God! Being kicked in the face and swam on my legs isn't a joy. Mma in the water anyone? Haha During the swim, I was just focusing on breathing technique and continuing to swim without stopping. OH! and making sure i was swimming in a straight line to my destination. I was actually done in what felt to me was a quick 12 min and 44 seconds. I still had energy to run barefoot to the transition area! Yeeee! Haha

TRANSITION: should have not messed with my phone and trying to put it in my ziplock bag to put in my back pocket haha. Oh well. Lesson learned! I will need to get one of those bike phone things. Also my bluetooth didn't connect to my phone and fitbit. But i put my phone and fitbit on for my bike and run.

BIKE 

Training: I purchased my bike only like at the end of July from a guy that didn't need it anymore for super cheap in comparison what they normally go for. Thanks facebook marketplace! Lol! So i was told to get clips for the pedals and to get specific tri shoes. Went to the Bicycle Shop first to let them check my bike out. Turns out that my tires were extremely flat! I get one of these . I rode it for 3 miles before that around Kapiolani park to just get used to it. Also used for maybe only 2 miles at Lanikai. Felt normal to me, but hey... what do i know! I felt so accomplished just doing that! Went to Boca Hawaii  to get those. I had no idea that i actually had to put the clips on the bottom of the shoes. Learned a lot from the chick who didn't even bike but helped me to pick out the shoes and clips. It was then i realized this is not going to be a cheap sport. $120 tri shoes, $55 clips. Then i checked out the biking gear. Got myself my tri one piece. The girl (forgot her name)told me ppl like it bc it gives less room for drag or something like that. I got the small so it was skin tight. Plus i thought maybe i would lose weight if i trained more. $150. Thankfully i got the friends of Boca discount.     

Brought myself to Ko Olina to practice with my clips. I was told by a friend and also the girl working at Boca. "Yah. You're going to fall." And me in my head: “Nah. I know how to ride a bike.” Best believe, put on clip in for the first time. Then BOOM. Fell over on the side i put my one clip in! Even the Ko Olina security asked me if I was ok. Haha. Felt super comfy with it. Riding fast is fun! Just my butt hurts after a while sitting. Did 3 miles that day too. The next time i biked, ran, and swam at Ala Moana it wasn’t that far.  My last time practicing riding was half the course of the actual. Went to Kahala area to diamond head and around Monsarrat. Learned I shouldn't stop when charging a hill. Had to test out my gears and go on a hill. One of the scariest parts for me is trusting all the cars around me to not run me over. Single lanes for a car and bike freak me out. I now know how a biker feels with cars speeding up next to him or her. Im like 1. Don’t fall 2. Don’t fall. 3. Don’t get hit. Thank God for helmets! Thankfully i didn't fall or get hit this time. Lol! 

Day of: I learned so much!! Felt fast from my swim and ready to bike like a wild woman lol. Took long deciding whether to put my phone in my back pocket in a zip lock or int pouch. Big no no bc it cost me some time!  Kind of slow getting my clips in the bike after reviewing some of the footage Rich uploaded of me. But once i was off, I was off! They had huge blue signs with black arrows which showed me where to go. One of the most challenging parts was avoiding the potholes on the road in the quick turns in the neighborhood. Here's the bike path:  

My favorite part of biking was riding down the hill on kilauea ave. I figured out to change my gears on the hills which wasn't so bad dafter all. It actually felt faster than 46 min. The hardest part was going up Monsarrat. I'm so glad that we had the whole road to ourselves so we don't need to worry about getting run over. Cops blocked traffic every time they would see a bike coming. I was so glad to come to the finish line and see Rich there recording me and cheering. I slowly got off my bike because the inside of my thighs and upper hamstrings were done. It felt like i was coming off a long ride off a horse.

RUN:

Training: i would practice a slow jog after practicing on the stationary bike to "condition" my legs. This was not nearly enough to simulate how it would actually feel on race day but what did I know! I never biked more than 6 miles outside. Only about 14 miles inside on a stationary bike then to a .7 to 1 mile jog walk. Nope! Not like it! 

At the transition: I put my Lululemon socks on, already had my number on from the bike transition, and put on my favorite Hoka running shoes. Put on my Lululemon Visor and BAM! I was off! 

Day of: i haven't hurt that much starting a jog/run. To motivate me, the little girl who was 11 old passed me up with her mom! At first, i passed her but maybe into the first mile i felt soooo uncomfortable. I felt restricted  so i unzipped the front of my one piece tri suit. Ahhhh... homer simpson status?! Lol Just wanted to get to the finish line but enjoying my last few moments of my first tri! When I ran, i felt like I could think more clearly. Talked to myself a lot to motivate myself. What was going on in my head?! Thought about how grateful I was to God for giving me these abilities to do a triathlon"Are you pushing yourself the most you could!?" I sped up. All the way to the finish line. Pretty much a sprint with my legs hurting already. Saw Rich yelling, and BOOM! Didn't slow down til I was past the finish line! At the end, i went to the booth to get my shirt - which was my medal. About 10 minutes later I saw my friend Milli and then about 20 minutes later I saw my brother, mom, sis in law, baby nephew, and their dog. It was so great to have them all there! 

After: In about 30 min to 45 min I checked the scores. It said I placed 3rd. So during the awards, they called my age group (25-29 yo) and the 3rd place winner. It wasn’t me! So I thought, it’s okay. I didn’t place. Then they said on the mic, “In 2nd place, Bernice Aurellano!” I was pretty shocked. Came home with a cool successory too! Earrings! Check it out: 

Definitely doing it again. Actually, just signed up for my next triathlon sprint this coming Sunday! Excited to see what my body, mind, and spirit are capable of doing this time around. To the Ko Olina Race we go! 

Picture of my fam afterwards: 

The traditional FINISH LINE photo! LOVE LOVE LOVE the feeling of getting through to the finish line! 

Check out this awesome Video - posted on instagram @BerniceFitCPT and Youtube - created by my love, Rich! 

Until next time.... I’ll tell you about my 2nd experience! 

Aloha,

Bernice

Awards are always fun, especially when you win them TWICE. I’m not exactly sure where the Sunshine Blogger Award came from or what it means, but it seems like an exceptionally nice award to have with its sunny graphic and cheerful vibes.

The humorous, entertaining, and thought-provoking A.S. Akkalon first nominated me for the award. If you’ve ever wondered which dinosaurs are the best to date, she can help. If you get stuck while writing a fantasy novel, she can help there too, see: The Solution to Fantasy Writer’s Block. Be sure to check out her amazing answers to the questions posed to her as a recipient of the Sunshine Blogger Award too.

Since I’m lazy and like to post once a week (but already had last week), I decided to save my publication of this post until today, the start of a new week. As I was reading through posts  I’ve missed over the last week from people I follow, I saw that the lovely K.A. Botello was also a recent recipient of the Sunshine Blogger Award, and that she nominated ME for it too!

Wow! Double win! You guys are the greatest! I’d nominate you back, so you can know the feeling, but that seems like a cheap trick. So for now I’ll blush and smile, and direct everyone to K.A. Botello and A.S. Akkalon’s Twitter feeds so you can follow them, in all their awesomeness, there.

K.A. Botello is a great person to follow on WordPress too if you want to get great updates on her current progress with editing her manuscript, find gems of writing and editing advice, or better get to know her.

The rules for the Sunshine Blogger Award are as follows:

Post the award on your blog.

Thank the person who nominated you. (Thanks again guys!)

Answer the 11 questions they set you.

Pick another 11 bloggers.

Give them 11 questions.

Since I was nominated TWICE, you’re in for a real treat. I’m about to answer TWENTY-TWO questions. Here goes!

Questions from A.S. Akkalon:

1. What do you most wish people thought about you?

That I’m nice is a good generic answer. I’d love for people to think I’m a good writer, excellent baketress (yes, I made that word up), and have cool hair. But seeing as how I’ve only shared my stories with a few people, don’t like to share cupcakes, and hibernate during the winter, thus not seeing many people, I can’t really expect those things. Maybe I should wish that people don’t think I’m stingy (Because apparently, I am. WITH CUPCAKES).

2. What’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever done?

I tried to think of something hilarious and outlandish all week, but the only thing I could come up with was rinsing my hands with lemonade from a giant Igloo cooler as a summer camp counselor one time. I went back like three times, thinking I was using the water cooler and wondering why my hands kept being sticky.

3. If you were a game show host, what kind of game would it be?

Something nerdy and comedically obnoxious without actually being obnoxious. Trivia and word puzzles are too simple. But throw in some physical challenges (again, nothing obnoxious), and we might have struck gold.

4. Are you more scared of krakens or black death?

Black death. Krakens only kill unnamed minions or maybe the side kick you’ve grown to love. Black death can and WILL, KILL EVERYONE.

5. What do you wish there was more of in books?

Quirkiness. Not in characters, (there are way too many forced ‘quirky’ characters out there). I mean quirkiness in descriptions and content. I always wonder why epic fantasy novels never talk about their adventurers having to pee. Then I wrote such a story, and I understood. But I still enjoy unique tidbits like that where the author thought to put something unusual into their novel. Two examples off the top of my head are Followed by Frost by Charlie N. Holmberg, where pee actually is mentioned (because I brought it up and now am thinking about urine). The main character is literally ‘followed by frost,’ causing snow storms and freezing everything she touches. The book mentions her having to pee in quick bursts otherwise the urine freezes. Another example, but a much lamer one, is a book I read recently describing something as having the consistency of pudding. For some reason, that stuck with me even though I don’t remember what the object being described was (it wasn’t food). I guess I don’t see a lot of pudding comparisons in books, because I found it really  unique.

6. Where is your favourite place to read a book?

Outside in the sun on a nice day. Curled up on my couch is a great second option and where I actually do most of my reading. Also, anywhere (sitting, standing, comfortable or not) so long as I’m also eating. Yay, food.

7. What is the most “you” thing ever?

*Sigh,* Robin’s egg blue and the song Rockin’ Robin. As much as I’ve tried to run away from these two things throughout my life, they actually have ended up describing me/things I really like incredibly well. P.S. the R in R.Q. Woodward stands for Robin.

8. Cats eating birds: more proud of the cat or sorry for the bird?

Sorry for the bird. I’ve never actually seen a cat eating a bird, but if it’s anything like my dog chasing and killing screaming bunnies, I want no part of it. Poor bunnies. Stupid dog too, she’s always sick afterward.

9. What did high school English do for your love of writing?

Ha! Nothing. Back then I was more interested in the standard art forms of painting, drawing, and 3D design.

10. If you could have a mythical creature as a pet, what would it be, and what trick would you teach it?

Pegasus. Sure, everyone wants a sparkly unicorn, but think about it, wouldn’t you rather FLY? I’d teach it always catch me if ever I fell.

11. If you could have a superpower, what power would you choose?

One of the best questions ever. Since flying is covered, I’ll go with telekinesis. I’m also cheating a little bit by choosing it because my current work-in-progress includes telekinetic mages as the most powerful kind of mage: they can control the weather, heal people, physically control/manipulate other people’s bodies, and of course, do the hum-drum moving of objects with their minds. THAT is the kind of power I’d have :D

Questions from K.A. Botello:

1. What is one of the books you are currently reading?

Dang it! I’ve been on a writing binge and purposefully haven’t started my next book yet. I love that the question says “one of” too :D

I plan to re-read The Last Girl by Joe Hart next in preparation for the March 28th release of The First City by him. I reviewed the The Last Girl the first time I read it, if you want to check that out, and talked more about Hart’s skillful writing in this post.

2. If you could enter into the world of any fictional book which world would you choose?

I’m going to go with the world of The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg. Don’t mean to be mentioning her twice in this Q&A series, but I think part of the problem with most fantasy novels is that the magic system is exclusive. You have to get invited to Hogwarts. You have to have the have shifter/wizard/witch/mage DNA to even know about magical communities in most fantasy books. Most other books that take place in lands where magic/dragons/all things fantastical and awesome exist, don’t go into great detail with world building. It’s basically earth back in Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest or something. Clearly, I’m generalizing. The point is, Holmberg’s world in the Paper Magician series is amazing because learning magic is like going to trade school. As far as I can tell, anyone can do it, and it’s just another profession. AMAZING. I want to live there in modern times (because the books take place around 1910 I think…in another reality where magic is normal. It takes place in London, but I don’t think her world is supposed mirror Earth’s history per se).

3. What is one of your favorite quotes?

:( I’m not big on famous quotes. I love highlighting brilliant or hilarious lines in books I read though. One that makes me smile every time I read it is, “He had spent a lot of time thinking about himself, and had come to the conclusion that he was definitely not self-absorbed.” From Scott Meyer’s Off to Be the Wizard. That and dozens of other quotes from books I’ve read are posted on Goodreads.

4. What weather would you consider ideal?

Sunny with a breeze and NOT humid. 25-115 degrees Fahrenheit is fine, snow on the ground or hot asphalt. Just so long as I can breathe easily without inhaling gnats or mosquitos!

5. What is your favorite fairy tale or classic myth?

Ooo! Tough one! I’m going to have to give a few because I think the source matters (she says to herself, knowing full well she’s cheating). When it comes to Disney renditions, I would have to save Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty. When it comes to original fairy tales, actually the answer is super easy. 100% Hans Christian Andersen’s The Wild Swans. You can, and should, read it for free here. Seriously, it’s the best fairy tale ever. You should read it. Right now.

6. If you could have any kind of animal real, or imaginary for a pet what would you choose?

A raccoon! I’ve always, always wanted one.

7. What is your favorite time of day?

Generally, meal times because I can eat. Otherwise it depends on if I’m inside or outside, what I’m doing, and what the weather’s like. While this sounds like I’m being picky, what I actually mean to say is that I like ALL of the daytime hours and find it hard to choose.

8. If you could change your natural hair color permanently, what color would you pick?

Hmm, well seeing as how my hair is currently blue, purple, and sea foam green, and has been hot pink, blue, and purple frequently throughout my life, I’d say just brown is fine. I look funny blonde. But burgundy is nice too.

9. What is your least favorite food?

Meat. Sorry carnivores. I’m a brussels spouts, broccoli, kale, and asparagus loving vegan who makes a sad face or scrunches her nose at all things meat.

10. Where would you rather vacation: the desert, the mountains, the forest, or by the sea?

All of the above, please! The year isn’t complete unless I’ve seen a bit of each!

11. What is your favorite animated movie?

Again, I have to cheat and still give too many answers. Computer animation: The Lego Movie and Frozen. Stop-motion animation: The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings. Older animation: The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast ❤️

Nominees and Questions for them:

I’m nominating:

If Mermaids Wore Suspenders because Aubrey’s amazing and always adds a sprinkle of sunshine to her posts.

S.E. Drummond because she’s my writing buddy and duh.

Green Life Blue Water because P.J. Lazos keeps it real and provides a broad range of posts from eco information to book reviews.

Don Lorah because he boldly posts tons of wonderful stories, and I want to see if he’ll actually answer my questions in a ‘get to know me’ style blog post.

and finally Niels Saunders because I know he still exists despite his recent respite from sharing his authorly awesomeness with the world.

My eleven questions for you guys are as follows:

  What’s one of the wackiest dreams you’ve ever had?

Name your favorite book, movie, and tv show, and then tell me which of THOSE is your absolute favorite.

What is the first favorite color you ever remember having and what is your fav color now?

Who is your favorite person in the world?

What’s your favorite smell?

If you had to choose between living as an insect in the Amazon or as a fish in the ocean for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Coffee,  tea, beer, or wine? (multiple choices are acceptable)

How do you like to spend your leisure time?

Do you like to hike, bike, or do other types of outdoor recreational activities? (if this answer is a “duh” type of response because of #8, do not pass go, go directly to jail. Also, tell me anything)

What is one (or maybe two) question(s) you wish I’d asked?

What is the answer to the question you just asked yourself?

Happy answering and sunshine spreading!

To learn more about moi, check out a similar Q&A post I made earlier this year.

Sunshine Blogger Award Awards are always fun, especially when you win them TWICE. I'm not exactly sure where the Sunshine Blogger Award came from or what it means, but it seems like an exceptionally nice award to have with its sunny graphic and cheerful vibes.