T. Leeaves

And just like that, one smile from Jin is a balm for all the time we've spent apart recently.

A delighted laugh slips out as I spin, enjoying both showing off for Jin and the way the dress's skirts ripple and billow with the motion. I'm still grinning when I come to a stop and he takes both my hands in his.

"Oh? Come with you? Where are we going then, beautiful stranger?"

I made this for fun

If you use this, then please tag me or one of my oc's blogs:

Ruslan – @ruslanbelov-darkwick

Raiden – @lightning-iwasaki

Thought I'd simply reblog the source with my addition.

Ruslan - love interest, friend, admiration @ruslanbelov-darkwick

Ruslan seems like a really sweet guy and a good friend. Definitely cute, who wouldn't love him? He's so polite, considerate, and so interesting too! Also seems really down to earth. I think he'd be great at comforting people too.

Raiden - respect, admiration, afraid @lightning-iwasaki

Raiden seems super cool. Slightly intimidating. I almost think we would not get along, but only because we do not have a lot in common. Still seems like a generally nice person to know.

seeing people genuinely try and explain why sex isnt necessarily sexual is making me insane

i think some people take the 'you can do whatever you want forever' mindset and follow that throughline thoroughly into the realm of 'words don't need to mean the things they mean and anyone who tries to tell you otherwise is some sort of Cop.' which is a really great way to make some specific people feel good about themselves and really terrible for trying to have literally any discussion about anything ever

but oscar wilde himself said sex is about power

No, but you got a point. The man said everything is about sex except for sex, which is about power.

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

Don't I look particularly intelligent, heh? A lot of people tell me that I don't look smart. In my old academy, I was one of the best students, so I fell under the exchange program. But thank you for wanting to help me!

If you want, I can carry your books to make it more convenient for you.

"Hm. I'd actually say you look cute more than anything. But definitely intelligent too, I don't know what those people must be thinking when they say you don't look so. And of course I want to help! You did get that book down for me.

"Oh, thank you. You don't have to but... well, I guess we're playing to each other's strengths here."

I pass Ruslan my small pile of books before tugging him through the rows of tall shelves in the direction of the Japanese Culture section.

Thank you! It's nice that my fears about Japan's hospitality turned out to be just that fears. :)

Do you have any other hobbies besides studying anomalous plants?

"Well, aside from studying anomalous plants and growing regular plants, I also like to do a bit of sewing. Back when I lived with my family, I was basically their tailor. Oh! And I sometimes sketch. What about you, what are your hobbies?"

It's nice hobbies!

Eh? My hobbies? I love hiking and camping! I like to be in nature, especially if it's not another mission to catch an anomaly in the forest for 2 weeks when it's - 30° outside...

"Thank you!

"Oh, you also have such nice hobbies! It's so peaceful and refreshing to be in nature. And camping trips were always fun ways to spend summer when I was a kid."

I look a little pityingly at the mention of anomaly stakeout in freezing temperatures. Gently, I pat Ruslan's hand.

"Those must have been hard. Do you miss Russia much though while you're staying here?"

Sometimes homesickness breaks. Especially for family and friends. I can only see them through video calls. But we try to call each other more often and talk about recent events.

My younger sister is very interested in listening to stories about Japan, and my mother cares when I will find myself, if not a wife, then at least a girlfriend... But she has always been like this, it's just that after moving she began to ask even more 😅

"Homesickness really can break a person. I know I miss home a lot while I'm at the academy."

Even I look a bit miserable, staring off for a moment. But when I see Ruslan's expression, I give him a little hug. "It's not forever though, right? You'll go home again eventually."

"You have a sister?" I ask though, brightening up. "What is she like? And oh, mothers are always like that, aren't they? And grandmothers. My grandmother would always remind me of how my cousins already have boyfriends, and asking when I would get one too."

Oh?

*He looked a little surprised*

Yeah... I hope I can go back for the holidays. But likely I have to celebrate both my birthday and the New Year here.

Ah, yes. I have a younger sister Olya. This is an abbreviation of the name Olga. She is 6 years younger than me. And unlike me, she is extremely active and stubborn. But Olya is a good girl, even if she loves to argue.

"Oh no. When's your birthday?" This is very distressing news, after all. Birthdays are important.

"Ah, Olya sounds like a wonderful and passionate girl then. Full of energy. I love when a girl has some fire in her soul. Oh, look, here we are!"

We've stopped in the Japanese Culture section in the library. I point out which shelves hold histories and etiquette, explaining each. Then I let go of Ruslan's hand from leading him around.

"Ahem. Well, you probably want some time to look through these and study. I should leave you alone for now."

My smile is a little sad. The conversation had been so fun.

My birthday is December 24th. Very close to New Year and Christmas, hehe.

Oh, thank you for help and conversation! It was a pleasure to talk to you. Good luck!

I hope that we will meet soon and talk again :)

Gratefully, I take my pile of books back from Ruslan. "Thank you also for your help and your company. It really was nice. Good luck, and I'll hopefully see you again soon! Maybe even at the Frostheim ball?"

I wave goodbye as well, wandering off to do some of my own studying.

American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) swimming in a freshwater spring, family Alligatoridae, Florida, USA

photograph by Shelly Collins

this is what and where i want to be

Creature of my nightmares, you are (said with affection).

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

Don't I look particularly intelligent, heh? A lot of people tell me that I don't look smart. In my old academy, I was one of the best students, so I fell under the exchange program. But thank you for wanting to help me!

If you want, I can carry your books to make it more convenient for you.

"Hm. I'd actually say you look cute more than anything. But definitely intelligent too, I don't know what those people must be thinking when they say you don't look so. And of course I want to help! You did get that book down for me.

"Oh, thank you. You don't have to but... well, I guess we're playing to each other's strengths here."

I pass Ruslan my small pile of books before tugging him through the rows of tall shelves in the direction of the Japanese Culture section.

Thank you! It's nice that my fears about Japan's hospitality turned out to be just that fears. :)

Do you have any other hobbies besides studying anomalous plants?

"Well, aside from studying anomalous plants and growing regular plants, I also like to do a bit of sewing. Back when I lived with my family, I was basically their tailor. Oh! And I sometimes sketch. What about you, what are your hobbies?"

It's nice hobbies!

Eh? My hobbies? I love hiking and camping! I like to be in nature, especially if it's not another mission to catch an anomaly in the forest for 2 weeks when it's - 30° outside...

"Thank you!

"Oh, you also have such nice hobbies! It's so peaceful and refreshing to be in nature. And camping trips were always fun ways to spend summer when I was a kid."

I look a little pityingly at the mention of anomaly stakeout in freezing temperatures. Gently, I pat Ruslan's hand.

"Those must have been hard. Do you miss Russia much though while you're staying here?"

Sometimes homesickness breaks. Especially for family and friends. I can only see them through video calls. But we try to call each other more often and talk about recent events.

My younger sister is very interested in listening to stories about Japan, and my mother cares when I will find myself, if not a wife, then at least a girlfriend... But she has always been like this, it's just that after moving she began to ask even more 😅

"Homesickness really can break a person. I know I miss home a lot while I'm at the academy."

Even I look a bit miserable, staring off for a moment. But when I see Ruslan's expression, I give him a little hug. "It's not forever though, right? You'll go home again eventually."

"You have a sister?" I ask though, brightening up. "What is she like? And oh, mothers are always like that, aren't they? And grandmothers. My grandmother would always remind me of how my cousins already have boyfriends, and asking when I would get one too."

Oh?

*He looked a little surprised*

Yeah... I hope I can go back for the holidays. But likely I have to celebrate both my birthday and the New Year here.

Ah, yes. I have a younger sister Olya. This is an abbreviation of the name Olga. She is 6 years younger than me. And unlike me, she is extremely active and stubborn. But Olya is a good girl, even if she loves to argue.

"Oh no. When's your birthday?" This is very distressing news, after all. Birthdays are important.

"Ah, Olya sounds like a wonderful and passionate girl then. Full of energy. I love when a girl has some fire in her soul. Oh, look, here we are!"

We've stopped in the Japanese Culture section in the library. I point out which shelves hold histories and etiquette, explaining each. Then I let go of Ruslan's hand from leading him around.

"Ahem. Well, you probably want some time to look through these and study. I should leave you alone for now."

My smile is a little sad. The conversation had been so fun.

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

Don't I look particularly intelligent, heh? A lot of people tell me that I don't look smart. In my old academy, I was one of the best students, so I fell under the exchange program. But thank you for wanting to help me!

If you want, I can carry your books to make it more convenient for you.

"Hm. I'd actually say you look cute more than anything. But definitely intelligent too, I don't know what those people must be thinking when they say you don't look so. And of course I want to help! You did get that book down for me.

"Oh, thank you. You don't have to but... well, I guess we're playing to each other's strengths here."

I pass Ruslan my small pile of books before tugging him through the rows of tall shelves in the direction of the Japanese Culture section.

Thank you! It's nice that my fears about Japan's hospitality turned out to be just that fears. :)

Do you have any other hobbies besides studying anomalous plants?

"Well, aside from studying anomalous plants and growing regular plants, I also like to do a bit of sewing. Back when I lived with my family, I was basically their tailor. Oh! And I sometimes sketch. What about you, what are your hobbies?"

It's nice hobbies!

Eh? My hobbies? I love hiking and camping! I like to be in nature, especially if it's not another mission to catch an anomaly in the forest for 2 weeks when it's - 30° outside...

"Thank you!

"Oh, you also have such nice hobbies! It's so peaceful and refreshing to be in nature. And camping trips were always fun ways to spend summer when I was a kid."

I look a little pityingly at the mention of anomaly stakeout in freezing temperatures. Gently, I pat Ruslan's hand.

"Those must have been hard. Do you miss Russia much though while you're staying here?"

Sometimes homesickness breaks. Especially for family and friends. I can only see them through video calls. But we try to call each other more often and talk about recent events.

My younger sister is very interested in listening to stories about Japan, and my mother cares when I will find myself, if not a wife, then at least a girlfriend... But she has always been like this, it's just that after moving she began to ask even more 😅

"Homesickness really can break a person. I know I miss home a lot while I'm at the academy."

Even I look a bit miserable, staring off for a moment. But when I see Ruslan's expression, I give him a little hug. "It's not forever though, right? You'll go home again eventually."

"You have a sister?" I ask though, brightening up. "What is she like? And oh, mothers are always like that, aren't they? And grandmothers. My grandmother would always remind me of how my cousins already have boyfriends, and asking when I would get one too."

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

Don't I look particularly intelligent, heh? A lot of people tell me that I don't look smart. In my old academy, I was one of the best students, so I fell under the exchange program. But thank you for wanting to help me!

If you want, I can carry your books to make it more convenient for you.

"Hm. I'd actually say you look cute more than anything. But definitely intelligent too, I don't know what those people must be thinking when they say you don't look so. And of course I want to help! You did get that book down for me.

"Oh, thank you. You don't have to but... well, I guess we're playing to each other's strengths here."

I pass Ruslan my small pile of books before tugging him through the rows of tall shelves in the direction of the Japanese Culture section.

Thank you! It's nice that my fears about Japan's hospitality turned out to be just that fears. :)

Do you have any other hobbies besides studying anomalous plants?

"Well, aside from studying anomalous plants and growing regular plants, I also like to do a bit of sewing. Back when I lived with my family, I was basically their tailor. Oh! And I sometimes sketch. What about you, what are your hobbies?"

It's nice hobbies!

Eh? My hobbies? I love hiking and camping! I like to be in nature, especially if it's not another mission to catch an anomaly in the forest for 2 weeks when it's - 30° outside...

"Thank you!

"Oh, you also have such nice hobbies! It's so peaceful and refreshing to be in nature. And camping trips were always fun ways to spend summer when I was a kid."

I look a little pityingly at the mention of anomaly stakeout in freezing temperatures. Gently, I pat Ruslan's hand.

"Those must have been hard. Do you miss Russia much though while you're staying here?"

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

Don't I look particularly intelligent, heh? A lot of people tell me that I don't look smart. In my old academy, I was one of the best students, so I fell under the exchange program. But thank you for wanting to help me!

If you want, I can carry your books to make it more convenient for you.

"Hm. I'd actually say you look cute more than anything. But definitely intelligent too, I don't know what those people must be thinking when they say you don't look so. And of course I want to help! You did get that book down for me.

"Oh, thank you. You don't have to but... well, I guess we're playing to each other's strengths here."

I pass Ruslan my small pile of books before tugging him through the rows of tall shelves in the direction of the Japanese Culture section.

Thank you! It's nice that my fears about Japan's hospitality turned out to be just that fears. :)

Do you have any other hobbies besides studying anomalous plants?

"Well, aside from studying anomalous plants and growing regular plants, I also like to do a bit of sewing. Back when I lived with my family, I was basically their tailor. Oh! And I sometimes sketch. What about you, what are your hobbies?"

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

Don't I look particularly intelligent, heh? A lot of people tell me that I don't look smart. In my old academy, I was one of the best students, so I fell under the exchange program. But thank you for wanting to help me!

If you want, I can carry your books to make it more convenient for you.

"Hm. I'd actually say you look cute more than anything. But definitely intelligent too, I don't know what those people must be thinking when they say you don't look so. And of course I want to help! You did get that book down for me.

"Oh, thank you. You don't have to but... well, I guess we're playing to each other's strengths here."

I pass Ruslan my small pile of books before tugging him through the rows of tall shelves in the direction of the Japanese Culture section.

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

I wanted to pick up a books on history and etiquette in Japan, but I got a little lost 😅

I'm not quite used to the signs in Japanese yet, so I have to memorize it just like that. I'll try to remember it quickly, otherwise I'll be of little use on missions, except for physical strength...

"Oh I'm sure you offer far more than just physical strength and some language skills on missions. Whenever I hear you talk in class or to other ghouls, you sound so intelligent. Here."

Gently, I take hold of one of Ruslan's hands while my other carries my books.

"I know where to find the Japanese Culture section where you can pick up books on the history and etiquette here. I'll lead you there, and you can practice memorising the signs on the way."

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

Sounds interesting... In Russia, we also studied botany, but for the most part, ordinary botany, which is not associated with anomalies.

No no! Everything is fine! It's great when new information gives food for thought and generally arouses even more interest. :)

"Oh really? Do you like botany much?"

If anything, the blush on my face grows darker pink. "You're too sweet. Um, what are you in the library for then? Before you helped me, I mean."

"Ah, thank you so much!"

Smiling, I take the book from him and add it to a small pile of other books on my arm.

"Oh, you're not rude at all for it! This book is on anomalous plants around the world. We already know anomalies are created through intense negative emotions, but I've been wondering what differences there are that leads to anomalies being related to plants, or animals, or objects, or even like monsters out of mythology and folklore. Is it linked to the specific negative idea that takes hold? Or maybe just the environment it takes place? What people fear? I mean, all other types of anomalies, I can understand."

Pointing at the book Ruslan just reached for me, I add, "But anomalous plants? How do they fit into it all? You'd think they'd be more rare, but Rui practically cultivates them. And so, how do you even cultivate an anomaly...?"

I stop my rambling, blushing a little.

"Sorry, that was a lot, wasn't it?"

So, I'm looking at engagement rings (no, not for any specific purpose--I'm thankfully very single at the moment--I just like the jewellery magazines we get in the letterbox as junk mail) and, I won't lie, a lot of these look really ugly.

Why is the classic and typical design a gold ring with far too many diamonds? Who needs that many diamonds?? And in such basic and boring shapes. These rings are so dull. If I got proposed to with one of these, I won't lie, I might be disappointed.

I would rather a ring with ZERO diamonds or even stones, if it at least looked pretty and interesting.

Ooh now THIS is more like it! I'm looking at some rings in more star-shaped and snowflake looking arrangements of stones on simple bands and twists. This is the type of ring I would obsess over. Not too much going on, but it's interesting. And look, there's even still diamonds.