irritating as fuck when people get mad at Black people existing in premodern historical fiction/fantasy media. like first of all, you're racist. and second of all, you are acting as though Black people didn't exist in premodern Europe which is simply false. especially when we're talking about the Mediterranean, like what the fuck do you people think is along the southern half of the Mediterranean Ocean?? everyone's on boats, there are GOING to be interactions with Black people in Northern Africa, and there are GOING to be Black people in Mediterranean Europe. stop being stupid. your imagined homogeneous white European past is not historical reality, get over it you massive losers
Something I genuinely wish was explored more in the ATLA universe/fandom is how Katara is the last waterbender of the Southern Tribe. Like, I understand why it's not spoken about as much as Aang being the last airbender, because he is simply the only airbender left. But Katara is the last link in her entire tribes history of bending.
Sure, the Northern Tribe might have benders, but they have such a different culture/identity around bending compared to the South. We see in Hama's flashbacks that the Southern Tribe had male and female benders at the helm, fighting equally, learning the same things, sharing the same tactics. They weren't left behind as strictly healers or defenseless women given a man's gift, they were strong.
And the thing that separates Katara and Aang's stories being the last benders of their nations is that Aang remembers what it means to be an Air Nomad. There are obviously blind spots because of how young he was, but Aang knows the customs and the culture and spiritual practices. He was able to pass those down to Tenzin and his grandchildren, he was able to start the process of rebuilding what was lost.
But Katara? She was even younger than Aang was when the Southern waterbenders were eradicated. There are Southern practices that are most definetly just... a fractured part of history because she never got to experience them. There are ways of hunting, of building, of navigating the waters, ways of healing, probably even spiritbending, that are simply lost to time.
And maybe her grandmother can clue her into it, memories from a nonbender living aside benders, but it's not the same. She didn't get to hear it from the waterbenders, she didn't get to learn from a Southern waterbender, she doesn't even know what to rebuild because it was never something she was versed in.
That's why The Puppet Master is such a heartbreaking episode. Because Hama could have been the Southern teacher Katara clearly wanted, she could have shown her more, but ended up passing on her legacy of Bloodbending. And on the inverse, I can't even fully call Hama a villain for wanting Katara to know how to bloodbend, because the ache of thinking you were the only one left for so long, the rage against a Nation known for destroying nations, would've driven anyone insane.
We know that Tenzin felt an intense pressure to keep rebuilding Air Nomad culture, but I'm so convinced that Kya probably felt something similar with Southern waterbending.
(i'd never heard of this site before but from what i've found it's fully legal. It has a subscription model, but you can also buy comics individually and there's a bunch of free stuff too, mostly from small creators)
ETA:
a lot of people on the notes have also recommended
batcave.biz (despite the name, it's not just batman or dc or even superhero comics)
and there was some complaining about ads, so i'm also gonna rec
❛IT’S JUST A CIGARETTE .. ENJIN/ READER. ──────── you made a promise to get out of the web that was enjin, the beloved leader of akuta. but of course, that’s easier said then done.❛𓂂 ͜ᩘ ̵̼͓̥͒̾͘𑣿 ◞
۫ NOTES. [enjin may be ooc as i am still new to gachiakuta & to writing for enjin in general | hints at enjin & reader having a previous fling | suggestive content | shotgunning | reader isn’t exactly his type but he’s still 100% into her | mentions of typical cleaner work | stubborn reader | reader is a cleaner | reader is black coded | they are both shit with feelings | etc ]
۫ MANI’S THOUGHTS. [ just a small little thing i thought up of, plus shotgunning is completely hot so don’t judge me. ]
۫ WORD COUNT. [2.2K+]
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There were certain rituals you partook in after an especially rough mission. Showering was first— of course, dedicating time to scrubbing your body free of the grime that polluted the Ground. The second and most important ritual, was going to your favorite bar for a drink. Any drink, really. You never went with the intention of getting plastered, but rather something quick— something that would slide down your throat easy and settle into a dull buzz within the pit of your stomach. That was your paradise. What kept you going through particularly treacherous days. A quick I’ll grab a drink later, always boosted your spirits whenever a Trash Beast was being difficult.
That and a cigarette, but you had forgotten to reup on your supply.
A swift sigh escaped you as your eyes settled on the cup before you, inspecting the shallow pool of grenadine and whatever alcohol the bartender had chosen— resting at the bottom of the glass. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but it did its job; quick, easy, and gave you just a gentle enough buzz you knew you would sleep with no issues.
You searched your pocket for a moment, fingers collecting payment in an orderly fashion. “Thanks, as always.” You hummed, gifting the bartender a gentle smile as you placed the money down. With little effort you lifted from the bar stool you resided on, taking a step before turning towards the door. Another step and you were leaving, pushing the door open with it shutting closed behind you. Now to make your trek back to headquarters, maybe catch Semiu for a quick chat, and then head to bed.
The perfect plan. Your perfect little ritual. That was until a familiar, grating voice entered your ears.
“Ah! [Name]?”
The voice was excited, curiosity brimming at the edges of its speech as it peeked within your brain. Like a needle just jamming at your eardrums. Your lips fell into a tight line, turning your head to the side with a bit of a struggle. Your gaze settled upon a familiar figure, one that took lazy, long strides towards you. His hands rested at his sides, one holding that perfect little umbrella just high enough it didn’t drag across the ground.
Your eyes lifted, boring into the man’s features. His expression was all that you expected; amused, teasing, and downright punchable.
Within minutes he was a few feet away from you, maneuvering the cigarette he held in his mouth to the side as a quip of;
“How are ya, stranger?” escaped his lips.
Your arms crossed over your body, giving your best at an annoyed expression. “Enjin.. has anyone ever told you, you are very, very corny..?” You murmured softly, listening to the way a soft chuckle trailed from him.
Despite his corniness, the man wasn’t particularly incorrect in the title he chose for you. Stranger. It was fitting after all, given the lengths you went through to avoid the man.
You didn’t hate him, didn’t despise him, didn’t have some sort of inexplicable trauma that the man just unfortunately manifested for your reason of avoidance. Quite the opposite, actually.
The man was a mirror image of your drink; quick, easy, and just the perfect little buzz that lead you to sleep each and every-time. Being a Cleaner you hadn’t expected to reach such a level with someone, a level of intimacy. It didn’t have a name— it didn’t need one. You were there when he wanted, he was there when you needed; it was a simple match up that didn’t need distinction.
Until the unfortunate happened, until your poor little heart just couldn’t bare it any longer. You were a Cleaner for God’s sake— an expert on exterminating Trash Beasts, not on whatever emotions the man pulled from within you.
It was becoming far too complicated, no longer easy and smooth— so you did what every normal adult would. You broke it off, even ghosting him for good measure.
It wasn’t easy, of course, but you made a habit of always being on a job when he was at HQ and vice versa. But just this once, your little plan didn’t go through.
The man rose an eyebrow at you, clearly waiting for an answer. Your lips pursed a bit, “But I’ve been fine.. thanks for asking.” The last bit was mumbled, watching with a strained gaze as the man leaned back against the concrete wall of the bar.
“Of course, though..” Enjin hummed, taking a peek at you. “I wouldn’t have to ask that if you kept in touch.”
“You have a choker for a reason.”
“Acting dense isn’t a cute look on you.”
The words were shot back quickly, effectively diminishing any other argument you could possibly think of. You simply settled for silence, assisting your already stubborn nature. You knew sooner or later you would have to face the repercussions of your actions; no matter how you justified it within your head.
A short breath escaped through your nostrils, leaning against the wall as well as you glanced infront of you. The night was pretty quiet, a few stray people walking around but nothing major.
Finally you broke the silence with a simple, “Can I bum one off you?”
The words settled in the air for a moment before the man snorted beside you, his gaze turning to rest on your form.
“Seriously..?”
You shrugged a little, blindly reaching your hand in his direction, hoping for that familiar little stick of joy to enter your palm. You gave it a moment, listening to him rummage in his pocket. Then.. the moment passed, and you were still empty handed.
“Whoops. This must have been my last one.”
Your head whipped around, features contorting into an annoyed expression as you caught the sneaky little glint on his face. What was that? Was he lying? Maybe making fun of you? What—
Enjin pulled the cigarette from his lips delicately, smoke escaping as he spoke, “C’mere.. we can just share this one.”
Annoyance completely shifted to resemble an unsure expression, guarded, and skepticism just bleeding through. You watched the way his smile deepened just a tad, plucking the ash off his cigarette whilst his free hand rose. With a single finger he was beckoning you over, gaze taking you in completely.
“What..? Did that time apart suddenly make you all shy?” Enjin hummed, placing the cigarette right back to his lips and taking a long drag, “Cigarettes aren’t the only things we have shared..”
“Alright.” You quickly cut in, lifting yourself off the wall and taking a step towards the man. It wasn’t the most ideal situation, definitely wasn’t your perfect little ritual— but it would make do.. for now.. You planned to simply share the cigarette, move on, go back to your childish routine of ignoring the man.
It was just a cigarette, nothing more.
Once about two steps away, your hand reached out to take the cigarette from him— only for his hand to shift, lifting the stick just a bit higher. As pitiful as it sounded your height didn’t really account for a 6’3 dummy with the cheesiest smile plastered on his face.
Your annoyance was growing, ready to boil over and possibly explode.
“You said share, dick— so don’t go hog—“
You watched as Enjin took another drag of the cigarette, lips wrapped so perfectly around the stick as he inhaled the smoke. As he pulled it away his lips didn’t part to release, instead he moved closer; rendering that two step distance to nothing but a breath. With a lean he was pressing his hand against the wall behind you, lowering so his face was level with your own.
You caught on quickly, eyes wide as the cool of the night went completely ignored instead replaced with a warmth that bloomed the moment the two of you locked eyes. Enjin’s expression was serious, gaze boring into you, almost daring you to look away.
You wanted to, God did you. You wanted nothing more than to shoulder check the man and snatch the cigarette for yourself. That’s something someone that was completely done with their old little fling would do. Someone whose feelings for their fling were no longer complicated, were clear and straightforward. Someone that didn’t miss said fling with every ounce of their being.
And yet, that someone.. was not you.
The moment your lips parted, slow and unsure, you watched the way Enjin’s eyebrows rose in just the smallest bout of excitement. The man was gentle as he brought himself closer, chests brushing against each other, his hand going to your chin, pressing a thumb down to part your lips further.
Just a breaths away now, Enjin’s own mouth opened, allowing the smoke he held to slowly flow right into your mouth. You gingerly sucked it all up, allowing it to fill you up; the familiar bitter taste causing nostalgia to just trickle down your spine.
The way he looked at you, his thumb rubbing along your chin, his soft breaths escaping— all too familiar, all too intimate.
The remainder of the smoke escaped you in a short sigh, your eyes watching carefully as his own shifted to the cigarette between his fingers. Then they were back on you, trapping you before you could even think of moving.
“Want another hit?” Enjin mused, but he knew the answer already. He knew your entire thought process the moment you stepped closer, the moment those pretty lips of yours parted for the smoke— Enjin knew it all. So he could only muster a lazy grin the moment you nodded, him even stifling a chuckle as not to break the atmosphere.
With ease he’s bring the cigarette to your lips not so subtly focused on the way they closed around the little stick, how the remnants of lipgloss you wore stained the white paper— leaving the prettiest little mark. You sucked in slowly, expertly, Enjin removing the cigarette the moment you had your fill.
A hazy gaze settled upon him, filtering between his own and his lips with slightly puffed cheeks. Enjin took your invitation quickly, pushing the boundary— closing that space between the two of you all too easily. Your lips brushed, your own parted in slight surprise, something the man ate up far too eagerly. His focus wasn’t the smoke anymore, clear in his approach, clear in the way how easily he allowed the cigarette to slip right through his tattooed fingers.
No, Enjin’s aim was your lips, covering them with his own in the softest little kiss. It was experimental, giving you an out if needed. Enjin was a lot of things, an overly pushy jerk wasn’t one of them.
Though appreciated, the out wasn’t needed. You found yourself coming closer, deepening the kiss as smoke surrounded the both of you. A full of the high, a full of him, it was all so.. perfect, intoxicating, your mind wandered beyond the little space against the wall you two took up. It wandered to a different time, a different place; one where you shared warmth just like this, cooped up together in the most complete way.
You missed that.. missed him. So, so much.
You couldn’t help the whimper that left you the moment you felt a drag of his teeth along your bottom lip, how you so easily parted, allowing his tongue to push and prod at the wet cavern that was your mouth. Twisting and twirling, sucking.. a mess so delightful you couldn’t help but moan. You felt the way his breath hitched, nearly strained— clearly holding back as each minute passed.
You felt him move, a shift of Enjin’s arm traveling down your side before he took your hand into his, lacing his fingers through the gaps of your own. A gentle squeeze was delivered to you, one that spoke volumes.
I miss you too.
The intensity of your lip locking died down sooner than you had hoped, fizzling out as you two parted for air. A sticky string connected the two of you, breaths fanning against the other as gazes with so many emotions— too many emotions settled on each other.
All was silent except that breathing, and the whispers of the night passing through your ears. Once again, all too familiar.
Tonight just seemed to be a trek down memory lane.
That stillness was interrupted however, the moment Enjin smiled, smoothing his thumb along your pulse for a moment before pulling his hand away— entire body following shortly after. His eyes gave you a quick glance over, not so secretly satisfied by his work.
“Let me know next time you come by.. maybe I’ll buy you a drink.” The man spoke, a little too confident in his words. You watched as he stepped towards the bar door, giving you a little wave before entering the building.
The moment Enjin was gone you couldn’t help but release a sharp breath, slouching against the wall as a way to stabilize your suddenly shaky knees. Your eyes settled closed, fingers crumpling into a fist as your tried to settle your emotions. This action, however, suddenly caused your eyes to fly open, hand quickly rising towards your face.
Opening it slowly, your gaze settled on something within your palm. A little, white something. A fresh, beautifully wrapped cigarette.
P/S: Team Akuta has noticed that Enjin has been acting really strange lately and they think they finally figured out why
WC: 2K +
A/N: This got stuck in my head so here you go. Enjin x reader, this is black reader! Black coded. Reader and Semiu are twins. Reader vital instrument is a gold grill with fangs that connect across her teeth. Her VI works similar to her sister but she can manipulate and bend perception and time. this is SFW so no flags. Finally getting my first gachiakuta fic out of the way cause I have so many ideas for this man omfg....
grillz visual inspo, one, two, three
“Here me out. I think Enjin is in a relationship.”
The words create a standstill at the table as all eyes turn to Rudo. His voice echoes louder than intended. Tone caressing the grease stained walls as the conversation seemingly levitates from the table. Forks slow. A raspy cough rings in the air. Weights shift in rickety chairs and ears that weren’t meant to listen perk up. Team Akuta’s table had just become the most interesting thing in the dining hall. “What?” Riyo lets out head tilting to the side as she stares at her youngest teammate.
Your eyes dart from person to person as you continue to sip your drink. Your vital instrument purrs against your teeth. A simple vibration responding to the emotional pressure that is slowly filling the air. The gold fanged grill sits snug against your teeth as reeling to the echoes of emotions, attempting to pry the truth from the air. Your swipe your tongue across it slowly.
Riyo leans forward, planting her scrawny elbows against the table, green eyes sharp as she stares forward, “Don’t look at me like that!” Rudo screeches. Zanka releases a heavy sigh, “Rudo what the hell are you yelling about?” His tired eyes slowly drag over. “She’s looking at me like I am insane!” he whines. “Well, aren’t you.” Zanka’s voice croons as he drops his head into his hand. Your lips press together to hold in your smile as the poor boy’s face drops. “You guys I’m serious. Enjin has been acting strange lately. Like yesterday for example.” he yells with a sense of urgency. “If you're talking about him jumping off the side of that building with no rope then…” Riyo starts but he cuts her off. “No, that's oddly normal for him. I mean what happened after.” Your eyes flicker up. Just enough for you to hear what the white haired boy was saying.
“He seems…calmer somehow. L-like he is anchored.” Rudo stutters out in hopes of getting his peers to understand him.
“Hm.” Riyo’s eyes shifts as she thinks on it for a moment. “You know Rudo, I think you might be onto something.” she speaks. Zanka looks between the two of them. “Not you too.” he huffs. “It's bad enough I have to deal with Rudo’s hysterics but now you’re doing it too. What is in the air today?” he lets out. “I mean think about it Zanka. Enjin’s been more reserved in a way. He has been taking care of himself.” Riyo maps out. You take a sip of your drink again. “Yeah! And he actually thinks through his decisions,. I hear him mumbling more to himself lately.” Riyo gestures vaguely with her spoon. “It’s like he’s anchored. Like there’s something pulling him back every time he almost goes too far.” “Or,” Zanka counters, “he finally learned consequences.” Everyone stares at him. “…Okay, yeah, no,” he admits.
“People can change.” you speak up as you lean back into your seat. Your eyes scan the table at the different faces. Your eyes find Semiu who smirks at you. Her glasses tilted lightly on her face. Your eyes revert back to the other at the table. “I don't understand how you’re so calm about this.” Riyo turns her suspicions to you. “Why wouldn’t I be?” I shrug. “Because this is Enjin,” she says. “He’s our leader. His actions are how we react. If someone gets close, we should know! What if the raiders find out. They can use this person as leverage.” Rudo lets out. His voice pitched up an octave. Semi breaks her bread in half. She hasn’t spoken a word about the entire situation, allowing it to all play out. Her eyes connect with yours for a brief moment before going back to her book.
“I overheard him the other day you know.” Riyo exhales. Your eyes slant towards her, the hum beneath your lips deepening. “It that so.” you smile, one of the golden fangs protruding from underneath your lip.
Zanka nearly chokes on his food. “Overheard what?” She leans in closer. “I was walking past his room the other day and I heard him talking.” Riyo’s eyes shift from left to right slightly uncomfortable. “His door was cracked. I wasn’t trying to listen.” Zanka can’t help but roll his eyes “Everyone says that.” She glares at him, pointing the end of her spoon in his direction. “I heard him talking. It was low and his voice was calm, almost caring.” Rudo’s brows pulls together in a frown. “Talking to who?” She scoffs at his ignorance.
“Obviously, I couldn’t see who it was,” Riyo says. “But I heard him say, ‘I know. I’ll be careful.’” Zanka’s mouth drops open and his eyes widen at her words. “And then,” she continues, “‘I’ll be back soon. Don’t wait up for me.’”
The silence is heavy. A thick coating of different emotions fill the air. Hearts racing and eyes shifting from left to right. Even members from other teams have leaned in to eavesdrop on the conversation. Zanka is the one to break the silence. “That’s like… illegal.” Rudo rubs his face. “That’s intimate.” Riyo chirps. “It almost feels…domestic,” Zanka adds. “Who the hell could have domesticated Enjin.” Your soft chuckle coasts from under your breath. Riyo’s head snaps to you. “Seriously y/n this isn’t funny. We are really concerned for him.” she breaths out a sight through her nose. “Enjin is a big boy. I’m sure he can handle himself.” you speak. “You’re assuming vulnerability from Enjin based on one sentence.” Semi speaks, her gaze flickering between the three of them. You glance at her. She meets your eyes for half a second longer than necessary. The humming had settles softly within you although the tension was still coating the air. But before another sentence can be uttered, the door swings open.
Slow, calculated footsteps hit the floor as the sound amplifies. The air shifts as it always does when he enters a room. You don’t look yet. You don’t need to. Enjin walks in like he owns the damn place. His presence is always felt before it's seen. His eyes scan the table, the widened eyes, stiff shoulders, half eaten food. He raises a brow. “What the hell are you guys looking at?” There was a silence layered with anxiousness. He stood there waiting patiently.
“Are you in a relationship?”
Everyone’s heads snap to Riyo. Her question had been louder than she intended and now all eyes were on Team Akuta. Enjin stops, golden eyes blinking. Then laughs. Loudly. Completely unbothered. “Whoa.” he says leaning down over the seat next to you. “You’re not my type.”
Her mouth drops open and chaos erupts. “ENJIN!” Rudo gasps aloud. “THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!” “YOU DIDN'T ANSWER THE QUESTION!” His team’s voices carry through each table, ears and eyes tuned in to the chaos of the Akuta show. Zanka’s hand slam down on the table. “Deflection!” he cries out. Your lips press together and you exhale slowly through your nose to keep yourself from bursting in laughter. “Admit it Enjin! There is someone there.” Rudo lets out. “Yeah, I heard you talking all soft behind your room door. Now spill!” Riyo chimes back in, finally recovering from his earlier statement. Enjin’s eyes flicker to the side of your face. You try your best to hold it in. “Don’t deny it. I even heard you whispering the L word.” she points her bony fingers at him. Gasps erupt at the accusation.
“I told you someone heard you.”
A wave of shock crosses the room as everyone turns to none other than…you.
Enjin’s head drops with a chuckle. “Damn,” he says walking closer to you. “Guess the walls here are too thin.” He leans down closer, his tattooed hand coming up and gripping your chin as he pressers his lips softly against your forehead. “Hey wifey.” he says softly before plopping down in the seat next to you, his arm falling against the back of your chair.
The dining hall detonates with voices.
Riyo’s jaw drops. “You?”
“You’re married?!”
“Since when?!”
Your demeanor cracks as you gift him a smile, golden fangs from your vital instrument, Nelly, flashing at him. Enjin pulls you closer to him as he directs his attention to the rest of his team. “So is this the pressing conversation you all were having about me?” he asks. “You wanted to know about my wife?” he asks. “Wait, you didn't mean that figuratively. You’re actually married.” Rudo whispers. “Have been for years.” Enjin shrugs. Riyo stares. “You’re the one he was talking to in the room that night.” You give her a nod.
Rudo looks between you and Enjin slowly. As if his brain was recalibrating the situation “…Married,” he repeats more to himself than anyone else. Enjin hums. “Mm-hmm.” Zanka snaps his head up just enough to glare. “Don’t mm-hmm us. How do you hide an entire marriage front our team.” Semiu sits back and crosses her arms. “I’m surprised it took you so long to figure out.” she says. “Well excuse us, we all can't see the future.” Zannka pouts. “Oh I didn't need to see the future. I was there when it happened.” she states matter of factly. More shock fills the room. “WHAT THE HELL IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN?” Rudo screams out. “I mean who would miss their twin sisters wedding.” she says as she kicks her feet up on the chair next to her. “Sister?!” Riyo nearly faints. “What the hell as today turned into.” Zanka groans.
Rudo finally exhales. “Okay. Okay.” He rubs his face. “Let’s back up a bit here so I can understand.” “I’m with Rudo on this one,” Zanka says. Rudo takes a breath trying to process it. He hasn’t been with the cleaners long but he’s for sure been on the team well over a year now.. “So how…how long has this been a thing?” Riyo clips onto his sentence “And how married are we talking?” Enjin snorts as he responds with a simple, “Very.” Zanka’s eyes roll. “That gives us nothing.” Rudo clears his throat. “Legally?” Enjin tilts his head at his youngest team member with a smile. “Legally, physically, mentally, Spiritually, Practically, Permanently. All of the “ly”s you can think of.” “That's not a good answer!” Riyo whines. “Enjin, play nice.” you press your elbow into his side. He rolls his eyes playfully. “Fine, it's been…a while. Before some of you joined the team actually.” Zanka nearly snaps his neck with how fast he looks to his leader. “YOU’VE BEEN MARRIED THIS WHOLE TIME!?” his voice shoots up three octaves.
“Were we just not important enough for you to tell us this information?” Riyo lets out. Her shock stuck to her features. “It wasn’t important enough information to tell.” Enjin grins widely. “You tell us when you change socks!” Zanka’s exasperation shows through his actions. “Those are operational decisions.” Enjin smirks. Poor Zanka damn near cries and he releases a laugh. “I hate that that makes sense.” You lean back and revel in the chaos of tema akuta much like the other tables around you. “And you didn't help! You sat here with us the whole time!” Riyo shifts to you. You smirk softly. “Yeah. A-and you didn't say a thing. You just let us talk.” Zanka hops in. “You were wrong,” you reply calmly. Riyo squints her eyes at you. “We were right.” “About him being in a relationship, yes” you say. “But not about anything else.” Your eyes fall to Rudo who just stares at you. You nod at him, giving him the courage to speak up. “You’re really married to Enjin?” You smile bright at him. “Yupp.” Zanka leans back, staring at the ceiling. “I knew there was something suspicious about her.” Enjin laughs out loud again. “You think she’s the suspicious one?” he says with a look. Riyo folds her arms. “You hid a whole wife.” “I hid my personal life,” Enjin corrects. “There’s a difference.”
“I can’t believe this. We fought with you. Dined with you. Live under the same roof and none of us managed to figure this out until now.” Zanka exhales. “Yeah, you would think you guys would’ve been more perspective.” Enjin shrugs. “She practically lives in my room.” “Speaking of,” you turn to him. “You clearly need ot make sure you are closing the door tighter at night.” you give him a look and he responds by pressing a nother kiss to your forehead. Riyo looks at you again, expression complicated. “You know what loving him means down here.” she says softy. “I do.” you nod. “Yet, you chose to do it anyway?” she asks. “He chose me first.” You say. “And I always will.” Enjin chimes in. “Wow, our chaotic leader. A husband.” Enjin smiles. His team notices it now. The way his shoulders are relaxed. His body isn’t tense. There is a softness to his features and gentle look in his eyes. Yet, his hands still wrap around your protectively.
“So,” Rudo pops back in. “How did you two meet?” Everyone’s attention everts back to you. Enjin gives the widest smile they have ever seen. “She almost killed me,” he says.
“WHAT?!”
“IT KEEPS GETTING WORSE!?”
“That actually makes sense..”
The conversation continues as you sit back and enjoy your husband’s antics with his team. Semiu stands, gathering her things. She pauses beside you, voice quiet. “He is never going to live this down, you know that right..” You glance over to him as he continues to tease around answers to their questions. “I know it.” you laugh softly. Semiu shakes her head, amused. “That’s your man.” You grant her a wide smile. “That he is.”
Everything about him was fake. His personality, his name, his smile, everything that made Enjin, Enjin. He didn't mind not being liked when it came to people, but when it came to his line of work, he needed some type of connections with the people around him. Even as he grew to be more of a father figure or older brother figure to the kids, he still felt the need for more.
There was an explanation he could give to how much it fulfilled him when Riyo and Rudo came to him. He spent so much time giving them the attention that he craved as he grew up. Having Guita, Amo, and Remlin also attached to his hip all the time he had his hands full. As much as he would bitch and complain Enjin knew he wouldn't give it up.
You being introduced by Corvus was an unexpected move on his end. No one knew what or who you were. So ghostly quiet at times that he often forgot you were there. However you were so gentle with everyone. It made the kids become like little ducklings to you.
Anything they wanted had to go through you first.
Enjin didn't know how to act around you. You were quiet of course so he adapted to that, but the problem was you did the same thing. You adapted to whoever you were around. But it was different from how he did. It wasn't to impress whoever you were around, it was to make them comfortable.
Enjin envied you.
It wasn't fair that you could adapt so easily without having to worry if you'd be liked just by being yourself. All the time he spent crafting the personality everyone knew and loved, and yet you came and took over like nothing.
And yet he couldn't hate you like he wanted to.
Because even to him you were just so gentle. He couldn't fake a way to act because he didn't know just who you were. He had no choice but to be himself around you. Still flirtatious, just a bit quieter. He didn't need to say much, it seemed you could talk enough for both of you guys when he was upset.
You became his person. Who he came to to clear his mind. The one whose hand he held under the table to calm himself. The one whose room he snuck into just to have the comfort of another person there. The one he sent the kids to when he would get overstimulated.
We absolutely SHOULD celebrate DC greenlighting three Black-led projects with Black creative teams because YAY but!! one of the requests of DCBlackout is that these titles be given immunity from cancellation for 2 years. Obviously we should do our part and preorder & show up for these titles, but DC is also not off the hook yet!!! Stay vigilant and keep demanding better for Black characters, fans, and creatives!!!!
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