The Brave Little Toaster, paperback bunko illustrations!
There have been three Japanese editions of Thomas M Disch’s original ‘The Brave Little Toaster’ novella. One was published in the magazine of Sci Fi and Fantasy, there was also this illustrated paperback bunko, and a tankōbon hardcover which used character designs similar to Karen Lee Schmidt’s art from the 1980 Doubleday/Grafton pressing. The artwork in this paperback is especially cute! I love the depiction of the old and new appliances gathered in the city apartment, and the master and mistress meeting the Swap Shop kittens ☺️
Hello! Just wanna start out by saying your blog is super awsome. Either way I was wondering if you know any sources that help with obi knots and how to tie them? I've been specifically trying to find how to tie a Mizuki knot for a thing I'm putting together.
Hi <3! Mizuki is a descendant of kichiya musubi. Another one used widely today is the 文庫結び bunko musubi. You'll have much better luck searching for bunko tutorials :)
Main differences between bunko and mizuki is, as far as I can tell, the lenght of the "tails" and the way to fold the end (it's folded under/hidden in bunko, and left free in mizuki).
Bunko is a strong woman that is in a poly relationship with Inaba & Urita.
This is fairly relaxed/sweet, 18+ for usual.
I had grown up in a wealthy family, yet I was so plain. Aside from my wealth, I had no beauty and it felt like I had no skills. I applied myself, and it seemed that I had finally found a purpose in life, to help with money. I became an assistant at Pensonic to Uriko Suziko, the head of Pensonic. I simply did what I was told, no questions asked. I had noticed there was always something in his shadow, it seemed to be human but I couldn't decipher its shape entirely. It was ball like, limbs outstretching with oil like hair. Its origin was a mystery to me. After days of staring and trying to decipher it, Suziko finally spoke up.
"Curious about my friend, are you?" He laughed, neatly folding his papers. "Everyone who ever works for me always asks me about him. Inaba, please introduce yourself."
The ball unfurled, digits gripping into the floor as it approached me. He slowly sauntered over, crawling cautiously. "
"I'm... I'm Inaba Ryo." He gently scooped his hair out of his face, his eyes lighting up. He had a surprisingly childish and... adorable face!
Much to his surprise, I didn't scream or run. I offered a hand, squatting down to meet him with a smile.
"Bunko. The pleasure is mine." He studied my hand, and looking to Suziko, he was given a reassuring nod. His hands were rough, calloused from years of training and fighting, yet from touching his hair, it was slick with some oil. My hand, by comparison, only had paper cuts, cat scratches and some dryness. It was as if I understood him upon touching him. This... this was a warrior. A blood thirsty assassin.
"You're Suziko's bodyguard, correct?" I just... wanted to keep speaking with him. I didn't have much else to say, especially when it came to others. I lived a quiet life where I spent most of my off time playing games or trying to catch fights when I could... not that Suziko knew!
"Right." He replied with a smile.
"Well ah..." Bunko pull yourself together. What a cutie! "Y-you're so good, I hardly see you half of the time. You're amazing."
Suziko laughed, intervening. "Alright he gets it. I need you to go mail these papers for me before the mail man drops by." He offered me the stack of them. I nodded and stood up, completely forgetting Inaba's hand was still connected to mine. I went to walk away, grounded by something. I turned to look at my hand, his own still wrapped around mine.
"Oh! I'm sorry!" I gasped, trying to take my hand back. He held onto it, staring at me as his hair fell back down. Releasing it gently, he retreated back to the shadows, keeping a close eye on me as I left.
I closed the door behind me and went to go prepare these to send.
Suziko leaned against the desk, crossing one leg over the other as he folded his arms. "It's been a while since you introduced yourself to anyone, Inaba." He spoke in a warm tone.
"I like her." He looked to the door, eyes barely peering out from behind his curtain of hair.
"Just make sure you two don't distract each other too much. The tournament is coming up, after all."
"It doesn't help to have a little bit of motivation though." Inaba grinned.
--
My shift was winding down to an end. The last of the mail was sent, calls arranged, meetings made, everything was in place and I could finally rest easy. I made my way back home, meandering through the dark streets. The city was constantly bustling, never resting for any second. I boarded onto the subway, leaning near the door, my thoughts drifting on about what dungeons I wanted to go through with my guild mates...
I felt a presence closing in to me. A familiar one. A business man. I groaned, here we go again. There were no words, only a creepy huffing as I could feel his hand closing in on me. Before he could touch me, another hand gripped onto mine as a foot collided with the man. I was frozen as I saw the man go flying across the empty car. Surely there was no one else in here... was there?
I looked to my hand again to see the familiar black ball of hair.
"I-Inaba?"
His eyes looked up to me, making sure I was safe before, dragging me to a seat, placing me in it and coiling up next to me. His hair covered over me like an added layer of security. I smiled,weaving my hand throughout his hair as I enjoyed the moment. It felt like a dream, to be rescued by my... shining, spider like knight...? Still, it was pleasant, fantasy like, whimsical.
"Thank you." I replied, looking to him with a smile. Inaba grinned back. There wasn't much to say, it was simply understood.
"Your kick was pretty good." She looked to the unconscious business man, grinning. "You looked like Terry when he does his rocket moves!" I spoke absent mindedly, pumped up about what had just happened. I had such a rush of emotions I had completely forgotten I mentioned an underground fighter.
"Oh. You watch Kengan fights too?" Inaba tilted his head, giving an interested look. His hand released my sweaty one, touching my cheek gently. "I'm a fighter too."
I looked to him. I knew, but... I had never seen him fight. I could feel it, in his palms as they touched my face. His skin was so white compared to my own, he seemed like a ghost.
"I uh..." I took up my hands, cupping it against my cheek. "I can feel. Your skin is so rough, I can feel the scars, the injuries..." I found myself drifting off, speaking aloud as I felt secure with him, almost alone in this car as his hair cocooned me. "You mostly use... your digits... and... there's so much muscle build up here... it's unlike anything I had ever felt."
Inaba stared, impressed but a bit taken aback by the more affectionate gesture. He kept his cool, still keeping his finger there as he moved closer.
"Can you... feel more of me?" He asked, pressing his nose against mine.
Oh goodness! Was I being proposed for something sexual? I darted my eyes around. This wouldn't be like with the random, sleazy office workers... no, this was... something consensual between them. "U-uhm how... much more?"
"Everything." He stared into my eyes.
Damn it, too close!! I was going to reply but I was met with a sudden, forceful kiss that drowned out any noise I made. I was pleasantly interrupted, this had to be one of the most enjoyable things that had ever happened in my boring life. My heart was racing as I gripped onto his hand. He broke it, studying me.
"I..." I blinked. "I uhm... s-sure." Why did I agree to this? The train approached my station, stopping only for a few seconds before passing it. Oh. I looked to it as we sped away from it.
"My place." Inaba offered, nuzzling himself against my face.
I'd need to swing by my own place to get clothes... take a shower... put on my make up for tomorrow... this was a lot. It would be easier to go home but, I... I couldn't decline him.
"Sure." I replied, then was greeted with another ravaging kiss.
We stopped at a small station, Inaba regaining his familiar ball shape as his hand continued to grip onto mine. He paused as he left the station, and quickly, crawled up my back to cling to me. Essentially, he had become my piggy back rider. I'm not really sure how, but I was able to keep him on me. Was it years of baby sitting? Upon further inspection, it was his hairs wrapped around my body, fortifying me. I could feel his heart beating against my back, and, I could feel him directing me in what direction to go.
We made it in front of a large estate. It was to be expected due to his work, but... it was an entire clan. This was not what she was expecting. I wanted to compliment his estate, but I refrained from doing so to avoid seeming materialistic. Truly the worst trait a woman can have. We found ourselves opening a paper door, and closing it behind, I hadn't had the time to take my shoes off before being placed into the bed as he stood up.
"It's... been a long time since I've spoken with a civilian." Inabra smiled, sitting down next to me. "I'm glad you aren't scared of me."
"Scared..." I laughed. I took a few pillows into my arms, propping my head up on them as I began to speak to him. "I admire you. I wish I was born with some duty, some purpose, a skill... I haven't anything like you have."
"Well..." Ryo sat in front of me, propping his head up on the same pillows. He really knew how to comfortably invade my personal space. "I think you have a skill. I feel really relaxed with you... it's like when I was a school kid with my best friends. I want to tell you everything."
I curled my lips. How precious... it was even cuter when he was so close to me! He gave me another light peck. "Don't betray me."
"A-ah I wouldn't ever! You and Urita mean so much to me!" I laughed nervously. He was quite intimidating despite his boyish appearance. He curled up again, now sliding himself beneath the covers as his limbs contorted around me. I made myself comfortable by laying on my side, supporting my head with the multiple pillows. Ryo had found himself a set of pillows... my chest. I was more embarrassed that I hadn't showered in a while.
"I uhm... I had plans to shower when I got home... d-do you mind if I do that here?" I tried to peep out of my mouth.
"Ah, right. I'm the one who interrupted your plans, my apologies." He uncurled himself, sitting up as he smiled. He got down on all fours once again, and as I stood up, his hand gripped mine. "I should join you."
WHY DID YOU HAVE TO TORTURE ME!!!! I could feel myself screaming within, and yet, WHY DIDN'T THIS HAPPEN SOONER! I'm nearing my mid 30's and I already get teased a lot by Sizuko and the other employees that I'll be an old maid!!!
"I-if you want." I replied, letting him guide me to the bath room. It was massive, as expected for an assassin clan's home. There were showers and of course, a large tub full of warm, rejuvenating water.
"I want you to wash me and I'll wash you. It'll be fun." He was giddy. He scurried over to the showers like an excited child waiting to show his mom he could operate the gears. I walked over, having to awkwardly disrobe in front of my... boss's bodyguard? He threw off his clothes in an instant, it was almost as if I looked up one minute and the next I was greeted with his firm, tight bottom displayed before me.
He started up the water, peering back to me before sheepishly looking down. It seems like he didn't think this through either.
"U-uhm I can wear a towel if you want..." I offered. He nodded, pointing to the stack near the entrance. I grabbed one for me and him before covering myself and returning back. I threw him a towel, peering away.
"Thanks." He threw his on around his waist. He stood up, putting his hands on his hips as he laughed. "I feel like I'm in the ring again!"
I laughed with him. It was pretty cute. I paused as I took up a bucket of water. "Inaba..."
"Ryo, please." He corrected me.
"Ah uhm Ryo-kun," His face flushed at the suffix. "Do you want me to wash your back?"
His face contorted at the myriad of options, all of which excited him and made him more eager. Kun. He looked back to me, picking me up with his arms and placing me on his lap. The size difference was noticeable, but his strength let him support me easily.
“I’m going to be washing you Miss Bunko.” He smiled, lifting up a washcloth to start on my shoulders. My heart was beating a mile a minute.
--
Kengan tournament. We were one of the fortunate parties to be invited onto the ship without having to face blood shed. A familiar face strutted towards us. "Hey cos!" It greeted. Nishihonji Akira, CEO of his father's security system. He warmly hugged Sukizo and gave Inaba a hug as well. Imai Cosmo, a fighter I had heard of but haven't seen, approached us, wanting hugs. He warmly wrapped himself around me.
"Are you Mr. Sukizo's assistant?" He beamed. I laughed, straightening my glasses.
"Y-yes." Assistant was such a... general term. I was more of a support class in an RPG. I did everything for these two. If Sukizo was a merchant/tank, then Inaba was definitely straight DPS. How nerdy of me...
"I'm. so. jealous." He huffed, slumping in against me. His hug was certainly strong, it was easy to see how he could be a formidable grappler. His size also worked to his advantage. Wait... jealous? "Why do they get a cute mom assistant...?" He asked me, pouting.
"Cute mom...?" I replied weakly, unsure of how to handle this. I guess in a way... I was their mom figure. Did either of them even have mother figures? Maybe they had a decent relationship with their mom, but nothing a growing child needs. I laughed. "I'm sure Mr. Nishihonji will hire someone soon to take care of you both, kind of like miss Kaede. You're both very sweet so it'll be easy finding someone."
Imai's face turned red. He blew up at the compliment, keeping her close. How he wanted to be babied more! A hand gently moved Imai away, making him audibly whine. "Inabaaaa! Don't do this to meeee!"
"Don't tease miss Bunko." He huffed, crawling onto my back again as he put his head on top of my own. You were one to talk, you hypocrite...
"Inaba! Did you find yourself a girlfriend finally?" Nishihonji teased, smiling. Sukizo laughed with him.
"Oh yes, they're inseparable!"
... Sukizo... you spend just as much time with us, if not more so, than any other person due to our jobs. It seemed hypocritical to be giggling at a body guard and an assistant spending time together, no less working as a support system for Sukizo.
Sukizo and Nishihonji disappeared. I gently patted Inaba's head as Imai stuck around to speak with us.
"I always worry for all of you... I know this is just the way of life here and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy watching it." I explained with a hearty sigh. Inaba was now positioned around me, hanging onto my torso like a baby to a mother animal. Imai beamed.
"Ahh don't worry Miss Bunko! I'll show off for you~!" He posed, flexing a bit. I laughed and patted his arm muscle. He was only a bit bigger than my little spider, but he was incredibly formidable. It would be fun to see these two pitted against each other.
The two CEOs returned with their match ups.
"Oh I don't know who to feel worse for, us or you two." I joked about the match ups. Both opponents seemed terrifying. Ohma was like an angry dog with no master, let loose every so often. Adam was more like a rampaging bull... which was fitting given his home region.
"Don't worry, it will be over in no time." Imai boasted.
"I'm looking forward to my match..." Idara smiled, leaning into me more as I reworked my hands on his glutes to support him.
"You'll both do great, I'm sure." I reassured them. I gently placed Inaba down so I could walk again,but not without giving Imai another hug as well as Nishihonji. We all said good bye and good luck and began to walk.
Meandering down the corridor, I began to try to recount all of the details I knew of Ohma. I had only seen a few of his fights, but his style was unlike anyone else I had ever seen. Idnaba, giddy for the next match, brought himself up to a bipedial movement. I continued to hold his hand as Sukizo commented on his excitement.
"Me.. take on a rookie, huh?"
--
In the hospital room, Bunko was by Inaba’s side. As he awoke, Ukizo and him had a heartfelt reunion moment. Bunko followed with a soft stroke of his face.
"Miss Bunko...?" He smiled, looking towards her. "Could you... brush my hair?"
"Sure. I even brought all of your brushes." She replied, getting up to retrieve a box of expensive looking hair brushes. He smiled, staring up at the ceiling.
"I haven't been able to live in the moment in so long... live as a fighter. I feel rejuvenated. This is my blood. This is what I am.” He patted his chest gently, wincing in pain. His eyes trailed over to her as she lifted up her tool kit into her lap. “Does it ever bother you?"
"No, it doesn’t bother me that you are an assassin." She replied, taking out a detangler as she began to bring his hair together with her other hand. “Unless if you mean something else...” She took a segment of his hair, gently running the detangler through it.
"I mean, that someone you care for could die in any fight?"
Pausing, she looked to Inaba with pain in her heart, tears falling. She already felt them welling up by him in this position, but they were raining down now that he mentioned his mortality to her.
"Yes but... this is your life. I know if you were to die, I could live without regret because I was able to care for you, and have you trust and care for me as well. I used to worry so much but... I decided, I want to make the most of all of the time I have with you." She placed the brush down, sobbing against his chest gently.
"I love you Ryo-kun."
"I love you too, Bunko-chan."
--
Bunko was dizzy from excitement as she raced around the house, gathering up her things. A business trip with her favorite people from her company! Her dreamy CEO and his handsome and adorable bodyguard! In bathing suits no less!!! She was so eager to see more of their bodies, she laughed to herself but immediately became disheartened.
Oh right... I don’t think they’ve ever seen me in casual clothing... nor my body no less. She panicked, staring down at her toned body of built up muscle. Most men found her strength intimidating, especially so in a misogynistic society.
Well, if they don’t like me for who I am, then maybe it wasn’t meant to be... she thought, reassuring herself. W-Working here! I mean! She panicked. The last of her clothes were packed, and just in time for her ride share to arrive... with none other than her mentioned coworkers.
Walking out with her suitcase around her shoulder, her large sunhat and sunglasses blocked the sun as a flowing top hid her defined body. An expensive car pulled up, Urita in the drivers’ seat as he smiled. “Hey! Don’t you look great- oh goodness, let me help you with that!” He jumped out of the car with Inaba, who was already trying to put his hair onto it to grasp it closer.
“Ohh don’t you two worry! I got this!” She giggled as the trunk popped open, placing her brief case in between their things. “It’s not that heavy but I appreciate it.” She walked into the back as the other two got back in.
“Alright Miss Strong Secretary...” Urita chided her, getting the car ready for the long trip ahead to the beach. Inaba peered to Bunko from the passenger seat, hardly strapped in as his limbs were all over the place.
“You aren’t lonely back there, are you?”
“I’ll be fine! After all, someone needs to keep Mr. Urita company.” Bunko laughed, tilting her head.
“Alright. Wait, why didn’t we hire a private driver again?” Inaba prodded at Urita as he sucked in his bottom lip.
“BecauseIsortofwantedittobeonlyus.” Urita coughed, turning the key to start up the car. It was barely audible to Inaba, who let out a loud ‘oh!’ sound, and Bunko was unable to hear it.
