UN: itsybitsy

[tothefly]

[Hi, villagers. Here on your screens is one Natasha Romanoff, hair tied back from her face, still looking a little worn out but finally rested again after sleeping for nearly 24 hours.]

So. It's been about two weeks since our unexpected little hiking trip, the weather sucks, and since I don't think group therapy would go over well here, I'm offering another option for those of you looking for a little distraction.

[The video pans from Natasha's face over to a small bookshelf, where the brightly-colored spines of twelve hefty mass-market paperbacks can be seen. The titles are all fairly innocuous, and they all seem to be part of the same series, being labeled by month at the top of the spine.]

Whoever's running this place has seen fit to send me a small part of my library from back home. They aren't much, but in my experience there's very little a trashy romance novel can't cure. I'm willing to loan them out if anyone's looking for something to read that isn't an informational guidebook or how-to.

Of course, that's with an oath to bring them back in the same condition they were loaned out in.

If anyone wants descriptions or summaries, feel free to stop on by number 40 or send me a message. First come, first serve.

Comments

Private ad infinitum

[tothefly]

There's a few of those in here. Hang on

Five, actually. There something in particular you're looking for? You're welcome to come browse.

Private ad infinitum

[skyward_eyes]

Seriously, almost half? Wow.

Uh... Just... something with romance and wooing and all that.

[tothefly]

Mhm. One of the things I like about this series, honestly. Heteronormativity is overrated, especially in the romance sector.

[Wooing? Has Nida been hanging around Bruce, because 'wooing' is so a Bruce word.]

Hmm. If you're looking for romance, they're all good, but in particular:

Paws of Gold is about two men falling in love bonding over a dog, very heartwarming; Stormy Seas is two men with turbulent pasts learning to overcome their pasts together. Either of those sound interesting?

[skyward_eyes]

[Would she believe he has only recently met the guy?]

Stormy Seas. Dogs don't warm my heart. They make me sneeze.

[Plus the other one... sounds sorta on the nose.]

[tothefly]

Allergies?

It's yours if you want it. I'll bring it by the dojo later this afternoon, if you're going to be there.

[skyward_eyes]

Dogs and strawberries. Worst thing ever, the first thing. Though the second could kill me.

Thanks, I'd really appreciate that, Natasha. I will try to be quick about reading it.

[tothefly]

You wouldn't be the first person I've met with either. Or even the first person here.

No need to rush, Nida. Take all the time you need. People can wait, or borrow another one.

[skyward_eyes]

There's only twelve, and there are a lot more people than that here.

[tothefly]

Yeah, but I don't like all of them.

[skyward_eyes]

The books or the people?

[tothefly]

The people. Although I do have favorites in the books, too.

[skyward_eyes]

And somehow I am good enough to take my time?

Thanks. I almost feel special.

[tothefly]

Well, you are trying to keep the dojo in working order, it's the least I can do. Besides, I appreciate people with a good work ethic and high pain tolerance.

[It's only partially a joke.]

[skyward_eyes]

Higher than I really like, but you know, you got to work with what you've got.

And yeah, I needed something to achieve. This... This is it. I was a combat instructor back home, might as well handle it.

[tothefly]

That's how all this works.

It seems like it's in good hands. I don't have as much experience as an instructor, but I've got some experience in general. I'm happy to help you keep an eye on the place, run things where I can. You have to have some days off, right? How else are you supposed to get any reading done?

[skyward_eyes]

I mean, the place isn't always being used and I still have SO MUCH insomnia issues.

Probably shouldn't give other people my sleepy-time tea. Oh well. They need it more. So plenty of reading time. But help is completely appreciated. I'm only used to managing small groups.

[tothefly]

Pretty sure insomnia is the standard condition around here, especially lately. I understand. Maybe want to try saving a little of that tea for you, though.

I'm still happy to help. Honestly, I could use a project. The bunker hasn't given up any more secrets, and I'm honestly a little done with traipsing halfway around the world on foot. Be nice to stick close for a little while, work on something concrete.

[skyward_eyes]

The Bunker?

[He hasn't been, he doesn't know what to do with that.]

[tothefly]

Underground facility, abandoned a while ago, judging by how empty the place looks. One entrance is about a day's hike northwest, the other is through a dock in the middle of the lake to the north. It's where we all end up, before we're pushed up into the fountain.

[skyward_eyes]

That... is messed up. Beyond messed up. But hey, could be useful to know. Thanks.

[tothefly]

Only if you think about it too hard. I try not to get too existentialist here. It's terrible for your skin.

[skyward_eyes]

So is the cold. Anyway thanks for letting me know and I look forward to borrowing the book.

[tothefly]

Any time. I'll see you at the dojo. Let me know what you think of the book when you're done.