#(also I just needed to see more Hiyori again I adore her to bits)

[wurm-food]

Zoyori makes me kick my fucking feet fr

[thedeliverygod]

White Day

chapter 2 of Just as Sweet

A day early once again! Both because I want and because I got my first covid vaccine today and judging by my friends side effects to them, I'm in for a ride lol.

Archive of Our Own

Fanfiction.net

“Oh, Hiyori~”

Her eyes widened, pulled from the daze she was in from staring up at the chalkboard and her sensei. Turning to see Yato grinning widely at her side, she moved her notebook forward and flipped to a blank page.

What are you doing here?

He moved closer to her and leaned over her desk much more than needed, entering her personal space to read the note. “Well, I was kinda hoping you’d play hooky with me. It’s been a while since you’ve missed school, right?”

Hiyori chewed her lip in response as she wrote down her answer.

Define a while. Also, what’s the occasion?

“It’s white day, so it’s my turn to sweep you off your feet.” He wrapped himself around her shoulders.

Flushing, she considered his words before she wrote down her question.

Why can’t it wait until tonight?

“Let’s see. First, there’s the fact that Yukine can still hardly stand to be in a room with both of us at the same time because he gets too embarrassed. Second, there’s the chance of Kofuku following us even if we do leave the house. Third, I’m sure you’ve seen your classmates celebrating all day, so it’s only fair you get your turn…”

As he counted down the various reasons, she quickly scratched out her answer.

Okay, I get it.

He grinned in response and let go of her, taking a step back.

Hiyori took a breath, briefly closing her eyes before opening them again to focus on leaving her body. As she stepped outside of herself and next to Yato, she noticed him quickly reaching over to her body as her classmates all turned around at the sound of a thud.

“Jeez, Hiyori…” Yato gently removed his hand from underneath her head, looking over to give her a chastising look, “You were about to crack your skull open on your desk.”

She rubbed her neck sheepishly, “Sorry, I’m still getting used to leaving my body again…”

“Just… try to be more careful.” He reached out to cup the side of her face.

She nodded, “I will. So, where exactly are you taking me?”

“Hmm,” He hummed before moving his hand to hers and grasping it lightly, “It is pretty warm outside today, so I guess that sakura tree Yukine always likes to hang around would work.”

Hiyori tilted her head in surprise as she was pulled forward, “You didn’t think about it before hand?”

He shrugged his shoulders, “Eh, location is a minor detail.”

“For wanting to sweep me off my feet, it doesn’t sound like you planned it out very much.” She pulled away to put her hands on her hips, staring at him expectantly.

Yato moved his hand to his chest and gripped his jacket, feigning pain, “Now that we’re officially dating, I would think you have more faith in me, and yet…”

“I’m just a mixture of concerned and curious is all…” She admitted before giving him a gentle push, “Let’s keep going.”

He grinned and peeked back at her, “So you’re excited, then.”

“Of course.” She smiled back.

“So,” He stuck his hands in his pockets and leaned in towards her, “Do we take the long way or the scenic route?”

“It’s funny, those would usually be one in the same.” Hiyori gave another smile before she pointed out towards the large tree visible from the window, “But definitely the scenic route. I miss feeling like I can fly.”

Yato started to retreat down the stairs, announcing, “Scenic route it is, then.”

“Did you really just walk right through the front door of the school?” She moved quickly to catch up with him.

“Yeah? I mean, it’s not like anyone can see me.” He lifted his head to look back at her as they descended the stairs, “Would you rather I come in through a window?”

She sighed in return, “Of course not.”

“Besides, maybe I left something in your shoe locker for later so your friends will see that I stopped by.” He teased as they approached the lockers.

“Really?” Her eyes moved towards the area where her locker was but Yato quickly reached out to gently pull on her arm.

“No peeking.” He directed her forward and out the front doors. Letting go of her, he jumped up into the tree that they previously saw from upstairs, “Besides, this is the main part of your gift anyway. What’s in your locker is really just to show your friends I exist.”  

Hiyori jumped after him, relenting though her tail gave an annoyed twitch, “Okay, okay.” As they traversed a few more trees and tops of buildings, she added, “And by the way, they know you exist.”

“They don’t think you’re just taking pictures of a random guy you know and saying you’re dating without his knowledge?” He raised an eyebrow as he teased, continually making sure to keep a wide berth.

Flushed, she huffed back, “No! They know I wouldn’t do something like that.”

“I’m just saying it could happen.”

“Besides, you take all sorts of pictures on my phone and they’ve been known to take it and look at it…” She added with a sigh, still bright red.

He finally paused at that, waiting for her to catch up, “What do you mean?”

“The random pictures you take of just me studying or like, I dunno, talking with Yukine-kun…” She looked down and twiddled her fingers, “They said you clearly like me a lot and it’s adorable or something like that…”

Yato gave a soft smile before taking her hand again, jumping downward as they finally approached the ravine where the sakura tree was located, “Well, it’s true.”

She was tempted to roll her eyes but gave a sheepish smile instead as he gave her another small look as they started to walk.

“Why are they so interested in your phone anyway?” He finally asked.

“I guess because I tend to not talk about the things that we do together a lot, you know, because of all things far shore related; so, they get curious.” Hiyori gave a small shrug, “That’s my guess, anyway.”

“Hmm.” Yato hummed in response, but she couldn’t quite read his expression.

Feeling a lurch in her stomach, she continued, “Of course, when we do normal things, I talk about you. It’s just—”

“It’s okay, Hiyori.” He tugged her hand to urge her down the hill, the sakura tree now in sight, “C’mon.”

“It’s funny, I think the last time I was here was when we did the hanami with everyone.” Freezing and suddenly jerking her hand away, her face soured and her tail twitched, “And you kissed Bishamon-san.”

Yato threw his head back in frustration at the mention, “My hand was covering her face! I kissed my own hand! Besides, I told you I don’t even remember that!”

She crossed her arms across her chest, “That definitely doesn’t make me feel any better about it.”

Staring back at her for a moment, he walked over to her and pressed a kiss against her cheek, “It’s only ever meant anything with you.”

At that, she softened and let her hands fall to her sides as she gently nudged her head against his shoulder, “I know. But thank you.”

“So, will you forgive me and sit with me?” He pulled away and walked backward towards the tree, giving a small smile.

“Yes.” She followed suite and sat next to him, her back gently pressed against the trunk of the tree, “But seriously… we should get everyone together again this year. I know it would mean a lot to Yukine-kun.  Maybe next week?”

“Whenever’s good for you.” He nodded along, “We’re just gods, after all. We have nothing important to do.”

Hiyori jabbed him with her elbow, “Very funny.”

He grinned widely, “I mean, honestly. Any time would probably be fine for most of those guys. Even though Ebisu always seems busy, he always manages to show up when we ask.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” She hummed contentedly.

Yato reached into his jersey pocket but kept his hand there asking, “So remember when I asked what your favorite color was before?”

“Yes, and I said blue.” She flushed again, but asked curiously, “So that has to do with a present, I’m guessing?”

“Mhm. But just curious, has it always been blue?” He raised an eyebrow, meeting her eyes.

She felt her cheeks growing hotter as his eyes looked into hers, so she looked away, “Not always. I guess I didn’t really have a favorite until recently.”

“Hmm, okay.” He acknowledged quietly, but she could tell he looked a bit smug when she managed to look up again, “So, I made this myself just like you made the chocolate for me, so hopefully it’s okay.”

She watched as he took out a small box and deposited something into his other hand.

After a moment, he took it into his hands and held it out in front of her; a gold bracelet with a small forget-me-not pressed in resin as a charm. “So, I went on color and meanings, not the name… despite the irony.” He gave a small laugh.

Gingerly taking it into her hands, she admired it, “It’s beautiful. But also, what is the meaning of it, then?”

“True love, a long-lasting connection.” He gave a sheepish smile, “Basically as many sappy things as you can fit into a tiny flower, it’s there.”

Hiyori laughed loudly before announcing, “It’s perfect. Can you help me put it on?” She held out the bracelet in her palm and held out her left wrist.

“Of course.” He took it gently before wrapping it around her wrist and closing the clasp around the chain. As she pulled away and he noticed it move around on her wrist, he asked, “Does it fit okay?”

“Yeah. I don’t like when bracelets are tight so this is great.” She reached up with the same hand to cup his face, pressing her lips to his, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He answered before kissing her back.

After a beat, she pulled away and whispered, “So… what exactly is in the shoe locker?”

“Jeez, the curiosity was killing you, huh?” He laughed loudly.

Hiyori pouted and huffed, “Don’t tell me you wouldn’t be the exact same way.”

“Oh, I would. I just didn’t expect it from you.” Receiving only a small glare in return, he continued, “It’s just a note and some chocolate. Store bought, since like I said, this is the main gift. Yukine helped pick it out since you two always seem to like the same stuff.”

“Okay. Now I make it through the rest of school without having to peek.” She nodded before she moved closer to him and let herself sink into him, “Thank you, for everything.”

“You’re welcome.” He nestled into her hair.

[gildedmuse]

Sora: Warrior Of The Sea

(A RedHawk Production)

Cavendish's constantly flirting with Law, because hey if it gets him a bigger role....

Zoro isn't sure why exactly, but he wants to punch Cavendish in the face. He's suggested (to Luffy, in private) that his character gets to do so multiple times. Luffy thinks it's hilarious. Of course Zoro wants to punch Cavendish.

Zoro: No, I mean our characters...

Luffy: Shishishi that doesn't make sense, Zoro. Why would Daichi punch Cavendish when Torao isn't even in the show.

Zoro: *grumbles* It had nothing to do with Torao.

Luffy: Unless---!!! Did Torao put himself in the next show? Who does he play? Does he have a costume? Is it awesome?

Zoro: What? No, of course he didn't -- You know you can read the scripts, right?

Luffy: That's boring. I'd rather see what happens. Although I'll bet I know what part Torao would give himself if he did!

Zoro: Someone with puppet string powers so he could force Ace and I to act more like the manga?

Luffy: Shishi, Zoro's always so funny. Noooooo, stupid. *Beaming up at him, like he knows a secret* I know what Torao would do. Torao would play a character that got to kiss Daichi! Shishishi.

Zoro: W-what?! *Under his breath, as if anyone cares about their conversation enough to listen in or would be surprised by this* Stop messing around, Luffy! Idiot! Why would you say something like that?

Luffy: Cause then he'd get to kiss ZORO. And in front of everyone, too, just like he wanted to- mmfff!

Zoro: Luffy! *jolts forward to cover Luffy's mouth* H-he does not want to--! No one wants to--! *Sighs, letting go before Luffy gets bored and starts licking his palm. He totally knows him too well* What a stupid thing to say.

Luffy: *Pouting beacuse it was NOT a stupid thing to say and he doesn't understand why Zoro is being so mean and weird when Luffy is being so helpful!* No it's not! Torao watched all - *Makes a longing sort of face, but tries to glare as well, the way Law does* - when Ace and Zoro kissed at the party last year. *Frowns at the memory, pointing an accusing finger in Zoro's face* Zoro is the stupid one for making Torao spend the rest of the party pouting in the back. He wouldn't even come watch me and Carrot have an eating contest and that was super fun!

Zoro: *Eye twitching* You moron, that's not the reason Law didn't want to watch you two eat. Anyway, he's always like that. He probably didn't even want to go to that stupid party in the first place.

Luffy: Everyone loves parties. Torao was probably having tons of fun until Ace and Zoro kissed, and it's worse because everybody saw!

Zoro: *Starts to ask why that’s so important but stops because Luffy logic* What does it matter? It was just some stupid party game. And Torao didn’t seem to mind when Cavendish kissed him earlier! 

Luffy: But Torao didn’t go all red after and tell everyone how good at kissing Cavendish is. 

Zoro: *Flushes all over again just at the memory. He might have been slightly tipsy. and as luck would have it Ace IS a really, really good kisser. In a way Zoro had not been expecting,*

Luffy: *Eyes go wide* That's why Torao wants to kiss Daichi! Then maybe Zoro will think Torao is an even better kisser than Ace AND everyone would see it so then they’d all know that Zoro belonged to Torao and likes Torao more! 

Zoro: *Knew that he’d regret learning Luffy’s logic behind the importance of everyone seeing him kiss someone* That’s not how tha-- Wait, no. *Shakes head, not believing he’s been dragged into this* I told you, Todorao didn’t write himself in the show. And if he did, he wouldn’t make a character who kissed Daichi. It wouldn’t be “like the original”. I, uh, flipped through the manga just to see if there were some better fights coming up. *Will die before he admits he read the whole series because Law seemed so upset he’d heard of it before* Daichi already has a love interest. It’s....*Shudders* Poison Pink. They even kiss this episode. *Looks like a man condemned at the thought that he’s going to have to kiss Perona of all people.* See it's right.... *Skimming the script, frowning when he can't find the page.*

Luffy: Shishishi. Only Zoro could lose his way inside a script!

Zoro: I didn’t get lost! It was here in the last draft I swear. *Flushing less out of embarrassment more of anger* Perona made me practice. Apparently my kissing isn’t “cute” enough for the princess. 

Luffy: Hmm.... *Thinks about Perona threatening Zoro to practice so he doesn’t gross her out while everyone is watching* 

Luffy: *Thinks about Perona being all gleeful cause she gets to boss Zoro around, even if it’s just telling him how he should kiss her. She’d probably make him do it again and again just so she got to keep bossing him around.* 

Luffy: *Pictures a mini Law peaking into the dressing room and seeing Perona get kissed by Zoro* 

Luffy: You should practice the kissing scene with Torao! *said loud enough that any crew member that hadn't picked up on the tension definitely knew now*

Luffy: *Pictures Law at a typewriter angrily slamming down  on the keys, furiously rewriting the scene*

Zoro: *an interesting shade of red* Wh-what are you talking about! And keep your voice down!

Luffy: Well, usually I help you remember your lines, because you're terrible at it.

Zoro: I am not! They just change too much that's all!

Luffy: But what if I couldn't help with the kissing scene because.... Hmm.... Because I was busy helping Ace!

Zoro: *Sweatdrop* I'm not sure that sounds right.... You should probably just say you don’t want to.

Luffy: So you'd have to ask Torao!

Zoro: Why would I--!! And besides *Shakes script in Luffy’s face* the kissing scene is gone. *So fucking relieved* 

Luffy: Oh, right.... Oh,  I know! I’ll bet Shanks would put it back in if we asked!

Zoro: No!

Luffy: But then you'd have a reason to kiss Torao! Though I guess you’d have to practice where everyone could watch, but we practice out on set all the time so just so that. And you wouldn't have to punch anybody!

Zoro: ...... I'd still want to punch Cavendish.

Luffy: Hmm… Well, maybe you could kiss Torao then punch Cavendish.

Zoro: *Doesn't reply, because this seems like a pretty good deal*

There's one time Luffy convinced Law to give in and try on the Sora costume. Bon Clay adores Luffy so it's not at all difficult to talk him into letting the two of them borrow it. Admittedly, Law feels a little ridiculous about how excited Luffy gets over playing dress up, but also.... He /does/ kinda want to try it on. Just to see. Still, he's determined to be seen as professional and not like a total fanboy at work so he makes Luffy swear not to tell a soul and promises himself he'll only try it on for a minute.

So naturally the second he's done up, Luffy runs off to get Zoro so he can see how cool Torao looks as Sora. Zoro gets pulled out of his trailer half dressed in his own costume - he's used to Luffy grabbing him and dragging him places with no explanation - only to be shoved into a small dressing room with a very flushed, embarrassed looking Law all dressed up like his childhood hero.

Luffy has to prompt him to tell Torao how badass he looks, seeing as Zoro is just /staring/ at Law. Not even at the costume, just at Law. That's wrong and boring as far as Luffy's concerned so he finally jumps in telling Zoro what to say. Which Zoro still managed to screw up by replying to, "Doesn't Torao look totally cool as Sora?" With, "Mmm, so cute." Before realizing, shit, said that outloud

Fellow writer Robin just happens to peek into the room while looking for Law in that moment and catches Zoro stuttering a correction while Law goes from embarrassed to full on smug, leaning closer to Zoro and flirtatiously asking "But what do you think of the costume?" enjoying the way Zoro's skin goes all flushed.

Robin decides she doesn't need Law that much at the moment, but she does secretly snap a photo on her phone. She's a total Daichi/Sora shipper. She has a secret account online where she writes fanfic of the two. She somehow managed to get a picture of Ace and Zoro in full costumes making out that no one can explain.

She watches the two of them for a moment before quietly backing out, smiling the whole time. She has so many plans for these two now.

I feel like Zoro would not care about awards at all, but notices that Law gets a bit more bitchy when award season comes around. Which means it does matter to him (even though he hasn't cared about them with past projects, the Sora show is very important to him. He just wants to see it get the recognition it deserves). So when there is a surprise upset and Zoro ends up winning Best Supporting Actor In A Drama Series, he doesn't even give a real speech but whatever. But when they end up landing Best Drama Series and all his co-workers erupt in excitement, Zoro can't help getting caught up in Law's barely hidden gleefulness and without thinking grabs him, pulling him in for a kiss.

Not even like a /good/ kiss. Less "I'm going to absolutely devour you", more "I'm so happy for you" mixed with a touch of, "God you're so cute when you get all over excited you dork". He has to lean down two rows, over Luffy's head, to grab Law by the back of his jacket just to pull him in for a quick, sloppy kiss. But it still managed to shock the fuck out of Law. He's so used to being the one to flirt with/tease an embarrassed Zoro that the kiss is more surprising than the win.

Luffy totally gives him a thumbs up of approval and well done high five that Law does not remember at all. Luckily for him, he accepts the award alongside Mihawk, Shanks, Hiyori, Jinbe and Benn so he isn't actually expected to speak at all. Which is a good thing, because even by the time backstage interviews start he's still a little lost. Not helped by reports straight up asking him about the kiss.

Thank God Shanks can talk about anything for forever. Benn mercifully removes Law from in front of cameras and let's Shanks dazzle/annoy them with another "When RedHawk Productions was just starting out....." story that he has an endless supply of

Corazon - the show runner from the first show Law ever worked on, who took Law under his wing - finds Law almost immediately and pulls him into a hug. Law finally starts to shake out if it and thanks Corazon for his support and believing him, congratulating him on the success of his miniseries Dressrosa, etc.

Corazon is immediately in there with, "Why didn't you tell me? Who is that boy? I mean I know who the boy is. Why didn't you tell me you were dating Roronoa Zoro!? Oh my God, is what they said about him and those two actresses true!? Is he going to do that to you? How could you not tell me!"

@randommouseclick

Law: Boa's trying to get into Mugiwara-ya's shorts, Perona's along for kicks and Zoro's a fucking himbo who's interested in neither.

Law: Do you REALLY think I'd let him get away with that shit, if it WAS true?

@gildedmuse

Corazon just WORRIES. Law is so innocent in certain ways. Cora doesn't want him to be taken advantage of.

Anyone Who Has Ever Met Law: Umm......

Corazon, Prior To Meeting Zoro: Anyway, *lights a cigarette while calm and collected* I'll speak with him first to make certain. No point getting attached to a bad element.

Corazon, Upon Meeting Zoro: Oh my God! *Pulls Zoro into a hug, tears streaming down eyes* Thank you so much for loving Law! I'm sure you two will be happy together for the rest of your lives.

Corazon making some poor camera man take pictures of the two of them like it's fucking prom.

Nami is Zoro's agent. Switching from representing a Stunt Coordinator/Performer to an actor with a starring role in what eventually turns out to be a hugely popular series had not been in her plans. On the one hand, her cut just went from 6 to 10 percent, and on top of his general pay raise that makes for a rather good take away. On the other hand, her job just got way more complicated. Stunt guys rarely have whole sections of the internet dedicated to them. They certainly don't end up with their picture in the trades alongside names like Boa Hancock. She's definitely had to earn that additional 4%.

Her main goal is to convince Zoro to keep taking similar (paying) roles while keeping him as far from the press as possible. Because every time you put this boy in front of a camera without a script it's a goddamn disaster. If he somehow managed not to piss off the media establishment due to him not giving a fuck then his fans - when the hell did Zoro get fans? She took this kid on as a favor! It was supposed to be easy - are probably throwing an absolute fit.

When this phenomena first starts happening with Hancock she calls up in a panic. WHY is Zoro always being photographed around her? Please don't say he's trying to hit on Boa Fucking Hancock. Do you know how fast that woman could sink his career? Possibly even Nami's!? That's how powerful this woman is and for god's sake won't Zoro just stay away. The press is having a goddamn field day wondering what their relationship is and Nami is shocked Hancock's personal security hasn't escorted him off the set of his own TV show.

By the time he kisses Law, Nami has learned to just roll with the punches. She's watching the ceremony live. Less than thirty seconds after it happens her phone blows up. This time it's the fans who are wondering who this mysterious sexy stranger is (a question that is answered literally less than a minute later when the show introduce who will be accepting the award, but that doesn't stop the topic from somehow trending), freaking out about Zoro maybe being gay, and theorizing about Hancock and Perona helping him stay in the closet by manufacturing all that drama. This is almost three years since he was hired for the show so by now Nami just shoots him a text like, "You're probably going to be asked about kissing that man since you did it on camera in the middle of the award show".

She is a little afraid when she gets the reply "laws realt cute when hes all happy huhh??" But only because it means Zoro's drunk. She's never actually seen Zoro drunk. She's not sure how much alcohol it would have taken. But she just texts her friend Robin to let her know if Zoro dies of alcohol poisoning and then heads into bed. That's how chill she's gotten over the last three years (also it's 12% now that he's won an award).

[oneofyatosfollowers]

Yatori Week Day 5- Memory/Cooking

@yatoriweek2020

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/25401826/chapters/61827550

Fanfiction: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13648502/1/Yatori-Week-2020

Tucked away in the mountains, curling along a large lake, was a quiet town called Takamagahara. It was the home of Hiyori's grandmother, the place she settled down after she met her grandfather. Once her mother went to college and met her father, they lived in the city where Hiyori was born and raised. Still, Takamagahara had a certain charm that had Hiyori's mother coming back every summer, something Hiyori kept into her young adulthood.

The roads were small as Hiyori drove to her family's home, they wouldn't be arriving for another week so Hiyori would be meeting up with her childhood friends. Driving through town, Hiyori smiled at the familiar buildings, remembering how often she walked down the streets with her grandmother. Just before turning down her street, Hiyori eyed a small ally. One of her foggiest, happiest memories was somewhere down that alley.

A chocolate shop turned bakery, where her grandmother used to buy her the best chocolate capybara-pops. The shop used to be just a confectionery store, specializing in chocolates and other candies, but shortly after her grandma passed the chocolate store was replaced with a bakery. The pastries were still delicious, but Hiyori still mourned the loss of a sweets shop.

Not in the mood to unpack, Hiyori dropped her stuff off and took the nice walk into town. She waved to a couple of familiar faces, greeting some new ones. The town was alive, wrapping up the end of fishing season and still starting the school year. Counting her money, Hiyori thought about getting some food.

"Hiyori!" A young woman greeted with a squeal. Her curly pink hair flounced as she trotted around the corner, running straight into Hiyori's open arms. They giggled and asked each other about everything that happened within the last year.

"I missed you, Kofuku!" Hiyori said honestly.

"We missed you too, Hiyori! Come in, come in! Daikoku knows your favorite, we can chat while he makes it!" Kofuku gestured to the cook in question, who waved happily to Hiyori. Kofuku was raised here and Daikoku was a fisherman she met during their time in highschool. He was a gruff, burly man that couldn't stand being at sea and away from his lover. Hiyori gasped when Kofuku showed her a rather large rock on her ring finger, the diamond glistening a soft pink on a rose-gold band.

"Engaged! Kofuku I'm so happy for you!" Hiyori cooed. They giggled with their heads bent, glancing at the man in the kitchen with headphones on.

"Thank you, I- we are very happy too," Kofuku beamed, "It's finally happening! And of course you'll be one of my bride's maids, right?"

"Oh Kofuku, I'd love too! When are you planning on having it?"

"Next summer. So you'll need to at least get a date by then! Of course, getting your own ring isn't too bad either," Kofuku wiggled her eyebrows at Hiyori who sputtered. Daikoku sighed at his fiance as he set the bowls of ramen down.

"Hiyori, don't get engaged to someone you've only dated a year." He said.

"I-I won't! I would never-!" Hiyori pouted when she realised the couple was just teasing her, on the same page as always. The women thanked Daikoku and dug into her meal.

"But for real, Hiyori," Kofuku said around her noodles, "there isn't anybody you can bring to the wedding? No one comes to mind?"

"No, no one." Hiyori sighed, truthfully, "and getting engaged is about as likely as that old chocolate store coming back."

"Hmm, maybe not that old one. But a new one moved in and took over the bakery!" Kofuku shrugged.

"Really?" Hiyori perked up. Of course there was no way the chocolates were the same as before, but she still loved the idea. Kofuku grew a teasing smirk and her eyes gleamed at Hiyori.

"Yeah! We can go check it out after Daikoku closes the shop! We know the owner and he lets us in after closing time for desert. We also invite him and his son over for dinner most nights, they're really sweet!" Kofuku giggled, it was clear why she suddenly got excited.

"He has a son?" Hiyori pointed out.

"A single father," Kofuku wiped an imaginary tear, "He adopted the kid but still, he's such a good dad." She grinned again and Hiyori sighed.

"Well how old is he?" Hiyori threw Kofuku a bone.

"He's our age!" Kofuku gratefully took it, "Just a couple years older! And his son is 14!" She tacked on. Hiyori laughed slightly as she took a drink, looking up when Daikoku came over to collect their dishes.

"Kofuku stop trying to set up good-hearted Hiyori with that weirdo," Daikoku chided. Hiyori gasped and looked at her friend in offense while Kofuku whined at her fiance.

"He's not a weirdo, Daikoku! Don't say that!" Kofuku turned to Hiyori, "He really is very nice, Daikoku just can't understand how he thinks! He's the one who will carter the desserts for our wedding!"

"How he thinks?" Hiyori repeated, doubtful. She looked to Daikoku for a more realistic description of whoever Kofuku was going to shove her with.

"He's an artist," Daikoku griped, "has a very eccentric personality. He's got a lot of energy and likes to come up with these wild, out-of-the-box schemes that end up blowing up in his face."

"Sometime literally!" Kofuku chimed.

"I see," Hiyori sighed. She looked as Kofuku stretched across the table and reached for her, a smile on her face.

"But seriously, he's awkward but still kind once you get to know him. He just really likes his job! He's literally a kid in a candy store!"

"Ha, yeah, and that kid is the owner." Daikoku scoffed at the thought, earning a laugh from the girls. Finishing up lunch, Hiyori walked out the door with a wave over her shoulder. A block down the cobble-stone steps and a harsh wind blew through her hair and ruffled her dress.

A scent wafted up across her nose, sweet and tangy. Before she could even label it, a memory burst through her senses. Black and white tile floors with glass containers filled with little chocolate squares and pops. Her grandmother in a white kimono, unwrapping a capybara pop and handing it down to little Hiyori. The smell reminded her of the taste that bloomed across her tongue as they walked through the jiggling doorway to the old chocolate shop.

Hioyori snapped out of it when the wind stopped, hardly a second later, the memory fading with it. Emotion clenched around her heart as Hiyori readied her purse and turned towards the street. The ally was just across the street, a bit further away from her home. She waved to the car that let her cross, speed walking across the pavement and down the sidewalk. There were a couple new stores, but everything was pretty much the same. Since the bakery moved in, Hiyori hasn't been down this alley, but it was still as narrow and uneven as she remembered. Only two stores occupied the ends of the small road, the other end a parking lot for the shoppers. To the right was a bathing suit and water-sport store, and the left was the chocolate store.

Hiyori slowed down as she approached it, breathing heavily as the scent consumed her senses. She walked in casually, drinking in the new interior and relating it to the old. All the white glass containers still lined the walls and counter, stretching high with candy of all colors. In the past, the walls had been a chocolate color, but this time the walls were blue. The floors were also re-done from checkered tiles to hardwood. What surprised her the most was that there was a small section of candies like lollipops and taffy, and a little cooler of ice cream.

"One second please! I'll be with you in a moment!" A young voice jolted her out of her staring. Embarrassed, Hiyori looked around to find the person, maybe the crazy owner her friends told her about? There was a counter directly in front of her, it was clear the kitchen was behind it and there was someone bustling around there. Walking towards it, Hiyori was distracted by another noise to her right.

There was another body behind the ice cream counter, heaving out empty ice cream containers and lifting new ones. The first thing she noticed was a head of fluffy blonde hair under a 50s waiter hat, bent over in the cooler. With a sigh, he pushed himself out and slammed the glass covering closed. Hiyori made her way towards him, noticing that the boy was young. She wouldn't be surprised if this was the son of the owner, but he looked a little younger than 14. Especially when their eyes met, his face was still rounded out by some baby fat and his hazel eyes were large.

"Can I help you?" The kid asked as Hiyori came closer. It caused Hiyori to pause and she realised she didn't know what she wanted, or why she came here.

"Hi, um, I'm- a- friend of Kofuku and Daikoku? I just thought I'd stop in and say hi." Hiyori explained.

"Oh! Well, uh, it's nice to meet you. My name's Yukine," he quickly wiped his hands and came around the counter. Hiyori smiled and took the hand he offered. He wore a light blue shirt that matched the lines of his hat and a long white apron that matched his pants.

"It's nice to meet you too. I come here every summer and usually spend nights at Kofuku's so we'll be seeing a lot of each other for a while." She smiled at Yukine who only blushed and nodded. He looked around for something to say then perked up.

"Um, one second," Yukine smiled politely at her before turning towards the kitchen, "Yato! Get your butt out here, one of Kofuku's friends showed up!" He cupped his hands around his mouth as he hollard, causing Hiyori to flinch. She forced another smile when Yukine whipped around and flashed her an adorable grin that she couldn't help but feel was fake.

"I'm busy! Just bring 'em back here!" Another voice shouted back. It caused the kid to sigh and wave his hand at Hiyori.

"Here, follow me." Yukine said as she followed him, "he's working on a really big online order and it's difficult to pull him away from projects. I have a hard enough time getting him to Kofuku's to eat." The kid muttered and Hiyori thought it was adorable that this child was the caretaker for his caretaker.

The back of the store was tiny, crowded by large ovens and machines, surrounding a long metal table. Hiyori gasped at the monstrosity at the end of the table was a tall chocolate-something. It looked like an abstract flower, ribbons of chocolate stretching up towards the sky, curling around each other and sporting different swirls of colors. Next to it, a young man in a floppy chef's hat was carefully cutting a strip of chocolate from a large slate.

"Hey Kiddo!" Yato looked up with a smile. His face was smeared with chocolate as well as his white t-shirt, and Hiyori had to admit his face was also really cute.

"Hello," Hiyori greeted, "my name is Hiyori Iki." She grimaced when the man grinned and wiped his hands on a dirty rag before running around the counter, shimming past a large stone oven.

"The name's Yato! You're the one Kofuku said comes around every year, right?"

"Yes, that's me," Hiyori blushed at the thought of Kofuku talking about her to total strangers. She shook his hand when he offered it, feeling it was slick with sweat and confection. The ovens made it rather hot in here.

"Nice to meet ya!" Yato wrapped an arm around Yukine's shoulders and pulled him in close, "We just moved to the area right at the end of last summer so we're really new to the area. Hope you'll take good care of us!" He beamed another dazzling smile at her and Hiyori didn't have the heart to tell him she wasn't really a local. Kid in a candy store indeed. Speaking of kid, Yukine looked disgusted at the contact and pushed Yato's arm off him.

"She said she eats dinner with Kofuku too so we'll see her later," Yukine said.

"Oh that's good. Daikoku's cooking really is the best!" Yato nodded like he was agreeing with himself. A timer going off distracted him and he hustled to a taffy machine, shutting it off.

"Yukine, treat her to something would ya?" Yato looked up at Hiyori, "Whatever you want, okay?" He winked like he didn't just offer up his kid's money, though Hiyori supposed this is where Yukine got it from.

"Actually, I came here because I smelled some chocolate?" Hiyori drifted off when she heard how obvious that sounded, "I mean like some fresh chocolate?" Her face burned when the boys just stared at her, then Yato looked around.

"Well I did just pour out some molds and put them in the freezer. Was there something specific you had in mind?

"Well, there used to be a chocolate shop here when I was little and my grandma used to get me these chocolate pops. I recognized the smell so I wanted to come here to see if it was the same." The longer she talked the harder it was to look at them. Even though Yato was listening, Yukine was starting to give her a funny look. She clutched at her dress as her blush spread to her ears, maybe she should make an excuse to leave and skip dinner with Kofuku.

"So basically, you want to try my chocolate to see if it's the same as the one your grandma used to buy for you?" Yato cocked his head.

"Yes! That's right!" Hiyori was happy he understood and she wasn't weird. She smiled when Yato grinned at her.

"And what do I get if mines better?" he asked. Hiyori let out a straggled noise at the realization he was teasing her. Her heart pounded and Hiyori noticed just how blue his eyes really were. Their moment was broken when Yukine walked over to Yato and elbowed him in the ribs.

"Just let her try one," Yukine huffed. Yato yelped and rubbed his side, glaring at the kid.

"Why not let her try one of yours?" Yato's smile was back on when the kid blushed and refused.

"You make chocolates too, Yukine?" Hiyori tried to distract them from their play-fighting. She had doubts earlier but they really were like a family. Yato snickered at him and sent a wink to Hiyori before making his way to the fridge.

"Uh, sometimes. I mostly make hard candy? I'm still learning and all," Yukine toed the ground, refusing to look at her. Hiyori giggled at his bashful expression.

"You're too modest, Yukine," she offered. Yato laughed from inside the metal refrigerator, peaking over his shoulder.

"You got that right! The kid's a fast learner and makes the best rock candy! I'm very proud of my little prodigy!" Yato smiled at his kid then stuck his face back into the fridge. Hiyori giggled at the blush Yukine wore.

"I'd love to try something of yours too," Hiyori asked.

"Yeah. Maybe." Yukine muttered at the ground. They turned back to the chef when Yato made a noise of urika.

"I found them!" Yato pulled out a large metal tray, letting it hang from its spot in the holders, "Which shape do you want? I made a ton: we got hearts, swords, cats?"

"-Um," Hiyori piped in, "Do you have a capybara?" It was embarrassing to say, but she came this far so she might as well go all the way. She missed the way Yato's body froze.

"Oh no," Yukine groaned. Before Hiyori could question his words, Yato came barreling towards her, stumbling over his feet and knocking into basically everything. Bracing herself, Hiyori prepared for the chef to knock her off her feet, only for him to simply grab both her hands and shake them up and down.

"You truly are a woman of great taste, Hiyori! I knew from the moment you walked in here you were something special, you got a good eye! The kid doesn't understand the true majesty of the capybaras- he's the one who makes me design chocolates in other shapes- which is such a shame! I would make all my chocolates into capybaras if I could! It would make them that much sweeter-oof!" Yato choked off when Yukine whacked him again and smushed his hands in Yato's face.

"-Would you shut it about the capybaras! Not everyone has an obsession like you do!" Yukine caterwauled. He then marched over to the fridge and pulled a stick off the parchment paper and brought it to Hiyori.

"Thank you," Hiyori smiled.

"It's on him," Yukine huffed. Yato whined while Hiyori took a look at the treat. Her memories came flooding back to her again, the wizard-capybara mold the same as when she was a child. The room went quiet as she took a bite of the ear and let it melt on her tongue.

It was amazing, the flavor was everything chocolate was imagined to be. The sweetness was there, mingled into the natural bitterness of the chocolate, in a way that put all mass produced sweetness to shame. It even lacked the heavy stickiness of other chocolates, easily gliding down her throat like cream. She could tell it was homemade with the skill of a professional.

Still, it didn't spark a single memory from her childhood. There was no nostalgia, Yato's chocolate was too unique to even come close to the one the old shop used to make. Despite how delicious it was, Hiyori couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"You don't like it," Yato spoke. Hiyori's head whipped up when she processed his tone. It was scary, he didn't sound angry by any means, just equally-if not more- disappointed. He didn't look upset either, Yato's face was impassive as he let the question hang.

"I like it!" Hiyori quickly insisted, "I love it, in fact! It's really delicious! You even used the same mold from before!" Her hands waved back and forth as she tried to reassure the chef. Snapping out of it, Yukine came between them.

"It's fine, really! This guy just takes his craft way too seriously," Yukine patted Yato's chest with an awkward laugh.

"What was wrong with it!" Yato stepped forward, "I mean what was different? How can I change it to fit your tastes?" His rapid questions were serious and he was carefully gauging her reaction. It was clear as day she was no chocolate connoisseur, but Yato was ready to take in her feedback carefully.

"It was, um," Hiyori swallowed under his piercing gaze but took in his answers seriously, "I remember it being sweeter. The chocolate was also a lighter and it wasn't shiny." She tried to think of anything else but it was so long ago and Hiyori was clearly no expert. Still, Yato took her words into consideration, humming in thought. He took another step closer and Hiyori's heartbeat suddenly picked up the pace. The man really was attractive and he smelled like sweet cream.

"That makes sense. More sugar and no tempering," Yato mumbled to himself. Hiyori's lips fell open in a silent gasp when Yato placed his hand on top of hers, bringing the chocolate up to his mouth and taking a large bite.

Heat spread through her body as Hiyori couldn't help but watch his lips move around as he tasted, eyes looking down in distant concentration. His hand was warm on top of hers and his fingers were sticky and calloused from sculpting works of art out of candy. Yato hummed again, almost like a moan, and he smiled at her. The action brightened his eyes further and stopped Hiyori's breathing.

"Okay! I think I got it. I can do it no problem," Yato's hand slipped from hers, "How long you here for?" His words brought Hiyori back down to Earth and she sputtered from self-embarrassment.

"Two-two weeks," Hiyori spluttered.

"That's perfect! I'll have a new batch for you to try by next week!" Yato seemed ecstatic at the idea of making even more chocolate, waving to Yukine to write everything down on an order form.

"You idiot! Don't just- you can't just take a bite of someone else's food! She's a- customer," Yukine said with a bright red face. Hiyori silently thanked him for addressing the issue without actually saying it.

"Ah, it's fine she can have another one. There're other capybara molds and I'm not against the extra cash," Yato waved the two flushed people and went back to his statue.

"Hmph. It's on the house," Yukine huffed and snatched another pop off the rack. He didn't get a response, Yato was already immersed in his project. Hiyori took it numbly, she watched Yato's hand guide the small knife through the slab with calculated precision.

"Make sure you walk Hiyori home, or back to Kofuku's or wherever. Bring your phone." Yato muttered down at the chocolate. Next to her, Yukine tsked and looked up at an analogue clock.

"You got three hours till Daikoku makes dinner. I'll come and get you, so be ready," Yukine interrupted Yato's rebuttal, "you're going." He smirked to himself when Yato grumbled but didn't say anything. Hiyori giggled too, she found herself looking forward to dinner.

Daikoku wasn't kidding when he said Yato was eccentric; the chocolatier was a hard-working whirlwind of sweets and art. It was clear he loved his job, and his kid, and he was very vocal about his crazy thoughts and ideas. Originally, Hiyori planned on bringing some work to the beach while she relaxed until her parents arrived, but she quickly found herself in the chocolate shop with the two boys. It started when she walked down to the beach to find Yato doing laps, Yukine already lounging in her favorite spot. They invited her to breakfast, her treat, then offered her more chocolate in return. She became Yato's honorary taste-tester and even gotta try some of Yukine's food.

The types of jobs and people that walked in and out of Yato's shop were interesting to see. They each had different combinations of tastes and visions, Yato more than up to the challenge to meet their wants. Which he always did, perfectly. The more the days ticked by, the more excited Hiyori got for what Yato would make for her. All the chocolates she tried were amazing and she almost didn't care to remember the old chocolate.

So she spent every day in the candy store and every night at Kofuku's. Within that time, they've definitely gotten closer. Kofuku and Yato got much more touchy feely when intoxicated; their lips looser. Hiyori heard the story of Yato feeding Yukine hand-made treats while he stayed away from home, eventually being led into his apartment like a toddler to a van. That was over a year ago, once the adoption was done, and Yato saved up enough money, they packed up and moved out here. He did call Yato 'dad' on occasion, thought usually it was saved for extreme emotion. Hiyori had only heard it when Yato completed a massive project, and again when the oven exploded with the chef next to it.

And now, it was the twelfth day since their meeting. After they had lunch, Yato announced that her chocolate was just about finished and that she could come taste it after dinner. Yukine was off with some friends for the night so it would just be the two of them. The thought made her giddy, Yato was a lot of fun to be around and it wasn't just because he gave her tasty chocolate.

She pushed open the door and walked in like she was the chef. The shop's lights were off, save for the ones in the containers and the kitchen. The bell above the door rang again as it shut behind her and there was some clattering in the kitchen.

"I'm sorry we're closed," Yato stumbled through the doorway with a bowl tucked into his elbow, "Hiyori!" He grinned when he noticed her, causing a big smile to stretch across her face too. She followed him into the kitchen, looking at the table for the next big sculpture only to see it have a single metal tray intended with molds of capybaras.

"Your chocolate is in the fridge already and should be ready to try soon! Do you mind pouring the rest while I clean? Yukine will have my head if he comes home to a messy kitchen." Yato was already handing her Yukine's apron and the bowl.

"Oh, I can clean if you need," Hiyori tried.

"Nah, I'm pretty quick at cleaning and you still don't know where everything goes," Yato pushed the bowl in her hands with a wink. She made her way to the grey pan, awkwardly picking up the spatula Yato gestured at. He got to work in a large sink, bustling around the kitchen like he did during rush hour. Hiyori looked back down at the bowl, the smell wafting from it already bringing her grandmother's kimono to mind.

She got to work pouring in the molds, the chocolate sliding out quickly and splattering over the sides. After about three modes of uneven pouring, Hiyori got smart enough to use the spatula to help lessen the flow. Something she saw Yato and Yukine do on occasion. Somewhere behind her, Yato put away the final bowl and closed the cabinets with a sigh. She felt him move somewhere, but it wasn't until he spoke that she realised how close he was.

"Hang on," Yato spoke next to her ear, "use the spatula to wipe the drips when you start a new one. It keeps them neat and won't waste as much." His hands fell on top of hers again, body lightly pressing against her back as his jaw brushed against her head.

"O-oh," Hiyori tensed up when Yato's hands actually guided her own through the motions but she hesitantly leaned back. Yato's chest was solid as she pressed against him, the sweet smell that followed him everywhere overriding her other senses and making her forget all about the old chocolate in her hands. He was so warm, her heart pounded against her chest, making it difficult to breath. Instead she forced intensely on the movements, working to clench and unclench her fingers when needed.

"It looks good," he breathed, "see if you spread it up and down like this, it comes out much more even. Up and down, up and down, see you got it." Yato let his hands go when Hiyori hummed and she worried for a moment he would leave. Instead his arms fell and wrapped lightly around her waist, hardly bringing her any closer.

"Is this alright? You can say no and hit me like you usually do, I'll still give you chocolate," Yato asked. Hiyori giggled at him, moving onto the next mold. She felt him press a smile to her shoulder while watching her work. Hiyori looked good making chocolate, here with him, like she completed the picture.

"No, this is fine." She hummed. It was relaxing to work, the movement very easy and repetitive. The room was warm and Yato's body was warmer, the room quiet and sweet-smelling. It felt like home.

Soon Hiyori was done with all the molds and she quietly set the empty bowl dow, along with the spatula. They stood like that for a little while, the seconds ticking on the clock seeming to have hours in between. Neither of them said anything, Hiyori letting her head rest against his as Yato leaned heavily on her. If it wasn't for his hammering heart, Hiyori would have thought he fell asleep. She moved to put her arms over his, stopping when she noticed the amount of chocolate covering her hands. The moment was shot when Yato's hand grabbed hers before she could reach her mouth.

"No! That will ruin the surprise!" Yato un-coiled himself from her and happily scampered to the refrigerator. Hiyori sighed in amusement and disappointment, but excitement still bubbled in her chest. She already knew Yato was an amazing chocolatier- she would even say his creations are her favorite- but if he managed to capture the tastes of her childhood Hiyori would truly be blown away.

Hiyori noticed Yato's posture suddenly shift, his normally boisterous attitude became unsure. A chocolate pop was pulled off the parchment paper and hidden quickly behind his back, then Yato mosied up to Hiyori with forced casualness. She swallowed when she took in his red cheeks and the way he couldn't quite meet her eyes. The chocolate pop was hidden behind his back.

"So, um, I did some research and the old chocolate shop that was here was more of a candy store that bought and sold other brands. But you said that the guy made the chocolates- and there was some candy makers left- but if I had to guess it was more of a side thing?" Yato coughed, "a-anyway, I think the chocolate you liked was the amature type people make at home."

"Uh-huh," Hiyori smiled at his rambling, "that makes sense." She watched Yato shift awkwardly in one place before pitying him and taking a step forward. Open palm held out, Yato looked at her for a moment before pushing the candy in her hand. He didn't look at her reaction, only shrinking in on himself when he heard her small gasp of surprise.

The chocolate pop Yato gave her was not in the shape of a capybara, but rather in the shape of a heart. A medium sized, extremely detailed heart with tiny hearts lining the edges had the words "thank you for your help" in fancy calligraphy. Hiyori's own heart squeezed so tight it made her light-headed. She felt her whole body re-heat even hotter than before as a feeling sweeter than Yato's chocolate lifted her lips into a wide smile.

"I love it," Hiyori breathed, showing her glee to Yato who immediately beamed.

"Try it! Let me know if it suits your tastes." Yato watched her lips closely as they took in the treat. Hiyori made a noise of surprise, then a moan. Yato perked up but quickly panicked when he saw her eyes water.

"Ah-! Hiyori is it-? What is it?"

"It's perfect," Hiyori quickly wiped a tear and laughed at herself, "this is exactly what my grandmother used to buy for me when I visited. Thank you, Yato." She smiled wide at him as he worked to calm down. Gaps of her memory were filled and bloomed with detail. Hiyori remembered the interior of the old shop, the dress she wore, and the feel of her grandmother's hand. This chocolate was straight out of her mind and with it childhood happiness.

"I'm really happy you like it," Yato confessed. A couple steps and Hiyori was pulling him into a hug, Yato tensed as she squeezed her arms around his neck then relaxed and returned it. She pulled away, but just barely. Just to look into his eyes.

"You mind if I have a taste?" Yato asked. Hiyori snorted at his gluttonous habits and held out her pop for him to bite. With a grin his hand wrapped around hers and pushed the candy down. Surprise crossed Hiyori's face for a moment as he leaned in and waited, but she met him in the middle.

He smelled just as sweet as always but he tasted even more so. As their lips moved together, Yato pulled her in a bit tighter. Hiyori let her hand slide up his neck and rest on his cheek, her fingers brushing the bangs that escaped his ponytail. She let Yato lick his way into her mouth with the skills of a professional taster, squeaking when he kissed her senseless. They pulled apart, breathless, and let their foreheads rest against each other.

"So listen, um," Yato spoke over the candy, "I know you're leaving in a couple more days but I'd really like to take you out sometime?" His nervousness was back but he held her wide-eyes much better this time.

"I'd like that." Hiyori smiled. They beamed at each other like idiots before sharing more pecks, Yato letting the chocolate pop melt in his hands while Hiyori worked to make new memories.

[starcrossedloversstorytime]

Absence (Zyglavis)

Absence (Zyglavis)

Another request, for the same person.

Zyglavis from Star Crossed Myth, again I’m not really sure if this is okay and accurate.  but I wanted to try writing it anyway.

Hiyori quickly rushed out the door after saying her goodbyes to you, leaving you to lock up by yourself.  She had a date so you volunteered to cover for her, after all, your only plans for the night was to sit at home alone, hoping Zyglvais would show up, but a month had passed with him being a no show.  You, of course, understood how busy he was being the minister of the department of punishments, but he was entitled to a break every once in a while.  Maybe he was talking breaks, just not with you.  You shook that thought from your mind, he loves spending time with you,  he said so himself.  

Once you had finished tidying up, you headed off home.  It was dark, cold and a little eerie, you instinctively pulled your coat tighter around you.  Happy to get home and just in time too, as rain fell hard.  You got changed into something more comfortable, but subconsciously still kept in neat just in case, before getting comfortable in front of the TV.  

You must have fallen asleep because the next thing you knew it was morning and Zgylavis was a no show.  Again.  No matter, you had plans today anyway, it is your day off and you were going to have Lunch with Hiyori, to get all the ‘juicy gossip’  before that though you needed to give your home a once over, jump in the shower and get dressed. You had no time to sulk about not seeing Zyglavis.

“Zyglavis would be proud” you mumbled to yourself taking in how spotless your home now was, you jumped in the shower, straight out to get dressed.  Subconsciously you dressed up a bit, as if you were trying to impress someone, not that you had any intention of drawing attention to yourself, especially from the opposite sex, it was more you were hoping Zyglavis would visit.  

The cafe you were meeting your best friend it wasn’t far from work, it was a quaint spot, but stylish and rather lively.  It was lovely, your immediate thought was ‘Zyglavis would like it here’ you were thinking about him a lot.  Thankfully Hiyori showed up before you could dwell on matters any more.  

“Y/N” She chirped.  There was a bounce in her step so you guessed the date went well.  The two of you had only just grabbed a seat when she started chatting away about how lovely it was, you listened intently, please that she had such a good night, but then your mood changed, hearing Hiyori talking so happily, made you miss Zyglavis more and more, but you put on a fake smile, not wanting to let Hiyori know you were feeling down, but she say right through it.  

“Hey Y/N, you okay?” she asked.  Suddenly.

“Yeah, I’m fine, tell me more about last night” you lied.

“It’s about Zyglavis, isn’t it?” she asked, ignoring your question.  She saw right through you.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it” you continued, putting on your biggest smile.

“When was the last time you two went on a date?” she asked,

“I haven’t seen him in almost a month” you finally confessed.

“A MONTH!”  Hiyori repeated.

“Well he’s really busy with work, dedicated you know” you defended.  

“And here’s me gushing over my date”

You made it clear you were okay with it, and questioned her further, changing the subject.

After lunch, you wondered home alone.  You decided you weren’t going to ‘wait’ for him to show up, you had a life and you were going to get on with it, and when he did visit you were going to give him a piece of your mind.  With new determination, you changed your mind about going home, deciding to go out instead, maybe the museum, there was a new exhibition this week, that you wanted to see.  The art was interesting, but you enjoyed it,  afterwards, you still didn’t feel like going home, so you wandered around the shops for a while, but that only kept you entertained for a while, you were going to have to go home.  Once there you got changed into the most comfortable and least attractive clothes you had.  You hadn’t worn them since before you started dating Zyglavis, you were too embarrassed by them, with their holes and bleach stains.  You made yourself something to eat and plopped down in front of the TV.

Surely it wouldn’t be another month before you would see Zyglavis right?’  you slapped your cheeks gently trying to snap yourself out of these negative thoughts.  

“He’s just busy” you repeated a few times to yourself.  Suddenly there was a wrap at your balcony window. A little scream left your lips before you realised who it was.  

Zyglavis stood at the window with an eyebrow raised.  You blinked a few times, making sure you weren’t imagining things, before sliding it open to let him in.

“What, uh why” you stuttered.  You looked down at yourself, painfully aware of how badly dressed you were, and now you were very much embarrassed.  Zgylavis didn’t seem to notice though, either that or he was just being too polite to say anything.  

“I’ve missed you,” he said sweetly.  Hearing that made you want to swing your arms around him, but you also wanted him to know that you were upset too.

“Really?” you asked. Trying not to sound too happy.  Zyglavis noticed your tone.

“I’ve neglected you, let me make it up to you” his tone was soft, sweet even, but you weren’t going to let him off that easy.

“How?” you asked, you accidentally made eye contact with him, he looked generally upset, you felt guilty seeing his expression.

“By spending the week alone with you” he smiled, seeing you giving in.  you weren’t sure you heard him right.

“What?” you asked for clarification

Zyglavis stepped closer,

“I’ve been working overtime to make sure I could take some time off” he explained.  You were no longer upset, how could you be.

“I’m sorry” you apologised.

“It should be me apologised Y/N, I should have at least told you” he stepped closer again, he was still gauging you expression, worried you were still upset.  

“It’s okay, I just missed you” you smiled sweetly.  Zyglavis held out his arms for you, which you happily accepted.  Pressing your face to his chest and tightly wrapping your arms around him, while he did the same.  You were so happy right now, that was until you remembered what you were wearing. You quickly pulled away, shocking the god,  

“Something wrong?” he asked,

“I’m just going to get changed” you stuttered.  Reaching for some neater clothes.

“Why?” Zyglavis asked, looking you up and down.

“Because I looked bad” you replied.

Zyglavis smirked,

“Y/N, You looked beautiful, like always” he stated, he grabbed hold of your wrists pulling you towards him.  He pressed his lips to yours.  The kiss was so passionate, you could feel how much he missed you in it, you only hoped you could express the same.  

“If you really want to take it off, then I won't stop you,” Zyglavis said, with a smirk. Your blush only deepened.

“No-o, what?” you stuttered.  Certain you knew what he meant really.  Zyglavis wore an amused expression.  He always thought you were adorable, but more so now, however, no matter how tempting you were, he wasn’t going to act on it, he wanted to wait.

So instead, the two of you snuggled.  In bed, with the TV on in the background, neither of you talked. So it wasn’t long before you drifted off into a peaceful slumber, wrapped up in Zyglavis arms.  While you slept, Zyglavis finally felt he could relax, Gods may not get tired, but even he needed this, he decided to close his eyes, letting himself indulge in a nap.

[libraryscarf]

happy (really late oh jesus oh god) birthday to @eerna i would move mountains and conquer nations for you but for now i’m settling for smashing through writer’s block like the kool-aid man to provide some NOT ANGSTY YATORI INSPIRED BY THIS FUCKING G I F T

petrichor ( ao3 / ff.net )

(n.) a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain after a long period of warm, dry weather.

“Oh, no.”

Hiyori stopped in her tracks, her eyes fixed on the horizon. The clouds were still little more than a morose shadow in the distance, but they were rushing fast toward her, and her walk home wasn’t exactly short.

Several minutes later, the sky was gray and spitting rain as Hiyori jogged miserably down the street. The wind was picking up too, raking cold fingers through her hair and whipping it into her eyes. She pulled her scarf up snugly over her ears and chin and soldiered forward, leaning into the gale. She took a small amount of comfort in the knowledge that even if she had remembered her umbrella, by now it would certainly be inside-out.

With the scarf covering her ears, Hiyori didn’t hear the wet slap of approaching footsteps until something grabbed her elbow. She shouted, the sound muffled within the scarf, and spun on a heel to face her attacker.

“Whoa! It’s me!”

Yato let go of her at once, nimbly avoiding the uppercut aimed straight at his chin. He took a step back, both hands raised innocently. One of them was holding an umbrella.

Hiyori slowly lowered her fists, heart pounding in her throat.

“I almost punched you!” She glared at him over her scarf, struggling to suppress a wave of guilty annoyance.

Yato grinned crookedly.

“No, you didn’t.”

Hiyori bit the inside of her lip, holding his gaze. Yato’s grin melted, and he cleared his throat.

“Kofuku mentioned rain, and then I remembered you had to walk home, so I…”

He gestured vaguely at the umbrella. The rain was still falling in sheets, but he had made no move to open it.

Hiyori’s lips twitched, and she almost laughed aloud—because of course Yato had followed her with an umbrella without even thinking to use it himself.

“Thank you,” she said, and smiled.

Yato stared at her, looking a bit lost.

“Yeah,” he said, quietly. The umbrella stayed in his hand, unopened.

Then his eyes flicked to her feet and widened.

“Oh,” he said. “You dropped something.”

: : :

Yato worked on propping her empty, snoring body up against the driest wall they could find. Hiyori paced nervously, her tail lashing like an offended housecat.

“Why now?” she groaned to herself.

As Yato finished resting her body against the wall, he folded her hands gently in her lap. She looked more like a collectible doll than an empty human shell.

Hiyori—justifiably preoccupied with the nastiness of having dropped her body into quite a lot of dirty rainwater—did not notice the way Yato arranged her limbs: reverently, like a collector handling a priceless artifact. She didn’t see when he smoothed the wet hair from her forehead, his fingers sweeping the quiet curve of her brow.

She didn’t see his face, or any of the things that passed across it: the adoration, or the yearning, or the sorrow.

“I really don’t mind carrying you back to Kofuku’s place,” he said.

Hiyori paused in her pacing, her cord still switching back and forth nervously.

“No,” she said, rubbing her temples. “No, it’s fine. I just need a minute to…to relax, and wake up again.”

Yato straightened, fruitlessly brushing his muddy knees. He shook the water off the umbrella and popped it open.

“It was me, wasn’t it?” he asked.

Hiyori froze. Her heart leapt between her teeth.

“What?”

Yato moved closer to her, only near enough to hold the open umbrella over her. His eyes drifted away from hers, landing somewhere past her left shoulder. His hair was plastered down against his face, and drops of rain clung to his long lashes. Hiyori was seized with a wild, horrifying urge to giggle as she thought half the girls at school would commit unspeakable crimes for those eyelashes.

“I sneaked up on you,” he explained, oblivious to her staring. “And the surprise made you drop out of your body. I’m sorry.”

Hiyori smelled the electricity of the storm. She sensed the raw, mighty weight of it bearing down on her.

“It’s fine!” she said quickly. “It was probably just a coincidence.”

It wasn’t.

“I don’t mind!”

She did.

“You can go back, if you want to.”

Hiyori swallowed. Her tongue felt hot and sticky.

“Thank you for the umbrella, Yato. I’m sure I’ll be back in my body in no time.”

Please, don’t. Don’t go.

Yato looked at her, then at the umbrella, which he was still holding. Hiyori told herself to take it from him, but her arms stayed firmly locked at her sides.

“I don’t feel great about leaving you like…this,” he said, nodding at the limp body propped against the wall. Hiyori winced as a strand of saliva dribbled from the corner of her sleeping mouth. He made a fair point.

But Yato did not know that she would much rather be stranded here alone—guarding her fragile body with her still more fragile soul—than drop her guard with him so near, and so ignorant of her feelings. It was even worse than she had anticipated to be around him like this: especially outside her body, stripped bare of the denials and distractions that shielded her from the truth.

Now, Yato was too close, and Hiyori’s soul alone could not lie well enough to protect her.

“Do you want me to leave?” he asked, misreading the panic in her face.

Did she?

Hiyori’s lips trembled. She heard Tenjin’s measured voice: small, but insistent at the back of her mind.

Yes. Send him away. Distance yourself. It will only get more difficult from here, so pull yourself out of the riptide, Hiyori. Remember how human you are, and how much you can hurt him.

Above all, remember that you will die. Remember that he will not.

Yato saw her hesitation, and something behind his eyes went flat.

“I’ll go back,” he said, a sad smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Will you let me know when you get home?”

He reached for her hand to give her the umbrella, and Hiyori at last shook off her stupor. Yato yelped as she slapped his hand away. He shot her a hurt look.

“Ow!? Hiyori! Why did you…?”

The words in his throat dried up. Hiyori’s eyes were bright and feverish, the color in her cheeks high.

“Don’t go,” she said, her voice much lower than either of them expected.

Yato’s eyes widened as she took a step toward him. He felt her warmth, the thrumming restlessness of her unfettered soul, and he could not move.

“Don’t go,” she repeated, louder.

Yato licked his lips, which were suddenly very dry, and for a split second Hiyori’s eyes flickered to his mouth. Blood was roaring in his ears.

“Okay.”

For a moment, the air around Hiyori seemed to ripple with intention. And then she was in his arms, kissing him, her lips eager and inexpert and so, so soft. The umbrella hit the ground with a soft clatter, and rolled away into the street.

Yato cradled her face in his hands, his fingers burning where they touched her skin. He tasted rainwater on her mouth, and warm salt. He pulled back, barely enough to put space between their lips.

“Hiyori?” he breathed.

She clung to his shoulders, and with a tiny sob closed the gap to kiss him again. She was crying, although she couldn’t quite understand why, much less stop. She was overfull with…something. Surprise, certainly, at herself for kissing him. Or frustration, because her heart was beating itself to death, and and because every second aged her, and because it had taken her so long—so long—to do this, and now she had to kiss him hard enough to make up for all that lost time.

But it was also possible that she cried simply because Yato was so good, and so gentle, even though he held her very tight. Almost to the point of discomfort, though she wished it were tighter still.

The soft whine that broke from Yato’s throat when she pulled away echoed through her like a gunshot. His eyes stayed shut, those impossible lashes resting against his cheeks.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

His eyes slowly fluttered open, pupils blown wide, surrounded by a thin, icy ring of blue. Hiyori saw her own face mirrored perfectly in them.

“Why?” he asked.

“I—”

Hiyori stopped herself, blinking. Was she sorry about kissing him?

No.

“I…don’t know,” she admitted, giggling.

“Then don’t apologize,” Yato said.

And then he laughed, and kissed her again. She was still crying, but it was impossible to tell the tears from the rain. And in a few minutes, the storm would break.

[justaramblingromantic]

when she was little - part ii

Characters/Pairing: Sarugaki Hiyori and Hirako Shinji/ShiYori

Type: Canon, Post!Series, Say Please!verse, Lily and Thistle!verse, ShiYori Week 2018,

Word Count: 5128

A/N: Part two of seven. 

I headcanon Hiyori to be a street rat from a very young age. It makes sense, with how violent and defensive she is (forced to fend for herself), how possessive she is over her food, how small and runty she is (possible stunted growth caused by severe malnutrition during her formative years). Another example of a similar childhood is Rukia. She also grew up on the streets of Rukongai and that girl is so tiny, too.

For the aforementioned reason, Hiyori is seven in this arc, but looks physically like a four or five year old.

Shinji stared at the little blonde girl in shock. 

First of all, he was surprised by how very young she sounded when she finally spoke to him for the very first time, and secondly, the uncomfortable nature of her abrupt question made him momentarily at a loss as to how to reply her. The whole thing was rather iffy and awkward to him, and the fact that the other three Shinigami in the room were all watching him right now did not make this situation feel any less absurd or surreal.

“…No,” the fine-haired Captain replied carefully at last. “I ain’t related ‘ta ya, Hiyori.”

He did not blame the young girl for making that conclusion. They both shared the same hair color, and blondes were also pretty rare in Soul Society.

Hiyori tilted her head to the side and looked adorably confused. Her small button nose wrinkled in a most endearing manner and the only thought that ran through his mind then was ‘cute.’

“Then, who are ya?” she demanded again with childlike authority, and that was a very good question indeed. He couldn’t possibly just go ahead and tell her that he was the love of her life – she probably wouldn’t understand and the last thing he wanted was to be stuck having to explain what that meant to her.

“I’m yer Prince Charmin’,” he told her at last, hoping that she would just take his answer as it was.

The child looked at him for a long time. Then, at last, she blurted out.

“But yer really old,” she told him point blank, and it was all Shinji could do not to twitch. In the background, he was pretty sure that he could hear Momo’s suppressed giggles in the background, accompanied by Akon’s soft snort.

“That may be so-” It wasn’t as if he could deny it. “-but don’t ya think that I’m, uh…handsome?”

If the adult Hiyori was around right now, she would have given him a punch right in the face for spouting stupidity. However, this wasn’t the adult Hiyori yet, this was the baby version of her, and little Hiyori merely continued to eye him skeptically, evidently a (slightly) more polite being than her older self. “…Ya’ve pretty hair,” she observed slowly at last, a tiny hand reaching out to touch the fine strands in question, and somehow he wasn’t surprised when she continued with the next remark. “Pretty like a princess.”

Adult or baby, this was definitely his Hiyori, alright.

Even as the other Shinigami were tittering softly in the background, Shinji wryly eyed the little girl whom he was currently carrying in his arms. “How come every time yer outta yer mind, I’m suddenly ‘pretty like a princess?’”

Little Hiyori scowled at him. “Yer wrong!” she barked with all the fierceness of her current seven year old self. “Only yer hair’s pretty – ya look like a horse.”

…She had just more or less called him horse face, and she had gone ahead and done so in such a brassy, matter of fact manner that he could only stare at the little brat in disbelief. The fact that her adult self also sometimes called him something to that effect (though in not so polite words) did not make him feel any better. This time, the muffled laughter ringing out behind him was unmistakable, but the young girl stood her ground and looked at him defiantly. She wasn’t as obstinate or as strong minded as how she would be when she was older, but she was surely getting there. Shinji’s response was purely instinctive – the Captain freed one hand from holding her, reached up and lightly pinched one of her babyish, freckled cheek between his fingers.

“Call me Ouji-sama, Ou-ji-sa-ma,” he insisted to her, enunciating each syllable deliberately, but she was hardly intimidated by his response. The little girl started to just as instinctively pull on fistfuls of his hair in retaliation, giving him as good as she got, and the fact that she was at ease enough to be tussling with this strange man already spoke for itself, especially when she had only been quiet and wary with all the others beforehand, Akon included, and it had taken them a good part of an hour to convince her to trust them.

Little Hiyori grunted and tugged harder on the stupid man’s hair. “No! Yer not my Prince Charmin’!!”

“‘Course I am!” he replied just as heatedly, rather shamelessly arguing with the young girl. “And I can prove it!”

“How?!!” she barked back at him, and he was inwardly charmed to see that one of her baby teeth, her incisor to be precise, was sharp and pointy just like the adult version.

Shinji said the magic words. “Yakiniku,” he deadpanned. “All ya can eat,” he continued. “I’ll cook ‘em for ya.”

He might as well have told her that they were going to be living happily ever after from hereon. The child froze briefly, and then for a quick moment, images of succulent, well grilled meat slices filled her vision, and the small, skinny blonde started to drool. “Niku?” she repeated hopefully, as if it was just too good to be true. Shinji nodded and replied.

“As much as ya want,” the larger male confirmed once again, and the age-diminished lover felt her stomach start to rumble with hunger at the promise of being fed. She was such a scrawny, bedraggled little thing, and being allowed to eat meat must have been such an extravagant treat to her. Shinji had personally not known Hiyori until after she had been brought under the wing and care of her ex-Captain Hikifune Kirio, so this child-like appearance of hers was entirely new to him, and her gaunt, clearly undernourished frame and gutter rat-like appearance and demeanor quickly gave him a very good hint as to how her childhood must have been like.

The Gobantai Taichou was abruptly filled with the urge to feed the young girl as much as she wanted to eat, and the instinctive need to tend to and care for her grew even more – she was just so tiny and fragile looking now, and she was also so darned cute with her spirited and feisty nature, and he wasn’t surprised at the least to find that she was already sharp as a whip and bright as a button even at this tender age.

She was unusually wary and guarded for a young child though, but he was pleased with the way she seemed to be at ease around him even though she did not seem to remember him at all – however, perhaps there was a part of her that subconsciously recognized who he was, and she clearly trusted him.

“Ya believe me now?” Shinji asked. Hiyori started to nod, but then she paused and shook her head instead.

“I want niku first!” she bargained shrewdly, not about to trust him for his word, even if something told her that he was a good guy, though he looked a bit weird to her. He responded by tweaking her nose next, and she wrinkled it cutely, going slightly cross-eyed as she tried to pull back away from him. This miniature version of his lover was really too adorable for her own good, and he was hard pressed not to laugh at the squeaky little grunts of outrage that she made when he continued to tease her – who knew that Hiyori was such a precocious little brat when she was little?

“Deal,” the fine-haired blonde agreed once more, finally removing his fingers from her face when she threatened to bite him for poking her. “But ya must listen ‘ta everythin’ I say and do whatever I tell ya.”

Hiyori gave him a sharp, wary stare. “Are ya the bad kind of oji-san?” she questioned abruptly, and Shinji stared at her, his eyebrow twitching at being called ‘uncle,’ even though the pronunciation was very close to what he originally wanted her to address him by – Prince. At least the impudent little thing had not gone for broke and straight up called him ‘ojii-san.’ He’d probably tip her upside down and dangle her by the ankles if she did.

“What do ya mean, ‘bad kind of oji-san?’” he asked her, and she squinted suspiciously at him once more.

“The kind who gives out candies and then tells other kiddies ‘ta follow ‘em,” Hiyori replied bluntly.

Oh. That kind who-­

Shinji choked when he finally realized what she was talking about. The man’s face turned a dull red.

“NO! I’m most definitely not that kind of oji-san!” he quickly sputtered his denial before he shot the young girl a disgruntled look. “…And I ain’t even an uncle. At least call me ‘onii-san’ if ya must, ya ‘lil imp.” He reached up and flicked her on the forehead, and the little girl yelped as she immediately slapped her hands over the lightly reddened spot.

“And just where did ya hear ‘bout that sort of stuff, anyway?” Shinji asked her, concerned by her alarming and specific knowledge of that type of disgusting predator. The tiny blonde scowled at him for that finger flick but grudgingly answered his question all the same.

“The older kids in the streets said so,” she mumbled, and he looked at her in mild surprise. Shinji knew that Hiyori had pretty much grown up without parents until Hikifune came into her life, the latter serving as a much needed maternal figure, but she had been pretty closemouthed about how she had lived prior to that fateful meeting with her adoptive mother. Perhaps this might be a unique opportunity to learn more about her past...  

“Ya listen ‘ta the others pretty good, don’t ya?” he commented, and she was placated by his praise.

“Of course!” she boasted, her little chest puffing out with smug self-satisfaction, and Shinji was pleased to know that this side of her was already present when she was so young. Speaking of which…

“How old are ya right now, brat?” he asked, and she frowned slightly at him for calling her that name.

“…I’m this many,” she replied slowly at last, a bit bewildered by the attention she was being showered upon when no adult usually cared about her, but at the same time, also quite happily lapping it up at the same time. The little girl showed him all five fingers on one hand and then stuck up two more on the other. She took her time to count them before uttering, “Seven!”

Shinji appeared skeptical by her claim. She was so small in size that he had initially thought that there was no way she could be physically older than four or five, but then again, she had always been on the runty side, so she might be speaking the truth after all.

“Huh. Are ya sure?” he asked, carefully concealing his growing amusement. “Ya still look like a baby ‘ta me.”

Hiyori gave him an indignant glare then, and it was really adorable that the cute little thing was trying to give him the stink eye. “I ain’t a baby anymore!! Imma big girl now! Take that back, baka!!”

Momo, Akon and Kurotsuchi Fukutaichou stepped up once again then, since it seemed that Shinji was getting along with his age diminished lover/charge well enough. The young girl who had been rather spirited and loud in her interactions with the golden-haired man carrying her immediately shrank and quieted when the other Shinigami came near once again, reminding her of their continual presence all this while, her hot air deflating alongside with her bravado at the number of adults around her. For some reason or another, little Hiyori felt safe enough with Shinji to show her true self (probably because the man look quite comical to her and acted like a big idiot unlike the rest of the adults), but promptly became guarded and wary once more when there were others around.

The small child pressed closer to Shinji even as she carefully kept the other Death Gods within her sight, snaking a skinny arm around the older blonde's neck to steady herself as she did so.

The dark-haired Lieutenant of the Twelfth was the first to speak.

"We're grateful for your assistance in this matter, Hirako Taichou," Kurotsuchi Nemu remarked politely. "If you're certain that you do not require additional support in the care of Sarugaki-san, then my colleague and I shall take our leave first."

Akon was not pleased with the decision of his fellow Juunibantai member, but he made no comment, opting to remain silent. His Fukutaichou was right - it was apparent that the Fifth Division Captain could handle the little golden-haired girl very well on his own. In fact, they were getting along so well within minutes of meeting each other that it was rather astounding.

With the assurance that the Twelfth Division would be doing their best to find a way to reverse the effects of the 'youth' potion, the two Shinigami finally departed, leaving behind the Gobantai Fukutaichou together with her Captain and the latter's young charge.

Momo smiled gently as Hiyori peeked at her from the side of her champion's neck - the little girl was positively precocious and it made the dark-haired young woman wonder if her superior's future offspring would be just as adorable as their female parent. She shifted her attention to her Captain, sobering slightly as she did so.

"Hirako Taichou, what are your orders for now? We've already gotten most of today's agendas completed, and the rest left are not of great priority." Momo glanced curiously at the little girl whom her Captain was carrying, her smile widening slightly as the tiny blonde ducked back into the man’s shoulder in a shy and wary manner. So cute!  

“Yer right, we’ve gotten most of the things done for today already,” Shinji responded as he absently tugged Hiyori’s hand from his neck to keep her from strangling him with her unconsciously strong grip. “I’m gonna have ‘ta go off for a bit ‘ta feed this bottomless pit-” At that, the man lightly wiggled his fingers against the stomach of said ‘bottomless pit’ – he didn’t even know why he was doing it, but instincts prompted him to do so and before he knew it, he was eliciting a startled burst of laughter from the child before she quickly pushed his hand away to stop his tickle attack, squeaky giggles still escaping her as she did so.

The innocent sound of Hiyori’s glee pleased Shinji very much, and he smiled back at the child in return, clearly already won over by the vivacious little sprite. It was hard to believe that his grumpy lover had once been so effing cute when she was younger – that was it; he was never going to let her live this down once she returned to her adult form. The Fifth Division Captain was becoming rather endeared with this child alter ego of his significant other, and even though the whole thing was more than a bit strange and unusual, he was rolling with the punches rather well and adapting quickly, accepting the current situation. Besides, it was still Hiyori as far as he was concerned, only that she was tinier than usual and even more dangerously cute (thankfully minus the ‘dangerous’ component this time). Shinji could deal with that.

Momo had to keep from laughing at the adorable and unexpectedly charming sight of the two blondes.

“Hirako Taichou, I’ll watch over the division while you care for Hiyori-san,” his Fukutaichou informed him, her eyes twinkling with mirth as the indignant young girl attempted to get back at her guardian but to little effect.

Shinji was grateful for the helpful initiative of his subordinate. “Ya will? Yer a real lifesaver, Momo. Thanks,” he informed her with a grateful look, and the dark-haired young woman inclined her head in acknowledgement, pleased to be of assistance. “We should be back in a few hours’ time, so if ya can hold down the fort till then, that’d be great.”

Momo nodded once more. “Understood, Hirako Taichou,” she paused briefly before adding. “I can also finish up here on my own so you don’t have to rush back with Hiyori-san unnecessarily.”

Shinji waved off his subordinate’s concerns. “Don’t worry ‘bout that – this ‘lil runt’s gonna be really easy ‘ta take care of.” The fine-haired male turned his attention to said runt, and the little girl gave him a small scowl.

“I ain’t a runt!”

“Yes, ya are!”

“No, I’m not!”

“Yes, ya are!”

“No, I’m not!! Rawrrr!!”

“Ouch! Ow, ow- Quit bitin’ me!!”

“THEN QUIT CALLIN’ ME A RUNT, OLD MAN!”

“OLD MAN?!! WHY, YA ‘LIL-”

Momo stood at the entrance of the Gobantai office and smiled in farewell as her superior and his now miniaturized lover disappeared into the distance, squabbling the entire way.

Those two sure shared a wonderfully close relationship. 

“First things first,” Shinji told his young charge as he set her down on the ground so that she could walk on her own. “We’re gonna get ya some proper clothes ‘ta wear.”

Now that Hiyori had shrunk in size, she obviously no longer fit in her usual tank top and track pants attire. The Twelfth Division had kindly wrapped her up in the tiniest yukata that they had, but she was still very much dwarfed in it and looked bedraggled like a little street urchin that she was.

The little girl lifted her head to stare at him at his announcement.

"Clothes??" She sounded very surprised and bewildered, as if no one had ever offered such a thing to her before. The man’s response was to reach down with an elegant hand and pull up the lapel of her plain, cotton yukata, which had been drooping precariously off of her small, skinny shoulder.

"Clothes,” he repeated plainly, figuring that since she was in his care, he might as well just go ahead and do a good job of it. “Ones that will fit ya better than this rag yer wearin’. Ya will get yer yakiniku after that.”

Because if he knew her like he did, there was a very high chance that she would happily eat herself into a food coma if allowed to do so – it would be impossible to get her to do anything after that then, let alone try to outfit her, and so this was the next best solution.

“C’mon,” Shinji moved to make it final, before the young girl could have the opportunity to protest the decision. He started to walk into the building that they had both stopped before. “The faster we get this done, the faster ya get ‘ta eat.”

That was enough incentive to move the child, it seemed, and the little blonde scooted after him only after a brief pause, reaching out to cling to the tail of his billowing white haori as she followed him tentatively into the exclusive establishment of one of Seireitei’s traditional kimono makers, her eyes wide with wonder and childish curiosity as they darted around the place.

A female attendant dressed in a formal but utilitarian kimono immediately moved towards the two guests, bowing respectfully before Shinji when she came right to stand before the Captain.

“Greetings, Taichou-sama,” the woman murmured politely as she straightened. “How may this one be of service today?”

Shinji inclined his head ever so slightly in acknowledgement of the attendant’s greeting, and then, he reached down, placed his hand between the shoulder blades of his young charge and gently pushed her reluctant and slightly intimidated form forward, revealing her unwilling presence to the other. “Good afternoon. I require a few sets of adequate apparel for this child at your soonest convenience, please.”

The lady looked down at the little blonde urchin who was still clinging tightly to the distinguished form of Gotei 13 Captain. If the former was wondering about the relationship between the two golden haired patrons, she revealed nothing of it. The shop assistant bobbed her head once in agreement, more than happy to be talking business. “Of course, Taichou-sama. This one shall get down to your request right away. Will the little Miss please follow this one to the back to be measured?”

Hiyori balked immediately when all the attention landed on her, her knuckles turning white as she clenched her fists into Shinji’s coat and fought the urge to shrink in on herself. Shinji raised his brow slightly at the visibly alarmed expression on the girl’s face. It was obvious that she was unused to being in such a formal and expensive environment and was still quite bewildered by her surroundings. However, he had caught her peeking in awe at the colorful, intricately woven haori and kimono that hung on the walls of the shop, and her fascination was impossible to miss. The Gobantai Taichou glanced down at his young companion and gave her an arched look.

“Afraid, ‘lil scaredy cat?” he teased lightly, and immediately, the child’s uncertain and anxious demeanor disappeared as her attention snapped to him, a small, indignant expression taking their place even as she suddenly straightened and pulled her shoulders back in a show of bravado.

“Not a scaredy cat,” she muttered back, though she hesitated once again when the lady attendant reached out to take her hand. Little Hiyori chanced a quick glance at her guardian – he appeared completely relaxed and unthreatened – before she slowly allowed herself to be led away by the stranger. Shinji waited at the main area for them to be done, and thankfully enough, nothing untoward came out of the experience and his miniaturized charge eventually reemerged from the dressing room at the back looking none the worse for wear and with a cherry sucker in her mouth for her efforts. The tiny blonde even appeared quite pleased with her new acquisition, enough that whatever tedium and awkward discomfort derived from the measurement process had clearly been forgiven and put behind her, and it was all Shinji could do not to laugh at her delighted expression when she finally came into sight with the female attendant in tow. It was pretty amusing to see how different she was as an adult (albeit a very tiny, vertically challenged one) compared to her child self (still very runty in appearance, no matter how she protested it).  

The shop assistant politely drew up to Shinji while Hiyori was still preoccupied with her lollipop.

“Taichou-sama, this one has taken the measurements for the little miss and will get to work on tailoring the outfits right away after the fabrics to be used have been chosen. We’ve a fine selection of material in various colors and designs, if you will please follow me.”

Hiyori stuck close to her guardian as they proceeded to move to the side of the large shop where an entire wall had been dedicated to the display of various bolts of cloths of different types and cost. The little girl’s eyes widened with amazement and interest as the female attendant went on to bring out even more exquisite and colorful textiles with all sorts of delicate prints and stitching painstakingly embroidered on them. One particular collection caught Hiyori’s attention – it was made of cotton and dyed a deep, bright shade of crimson, and the eye catching fabric was decorated with a really delicate motif depicting tiny summer songbirds cavorting about on flowering branches. The little blonde was immediately mesmerized by the lovely fabric, and before she could stop herself, she had reached out to lightly and reverently touch the cloth, apparently having never seen anything so pretty before.

Shinji watched with bemusement as she fingered the cloth, entranced. “…Ya really like this one, huh?” he asked, and the child quickly snapped out of her daze. She went stiff when she realized what she was doing, and Hiyori immediately took her hand off of the fabric and hid the errant limb behind her back instead, her face burning slightly as she bit her lip uncertainly and looked unsure of herself. Once again, Shinji was abruptly reminded of just how different she was right now compared to the woman she would grow into in the future. This Hiyori was still a bit shy and tentatively cautious of the world that moved around her, and he found this side of her to be extremely endearing. Gesturing to the crimson fabric that had caught the young girl’s fancy, Shinji simply told the female shop assistant.

“Please use this cloth ‘ta make a yukata for this child.”

“Of course, Taichou-sama,” the attendant agreed quite amicably. “I shall get to it immediately.”

The rest of the materials were quickly chosen, and through it all, Hiyori just stared at the tall blonde man with something akin to wonder and bewilderment. Sometime without even her noticing, the child was clinging to her guardian with one hand fisted in his haori once more, and she was okay with that, because for some reason that she did not quite understand herself, she felt really safe with him.

Less than an hour later, Shinji and his young charge could be found at the latter’s favorite yakiniku restaurant and the younger blonde was busily stuffing her face with platters of luscious, juicy cooked slices of beef fresh off the stove while her older counterpart grilled the raw, seasoned meat over the barbeque griddle for her, exactly as he had promised. It hadn’t taken very long for them to get things settled at the kimono shop and Hiyori had been getting increasingly antsy by then, though now that her hunger was being slowly assuaged, the child was content once more and simply happy to be able to eat.

Shinji was rather bemused as he watched the young girl devour all the food placed before her like a starving beast. For a child still of tender age and possessing a significantly slight and scrawny build, she sure could eat.

“Slow down,” he cautioned her then when she nearly choked on a too large piece of meat. “No one’s gonna steal yer food, so take yer time and eat slowly.”

Coughing slightly to dislodge the troublesome piece of beef from her throat, Hiyori turned to him with slightly watering eyes. “Am hungry,” she mumbled after swallowing the mouthful of meat. Hunkering over her plate defensively, she kept her head down and continued to chow down on her late lunch. She started to eat slightly slower though, but still savoring the food with great gusto and appetite. Shinji eyed her curiously.

“When’s the last time ya got ‘ta eat, brat?” he asked. She stopped chewing her food and looked at him briefly before she just shook her head.

“Don’t remember,” she muttered, pausing to think before she continued with a shrug. “M’always hungry, though.”

He wasn't entirely surprised by her reply. Akon and Nemu had briefly informed him that the youth potion had only caused her physical form and mind to revert to their younger states, so even though the tiny blonde could vaguely recall a faint ripple of the sensations and feelings associated with her distant past, it wasn't as if her past body had been literally transported to the present – she had only been de-aged, and had not time travelled.

"Well then," he responded after a pause. "Ya may eat as much as ya want.”

Hiyori stopped and eyed the man.

“How come yer so nice ‘ta me?” she asked suspiciously, openly baffled at the same time. She sounded like she genuinely did not comprehend her sudden stroke of good luck, and the fact that she was only so young but already so wary and jaded made him feel regretful for her. This child was not the Hiyori whom he knew and loved – not yet, at any rate. She was still a bit less guarded, a bit more innocent, but already he could see the beginnings of that grit and mule headed stubbornness that would characterize her in the future.

"I told ya already - I'm yer Prince Charmin'," Shinji responded at last, at the same time picking a few more pieces of the grilled meat from the griddle and laying it on her plate. "Don't talk so much; eat up."

But the little girl just continued to look at him for a while, her head slightly tilted as if she was trying her best to figure him out, those bright ochre eyes of hers centered on him with an intelligence and sharpness that were beyond her years. In the end, he must have passed whatever test that she had in her mind, at least for now, for Hiyori promptly turned back her focus to eating once again. Eventually, the tiny blonde ate so much that she nearly could not move and started to look a bit green around the gills from the excessive bingeing; Shinji had to put his foot down when she still refused to stop despite of that, and had to promise her that they would be back again some other day before she reluctantly quit stuffing herself. She still did not budge when it was time for them to leave, though, but that was due to another reason altogether.

Shinji raised his brow ever so slightly at the red faced young girl. “…Lemme guess. Ya ate so well that ya can’t move?”

The child scowled slightly at him, but the way she did not refute his observation told him that he was right. In the end, she had to be piggybacked out of the establishment, and even though it looked a bit strange for a Shinigami Captain to be doing such things, nobody dared to comment beyond the startled stares, and the chagrin of the visibly embarrassed little blonde tucked meekly against her guardian’s back radiated all around her.

“Yer gettin’ kinda heavy, ‘lil piggy.” Shinji remarked innocuously as they made their way back to the Fifth Division.

“S-Shut up!” she sputtered, indignant and getting all righteously puffed up immediately. “I ain’t a pig!!”

If the child was just a little bit more observant, she would have wondered how come this man seemed to be so at ease carrying her about, and that he also seemed to know all the right things to say to make her feel less awkward and self-conscious and uncomfortable. It was too bad that he did it so well and so naturally that she did not even notice the way he could so easily engage her and get her to respond to him.

“Yeah, yeah. Stop squirmin’. And I’m tellin’ ya, if ya puke on me, I’m droppin’ yer ass.”

“If ya drop me, then I’ll definitely puke on ya again!!”

                                                                  ::tsuzuku::

[my-cuppa-bleach]

Bleach Arcs: Ranked

So, once again, I’m stealing this idea from @incorrctbleach​, because I wanted to rank the general Bleach arcs in the same way they did. (I know I said I was going to do a post about Bankai next, and I’m working on it, but... it’s hard.) I’m just gonna use the arc divisions that they used, so if you wanna see that post, click here.

12. The Bount Invasion arc

This arc is... Okay, I really did try to understand this arc when I was watching it, but it’s so hard to understand because it doesn’t make sense. I had no idea why they were out for revenge on Soul Society, all the characters were flat, and their abilities were horrid. Honestly, everything about this arc makes me angry. Not to mention, it ruined Ishida’s character for me for a very long time. He was represented really badly in this arc and I couldn’t bring myself to fall in love with him again until the anime returned to the Hueco Mundo arc. Plus, it dragged on for forever. I can’t really explain beyond that, and I don’t think I have to because I imagine most people hate this arc.

11. The Lost Substitute Shinigami arc

Otherwise known as the Fullbring arc. So, I don’t really hate any arc like I hate the Bount arc, but this arc fell the flattest in terms of story, to me. Again, the antagonists were extremely flat, and I didn’t have any sort of emotional response toward any of them. Not hate, not interest, not a sense of liking; they were all just... blah. I mean, Riruka was alright, I guess, but compared to the plethora of rich characters we’d gotten before the Fullbring arc, every single Fullbringer was a let down. I will say that seeing Ichigo deal with his lack of powers and the breakdown he had at the end was great, but the lack of beloved characters was a shame, as well. Their return in the end is the sole reason this arc isn’t at the bottom of the list, to be honest... Plus, it isn’t a total waste of time like the Bount arc.

10. The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai arc

I’m gonna be real, this arc wasn’t that bad. Sure, Rurichiyo was a little annoying at times, but her scenes with Ichigo were quite sweet. And, sure, Amagai’s reason for wanting to kill Yama was a bit... over-dramatic, but he was also a really neat character. Not to mention, we got to know a little more about Kira through this arc, and I came to love him as a result of that. Is it annoying that it interrupted the Arrancar era? Yeah. Did the final battle not really make sense because the fight with Aizen should’ve prepared Ichigo for anything, especially someone like Amagai? 100%. Was it aggravating that this arc took up multiple seasons and wasn’t clearly fitted into the timeline of the anime? For sure. But, it wasn’t that bad. 

9. The Agent of the Shinigami arc

Here’s the thing: you think this is horrible that this is so low on the list because it’s the first arc, however, that just means the caliber and quality of the series just kept getting better and better, to the point that I’m comfortable having this arc this low on my list. Of course, it was amazing. We got to know Rukia and see her relationship with Ichigo develop, plus the end of the arc was so brilliant with Renji and Byakuya. I don’t have anything bad to say about this arc. I mean, it isn’t as action-packed as the rest of the series, I suppose, but it’s the first arc! Honestly, it’s kind of a comfort arc, for me. It’s nice to think about the simpler days with Ichigo and Rukia. 

8. The Arrancar: The Arrival arc

There was a lot to love in this arc. Grimmjow was introduced, Shinji was introduced (with the other Visoreds), Ichigo began to come to terms with his Hollow abilities, other Shinigami came to The World of the Living, and, most importantly, we finally got back to the Aizen storyline. To be honest, the arcs that take place in The World of the Living aren’t ever as interesting to me as the ones that take place elsewhere (save for one specific arc that I’ll get to later). I think because the resources--like Reishi--are limited, it makes for a slightly duller viewing experience. Which, of course, is fine because you need the slower periods of time to offset the extremely intense periods of time. Everybody was focused on training during this arc, anyway, so it’s understandable. This arc was a good setup for the rest of the Arrancar era, but that’s about it. It’s still amazing, though.

7. The Goeti 13 Invading Army arc

I really wish this could be higher up on the list, but alas, this is where I shall put it. There was a lot to love with this arc, as well. Seeing characters fight against themselves or versions of their comrades was always interesting to watch. One of my absolute favorite sections of this arc belongs to Nozomi and Kon. I will forever be bitter that they didn’t end up together. And, how about that Hollowfied Ichigo in the end? Rukia protecting him from the (admittedly terrible and cringy) antagonist was everything. It’s very similar to the Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc, and I love that one as well, so it makes sense that this would be amazing to me.

6. The Zanpakutō Unknown Tales arc

Gosh, I loved this arc so much. I absolutely adored everybody’s Zanpakutō spirits. I mean, how could you not? One of my favorites, and this was one of the biggest “WHAT” moments for me during the final arc, was Nanao’s. Their story was absolutely beautiful. I’m also gonna go ahead and say that the Sword Beasts part of this arc was not that bad, either. I rather enjoyed all the individual stories with everybody’s Zanpakutō spirits. Anyway, added on to all of that, the plot with Muramasa and Kōga was terribly sad. I actually felt bad for both of them by the end of it all. I don’t want to gush forever, but this arc was amazing.

5. The Arrancar: The Hueco Mundo arc

Okay, listen. Don’t kill me. I know this is everyone’s favorite arc, and I totally understand why. I don’t have any issues with it, myself. I just don’t happen to enjoy it as much as the next four arcs. It made my top five, though. That’s good, right? No, but honestly, this arc was flawless. Every single fight was perfectly executed, even the fights with the Espada I didn’t care about. The whole arc--everything from meeting Nel to the captains showing up--was extremely entertaining. To be honest, I think all the fillers that interrupted this arc is why it’s number five and not number one. If I had been more immersed in the arc, I probably would’ve enjoyed it even more, but it was pretty damn enjoyable as is. I dunno what else to say. Nel = the cutest cute to ever cute. Grimmjow = daddy. Ulquiorra = eternal sadness for me. RIP UlquiHime. 

4. The Past arc

I. Love. This. Arc. I wanted more of it. An eternal supply. A seperate series, I don’t care. I’m in love with Shinji, Urahara is my boo, Yoruichi and Soi Fon give me life, and learning how everybody knew each other was bomb as fuck. I cannot tell you how lit I was right after this arc when you see Shinji and the Visoreds walk out of their base to kick Aizen’s ass (which didn’t go very well, but I digress). After seeing all the shit that Aizen put them through, I was hollering, it was so fucking epic. It’s crazy to think that Hiyori and Yoruichi served together or that Aizen was Shinji’s lieutenant or that Mayuri served under Kisuke or that Urahara, Yoruichi, and the Visoreds were captains way before some of my favorite captains were captains. It’s just so cool to see how everything came together for them.

3. The Quincy Blood War arc

I’m not gonna lie... the beginning was slow. Like... boring, almost. And the final fight ended way too abruptly. And I didn’t get the ending I wanted (not just because of the pairings, but because of the fact that I didn’t see how everyone was doing after the ten year timeskip). But everything in between made it so worth while. The battles! Oh my goodness, I need them animated right now. All of them were so good! Namely Kenpachi’s and Unohana’s, the battle Yoruichi and Urahara fought together, and the one Byakuya and Tōshirō fought together. And almost every single character developed a crazy amount. I was so impressed with Renji and Rukia, they were insane. There were so many revelations and bombshells in this arc, as well, and all of them had me shook. I loved it. As far as the final pairings go, no I don’t agree with them, but if Renji and Rukia’s daughter grows up to marry Orihime and Ichigo’s son, all will be forgiven. Love, love, love this arc. I’d also like to add that I want to kill that Haschwalth myself for hurting Bazz-B. 

2. The Soul Society Arc

This was a hard one to place, guys. In the end, it was just perfect. Especially now that I know the Shinigami better after finishing the series. This is yet another arc where the battles were on point. Poor Ichigo fought so many people, but by the end of it all, all of Soul Society respected him and learned to depend on him. Not to make this about ships, but Ichigo coming to save Rukia killed me. I’d die that death a thousand times. Other than that, I just enjoyed meeting all the new characters and learning about them. This arc was very intense, but also serene in a way... weird, but beautiful.

1. The Fake Karakura Town arc

Is this a weird arc to have as my top arc? Hopefully not. I just can’t get over how good it was. For me to be able to see everybody fighting their own individual battles? That was like a dream. And that’s strange because, to be honest, I didn’t really like the top three Espada (although Baraggan’s abilities were the shit). Oh my goodness, and the Visoreds rolling up, ready to throw down and kick some serious ass got me so excited? By the way, when I say “The Fake Karakura Town arc,” I’m including the piece where Aizen and Gin invade Soul Society. Which means I’m including the Ichigo vs. Aizen fight. Which also means I’m including Ichigo and Rukia’s goodbye. So... yeah. All of that. That’s why this is my favorite arc. 

Anyway, let me know if you agree or disagree or, hell, make your own list and tag me! I can’t stop talking about this show. I... I have a problem. I really do.

I promise the Bankai post is coming, I just need to plan it out a little better and get it down on “paper,” so to speak, properly. Thanks for reading! 

[gildedmuse]

Yes, please. More ZoLaw... How about AU ideas?

Oh, I have ton of AU ideas. Some of which I have like 11 pages of co-brainstorming, some of which I've written up summaries roughly the length of some of which are just two words: [blank] Zoro / [Blank] Law. Here's the best list I can put together while on my way to work.

Okay, Hear Me Out. A ZoLaw Fic Where....

Zoro Is Law's Marine Bodyguard....

After Corazon dies, the navy does some digging. Years later they learn about Law and insist he is in danger as Doflamingo has located him as well. A young marine, Zoro, is assigned to guard him

Law Is A Marine & Roronoa Zoro Is His Obsession...

Or Law follows in Corazon's footsteps and becomes a marine. He sort of takes Tashigi's place as Smoker's sidekick second in command. So he's there in Lougetown when the Strawhats breeze into town. and the two develope an... Intense rivalry in which Law is determined to hunt down the cocky young swordsman (mostly because he feels like a fool... Why in the world would be agree to a fight without using his devil's fruit? What kind of argument is "it's cheap" anyway? Why the hell had he been thinking?) while Zoro enjoys taunting the handsome, moody marine he kicked the ass off back in Lougetown (or totally would have if they hadn't been interrupted).

Just wait until Law follows him all the way to Dressrosa. He's been avoiding meeting The Heavenly Demon since he became a marine, so why they hell is he willing to follow this green haired pirate hunter into the devil's own home?

Zoro Hates All Doctors (Except Law) (And Also It's A College AU Because Why Not?)

Modern AU where Law is an overworked med student filling shifts at the student clinic and Zoro is a at University on a kendo scholarship, preparing for the olympics. He has a knack for getting injured (it doesn't help that his coach, Mihawk Dracula, doesn't believe in pulling punches... Or whatever the sword equivalent is). Still, he absolutely hates going to the clinic. One day Law is taking out some tension at the gym practicing with his own blade when Zoro gets badly hurt. Law rushes over to help, and since Zoro isn't really in a position to say no he has to let the young doctor help him.

After that whenever Zoro gets injured he still refuses to go to a doctor. What he does do is lurk outside the student clinic (typically with Luffy in toe to keep him company - even if your injured and tired, you can never get too bored with Luffy as your best friend) until Law gets tired of it and makes him come in so he can fix up whatever he's managed to injure this time.

The clinic receptionist - Perona - doesn't find this cute at all. Mostly because Zoro is typically sweaty and gross and the Monkey boy is just annoying. His fellow student interns Shachi and Penguin are just impressed Law has put up with him this long (they did ask if the Kendo scene attracted a lot of girls, but Law's blank stare pretty much answered that one) while Assistant Professor and Physician Marco thinks it's adorable but is kind enough to only tease Law about it occasionally (he doesn't ask about fangirls in the kendo scene since he's pretty much certain that's not Zoro's scene either way).

Of the two tenured professors who officially oversee the clinic, Dr. Crocus has never said anything to Law about the whole situation except for letting him know when Zoro is waiting outside. He does, however, sometimes bring Zoro and Luffy by snacks or something to drink and has even kept them company an few times. No need for the two of them to wait out there with no one looking out for them (and, yes, they clearly need someone looking out for them). On the other hand Dr. Kureha has never believed in cuddling her students. The exact opposite actually. She started by telling Law he'd best take his pet home since he couldn't have it here all day ("Pet? What pet? Whoever it is, it's not mine, Dr. Kureha-ya." / "So that green haired stray and his little monkey friend don't belong to you?" / "Green hai- Urg."), Which eventually evolved to her telling him this was a clinic not a dating service ("He's not... *Sigh*") and finally came to the point where she just snips st Law for not being able to control even a simple minded athlete then how does he plan to deal with actual problem patients? She's also made a point of telling Zoro off - it pretty obvious that even when he does come by the clinic he only does so after either accumulating multiple injuries or continuing to push one until it gets far worse than needed. Is the boy an idiot? Why wait until things are so bad, and why is he wasting the time of one of her top students? If he wants to stalk one of the postgrads he could at least pick a less talented one. There are plenty to choose from.

Marco tried to make up for this lecture (after which Zoro stayed away for three months until he almost lost an eye) by offering to let Zoro and Luffy wait in the actual clinic to wait. (To which Luffy helpfully announces, "Zoro isn't waiting for the clinic, he's waiting for Toroa." Which kinda makes Zoro want to strangle his best friend but since he's currently holding a towel up to his eye and feels pretty sick at the thought of not making these games because he's an idiot, he only managed an apologetic smile and mentally promises himself to pinch Luffy later. Marco is totally unsurprised by this answer, for what it's worth.)

(Also, it turns out Kendo does attract at least a couple of girls, at least at the Olympics level. It's probably more accurate to say that Dracule Mihawk and Roronoa Zoro attract attention, which Law only learns because he was heading home after his shift and saw a bit if activity around the gymnasium and wandered over purely out of curiosity and somehow accidentally ended up watching Zoro's match. And that randomly happened a couple of times. Look, the best parking is by the gym he practically has to walk by to get to his car. He isn't going out of his way. And he has a valid reason to be interested in kendo. (Also, appro of nothing, Tashigi seems like an annoying know it all and Hiyori seems like a silly teenage girl and why is Perona even here?)

Shanks Uses His Yonko Status For It's Highest Purpose - Mischief

While sailing to Wano, they stop at an island to gather supplies when they are ambushed. It turns out to be one occupied by the Head Haired Pirates. Before anyone can attcak, Shanks steps into view, smiling. He greets Kin'emon and Kunjuro (they were with the Roger pirates for a while). Robin, Franky and Usopp he recognizes as friends of Luffy. Weirdly, he calls Zoro 'Mihawk'ss boy'. Law corrects him as Zoro is also in the Strawhats. Shanks laughs because while that may be true, he's met Zoro and he's Mihawk's boy to him. Law seems unhappy with this description, while Zoro just rolls his eyes, calling Shanks an old pervert and to stop messing around. Despite everyone else freaking out, Shanks laughs it off. He insists surely Mihawk would be the pervert in that situation. Law dislikes the whole conversation. It only gets worse when it turns out they have to stay on the island two weeks, and Mihawk is visiting as well. Under Shank's bad influence (and seeing how such comments got under the other Captain's skin even if he wouldn't admit to it) he convinced Mihawk to join him in creating some mischief (Shanks is a terrible influence).

Law Is Working For Doflamingo, Gathering Information On & Chain Off Rookie Pirates

Instead of Bellemy, the crew find Law right before Skypea. He is also (secretly) working for Doflamingo. Typically it's his job to narrow out the herd, and for the pirates that might make it to the second half of the Grand Line, his job is to gather information that may be useful in "convincing" them over to Doflamingo's side later or else can be useful in eliminating them if they become a threat.

Unlike Bellamy, it takes Law only one conversation in the bar to determine that the Strawhats aren't your average pirates. Their captain's open, naive nature makes gathering information on them rather straight forward. Which is how Law determines that his biggest advantage is his crews loyalty, and none seem more so than his handsome swordsman. Luffy seems to naturally open and unashamed to be able to gather blackmail material on, but Law's willing to bet if you own Zoro, you'd more or less own the captain. So he sets out to do just that.

Swords Are Cats

Zoro owns three infamous crazy cats. Law is a vet. Look, this is an AU in which Swords are cats. Zoro has two in particular that no vet is willing (or able) to get anywhere near. When Wado gets sick, though, he shows up to The Heart Veterinary Clinic (it sounds like such a cheesy name he already can't stand it) with all three in toe. Best to get everything done at once since it's unlikely they'll ever be allowed back again. Sure enough, Shisui just has to start the trip off by escaping when Zoro is checking in.

Law is in his office when he notices Kikoku is gone, which is strange. She usually likes to stick by his side. He goes looking for her and is surprised to find her hiding under the receptionist desk, curled up peacefully with another cat. He holds up the strange tomcat only to very nearly lose an eye. Zoro catches the poor thing midair when Law stumbles back from surprise, honestly just thankful to find him before he caused any damage.

Law takes one look at Zoro and the three cats and instantly knows two things:

A. Oh, so these are the demon cats he was warned about by Tashigi and Pica and Wanda and even Shanks who seems like he can put up with almost any animal

B. He's definitely going to get these cats to like him, if only to ensure that Zoro back.

Law Ends Up On Kuraigana Island

Incredibly simple What If premise. What if instead of fighying two pacsifistas alongside the Kid pirates, the Heart Pirates wind up on the battle field with the Strawhats. When the real Kuma shoes up, Law gets a little too close to the action and is sent along with Zoro to Kuraigana Island. This has everything you need in an AU. Zoro and Law going from complete strangers to friendly rivalry to sexual tension because they're stuck on an island for two years together. A possible love triangle with Mihawk. Perona being either an annoying bratty sister to Zoro (who in fairness beat up her crew) while openlh crushing on a disinterested Law or a Perona silently shipping the two of them long before they even take any real notice of each other (I'm guessing she'd talk about it with her hallows). Bonus points for scenes of The Heart Pirates trying desperately to find their beloved captain.

I'm kidding. Bonus points for adding Mihawk in the mix and making it a triangle filled with possessiveness, jealousy and a totally unaware he's in the middle of it all Zoro. That's my jam.

They Were Childhood Friends (Who Haven't Seen Each Other In Years)

Sometimes, all an AU needs to be is a romamtic comedy formula lifted wholesale and recontextualized to fit whatever fandom you're into. So, yeah. Law and Zoro grow up at the same dojo but haven't seen each other in years, then suddenly Law is sitting there in ten Sabaody auction house when the something crashes through the roof, and that something looks a lot like a boy he hasn't seen since he left the dojo at 18. Or, hey, maybe Law catches a wanted poster of "his little brother" while sailing on the Grand Line and decides to track him down just to see how he's doing. And probably he was totally unaware that at 13/14 years old, Zoro had just about the biggest crush in the world on him.

Although most the Strawhats definitely know. Or at least figure it out damn quickly. It's kind of hard to miss how their badass swordsman suddenly can't make eye contact or flushes at the slightest provocation. ("Do you think the Heart captain realizes?"/"Maybe it's just because Zoro looked up to him. I mean, I can't imagine him actually LIKING someone."/"Oh, come off it, you'd have to be blind not to see!"/"I think it's sweet that our swordsman-san still holds such a place for what must have been his first major crush."/"Yeah, who know Zoro-bro could be such a romantic!")

Strawhats antics ensue.

Law Uses His Shichibukai Connections For Something Other Than Revenge (So Sex. Sex and Revange.)

After becoming a Shichibukai, Law meets Mihawk at an official summon and picks up on the fact that Zoro is training there. Having promised Luffy he would look it to his nakama's safety should be discover them (something he had thought would never happen) he follows Mihawk back to the island to see how Zoro's training holds up.

Perona Is Zoro's Older Sister, Just To Create Drama

AU where Perona is Zoro's older sister. She hangs out with a much darker, edgier crowd than Zoro approves of. He find Law especially questionable and not just because they seem to have a 'thing' (in my mind Zoro is in high school while Perona and Law are not in college. He's heard about the way college boys often are and he doesn't really understand that all their relationship is entirely casual, and most the time when he catches Perona cuddling up to him, it's just her being cutesy (and because she knows that while it annoys Law a little, he won't do anything to stop him). He also doesn't understand why every time he tries to confront Law about it he ends up feeling so flustered. (Not that Law is about to openly hit on his friend's little brother, but some teasing never hurt)

There's Only One Bed. Because There Is ALWAYS A Story With Only One Bed

The Polar Tang and Sunny are stolen while the two crews are meeting up, talking over a plan to take down Blackbeard (okay fine, LAW is doing all the planning). Luckily, Shanks just happens to be passing by and offers them a lift, but as big as his ship is, three whole crews take up a lot of space. And despite Shanks (joking) offer to let Zoro share his bed, Law is the one who ends up stuffed into a single hammock with the Swordsman.

Law Tries To Sleep With His Uncle's Partner (Not As Terrible As If Sounds)

Law's uncle Corazon works in Law enforcement. He talks endlessly about his new rookie partner to the point of Law's annoyance. Until Corazon brings the young green haired detective home for dinner.

Law Is The Ship Doctor For The Strawhats Pirates

Corazon lives and runs off with Law, who grows up to be a doctor. One day, a pirate ships sails to their island. They have a sick crew member and desperate for help. Law doesn't help pirates, but then the corrupt ruler of their island has Corazon arrested and locked up, claiming he's found his true identity and plans to sell him out to his brother. They come for Law, but the Strawhats save him despite his refusal to help them (Luffy doesn't mind, he's sure Torao has his reasons and anyway Corazon is an amazing man who gave them a free lunch and he's sure Torao is just as good.) The Strawhats rescue Corazon, kick out the evil ruler and bring peace back to the island. Law finds himself compelled to accompany them.

Law Tutors Zoro (In The Ways Of Love Math)

Zoro's life is way too stressful. Between kendo competitions, a job that doesn't pay enough, a second job that's a bit questionable not too mention school. He doesn't even care about most that stuff, but if he wants to be the greatest at his sport, the rest is sort of necessary. Like training. One thing he definitely needs more training in is school work. Zoro has to keep a certain GPA to keep his Kendo scholarship. Luffy insists he knows the perfect tutor, and while Zoro isn't so sure about Luffy's judgement on intelligence, he trusts his friend. Enter Trafalgar Law, college senior who tutors on the side. Oh, and - as he casually mentions at the end of their first session that he's seen Zoro at his job. No, not as at the restaurant, but the online videos. And he has to say, he's quite the fan.

There are a few I didn't manage to get to tonight, despite being some of my favorites. Maybe later, when work has not drained the life out of me, you can hear about...

Drummer Zoro/Med Student Law

Marine Law/Revolutionary Zoro

Marine Law/Marine Zoro

Police Zoro/ME Law

Rock Star Law / Bodyguard Zoro

Biker Gang Zoro / Anarchist Group Law

Kendo Olympic Champion Zoro / Sports Doctor Law

Kendo Rivals Zoro / Law

Evil Doflamingo Pirate Law / Captive Zoro

Samurai Zoro / Ninja Law

Detective Zoro / Art Thief Law

[thedeliverygod]

Breakdown of my thoughts while reading Chapter 75. Warning that this post is very image heavy.

First off, Yato thanking Daikoku and Kofuku for being the best aunt and uncle ever. tbh it’s kinda funny he still doesn’t say thanks in regards to all the things they do for HIM too (mostly because of Yukine).

Also lol at Kofuku & Daikoku being like whaaa?? and he’s like C’MON I CAN BE GRATEFUL TOO. 

I laughed a lot when I saw this whole panel in Japanese because I knew Hiyori’s thoughts were going to automatically jump to the flash mob when she was wondering what happened. How she thinks that would cause him to sting Yato, I haven’t got a clue. But in this chapter of pain, I definitely needed the laugh.

I love that Yato figures out what’s bothering Yukine and then continues to pester him and make Yukine sting him until he’s practically near death again (and then his head literally just disconnects from his body after he finds out it’s Nora lmao). But really, Yato is really observant of Yukine. It’s adorable. He knows his body language well enough to figure out what’s going on without Yukine saying a single word about it.

Halfway just posting this because bless half naked Yato. But also Hiyori is holding his yukata/robe/whatever you wanna call it. So I’m just gonna believe he basically got dressed in front of her while she held his dirty clothes and wow are these two close. 

when I read this in Japanese, I died. A lot of us already made this connection after chapter 74, but to have Yato realize it too lol omg. Poor boy has had both of his closest people “tainted” by his father and sister. Of course Hiyori and Yukine suffer the worst for it, but both kisses were also kind of like a shot at Yato.

Yato continuing to air Yukine and Hiyori’s private details about their lives in front of Take and his shinki. I low key agree with Yato though, Yukine is also my precious baby boy and I also want him to continue the life of abstinence lol. Take is right though, it definitely makes sense to teach shinki not to feel guilty about those sort of things. But, I’m pretty sure Yukine was already stinging Yato before he even lectured about it for the first time so I feel like it’s more of a self thing that Yato kind of enforced (because Yukine is still a kid forever in puberty and relationships are complicated).

And I just had to add this because Yato is VERY very fatherly during this whole entire thing. Including the beginning of the chapter with him and Kofuku talking about taking to Yukine to shrine visits after he turns 3. I love it so much. I feel like the birthday party just really solidified Yato’s want to protect and treasure this lil boy.

Kiun being a heart breaker really surprised me, I must say. Maybe it’s because I’m asexual, but despite Yukine’s urges as a new shinki, I guess I never really thought about shinki in general wanting relationships/sex. I’m not really surprised, especially since I have considered it in terms of some of the main characters (Daikoku & Kofuku, Kazuma & Bishamon). Kiun being the one to guide Yukine in this matter is definitely unexpected, but I guess he needs a senpai shinki since Kazuma is MIA. 

I’m honestly really in awe that Trash Dad was somewhat intimidated by Yato. Even if it was just for a brief moment. It gives me hope that Yato will indeed kick his ass one day and be free from the shackles he has had on for so long.

this panel is why I honestly feel no sympathy for Nora. She’s being making her own moves in terms of taunting Yukine for a while now, I’m not sure why people are surprised. Like, yeah, I understand she’s a victum of abuse like Yato. But she is also toxic as hell herself sooooooo..... until she makes a change for the better or even just for a second manages to see how messed up some of the things she does are... yeah, no sympathy from me. Yato has tried to talk with her about some things but as he said, she never changes. “No matter who lives or who dies, you just keep smiling. But I’m not smiling with you anymore”.

Yukine, my baby, no. No. I will love you no matter what, but please, do noootttt crush on Nora. It will only bring bad things, and I know you know that but ;-;

I love Yato + stray cats. Also I love how Yato is always creeped out when other gods are like “oh yeah we shared Nora so we’re like bonded for life or something” and he’s like “plz no we’re not that close”. Also, Yato butt. you’re welcome.

Excuse me, sir. What exactly is this pledge!?? I also wonder if Yato did it of his own volition or if he was coerced into it after the covenant as a sort of payback for not being murdered for treason.

Hiyori, your imagination never ceases to amaze me. I love this and everything about it. Pretty boy Kiun lookin’ his best. 

This is so adorable. If only it weren’t followed by pain. But also Hiyori thinking about love and Yato just poppin’ up in her face ;) good stuff.

doki doki doki doki doki doki. Hiyori has caught the feels and she realizes it. And looking at Yato’s lips, no less. If only a kiss was what followed this, but nah. Adachitoka prefers pain.

A few more doses of cute before we have our hearts trampled, thanks.

I love that Yato is becoming so selfless and caring about others much more than himself but........... boi. you’re causing so much pain the way you’re going about doing this. Though reading Hiyori’s journal probably wasn’t uh.. the best/most polite thing to do, I do love that like reading about himself through her eyes sort of makes him see things in a different light.

Here’s where we go down hill. I’m glad that Yato has managed to get past that whole lifeline thing but... sigh. As I already pointed out in my other post, Yukine is going to be absolutely wrecked once he realizes Yato has left again. Hiyori is already a wreck currently, both she and Yukine are like possible time bombs (Hiyori only if she’s in her half-ayakashi form, but still.) But worst of all, YATO YOU JUST HAD SO MANY FRIENDS SHOW THAT THEY WERE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR AND WITH YOU. WHY ARE YOU SO DUMB. 

Hiyori finally confesses to Yato that she forget him once. And this is the response. I... cannot. He’s (seemingly) at peace with everything and it’s.. I don’t know, I don’t really have words. For all we know, he has a little break down after this conversation, but I guess we’ll find out. He seems earnest in this chapter, though.

My heart, my soul, my everything. It all hurts. Yato, she’s realizing she loves you and YOU HAVE TO LEAVE NOW?? IT’S SO PAINFUL. 

Honestly my worst fear for so long now. I’ve been so terrified of anything happening to the shrine and whoop, there it go. From Yato’s hands, no less (I’m sure he expected Hiyori to have a good grip on it but I mean obviously she’s more concerned about Yato than the shrine). also... I took the shrine that I made to animazement for the first time after years of considering it and being too afraid I would break it. I was still terrified for the bit I carried it around, but nothing happend to it. I just somewhat find it ironic that this is basically what I was visualizing like all weekend just 2 weeks ago.

Hiyori is too good to go through this much pain and my heart hurts so much for her. All I can say is I hope Yato truly does have a good plan.