#(it all started with them offering their cultural food to the others and failing each time lol I'm the Tangents girl)

[ndostairlyrium]

*slides u pictures I keep in my wallet* I miss my beloved advisors

[itsfairly]

I loved your latina reader fanfic's so much (especially since I rarely see any and I thank you soooo much)!! So I was wondering if you can write another Nanami fanfic with a latina reader in which she shows him to her family (when they are both attending Jujutsu high as teenagers?). Her mother is a bit skeptical, like all latina mothers are but loves Nanami!

Meeting Over Dinner // Teen!Nanami Kento x Latina! Fem!reader

word count: 3.3k

cw: teen!nanami, fem!reader, teen!reader, established relationship, fluff, untranslated Spanish (like four lines or less), not proofread, use of reader as a name.

summary: Nanami and you have been dating for a while, which means that eventually, you have to bring him to your parents. Yet, everyone knows how parents can be quite picky about their children's partner when meeting them for the first time.

a/n: this took me a while to write, but i am so excited since this is my first ask! thank you @erigaur for dropping a message and for enjoying these latine!reader fics, i enjoy writing them as well! this is also my first time writing for teen!Nanami, so a couple of first happening today with this one. Hope you all enjoy this one!

liked this? show it with a like, reblog, and/or comment. each is greatly appreciated and celebrated!

There comes a time that every person in a relationship fears—meeting your partner’s parents and having your partner meet your parents. Unfortunately, you and Nanami had reached that point and you couldn’t avoid it any longer from your side.

It took a while before the two of you even became a couple due to how different your cultures were. Whereas his culture was pretty restrained and his reserved nature did not make his feelings easy to see, your culture was indulgent and it made you seem like a social butterfly, trying to strike up a conversation whenever you could rather than someone who had a huge crush on him. Neither of you noticed that glint in each other’s eyes that appeared every time you talked. Lucky for the two of you, Haibara did and decided to play matchmaker.

He saw the way Nanami would try to talk to you when all students hung out despite always keeping to himself in such outings and the way you would always offer your food to him first without fail. Most importantly, he saw the way you two always denied your feelings for the other with that same glint. It took a few sneaky moves and the help of his seniors, which was basically stopping Gojo from teasing the two of you when alone, but eventually, you and Nanami started dating.

But dating was a special topic in your family. One that you were constantly reminded of every time you had a family reunion.

After countless times of hearing your aunts asking you “¿y el novio?”, you were finally able to say you started seeing someone. Least to say, your family became curious the minute you revealed this information and not only started to ask you about him but also teased you. You would talk about your day and they would see how you smiled when you mentioned Nanami. They would tease you with squeals and knowing glances at how smitten you looked. You would tell them you were going out and suddenly you had a billion questions regarding your plans with your boyfriend. After a couple of months, they knew you were getting pretty serious about this boy, turning the teasing into nagging about when they would meet him.

Not wanting to prolong the inevitable, you invited Nanami to have dinner at your house, which brings us to this moment with you and Nanami walking to your house. You were quite surprised at how collected he seemed to be about this, which assured you that things would go smoothly since he has always been able to hold his own. However, on the inside, Nanami was freaking out. He wanted to make a good impression on your parents, especially your father. He really really liked you and knew he had to show your father that he was worthy of dating you.

“Listen, if at any point you feel uncomfortable, just tell me. I’ll keep you up with whatever they say in Spanish but don’t think too much if they speak it. They are just more comfortable speaking it.” You told him, a small crease on your forehead as you prepared him for his whole dinner.

Nanami sighs, looking at the door before him. Though he was nervous, it was more obvious how you kept repeating the same warnings that did nothing but grow those nerves of yours the more you went around in circles with your thoughts. He places a hand on your shoulder, giving you a small squeeze.

“I’ll do my best to show the best me, okay? You don’t need to worry about me embarrassing you.”

He was really sweet in trying to assure you. But to you, Nanami was not the one you were worried about. But you didn’t want to give him any more reasons to worry him now that the two of you were at the steps of your front door. Instead, you flash him a small smile, finding some comfort in his words from how he is trying to calm you down. It was sweet. “I know you won’t. Just don’t let their words get to you.”

You open the front door, making your way into your home and holding the door open for Nanami. Taking a deep breath and putting a smile on your face, you announce to your family that you’re home.

The two of you leave your stuff by the front door, making your way to the kitchen where both your mom and dad are busy preparing dinner. When they hear your voice, both of them turn to look at you with a smile on their faces, putting the utensils away and cleaning their hands before making their way to greet you with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Nanami watches your parents greeting you home with such warmth that it suddenly makes sense why you are so sweet and lively even during the worst days. Because you came home to such a caring atmosphere. It made him feel nervous, on the other hand, because he was not used to such greetings that seemed too touchy for his liking. He knows that it is one of the cultural differences you have faced in your relationship, but he hopes that your parents can understand that as well as you have.

Your father is the first to greet Nanami, instantly making him feel insecure under his gaze. But the feel of the moment changes quickly when your father smiles gently at Nanami and extends his arm.

“Ah, you must be Nanami, right? We’ve heard a lot about you, it’s really nice that we finally get to meet you.” Your dad beams, his friendliness making Nanami’s earlier expectations of your father completely wrong.

He thought your father would be looking at him with a harsh glare, one that would make him tense on the spot and feel inferior to him. But here he was, relaxing his shoulders as he reached out to your dad’s hand and bowing before him as he greeted him. Maybe your dad wouldn’t be as frightening as he once thought. Not when Nanami could hear the playful chuckle from your dad when he bowed, but he shook it off since he wanted to be respectful.

“I apologize for taking so long to meet you, sir. I should’ve introduced myself the moment I was interested in your daughter.” Nanami says as he straightens up, trying his best to ensure a good impression on your dad.

But once again, your dad laughs, throwing his head back, and lets go of Nanami’s hand. “Sir? No, no. No need to go so far, I do not deserve that much respect, young man.” Your dad said, shaking his hands in front of Nanami to assure him further.

No, your dad was not who Nanami should be worried about like he initially believed. It was the woman before the two of you looking up and down his figure with a polite smile but eyes that were sizing him up the moment he came in. Your mom.

The moment you saw how your mom was looking at Nanami, you could feel your heartbeat accelerate as you tried to make out her reaction to Nanami. You knew the way her eyebrow raised every time you talked about him, impatiently waiting for you to invite him. Your mom was not thrilled to learn you were dating someone who was not Latino, mainly because she wanted to be able to speak to your partner in the language she was most comfortable speaking. Your mom didn’t know much about Nanami other than he was a sorcerer in the same class as you. She was already skeptical of him and how good he would fit into the family.

It is not ideal at all from how her eyes go to his hair first and you mentally curse. Before she could say anything, you decide to beat her to it and speak first.

“Ama, this is Nanami. Nanami, this is my mom.” You say in a cheery tone, hoping that the way your eyes kept darting between each other didn’t give away how nervous you were as you try to make out their reactions to the other.

Nanami extends out his hand to your mom, wanting to greet her with respect. But your mom was surprised when she was already standing there with her arms open, expecting a hug. She looks down at Nanami’s hand, putting down her arms and shaking his hand with a less-than-pleased expression despite her smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, miss. Your daughter talks a lot about you, thank you for inviting me to your home.” He says, his tone sounding too serious for your mom’s liking.

The bow he does after it does not really help his case either, it makes your mom flash you a look that you interpret as a he does this every time? To which you responded with a tilt of your head and a be respectful, different cultures, remember? look.

She lets go of his hand, still sizing Nanami up and not looking too pleased about it. In her eyes, he was too formal. You knew it was going to happen considering how warm your mom usually is, but you thought she was going to think of it as a sign of respect. After flashing him a smile and clasping her hands together, she tells Nanami.

“Oh don’t mention it, we were excited to meet the boy that had this one so happy.” Her tone, though still warm, wasn’t the one you were used to. It sounded as if she was distracted trying to learn everything about Nanami from his appearance and greeting alone.

Your mom turns to look at you with that raised brow you know too well and asks you, “¿y este es emo o por qué el pelo le tapa la cara?"

“Do you need help setting up the table? I’m sure food’s almost ready since we took a while to get here” You say quickly as you clap your hands together, ignoring your mom’s comment by changing the topic into something that wouldn't involve her being judgemental towards your boyfriend.

Your mom’s eyebrows jump slightly at the conversation change and it does not go unnoticed by you at the way her demeanor is borderline critical of Nanami, practically disapproving of him without really knowing him. You know she was just getting used to seeing you date someone, but you wanted her to be a bit more considerate and kind to him.

Nanami, while oblivious to what your mother said in Spanish, catches the way you so suddenly offered to help with the table. He nods and looks back at your mom, offering his help as well. “Is there any way we can help? After all, it’s only right since you went through the trouble of cooking, miss.”

Your mom looks back at Nanami, looking satisfied-ish at his words despite his formality. She nods, telling them that dinner will be ready as soon as the table is.

As you and Nanami start setting up the table with the glasses and the utensils, you look at him with worried eyes. Your mom is cautious about him, yeah, she was also pretty stuck on the fact you were not dating anyone from your culture. You know she had no ill will. It's just that every person who would meet your parents for the first time would enter an interrogation with your mom. Since Nanami was not just any person and someone you were dating, you were worried she would be harsher on him, especially as someone outside your culture.

“Hey, so,” You started, putting down the forks and knives on each seat of the table, “my mom can be a lot in these meetings. Ask a lot, say a lot, go over the line and all. What I am saying is that you don’t have to answer her questions if they make you uncomfortable.”

Nanami looked at you from the other side of the table. Tonight was different from what he expected. He didn’t know it would be your mom who he had to look out for, nor that you were this worried for him. While it did make him feel more anxious, he walked towards you after setting down the last glass, shaking his head at your words.

“Your mom only wants the best for you.” He says nonchalantly, trying to hide said nerves even though that sigh that escapes his lips snitch on him. “I’m more than okay answering her questions if it means ensuring your parents know that I care about you.”

“I don’t want you to feel pressured to answer though.” You look at him, placing your hands on the chair and gripping it to calm yourself. you couldn't understand how he could look so collected despite the nerves he felt.

“They are not pressuring me. I’m telling you I want to answer those questions. I was the one who said yes to coming, remember?” Nanami says softly, taking one of your hands and entwining his fingers with yours, giving your hand a small squeeze as he hums. “I’m not only dating their daughter, but I am also someone from outside their culture. If I have to answer a million questions, then I will answer them because I don’t want to miss my chance with this amazing girl just because I didn’t say what my intentions with her are.”

Whatever you were feeling before was gone and replaced with tenderness in your heart. You smile at Nanami, squeezing his hand back as you turn to face him completely. “You think I am amazing?”

“Without a doubt, I definitely would answer a million questions for you, no matter how weird I find them.”

As you giggle at Nanami’s words, your mom is standing at the kitchen’s entryway as she hears the two of you talk. You had that glint in your eyes, both when warning him and when hearing his compliment. You always had that glint when you really liked something, like an ice cream flavor or a toy when you were younger. But it was different somehow, more affectionate and much more hopeful. It was as if all tension left your body and that glint just affirmed such. You looked just as smitten when looking at him than when you talked about him.

Not only that, but she also took the time to look at Nanami. When he came in, she thought he felt indifferent about being here. But when she heard that shaky sigh of his when he comforted you, your mom wasn’t seeing that overly formal kid that bowed before her when he came into her house. She was seeing someone who was putting you before him, that glint in his eye as he talked to you. Your mom was planning on measuring him up, to determine whether this boy was worthy of you and cared about you. But now she wasn’t sure if her questions were that necessary. She would still ask them, but now it was because she was curious rather than cautious of him.

How could she be so critical of him when he was holding your hand so carefully? Or how he seemed as if holding your hand erased all the nerves he felt at the moment? He was just a kid and he seemed to care and feel for you a lot. She couldn’t be disapproving of him now that she saw this.

Your mom returns to the kitchen and announces that the food is ready, serving the plates and bringing them to the table. Nanami quickly offered his help to help your mom bring the tables from the kitchen to the dining table, which your mom accepted with a smile. A genuine one, not a wary one. You noticed the change in her smile, walking to her as she sat down the first two plates. But before you could ask her about it, both your dad and Nanami came back to the table and everyone sat down.

Nanami looks down at the plate before him, recognizing the smell as similar to the food that you have offered him before from your lunch. Deciding that he couldn’t let his whole first impression be based on questions alone, he decided to take a chance and looked up at your mom. With a small smile in an attempt to be as warm as she was with you, he said.

“I’m very excited to try your food, miss.” He lightly tilted his head in your mom’s direction, taking a deep breath to keep his heart from beating any faster from his worry to look good. “Reader always brings very good food as their lunch and is kind enough to share it with me sometimes. I can only imagine it tastes better when just made.”

Your mom looks at Nanami, her fork in the air as she processes what she just heard from the young man. You look at your mom and then at Nanami, whose smile starts to falter as if he feared he said something wrong or as if his comment was too much of a step for your mom. But he quickly relaxes when your mom gently laughs in delight.

“I didn’t know you had tried my food before.” She explains, placing a hand on her chest.

“Well, Reader has tried to show me more of their culture so I could learn about it before we started dating. Yet, food has always been something I enjoyed and they have shared with me the basic dishes. I have tried to follow a few recipes but I am afraid they are never as good as the lunches you prepare for them.”

It was as if a switch flipped in your mom’s brain regarding Nanami, smiling so brightly at the compliment. She put down the fork, making you and your father exchange glances at how quickly she dropped her guard at Nanami. Though the compliment certainly goes a long way, the little moment between you and Nanami from earlier was now warming her heart much more now that she knows he has tried to learn about your culture. Maybe as long as there was that dedication for her daughter, then Nanami could fit in just fine.

“I didn’t know you cooked, let alone that you have tried to cook something from our culture.” Your mom beams, her gaze softening despite her excitement as the tension leaves Nanami’s body with this new attitude. After all, he didn’t feel like he was being interrogated in the way you feared.

Dinner goes smoothly. Your mom asks the essential questions to know more about Nanami and how your relationship with him has been going so far, your dad shares embarrassing stories of you that you would’ve rather keep until after a year of dating Nanami for him to hear, and your mom offering her help to Nanami so he could get those last touches when cooking. But one constant was how hard you were smiling, you didn’t expect things to go this well. Yet, you weren’t one to complain.

Once Nanami is at the front door picking up his stuff and getting ready to head out, your mom walks up to you two and turns to Nanami.

“Thank you again for coming, Nanami. Please do come more, next time I’ll make sure to write a few of my own recipes. Maybe even come earlier so I can teach you how to make them.”

“Of course, miss. Everything was delicious and I am glad I have finally met you. I’ll make sure to keep your offer in mind for next time.” Nanami says, feeling quite sheepish at your mom’s excitement.

“Well, it’s getting late and you should probably get going. Be safe.” Your mom says, reaching out for his hand and shaking it once more.

Nanami nods and you offer to walk with him to the train station. Though before you can go, your mom gets close to you and asks you to invite him more often since she could definitely use more hands in the kitchen.

You sigh at your mom but nod nonetheless before you close the door and start walking to the station with Nanami, hand-in-hand. As you talk about tonight’s dinner, you two agree that Nanami meeting your parents was much easier than you both expected at first. After all, your mom was already nagging you to invite him next Thursday.

[crzyimp]

Finally! Enough time to breath and be unhinged over this book! A lot has happened but hopefully I'm back and being consistent now. I'll throw my thoughts on chapters(some more than others) I missed up to the latest!

@journeythroughjourneytothewest

Chapter 11, Burocracy! (the horror)

Emperor Taizong goes to the underworld to explain his case against the 10 kings after promising to save the old dragon but failed too. Promises or giving your word was(and I think still is) a big deal. It's tied to how committed, trustworthy, and reliable you are. It's the intent you give to the other and the strong meaning behind. In some cultures, you can be cursed to a terrible fate if you break it. So Taizong explains his side of the story and the king agreed he tried his humanly best and not in trouble. Which instead of a meeting, this could've been discussed over a letter. The kings tell him he has 13 years left to live, I rather I didn't know but that's just me, and he thanks them. He tours the underworld to see the inter workings and all the men he sent to death or killed. Taizong given a chance to start changing his ways and to save the lost souls who passed before returning to the living. Once the Emperor returns, he makes changes post haste by allowing concubines free and marrying officials, allowing those on death row to visit family and tie up loose ends for one year before their death, and giving offerings to the lost souls so they can pass on. Then he sends Liu Quan to posion himself to offer melons as thanks to the 10 kings.

Chapter 12:

You can't convince me that Liu Quan and the emperor’s sister didn't have something going on. I find it a little to convenient that his wife gets to have the sister's body. Either there was affair or something shady. Anyways, the emperor goes about giving thanks to those who helped him in the living, which leads up to Buddhism being popularize and temples in his name. And our good boy Xuanzang, Child River Float, the man who has many names/titles just like Sun Wukong. He's giving another name, Tripitaka, things and people to help him out his journey to the west.

Chapter 13:

Tripitaka gets kidnapped and watch his men and possibly friends devoured in front of him. The gods are on his side and saves him(literally) from being eaten himself and escapes. He's still in the Tang region and encounters a nice country man who gives him shelter, food, and a guide out of the territory.

Chapter 14:

Wukong back! And Tripitaka frees him out of the mountain after learning who and what Wukong's crimes are. Tripitaka trust him enough since old monkey didn't lie, HOWEVER!, Wukong the sneaky shit didn't mention how he pissed on Buddha's hand. The monk may have pardoned him not knowing that, but I'll always remember his piss crimes(never forget never forgiven!). After Wukong freed and given +1 tiger skin, the dou are actually pretty sweet and nice to each other. Though it might be the high for Wukong being free again and Tripitaka feeling safe against worldly and otherworldly threats. That all changes one winter day when six bandits attack and Wukong murked them. Then the two argued over it and Wukong leaves. Thankfully not mad enough to make the monk into a meat patty, but I could argue and say Wukong got some time to get to know Tripitaka. The two been traveling more than a few days, enough time to start getting to know each other better and forming a bond. So! With that in mind, Wukong goes back to his mountain but makes a pit stop at the dragon palace(maybe a subtle I'm back) for tea. The old kings catch up and the dragon king reminds Wukong he's been given another chance to be a true immortal and on the path of good. Now pre havoc Wukong wouldn't gives two shits and leaves without a second thought, post havoc Wukong however...does care (a little) and decides to go back. Finally putting his all into this journey, even telling a unhappy Guanyin he's going back. He joins up with Tripitaka.....and gets tricked into wearing the headband. Now don't be mad at our monk cause when he stops Wukong does tries to kill him AND left him defenseless and alone. So the two learn some new things about each other and themselves.

Chapter 15:

Lost a horse and gain a dragon horse after the dragon horse ate the other horse. The boys couldn't do much so they called Guanyin, or Wukong convinced them after some talking.

Chapter 16, 17, and 18

(go a head and steal the meme. Share it with your friends and the world)

Running theme or joke that Wukong needs Guanyin help to take care of the problems in the way. Especially in chapter 16 after burning down a monastery and having a rather beautiful cassock stolen. But hey! Guanyin gets a free bear to guard her place.

Now for chapter 18! Everyone favorite idiot, Zhu Bajie!

I like the fact the family might have been cool with Bajie if wasn't eating them out of their homes, letting them see their daughter, actually taking care of her(poor girl was so sickly when freed!), and ya know being upfront with what he is and not lying to them. If he was upfront about who he is and showed he's trustworthy then maybe he could've gotten a wife. (I can see a retelling like this, beauty and the beast ess) But know idiot being idiot didn't do any of that and now got a terrifying monkey on his back. Well until Guanyin shows up while he was hiding from Wukong(that is a horror in of itself). Another party member! Whoo! Still no meat for you Bajie. Be bitchless and get bald like the rest of us. (Not me though, I'm just here for the ride like the dragon horse)

[kylosbreedingkink]

HAN SELLS BEN???????????? PLEASE

You're not the only one to ask! Han sells Ben is a modern AU where Han is a single father struggling to raise Ben. He goes into a lot of debt. And that debt starts being owed to worse and worse people. To settle is debts, one suggests they can take his son and put him to good use. Han goes along with this, rationalising it as Han being unable to provide, and thinks Ben will be put to work in the boxing rings that this gang run. He's wrong, Ren has other plans for the son of Leia Organa, the politician who is trying to shut him down. And who better to share the message back to her, than the ex husband she entrusted the kid to?

She needn't worry though, Ren will look after Ben much better than Han ever did.

--Essentially, RenBen noncon from the PoV of Han. It's not pleasant, here's a bit of the first draft of how it starts

Han tried his best. He really did. He just was never cut out to be a single father, and he should have admitted that 9 years ago. It had been 10 years since his and Leia's divorce, and all Han kept was their son, Ben. 

He had been given the option to go with whatever parent he chose. Of course, a seven year-old isn’t going to make the best decisions, and was currently hero-worshiping his dad, so straight off with Han he went.

In hindsight, letting a 7 year old make major life decisions is not a good idea.

(In hindsight, Han thinks that perhaps Leia knew Ben would choose him, she was always career driven and knew childcare would hold her back.)

The first few years were great, him and Ben, father and son versus the world. And then it all went downhill. First, Han lost his job, and then they lost their flat, and then the lack of money meant they had to give up their dog, Chewie (Ben never forgave him for that). They spent a short while living out of Han’s car, but that’s no way to raise a child. 

That’s when Han started borrowing money. It was never loads, just enough to get by each month. Managed to get them a caravan on the edge of the city, still close enough so that Ben could cycle to school. He was a good student, not quite top of his class, but close. Han tries not to dwell on that though - maybe if Ben had a more stable home life, he would be the best student. Either way, Ben had his whole future ahead of him, and Han was not going to let that be ruined.

He continues borrowing money - it just makes sense. Live on the brink of starvation without any sort of roof over their head, or borrow a bit here and there to help make ends meet. He never fails to pay it back, and it’s only ever small amounts, to cover food and fuel. Just enough that he can get to his next job and never too much that he can’t pay it back before the loan sharks come knocking.

—--

“Yeah.. Ok. Ok.”

The decision doesn’t take as long as Han would have liked it to, and he hates himself for it.

He’s never been good at them. It’s how he ended up in this mess. From agreeing to take Ben in 10 years ago as a single father right up to now, destitute and owing money. The large man grins. His teeth glint in the dark.

Han feels sick to his stomach.

“Well you heard the man, boys. Go get him.”

Han’s heart is hammering in his chest and he feels like he might throw up. He almost stops and rescinds his side, ready to argue for his son, happy to offer himself up instead. Almost, but then something stops him. He doesn’t know what Ren wants Ben for, but Ben is a big lad and can hold his own in a fight. Ren probably wants him as a guard, indoctrinate the youth into the gang culture and he’ll have a loyal follower for years. That, or perhaps the underground boxing rings. Han is sure Ben could make some big money there. He’s gotten into enough fights at school that he could hold his own in a ring, Han is sure. With a bit of training, he could make a man like Ren a fortune. Either way, it’s a future for Ben, one which Han is unable to provide. And if he wins big in the rings, maybe he will remember Han and help him out?

He turns to leave, finally a free man after years of debt had plagued him. (And free from the burdens of raising a teenager alone).

“I wouldn’t leave so soon, Han… Don’t you want to say goodbye to your son?”

He doesn’t. He really doesn’t. He doesn’t think he could look in those brown eyes (so much like his mothers) and admit he sold him. Admit that he has hit rock bottom so many times that the only way to claw himself out is to exchange his own flesh and blood.

But Ren doesn’t give him a choice, as two of his ‘knights’ move to stand in his way. “I don’t need to see him, Ren. You’ve got what you want, and I’m sure he will make a great boxer, but you’ve already taken him from me. Don’t make me have to say goodbye to him too” With that he hears the larger man chuckle from his seat. “Boxing? Who said anything about boxing?”

“You can’t send him out doing drug runs, Ren. He’s seventeen, he has no street smarts, he’ll get caught” Han looks back up at the gang lord, eyebrows furrowed 

“Don’t you worry your little head about it Han, I won’t let your precious boy out of my sight. Someone grab him a seat, he’ll want to see this”

[walkingwiththegods1]

Pagan Misconceptions Clarified: Why Guabancex, is NOT; "Only The Goddess of The Hurricanes, than menaces to The Caribbean; every year?!"

    I'll be honest, with all of you: This is the only of my series of posts, than I wasn't so happy to write; but... I feel forced to write it, 'cause as someone than was born and growed in The Caribbean; (And the first time I met Guabancex, she helped me to get out of a very horrid situation) well... I am like least say, "The closest person in Earth, to who she manifest in ways than people can't even imagine" Saying that... This is the last of my "Pagan Misconceptions Clarified" than I would do for a while, hoping than you will learn a lot about each Deity than are close to me; and than the trouble than took me to write this particular post, will be worthy for the reader; if you someday decides to live in this misterious lands, so you can be better prepared. With all of this say: Let's get started!

   Guabancex, is The Taino Goddess of The Hurricanes; and even thought many people think this is her only Dominion, she was a very important Deity for The Arawaks across all The Islands of The Caribbean; since The Lesser Antilles, Bahamas; The South tip of Florida, and of course; The Great Antilles, where The Tainos developed the most advanced civilization of The Caribbean. Guabancex, is much more than The Goddess of the destructive storms called Hurricanes; and after you ended to read this post, not only will you know what other powers she have; but... You will know the secret of why she was the most important female Deity in Taino Culture, and why she was extremely feared for them; and why we should have a bit of respect and feared her, today...

   Guabancex, according to Arawak/Taino Myth... Is the Daughter of Atabey, (The Mother Goddess of Fertility, than was the first being to exist; and was totally alone in The Void) and is the sister of five other supreme beings; including Itiba Cahibaba, (Her only sister) and Yocahu; (The other supreme being, than Tainos gave the same importance than to Guabancex) Guabancex, was born without a father; equally as her brothers and sister, and she is in a constant conflict with Yocahu; 'cause Yocahu sided with Atabey. Her symbol, is an angry face with the arms stretched in opossite directions like a ''S'; and her name, have different meanings; in Taino's Language, than may means: ''Mistress of The Hurricanes'', ''Mistress of The Wind and Water''; or... ''Lady of The Winds''.

   The myth about Guabancex's relation with the Hurricanes, is this: A female Cemí than lives in a country of the Chieftain Aumatex, and she controls the winds; and people gave her offerings of food to appeased her, but... When this failed, she get out of her place always angry; and calls to her two assistants: Gautauba, (her herald than announces the arrival of Guabancex with the hurricane, by blowing a fotuto [Hollow seashell with holes, to makes music with it]) and Coastriquie; (The Cemí of The Sea, than controls water and causes flash floodings) and she started to tell to the other Cemies, (Plural for Cemí) to help her with her destructive labor; and she started to blow the winds more stronger and violent, and she began to spiral joining the waters of Coastriquie with the thunder and lightning of Gautauba; she releases the winds and waters, which finally destroys to everything in their path.

    Guabancex, is too: The Goddess of The Winds and Breeze, The Goddess of The Rain; and... The Only Female Cemí and The Ruler of The Cemies!

    The Goddess of The Winds and Breeze: Tainos, depended so much of good weather to fish; and, to have a day of less agobiant heat; so they prayed to Guabancex to have a calm enough so they could have fish to eat, and a refreshing day to do their chores more easily!

    The Goddess of The Rain: The no. 1 activity of Taino's Economy, was Agriculture; which means than they depended of fresh clear water for their plantations, to make possible the survival of their families and communities. Even when they tended to go to Yocahu; (The Taino God of Vegetation, and The God of their Principal Food: The Yucca's Root) to have a succesful harvest... To makes that to happen, they depended completely of The Rain; so they used to prayed a lot to Guabancex, so plants could grow; so they could have their food on the table!

    The Only Female Cemí and The Ruler of The Cemies: Cemí, was the name than recieved the minor Deities in The Taino Pantheon; and Guabancex, stand out for being the only female Cemí; but... She was called too, "The Most Powerful of all The Cemies''; and... She was so powerful and feared for the other Deities, than the other Cemies; (Plural for Cemí) did what she commanded, at once!

    Guabancex's importance resides in two things: The first, as a very fierce Deity; she was one of the most followed Taino's Gods in The Caribbean, to the point than The most Powerful and Rich Cacique (Chieftain in Taino) of The Hispaniola; it was said than he was a follower of this Deity. Because The Tainos depended heavily in fair weather, for most of their daily tasks; and Hurricanes were feared not only for the destruction they left, but too; for the disease and famine they left behind, so appeased the fury of Guabancex was essential for The Tainos could keep their almost idylic life. And, the second; is because Guabancex... Was the Mother of The Taino People, with Yocahu!

    One Spaniard recorded, than Guabancex's Followers; people of all the ages with an adorn on their forehead with an angry face in it; used to peregrinate outdoors, and for a moment they stoped to walk, and started to put angry expressions on their own faces; as a way to show their devotion to her, before to start to walk again to their next stop.

    And, now... Why Guabancex was so feared by The Arawak/Taino people?! The only way to understand this part, is going back in time; when Spaniards arrived to The Caribbean, more than 530 years ago: Columbus and his crew, encountered in The Hispaniola; (The island than today shares Haiti and The Dominican Republic) with a Chieftain called Guacanagarix, (to who he befriended, after Guacanagarix rescued to Columbus and his people; of the Sinking of Columbus's Main Ship, The Santa Maria) and decides to lived there for the rest of his plan of Conquest. Guacanagarix, informed to Columbus of anything; including about an phenomenon, called Hurricane, than was the worst possible storm ever. Columbus, doesn't have to wait much; to found it: Two hurricanes hitted The Hispaniola's town of Isabela, and the destruction was so grave; than Columbus had to abandon the first Spanish Settlement, forever. At the passing of time, (after The Tainos were almost extinted...) people got interested in their language; including the meaning behind the word Hurricane. Hurricane, means in Arawak/Taino; "Wind of The Gods", 'cause Taino believed than the same where a punishment of The Gods sended for doing evil, from... Yes, you guessed it: Guabancex!...  

    But, now you may think: "Why the free lesson of History and Native American Language, here?!...'' As someone said, once: ''Patience, is a virtue!'', and... I say now, why I did this!

    Hurricane, was thoughted to being only the name for the storm; and... It was thoughted too, than the Taino God Hurakan; (The Caribbean God... Not The Mayan God!) was the one than rules over this element... The thing is, than after many studies; we got the conclusion, than The God Hurakan, NEVER was the one than mades and sended the hurricane, but it was Guabancex; the one than sended it all this time. And, not only that: She is the one than give orders to Hurakan to helped her, in her destructive mission!  

    But, this is not the only surprising finding about Guabancex; and her relation with the Hurricane...

   The Tainos, left their presence in language today; with many words than passed to Spanish; English, and into many languages in The World; and with a combination of language and research, it came another conclusion than is very frightening about The Hurricane, and Guabancex: Hurricane, is not only the name for the storms in the Caribbean... According with some stories left at the time of The Conquest in The Caribbean, The Tainos named too; as Hurricanes, to: Earthquakes, Tsunamis; Droughts, Volcanic Eruptions, Floods, Mudslides; Landslides, Storm Surges, Riverine Flooding, High Winds; Flash Floods, Wildfires, Severe Local Storms, Strong Winds; (and, in rare ocasions; Tornadoes, Hailstorms; Lightning Storms, Waterspouts, Sinkholes, Heat Waves... And Cold Waves.) Yes... This is the creepiest truth, about Guabancex: She rules, over ALL THE DESTRUCTIVE PHENOMENONS; THAN OCURRS IN THE CARIBBEAN! (If you want to scream, you can do it now: I was too scared, after knowing this a few years ago; than I couldn't scream at all!)

   Now all you know, with who I have to deal with: She is the only Deity, than my relation is not very good; but... I'm not the kind of person than will left to others, the brunt than entails having a Deity like her; in their life. (After all, I'm still somehow grateful of her; even if I'm not very fond of her, or... Of her methods!)

    Curious Fact: Two years before the arrival of Spaniards to The Hispaniola, Guarionex; (one of the most powerful Caciques in the Island), recieved a vision of a Cemí, than told him than the profecy than left Yocahu before to leave to his children; The Tainos, ''Than one day will came men, with skin of the color of the clouds in the days of sun; than will destroyed to their poor descendents'' It was about to happen: It was said than the Cemí than tried to prepare to The Tainos, to avoided the sad fate than fell over them; was Guabancex. (I can't imagine how she felt, when all of them were enslaved; killed or died for the brutal and merciless explotation of the Spaniards, and than before they died... They converted to a new religion, and before to die; they started to behave worse than ever!)

   The thousands of Spaniard Ships, than are sunk in the deep of The Caribbean; today, was the response of not only a Deity; than losed to all her followers: She was a mother than losed too, TO ALL HER SONS AND DAUGHTERS! (If you have a family member, or someone than you love as family; and is near of you, a day after the date when Spain legalized the cruel repartations of Tainos in The Caribbean; many centuries ago... Send them a message telling them how important they are for you, or; if you have them at the reach of your arms; please gives them a hug. [Is only when we read things like this, than we starts to apreciate what is really important in our lifes!])

   The mayority of The Caribbean people than lives today, have mostly forgot their Arawak/Taino heritage; and what is more, of the Myths of The First Inhabitants; but, by my own experiences I can tell you than Guabancex's presence is real; and she still have power in her Lands. If you ever live in The Caribbean, remember than her only demand; is not doing evil to any person and living being, while you are there. (For what I have seen... She has not mercy with abusers, bullies; violent people, people than do harm willfully to family or friends, or... Than hurt intentionally to the innocents!)

    And this is all, about The Taino Goddess of The Winds, Breeze; Rain and Hurricanes, than have Absolute Power over all The Caribbean: Guabancex!

    Have all of you a Life, where you can always be in good terms with The Deities, in any land you were born, travel or lives... So Be It!

[impossibleruinstimetravel]

Fashionable Yet Practical: Operational Spanish Presents for Everyday Make Use Of

Introduction

In our ever-busy lives, practicality frequently overshadows over type when it involves picking presents. Nevertheless, what if you failed to have to opt for? Supposing you could locate exquisite, fashionable items that likewise offer a functional reason in day-to-day live? Get in Stylish Yet Practical: Operational Spanish Presents for Day-to-day Use! This article examines a treasure of functional gifts hailing from Spain that merge looks along with functions, creating all of them excellent enhancements to anybody's collection.

From hand-painted Click here for more info ceramics to artisanal cloths, Spanish workmanship projects a fabulous sense of flair while being incredibly beneficial. The charm of these presents exists certainly not merely in their design but additionally in their capacity to enhance daily experiences. Permit's start an adventure via Spain's dynamic culture as well as explore its own delightful present offerings that harmonize design and practicality.

Stylish Yet Practical: Operational Spanish Presents for Daily Use

When we think of gift-giving, the very first concern that stands out in to our thoughts is actually frequently, "Will they in fact use this?" This is where Stylish Yet Practical: Operational Spanish Presents for Everyday Use entered into play. These gifts are actually not only cosmetically satisfying yet likewise surprisingly handy in daily scenarios.

The Attraction of Spanish Craftsmanship

Spain is actually renowned for its own abundant culture of workmanship. Coming from detailed ceramic tile work in Andalusian homes to the fragile adornment located in Balearic fabrics, the sense of craftsmanship is actually woven in to the extremely material of everyday products. But why performs this matter when selecting useful gifts?

Why Opt for Handmade Gifts?

Handcrafted items frequently bring tales and cultural significance that mass-produced items do not have. When you select a handcrafted Spanish gift, you are actually certainly not precisely providing a physical things; you are actually discussing a piece of history and tradition.

Functional Kitchenware: Culinary Delights from Spain Ceramic Tableware

One of the absolute most legendary components in Spanish kitchens is ceramic tableware. Recognized for its own stunning shades as well as special designs, these pieces are each practical as well as very stylish.

Benefits of Ceramic Tableware Durability: Top notch ceramics can easily endure everyday use without dropping their charm. Versatility: Perfect for providing foods or even just as aesthetic pieces. Cultural Importance: Each region in Spain has its personal distinctive styles, adding personality to your kitchen. Paella Pots: A Preference of Tradition

No dialogue regarding Spanish cooking food would certainly be actually total without mentioning the famous paella frying pan. This wide, shallow craft is developed primarily for cooking paella however could be utilized for several other dishes as well.

Why Purchase a Paella Pan? Even Warmth Distribution: Guarantees completely cooked rice.

[thedisneychef]

Where to Buy Recipes in Genshin Impact: Tips and Guide

Hey there foodies! Are you looking to buy recipes genshin but don't know where to start? Well, look no further. In this article, I'm gonna show you the best places to get your hands on delicious concoctions that'll tantalize your taste buds. From online retailers to local grocery stores, we've got all the information you need to find exactly what you're looking for. So let's get started and see where to buy recipes genshin! Online Stores I'm always looking for ways to get my hands on some new recipes in Genshin Impact. Thankfully, there are plenty of online stores that offer the best ingredients and dishes. One of my favorite places to shop is through online auctions; These provide a great selection with competitive prices. Third party suppliers also have lots of options available, but I like to do research before purchasing from them as they may not be as reliable or trustworthy as other options. No matter which option you choose, you're sure to find what you need! Grocery Stores I'm sure many of us have been in the situation where we've just got our hands on a new recipe for Genshin, only to find that the cost of all the ingredients adds up quickly. Fortunately, there are several great options out there when it comes to shopping around for recipes and their ingredients. Grocery stores are one such option - they often offer good prices on items like spices, condiments, and other staples that aren't specifically related to Genshin cooking. It's always worth comparing different store prices before you buy something as well - why pay more if you don't have to? Plus, many grocery stores will also stock seasonal produce or speciality ingredients which can be great for trying out some new dishes with! Another thing worth keeping an eye out for is any promotions or specials your local store may run from time-to-time; these could mean big savings on certain products or even freebies here and there. With so much variety available, groceries stores offer plenty of choice whether you're looking to create a traditional Genshin dish or try something completely original. Local Markets I love exploring the local markets for recipes that capture the flavors of Genshin. The food here is inspired by seasonal ingredients, making it easy to find something new and exciting each time I go out to shop. Traditional methods of preparation are also important in maintaining the cultural identity of this region's cuisine, so you can be sure to get a truly authentic experience when shopping at these markets. The variety available here never fails to amaze me - from colorful salads to hearty stews - there's definitely something for everyone! One thing I've noticed is that many vendors offer samples before you buy, allowing customers to try something before committing to buying an entire dish or ingredient. This has been incredibly helpful on more than one occasion as I'm usually unfamiliar with what some dishes taste like until after taking a bite! Overall, going out into the marketplaces of Genshin always proves to be an enjoyable (and delicious!) experience. With its abundance of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking styles, it's no wonder why people flock here for their groceries and snacks alike. Whether you're looking for a unique recipe or just want to browse around for fun, there's plenty of opportunities waiting for you! Specialty Shops I'm sure you've noticed the abundance of delicious homemade recipes around Genshin. It's hard to ignore all the mouth-watering aromas that make their way into your nose from nearby kitchens and markets! But what if you don't have access to those same ingredients? That's where specialty shops come in handy – they offer meal kits with everything you need for a tasty home cooked meal. There are many specialty stores across Genshin that provide meals ready to be prepared at home, making it easy for anyone to enjoy a homemade recipe without having to shop for individual ingredients themselves. Not only do these shops provide convenience, but also quality assurance since each kit is pre-measured and portioned according to exact standards. Plus, they often include helpful cooking instructions so even novice cooks can create something special with ease. From exotic flavors like Dragonfire Curry or Seafood Paella, to more traditional dishes such as Fried Rice or Pasta Bolognese - there’s something for everyone when picking up one of these meal kits! So why not give them a try? With just a few simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy restaurant-style food right in your own kitchen. Restaurants I'm always on the hunt for new recipes to try, and Genshin has a lot of great options. When I'm looking for something specific, my first stop is usually a restaurant that specializes in it. Many of them offer takeout options so you can enjoy their food in the comfort of your own home. Plus, some even have recipe books available with step-by-step instructions so you can recreate their dishes at home! Another great place to find all kinds of recipes is online. There are tons of websites dedicated to Genshin cooking, like blogs or forums where people share and discuss different recipes they've tried out. This way, I get ideas from other people who already know what works and what doesn't - plus there's often helpful tips and tricks included too. No matter how I find my recipes though, one thing remains true: nothing beats creating delicious meals with friends and family! The key is to experiment, taste test as you go along, and make sure everyone enjoys the finished product! Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Know Which Recipes Are Authentic? When it comes to knowing which recipes are authentic, the best way is to do your own taste testing. Not only will this give you a better idea of what tastes good and what doesn't, but also let you compare costs between different sources. That being said, if you're looking for where to buy recipes Genshin, make sure that you research the source beforehand so that you know exactly what you're getting! How Do I Know Which Genshin Recipes Are The Most Popular? Figuring out which Genshin recipes are the most popular can be a challenge. Luckily, there are some tried-and-true cooking techniques and special ingredients that will help you identify which dishes have been favorites among fans of the game. Check online forums to see what players think about various meals or look for reviews from experienced cooks who've made their own versions of these recipes. You'll soon discover which ones come highly recommended! Are There Any Recipes That Are Specific To Certain Regions? Yes, there are recipes in Genshin Impact that use regional ingredients and traditional techniques from certain areas. For example, the Liyue region is known for its seafood dishes, like "Old Tastes Never Fade," a popular dish made with salted fish and vegetables. The Mondstadt region also has unique recipes such as “Mondstadt Grilled Fish” which combines local herbs with freshly caught river fish. You can find these regional recipes by exploring each area of Teyvat or asking locals about their favorite dishes! Are There Any Genshin Recipes That Are Suitable For Vegetarians? If you're looking for vegan-friendly recipes that work with Genshin, there are plenty of great options available! Many of the game's dishes can easily be adjusted to fit dietary restrictions and vegan alternatives. For example, substituting eggplant for pork in a stir fry or replacing ground beef with mushrooms in pasta sauce are both easy ways to make your favorite genshin dish vegetarian friendly. There's no need to worry about finding suitable recipes - just adjust the ingredients accordingly and enjoy! Are There Any Genshin Recipes That Are Suitable For People With Food Allergies? Are you looking for allergen friendly recipes from Genshin? Well, you're in luck! We have some great vegan-friendly options that will help you stay safe and healthy. From homemade dishes to snacks, there's something for everyone - so no need to worry about potential food allergies! With these delicious recipes, it'll be easy to find the perfect meal for your next dinner party. Conclusion When it comes to buying Genshin recipes, you have a lot of options. With some research and careful consideration, you can find the perfect recipe for your needs. Whether you're looking for something specific to a certain region or something that's vegetarian-friendly, there are plenty of sources available online with reliable reviews from other users. Ultimately, it all comes down to finding the right one that fits your taste buds and budget! Take your time when searching for Genshin recipes so you can make sure you get exactly what you need. There are endless possibilities out there, so don't be afraid to explore them until you find the perfect dish for yourself - after all, eating is one of life's greatest pleasures! Read the full article

[fr-martin-gospel-reflections]

12th March - ‘We know that he really is the Saviour of the world’, Reflection on today’s gospel reading (Jn 4:5-42)

Third Sunday of Lent

We are fortunate to live in a country where we have access to clean water at the turn of a tap in our homes. It wasn’t always that way. Some of the older generation may remember having to go to the local pump for water. In large parts of the world today that is still the case. It is often the women who go to the well to fetch water and carry it home. Indeed, there are parts of the world where even that isn’t possible because there are no wells. One of the most important services that aid agencies provide is the digging of wells so that people have access to fresh water.

In the time and place of Jesus, it was usual for women to go to the local well to fetch water for the family. It was a communal place, where women met other women and where you were likely to meet strangers passing through. Water has always been such a precious commodity because it is so essential for life. We can live much longer without food than we can without water. Having access to clean water means having access to life. That is why the people of Israel had a strong sense of God’s presence in water. The life-giving quality of water spoke to them of the God of life. In the prophet Jeremiah, God is referred to as ‘the spring of living water’. The human thirst for water becomes a symbol for the deeper thirst for God. In one of the psalms, the person praying says, ‘My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life. Like the deer that years for running streams, so my soul is thirsting for you, my God’.

That theme of thirst runs through today’s gospel reading, the human thirst for physical water, but also the deeper thirst for God. It some ways what we have most in common as human beings, regardless of race or religion, is our thirst for water and our thirst for God. We find Jesus sitting at a village well, tired from his journey and thirsty under the mid-day sun. He asks a woman for a drink, because she has a bucket to retrieve water from the well. Jesus was doing something unconventional in asking this woman for a drink. He was a Jew in Samaria and Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other. Also, in that culture, a man would not normally speak to a woman in public, unless she was his wife. We soon discover that, apart from his physical thirst, Jesus had a deeper thirst and that was to bring this Samaritan woman and her people into God’s loving embrace. Jesus was aware that she too had a deeper thirst in her heart, a thirst for a love that was faithful and enduring, a love she had failed to find up until then. Jesus was God’s faithful love in human form and he was offering himself to her as someone who could satisfy this deep thirst within her, which was ultimately a thirst for God who is Love. Although Jesus started off by asking her for a drink to satisfy his physical thirst, he went on to offer her what he calls ‘the gift of God’ that could satisfy her deeper thirst. Jesus identifies this gift of God as living water, the living water of God’s love, the Spirit of God’s love. He promises her that if she receives this gift of God it will become a spring deep within her welling up to eternal life. The Spirit of God’s love is the foretaste of eternal life and, also, the power that brings us there. The woman gradually opens herself up to this gift of God that Jesus is offering her. In the end, she loses interest in her water jar, leaving it at the well, and she runs to tell her townspeople about this Jewish man she met at the well, asking aloud if he could be the Messiah they had all been thirsting for. Her meeting with Jesus freed her to become a missionary, bringing others to Jesus, the source of the living water of God’s love, a love that embraces all humanity, not just the Jews.

In the course of his conversation with the woman, Jesus uncovered her deeper thirst. The risen Lord continues to work among us and within each of us today to uncover our own deeper thirst. He continues to offer himself to us as the one who alone can satisfy that deep thirst within us. A question for all of us is, ‘Where do we find living water?’ Later on in this gospel of John, Jesus issues an invitation which is addressed to each one of us, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink’, because out of Jesus’ heart flow rivers of living water, the living water of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God’s love. The Lord has already poured this living water into our lives at baptism. As Paul says in today’s second reading, ‘The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us’. Every day we need to keep returning to the well, to the Lord, and to open ourselves afresh to this gift of God which never ceases to flow.

[lizclipse]

I don't usually comment on political stuff because it usually draws people into online slap-fights, but the cognitive dissonance in this is fascinating.

With healthcare systems that will offer assisted suicide rather than cure you.

Because in the first I was referencing Canada and its nationalized medical system.

An example of a single bad (very bad) policy decision in a socialised medicine system isn't 'anti-capitalist' - there are a bunch of countries with socialised medicine that don't have this - it's a Canada problem. But, the most obvious 'capitalist' system for medicine is the USA, which has a hyper-aggressive-capitalist system that costs more per-person that other countries with socialised medicine for worse care, and also regularly bankrupts people.

A world with a world police to ensure no country starts acting up and practicing self determination.

The second was the US foreign policy for nearly a century.

I really don't understand how this is 'anti-capitalist', genuinely. From my understanding, a lot of the 'interventions' (AKA forced coups) were due to the USA not liking that countries it was exploiting electing socialist-adjacent leaders that caused US companies to lose profits. That's very capitalist.

A world where peoples savings are pissed away in inflation year by year.

Third is due to the expansion of the government and its inability to actually do what it says it can resulting in inflation.

Inflation is a hallmark of a capitalist economic system, through-and-through. Not being able to do anything about it is mostly due to the fact that the global economy is unbelievably complex, and that English-speaking western governments have been eroded in ability, mostly due to lobbying (a capitalist thing)

A world where people who were once neighbors now see each other as the enemy and threaten to tear the country apart.

The fourth is the culture war which to blame capitalism for is frankly absurd. And the forth is cancel culture, a modern example of the socialist struggle session.

'Cancel-culture' exists because modern social media thrives on engagement, as it allows feeding more advertising (to drive profits), and the best way to do that is via anger. Remove the capitalist incentive from this mix, and 'cancel-culture' would still only exist in fringe extremist communities (or would be just much less in general).

While Im at it, the increasing suicide rate year by year. And if this is caused by capitalism why is the further we get away from capitalism the more it increases. About 30% increase btw.

Are we getting further? At least in the UK, all the 'socialised' bits of our country have been squeezed out more-and-more to reduce government spend and move things into the private (AKA for-profit capitalist) sector. Capitalism as a system doesn't care about mental health either, it's a system that priorities profits, regardless of anything else. Wages not keeping up with inflation, housing prices, and more are the main drivers of poor mental well-being really (all of which are due to the current, capitalist, system).

Or the food deserts as theft drains the already thin profit margins causing many businesses to close.

The thin profit margins are due to highly-concentrated borderline-monopolistic global corporations pushing out everything else due to the ability to cut into any market. And, at least in the UK, the shoplifting rise is due to our (capitalist-focused) government just declaring that any theft under £200 is not worth police time, which I only assume is a cost-cutting measure.

I'm bored now, so I'm gonna stop responding to points and wrap up all this BS. Anti-capitalist movements are gaining traction because the current capitalist systems have pretty much failed us in many, many places, but it's not like any of them will be perfect either, but to say those movements, which have barely any power within the system as-is, are the cause of all these issues is really simplistic, and missing the greater picture of our systems at-large.

Gotta say, not a fan of capitalism. Just doesn’t do it for me ngl

[thewildwaffle]

Humans are Weird: Antibiotics

A story prompt from a user on a03. Apparently, this is my 50th short story, or at least the 50th installment of m humans are weird short stories. Hurray!

****

Ni Andu watched a dried sickle leaf roll across the empty courtyard from her window. A deep sigh made her breath fog up the glass. The courtyard wasn't supposed to be empty. Especially not this time of year. The Gauru Ni Moon Festival usually brought visitors from around the world and across multiple star systems right about now. But the disease meant no bright banners were hung. No music echoed cheerily through around the corners and down the streets. There were no wafting scents of fresh fruits and fried breads.

It was amazing and terrifying that something so small that it couldn’t be seen had done all this. The Ni were a proud race, rich in culture, and until now, seemingly sturdy in constitution. Diseases had come and gone in the past, but in such small and freak cases that they were hardly given much attention. It was assumed that Ni immune systems were the best in the galaxy and many other races had even requested to study how they were so effective.

Those prideful memories felt hollow now as Ni Andu sighed and pulled herself away from the dreary sight outside. As a new and reluctant head of the house, she had more pressing things to deal with than moping in the past. Several members of her own family were still sick, two of her hatch mates had been very touch-and-go as of late. She slowly made her way to the cushions where they were sleeping to check on them. To her relief, she saw the soft blankets they were wrapped in rose and fell slowly. She stood there, watching them for a bit in the gathering darkness of their shared humble abode. Matki’s breathing sounded like gravel stuck in a child’s rolling skiffer.

“What are we going to do?” Andu’s wide nose scrunched up as she begged the silent house. “What am I supposed to do next?”

She wasn’t sure how long she stood there trying to think of everything and nothing all at once. It was a good while though and was only interrupted when a small light turned on in the meal room. Andu looked up at the light streaming out of the door’s archway. With a sigh, she gathered her strength to move again to see who was up. As she approached, she heard small claws scrabbling on the stonework floor and storage pods opening and closing.

Sure enough, when she peeked in, Andu could see little Piri shuffling through food storage pods that looked even less stocked than she thought they’d been. There were a few bottled foods, a few containers of ingredient-prepped soup containers, but certainly nothing immediately ready for consumption. Most easy and ready-to-eat foods had been eaten long ago or destroyed when they began to decay and grow dangerous molds. And to a small three-year-old Ni, that basically meant there was no food at all.

“Hey Piri, are you hungry?” Even though Andu had kept her voice quiet, little Piri still jumped and tucked his small thin tail like he was ashamed he’d been caught. Andu smiled comfortingly and stepped into the room to pick up one of the soup packs.

“It’s okay, you’re fine,” she patted him on the head softly, “I think it’s time for a meal too. I’m sure everyone else would agree once they wake up and smell the food.”

“There’s not much left,” Piri’s small voice was so sad and only made the words themselves feel sharper to Andu’s hearts. She tried to think of something she could say to make their situation seem less dire, but nothing came to mind. Instead, she scooped up Piri’s small form and waited until his thin arms latched securely around her scruff before she walked over to get a pot to cook in. She was going to have to add quite a bit of water to this if it was going to make enough to sustain everyone for a meal.

Cooking, even making something simple, helped ease Andu’s mind. There was a sense of normalcy in standing in front of a firebox and stirring a bubbling pot of soup. She tried to ignore how thin it was. Still, the smell made her feel warm and it must have wafted across the house as she could soon hear the tell-tale signs of her hatch mates waking up. She gathered bowls and filled each one. Lowering Piri back down, she handed the young Ni a bowl and carried the rest to the cushions where the rest of the family was slowly waking up.

They ate together slowly, trying to make the contents of their bowl last and talking quietly about anything they could to distract themselves from their situation. Matki was recalling a story from four lunar years ago when Andu had entered a fried bread pastry into a competition. Between Matki’s coughing and Andu interjecting to defend herself, the story kept getting interrupted! She’d worked on the recipe for her pastry for so long and was so proud of it, but the night before, something went wrong when she was making her entry. Whether it was nerves, exhaustion, oversight, or Jentala above forbid, sabotage, it went very wrong. From the way Matki described the judges’ reaction, one might have thought Andu had purposefully tried poisoning them! As everyone chuckled, Matki claimed he still had the video recording from the competition and pulled it out, much to Andu’s chagrin.

Andu pretended to be exasperated by the teasing, but really she was just glad everyone felt good enough to laugh again.

It took a while before she and the others noticed that Matki hadn’t pulled up the video. Instead, his eyes locked on the comm tablet screen.

“Matki?”

“Hey, did you find it?”

“Matki are you okay?”

Matki finally looked up, eyes still wide from whatever he’d been looking at. “They’re coming to help.”

Everyone shared a worried look. What?

“Who are you talking about? Who’s coming?” Andu broke the confused silence.

Matki tapped something on-screen with the pad of a finger and a holographic projection display rose up.

Everyone watched enraptured by the newscast. It was about humans. From halfway across the galaxy, they’d heard about the Ni’s plight and had come claiming they had a cure. They were offering aid and resources to run tests to make sure their medicine was safe and effective for Ni use and make alterations if needed. They were even claiming they’d help distribute the finalized cure the moment it was given the go-ahead. In the meantime, they were also sending ships of food and supplies.

Andu could feel the back of her throat tighten. Was this real? Did she dare hope? There’d been so many reports before about help being promised, well, not help to this extent, but help nonetheless. They’d ended up being just for show and were proven empty once those who offered realized how impossible the situation really was.

But humans? She’d heard they were tough. And stubborn. Maybe they were stubborn enough to see their promises through?

The embarrassing video of Andu’s failed pastry was long forgotten, the conversation instead jumped between wild rumors her family had overheard about humans and speculation about how long it would take for the humans to actually lend aid if they were really coming at all. Andu could see a shimmer in the eyes of her hatch mates as they spoke that she hadn’t seen in a while. Although she wished she could feel the same optimism, she could also see how quickly they were all tiring out. Although they’d slept most of the day, the disease was still taking its toll on them all.

Once the meager meal was finished, she stood to gather the now empty bowls. She noticed Piri quickly scrape a finger along the side of his bowl to snag any last morsel before she came along to collect it. ‘Jentala above,’ she prayed mentally, ‘if help truly is coming, send it along soon.”

With bellies no longer completely empty, everyone settled in, and soon the room was full of sleeping or near sleeping Ni.

Andu slept fitfully. She dreamed, but it was fractured and confusing. Even before the disease came, she had a hard time remembering her dreams once she woke up. It was near impossible now. She did remember a loud humming noise though. As she blinked her eyes and lifted her head, she realized the humming was still there. She rose and searched for the source. It almost sounded like… engines? But that, that had to be impossible - the quarantine…

She looked out the window. Dried sickle leaves were flying around wildly as a large shuttle slowly came in for a landing in the courtyard. Andu opened her mouth to call out to the rest of her family, but nothing would come. How were they still asleep with this racket? Apparently, it managed to wake up Piri, who nearly made Andu jump when he bumped into her side while trying to climb up for a better view out the window.

“What’s going on? Who’s outside?” Piri waited to ask until Andu had resettled herself after being startled.

“I’m not sure yet,” she answered as they both watched the shuttle’s doors slowly work through the unsealing process. Across the courtyard, she could see other Ni’s faces peeking out their windows. As far as she could tell, expressions seemed to range anywhere from fear to curiosity to… was that hope? Wait, had they seen the newscast last night? Did they think this was… there’s no way the humans could be here already, right?

They both watched intently as the doors finally opened and a ramp extended. Soon a line of creatures she’d only seen on screens filed down wearing yellow vests and hauling huge boxes in their arms or on carts they pulled behind them.

“It is the humans!” Piri yelled and jumped down from his perch. He ran to where everyone was stirring on the cushions, “Wake up! Wake up! The humans are here!”

Andu wasn’t sure if she should reprimand Piri for disturbing them, or if she should join in. Instead, she watched as the humans in the courtyard started setting up stations and continued hauling load after load filled with what must have been hexaheebs of food, clean water, and various supplies.

She turned to look back at her family who were trying to rise as fast as their weakened bodies would allow. Matki began coughing violently and had to rest against the wall. Andu went to help support him when a knock at the front door startled everyone. They all stared at the old chirrowood door, then around at each other. It had been so long since quarantine had started, they’d almost forgotten what a knock on the door sounded like.

After a pause, the knock came again, this time followed by a worried and drawn-out, “Hello?”

Once she was sure Matki was standing stable, Andu, being the least sick among everyone, walked to and slowly opened the door.

A human from the shuttle stood in the doorway. They were wearing a mask over their mouth and nose, but it was definitely a human! Their eyes closed slightly and creased in the corners as they nodded a greeting. “Hi, my name is Ali, I’m part of the relief team that’s been assigned to this district. We’ve got food and essentials to distribute and I just need to know how many are in this household and if anyone here is in critical condition.”

Andu blinked at the human for a moment as she took in what they’d said.

“We, uh, we have four adults and one child. There, there were more, but…” she couldn’t finish that sentence. From the look the human gave her, she didn’t need to finish it. Her sinuses stung as she fought to not cry. The first visitor in how long and here she was almost crying in the doorway?

“I'm so sorry for your loss,” the human’s head bowed and their shoulders dropped. “I wish we’d known and could have helped earlier. Is anyone here in need of immediate emergency care?”

At that point, Matki started coughing again. Andu and Ali looked back to see him sit back down until his coughing died down.

Andu sighed and turned back to the human. “None of us are great right now. Matki’s probably the worst out of all of us. He sounds bad, but he actually has started to stabilize in the past few days.”

Human Ali gave a short nod and started writing something on a tablet in his hands.

“Do you,” Andu’s voice trembled, “we heard a report last night about you. That you were coming. That you… do you…” she swallowed and fought back desperate tears, “do you really have a cure?”

The human’s eyes creased again. “We do.”

Andu didn’t need to turn around to know the effect this had on her family. She heard it. She felt it. This time, she didn’t fight back the tears.

“Right now,” Human Ali continued, “it’s in the final stages of approval for Ni use, we’re just waiting for the ‘go-ahead’ and we’ll help distribute it as soon as it arrives. Until then, I’ve got some food and supplies for you. I can help unload and unpack if you need?”

“That… that would be... thank you,” she wiped at her tears. “Thank you so much.”

Over the next few days, more shuttles came and went, bringing more supplies, food, tools, and just in general, a brighter outlook and mood to the entire neighborhood. The humans really were here to help, and they seemed happy to do so. Not only were they good with their promises of aid, but they also delivered on the cure they said they had. Ni were instructed on the drug’s use and administration directions thoroughly for both the tablet and liquid forms of the cure. The effects were quick, and from the reports on the newscast, overwhelmingly positive. The Ni were cured! The plague that had once threatened to wipe out their entire population was gone! Celebrations larger than even the Gauru Ni Moon Festival were planned, songs were written, stories shared and spread. It was wholly agreed by all that this was a historic time in Ni history that they all survived through, and all thanked Jentala above for sending the humans to help.

It went without saying that everyone wanted to know more about the cure itself. And that meant everyone, not just the Ni, but the rest of the galactic community who before, had written the Ni off as a lost cause because of the horrific disease. What was this miracle cure? What other things could it do? Where, by all that is bright and shining, did the humans get it, and could it be easily replicated?

The humans, for their part, were again as open and gracious with their information as they had been with their aid. It was an old medicine they’d discovered long ago on their planet. Considered to be the first “antibiotic,” it was widely used on Earth and had saved millions of lives since its discovery. It worked by interfering with bacteria cell walls and destroyed them by causing them to burst.

It was called

Penicillin.

“Amazing!” “Spectacular!” “So simple, yet so ingenious!” many in the galactic community praised. “How ever did you discover this amazing drug?”

The initial answer wasn’t too surprising, for humans at least: it was an accident.

Andu almost snorted as she read the report to the rest of her family. Granted, the end of the plague was the first time any of them had come in direct contact with humans, but they all had heard many of the stories about human escapades. Wild experiments that on paper seemed more like a drunken brainstorm party that ended up advancing rocket fuel technology by at least 8 lunar years. Crash-landings on category 3 death worlds and they ended up liking them so much they decided to set up colonies. Half of what they did seemed to be mistakes that just went right for them. Apparently, the miracle drug penicillin was included in those stories.

She looked up its history and manufacturing.

Andu felt claws dance down her back as she read more. It came… from mold? Mold?! She looked up from the tablet to the faces of her equally horrified hatch mates. It took them a moment to remember how to close their mouths.

"You mean like mold on old bread?" Piri broke the shocked silence.

Andu blinked and looked back at the report. Old bread? How many times had they not eaten bread fast enough in the warm humid seasons only to pick up a bul of bread and find mold growing on it. It was dangerous, it had to be carefully disposed of, it was… able to save lives?

She returned to the report. The more she read, the more comforted she became in the safety of the miracle antibiotic. That, and she couldn't argue with the results. Her family was around her, now loudly being altogether boisterous together as they "discussed" the humans and all the ways they played with death in order to save life.

Matki snatched the tablet from her claws, wanting to read the report for himself. As Andu was jostled by her now healthy, energetic family, she was just happy and eternally thankful that the humans were crazy enough to play with something as dangerous as fungus, and then kind enough to share what they discovered.

[write-like-wright]

Your First Kiss With Them: Prosecutors Edition

A lovely anon requested first kiss headcanons with both defense lawyers and prosecutors, so I'm just gonna do it in two parts.

Miles Edgeworth

It happens spontaneously with Miles.

You'd gone on a few dates already and he always walks you to your door, like the gentleman he is. When it's time to say goodbye, he lingers for a moment, as if unsure how to proceed. He always flakes in the end, leaving you after an awkward hug and a face that matches the colour of his suit.

One day you're just at his place. It's one of those lazy days when you order takeout and sit at home binging Steel Samurai. A funny scene comes on, something that leaves you both in stitches. It's such a sweet thing, seeing him laugh so earnestly, some colour rising to his face. You lean over and press a kiss to his lips almost instinctively and he freezes for a second and so do you once you realise what you'd done. You apologise awkwardly, fearing you'd crossed a line.

"What are you sorry for? I quite liked that," Miles laughs. "At least one of us has enough courage to act."

Franziska von Karma

Happens in the middle of an argument, most likely. Nothing serious, of course. You're just bickering over something silly and Franziska gets a bit too smug with her comebacks. It annoys you to no end, seeing that smarmy grin on her lovely face. You stand there for a second, feeling an overwhelming urge to-

"Why are you glaring at me like that? Just because I'm right doesn't give you the excuse to act like a f-"

Silence. Cut off by a kiss.

She's completely dumbfounded when you part. It takes her a moment to regain her composure.

"Well," she says eventually. "How foolish of you. Trying to win an argument through such underhanded tactics."

You keep on bickering.

She kisses you not two minutes later when she realises her argument makes no sense and you gain the upper hand.

Diego Armando/Godot

It's the classic scenario with him.

He takes you out for a cup of coffee one rainy afternoon. You sit at the coffee shop for hours, talking and laughing, enjoying each other's company. It's dark outside before you even realise it and he offers to walk you home. The conversation keeps flowing on your way to your place and you feel a pang of sadness when it's time to say your goodbyes. You tell him how much you enjoyed your date and he just casually leans in for a kiss that lasts a bit longer than you'd expected. There's no way your neighbours won't gossip about it tomorrow.

Klavier Gavin

He texts you to wear something warm before your date. You're confused but oblige.

Klav shows up on his bike to pick you up and it all makes sense suddenly. "Come on, Schatzi, I'll show you what a real adrenaline rush feels like."

He's true to his word. He drives you around the city, the cool twilight air rushing past you and you feel more alive than ever.

Eventually, he takes you to his favourite spot, a clearing overlooking the entire city. It feels surreal seeing all the city lights intertwine with the stars above. You sit on his bike while he stands in front of you, talking about something or another. It's hard to say who leans in first, but soon enough you're kissing. It's your first kiss together, then the second and third and fourth...

Simon Blackquill

You're just fooling around at his place.

Simon is a massive tease when he drops his twisted persona. He picks little fights and picks on you just to get you worked up. It's a mixture of endearing and annoying.

He puts on some stupid show you're not interested in one bit. Neither is he, but he'd rather tease you about it than change the channel.

"Give me the remote, Simon."

"Come get it, *insert dumb nickname*"

You try and fail spectacularly. It's just play wrestling, but that doesn't change the fact he's twice your size and can pin you down with one-fifth of his weight. Not that you mind.

You're both giggling breathlessly at this point. "Do you yield, miscreant?" He asks in his scariest prosecutor voice. Dumbass. "I yield, I yield! Just let me go!"

"You must pay the toll first," he deadpans, crossing his arms.

"And what is the toll?"

"A kiss, if I recall correctly."

You buy your freedom and he lets you up, handing you the remote and letting you curl up against him on the sofa.

You pay his toll a few more times during the evening.

Nahyuta Sahdmadhi

You're very hesitant to kiss Yuti.

He's a monk. You're not even sure it's allowed.

You start wondering if you'd perhaps been misunderstanding your outings. They were clearly dates, you thought, but then again he could merely see them as you acting as his tour guide to introduce him to your culture. You're very torn on the matter.

On your way home from dinner, you pick up some dessert. Nothing fancy, just cupcakes from a local bakery. You eat them at your place while trying to explain the concept of Netflix and chill to him. It's hard to say if he's scandalized or intrigued.

"These are so good! Would you like a taste?" You ask with your mouth full, perhaps overexaggerating your food-induced moaning.

He gives you one of those sweet, gentle looks he's known for. "Certainly," he says, bridging the gap between you, pressing the softest of kisses to your lips. You're confused by his actions but you'd be lying if you said you minded.

"What was that about?"

"Hm? Oh, that was a pick-up line, was it not? I've heard about those. Although I hear that one is usually used with flavoured lipgloss."

"Yuti, I was just offering you some of my cupcakes."

"Oh," he seems a bit embarrassed now. "Do forgive me then."

"I didn't say I minded. But you can't just go around kissing people like that."

"I'll jot that down in my 'How to act like a native' notebook."

Barok van Zieks

(Heavily inspired by my incessant bugging of @bailey-reaper from my main)

It happens during his University days.

Barok approaches you at a gathering, completely red-faced while Klint and Albert snicker within earshot. He asks you to dance with him in the most roundabout way possible, to the point where you're not quite sure what he's asking of you.

You agree and are surprised at how good of a dancer he is in spite of his initial and apparent awkwardness. Must be those long, elegant legs.

He takes you on a stroll after and you end up alone on a balcony. His initial nervous demeanour slowly melts away, although he's still more than a little shy. You chat away and you even get a laugh out of him at some point. It's one of your personal victories.

It's almost midnight when you are interrupted. "Ah, brother, there you are!" Klint van Zieks suddenly joins you on the balcony. His lips curl in a knowing smirk as he turns to greet you. "Mother has sent me to get you aeons ago! I've been looking for you all over. It's time to leave. Say your goodbyes, and be quick." He leaves then, giving you a moment of privacy.

"I-I, hm, I have really enjoyed your company tonight. Thank you for the dance. I fear I must be going now."

"Wait," you say placing your hand on his arm, half expecting him to recoil. He doesn't. You get on your tip-toes and you can still barely reach his face. Thankfully, he's already slouching. You press a quick, chaste kiss to his lips, hoping no one saw you. "Surely, you wouldn't have left me without a kiss goodnight?"

His face is burning now and he swallows. "Pray, forgive the discourtesy. How careless I am. I'll bear it in mind for next time." With that, he turns and leaves you.

Kazuma Asogi

He walks up to you one day right as you're about to head to your next class, looking pensive and excited at once. You know why, you'd heard the news. Kazuma had been selected for the student exchange and you were thrilled for him - no one deserved it more than he did. You just hoped you did a good job of hiding how sad you were to see him leave regardless.

"I can't leave you here without a proper goodbye. Leave your books, come on." He convinces you to skip the rest of your classes and drags you away on an adventure as he calls it.

You spend the day together, joking around, getting food and window shopping. Finally, you settle under the shade of a tree where you usually met up in secret. He babbles away about the law, the British Empire, his plans for the future.

When he runs out of topics to talk about, he goes quiet, dark eyes searching your face. "Do you know why I stole you away today?" Stole? He's so dramatic. You shake your head. "I don't want you to forget me when I'm gone. Remember this day, and me and this." With that, he gently takes your face in his hands and leans in, claiming your lips in a heated kiss. It's so intense, you feel yourself burning under his touch. Tears prickle your eyes when you part. "I hate to so you go," you whisper weakly and he gives you a sad, understanding smile. "I know. I'm so sorry." You pull him into another kiss, lying down on the grass, hidden by the shade of the tree. You're not about to let him forget you either.

[bukojuiice]

—the lovey-dovey things they do with you while you're both stuck at home during quarantine

ೃ chars: izuku midoriya, katsuki bakugo, shoto todoroki, eijiro kirishima and shinsou hitoshi x gn! reader

ೃ  tags: headcanons, fluff

ೃ  warnings: none!

ೃ  my nav  →  my mha writing masterlist  → my katsuki bakugo x reader smau

ೃ  please do reblog if you enjoyed!! it really helps writers and content creators on tumblr!  

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katsuki bakugo: cooking and baking with him! it all started on a cozy afternoon in April, you’re mindlessly scrolling through tiktok whilst cuddling with katsuki (your sparky bf practically asleep in your arms) when you stumbled upon some cute and interesting cooking videos appearing on your fyp. katsuki peers through your phone and groggily asks if you want to try out and attempt to make some of them and you immediately say yes!

the two of you start with something simple and basic, dalgona coffee! (even playfully arguing whether or not you should adding more whipped cream to your drinks or not), after that, you then take your culinary journey a bit further by making some baked sushi, cloud bread, and mini donut cereals among many other scrumptious delights! after a while, you decided to buy some matching “kiss the cook” aprons online and even started a tiktok account detailing all of the special twists katsuki made to the recipes (although he absolutely refused to make an account at first, with some probing and dozens of pouty faces and puppy eyes coming from his adorable significant other, he finally gives in) dancing and kisses in the kitchen, spreading flour on each other’s faces, leaving sneaky love notes by the fridge, and making each other coffee in the morning were just some of the little add-ons the two of you would do with each other.

izuku midoriya: online escape rooms and virtual museum tours! the national museum of japan were offering some free virtual tours around the museum and the two of you could not just pass up the opportunity to see all the intricate pieces being displayed in the museum. however, izuku wanted to experience something else that's similar to that and so, after seeing an ad on twitter for an virtual escape room experience, izuku excitedly told you about it. jumping and hopping around like a little bunny and you couldn’t help but agree as seeing him so happy and so excited for something will never fail to make your heart flutter. the two of you immediately book a reservation and even bring out your virtual reality gears for the full immersive experience. you’re clinging to his arm the whole time as you virtually traverse a horror escape game and your freckled boyfriend tries his best to be brave just for you.

with both of your intelligent and inquisitive minds combined together, with the occasional soft couple bickering, and having to listen to izuku murmur to himself for several minutes,  the two of you solved 7 escape rooms (for a week straight) in a span of three hours each. the two of you take turns in doing the tasks of the game, and whoever fails to do so, has to do the other person’s bidding for the entire day. although the two of you could never force the other to do any mean-spirited dares to each other, most of the bidding you told each other to do were peppering each other kisses on the cheek, long and warm hugs, choosing the movie for the night, cuddling in the bed and holding hands among many other things.

todoroki shoto: binging movies and tv shows on netflix with him! this was the perfect opportunity to help your icy-hot boyfriend finally indulge in everything pop culture. and what better way to do so than on netflix and other streaming sites? the two of you end up watching every romantic movie dear to your heart. mixed with bed or couch cuddles, blankets wrapped around the two of you, a lot of cheesy and loving whispers said, and paired with some comfort food you ordered online. your watching area varied. sometimes the two of you would watch in the bedroom, living room, and sometimes you would even make a pillow fort with dangling fairy lights attached to it filling the tent with fluffy stuff toys to lie on just so that the two of you can watch on the floor.

shoto cried when the two of you finished watching the notebook and the eternal sunshine of the spotless mind. and all you did the entire night was give him all the hugs and kithes you could provide him. ever since then, the two of you opt for more light-hearted movies. rom-coms, disney movies and sitcoms where he endlessly referenced iconic lines from friends, the office, how i met your mother, and brooklyn 99. the days in quarantine go by with the two of you just mindlessly singing and dancing along to disney songs, rewatching rom-coms for the umpteenth time, reenacting some scenes from iconic movies with dry yet hilarious acting, and just discussing movie theories whenever he cutely and innocently asks you about some small details he missed every time you finish watching a movie for the day

eijiro kirishima: training and exercise routines with him! your shark-toothed boyfriend is a fitness buff through and through. to the point that a room in your house dedicated to just gym and fitness equipment exists. but when quarantine struck the world and your lovely home, you slightly lost your motivation to work out. eijiro continues to encourage you to do so ofc! with the two of you occasionally going outside to jog but aside from that, nothing much else. when he catches you watching a chloe ting video on youtube, he scoops you up from the couch, and you giggle trying to tell him to put you down yet he refuses to do so, as he carries you all the way to your little gym room. you notice that there are yoga mats sprawled about and since then, the two of you would do a lot of yoga as it has been proven to decrease anxiety. sometimes the two of you would get distracted and start dancing to the exercise music, accompanied endless laughter and giggles when kirisihima would do his daily planking exercise with you sitting on top of him as he does so.

there were also times when the two of you were so tired and sore. so you would give each other loving massages, there were also times when the two of you would just sleep it out or just lounge in the bed. excercise couldn’t stop your cravings and so, and there were also times when the two of you would do some food mukbangs you’ve been craving for recently.

shinsou hitoshi: playing video games with him and taking care of your little pet kitten! right before quarantine started, shinsou surprised you with a pet little kitten that the two of you decided to name gigi, named after the cat from kiki’s delivery service. the two of you always running around the house as if you were parents to a newly-born baby, watching your cute little kitten frolicking around, touching and interacting with everything he could find. after watching some “cat parents” videos on youtube and learning some tips, you attempt to give it a bath, resulting into a very wet failure. with the only time you can feel peace and quiet was when gigi was asleep or whenever he would be drinking his vet-approved milk. your quarantine life was hectic and chaotic but taking care of a cute little bundle of joy with your equally loving and handsome boyfriend... well, life couldn’t get any better than this.

when you were finally able to get the hang of the cat parents life, you and shinsou finally found the time to rest and relax by playing video games. may it be a horror, action, adventure, rhythm, or fantasy game, you were always playing with him. maybe as a player 2 or just as the supportive significant other who helped him solve puzzles, make story game choices that could change the game, and even help him with the buttons if he was trying to fight some hard boss. whenever there are jumps cares in the game, he would hold your hand and give you reassuring pats. whenever the two of you would play against each other on the other hand, he has his arms wrapped around you, with you still being extremely focused at the game at hand, he would give you pecks on the cheek to try and make you distracted so that he can win. your little pet kitten, gigi, sleeping on the couch as the two of you play to your heart’s content.

ೃ taglist: @chibishae34​  @lovelytarou​ @ramunegoddess​, @serossimpy @laudthingcat​​

[moonbeamsung]

You’re Just a Boy in a Blueberry Field

No fruit is sweeter than a summer love.

member: haechan

au: blueberry farmer!haechan x gn!reader

word count: 5.0k

genre: fluff, very light angst

warnings: mentions of food

author’s note: It’s here! I actually wrote most of this last summer, but only recently did I find the time to edit and get it ready to be posted. I added some parts and changed a few things, and now I like it quite a lot, so I hope you do as well! Thank you @astroboy-lele​ for beta-reading :) As always I would love to hear any feedback on this, and I hope that you enjoy the fic!

taglist: @astroboy-lele @kyuwoyo @rvse-hvvck @nakamotocore @kisshim @leejunini @chicksung @mrkcore @radiorenjun @moon-jun @jisungiest @stayctday @byutafy @jujubean23 @treasurehobi​ @bluejaem​ @lyshoonn​ @vera-liscious​ @allegxdly​ @cupfullofjeno​ @thats-a-jen-no-no​ @yo-ddream​

network tags: @kpopscape @neo-constellations @culture-cafe @dreamlab-nct @k-dinernet 

Thank you lovely Ana @rvse-hvvck for this additional header!

Donghyuck knows everything there is to know about those blueberries.

Without even pausing for the briefest of moments to think, to instinctively recall the information instilled in him throughout his childhood spent on the farm, he can answer any question that’s thrown at him. He can point out just the right color of berry to pick so that they’ll be ripe when you eat them later. Likewise, he can also tell you which ones are best to eat now, as you pick them, pretending not to notice when you pop one or two into your mouth and grinning when your eyes light up from the sweetness.

A day comes where he, filled with mischief as usual, places a not-so-ripe blueberry into your hand, and you, being so wrapped up in the peacefulness of the morning that surrounds you, fail to notice its red color and don’t think twice about lifting it to your lips, biting into it with your teeth. When the tart taste meets your tongue, your face contorts into an expression that elicits a raucous fit of laughter from him. You’re the first one in the fields that day. When the sun had risen on the horizon, the fleeting touch of color in the sky that dawn left behind still lingering above, he had been there, sitting on the front porch as always to greet customers.

Donghyuck knows every bug that loves to rest on the branches of the blueberry bushes. After spending so much time next to you as you scan them for the pops of vivid blues and purples that are hidden behind jade green leaves, he begins to learn that you are not fond of any bug, no matter how harmless. It’s cute, he thinks, how you inspect every berry that you drop into your basket, fearing that some small creature is lurking on it. If you do find something, he hears a small noise of both surprise and disgust before you fling the perfectly good berry away from you. It also hurts a little, knowing that it’s one less for you to take home.

When more people arrive at the farm after you, he’s forced to leave your side and get them started on their own search for the delicious fruit that’s nestled among the branches of nearly every bush. And if they ask where the best ones are, he specifically points them in the direction of the fields where you aren’t. It isn’t a lie, really, because they’ve had a good harvest everywhere this year.

...Okay, so maybe it’s a little selfish on his part, but who can blame him for wanting you to have some of the most plentiful bushes all to yourself?

Wednesdays are his favorite because it’s always the least crowded of all the mornings they’re open for business, and he can spend more time following you as you make your way down the rows, admiring the focus on your face and the way that you sometimes pause mid-reach, closing your eyes and standing still as the sun peeks through the clouds and casts its warm glow down onto the farm. A gentle sigh tumbles from your lips, darkened by the violet nectar that remains from the countless blueberries that have crossed their usually pink-tinted threshold. You resume your search after a few seconds, catching his eye and returning a smile he didn’t even know was there.

He makes the berries taste a little sweeter when he’s next to you. The purple juice that stains your fingers is a little darker. The sun feels brighter and warmer than ever, its heat shining down onto your skin.

One particular morning, after you finish picking all the blueberries you can carry, you decide to accompany Donghyuck on the porch, sitting beside each other in matching rocking chairs that first belonged to his great-grandparents, the farm’s founders. The familiar sounds of birds chirping and the low mumbling amongst customers meet your ears. You both gaze fondly at the horizon while immersed in casual chatter, all the while tending to several families as they come and go.

Whenever a car turns off of the two-lane, paved road and onto the noisy gravel path leading into a small grassy area that functions as a parking lot, Donghyuck excuses himself from the lively conversation both of you always find yourselves sharing. He stands, brushing his hands off on his faded denim overalls that are only slightly too large for his frame. His hand lifts up the baseball cap he always wears while the other runs through his hair, and your gaze falls on the back of his neck where it rests in longer strands. You always wonder why he keeps it like that since he complains about how hot it makes him feel. The humid summer air is stifling enough as it is, after all. The thought vanishes only moments after it arrives, though, and he flashes a brilliant grin at you over his shoulder as he descends the wooden stairs leading down to the patio.

Today, a happy looking family gets out of a shiny silver minivan. The mother and father with two kids, a boy and a girl, make their way toward the covered patio and Donghyuck bounds down the steps like always, grabbing 4 stacked pails in his calloused hands. You lean forward a little in the creaky old rocking chair, your weight in your toes, ears just barely picking up his conversation with them. He greets the parents warmly, shaking their hands and then he kneels down to be eye-level with the small children. The little boy seems shy as he clasps his fingers in front of him, thumbs twiddling back and forth, while his sister is clearly the opposite. She skips over to the much taller boy, saying hello.

“Do you two like blueberries?” He asks them, one arm resting on his knee and the other extending a pail out in front of him. The young girl nods enthusiastically before she takes the container from his hand and turns around, passing it to her brother as he nods, making eye contact with Donghyuck for the first time. A small smile grows on his face when he’s met with the wider one of the unfamiliar but still welcoming stranger. His sister speaks up again, “Every Friday we get to help Mom make her famous blueberry pie!”

“Is that right?”

“Yep! In the morning we always go to the supermarket and get fresh blueberries,” she explains. Her mother leans down, softly telling her that this week they’re here to pick blueberries instead, fresh from the farm they were grown on.

“Really? So that means we’re not buying them at the store anymore?”

“Well, honey, today we can pick enough blueberries to last us for a whole month’s worth of blueberry pies.”

“And besides,” Donghyuck starts, still kneeling on the ground next to her, his boot leaving an imprint in the dirt underneath it, “it’ll taste even better since you picked them yourselves, don’t you think?” The boy punctuates his question with a wink.

The young boy steps up for the first time, grin stretching even wider as he finds the courage to happily agree with the wise words. Exclaiming eagerly and in a way that only a child can, he takes his sister by the hand that’s not holding his small bucket before scurrying off, their parents close behind after grabbing pails for each other as well as a third that their daughter had forgotten in the midst of the excitement.

As Donghyuck joins you on the porch once again, you can’t help but smile as you remember how he interacts with each and every customer that passes through the weathered fence surrounding the property. When he talks to kids in particular, his eyes seem to light up, and you see just how much of a kid he still is deep down. His playfulness never fails to make an appearance whenever you spend time with him.

You’re thankful for the moo of a cow in the distance that interrupts his question of why you’re smiling like an idiot and hopefully drowns out the steady sound of your pounding heart.

The next week he tells you that the rest of his family is out of town, and he’s been left with the responsibility of running the farm all on his own. He usually does most of the work himself these days anyway since he’s getting older and more mature, although some of his jokes say otherwise. You miss the way his mom would poke her head out of the upstairs window of the main house, calling out a greeting to you both from across the property, overjoyed at the sight of her son spending time with the particular customer he’s mentioned so many times before. Whether he would share an amusing anecdote of yours with his siblings at the dinner table or point out something that reminded him of you, it was far too easy for her to figure out how he feels about you.

In an effort to spend more time with him, keep him company and just help out in general, you offer to stay at the house with him for a little while. Or at least until his family gets back from their trip, and to your delight, he agrees. You arrive in the late evening, on a day when the fields are closed, just in time to catch the setting sun as it disappears behind the trees and power lines that seem to stretch for miles in the distance. Tugging an overnight bag of belongings with you, you knock twice on the wood of his front door.

It opens swiftly and Donghyuck welcomes you inside, wearing an apron that he must have outgrown 10 years ago, at least. You snicker at the snug choice of attire and he shoves your shoulder, though not with enough force to make you stumble. He whines a little in that saccharine-sweet voice of his that makes your heart clench, but you don’t give in. Not this time.

When the farm is closed for the day, the family has a chance to pick from some of the bushes that are planted in a more secluded area, all to ensure that they also have a big enough supply of the fruit to last them for the season. So Donghyuck had woken up at the crack of dawn, although you aren’t sure why. He had made his way downstairs and out into the dewy air of the morning, gathering just enough blueberries to bake a cobbler that night when you came over, since he’d learned it was your favorite treat after hours of conversation about anything and everything. The recipe comes straight from his great-grandfather, he informs you, and it’s written on a yellowing piece of paper in handwriting that you couldn’t read even if you tried. He, however, can somehow decode the seemingly nonsensical swirls and lines on the page. You suppose it’s part of the magic of the family recipe that gets passed down with it.

Donning an apron yourself, you join him at the sink as you begin washing the berries, gently grabbing a handful at a time as you let the tap water clean them. When you both reach into the large container at the same time, your hands brush and you almost scoff at the swell of your heart that you feel inside your chest.

As you’re working together to make the batter that you will soon pour into his mother’s finest glass baking pan, Donghyuck briskly swipes his fingertip on the side of the bowl where the mixer had splattered the combined ingredients, extending it in your direction. You raise an eyebrow at the boy and said fingertip before turning your head away.

“If you really think that I would lick that off your finger, then you’re terribly mistaken.”

Coyly, the mischief-maker in question retorts back as you glance at his impishly delighted expression. “Are you sure?” 

“Positive,” you state rather firmly, but matching the mirth in his eyes with a glimmer of amusement in your own. “I’ll settle for the spatula, thanks.”

“Suit yourself.” Donghyuck rolls his eyes, your answer completely expected. At least he tried. 

You won’t deny that you enjoy sampling a bit of the batter of a dessert as much as anyone. But not that much.

Left with no choice, he takes himself up on his own offer and sticks his finger into his mouth with an audible ‘pop,’ exaggerating the action just to get a rise out of you, feeling the upward curl of his lips when you react ever so slightly with a silent chuckle.

You’re adding the last bit of flour to the mixture when you accidentally get some of the powdery substance on your hand in the process. Turning the automatic mixer off, you momentarily forget about your stained skin and you make the mistake of wiping your face with the back of your wrist, smearing the white stuff on your cheek. Donghyuck notices, of course, and an innocent attempt to help clean up the mess only ends with the two of you blushing like crazy.

“Let me help you,” he speaks up.

“Don’t be ridiculous, the pan’s not that heavy, and even if it was, I’m strong enough anyway—”

You’re about to pick up the glassware but his sudden strides over to you from across the large kitchen cause everything you were saying, doing, and thinking to come to a complete stop. You’ve never really had a problem with personal space before, but right now he’s leaning down and his face is so close that you’re afraid to even breathe for fear that the action might just throw you off balance and towards him. For fear that you might not push his chest away with your hands if that happens.

He’s bending his knees to match your eye level and his hand lifts from its place at his side, hovering in midair not far from where the flour still lingers on your skin. His eyes had been so focused on the stain but the shrinking proximity between you and him pulls his gaze from your cheek to your eyes, blown wide and confused because you still have no idea that there’s something on your face.

The undoubtedly palpable tension in the room almost reaches down his throat and pulls the words from his vocal chords in an effort to dispel the heavy air circulating around the both of you.

“There’s… uh… you have flour…”

Donghyuck still hasn’t broken the less than comfortable eye contact, but he’s unable to look away for reasons unknown to him. After an agonizing amount of seconds your brain switches on again, albeit slowly, and you’re able to properly process the position you’re currently in. Your own hand starts to lift and though the movement is slight, it’s enough to draw his eyes down to it and he finds the strength to complete his goal at last.

His thumb swipes across your cheek and without even thinking he pops it into his mouth once again, forgetting about the unpleasant taste of flour. The way that the boy’s face scrunches up when the bitter powder meets his tongue doesn’t eliminate the awkwardness completely, but it’s a start. You hastily make an effort to avert your gaze as you frantically wonder if he caught your face that’s surely as warm as a blazing fireplace, all because he did the unthinkable with that stupid finger of his.

You won’t let yourself dwell on how his hand is just the right size to cradle the side of your head, or how much nicer his lips look up close, or how they must taste like the blueberries that he snuck into his mouth as you made the cobbler, or how you wished he had used his lips on your cheek instead of his thumb.

How you wish he had closed the almost nonexistent distance between your flushed faces.

These thoughts do nothing to ease the steadily growing heat that’s currently taking over your skin. Your eyes land on the glass pan and you take the opportunity to grab it, acting as a sort of distraction for your mind and also as something to snap you both out of your embarrassed hazes.

You get the finished dessert into the oven with no trouble after that, and now you have a little over half an hour of time to kill before it’s ready, so Donghyuck leads you into the nicely furnished family room and plops down onto the plush couch. When you don’t immediately follow he glances up at you, sensing that you’re still hesitant after the awkward moment. He smiles softly and almost apologetically, as if he’s sending a silent signal that you’ll both move past it soon enough, an invitation to put the incident behind the two of you. And you accept it.

You take a deep breath before you sit down next to him, sinking into the cushions underneath and behind you. The material dips slightly under the weight of both your bodies and gravity itself seems to be in control as it pushes you together, shoulders bumping and the sides of your legs being pressed up against each other. Thankfully, the television roars to life with the laughter of a live audience on one of your favorite shows, and you exhale a puff of air you didn’t even know you were holding in. With every scene that lights up the large display, you curl up further and further into his side, his arm migrating across the back of the sofa and winding around your shoulder only a few centimeters at a time.

This feels like home. Donghyuck feels like home.

The buzzer of the oven interrupts when you’re halfway through another episode, prompting you to jump to your feet just as abruptly as the alarm-like noise had started blaring. Consequently his arm flops down by his side as he mentally curses the loud intrusion into what had become a comfortable atmosphere, an atmosphere that was finally surrounding you again after what felt like an eternity but had really only been an hour.

In no time, you’re returning from the kitchen, the warm blueberry contents of the cobbler oozing out onto the flowery pair of plates you had grabbed from the cupboard. Handing one to him and setting the other aside for yourself, you quickly go back around the corner to grab two tall cups of cold milk. Your second time joining him on the couch comes more easily, almost all of the earlier tension having dispersed into the room, wafting out the windows along with the delicious scent of the fruit baked into the sweet, flaky crust. In fact, you’re fairly sure that it’s strong enough for even his neighbors down the road to smell. Which reminds you: you need to package some up to deliver to them tomorrow, per Donghyuck’s suggestion.

You’re most definitely sure that he smells the aroma, of course, because it’s hard to ignore the eagerness with which he takes a large bite of the dessert. “We make better bakers that I thought we would,” the boy comments, taking a sip of milk. The white mustache that it creates above his top lip when he lifts the glass to his mouth is enough to make you giggle, and you’re unaware that this predictable reaction was his objective all along. He grins, rather satisfied.

With your stomach now full, a head-plaguing drowsiness begins to set in. It slowly fills your senses enough for you to drift off, fork nearly falling out of your hand and onto the floor before he catches it, along with your weight when you slump down against his shoulder. Donghyuck is barely able to reach one of the end tables, and he sets the dishes and silverware down next to the now empty cups. Your body unconsciously clings to his like a koala to a branch, with both hands clutching one of his arms and a leg hooked over his thighs.

He takes one look at you and wishes he could pause time, to stay here forever. It’s not every day that he meets someone who can easily match the amount of snark he possesses. Simultaneously, you also balance out the friendship you share with your compassion and sense of wonder about the world, always evident in your morning routine when you come to the fields. Donghyuck has noticed that you bring out those same qualities in him, perhaps more than anyone else ever has. And just like you’re holding him right now, he vows to hold on to you.

As much as he doesn’t want to get up and for the evening to progress, he knows he should, that it has to. So he manages to detach from the hold of your limbs, gently pushing himself up and off of the couch so he doesn’t disturb you.

Glancing at the large antique clock above the doorway that leads out into the hall, Donghyuck realizes it’s much later than he thought. He decides to turn in for the night, but on a regular day he usually finds himself still awake well past midnight, despite the need to wake up early the next morning and run the farm from the crack of dawn.

Since you’re tired and he doesn’t want to risk you waking up alone in an unfamiliar bed and place, he comes to the conclusion that he’ll join you. Only leaving your side for a moment, he puts the cobbler into the refrigerator and turns off the kitchen lights behind him as he goes. Softly padding halfway up the stairwell, Donghyuck makes sure there’s enough light for him to see where he’s going before making his way back into the living room one last time. He tucks one arm underneath both of your bent knees as tenderly as he can, and places the other behind the middle of your back, hand gently curling against your waist. He carries you with probably the most delicacy he’s shown in his entire life.

Going upstairs is generally an easy task, but doing so while carrying another person is a different story. He would never forgive himself if he were to hurt you in any way. If even your foot happened to bump the wall next to you, a burst of frustration at himself and his own carelessness would surface regardless of the impact’s intensity

Your position in his arms gives him yet another opportunity to gaze upon your peaceful expression, and he begins to think more deeply about what you are to him. Looking forward to your visits makes his work so much more enjoyable and worth it. You’re someone who truly appreciates what he and his family do for a living and you faithfully support them with your business as a customer whenever you can, which is a rare thing to find in most people that come. Most are just bored and in need of something to occupy themselves or their kids. Sometimes they don’t even pick that many berries. But you always make sure to bring your own basket, which holds just as many as if not more than the ones the farm provides, and fill it to the brim. In his eyes, you’re special.

Amidst the mostly-asleep state that you’re in, your eyes just barely open far enough to see a blurry picture of Donghyuck’s face as he carries you through the house and up into the bedroom he had suggested you share. He sets you down onto the soft mattress before pulling the covers up to your stomach, retreating into the attached bathroom to quickly change into a thin t-shirt and his favorite pair of plaid pajama pants.

The memory of that conversation floods back to you. Initially, you refused the offer, saying that he would rest better if he had more space to move around. But being the clingy person he is, he had pouted desperately as you struggled to stand your ground in the discussion. “Fine,” you had huffed, only half-frustrated with those doe eyes he always uses to get his way, and your lips had great difficulty holding back a smile.

The hum of electricity that can be heard emanating from the next room snaps you out of these thoughts, and is enough to wake you up a bit more. Your gaze scans the surroundings for a minute or two before he opens the door again, his eyes now looking as heavy as your own.

Donghyuck joins you under the blanket and shifts to lay on his side, facing you. It’s funny that you’re both able to adjust to a situation so intimate and new almost instantly. Still on your back, your head turns and you’re conscious enough to raise an eyebrow at the boy. There’s that pout again.

“Please?” He mumbles, his bottom lip jutting out in an action he’s perfected. You know exactly what he’s after: cuddles.

You don’t even try to hide the playful roll of your eyes as you scoot a little closer, but it’s not close enough for him. He gets impatient, meeting you halfway, and this time it’s him that flings a leg over yours. An endearing, small noise of contentment from him fills your ears as you take notice of his arms, now interlocked behind your neck and around your shoulders. You melt into the snug position, a hand landing on his forearm that’s laying across your chest. Turning ever so slightly to the side, your other hand winds around his middle and eventually rests just above his hip, pulling him into you even more. Donghyuck nuzzles his face into the side of your neck, a few strands of your hair tickling his skin as he sighs in complete and utter bliss.

Determined to savor the moment until the irresistible inevitability of slumber starts to overtake you once more, you fight to stay awake with all of your might. But in what you thought was only the blink of an eye, the glittering stars visible through the bay window’s sheer drapes morph into the pale golden rays of first light. There’s a soft murmur of your name along with an unintentional, almost imperceptible peck to the place where his lips meet your skin, and you’re wide awake. Not to mention a little shocked.

He’s utterly unfazed, though, slowly waking up now that the sun has gotten brighter, its beams filtering into the room and hitting his already glowing face that becomes a gorgeous honey-colored hue.

Donghyuck reluctantly withdraws his arms from your form after one last embrace, effortlessly rising from the wrinkled bed sheets and offering his hand to you when you start to do the same. A sleepy smile makes a home on his features and he reminds you of your task to deliver a portion of the dessert you made to his next-door neighbors.

That’s exactly what you do, first making yourselves presentable in the bathroom by smoothing down wild bed hair and freshening up your faces with cool water. Being around to see each other’s natural morning states is a major act of trust, and he doesn’t miss an opportunity to poke fun at you for it.

“How long does it normally take for you to do your hair every day before you come here?” His tone is dripping with feigned innocence, but the sly grin on his lips says otherwise.

“Shut up, Hyuck.”

Tupperware container in hand, your shoes step in rhythm with his as you amble along the grassy shoulder of the street together. Somehow you end up hand-in-hand by the time you reach his neighbors’ front patio.

“Donghyuck!” The elderly woman at the door greets him with a twinkling voice, her husband coming into view soon after. “Look who it is, honey,” she motions fondly to the boy who they both once knew to be much shorter and younger, but now is all grown up before their eyes. “You’re getting so tall. It seems like only yesterday you were scurrying through the blueberry fields and waving to us through the gaps in the fence.”

“Yes ma’am, it does,” he responds politely. The couple has been living there for as far back as he can remember, and quite honestly they feel as if they’ve become part of his family, too.

Her warm brown eyes light up. “Is this the customer your mother was telling me about last week? She mentioned how close you’ve become, and now I’m finally seeing it for myself. You make a lovely pair.”

“Oh—” Donghyuck startles. Not much can get him flustered, but he hadn’t exactly been anticipating for his mom to recount all the things he’s said about you to the sweetest and most innocent of elderly couples. Of course they would assume that there’s something going on.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that, with you. He wouldn’t mind at all, really. He’ll just need to have a word about a little thing called privacy with his mother later.

You see the glint of panic in his eyes and speak up. It’s not often he makes such an easy target for teasing. “Thank you,” you state graciously, the smugness in the statement only noticeable to him. “We’re very happy together.” He feels you lean into him, fingers unwrapping from his and gripping the other side of his waist. You know exactly what you’re doing, and so does he.

Almost forgetting to hand over the slices of cobbler you’d cut earlier, Donghyuck nudges you to do so, and the four of you exchange thanks and farewells before you’re on your way back to the farm.

“Happy together, huh?”

“Shut up, Hyuck.” You mumble something else afterwards that he doesn’t quite catch.

“What’s that? Didn’t hear you,” he sings, stopping in his tracks. You do the same. “Shut up and what?”

“...And kiss me.”

After many days and many nights spent wondering, you can confirm that his lips do, indeed, taste as sweet as the blueberries in those fields.

[gwynrielendgame]

Nyx x Tamlin’s daughter

Okay so literally no one asked for this but I gotta write when inspiration strikes 😭😭but I got like a whole story line for these two in my head so if people like it I’ll write more

"They're late."

"They'll be here. Just give them a moment."

"I told you they wouldn't come. Tamlin has never gotten over his grudge."

"Anyone else think this is lame?"

"Why are we even doing this?"

"We need to make peace with the Spring Court. This stupid feud has gone on long enough." Feyre declared from her spot at the dinner table.

Nyx thought his presence at this meeting was pointless. It was not his duty to befriend his mother's ex-lover. Alas, Violet, his youngest sister, and him seemed to have been roped into this evening.

"It's been over a hundred years and Tamlin is still pining over you? Yikes." Violet unhelpfully chimed in. Nyx rolled his eyes at her.

"He's not pining over me. I do not know why he has held a grudge all these years, but that's what this meeting is for." Their mother responded. She was obviously nervous from the amount of squirming she was doing in her chair. She had yet to remain still since they all sat down together.

"My High Lord and Lady, Lucien has arrived with your guests." One of the guards entered the dining hall. Feyre let out a deep breathe and adjusted her crown. Something she always did when she felt nervous.

"Send them in."

Nyx had never met the High Lord of the Spring Court, so he was not sure what to expect. Tamlin walked in with more confidence than Nyx would have assumed. He certainly exuded authority. Shoulder length blonde hair, tall, strong build, sharp facial features. Nyx could understand why his mother was so smitten with Tamlin at first. Nyx quickly lost interest in Lucien and Tamlin when the third guest walked into his line of sight. It was a beautiful woman. He could already tell she was young for fae years, but her tattoos and scars revealed she had to be old enough to have lived through the most recent war. Her white blonde hair was pulled up into a half bun much like Cassian often wore his hair. The pieces that were down barely reached her shoulders but a few of the pieces were braided by her ears. She was almost as tall as Tamlin and athletically built. She was built like the Valkyries, all muscle. Nyx thought it made her more intimidating; though, the tattoos on her face made that apparent enough. She had black markings that started above her right eyebrow, curved around her temple, and stopped at her cheekbone. They appeared to be similar to the Illyrian tattoos except hers were harsher, blunter lines. Most Illyrian tattoos flowed and ebbed with the body. These facial markings had defined endings. Perhaps it was a language that Nyx did not know. The tattoos did a good job of emphasizing her sharp facial features. Prominent cheekbones and a long sharp nose along with bright green eyes and large lips made her face more intriguing than conventionally beautiful. She walked with so much confidence that Nyx was certain she was well sought after by many suitors. He would just have to get in line it seemed. He continued to observe her as they all took their seats at the table and exchanged pleasantries. Her face remained impassive though. She gave nothing away. She wore a pale pink dress that Nyx knew was meant to make her seem less threatening. He would not underestimate her no matter how much Tamlin wanted him too. Pleasantries were exchanged all around the table except for the woman who remained silent. Tamlin was less than social which ended up making the greetings more than a little uncomfortable.

"I apologize, but I do not think we have met before." Rhysand began. "Are you Tamlin's wife?"

Nyx wanted to laugh at that. She was much too young to be the High Lord's wife. Besides, if Tamlin had gotten married, Nyx would have heard of it. He was certain his parents would have too. A small smile finally graced her lips as Tamlin snorted a laugh himself.

"I am Isa." Is all she offered. Nyx watched as the small smile continued to play at her lips. She was toying with them. She enjoyed that they didn't know who she was.

"Isa is my daughter and heir to the spring court." Tamlin finally answered after a long pause. Nyx watched as his mother's jaw hit the floor which caused Isa to giggle. It seemed so out of character for the intimidating looking female that Nyx decided to make a game out of it. How many times could he get her to giggle like that in one evening?

"I was not aware you had a daughter, Tam." His mother tried to recover and seemingly failed. The nickname that slipped so easily from her mouth had the high lord's face hardening. Nyx stifled a groan at that. His mother wondered why this high lord did not prefer her company? Perhaps she should stop insinuating that they have known each other intimately at one point or another.

"That would be by design." The woman answered with a slight accent. He didn't hear it when she first spoke, but he could hear it now as the last word was sharper. He couldn't place the accent though. It did not sound like a spring court one, but it could be an eastern accent. It did not make much sense for her to have lived in Hybern or any of the other eastern countries, but he was not sure where else that it would come from.

"What do the tattoos mean?" Violet quickly changed the subject. She was too curious for her age and asked the first thing that popped into her head often enough. She was clearly as intrigued by Isa as he was.

"They protect me from the evils of man." The accent was heavier, but Violet was clearly in awe. Nyx would not be surprised if Violet came home with face tattoos tomorrow. The table became unusually quiet. His mother and father studied her with identical cocked heads. Lucien cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Witch." Amren accused from her spot at the head of the table. Isa's lips twitched into a half smirk, but Rhysand and Feyre were clearly unnerved. Nyx contemplated this new information. It would explain the accent. Young witches grow up in their coven completely isolated from the outside world. Most of the witches he had run into had a variation of this type of accent.

"Tamlin, I want this meeting to broker peace between our two courts," Rhysand started wearily. "But your daughter may not practice any witchcraft here. It only brings chaos and destruction."

Tamlin seemed unphased which put Nyx at ease. If her father was unworried then was she truly a threat? Only if Tamlin wanted her to be, Nyx supposed.

"You will find my daughter more accommodating than myself. If you want something from her, I suggest you ask her."

Rhysand looked towards Isa with raised eyebrows.

"Your lack of knowledge and ignorance of witchcraft is insulting at best. However, I suppose I shall limit my abilities to that of my natural magic for the remainder of the evening." She gave a shrug and finally made eye contact with Nyx.

She sent him a quick wink before turning back to Rhysand with the look of pure innocence on her face. Nyx knew in that moment that she would be trouble, and unfortunately for him, he loved trouble. Nyx looked towards his parents and began to feel unnerved by their expressions. They must know something about witches that Nyx did not.

Nyx had discovered quite a bit from them as he often liked to share a bed with them. They proved to be up for anything with no expectations or strings attached. He would not be surprised if they had a bad reputation though. He rarely paid attention to his history lessons and the witches he interacted with seemed innocent enough.

"My husband meant no offense." Feyre interrupted before Rhysand could say anymore. "We would love to learn more. Perhaps you could give our son lessons on your culture." She gave Isa a wide smile and offered her the first bowl of food. None of the food had been touched even though it sat ready to eat. Nyx guessed tensions were too high for anyone to think about eating.

He narrowed his eyes at his mother. If he were to take lessons from Isa, it would not be to learn her culture of witchcraft, but an excuse to spy on her and learn her strengths and weaknesses. His mother was more cunning than the fae gave her credit for. Isa seemed unphased by this offer, but accepted the bowl of food nonetheless. She was the first to begin eating. Once she took her first bite though, everyone else joined in.

"I would be much more interested in a marriage proposal than a cultural lesson." She said so nonchalantly that most of the table just stared at her blankly as Nyx spit his wine out.

"Sorry." He spluttered, quickly trying to wipe away the wine that dribbled onto his chin. Nyx looked to Tamlin to see that the High Lord was vaguely amused and his daughter was giggling. He noted the giggle in his head as one point in his game to get Isa to giggle. He was still counting it even if it was unintentional this time around.

"We are not arranging political marriages for our children." Nyx's father quickly recovered, only to watch Isa warily as he spoke. "We are allowing the children to marry as they see fit."

Nyx wished his dad would shut up. A beautiful female basically throws herself at Nyx and his father is shooting her down for him. He groaned internally. Nyx could have his pick of females. It was not as if he was lacking in that realm, but he wanted this particular female who was bound to cause chaos. Not that he wanted to marry her, but he had a feeling that she did not want to truly marry him either. After tonight, he had a feeling that the new rule would be that Nyx could marry whoever he wanted to as long as it was not Tamlin's daughter. Though it did seem like a smart move politically. Ever since his mother left Tamlin for Nyx's father, there has been bad blood between the courts. A marriage would be a good way to heal that after all these years.

"Does it appear that my father speaks for me?" Isa smiled as she asked the rhetorical question. Nyx could tell his father did not exactly know how to take that. Was she disrespecting him or being genuine? Nyx couldn’t truly tell either. Although, he had a sneaking suspicion it was the former.

She smiled more than he initially would have thought. Grant it, most of the smiles were sarcastic, but he assumed she would be more like Nesta just based on looks. From this small interaction, she already seemed more like Elain.

"Isa can marry whoever she wants." Tamlin waved his hand as if to say none of it really mattered. Nyx found it interesting that Tamlin would not seem to mind if she were to marry his ex-lovers child.

"Isa is a very odd name." Azriel noted. He had been observing the entire conversation, but had yet to speak until now. Tamlin rolled his eyes. It surprised Nyx how casual the high lord seemed. All the stories he had been told painted Tamlin as someone who demanded proper manners at all times. Isa giggled once again and Nyx was annoyed that he was not the one to win the sound from her.

"Her mother thought it was funny." Was the only explanation he gave. Isa, however, felt the need to embarrass her father.

"It is short for Isabelle and Belle means beauty as does Feyre. My mother thought it amusing to name me after the lover that jilted him."

Now it was not Nyx choking on his wine, but his mother. Violet began laughing at that.

"She sounds like a peach." Amren muttered while sipping on a glass of red wine. He would never have spoken back to the small, scary female, but it appeared that not much frightened Isa.

"She never took life too seriously. Everything was something to laugh at. She was good for dad." Her accent was heavier and her words sharper. Azriel's shadows began to change as if seeking more information on the mysterious mother.

The mother was a point of contention clearly. Nyx kept that thought bookmarked in the back of his brain for when he may need it next. Tamlin cleared his throat and sat up straight in his chair. He looked every ounce a high lord as he started to speak.

"We did not come here to discuss her mother." A tough topic for him as well it appeared. "Some day my throne will be hers and I do not want to leave her with shambles. I was hoping that not only could we come to some sort of alliance, but that if Isa were to find herself needing guidance, then you and your court might aid her in that."

"Why would we need your alliance? Other than a unified Pyrinthian, I see no reason for us to help clean up your messes." Feyre narrowed her eyes at the male. For all her talk about bringing peace between the two courts, she was quick to antagonize the High Lord. Nyx thought his mother was more petty than she ought to be considering the circumstances.

"My court still suffers from your petty vengeance. I would not be so quick to forget, Feyre."

"It is not my fault that your lack of leadership has led your court astray. Perhaps if it was so easy for me to wreck your court, it was not strong to begin with."

Nyx cleared his throat as a signal to his mother that she was getting off topic. He could see his father squeezing her hand as well.

"You will find," Isa interrupted Tamlin and Feyre's back and forth, "that you might prefer me as an ally rather than an enemy." Her tattoos started to glow as if to emphasize her words.

Nyx could not remember ever experiencing glowing tattoos with previous witches, but Isa was also part High Fae which made her more dangerous. Their lack of knowledge coupled with her obvious strength made her someone he did not want to make an enemy out of. At least not yet. He would want to discover the scope of her abilities first.

"Would your coven aid us in war if we were to be allies?" Nyx said instead of allowing his parents to continue to antagonize them. Despite his parents ignorance, Nyx actually did know a few things about witches and where there was one there was many. Best to have them on their side in any sort of issue.

His parents gave him identical glares that cause Violet to muffle a laugh. Azriel and Isa stared at him with curiosity though.

"Would you beg for it?" Her words were heavy with insinuation. It had Violet and Lucien laughing hysterically while every other fae at the table gave disapproving looks. Nyx's eyes widened. She was much too bold for a princess. He needed to assert his authority once more. She had the upper hand against everyone too many times tonight.

"A witch has never asked me to beg before."

"There's a first for everything."

"Unlikely."

"I do not speak for my coven, but if it was found that aiding in war pleased the spirits, then perhaps." She answered seriously as she took a bite of her chicken.

"Or if it prevented extinction of your kind?" Nyx knew their numbers were dwindling which was a point of contention for many of the witches.

"Yes. Or that." She pursed her lips. Obviously displeased that Nyx knew more than his parents. He did not know much more than that, but he would never allow her to know that. He kept the upper hand as long as she was unaware of how far his breadth of knowledge went.

"We would not be able to return the favor. If your coven ever needed help, we could not give it." Nyx cringed as his father continued to insinuate that the witches were less than.

"We would never ask for your help." Her nose crinkled in disgust. "You have no respect for magic and therefore would never be able to help us with our own conflicts."

"I respect my magic."

"No. You feel entitled to your magic. You think you are owed magic because you are a high lord. Witches understand there is a balance to all life. A give and take. We would never take something we were not willing to give. My own father is proof that you do not view your magic in the same way. He was willing to align himself with the enemy for Feyre, only to not get Feyre in the end and be stuck in a deal with the enemy."

"Do not lie to my face. I am too old for that and I know that witches deal in blood magic all the time." Rhysand finally switched to his High Lord voice. It demanded the respect that Isa did not want to give.

"Because they are willing to give what is needed. It is not without consequence when we invoke blood magic. High fae, however, can use their magic for good or evil with no consequences either way. Do you view your death lords as better than us? Your own sister could have ended the world and still reaped the benefits, yet you view my kind as evil? Tell me, where is the justice in that?"

"Enough, Isa." Tamlin snapped.

"They sit here and disrespect my culture, Mom's culture, and yet you reprimand me?" She was incredulous that her father was not defending her. Nyx did not think it would help any even if he did.

"We meant no disrespect-"

"You have done quite enough." Tamlin glared at the High lord of the Night Court.

"We will use this as a learning experience. Ignorance is stupidity. If they choose to be stupid, allow them. Never lose your temper during a diplomatic meeting."

After a very tense pause, Feyre gave Isa a curious look before asking a question.

"What do you shape shift into?"

The question would have appeared to come from out of nowhere if Feyre did not know that Tamlin was attempting to keep his daughter from lashing out. Whatever she shape shifted into was dangerous. After a moment of stiff silence and a staring contest between father and daughter, Isa turned to me.

"I think I need some fresh air. Mind showing me the gardens?"

"It would be my pleasure."

[zee-writes-and-draws]

Normal world AU where the different buildings are just random groups of people and all of them ended up moving to the small village near the supposedly ‘haunted’ mountain that Samon and Enki grew up on bc property values are low as shit, and all of the minors are adopted by the guards. Qi has basically just grabbed Upa and Liang and ran the hell away from the Chinese mafia. Samon sees this random man dragging two half-dead children with him and this is now the very first time any of the new residents of the village find out the ‘hauntings’ that lowered property values were just a teenage Enki post massive growth spurt and a very small and over-energetic Samon that haven’t been seen in well over a decade.

- Hajime has, unfortunately, agreed to look after Jyugo and Nico while Rock and Uno try to find legal jobs, but it’s a lot on him. He and Seitarou help Uno and Rock fight a case to get custody of the two minors. Yamato is helping Tsukumo get a restraining order against his former agent and various paparazzi, as well as going to therapy so he doesn’t constantly feel the need to put on a persona in front of others. Hajime is a teacher at the local school (since there’s a decent number of local kids and then the building children), Yamato is the school’s coach, and Seitarou sells uniforms/cute festival stuff but is also occasionally seen working with the age 7 and below kids because they’re all very small and nice.

- Kiji is trying to cure Honey of his anger management issues and Trois of his pyromaniac tendencies. His day job is making and testing makeup that everyone buys, like mascara and eyeliner and hair gel. His second in command is working in one of the other small shops, selling everyone clothes (he and Seitarou make the clothing together).

- Kenshirou is only here because some of his dogs are sick and this village has been weirdly good for their health. Along the way he lets Musashi and Hitoshi stay with him because they help on chores and the dogs love both of them very much. He helps with the local stray problem by opening a shelter and rehabilitating most of them (the few who can’t be fixed to near-perfect health are still loved and cared for). Hitoshi bakes lots of food and sells it at Shiro’s restaurant, which is also why his presence is appreciated. Musashi tutors online part-time after Mitsuru rigged up wifi for them. Between all three of their jobs they can afford a place that’s small but has four tiny rooms so each person can a private space. (They sleep in the living room that’s been transformed into the group bedroom).

- Mitsuru is considered the local nuisance in so many ways, but after all of his loudspeakers and amplifiers have been confiscated he’s forced to resort back to regular hand-made instruments, so he at least gets to learn something entertaining as he irritates everyone with his noise-making. He and Momoko live in the same house but there’s a line drawn on the inside and outside that splits the house in half so everyone realizes in all of ten seconds they’re not actually together together, just saving on rent as long-term friends. Momoko works on managing the more official stuff to keep the town from being erased. She’s the unofficial (until the next election of course) mayor of the town at this point. Mitsuru’s day job is rigging up stuff like wifi and helping Hajime with his shop class at the high school.

- Shiro moved here after hearing how wonderful the cuisine is. He approves of being able to gather fresh ingredients on the mountain. Rock is frequently seen at his restaurant, both as a customer and as a worker. Hitoshi was recruited within a week. (Hajime has some mixed feelings but Rock mostly stops acting like an idiot after the first day, so it works out well)

- Inori and Ruka moved here years ago (and dragged the Daisen brothers with them) and are pretty much the only residents who were here before everyone started moving out and the buildings moved in. They’re the only ones initially who know the story behind the hauntings and never shared it out of indifference. Inori works in construction of new buildings/clearing rubble from the old, the Daisen trio help train the different sports teams at the school, and Ruka technically co-owns the makeup business with Kiji but his preferred job is as an unofficial swimming instructor because the two of them don’t get along.

- Samon and Enki bring the village supplies and materials from the mountain and trade this way. Samon has a notable weakness for ice pops, popsicles, and zakuro shaved ice, which he gets to surprise Enki on days it seems like he might want it. The new residents are all pleasantly surprised by how sweet Noriko is. Shiro offers her a job after trying some of her desserts. She bakes on weekends and holidays only to avoid overexerting herself, but the rest of the time her jobs include checking people in, taking orders to Shiro and Rock, and keeping peace if someone starts arguments. Houzuki is the area acupuncture specialist and medic until the Otogi family moves in, but he switches to full time acupuncture and massage therapy after they take up the practice. (they’re better than him at medicine anyways and he’s ok with admitting it).

- Liang and Upa love training on the mountain. Rock joins them frequently, often chatting with Liang as they race up. Qi is marginally less interested in physical activity, but he’s willing to make the hike up with them because of the amazing plant both during the hike and at the arrival itself. In the long run, doing some exercise in this form helps him with his mental health a lot and makes him happier. Tsukumo joins occasionally and talking to Qi helps him gradually come out of his shell.

- Trois takes to the challenge of trying to be constructive in building things instead of weapons and explosives. The downside is he frequently teams up with Mitsuru (who has the most equipment necessary) and therefore there are unique ways of getting around the idea of non-destructive inventions. Honey figures out ways to get Mitsuru his speakers back on the condition that he can use the wiring for his capsules.

- Nico ends up really sad about the lack of wifi so he tries to work with Mitsuru to improve tech, but he’s got a hard time reading the manuals so now Musashi, accompanied by either Uno or Trois depending on the day, can be seen teaching Nico how to read instruction manuals.

- Yamato is still very proud of his Japanese heritage, but he also frequently encourages others to appreciate the culture they live in and the culture they came from. Thanks to him, there’s a small festival hosted each year where everyone brings something like food or games or clothing from their culture and share it with everyone.

- Kiji takes it as a personal challenge to help teach normal world culture to at least one of the Gokuu brothers. Enki is far less willing to go along with the idea that he needs help from someone, so it’s Samon. Inori, who had a similar idea for the last eleven years, is currently trying to teach Samon how to drive. It’s yielding mixed results, but he takes really well to motorbikes. Hajme and Samon have a brief ceasefire whenever the subject of motorcycles comes up.

- No one is allowed to bring up the time that Hajime got lost in the mountain. No  one.

- Kuu comes and goes as he pleases. Mostly he stays at Hajime’s house but sometimes he’ll somehow appear wherever Samon Enki and Noriko are presently staying and lies down in the lap of whoever is trying to meditate. Enki tries to ignore Kuu (and fails), Samon will give him small scritches and complain about Hajime in a quiet tone, and Noriko feeds and pets him.

- In their spare time, many of the adults critique the prison systems they rescued the others from. Kiji, Hajime, and Kenshirou work with Enki to fix things on a bureactraic level, frequently accompanied by Momoko when she isn’t a sole representative in front of various international governments. Hajime knows the prison model perfectly, Kenshirou understands the police aspect that ties into it, and Kiji has several decades of experience serving as a prison guard, and their combined knowledge leads to many of their proposals being pushed pretty far up the ranks. 

- Samon is working on fixing prisons on the level of how each inmate is treated. All the official and formal changes in the world don’t change that there’s also issues with inmates not receiving care, sufficient entertainment, decent things for purchase and not just whether or not they can afford them, all sorts of stuff that slips past the cracks in the paperwork. He’s also the one who’s pushing for  more rehabilitation programs with Kiji and Mitsuru’s help. Between Samon’s knowledge of physical needs of people, Kiji’s balanced addition of general knowledge of what kind of education and paperwork prisoners need for proper rehabilitation to stick, and Mitsuru’s experience in communication, they have a very solid structure. Mitsuru’s ability to middleman and talk to Momoko also helps push their ideas forward.

- Slowly the buildings become more friendly towards one another. Upa smiles more because Nico helped him get out of his shell, there is a photo of Tsukumo laughing as himself for the first time hanging on the wall of Shiro’s restaurant, and Kenshirou’s dogs all adopted different humans to befriend and bond with. Qi gradually gets over his fear of dogs thanks to Musashi and ends up adopting one who works as a service dog for him and keeps him away from panic attacks and self-harming attempts, as well as (gradually) learning how to tell what kind of health Upa and Liang are presently in and alerting the doctor if necessary.

- The time-honored tradition of feuds between the different non-inmates and adults in charge of them continues, but they added in some new competitions. There are now options for multi-building tug-of-war, kids vs adults (and variations) relays, one v one competitions, and general tomfuckery. Most of the time Momoko is the referee, Mitsuru commentates, and although they rarely join in, they tend to tag-team and secure a near-effortless victory. If it’s every person for themselves, Momoko wins unless distracted by Hajime, at which point the rule of funny is frequently used to determine a victor.

[powdermelonkeg]

Can you do Groose, The Fountain of the Horse God, and empty bottle please? I really loved the last one.

Yours Truly,

*Anon*

Absolutely.

Groose

So, the infamous Groose! Tall, stubborn, and loud, he's a well-known presence in Skyloft, and I love him.

The biggest assumption is that he's not very smart. This isn't true in the slightest; rather, he has a very tunnel-vision approach to his work. Whenever he decides on something, he'll funnel all the energy he's got into his goal; when he trains his loftwing, he notices every shift in the wind, every twitch of his bird, and adjusts accordingly. But in the process, he loses track of time and forgets his other obligations. When you're focused intensely on one task, you tend to be oblivious to other details.

The same thing applies to Zelda--his goal of going on a date with her blinding him to her disapproval--and the Groosenator--his mechanical work totally absorbing him whenever Link runs off to do who-knows-what. He has a very one-track-mind, and in the knight business, it serves him well...as long as he focuses on the right thing.

He's a skilled stunt flier, good in hand-to-hand combat, and a decent singer, all of those being skills he developed to try to woo Zel. Outside of her, however, he's got some amazing handyman skills and plant know-how; he's half the reason the gates and roofing in Skyloft is in tip-top shape, and 100% the reason Cawlin and Strich aren't failing Horwell's plant class. He's a bad cook, though; not because he can't do it, but because he gets focused on part of it--like making the icing for a cake--and burns the rest.

Groose knows Link's sign language because he needs to be able to insult him under the instructors' noses (and totally not because he felt bad for the loser, absolutely not, he'll kick your butt in combat class if you even SUGGEST that). The work involved to get that knowledge was a challenge to him, and he never backs down from one of those.

Onto his backstory!

Groose grew up in a nice house on the rich side of Skyloft. His mom used to do all kinds of stuff with his hair: braiding it, pinning it up, putting little clip in it. He hated every minute of it back then.

His dad worked as a gofer for the knights, delivering mail, getting soup, carrying newly-made swords around. Every opportunity, little Groose tried to tag along, hiding among the packages to try to get brought with the mail, climbing on his dad's back and refusing to let go, even going as far as to try to strap himself under his dad's Loftwing's wing.

None of those worked, but he did try.

Six years ago, a plague swept through Skyloft; the one that took Zel's mom.

Groose lost both his parents to that plauge. After the service for them, he spent a whole week locked up in his house, refusing help, or gifts, or consolation. It all felt hollow to him; there's no point in saying "sorry" if it wasn't your fault, or you couldn't do anything about it. That thought process is something he's held onto to this day--he doesn't need help, he can do things on his own, and he DEFINITELY never needs pity.

Groose joined the knight's academy shortly after; marched right in, slammed the headmaster's door open, and demanded he be put on the student roster. He wanted food that wasn't brought over with a "sorry for your loss," he wanted his own agency, he wanted to be left alone. But most importantly, he wanted to distance himself from his empty house.

He's so protective of his pompadour because it's his best hairdo attempt yet, and it reminds him of how his mom used to style it. It's not a sad thing, it's a matter of pride; insulting his 'do is like insulting both him AND his mom, and he's not gonna stand for that.

The Fountain of the Horse God

The Fountain of the Horse God was worshiped FAR more than the Fairy Fountains in its time. Horses have always been a big part of Hyrulean culture, so people from far and wide would visit to try to get blessings for their steeds. If you were unkind to your horses, however, bad luck would befall you; many an unobservant stablehand would find his horses escaped into the night, the doors to their shelter rotted away.

When Calamity struck, Malanya used the last of his power to free the horses still trapped in burning stables.

A century later, after Link came by, people in the area started to make offerings to the fountain again; they're hesitant, as the area is rumored to be cursed and looks a little eerie, but steady.

Malanya's power is weak, but each passerby gives him a little bit of his strength back. One day, he'll be at his former prowess, and any who dare harm horses in Hyrule had best fear that day.

Empty Bottles

It's not common knowledge, but glass was actually a luxury back in medieval times! The fact that Link is able to find 4-6 just lying around in most of his games is INCREDIBLE, and bottles he receives as gifts are the equivalent of receiving a painted porcelain teapot. They'd have been heirlooms.

That being said, I refuse to believe that the elixirs BoTW Link brews are actually stored in bottles. He never gets/finds glass, and mass production doesn't exist, especially not in THAT era. Leather pouches, yes. Wooden canteens, sure. Maybe even hollowed out acorns or carved bone. But not glass. Not when I can have 60 slots all filled up with elixirs.