#I got it bc I was trying to cut up vegetables to arrange on a teacup plate for my guinea pigs

[theragamuffininitiative]

Bonfire, cranberry, and maize (weirdest in a non-creepy way, I'll throw on) for the autumn ask!

Hiiiiii 👋😊 Thank you for specifying non-creepy. XD

Bonfire - describe your dream house.

Little one-and-a-half-storey, preferably with a basement but if I don't live in tornado-infested regions, that's optional. I'd rather have an old house than a new one. Hardwood floors. Stone fireplace. The upstairs is an open floorplan with windows in the eaves. It's lined with bookshelves filled with books. My office is there, by the window with the best or most quieting view. There are window seats and warm lighting when the daylight is too dim. On the main level, the kitchen and dining area are one space, where those preparing the meal can visit easily with those sitting down to be filled by it (but this space is separated from the rest of the house bc my goblin cats need to be kept out). The kitchen is warm earthen tones and orange and creams. I can hang my pots and pans above the island. There is a shelf for cookbooks and I am in a position to leaf through them regularly for new ideas. On the back of one counter, there is a small herb garden enjoying the light from the window over the sink where I can look out at birds or deer or rain while washing dishes. The dining table is big and wooden and solid and simple, dinged and scratched from cooking experiments and art making and guests with dishes and children. The chairs are either all equally simple and solid, or mismatched little characters. There are two restrooms, mostly so I can have one again separate from the dust and fur of goblins. Art of renown and of friends and of printed poetry and handwritten song lyrics hang on all the walls. My bedroom is simple and cozy and may have cat perches and tunnels and catwalks along the walls, which continue in the hallway and den. The den or living area is spacious but full, arranged with more bookshelves that hold trinkets and candles along with the books, and there are several comfortable spaces to curl up or stretch out. It has at least one westward-facing window so that the golden hour light is its very best feature. Outside, whatever "yard" there might have been is now carefully cultivated local flora, with stone paths, and it needs the work of caring hands but no lawnmower. There is a garden for fruit and vegetables around the back corner. There is a small but pleasant one-room guest house which maybe used to be a toolshed or little barn. The house is probably nestled in the mountains somewhere, on the side of a hill overlooking a valley. My neighbors are farmers and hunting cabins and there is a small town in the valley and a large city a few hours' drive away. And there are many trees.

Cranberry - what’s one physical feature that you get complimented on?

My hair probably, which is funny to me bc it doesn't seem that remarkable personally. But it's nice and thick and goes a little wavy and I can pull off long hair and boyish bobs and pixie cuts which I love. 😊 It goes straight when it needs a wash and people always ask if I got it cut then lol.

Maize - share the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a stranger on the street.

I actively avoid encountering strangers on the street. XD Call it a character flaw. I am reminded of the summer of the pandemic when a tumblr mutual and bestie of mine came to visit and we ended up traveling (don't @ me ok) to a place that seemed the safest and most conscientious choice: we circumnavigated the state of Kansas by car. It was a lovely trip but we made a stop in the Tallgrass Prairie preserve to see some bison and at one point in the trail a gentleman in his 50s or 60s stopped us to offer to take our picture. We accepted and it was nice of him, and then he proceeded to stand there with us in the blazing sun and talk about all the places he had been, his life story, recommending different stops for us to try, and then rambling on about other unrelated things. It was not unpleasant but it was definitely weird and the poor man did not understand social cues so there was no polite way to get out of the conversation. XD At one point while he was describing a particular waterfall he said was about a half hour drive and a considerable hike out of our way, I looked beyond him on the prairie and noted a rather large dark bush sitting on the brink of a ridge. By the time he finished his story and we rather awkwardly and abruptly wished him a good day and realized we no longer had time to hike out the rest of the trail that day to find the bison, the distant "bush" had vanished and I realized it had, itself, been a bison. XD

[mymegumi]

cœur fidèle

pairing: ushijima wakatoshi x fem!reader

genre: fluff, minor angst, childhood bestfriends au, royalty au, and friends to lovers

word count: 2.1k words

warnings: mainly ushijima’s thoughts, not a lot of dialogue/actions. fluff & sad ideals about unrequited love.

summary: he wants to make a life with you, and yet you’re meant to build a life as someone else’s lover.

notes: i’m almost positive this isn’t coherent bc i’m just rambling <3 also the end was rushed as fuck so sorreh bout that <3

dedicated: to thalia, may you continue making me and everyone else around you smile. ( @wak4tosh1 )

Royalty, by definition, are those of royal blood or status. A league above normal people, and meant for wealth and luxuries that people would only dream of even seeing with their own eyes. It’s a life of luxury, of people to work at your beck and call, and of never truly worrying unless you had to.

Why does Ushijima feel so empty then?

A prince in his early twenties, he’s in the prime of his life—a father that loves him unconditionally, friends by his side that love and value him for things other than his title and wealth, and even a hobby he can do when things feel so suffocating he can’t come up for air.

He’s grateful for everything he has, don’t get him wrong, but it’s always felt a bit… lonely somehow.

Ushijima, as the heir to a king’s throne, knows the weight his decisions will make on the kingdom his father’s built up, and yet he can’t help but wonder about what kind of life he could have had if he’d just been born from a peasant woman. Would his life be so much more insignificant than it was now?

He thinks the first time he really truly wondered about a life without a crown, a life without power and influence, was when he met you for the first time.

A princex from a neighboring kingdom, you were everything that Ushijima wasn’t.

Where he was more reserved, tending to keep his thoughts and opinions to himself, it seemed as if you were always willing to give yours. You were bright and beautiful in all the ways that Ushijima tried to keep himself in the shadows, the brightest star on a black sky.

When he first saw you, he thought you were otherworldly. An ethereal being at the ripe age of fourteen and his cheeks dappled with heat, but he thinks that this is what ladies in the court meant when they talked about love.

Ushijima is only fourteen, and yet when you pull on his hand to tug him into the gardens, laughter on the wind and sunshine beating down on your backs, he thinks about the love beginning to blossom in his chest without knowing the word for it.

It’s warmth on a summer day, and the way you smile at him when he says something snarky about the other royals.

“Ushijima!” you called to him, hand curled around your mouth in an attempt to amplify your voice, trying to get it to carry throughout the courtyard, “I know you can hear me, stop hiding from me!”

“We’re playing hide and seek,” he called back, hands behind his back as he peeks his head out from behind the tree he’d chosen as his hiding spot, “You’re ruining the point of the game, you’re supposed to seek, and I was supposed to hide.”

Your bottom lip jutted out, arms crossed across your chest as you walked towards him, “Okay, but I didn’t think I’d have to walk around by myself, this is only my first time being here. I don’t even know any of the good hiding spots!”

“Do you want me to show you for the next time you come?” He hadn’t hit his growth spurt at the time of first meeting you, so he’s not yet looking down at you from his height above you. “The best ones are in the kitchen because sometimes the chefs will give me snacks.”

“Snacks?” Your eyes lit up, and Ushijima remembers feeling something in his chest tighten a bit, the smile you gave him was one of the first, and yet he remembers it like it was the most recent, “Okay, let’s go then!”

You grabbed his hand, then, and it was warm, and Ushijima was sure he could do that for the rest of his life.

He asked his father about you, later in the month when you went home, and he just smiled at him. His father put a hand on Ushijima’s head and ruffled his hair. Ushijima didn’t know it back then, but his father was sad, most likely knowing his son lost his heart.

Perhaps it was when he was first learning about marriage and the concept of having a ruler by his side that he realized that feeling he got whenever he was with you meant he was in love with you.

“Are you here for very long?” You tilt your head to the side as you contemplate Ushijima’s father’s question, “We haven’t seen you in a few months, and I’m not sure if Ushijima did, but I certainly missed you, princex.”

Ushijima always misses you when you aren’t around, he decides in his mind.

“I probably have to leave soon,” you respond, hands curled delicately around a porcelain cup that his father had made shortly after he turned eighteen. His country’s colors look good on you, he thinks, “Forgive me for not sending any letters, I’ve found it hard to write lately since my life has been so busy.”

“Yes,” his father smiles, and his face is all Ushijima can concentrate on, because he knows what conversation topic is coming up, “how are the wedding preparations coming along?”

He forgets sometimes. He forgets when you smile at him like he’s the only thing in the room, eyes focused on him and only him. He forgets when you call his name, light with laughter and filled with sunshine. He forgets when you pull at his hands, begging him to dance with you to music that only you can hear, but he always pulls you in, savors the feeling of you pressed against him as you sway together.

He’s always reminded again when he sees the foreign country’s pin claiming you as theirs.

Sometimes he wishes his father had introduced you earlier. That he met you before you were promised to someone else, and yet, he fantasizes about a life where he met you before.

Before what? He laughs to himself bitterly, fork pushing his dinner around the plate as he listens to you talk to his father about your wedding—sometime in the next few months, with blush pink roses and carnations the color of strawberries, even if he knows you hate carnations.

Before you were someone else’s, before you were going to be leaving him, before he could tell you he had loved you for what he thinks is his entire life.

His father told him thinking about ‘what ifs’ only hurts you in the end, and he’s starting to think he was right. In a life filled with expectations in return for nothing, Ushijima supposes he could just settle down with anyone. He won’t be an unloving husband, he’d hate to be what his mother was to his father, and yet, he’s sure he won’t ever be able to give his heart away as willingly.

“Wakatoshi,” god, he hates when you use his first name, and yet it’s worse when you use his last name, because yours will never be the same, “want to walk in the gardens? Your father told me about the renovations he’d done a few months back, I’d love to see them.”

He places his fork and knife over the plate easily, quiet and refined since utensils were one of the first lessons he’d learned, and looks at you, face as neutral as he can make it, “Of course.”

You push back from the table, and fold your hands behind your back, ever the polite guest. Ushijima stands and pushes in the both of your chairs before holding an arm out for you, a polite gesture disguising his desire to hold you as close as he can.

Perhaps most of his life had been spent selfishly hoping for you. In a way that someone in love would, he’s kept his distance from you before, but you’d just barged back in like you were a storm and he was a loosely latched window. He held you at an arm's length away, and you always managed to press as close to him as you could, fighting against his every instinct to turn you away.

He doesn’t mean to monopolize you, not really. Sometimes he just wishes to keep your smile to himself, but he knows you, and when you smile at him the way you do, with a little sparkle in your eye and a tease on your lips, he knows you’re only smiling for him.

He wonders if your betrothed has ever made you smile like he has.

“The roses always look so lovely this time of year,” you muse, both of your shoes clicking in time with his as you make your way to the gardens. A window overlooks the winding green plants, and the cut glass showcases the evening sunset, rainbows splaying across the concrete walls of his father’s castle, “It’s a shame this genus won’t be in bloom when my… wedding is to occur. I’d love to see some Shiratorizawan roses in my bouquet.”

Maybe he’s imagining it, but you sound sad—perhaps it’s only because you won’t have his country’s national flower as a set of your wedding piece, but a man can hope.

“Perhaps we could arrange for a bouquet of dried roses to be set aside for you,” he murmurs, holding the door open for you as you settle into the courtyard, “The scent will be immaculate, and they’ll stay for a good few years.”

Your smile is sweet, but your eyes are sad, he notes.

“Mm,” you pull away from his arm to cradle a wilting rose bloom in your hands, thumbs pressing feather-light against the wilted edges, “I wonder what it would be like to see such gorgeous roses every morning from my balcony. You’re lucky, Wakatoshi.”

“You could,” he says without thinking. A fumble in his normally stoic nature, he tries to cover it with a cough, but you have always been more perceptive of him than he’d like.

He can’t see your face, but he can see the way you release some sort of tension from your shoulders. Dropping the flower, you turn back to him and press a hand to the outside of his arm, “You mean it?”

“Maybe not from a balcony,” he murmurs, hand setting at your waist, his head begins to tip towards you without him even realizing it, “from a kitchen window, perhaps?”

“Overlooking a flower garden, and a vegetable garden?” Your hum is inquisitive, and Ushijima smiles at you, grateful you’re playing along at his fantasy, “Let’s do it, then.”

Oh. Maybe not a fantasy, then.

“Run away with me, ‘Toshi,” your hands reach up, cupping Ushijima’s cheeks as he blinks at you, “I don’t want to get married to anyone that isn’t you.”

“But, my father… I can’t just leave my family like this,” he pulls you into a hug when you sigh against him, thumbs brushing along the highs of his cheeks, “My sister’s not yet ready to take the throne, I can’t just abandon them. What if something happens to father?”

“Your sister’s always wanted to take the throne,” you whisper back, voice tight with desperation, he wants to go with you more than you know, and yet there’s something holding him back, “Let’s go somewhere where we can live like normal people. No crowns, no kingdoms to rule, just you and me.”

“What about your husband?”

You laugh, arms winding around his neck as you press closer to him, “Toshi, darling, don’t think. You’ve always thought too much, just. Let’s just go.”

You rocketed into Ushijima’s life like a shooting star, streaking across his sky without a single thought for the effects you’d leave behind. Yet he can’t help but watch you go.

“Of course.”

The lavender plant that grows along the edges of Ushijima’s house has always offset the harsh pinks of the roses he’d planted underneath the windows. It’s convenient, of course, that his father had left a baby rose bush on his desk the night he left.

“Toshi! The ladies in the town are asking after you again, they want you to come fix the gutters again.”

“I just fixed them last month,” he calls back, back of his hand wiping away the sweat forming on his brow as he looks up. He has to block the sun from his eyes, and your figure is shrouded in shadows instead.

“Mm, perhaps they’re looking for an excuse to see you work again, darling,” you call back, basket in hands as you smile at him. He really will never get tired of your smile, he thinks, “But, while they were distracted talking about you, I managed to sell everything for a little higher price than normal.”

By now, Ushijima has gotten up from the ground and is in front of you, his shadow over your face to block the sun, “My little swindler.”

Your smile loses its intense edge, and instead softens, “Do you ever regret it?”

“Regret what?” He mumbles, leaning down to press a kiss to your cheek, “Being with the love of my life?”

“Mm,” you nod, eyes dreamy as he smiles.

“Not even for a second.”

[incorrect-ikevamp-quotes]

hi I'm back again. Anyways; as always you don't have to answer if you don't wish! How do you think the residents would react to a young Pureblood MC? (I'm talking about young like a minor.) With that Gen Z in a nutshell personality. Obviously no romantic feelings, just in your opinion how do you think they'd react? all of my questions are just "coincidentally" oddly specific aren't they, totally

Oh shit whaddup I love the idea of Gen Z MC!!! Young pureblood it is, here we go! I’m going to be moving from the assumption that they’re like Comte/Leo; very sympathetic to humanity and sometimes have existential crises (trauma babeyyyyyyyyy). As such, I’ll also be assuming she’s not super close to her family given she rejects the larger vampiric hierarchy/superiority paradigm, memes and modernity, all that jazz

I hope this fits the bill! c:

Under a cut bc is a lonnnnnnng boi~ Click after Napo to see everyone else’s! No explicit triggers that I’m aware of, but if anybody sees anything I missed feel free to let me know

Comte’s reaction:

Absolute baby, he has decided this is his grandchild--no he will not change his mind or take constructive criticism. Get’s ESPECIALLY concerned when he starts to see signs of that “nothing in life matters 😎” nihilism, but doesn’t pester them about it or becomes naggy. Growing up he had similar issues with the prospect of eternal life surrounded by creatures with a mortal lifespan, so he doesn’t judge. He’s more like nah we all hit that vibe, let’s see if we can get their mind off it c: I feel like Gen Z really understand and appreciate the importance of culture and art, so I feel like they would bond a ton over trips to museums/plays/concerts! Invites them to tea time if he ever sees them particularly silent (ah yes, repression) or particularly tired, and does his best to ensure their safety without being intrusive (has briefed the men to escort/accompany her as needed, though Sebas usually does it).

If he sees fangs out around baby he will thrash the shit out of the perpetrator--unless it’s an accident. No excuses. That’s a child. Doesn’t give a FUCK if they’re another pureblood even with all the arranged marriage bullshit. He said what he said. (Remember that biting between vampires or vampire + human relations is considered something that’s only done between intimate partners, so he is having none of that for a minor)

Leonardo’s reaction:

Also certified granddad, but he’s the one that enables shenanigans and is just like “oh worm” when it comes to the existential dread (it’s a Tuesday). At first though Leo is basically that meme like: (Stupidman = Leo, Maddie = MC)

Not all purebloods are necessarily dangerous, but most are either incredibly indifferent to the plight of others (especially humans) or actively range from like playing social mind games to being sociopathic murderers/etc. the list goes on. As such, Leonardo is suspicious to no end until he sees that the kid really doesn’t have any ill will in her. She jokes with Sebas (they quote vines on the daily) and works with him normally; even when Leo asks Sebas he’s just “????? bro she’s just my kouhai, thanks for worrying tho”. One day he’s tasked with escorting her to grab groceries and assorted things for the mansion, and she freezes in place before bolting across the street. Turns out she saw a kid trip in the road and fall, and a carriage was moving fast from the other side--it likely wasn’t going to be able to stop. She scoops up the kid and holds them close, and when the parents try to thank her profusely she just seems more uncomfortable with the praise than triumphant. She didn’t want the kid to get hurt. If she could do something about it, it was as simple as that.

From that point on they’re hella chill and hang out together, usually just bonding in silence. If they’re an artist, he’ll offer them pointers and technique manuals--will help however he can. If not, they’ll just be reading together in the library now and again. If she falls asleep, he’ll tuck her in and watch over her (cue red eye meme when the door opens, but then it’s just Vincent so he c:). He’ll often pay close attention to her eating habits to make sure nothing’s amiss with her health since she’s still a growing pureblood. If she struggles with what she is a lot (given she’s sympathetic to human beings) he’ll synchronize his Rouge drinking with hers to make sure she doesn’t starve herself ;-;. Even if she’s just forgetful about drinking/eating, he’ll do what he can to make her life easier (that’s how he shows his affection uwu)

He will, of course, also tease her about being a baby until she kicks him in the shin while Comte sighs and tells him to knock it off with a smack upside the head

Napoleon’s reaction:

Not granddad energy, but you better believe he’s in a weird territory between sheer admiration and “I am your older brother now, eat your vegetables” “But I don’t even need vegetables” “Eat your vegetables and I’ll take you to a crepe shop” “............deal” 

Basically it’s unlikely MC is super close to her siblings or even has any (pureblood children are a rare feat) so she’s like......wary, but then she just ???? this is.....kinda nice? Just having somebody that cares in a chill way, but still fully encourages her to throw men across the street if they’re hurting women/children (high fives her every time). He’ll often invite her to the swordplay lessons with the kids alongside Isaac’s teaching; she’s free to join in the learning, or honestly just hang out with people closer to her age (he��s v concerned about her having friends that she can relate to and talk to freely). 

Protective in a subtle way, like Leonardo. Escorts her places and helps her carry groceries without fail when Sebas is running other errands. She becomes his crepe shop cover buddy whenever he has an intense hankering for sweets: “wanna go to that crepe shop around the corner” “you’re just too chicken to go alone, fool” “do you want crepes or not nunuche” “............BOKBOKBOK” “aight that’s it **gives her a noogie**” (they go anyway and have a marvelous time rating the crepes from best to worst, they got a whole list goin’) 

Glares Arthur down if he so much as LOOKS in her direction

Mozart’s reaction:

Mozart is just the “what is with this sassy, lost child?” meme. Doesn’t dislike them, but they are just not remotely threatened by his haughty disdain by any extension. And he HATES IT. The MC is always just “Okay, boomer” and he just ?????? He doesn’t know what it means but it’s openly dismissive, so he mad.

Like idk if y’all know this meme, but it’s the same energy as:

It’s only when he notices she’s always punctual and careful with his requests that he starts to warm up. For example, she makes him a mocha by combining the way he likes his coffee and hot cocoa to perfection when he falls asleep at his piano. (She feels bad for him after Comte explains because--though he’s got a stick up his butt--he’s clearly distressed in his new surroundings ;-; Plus, the kind of perfectionism Mozart exudes is an extension of internalized shame, and when she begins to see that she really shifts her approach.) As such, he begins to soften to her presence. He begins to see that she isn’t indifferent to his existence, it’s more that she sees no need for intimidation and believes admiration is earned (basic respect isn’t a privilege, it’s a right). When he figures that out, he stops being so barbed and terse--starts to relax. Offers to let her stay and listen to his pieces if she wants, and she’s honestly touched given his clear struggle with vulnerability. Cuddles with Schelm at the window as he plays, and they become good friends. 

As a result, Mozart becomes fiercely protective despite her sturdier nature as a pureblood and has hissed venom at Arthur about the fact that she is off fucking limits. Doesn’t leave her alone in the same room as the other men unless it’s with Jeanne or Comte; he don’t trust like that.

Arthur’s reaction:

Sweating a lot at the sudden collection of baleful eyes sticking to his back everywhere he goes, but figures he brought it on himself to an extent. That being said, he can’t really get a word in edgewise given she just walks away when he tries to engage in conversation or compliment her.

Tough nut to crack this one, but he doesn’t let it discourage him. The only way she’ll give him the time of day is to play chess--and she kicks his ass soundly every single time. He’s fascinated by her extensive analytic ability, but she keeps silent about her strategies and thinking. Dazai and Theo always love to watch him get his ass handed to him, but he considers it a really interesting experience; it gives him insight into her mind, no matter how much she tries to hide. Patient, efficient, brutal--this kid has seen some shit, probably.

It’s after that point he just concedes she probably won’t let him in, though it doesn’t diminish his curiosity about the future; and perhaps traces of dread. What does the future look like for both her and Sebastian to be that stoic and aloof? It worries him...

Vincent’s reaction:

Vincent is v v impressed by her sense of self, and honestly sees a lot of Theo in her. She’s a little more reticent than Theo, but she has this same commitment to protecting the vulnerable and penetrating through the lies/shitty convictions of others. She is not a person who bends easily, but even so there’s a quiet kind of gentleness to her: she always chats to him v calmly, asks if he needs anything and is doing okay, doesn’t get impatient when he drops things or forgets his apron for the laundry. I think he would respond very positively to her presence, even if it wasn’t intentional. He just brightens up like a little sun and asks her out to picnics for fun; he has no greater intention than enjoying her smile and silly antics (he doesn’t always understand the references, but the way she executes it with so much dry wit--like Theo--makes him laugh). He just feels the warmth of family/familiarity around her ;~;

Ironically, they’re both exceedingly concerned for the other because they’re too self-sacrificing jkashlgdks like this is 100% a case of “I can’t let a young lady risk getting hurt” “Vincent I’m literally indestructible please just let me do this” “But it still hurts” “But I don’t want you to scar--” (This conversation extends so long that the author felt it would be more beneficial to add an etc. here). 

He admires her and trusts in her abilities more due to the nature of her maturity, treats her like a cherished friend and sometimes younger sibling (not condescending but very indulgent; gives her the last of his sweets for example, or pats her on the head when she’s feeling gloomy--more of a wholesome puts her first). But make no mistake, he will throw hands in milliseconds if she gets ganged up on or can’t handle a threat--he just lets her handle most things bc she’s capable~

Isaac’s reaction:

Torn. Because on the one hand, she’s very serious and conscientious about her work--doesn’t want to inconvenience or trouble anyone--and he relates to that heavy.

HOWEVER.

She’s also got insanely chaotic energy when the mood strikes, so when Dazai starts doing his random shitfuckery you better believe MC is upping the ante. (I’m talking AH. ENSLAVED MOISTURE. levels). So Isaac essentially oscillates between thankful for her fortitude to bashing his head against a table for every second he knows her.

In all seriousness though, I would see Isaac as being pretty concerned. Like Vincent, they’re both self-sacrificing to a fault--and he doesn’t want that for her, especially given how young she is. Often tells her not to overdo it or to ask for help if she looks overwhelmed, though it’s not condemning; he says it softly with a neutral look on his face. (He considers it a Certified Mood^TM). He just wants to give back all the care she puts into helping around the house. He doesn’t feel right watching a kid work so hard without reminding her that she should find time to have fun and live for herself too. There will be plenty of time when she’s older to get serious.

He has a fairly easy time interacting with her because of his experience with kids; he takes her seriously (when she’s not clowning) and treats her autonomy with respect. If anything, she’s probably the protective one. She knows he’s an aberrant so she pays laser attention to when he’s suffering and brings him Rouge (not scared because she’s stronger than him and not human lmao, and she sees no need to put Sebastian at risk). When that uni pres pesters him, she goes cold and angry and asks the man to step off when she sees him start to downspiral. They’re essentially on equal footing (he has more life experience, she has more bodily strength/confidence). They're just chill and kind with each other (babies of the mansion, beloved by all).

Theodorus' reaction:

Because he is a manchild, he will be chill/generally indifferent until Vincent starts being indulgent with her (bro-con). He won't be violent or anything like that, but he will pout a storm and try to verbally shoo her away. Because she's a woman, intelligent, and likely a feminist--this will become hilarious because she will not remotely take him seriously. She will just ignore him or roast him in seconds before moving on with her day. Otherwise he doesn't care much because he doesn't have time to play babysitter (unless there's no one else to help).

At the most, he'll make sure she's safe and use the excuse that Vincent would be upset if he did anything less. If she likes/loves dogs and plays with King while she's there, he'll soften up and thank her for taking care of him. If she makes hella pancakes, he'll be the proudest about it--ruffling her hair. If she protects Vincent in any capacity, he'll be torn between jealous, grateful and impressed; he likes a kid that can hold their own and take responsibility within their abilities.

So their relationship is v much like a chill uncle with their niece; fond, but not necessarily super close or spend a ton of time together. He has his priorities, but he won't be an asshat (mostly).

Jeanne's reaction:

Jeanne is confused on so many levels. He doesn't dislike her spunk he's just staggered by her level of sheer reckless, righteous rage. (And he's a bit wary in the face of another pureblood as a potential enemy) but after a bit more time around her he relaxes. She's fairly simple to understand when you get to know her; cares about others to a fault, existential dread, overworks herself. Stays watchful, but he just treats her like the younger kids that Napoleon brings by the weapons shop when they need armor for practice. It can get a little funny because he’ll just be like “uhhhh uh kids like sweet stuff right? Here have some of the macaroons somebody brought by earlier, I don’t like ‘em that much anyway.” And she just “??? Thanks???” He doesn’t mind being around her, just doesn’t really know what to say so they often fall into comfortable silence after exchanging small talk. She likes that he isn’t complicated; what you see is what you get with Jeanne. It’s nice not to have to keep her guard up every second of the day,

When he sees her feeling particularly down, he’ll take her to that little field of white lilies behind the mansion during a full moon night. The silver light seems to make the petals emit an ethereal glow, and she makes him a flower crown in thanks. He listens kindly if she wants to talk, and if she doesn’t--that’s okay too; he’ll just give her a head pat.

Honestly he finds a lot of relief in the fact that she's a pureblood, because he feels less nervous about her being fragile or her getting fatally hurt when he’s not around. Will still be very gentle with her and protect her when she’s in proximity

Mission Status: Fucking Wholesome

Dazai’s reaction:

Big brother time? It’s big brother time!!!! He instantly makes it his subtle mission to look after her, though he’s v lowkey abt it. She takes one look at this depressed mofo climbing in through the window and just goes “aw yeah, this guy FUCKS” and they become besties at a glance. They basically make a game out of who can be the most absurd whenever they’re in the same room. Comte and Leo find it utterly hilarious, Napoleon is digging a grave for Isaac in the backyard (we all know his heart won’t be able to take it. Mozart is probably next. A moment of silence for our fallen.)

I just imagine them like that one post (@/acoolguy):

Dazai: You ever have to shake your leg because there’s a rock in it? MC: That’s your bones Dazai: Every day I learn some more

He’ll always share treats with her and brings her along for walks if she’s feeling wanderlust; he knows how hard it can be, how restless the heart becomes so far from home. He does his best to distract her with their ongoing jokes, but one day it starts raining very suddenly while they’re out. He rushes her under the nearest tree with broad, broad leaves and settles his haori/overcoat over her head. He looks incredibly serious as he looks to the sky--almost glowering at the dark clouds gathering, He doesn’t look at all like his usual fun-loving self in that split second, even though he’s back to his good-natured chirping “Guess we’ll just have to wait out the downpour. MC, are you cold? I should have been more careful.” She shakes her head and shares the coat with him, holding it out insistently until he relents. Their hands brush and she notices they’re freezing, but she doesn’t say anything. She seems to sense he has a lot on his mind, and leans her shoulder against his. The silence feels fragile; she doesn’t want to risk shattering it--shattering him. It is often said that it is an act of great courage to wipe away someone’s tears. But it can also be an act of great gentleness to turn away, to pretend one cannot see them fall (whether visible or not).

One day, after MC returns to her own time, Dazai returns to his room to find two shadows hanging from his window. Though a little crude--they’ve obviously been made by a beginner--it’s clear what they are. Rain ghosts. (Sebastian later explains it was MC’s wish that he have them, and Dazai only smiles very, very gently in response.)

Shakespeare’s reaction:

MC gets one look at him and knows something’s off. She can’t quite tell what it is, but he doesn’t feel like the rest of the family. She can sense something behind him, something lurking; but she can’t quite place it. (Comte has mentioned before that purebloods can sense each other, so I imagine MC knows right off the bat he isn’t a normal sired vampire--she just doesn’t know enough to identify exactly what it is.)

That being said, she is sus. He keeps talking like some kind of weird ass court jester/fae, and she hated his work when she had to do it for school (only enjoyed the Hamlet memes because, let’s be real, that shit is uproarious). When he tries to coax her to see Vlad with him, she says “'Sblood, do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe? Call me what instrument you will, though you can fret me, yet you cannot play upon me.” And he just freezes in place before he starts laughing. Considers their battle of wills well-played, and warns her not to go out alone--doesn’t bother her again. Though sometimes enjoys listening to her conversations with others for good roast material. (No he is not taking notes, no this new chara is just fire and feral for no good reason--nothing to do with MC)

Sebastian’s reaction:

The l o r e, MC. Give him the forbidden pureblood lore. Will be incredibly curious and ask about what vampires are like outside of the mansion, for science of course. If he senses discomfort though his questions will die down completely--it’s not his intention to make her uncomfortable. He’s just curious! 

Despite his stoicism he’s actually a very, very understanding and warm person.  Will listen to any teenage jadedness or hopelessness with fond patience, recalling the days he was similar. He’ll offer what advice he can. He’s not one to be preachy, but if he sees someone at a loss, he’ll offer what he thinks might be a productive direction for them. Given her removal from her home and parents--even though she’s already well into high school--he’ll sympathize deeply with her position. Will be a firm but gentle guardian (hello Mansion Mom #2), offers her candy every time she does a chore exceptionally well or offers assistance without prompting. She’s sus and takes it reluctantly at first, but after she tries one in private secretly loves them. Sebas is just silently “you like krabby patties don’t you, squidward”. If she’s honest, she’s comforted by the sense of normalcy and care he gives, the harmless joking and easy respect for others (unless otherwise provoked).

When she finds out about his hobby considers him to be a Fucking Nerd^TM and wants to shove him into a locker, but in reality is endeared by how much he genuinely cares about the men. She thinks it’s a harmless fascination, and she senses the oddest...ephemerality about him. Because of this, she becomes pretty protective; he’s a human and he’s too nice for his own good. While she identifies in one sense, she worries in another. Pureblood are sturdy, but humans can’t necessarily sustain that kind of constant self-giving for long...

Also bc my tag game too strong adding it here: #i love the prospect of pureblood MC trying to bring Sebas and Napo together #MC: bruh i got this #Sebas, full of gay panic: wait, MC nO--

Meme tl;dr in the tags also for your enjoyment! I’m sorry this one took a little longer than most to finish!

[grimseywrites]

Obey Me Preferences #11 - Chanukah

Lucifer SO GLAD THAT YOU DON’T CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. He’s just overall lowkey thrilled that he won’t have to hear you praising Jesus. That whole story is like a kick in the ass to him. If you ask, he’ll join for the candle lighting every day. He won’t sing with you, he’s okay you sending praise and thanks if it means you’re on the good side of G-d, but he refuses to be involved in it. If he likes you a lot, he’ll get you a Chanukah present. If he loves you, you’ll have a new present each day. If you’re dating, he’ll sign the notes as being from him. What do you expect? He’s an awkward demon.

Mammon He’s only half-listening to you talk about it, until you mention dreidel and gelt, and now you have a VERY ENTHUSIASTIC DEMON. He will go around to all his brothers and Diavolo claiming Chanukah tradition and that they MUST give him Grimm. You can try and explain that it’s mainly for children, but as soon as he hears money is involved, this is what you get. And he ropes anyone who will listen into dreidel, and yes, it’s played with Grimm. Though he will accept jewels? Or expensive jewelry? He wins a few times, until you got Lucifer to monitor the game for cheating. Just keep him away from the menorah, if it’s golden in any way then he’s going to try to steal it.

Leviathan He’s going to swing one of two ways on this. Either he’ll stan a Jewish character, and be so excited that you can explain all this to him…or he’ll be tsundere and completely unable to admit that he’s interested bc of you. There won’t be any particular aspect of it that he likes, oil and water don’t really mix so he’s not hugely into it, but it won’t be hard to talk him into watching you light the candles and sing. He’ll feel weird about the religion aspect, and definitely envious that you’re giving G-d more attention than you do him, but as long as you reassure him that you still love him just the same, he’s okay with it. Another dreidel player, he just wants to be with you and when he wins it’s actually adorable.

Satan Knowledge is Power for Satan, and now he has a Jewish person in front of him? He’s asking all the questions, how devout are you, do you speak Hebrew, can you tell him the Chanukah story? Is he saying it right? I firmly believe he already knows Hebrew, and will offer to help you improve yours if you’d like. He basically follows you around with a notebook like an assistant and any time you do something he’ll ask if it’s a tradition. Eventually you’ll have to take him aside and tell him to cut it out. At least he’s interested, right? Dreidel with him and Mammon is a very tense affair, and you know both of them are trying to cheat with magic.

Asmodeus His only thought is about how the both of you look so good in candlelight. He very much doesn’t want to get into the religion side, and he refuses to eat any of the fried things because that much oil can’t be good for his skin. He may however join in for a song, to show you that he loves you and also how well you harmonise together. He’ll also participate in dreidel once or twice, to antagonise Mammon, but after that he just spectates and cheers you on.

Beelzebub DEEP FRIED EVERYTHING. Come on, what did you think I’d say? If you want to perfect a recipe or are just missing your family recipes and trying to learn them yourself, he is here for you. He ends up getting way better at making latkes than you are (even if he uses some devildom ingredients), and uses your religion as an excuse to make piles of them. He is happy to watch the candle lighting, because he likes looking at you, but hearing the words of the song really make him miss the Celestial Realm and Lilith, so you need to hug him once you’re done.

Belphegor None of it is all that interesting to him. Part of him wants to piss Lucifer off by singing religious songs at him, but also he’s tired and just wants to nap on you like usual. He’s happy Beel likes the food, and helps with the cooking, and when you play dreidel he’s usually sleeping with his head in your lap. Falls asleep every night when you light the candles, which does let Beel excuse himself to carry Belphie up to their room.

Diavolo Much like Satan he wants to know everything! He has Barbatos decorate the castle and straight up invites himself to the candle lighting. Does not bother him in the slightest to sing the songs with you, listen to the readings, even give a reading. He finds it all fascinating. So you have an eager puppy and an aloof kitten following you around to learn about Chanukah. He just wants to be involved, hug this giant man please. Literally as soon as you tell him about gelt he’s arranged for a million Grimm to be given to you. Luckily even the Devildom has charities, so you take him, Satan and the angels to donate it before Mammon steals it.

Barbatos Barb really doesn’t care one way or the other. However, on request of his Lord, he finds himself cooking with you and learning recipes. He has you come over to the castle, and it’s a very peaceful time, though he is comfortable enough to sass you occasionally.

Solomon Solomon was in the Old Testament, and he is absolutely going to troll you about it. He remembers when Chanukah came about, watched the traditions evolve and now he is going to use all that knowledge. ‘Did you know latkes were originally made out of cheese?’ ‘Huh? That’s not right, I remember it being insert-your-least-favourite-vegetable-here’. He does give you chocolate gelt, and some to Luke, and even gives some to Mammon when he comes calling. But mostly he’s just trying to mess with you.

Simeon He’s weeping with joy, he is so excited that you’re religious. He asks if he can do the readings, and has some menorahs in Purgatory Hall. He tells Luke the story of Chanukah, and is ecstatic if you join in. He sings the songs with you - he has a heavenly voice - and he’s so happy to actually be involved in a religious holiday.

Luke Much like Simeon he’s so happy and excited that you want to praise G-d! He loves spending time with you, he loves being righteous, it’s all perfect! Though he refuses to play the games with demons, he does agree to cook with you and Barbatos, and Simeon even lets him light one menorah with supervision. Luke is mirroring Mammon’s energy, but for ‘the right reasons’ as he keeps repeating.

[regionalcuisineofasia]

Sushi (Vince)

What’s up everybody! Vince here and I’m back with another post about East Asian cuisine. For this post I will be discussing one of my favorite foods which I can never get enough of, sushi. Growing up I was actually not a fan of sushi at all, as my entire family never ate seafood. As I got older and began trying it on my own, it did not take long before I realized just how good sushi is. This post will be all about sushi: its history, what exactly it is, different types, and some recommendations from me for restaurants to try!

While sushi is a traditional Japanese dish, the origins of sushi actually trace back to 2nd century BC in China with a dish called narezushi, which was simply fermented rice with salted fish. This dish spread from China to Japan in the 8th century. The sushi that we know and love today was created in 1824 by a man named Hanaya Yohei at his shop in Ryogoku, Japan. He found that delicious, bite sized treats could be made by placing small slivers of fish on top of rice tossed with vinegar. Thus, nigiri was born, and the sushi that we know in the West began in Japan.

So, what exactly is sushi? Sushi is a dish prepared with vinegared rice accompanying a variety of ingredients, usually seafood and vegetables. The most common seafood found in sushi is squid, eel, yellowtail, salmon, tuna, and imitation crab meat. Vegetables and other ingredients often used in sushi include cucumber, carrot, avocado, onion, sesame, and seaweed. There are many different types of sushi, but the main types are nigiri, maki, uramaki, and temaki. Sashimi is often mistaken for sushi, but it is its own dish entirely since it consists of only fish.

·       Nigiri: thinly sliced, raw fish pressed on top of sushi rice

·       Maki: cut, rolled sushi made with a sheet of nori (seaweed), wrapped around a layer of rice, vegetables, and fish

·       Uramaki: rice on outside of roll, seaweed on inside. It’s basically maki that is inside out, considered more western-style sushi

·       Temaki: sushi that has been hand rolled into a cone shape, larger than other sushi rolls

 Now that you know a bit about sushi and the different types, I’d like to give some of my favorite sushi rolls! Keep in mind sushi is not made exactly the same way everywhere, but in general these are typical ingredients for these sushi rolls.

California roll: I might be biased because I am from California, but this is a go to for me. California rolls are uramaki rolls, with a layer of rice on the outside and a sheet of nori on the inside. They usually include avocado, imitation crab, and cucumber.

   Spider roll: This is a maki roll which is usually made with deep fried soft-shell crab and includes fillings such as cucumber, avocado, daikon sprouts or lettuce, roe and spicy mayonnaise.

   Dragon roll: This is an uramaki roll with crunchy crab, eel, and mayo inside,  avocado slices on the outside, and eel sauce on top. The way the sushi is arranged makes the roll resemble the scales of a dragon.

Dynamite roll: This an uramki roll with yellow tail, salmon, tuna, mayo, cayenne pepper, and veggies. This version does contain raw fish, but other versions exist with prawn tempura.

As for places to get sushi in Memphis, Sekisui is an excellent sushi restaurant close by in Midtown. All of these rolls are on the menu, along with many others! Osaka is another excellent sushi restaurant with a much more expansive menu including other Japanese cuisine. I hope you all have enjoyed this post and feel encouraged to get some sushi yourselves!