#I may eat ramen but my edges are Laid

[corpsehusband-simp]

Insecure

Request: Can you do a roommate fluff where the reader is noticeably just avoiding eating and all that and corpse tries to comfort her and reassure her.

A/N: This is a bit heavier than I have written but I hope you guys like it. Please remember you are beautiful no matter your body type. I am always here if you need to talk and my DMs are always open for you to message me. I love you guys. Also thank you so much for 500+ followers!!!

Warnings: Angst. Body image issues. Cursing. fluff at the end.

✨Master list✨

You looked up from your phone hearing a giggle coming from Corpse. He was sitting on the other end of the couch also on his phone but your legs were stretched over his lap and his free hand gently traced up and down your shin. These were your favorite days, just you and him hanging out. “What are you giggling about bug?” It was a nickname you had given your best friend years ago. Corpse leaned over showing you his phone. It was a pretty girl dancing to one of his songs. Your smile faltered a little but you quickly recover. “They are getting really creative, how does it feel to have reinvented the E-girl catgirls?” Corpse snorted and shook his head as he returned to his original position. “This whole thing is fucking crazy, I genuinely wasn���t expecting any of this to happen.” You let out a hum and looked at his Instagram story. Your stomach turned a little and your heart dropped. All of the girls he posted on his story were skinny and beautiful. Why would he want to be friends with me when there are all of these beautiful people around him? He must look at me and feel embarrassed. You shook your head and stood up, shoving your phone into your pocket. “I’ll be right back.” You walk into the bathroom and lift up your shirt looking at your body in the mirror. Your fingers gently traced your stretch marks. You didn’t want to spend your time comparing yourself to random girls on the internet but you couldn’t help it when your best friends Twitter and Instagram were flooded by them. You put back on your shirt and rub your face before going back out to the living room. “It’s my night to make dinner, what are you in the mood for?” You needed a distraction and cooking was the perfect thing. Corpse chuckled looking up at you. “Peanut every night is your night to cook, remember when you first moved in here I burnt ramen in the microwave.” You threw your head back laughing at the memory. “Yeah, you are banned from the kitchen. Not to mention you couldn’t get the aluminum foil open.” Corpse gasped and threw a pillow at your head. “Rude!” You laugh and threw the pillow back at him before going to the kitchen. Corpse got up as well and leans on the counter as you search through the fridge. “Buuuug what sounds good what do you want to eat?” “Why do I have to pick what do you want?” You sigh and keep your back to Corpse. “I’m not really hungry” you shrug and turn around, finally looking at Corpse. His eyebrows were furred together. He stood up straight, setting his phone down on the counter and crossing his arms. “Y/N.” His voice was calm but it had a stern edge to it. “Why are you doing that?” You bit the inside of your lip and look at him. “Doing what?” You decided to play oblivious but you knew he wasn’t going to buy it, the man knew everything about you and could read you like a book. “Y/N don’t play coy with me. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you haven’t been eating. I thought maybe you were on your period or just weren’t feeling well but this-” He motioned his hand in front of you. “This is different, so please tell me what’s going on because I’m worried about you.” You saw the sincerity in his eyes. You hated that he was worried because you knew he was already filled with so much anxiety. You blinked a few times trying to fight back the tears. “It’s nothing Corpse. I’m just not hungry.” Your voice was just above a whisper in fear that if you made it any louder it would fail you and shake. Before Corpse could push the topic any further you close the fridge and leave the kitchen going to your room. “I’m gonna head to bed early. “Y/N wait plea-” You cut him short closing your door locking it. You fell face-first into your bed and let out a sob into your pillow. You hated feeling like this. You laid there for a while crying as you looked at the different girls Corpse was posting. You jumped a little hearing a soft knock at the door. “Hey, peanut...can I come in?” You bit your lip laying there for a moment contemplating if you should pretend to be asleep or not. “I can’t see that you’re active on Instagram so don’t even try and pretend you are asleep.” A small smile forms on your lips. “Brat.” You mumble getting up, as you walk to the door you catch a glimpse of yourself in the full-length mirror your eyes were red and puffy. You sigh and open the door. “Hi” Corpse frowns and reaches up wiping away a stray tear off your cheek. “Y/N we are best friends, you are the most important person in my life, you’ve been there for me through everything. You’ve stuck through all the bullshit and you know that I’ve always, always been right here for you so why are you pushing me away now?” You let out a shaky breath and look at the ground avoiding eye contact with him. “Because it’s stupid.” Corpse cups your cheeks with both his hands and gently makes you look at him. “If it’s making you feel like this then it’s not stupid, so please Y/N tell me what’s going on. Talk it through with me because maybe I can help.” You look up into his eyes and your bottom lip starts to shake. “I’m ugly. I hate myself Corpse. I look at all the girls you post and I want to be beautiful and skinny like them.” Corpse’s jaw dropped and his heart broke at your words. “Y/N…” He paused for a moment taking in a shaky breath and tries to blink away his tears. “You are beautiful. There is no debate about that. Your weight does not define your beauty. But you, my dear, are beautiful on the inside and outside. You outshine every girl I have ever posted on my story. I am honored every day to have you in my life please never forget that.” Corpse let go of your face and pulls you into a tight close hug. You cling to him and nuzzle your face into his shoulder. “I love you Corpse thank you for always being my rock.” he gave you a squeeze and rests his chin on your head. “We keep each other grounded. I don’t know where I would be without you.” He pulls back and pinches your cheek. “Now come on Peanut lets get some food and watch TV.” You smile, looking up at him. I may not be perfect but imperfect to him and that’s all that matters. You think to yourself before nodding. “Okay bug but your driving.” He grabs his keys out of his pocket and takes you hand in his. “Deal now come on.”

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[depressedhatakekakashi]

Can we please get a yamairu story about Yamato sprouting flowers every time he sees iruka without realizing it. Maybe sprouts a bunch when he finally works up the courage to ask for a date and iruka says yes

AO3 Link

Iruka’s smile is stunning. There isn’t a single thing Tenzo can think of that lights up a room quite like it. 

Soft and full of kindness it quickly becomes one of Tenzo’s favorite things to see. A ray of sunshine on his otherwise never ending days getting teased by his Senpai and trying to keep Naruto from doing something incredibly reckless. 

“Captain Yamato,” Sakura’s voice brings him back to reality and forces him to drag his eyes from that beautiful smile. “What is this?”

As she speaks, Sakura reaches out to touch something on his arm. Following her hand with his eyes he groans when he sees a small light blue hydrangea blooming on his bicep. 

This was the third flower to sprout up out of nowhere this week.

“It’s, just...” Sighing, he reached out and plucked the flower off of his arm. There was nothing quite like having flowers growing all over him to catch unwanted attention. “Just ignore it. That happens sometimes.”

Usually when he was feeling exceptionally emotional about something.

“It’s beautiful,” Sakura smiled up at him. “Your Mokuton really is amazing.”

Amazing. That was certainly one way to put it.

“Here,” holding the flower out to Sakura, he smiled. “You can have it.”

It wasn’t like he was short on flowers himself.

“I-thank you,” waiting for Sakura to take hold of the steam, he released his grip on the flower and smiled. It was always interesting to see how others reacted to some of the things that grew from his Mokuton. “It’s gorgeous.”

“It would look good in your hair,” He smiled over at her. “A nice little accessory for the day.”

She wouldn’t be the first to wear one of the flowers he had grown, though he didn’t think his Senpai would like it if he told her about how Kakashi-Sensei liked to wear flowers that Tenzo had grown on his uniform sometimes. 

Now if only he could figure out why there were flowers growing on him this time. 

“H-Hey, Naruto that’s not funny,” Iruka’s voice caught his attention, and he can’t help but smile when he looks back at the Academy Sensei. “You’re not being serious right now are you? please tell me this is a joke.”

He has no clue what Iruka’s talking about. All he knows is he can’t take his eyes off of that gorgeous face even when Sakura tries to talk to him again.

This is definitely worse than the puppy crush he had on Kakashi when he was younger.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A day off. 

He had a whole day off with no responsibilities, no requirement to be anywhere and no expectations, and here he was.

Sitting in a tree watching Iruka teach his students Taijutsu.

“You’re hopeless,” Glaring over at the man beside him, Tenzo huffed when he saw him looking over the top of his book at Iruka. “You should just ask him out.”

“I don’t recall asking for advice,” he grumbled. “Especially not from the guy who asked his boyfriend out by challenging him to an eating competition.”

“You say that like it didn’t work,” There was actually no come back to that one. Kakashi’s plan had worked and not only did he end up with a dinner date from it, but he actually managed to act like enough of a functioning human for that date that Gai-san agreed to another. “This one’s purple, by the way.”

This one?

Purple!?

glancing down at his body he started to search for the flower his Senpai was talking about. That had to be what it was he was referring to.

But for some reason he didn’t find anything.

“Here,” seeing Kakashi reach out, Tenzo cringed when his hand went straight for his head and returned with a dark purple tulip. “See? Purple.”

Great. Whatever was wrong with him was starting to get annoying. The last thing his Senpai needed was more reason to tease him mercilessly.

“Just ask him out, Tenzo,” Kakashi sighes and turns his attention back down to his book. “He’s not going to say no.”

“You can’t know that,” Tenzo’s mind instantly starts to come up with all of the worst case scenarios. The look of disgust on Iruka’s face when he asks him out, the slap to the face. All the things that would make him feel like an idiot for having this crush. “I’ll get over it. I always do.”

“He’s not going to say no,” Kakashi repeats himself, giving Tenzo a soft look when he glares back at him. “Trust me, Tenzo.”

Tenzo had learned long ago never to trust those words. The only thing that ever followed them was disaster and headache, even if their missions did end up being a success after Kakashi had dared to utter those terrifying words to him.

“Tenzo,” diverting his eyes, Tenzo huffed when he felt a hand land on his shoulder. “He’s not going to say no. If he does, I'll just stab him for you.”

“That’s not a solution, Senpai!” He knows he has made a mistake as soon as the words leave his mouth, but hearing Iruka calling out to them to ask if Kakashi’s bugging him isn’t any easier to handle just because he knows he screwed up.

He actually feels a pretty strong urge to die right then and there so he doesn’t have to deal with the overwhelming feeling of embarrassment that was now taking over. The only reason he didn’t drop dead in his spot was because of Kakashi, who had actually fallen out of the tree laughing and crashed into the ground.

That was actually funny enough to make him forget about dying for two seconds. At least he wasn’t suffering alone now.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This was it.

Today was the day he was going to do it. After three weeks of debating and struggling over the perfect plan, and collecting an entire three vases worth of flowers to decorate his apartment with just thinking about Iruka. 

He was finally going to ask Iruka out.

Stepping into Iruka’s classroom, he smiled when he saw the man of his affections leaning over his desk marking papers frantically.

How was it that man could make even school work look good?

“You look like you’re having fun,” Iruka’s head shot up when he spoke. “Whoe, sorry. I didn’t think I would catch you off guard.” After all those years in Root and then ANBU he was so used to keeping his Chakra hidden that sometimes he forgot he didn’t actually have to do that in Konoha anymore. 

“As long as it’s you and not someone worse,” Tenzo’s gut told him that ‘someone worse’ was Iruka’s way of saying ‘Hatake Kakashi’, and somehow he wasn’t surprised. He only wondered what his Senpai had done to set Iruka on edge like this. “What can i do for you, Captain Yamato?”

“Well, ummmm,” Suddenly hours of practice finding the perfect words disappeared, and Tenzo was left with an empty brain and an heart pounding so hard in his chest it was actually starting to hurt a bit. “I was just…”

“Hmmm?” Iruka tilted his head. “What is it?”

This was not going as easily as he had hoped. In fact, this was a disaster.

“I-N-Never mind,” turning on his heel he was about to make an escape when a hand came down on his shoulder and pulled him back, Iruka’s smiling face greeting him when he found the tiniest bit of courage to look at him again. “Ummm…”

“Why don’t you tell me what it is over Ramen?” Iruka suggested. “I was getting a little hungry anyways, and I could always use the company.”

Ramen? With Iruka?

How was he actually getting dinner with the man when he couldn’t even figure out how to form a coherent sentence around him?

“I-uh, s-sure…” His face feels like it’s on fire, and he’s certain he’s going to burst into flames when he sees Iruka reaching out towards him. 

“Those are pretty,” Pretty? What in the world was he talking about. “Is this normal?”

Tenzo’s about to ask what Iruka is talking about when it clicks, and suddenly he feels like he’s going to melt into the floor. Actually, he kind of wishes he would. It would provide an easy escape, but he was stuck now. If he ran away Iruka may never talk to him again.

“It...it happens sometimes,” he grumbled under his breath. Reaching up, he sought out the flower in question and plucked it off of his shoulder. Bright yellow. It sort of reminded him of the bright smile Iruka always had on his face when he saw Naruto. “Sorry. I don’t always have full control over how my Mokuton responds to some things. The stray flowers get out once in a while.”

“Oh, Captain Yamato,” Iruka laughed, pulling his hand back to reveal another flower. This one vibrant purple like the one Kakashi had picked from his head a few weeks ago. “It’s more like a whole garden.”

A garden? Did he mean...was there…

Reaching up once again, Tenzo ran his hand over his shoulder. Too afraid to look and see how bad it really was, but needing to know anyways.

His entire soul left his body when he felt a whole row of flowers there on his shoulder. All bunched up close together.

“A-are they…”

“Everywhere?” Iruka chuckled when he nodded his head. “Oh ya. Yellows, blues, purples. There’s even a cute little orange tulip on your head.”

Why did the tulips like to grow from his head? 

“Give me five minutes to make myself look human again,” he grumbled under his breath. The last thing he needed was for people to see him walking around with flowers sprouting everywhere on him. “Then, if you still want…”

“Ramen,” Iruka finished for him with a smile that lit up the room and somehow calmed Tenzo’s nerves a bit. “I’ll just put everything in here away and meet you outside?”

“That sounds…” perfect. Wonderful. Amazing. So many words ran through his mind but not one of them agreed to be spoken. “Beautiful.”

Finally something left his mouth, but he’s pretty sure it has more to do with that smile he can’t take his eyes off of than it does with the plans Iruka just laid out for him.

For the first time since he met Iruka, he doesn’t care.

Absolutely nothing he says could make him look worse than Iruka seeing him sprout flowers from every part of his body. He was a garden of his own emotional creation and there wasn’t a damn thing that could make this situation any more embarrassing.

“Beautiful works,” Iruka laughed, bright and happy. “It describes your face really well.”

Ok. 

Maybe there was something that could make this whole scenario even more embarrassing. That thing was Iruka and his damn perfect complements.

“You, uhh… you have a few more,” Iruka pointed at his head, and this time Tenzo is certain his spirit has actually left his body.

[tarithenurse]

Nightingale - 21

Fandom: Naruto Pairing: Hatake Kakashi &/x Fem!OC Contents: Some...niceness? Oh, that’s gotta be a mistake! Curious Naruto (that’s a warning all on its own). A/N: Work is fucked (not so noticeable during night shifts, though, and I (+ many colleagues) feel horrible about it all (we’re supposed to do rehabilitation but it’s bare basic care)...and so I’ve got a job interview tomorrow and I’m freaking OUT because I didn’t expect to be taken into consideration! ARGH! As usual, ASK or REBLOG for tag!

Ch. 21

Kakashi had refused to leave the woman behind at first. It wasn’t until the Hokage had stepped over and threatened with constant missions abroad that the blue nightingale finally snapped out of her stupor, glared at her protector, and told him not to be a bloody idiot that he accepted leaving her behind – and even then, his thoughts constantly sought her out.

He had not had the motivation to think of something for Team 7 to do as training, but he also knew he needed the distraction.

“Perhaps,” he had contemplated, “you could do better in the bell-test this time?”

Of course, Naruto had complained: “Why’s it always you get the easy part of holding on to things? It’s not fair!”

“You rather be the one defending the bells?” An idea had formed then. “Fine, you three will have to protect three bells from me...if you succeed saving just one, then there might be a prize -”

“Yipeee!”

“...if you fail twice, though...” he had let the threat hang in the air, knowing that would be plenty of motivation.

...

Dirty, tired, but happy. The three students’ chatter surrounds Kakashi, bringing an unseen smile to his face. Naruto’s recount of his apparently more amazing moves than anyone had witnessed is a high-speed noise compared to the more dignified analysis of the other two. Gotta remember this exercise, the sensei promises himself as he picks a stick from his unruly hair.

“Must admit...the first round was over so quickly, I thought you hadn’t even learned anything from it,” he teases, earning groans and contradictions in return.

“But we did it! I never give up!”

Sakura sighs. “We know, Naruto, now quit yelling!”

“Butbutbut! What do we win?!”

That stops all three students who look to their leader.

“Ah, right. I did promise something, didn’t I?” Oops, shouldn’t have let my attention slip at the end. “Well then, how does a stop at Ichiraku’s sound?”

Apparently, that sounds good to more than just Naruto who always can eat, and they set off towards the best ramen-bar in town.

He hears the angry voice before the student do, and though the distance still is too great to pick out the individual words it's clear from the tone that most must be threats of sorts. As a jōnin, it may not be his explicit task to investigate the matter – there's the local police corps for civilian crimes and misdemeanours – but the presence of a shinobi such as him tends to have a calming effect on any hotheads.

Skidding around the corner with the kids hot on his heels, the scenery in front of a bakery unfolds with theatrical clarity: the matron, standing on the stoop to her shop with a broom in hand and both arms and hair flying wild on the rage she's spewing; the crowd, a mix of customers from the bakery and passers by, simultaneously intrigued and appalled as they take in the drama; and finally the demure figure with the hands clasped before her and the cascade of blue hair obscuring the face that's lowered towards the sandy ground. No one, to stop the verbal abuse from the shop owner – although Kakashi doubts the newcomer has been allowed to walk around the Village without a shadow.

"Hai, what seems to be the issue here?" he interrupts gently, placing himself between the two women.

The baker smiles coldly. "About time," she fumes, "this...this girl has the audacity of asking for continuous employment even after the ANBU came this morning to ransack the room she was renting!"

"I believe there has been a verbal agreement between the two of you that part of the rent was payed in labour?" Glancing at Uguisu, it worries the jōnin that she's not raising her voice to speak up for herself.

"If I'd known she was a criminal then I'd ne-"

Kakashi fully turns to the woman. "Criminal?" His disapproval is palpable in the air. "If she was a criminal, then she wouldn’t be allowed to walk around freely anymore."

Tugging away a few of the errand strands which leaves white flour smeared across black hair, the baker glances at the surrounding people who do nothing to help her out. "Well...she's been lying to me about her identity...even disguising herself! If I'd had any idea then I wouldn't have rented the room to her!"

"Not everyone has the luxury to freely announce their presence wherever they go." He ignores the halfhearted attempt at a protest from behind him. "Now, for the rent...I believe you are owed?"

"Yes."

"Perhaps we can reach an arrangement...I'll be willing to supervise until the remainder of the debt has been payed off in the form of cleaning. Would that be acceptable?" Hesitantly, sure, but Kakashi wins the acceptance and only a slight huff when the baker finally returns to her business. "Alright. Nothing left to see here, people!"

The onlookers scatter slowly, muttering as they go but not daring to be too obvious in their curiosity while there still is a ninja present.

"You didn't have to do that," Uguisu points out softly.

Maybe not. "Where will you be staying now?" he deflects.

"A room at the dorms."

The trio of kids have edged closer, one of them cowering under a death glare from Sakura, proving that she at least has some tact and managed to stop the usual flow of obnoxious questions. Sasuke has stuffed the fists deep into his pockets and pretends a pebble is much more interesting, but their teacher is well aware that the kid is soaking up any and all information.

"We were headed to Ichiraku’s for a celebratory ramen dinner...want to come along?" Regret is plastered across her face, a shrug growing into a shake of the head, but Kakashi has made a decision. "My treat, of course, can't expect you to stick it out with the number one knucklehead there otherwise."

Her crooked smile alone would be enough for the man to live for.

Introductions are quickly managed on the way to Ichiraku, and though Uguisu dishes out an impressive amount of non-answers the kids stop pushing for information as soon as they get their food. Blue hair pushed to one side, the former mystery has laid claim to a seat at the end, allowing her to sit at an angle that grants a better view while her back is protected and Kakashi sits as a buffer between her and the kids.

"Celebration?" Mr. Ichiraku, the patron of the eatery, looks between the guests.

"Hai!" Somehow, Naruto manages to be talk and eat at the same time. "We beat Kakashi at his own game!"

It earns a smile from the chef who gladly engages with the kid.

The teacher glances to the added guest only to find her attention glued on Sakura. "Haruno-sama," Uguisu begins, "would it be possible for me to borrow your Academy books from before the Genin exam?"

The question silences everyone, underlining the sudden hectic stuttering from the girl in answer.

"Why do you need them, hey, lady?" Naruto demands, voicing the question everyone else is thinking.

Before satisfying their curiosity, the woman takes a sip of water, her brows wrinkling slightly as if she’s thinking of the best way to say whatever is on her mind. “Sarutobi Hokage has decided the best way to ensure my past training is by having me sit in with the Academy Recruits -”

“Whaaat?!”

“Shut up, Naruto!”

“- meanwhile my warden will plan an alternate chunin exam.” She bites softly into the bottom lip, momentarily lost in thought. “I suppose that’s for the best.”

To Naruto’s credit, he really has been trying to hold back for several seconds, but now the scratchy laughter escapes him in a sputter that makes his comrades cringe visibly. “Hahaaa! You’re gonna be learning with the kiddies! Eheheheeee-”

He’s efficiently silenced by Sakura once more. This time probably for longer as he’ll have to nurse an oncoming lump on his head.

Looking past Kakashi, the girl attempts a placating smile. “Hai, you can borrow them. And please excuse Naruto who’s a moron.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Let me get them right away!” The rose-haired girl rushes off before Uguisu can stop her, leaving three guests and a cook behind with a dazed boy.

[myaekingheart]

138. Rock and Roru

read the scarecrow and the bell on ao3 index | from the beginning | < previous | next >

TW for eating disorder talk. *flings fluff at you* ENJOY THE CAVITIES BECAUSE THESE TWO ARE JUST TOO DAMN CUTE. A little detour to expand on Roru and her team, based on what Sekkachi mentioned to Rei in the previous chapter. I promise all of this is going to come back around and tie into Rei and Kakashi's story, so just bear with me for a second haha

               Roru Fumeiyo swung her legs back and forth idly as she gripped the edge of the bench in the hospital courtyard. The sun was far too bright and the birds were too loud. She heard the footsteps of a young couple down the hallway, laughing in disbelief as they swooned over their baby’s first ultrasound. Sick. How could anyone be happy on a day like this?

               Roru tilted her head back against the back of the bench and huffed. She couldn’t comprehend how something could turn so sour so quickly. She almost scorned herself for having woken up that morning feeling optimistic. She should have known better. Now everything was ruined, and it was all Suisen Unohana’s fault.

               Team Tekuno had been working hard to prepare for the chunin exams. With two weeks left before the written exam, they were really getting down to the wire.

               “How about I take you girls out for some ramen after this?” Tekuno had asked during a brief respite. His students sprawled out across the grass, guzzling water and fanning their faces. It may have been hot, but they knew this would be nothing compared to the unforgiving summers in Sunagakure.

               To say that Tekuno had been proud of his students was understatement. He had never expected these girls, so whiny and weak in the beginning, to become so strong and capable. They each had their own merits that, when combined, forged an indomitable alliance. Roru was agile and determined, Hoseki captivating and clever, and Suisen was smart and skilled. Tekuno couldn’t help but laugh, likening them to the famed Dorimuchimu led by Chikara-sensei. Tekuno had never paid much mind to the original all-girl squad in his youth, rolling his eyes at their sense of feminism, but now that he was in a similar position, he had garnered a newfound admiration for the old team. Especially with Roru under his wing, the younger cousin of Dorimuchimu’s Sekkachi Fumeiyo.

               Leaping to her feet, Hoseki brushed the little blades of grass from her puffy pigtails and shot her sensei a sharp smile. “Just one more sparring match first” she insisted. “I want to feel like I’ve really earned it.”

               A gleaming smile touched Roru’s lips as she nodded in agreement. Suisen rose slowly, cautiously. She was outnumbered and therefore had no room to protest. Chuckling, Tekuno took great pride in his student’s determination and agreed to let them have one more match. The girls crouched into their battle positions, awaited Tekuno’s signal, and then they were off.

               A sharp smiel touched Roru’s face as she lunged for Suisen, not unkindly. Suisen’s violet eyes bugged in and out and she began to rock back and forth on her heels until suddenly, her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she crumpled onto the ground. Roru froze. This was not her doing. After a split-second of initial shock, she whipped around to glare at Hoseki. “What did you do?!” she shouted.

               Hoseki narrowed her eyes, offended at the insinuation. “Don’t look at me! I did nothing!”

               Meanwhile, Tekuno raced in to intervene. Deep down, he knew that something was very, very wrong. He brushed Suisen’s long, dark hair out of her face, pressed a hand to her pale forehead, checked her pulse, frowned. “Go get a medic-nin! Now!” he insisted.

               Hoseki gave a single nod before racing off, not an ounce of hesitation in her limbs. Roru watched her disappear and the weight of the situation slowly descended upon her young shoulders. Suddenly Suisen looked so weak, so helpless. What have I done?

               She stood there completely paralyzed as Tekuno propped Suisen up in his arms, pulled a scroll from his utility belt, summoned a first aid kit, worked steadily to support her until the medics came. When they did, the quickly transferred Suisen’s limp body onto a stretcher and rushed her away.

               “What the hell are you doing?” Hoseki shouted at her, whacking her comrade on the shoulder. She grabbed Roru’s hand, tugged her onward. “Let’s go!”

               The waiting felt endless as Roru and Hoseki sat slumped in the waiting room, watching Tekuno pace back and forth. And then Suisen’s parents arrived, her sweet mother hysterical and her father’s face stony with concern. Tekuno explained the situation to them and Shirayuki Unohana immediately broke down, her hands shaking and knees faltering. Without even a diagnosis, she was already hysterical. Her husband wrapped an arm around her in support and guided her to a seat by the window, assuring her that everything would be fine even though he wasn’t very convinced of it himself.

               None of it made much sense to Roru. Suisen was fine, wasn’t she? It wasn’t like she was diseased. Perhaps it was just heat exhaustion, or exhaustion in general. They had been working extremely hard lately. Tekuno pursed his lips and wondered if this was his fault, if he had taken things too far. But the girls wanted to work hard. They were the ones setting the schedules, pushing themselves. Perhaps he should have regulated their training better, forced them to take a step back when they were on the verge of going overboard. Either way, he felt as if he, too, was to blame.

               After nearly an hour, the doctor finally emerged from the emergency room. He was a rather tall and skinny man with angular features and taut lips. Nothing about him was very reassuring—he had the type of face from which you would expect to hear that you only had three weeks to live. A shiver ran down Roru’s spine.

               The verdict? Anorexia.

               A cold chill unanimously rushed through the lot of them. Suddenly it was as if the room was completely empty save for themselves, the walls closing in and the air ice cold. Dr. Gon explained that once Suisen had come to, they conducted various physical and pscyological examinations on her, and that was their conclusion. Anorexia.

               Words like underweight, malnourished, anemia, and treatment all circulated through Roru’s head. It just didn’t make any sense. What reason did Suisen have to be anorexic, anyway? She had a happy home life with parents who loved her. She was smart and skilled and capable as a shinobi. She wasn’t even fat. It didn’t make any sense.

               Dr. Gon continued to explain that due to how severe a case she was, they would have no choice but to admit her to their inpatient program for treatment. He then turned to Tekuno-sensei, muttering, “Which means your involvement in the chunin exams is now null and void.” Roru’s body went cold. She gripped the edge of her seat and suddenly the room began to spin.

               After all her hard work, all her blood and sweat and tears, this was how it was going to end? No. Absolutely unacceptable. Roru cursed Suisen under her breath. How dare she do this to her. It just didn’t make any sense.

               And what the hell was an inpatient program? Roru’s mind immediately flickered back to ghost stories told at the academy, of strait jackets and large needles and tranquilizers and the shrieks of the mentally insane. She couldn’t fathom picturing sweet, shy Suisen in a place like that.

               “It’s really not that big of a deal” Hoseki said with a dismissive wave of her hand. “My cousin is up there in the same place as we speak.”

               “You mean Kagami?” Roru asked. She had only met Kagami Kenshin a handful of times and each time she had, he gave her the creeps. He was a quiet, fidgety guy with mismatched eyes and a nasally voice. He constantly looked displeased with the world, so much so that he decided to spend all his time in others—that is, the worlds housed within books.

               Hoseki nodded disdainfully. “That idiot’s head got all out of whack to the point where he tried to kill himself” she explained. “Mama found him passed out on the floor with a bottle of pills. And now he’s laid up in the same place that Suisen is. It’s just what happens when people are messed up in the head.”

               Roru pursed her lips. She didn’t particularly appreciate Hoseki’s bluntness, but Roru knew that she did not know much better herself. After all, in the back of her mind all she could think about was how Suisen had ruined everything. None of them would be making chunin this year.

               As Suisen’s parents struggled to comprehend this new information, and Tekuno attempted to console them, Roru took the opportunity to slip away from the chaos. She needed fresh air and distance. She needed to sit with her bare feet in the courtyard grass and implode in on herself, completely alone and defeated. She should have done something. She should have paid closer attention. She should’ve seen the signs. Roru pressed a hand to her anxious stomach and reminded herself that she was not much better.

               No wonder she couldn’t realize that Suisen had a problem. Roru’s relationship with food wasn’t exactly perfect, either. But Roru was different. She didn’t restrict on purpose. She thought of her family, of the curse laid upon them, the hereditary stomach ailments that they all faced. Restriction was merely a precaution. She was intolerant, defective, diseased. Her actions were for the sake of her own health. And still, she couldn’t help but wonder if she was partially to blame. If Suisen saw the way she avoided food and followed suit. Girls their age were so easily influenced anyway. But Suisen was smarter than that. She could tell the difference, couldn’t she? Roru hoped that was the case. If not, then Suisen was a damned fool.

               Roru paid no mind when the door from the hospital lobby creaked open. If it was Hoseki coming to nag her about sulking, she didn’t want to hear it. If it was Tekuno-sensei coming to explain things to her delicately, like she was a dumb child, she didn’t want anything to do with that, either. Instead, out of the corner of her eye she caught sight of a bizarre green blur. For a moment, she thought she was hallucinating and therefore had no other choice but to turn and view her interruptor fully.

               “Hello! What are you doing out here all alone?” he asked. Standing before her was a boy, tall and lanky with his shiny black hair cut in the most ridiculous bowl cut she had ever seen. Even more ridiculous was the green lycra jumpsuit he wore, complete with vivid orange legwarmers. He looked straight out of an 80’s aerobics video. No doubt about it, this was Might Guy’s protégé.

               Roru had nothing against Might Guy, truthfully. In fact, she was rather fond of him. He was bright and enthusiastic and got along splendidly with her family. She was sure Uncle Hakai had hoped at some point that he and Sekkachi would get together, but they all knew Sekkachi was not the type. Still, to see them together was always bizarre. Sekkachi was so blunt and cynical, whereas Might Guy was everything she was not. Roru wondered if the boy standing before her now was much the same.  

               Unfortunately, Roru was not in the proper headspace to show him the kindness he deserved. “What do you care?” she asked flatly, turning her gaze away from him.

               “Because you look like you are upset! I know it is hard not to be upset in a hospital, but you are like a beautiful angel who deserves to be happy and smile!” the boy replied. Roru cocked a brow in confusion, though deep down she hated to admit that she was flattered. No one had ever said such kind things to her before. At a time like this, it felt especially nice. The boy then sat down on the empty seat beside her and continued, “Now please, tell me what is wrong so I might be able to make you feel better!”

               “Y-you…would really do that for me?” Roru asked. “But I don’t even know you.”

               The boy paused then, blinked despondently, and then bowed his head in deep apology. For a moment, Roru was certain that heavy tears were flowing down his cheeks. “Where are my manners?! I am so sorry, Guy-sensei! I have failed you in the art of introduction! My name is Rock Lee! It is an honor to meet you!” He quickly took hold of Roru’s hand then and planted a polite kiss on the back.

               “Um, nice to meet you…Rock” Roru muttered, uncertain. All the while, she willed the blood away from her cheeks.

               “Oh, no, you can just call me Lee!” he corrected.

               “So…is your first name Rock or is your first name Lee?” she asked.

               Rock Lee paused for a moment before replying, “My first name is Rock, and my last name is Lee! I can see how that would be confusing! But I prefer to just be called Lee!”

               Who the hell names their kid ‘Rock’? Roru thought to herself. Looking at him now, though, she couldn’t say she was entirely surprised. The kid exuded bizarre. With a slight nod, she muttered, “I’m Roru. Roru Fumeiyo.”

               “What a beautiful name!” Lee gushed. “A beautiful name for a beautiful girl! There is nothing more fitting! Now, please, tell me why you are so sad!”

               Roru pursed her lips, considered him. Why was he being so nice to her? Was he just vying for her affection, or did he truly, genuinely care about her feelings? At this rate, it didn’t matter. The fact that he was even expressing concern for her was enough to open the floodgates. Eyes locked on the ground, she explained the situation as best as she could to him. She could sense Lee’s face soften at her words, her tone weaving between concern and disappointment and anger. Once she was finished, there was a moment of silence and then Rock Lee spoke.

               “Do not get down on yourself!” he exclaimed. “I know it is hard, and you may feel like you will never make chunin, but Guy-sensei has always told me that if you want something badly enough, then it is never out of your reach!” He clenched his fist at his chest and grinned proudly, his eyes glossy with passionate tears.

               “That’s easy for you to say” Roru snarked. “I bet climbing the ranks has been a breeze for you.” If Might Guy’s work ethic was any indication, she was certain that Lee had inherited the same vigor and determination.

               Lee, however, shook his head. “Do not be so quick to judge!” he reminded her. “Roru, do you know why I am at the hospital today?” Roru shook her head. She presumed he was visiting a sick friend or something. He certainly did not look sick himself, but then again neither did she. “A year ago, I took the chunin exams. I fought against Gaara of the Sand, who has since become the Kazekage. He was a very strong opponent, and we fought long and hard. I did my best to prove that I am worthy as a shinobi, even though I cannot use ninjutsu or genjutsu! But I pushed myself too far and suffered serious injuries. If it was not for Lady Tsunade and her amazing medical ninjutsu, I may never have been able to walk or fight again! I am at the hospital today because I had a follow-up appointment for the surgery, to make sure that everything is still healing properly. I am happy to say that my body is recovering very well!”

               Roru dropped her gaze to the ground, took a moment to absorb everything that Rock Lee had told her. It was hard to believe that not so long ago, he had faced such incredible odds himself. He seemed so optimistic, so upbeat and bright. Where did he find the energy to be so hopeful?  And on a related note, his story made her feel almost pathetic for being angry. Other people had faced much larger obstacles than she did. Who gave her the right to be pissed off about something so petty? Not to say that her disappointment had not been erased because it hadn’t—not in the slightest. She only felt even worse about it now.

               “Roru” Lee then said, and she snapped her head up, her heart leaping into her chest at the way he spoke her name. “I am sorry that you have been met with a terrible setback. I am sorry that you are disappointed in what has happened. But I hope you do not blame yourself for what has happened to your friend.”

               Sighing, Roru shook her head and asked, “What am I supposed to do, though?” She swept her thick bangs back out of her face, careful not to disturb the little white bow fixed at the base of the swoop. “I feel so helpless. I can’t wrap my brain around any of this, it just doesn’t make any sense to me.”

               Lee frowned, and there was something so unnatural about it. “I do not know” he admitted. “I am sure that your friend is fighting a battle right now that we may never be able to understand. All we can do is give her our youthful support!”

               “Our youthful support?” Roru repeated.

               Lee nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Guy-sensei told me that when people are in a dark place, they need as much light and love as possible to find their way out. And that is what we must do for your friend! We must shower her with all of our passionate support and let her know that we are here for her and want her to get better!”

               Roru couldn’t help but laugh. The way Lee approached life, it was so innocent and straightforward. She had to admit, she appreciated that about him. And while she still was struggling to come to terms with Suisen’s situation, and the consequences of it all, Lee made her feel at least a little bit better.

               “Hey, Lee?” she said after a stretch of silence. He raised his bushy brows as if to silently show he was paying attention. “Thank you.”

               “Is it no problem at all!” Lee replied with an enthusiastic thumbs up.

               “Let me make it up to you” she said. Turning to him, a small smile spread across her lips and finally, she was no longer able to restrain the blush touching her cheeks. “Do you like dango? My treat. We can share fighting techniques if you want. I can’t use ninjutsu or genjutsu either.” A small, sheepish giggle bubbled up from her chest and she couldn’t believe how nervous she had become around him. How anxious she was for him to say yes.

               A wide grin spread across Lee’s face then as he leapt to his feet, took her hand in his, and together they departed from the hospital. And while the day had gone so bitter so quickly, as Roru walked alongside this strange and upbeat boy, she began to take comfort in knowing that maybe, just maybe, there was a hint of sweetness in it after all.

[jinkisbelly]

Hearth

Pairing: ot5

Rating: pg, minus a blowjob offer

W/c: 3.7k

Warnings: uh food and wine? Kibum gets a bit tipsy but thats it

Summary:  With their busy lives and schoolwork, it's hard to find time altogether, but a game night is exactly what they all needed.

A/n: This was for prompt 31, for summer of shinee pt 2, which was: shinee but they're playing monopoly instead of working on projectsI hope you enjoy this small thing ^_^

AFF    Ao3

          He grimaced as he stared at his reflection in the newly wiped clean mirror. The steam from the shower was still billowing around him, hair dripping water droplets as he pushed it from his forehead, and a towel resting over his shoulders. Staring back was dark circles from too much stress and too little sleep. With a deep sigh, Jinki tugged open the cabinet and effectively cut off the picture of himself as he reached in for his moisturizer. Kibum would never forgive him if he forgot his skincare. ‘You may look dead on your feet, but at least you won’t have wrinkles.’ . Jinki found himself quietly laughing as he patted in the cool liquid into his cheeks at the memory of Kibum’s long fingers pressing some unknown facial cleanser onto his face, having his bottom lip tugged between in concentration as if it was the hardest thing he had focused on. The other man should be home soon with dinner. Taemin had been in charge of ordering it and Jinki was both excited and hesitant to see what the youngest man had chosen.

          There was a reason more often than not on Taemin’s turn at dinner they always ate out, mainly because it gave him certain parameters to pick from. Given free reign, milk was always found where it shouldn’t, like ramen. Jinki shivered a little at the reminder of THAT incident. Jonghyun reacted so badly to the spice and milk combination that he spent the next day making friends with the bathroom. There was always a limit on the things he’d do for the men he loves. Lying through his teeth about how great Taemin’s cooking was, well that was one of them. The youngest’s history with weird food combinations and risky take out orders was the main reason Kibum always was responsible for the night after his. The chef of their little group always made sure to make it all up to them with something tasty.

          Stepping into the room that he and Jonghyun shared, he was surprised to find Minho spread eagle on the bed. Last he knew the man was still at the university working with his group on the social differences between genders in competitive sports. His phone was held close to his face as he scrolled through something, the light of the screen reflecting off of his glasses. The bathroom door hinge squeaked as it was pushed open and Minho’s head snapped up, a huge smile blooming on his face. He scrambled up from his stomach, sitting back on his knees and accepting the soft kiss Jinki presses to his lips with a sigh. “Not that I’m not glad to see you, Love, but why are you here?”

          “Two of the three people didn’t show up. So the two of us that did show up figured we could do our parts at home.” Minho flopped back onto the bed, spreading his legs out in front of him, “Jonghyun and Kibum left for the food, and Taemin is currently trying to teach his hamster how to jump through a hoop, so I came in here to wait for you .”

          Jinki tugged on his sweatpants, tripping a little on his slippers he forgot were there, and tried to imagine how well that was going. “How is Cheese doing on that?”

          “Oh terribly. When I dropped my bag in the room all Cheese was doing was stealing the snack Taemin was holding and running away.” He could have sworn he had a shirt laid out before he headed into the bathroom, now where was the stupid thing? He looked up when Minho cleared his throat, “Are you looking for this?”

          Sure enough, held out was the shirt he was looking for. It was one of Jonghyun’s from high school, it was softened with time and too many washes, the lettering half faded on the chest.  He grabbed it with a sheepish grin before pulling it over his head. “Thanks, Love.”

          As soon as Jinki was on the bed next to him, Minho had his head against his shoulder, finding his hand to play with his fingers, “How was your day?”

          “I taught undergrads today. It was to be as expected.” With their busy schedules, it wasn’t often than Jinki got to see Minho for more than an hour a day it seemed, and most of that was getting ready to be somewhere else or the younger man making sure he remembered to eat something. He was always horrid at remembering to eat, which is why most of the time either Minho or Kibum made sure he had snacks in the front pocket of his backpack. The distant sound of chaos entering their home caused both men to glance toward the closed door. “I think the food’s here.”

          “From the sound of things, I don’t think Kibum approves of what Taemin ordered.” Minho hummed happily when Jinki pressed a kiss to his hair before both men headed toward the door. The sound of voices increased as the door was pulled open, and Jinki shook his head fondly as he followed Minho toward the rest of their little family.

----

          The dining room table was a second-hand piece of furniture Jinki and Kibum had gotten from a yard sale when they decided to move into a bigger place. It once had been a dark cherry wood, but the color had faded and bits were chipped and scratched from all the mayhem that descended upon it over the last two years. Not that anyone could see the table’s surface with the collection of binders, folders, papers, and calculators spread across the surface from where Jonghyun and Minho always set up shop to do their projects. The last time they had used it to eat off was two months ago when Taemin’s family came to visit and Kibum had made them all dinner. That being said, when Jinki and Minho entered the living room from the hall the food was already being spread out on the coffee table in the living room. From the looks of things, he ordered chicken wings. Which didn’t explain Kibum’s loud reaction to the food at all.

          When he spotted the sauce options chosen, that did, however. Blueberry barbeque sauce and garlic pepper, both mixed in together like some sort of strange concoction. Kibum looked one touch away from losing his chef mind, concern so vivid on his pretty features. Jonghyun looked like he was a mixture of amused, worried, and distraught in his own way. As Jinki slipped past the duo, he squeezed Jonghyun’s hip and kissed Kibum’s cheek. “It can’t be that bad, Bommie.”

          Jonghyun, grim as can be, shook his head, “Oh it can be, Baby, oh it can be.”

          Kibum pressed his lips together before turning completely on his heel, disappearing behind them for a moment. There was clanking, and something popping open. When he emerged again there was a bottle of wine in his hand. By his tongue lapping at his lips, he had already taken a swig. “Really?”

          “Let me forget his sins, Old Man.”

          Jinki eyed the bottle even as Jonghyun and Minho got busy pulling out the food from the bags and Taemin could be heard coming down the hall. Before Kibum could react, he gripped the bottle and pulled it, taking a long swig. Oh, gross, it’s red. He handed the bottle back with a grimace. “My day was bad, but not bad enough to willingly drink red wine.”

          Kibum stepped closer, wrapping his free hand around to rest on Jinki’s hip and kiss his temple. “There’s whiskey in the kitchen if you want a drink, but let’s eat and you can tell us about it.”

------

          The food had been eaten, and while strange, the sauce combination hadn’t been as bad as Kibum and Jonghyun made it out to be. Then again, Jinki loved chicken so much it was very hard to make him upset while consuming it.  Minho had taken their plates into the kitchen to clean because of it being his night for dishes.  Kibum was sprawled out on the couch, sipping the same bottle of wine he had shared with Jonghyun throughout dinner. The younger man had his fingers moving through Jinki’s hair as he leaned back against the front of the couch, legs under the table. Taemin had taken the opportunity to fall against his left side, hugging his arm loosely as they glanced at the drama that happened to be on the television when they turned it on for background noise.

          Jinki laid his head back against the cushion, eyes closing feeling Kibum’s long fingers scratch against his scalp. He was sure there was something important he needed to finish for school, but he couldn’t pinpoint what it was exactly with how good Kibum’s fingers felt. The man’s deep voice was quiet as he spoke, wine and drowsiness making him talk slower. “I’m sorry today was so bad, Baby.”

          “Not your fault undergrads are really stressful.”

          Taemin huffed, his breath fanning out over his shoulder as he shifted his head to look up at him. “Hey!”

          Kibum shifted closer until his head was against the edge of the cushion and the bottle of wine was gently placed on the floor beside Jinki. Before he could be disappointed that the fingers in his hair stopped, Kibum moved them again after adjusting his hand. “You’ll get to rag on undergrads soon, Taemin.”

          “Not soon enough.” The youngest grumbled, grabbing his cup to sip from the straw.

          “I should probably do my paper that’s due.” Kibum deeply sighed, his breath fluttering a bit of Jinki’s fringe hanging over his forehead.

          He turned his head until his right cheek was against the couch, smiling softly when Kibum’s fond grin came into view. “When is it due?”

          “Next Wednesday.”

          The topic of the conversation was momentarily forgotten as he gazed at his lover. While he knew Kibum was always pretty, it was moments like this that reminded Jinki just how beautiful he was. His eyelashes fluttering with his drowsiness, his hair falling in soft dark waves away from his face, and flush in his cheeks from his wine. The black hair was different than the blond Kibum had when they first started dating, but Jinki rather liked how his natural hair looked. Oh right, they were talking about something. “You have time to do it later.”

          Something sparked in Kibum’s dark eyes and his lips quirked up as he spoke, “You just don’t want me to stop playing with your hair.”

          “Guilty as charged.”

          A loud growl from their left had all of them looking in that direction. They found Jonghyun standing by the dining room table, leaning heavily on his hands and his hair falling from the tiny ponytail on top of his head into his eyes. Minho popped his head out from the kitchen, brows furrowed, “You alright?”

          “My research assistant forgot to get consent from the last group! I can’t use any of this data.” He lifted his hand, a stack of papers crumped in his harsh grip. “I have to do this all over and I don’t know if I have time and-”

          Minho swooped in close, tugging Jonghyun away from the tabletop and hugged him close. “Put the papers down. Worry about this tomorrow.”

          “But-”

          It was Taemin who chirped from his comfy spot, “We should play a board game instead.”

          Jinki could see Jonghyun was pushing up on his toes to see over Minho’s shoulder, but his voice carried over the distance. “What kind of board game?”

          Taemin sat up fully and grinned, “Monopoly of course.”

-----

          Jonghyun was sitting on Jinki and Minho more than the couch as Taemin came back into the room with the game. Kibum had moved onto the floor, his bottle of wine sitting on the table before him as he leaned his head on his palm and gazed at his three lovers on the couch. Jinki was whispering something against Jonghyun’s hair, causing the man to slowly smile and rouge to paint across his cheeks. Kibum was too tipsy to focus enough to make out what he was saying, but it still made him smile to see Jonghyun begin to giggle because of the oldest man. Minho was gently patting Jonghyun’s shins, leaning heavily on Jinki’s shoulder, but he grinned when Kibum caught his gaze.

          And then Taemin decided to shatter the soft, serene air by dead dropping the monopoly box onto the table. All eyes fell on the youngest, who grinned widely. “I can’t wait to kick y’all’s asses.”

          “Kibum and Jinki are tied with the most number of wins, Bub.” Minho quipped as he lifted Jonghyun’s legs to slip onto the ground, pulling the game box closer to him. Using the top, he pointed at Taemin as he continued. “You’re in last place.”

          “We’ll see.” Taemin’s tongue was poked out of the side of his mouth as he picked up the dark orange 500 dollar bills and began counting out the correct number of bills. All was good until he hit the 20’s, in which his hands lowered into his lap and he stared up at Jinki on the couch. “How many again?”

          “Six, Tae.” Came Jinki’s soft reply. His eyes were closed, a dazed smile on his face as Jonghyun played with his hair. Jonghyun chuckled, knowing that it was always the twenties Taemin forgot the quantity of. “Do I get a night off from being the banker?”

          As Taemin happily called out, yes, the other three men unanimously agreed. “No.”

          “I can do it.” Somehow Taemin always managed to make his voice carry the fact he was pouting deeply.

          “You say that and then after you have to do the math you push it towards Jinki. It’s alright.” Minho hummed, setting out the correct pieces. The Scottish dog for Jonghyun. The thimble for Jinki.The top hat for Kibum. The running shoe for himself, and finally, the car for Taemin. The other three were put back into the top of the box placed on the floor to his right.

          The money stacks were placed around the table and Kibum smacked his mouth after swallowing another sip of wine. “Alright old men, you have to come down now.”

          As soon as Jonghyun had managed to remove himself from the other’s lap, Jinki leaned forward and cracked his knuckles with a sleepy grin. “Who’s ready to lose?”

------

          It was Jinki, Minho and Taemin left. Kibum and Jonghyun had moved back onto the couch, the two men a tangle of limbs as Kibum snoozed with his cheek squished on Jonghyun’s shoulder. As soon as his little snores and nose whistles had been heard Jinki had looked behind him with a smile. Jonghyun looked like he was very close to following their lover’s footsteps, his eyes fluttering as he fought the pull of sleep. After finishing his turn, Minho pushed off the ground to pull the blanket from the recliner and toss it over the two of them.

          Jonghyun mumbled, “Thanks.”

          Taemin was still blowing on the dice, eyeing Jinki’s hotels on park place and boardwalk, when Minho returned to his spot. They all knew if he landed on either of those he was done for. Five or seven would be his doom. He had an 80 percent chance of getting around it safely, but as he finally let go of his dice, one quickly landed on a four while the other kept rolling until it fell off the board onto the table in front of Minho. Face up was a three. “Fuck!”

          “That’ll be two grand, please.”

          “Don’t sound so smug,” Jonghyun rumbled, hand falling from his tummy to pat Jinki in the back of the head.

          Taemin slowly went through flipping over his leftover properties and adding up their worths. Next were his few remaining houses and his one hotel. He had his little bit of cash gripped between both of his hands when he whipped his head up and asked, almost desperately. “If I blow you can I get a ‘get off boardwalk’ free card?”

          Minho choked on the bit of leftover wine in Kibum’s discarded bottle he was attempting to swallow as Jinki snorted. “While I’d love for you to suck my cock, I’m going to have to decline.”

          “Awh! Come on Babe, cut me some slack.”

          “We’ve been playing for two hours, Taemin.” Jinki ran his fingers through his hair to get it from his eyes, tired smile on his face. “I want to end this quickly so we can sleep.”

          Taemin sighed before pushing everything of his over to Jinki with a frown. “I guess I’ll admit defeat for that.”

          Jinki gathered his payment in a neat little pile before gathering the dice and rolling. Minho wasn’t as bad off as Taemin had been, and causing him to go bankrupt would require more than just a single boardwalk landing. Moving three had him visiting in jail. Finishing his turn, he pushed the dice over towards Minho before focusing on organizing his newly acquired items. Out of the corner of his eye, he was aware of the man moving his piece the correct amount of spaces on the dice, managing to bypass Jinki’s dark green properties and landing right before Park Place. Taemin hissed out, “Lucky bastard.”

          “I’m not safe yet, Bub.” Minho handed over the dice into Jinki’s palm with a grimace. “Remind me to never let Jinki get Boardwalk ever again.”

          “You make it seem like you had a choice.” Jinki grinned as he began to shake the dice in his fist. “I’ll make you a bet, Baby.”

          Minho’s eyebrow rose, intrigue shifting on his face. “Oh praytell.”

          “Name a number, any number 2 through 12. If I roll it, you win without exceptions.”

          “Just like that?”

          “Just like that.”

          “And if you don’t roll it?”

          “We keep playing.”

          With narrowed eyes, Minho agreed, holding out his hand to take Jinki’s to shake. “Agreed. The number is 12.”

          After a few more shakes, Jinki let his fist open and the dice clattered across the board before slowly rolling to a stop. Two sixes were clear as day facing up, and Minho whooped startling both men on the couch. Kibum whined, glaring harshly as his nostrils flared with his quick breathing. Jinki sighed with a fond smile as he leaned over to kiss Minho on the cheek after rising to his knees. “Congratulations, Baby.”

-----

          The water could be heard running through the open door of the bathroom. As well as the telltale sounds of Jonghyun brushing his teeth when the door hinge of the bedroom door squeaked. Coming through was Taemin, boxers low on his hips and hair a shaggy mess on his head. Jinki closed his book and pushed it on the bedside table with a smile. “Can I sleep with you two tonight?”

          “Of course. Climb on in, Love.” Taemin beamed and half face planted into the middle of the mattress. Jinki shook his head even as he reached over to fix the younger man’s hair. “That is not what I meant.”

          “It’s so fun to do it now.” He commented as he flopped onto his back and wiggled under the covers. “Thanks for not being in each other’s throats like the other two.”

          With a snort, Jinki asked, “Oh, is that why you graced us with your presence?”

          “Only half.” His cheeks were slightly pink with the admitted answers. “I also missed you two.”

          "Kibum was half asleep when Minho helped him to bed, how'd that turn into sex?"

          "Well they were bickering about Minho startling him awake at the end there and you know..." Taemin trailed off, but Jinki did know very well. Minho and Kibum arguing usually led to them having sex on the nearest surface, even the kitchen more times than Jinki wanted to admit he walked in on.

          In the dim light of the bedside lamp and the open bathroom door, Taemin’s chest scars were visible. They were light pink as he was on the far end of his healing journey, but it still brought a smile to Jinki’s face to see the man so comfortable without his shirt on. Settling down beside him, Jinki rested his fingertips barely on the scars.“They’re healing very nicely.”

          “Oh, yeah.” The warmth of his smile almost knocks the wind out of Jinki’s chest it’s so beautiful and free. It reminds him of just how far Taemin has come since they met almost four years before. Taemin snuggles closer, cheek squished with how close he moved into Jinki and trapping the older man’s hand between them. After removing it, Jinki wraps his arm around Taemin to keep him close. His voice is quiet and fluttery, as he relaxes in Jinki’s embrace. “You smell good.”

          “Thank you.” Taemin’s breathing was slowing and by a quick glance down, it was obvious he was beginning to fall asleep. Jinki kissed his forehead softly, lingering for a few moments before barely moving away to whisper, “Goodnight, Baby.”

          A few minutes later, Jonghyun shuffled out of the bathroom. He hooked up his phone to his charger and carefully sat on his side of the bed. He wiggled closer to Taemin, throwing an arm around his narrow waist and resting his chin on the younger man’s shoulder to gaze at Jinki. Pushing up slightly, he managed to catch Jinki’s lips softly. “Goodnight, Love.”

          “Sweet dreams, beautiful.”

          As they curled up, Jonghyun’s nose in the back of Taemin’s hair, Jinki’s chin resting on the top of Taemin’s head, and their legs a mess of limbs as they tried to find a comfortable spot, Jinki reached above him to turn the bedside lamp off by the switch on the headboard. He fell asleep with his arm over two of his lovers, smiling slightly as Jonghyun’s fingers tried to curl a little against his side. Sure, tomorrow they all had important things to finish, but right then none of that mattered. Jinki felt like he was finally home, wrapped up in the embrace of one of his lovers. A part of him wishes the other two were there too, but he would enjoy what he had, for it was more than enough.

[wingsofkpop]

Finding SKZ - 4: HH00

pairing(s): Hybrid!Bang Chan x Reader, Hybrid!SKZ x Reader

genre: Hybrid!AU, Dystopian!AU, heavy Angst, pinch of Fluff, eventual Smut

warning(s): Mature language, violence, blood and gore, possible triggering topics

word count: 6,4k

synopsis: After rescuing an abandoned hybrid from his fate of death, he has one other favor to ask of you. Not only do you have to find his eight other hybrid brothers, but you have to keep them safe from the deadly dangers of your city: Miroh

chapter directory

The cold air dissipates as you enter through the doors of your apartment building. You release a sigh at the change of temperature, adjusting the strap of your bag to lay more comfortably on your shoulder. Not really in the mood to strike up a conversation, you quickly dart past the evening security guard talking to one of your neighbors on your floor. Unfortunately, just as you were about to reach the elevator button, your name is called: 

“Oh, (Y/N)!” 

You curse under your breath, muster as best of a smile as you can and turn to face the elderly woman. A bright grin was across her wrinkled face, and for a second, her expression reminded you of a recent horror movie you saw. You can’t remember the name, but it did have some sort of demonic old lady that went around trying to eat her grandkids. 

You hum, trying to distract yourself from the image in your head, “Hi, Ms. Friel. I was just-” 

“-Sweetheart, how many times have I told you to just call me Paula?” Ms. Friel chuckles and shakes her head, “Ms. Friel was my mother. Bless her soul.” 

Awkward. 

“Right, sorry.” You take a quick peek at the clock mounted above the security guard’s desk. With a weak smile, you continue, “As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I-” 

“-I just wanted to talk to you for a moment, dear. This won’t take long.” 

You really wish you had it in you to deny her request, but you couldn’t. Curse your mother for raising you to respect the elderly. 

You nod, “Of course. What is it?” 

“Well, I just wanted to ask you if someone else has been staying in your apartment recently.” The older woman tilts her head to the side. Her icy stare pierces straight through you, almost as if she can see the dark secrets you’re keeping to yourself. “I’ve been hearing noises. Even when you’re away.” 

You were afraid of this. Ms. Friel has always been all up in your business ever since the day you moved in. When you were still together, you had given your ex-boyfriend a key so he wouldn’t have to wait outside your apartment whenever your classes ran late. The first time he used it, Ms. Friel called the cops on him, when you specifically told her your boyfriend was allowed in your apartment. She claimed she thought he was a thief and was just looking out for you. You know she was actually looking out for herself though. 

All the more reason not to tell her you’re currently housing three hybrids. With more coming. 

You shrug, “It’s just my friend. His dorm is getting renovated so he’ll be staying with me until it’s done.” 

Ms. Friel hums, “Oh, I see. Does he ever leave the apartment? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him leave.” 

“You’ve probably just missed him the last few times,” You laugh awkwardly, nearly leaping in delight as the elevator doors open with a ding. A few others file out while you push your way in and feverishly press the button for your floor. You throw your neighbor one last smile, “Sorry, I have some work I really need to finish. It was good to see you.” 

Thankfully, the doors close before she can reply and you’re free to sink back against the metal wall with a sigh of relief. You lift a hand to brush back your hair while simultaneously thanking the gods for saving you from that situation. The last thing you need is your neighbor to go snooping around your apartment and find something she’s not supposed to. You should still warn the boys though. 

When the doors swoosh open again, you waste no time in making a mad dash for your apartment. Usually, the days where you have both class and work are bearable. But today just sucked. Your professor was in the worst mood so now you not only have your final next week, but you have to turn in a research project on a topic you barely know anything about. On top of that, two of your coworkers are sick, or “sick”, and your boss needs you to work a double shift both Saturday and Sunday which your workload really cannot afford right now. 

Chan and you were also supposed to go hunting for Felix, who you may have a possible lead on. It’s not for sure though. It really surprising how many hybrids in Miroh are called Lee Felix. 

As soon as you push open your apartment door, the aroma of something cooking has your mouth watering. You never got the chance to eat anything other than a granola bar this morning and a bag of pretzels during your lunch break, so you were pretty hungry. Whatever Chan was making really wasn’t helping the your stomach’s anger. 

After taking off your coat and shoes, you wander into the living room where you find Woojin sat watching some movie on Netflix. He turns at your presence and a warm smile lifts to his lips, “Hi, (Y/N). I’m glad you’re home.” 

At his kind words, the hardships of your day seem to melt away. You return his with a genuine smile of your own and answer, “Thank you, Woojin. Trust me, I am too.” 

“Hard day?” 

“A little. But it’s over now.” You allow your body to sink into the sofa with a sigh and lay your head on Woojin’s lap. The hybrid chuckles, his ears bouncing with his laughter, as he places a gentle hand on the top of your head. Your eyes flutter shut at the soothing touch. Exhaustion finally beginning to take its toll on you and you were truly tempted to surrender to it, but a familiar voice has your eyelids parting again: 

“We missed you, you know.” Chan stands in the kitchen door with a soft smile across his face. Four mugs, likely filled with his special ramen recipe, were balanced on his muscular arms. The smell has your tummy rumbling again which the hybrid caught. He rushes over to where you’re laid down and offers one of the cups, “Here. I can tell you haven’t eaten all day.” 

Your eyebrows furrow, “How do you-?” 

“-Because I know you.” 

An foreign silence arises in the space between you and the wolf hybrid. Shocked, you dumbly take the food and mutter a quick thanks, hoping he doesn’t notice the slight blush spreading across your cheeks. You sit up and begin to delve into the soup, the liquid slipping down your throat and settling in your aching stomach like a dream. Woojin also starts to eat while Chan calls for Seungmin, who emerges from the bedroom with your laptop in his hands along with a bright grin across his face. 

“I think I found Hyunjin.” Your spoon clatters against the mug as you drop your utensil out of surprise. The older hybrids were no better with Chan staring wide-eyed at the youngster and Woojin trying not to choke on his mouthful of noodles. Chan shakes his head, “W-What do you mean?” 

Seungmin rolls his eyes, “What do you think I mean? I found Hyunjin.” 

“Like actually?” You ask, forgetting all about your appetite and setting the ramen aside. “What did you find?” 

The three of you watch as Seungmin settles himself on the chair beside the couch and places the laptop on the coffee table in front of you and Woojin. He fiddles with the mouse pad, giving Chan the time to take the seat next to you, and turns the screen to face your direction. 

The page was pulled up to an Instagram about some sort of hybrid entertainment program. There was only so much you could see, but you could tell this “show” was pretty popular. There were over one thousand followers following whatever this was. Then again, you didn’t like how shady some of the posts seemed. 

Woojin speaks first, “I don’t understand. What is this? Why would these people have Hyunjin?” 

You turn to Seungmin to receive an answer, only to find that his face had grown much more paler. Panic moves in the depths of your gut, and just when you were about to inquire about his silence, Chan beats you to it: 

“I’ve seen this before. It’s a hybrid fighting ring.” Your panic shifts in nausea as you turn to peer at the hybrid with an incredulous look. He meets your gaze and nods toward the laptop, “Look at one of the videos.”

Balanced on the edge between curiosity and confusion, you do as Chan suggests and slide onto the floor to pull up the most recent video posted on the account. Almost immediately, shouts and cheers spills through the speakers of the computer and you almost debated turning down the volume. But your focus is snatched by the situation taking place in the video. 

Horrified, you watch what seems to be a pitbull hybrid lunge for a bloody cat hybrid. He knocks him to the ground with a powerful leap and proceeds to lay punch after punch on his already marred face. The feline collapses to the ground, his face already beginning to swell after the violent attack. Victorious, the pitbull climbs to his feet and flashes the crowd a bloody smile and winning pose. The video tries to play again, but you’re quick to stop it again. Once was enough, maybe too much. 

“Wow.” Woojin’s whisper awakens you from your trance, and you turn to see him with a faraway look on his face. Chan reaches over to place a gentle pat on the older hybrid’s shoulder before leaning over to put a comforting arm around his shoulder. Woojin shakes his head, “After the circus, I didn’t think it could get any worse…”

You try to overlook the stone forming in the back of your throat and instead turn to Seungmin, “So what about Hyunjin?” 

Seungmin gulps, “W-well, he’s considered the “runt” of the ring…” 

“What does that mean?” 

“It means they use him for easy wins.” Chan sighs, still in the process of comforting his blank-faced brother. He glances at you with sad eyes and continues, “Basically a person who’s looking to make quick cash from a fight will put their hybrid against him, the weakest fighter, and is destined to win.” 

“But that’s horrible,” You scoff, suddenly disgusted at the realization of why this Instagram is so popular. “This whole thing is horrible.” 

“Humans are horrible.” Seungmin pipes up, but quickly waves a dismissive hand toward you, “All except you, noona, of course.”

Chan sends you a weak smile, “It’s like you said, (Y/N). Miroh is dangerous for hybrids. Always has been.” 

And it always will be. “We should come up with a plan and get Hyunjin out of there as fast as possible, who knows what he’s been through at this point…” You trail off, gazing at the laptop screen with a sullen expression. First Chan, then Seungmin, then Woojin… How much worse could this get? 

Seungmin chuckles, “Way ahead of you, noona.” 

The beagle hybrid steals the device again to feverishly search for something else. After a couple seconds, he turns it back around and points to the screen, “They have a fight scheduled for this Friday at midnight. All we have to do is show up.”

Briefly skimming through the information, you shake your head, “Maybe, but we still need to figure out how we’re going to get Hyunjin out. Then again, our plan last time didn’t really go as planned.” 

Ouch. Through the corner of your eye, you can see the guilt spread across Chan’s place. You felt ashamed for saying it, but even so, you’re not really wrong. This time, you need to be careful and have some sort of order of operations. 

Hyunjin’s life depends on it. 

~~*~~**~~*~~

“How much, again?” 

“$50.” At the taxi driver’s answer, you pull out two twenties and a ten from your wallet and hand them over. Your driver accepts the money, types something onto his credit machine that prints out a receipt and hands it back to you. With a final goodbye, you join the two other hybrids outside the car. 

Chan looks up from your phone, “Everything okay?” 

You nod, “Yeah. All good.” 

“Good.” The hybrid turns back to the device and speaks into it, “Seungmin, that’s your queue. Show us the way.” 

After a lot of arguing, Woojin and Chan found it best that Seungmin remain back in your apartment for this mission. The beagle was less than happy with the decision and even went as far as trying to convince you to change his brothers’ minds, but Chan wouldn’t budge on this one. Though, after what happened last time, you really can’t blame him. Anything could happen. Anything dangerous, that is. 

“Right,” Seungmin’s voice is a bit shaky over the line, meaning that your phone probably wasn’t getting the best signal. “You guys are gonna head straight down this street and make a left into an alleyway just before you pass the barber shop.” 

“Thanks, Min. We’ll keep you on the line as long as we can. (Y/N)’s phone may lose signal.” 

A sigh emerges over the call, “Don’t worry about me. Just find Hyunjin and bring him home.” 

Woojin replies, “We will, no doubt. We’ll be back before you know it.” 

“Sure, hyung. Be careful.” 

And with that, Chan, Woojin and you make your way down the dim, barren street. The place where you’re hoping to find Hyunjin is quite literally, the worst part of Miroh you’ve ever stepped foot in. Rundown buildings on streets with very few lamps. Lewd and inappropriate graffiti plastered on every available surface. Shops with boarded up windows and indestructible, metal doors. Everything screams shady. 

These parts of town are what people usually call “The Forgotten.” Basically, after WWIII, when these parts of the city were destroyed in bomb raids and warfare, the new government never invested any money into fixing them back up. Only unemployed, homeless and other unlucky individuals end up living in these parts. A lot of hybrids make their way here too from what you’ve seen in the news. 

The three of you reach the alleyway in one piece where you spot the door you’re supposed to enter through. Unfortunately, your phone call with Seungmin doesn’t last the trip. With a sigh, Chan offers your device back which you accept and stuff into the pocket of your jeans. He nods and murmurs, “You guys remember the plan?” 

“Yeah.” You hum and before you can bite your tongue, you reply, “Do you?” 

Chan’s eyes glitter within the darkness, boring into your own with some sort of emotion you couldn’t read. It stays like that for a moment, just the two of you staring at each other before he ends the moment with a stiff nod, “Yes. I do.” 

“Great. Let’s do this.” Woojin pushes past the both of you to take up the lead. You and Chan have to sprint to keep up with his quick pace, halting just when you reach the door. After making sure each of you were ready, the bear hybrid reaches forward and pushes open the obstacle. Instantly, your nostrils are hit with the scent of hard liquor and cigarette smoke. Scrunching your nose, you follow Woojin through the doorway, peering behind your shoulder to make sure Chan was on your tail. He was. 

You piece together you guys had entered an abandoned car shop, judging by the vast open space and totaled vehicles. It was pitch black all except for some lights in the center where you could already catch a glimpse of some sort of iron cage. Dozens of people surrounded the structure, sipping from red cups and inhaling from cigars. Looks like the excitement hasn’t started just yet. 

“Come to see the fight?” 

You nearly jump at the new voice and barely stop yourself from colliding into Woojin. You step beside the male and discover the source of the question. It was some middle-aged man, maybe forty, with barely any hair atop his scalp and tobacco stains all across his teeth. His eyes were beady almost like a rat’s, and a shiver crawled down your spine when he rakes them down your body. 

“Yeah. It’s our first time.” Woojin hums, nodding toward the makeshift arena. “Hasn’t started yet?” 

“Nope. Have to give them some time to get the little freaks ready beforehand.” From the corner of your eye, you see the bear visibly tense. “And welcome. Allow me to buy y’all some drinks on the house. I’m thinking tequila for the pretty lady-” 

“-And I’m thinking you can fuck off.” The sudden growl is followed by an arm around your waist. You peer up to see Chan sneering toward the man, his eyes narrowed with disgust, “Look at her like that again and I’ll throw you in the ring myself.” 

The pervert takes the message loud and clear and quite literally makes a mad dash for the closest group. You shake your head, “Chan, that really wasn’t the smartest idea.” 

He drops his limb from your body, his expression once again calm, and shakes his own head, “I wasn’t going to let him look and talk to you like you’re some piece of meat. You can’t smell his perverse intentions like I can.” 

Instead of arguing further, you choose to let the moment go and make your way in the direction of the cage. The two hybrids follow closely behind you, and if it was the right time, you would have made a joke about having your own personal bodyguards. But to be honest, you were very grateful for it. Especially for what Chan did. 

You just try not to think about the butterflies fluttering in your gut. 

“Keep an eye out for the owner. She has to be around here somewhere.” Chan reminds both you and Woojin as you station yourself on the far-end of the ring where fewer people were. You nod and set out to do just that, scanning groups for any sign of a familiar face. You’re unable to find the woman you saw in pictures who is the supposed owner of the fight center, also fighters like Hyunjin. Yet, there’s still no luck when a bell sounds and a person enters the cage. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for joining us today. We are well aware in how eager you are to get started.” The suggestive tone of the announcer's voice has your blood boiling and fists clenching at your sides. These people come here to get enjoyment out of watching hybrids beat the living shit out of each other. How sick has the world actually become? “As always, our night will consist of three rounds. The winner of the first round will go on to the next, and so on. Are you ready to have some fun?” 

A round of cheers erupts throughout the garage and echoes in your ears like a haunted siren. The announcer throws his hands up and shouts, “Amazing! Let’s meet our first pairing of the night: 

“Our newcomer is a doberman pinscher with claws and teeth like knives, weighing over two-hundred and twenty pounds! Welcome, the Destroyer!” You flinch as a burly hybrid darts around the arena to snap his teeth at you and everyone else through the metal chains. The people roar wild at his show, feet stamping and hands applauding in delight. Out of instinct, you move closer to Chan beside you who’s leaning onto the cage with one hand weaved through the chains. His eye catches yours. 

This is not going to go well. 

“And for his opponent, we have everyone’s favorite puny dalmatian hybrid weighing in just under one-hundred and thirty pounds! Everyone give it up for the Runt!” Though the volume isn’t as hefty, some still cheer as Hyunjin makes his way into the ring. Your stomach turns at how small he is compared to the Destroyer, his skinny figure nothing against the doberman’s muscles. His short, spotted ears were drawn backwards indicating his fear. Then again, you could tell how scared he was just by the look on his face. 

Behind you, you hear Chan inhale a heavy gust of air. Without thinking, you reach and take his hand into your own, hoping to calm his obvious tension. His voice is pained when he murmurs, “They cropped his ears.” 

“Guys, over there.” Woojin’s comment awakens the both of you from your reverie, and you’re quick to snatch your hand away from Chan’s. You follow where the bear is pointing, finding the woman you had been looking for earlier just across the ring. You move to head toward her when you’re stopped by Chan. 

He gives you a pointed look before shaking his head, “After the fight, remember?” 

“But Hyunjin-” 

“-It has to be after, (Y/N). We have to watch him fight.” 

He means watch him lose. 

Even so, knowing the intensity of the situation, you relent and return your gaze to the ring. The announcer was rambling about rules and other things you barely cared about. You were more focused on the trembling dalmatian hybrid and how there was no good end to any of this. You could hope all you want, Hyunjin’s not leaving here unscathed. 

“Three… Two…” With each number, the announcer steps back further and further away from the hybrids. Your anxiety grows at the clear line of charge the doberman has toward Hyunjin. One knock and he’s down. 

“One!” At the screech of a bell, the Destroyer takes off toward Hyunjin. Horrified, you watch the dalmatian hybrid barely duck away in time for the other to zoom past. He dashes to the other side of the arena while his stronger opponent gathers his bearings. Hyunjin was safe for maybe a minute before the doberman is off again. Blood lust written all across his face. 

Hyunjin isn’t as lucky this time. He manages to dodge a punch, but the other hybrid is smart and drags his other hand up to scratch at his arm. The gash immediately starts to bleed, blood spills down Hyunjin’s flesh and taints the ground red. Cradling his wounded limb, Hyunjin fails to see his opponent throw another punch and takes a hit right in the nose. 

He falls back onto the ground with a sickening thud and a sharp cry. Your heart aches at his desperate attempt to flee in trying to back away from the approaching hybrid. The doberman only grabs his ankle and yanks him toward him. He picks the dalmatian up by his throat and tosses him against the caged boundary, only to trap him there. Unable to watch, you hide your face in Woojin’s shoulder, and shudder with every crack of skin against skin and bone against bone that reaches your ears. 

You don’t look back until the announcer calls victory for the Destroyer. Tears brim at your eyelids at the sight of Hyunjin’s limp body against the cage, his face swollen and caked with blood. A couple younger boys emerge from the shadows to drag him out of the ring while the announcer announces the next opponent. 

“C’mon, now’s our chance.” You almost forgot about your previous objective until Chan grabs your wrist and starts to drag you through the crowds, Woojin close behind. You reach the woman just in time for the bell to ring and the second round to start. 

Her steel eyes gaze across the three of you with disinterest, lips pursing at the rather violent crack of bones that ensues. With a sigh, she hums, “Can I help you?” 

“How much for the dalmatian hybrid?” In your previous plan, you weren’t supposed to be so blunt, but after seeing Hyunjin in such a manner, you couldn’t help it. The hybrid has had to endure this time and time again for god knows how long. You’d be damned if he stands it any longer. 

The woman rolls her eyes, “He’s not for sale. If you want a dalmatian hybrid, just go to the fucking pet store.” 

“We don’t want any dalmatian hybrid.” Woojin backs you up, crossing his arms over his chest. “We want him.” 

“Well isn’t that too fucking bad, cause it ain’t happening. I suggest you quit wasting my time before I have my guys kick your asses out.” 

Before she can walk away, you stop her with a hand on her arm, “Wait, please. Just hear us out-” 

“-Sweetheart, I paid good money for that bastard only to find out he was a runt. He brings in easy pay, so like I said before, no deal.” Defeated, you allow the owner to escape your grip and recede into the cheering crowds. With her departure, the hopeful piece of your soul crumbles to dust. So much for the plan. 

You sigh and run a hand through your hair. Angling your head, you peer at both hybrids. Woojin’s expression was contorted into disappointment and frustration while Chan was staring at the ruckus going on inside the arena. You didn’t like the intensity of his gaze. Something about it made your skin crawl. 

The bear hybrid scoffs, “Great. What are we supposed to do now?” 

“I don’t know.” You shake your head, “We have to find another way I guess. Maybe come back-”

“-No.” Chan’s sudden voice interrupts your own. Wide-eyed, you turn to the wolf hybrid only to find his eyes still on the cage. It seemed as if the Destroyer won the second round too, although he was a lot more bloody and marred than he was with Hyunjin. Chan sighs, the sound long and heavy, and meets your gaze, “I have a plan, but you’re not going to like it.” 

“What do you mean?” Your eyes narrow, studying the way Chan shrinks beneath your stare. “Why am I not going to like it?” 

“What if we could win Hyunjin somehow? Like as a prize?” 

At first, confusion overtakes your mind at Chan’s strange words. You open your mouth to inquire further, but then your eyes transfer to the ring again. The realization hits you like a firm kick to the chest, and for a moment, you thought your heart had stopped. Feverishly, you shake your head, “Absolutely fucking not. It’s not happening.” 

“(Y/N), please. Just consider-” 

“-Consider what?” Winded and crazed, you throw your hands up and continue, “I am not throwing you in a fucking cage so you can get your ass beat. We find another way-” 

“-And what if there is no other way!?” Chan cries, stepping closer to put his hands on your shoulders. “(Y/N), this might be the only chance we have at ever getting Hyunjin back…” 

You wince as his words travel straight into the depths of your heart. Unable to meet his gaze, you look instead toward the Destroyer who’s hastily licking at a wound on his wrist. Your eyes linger over his sharp claws, bulging muscles and the fangs poking through his lips. When you speak, you will yourself to remain strong, but you can’t help the crack in your voice, “I can’t let you do this… He could kill you, Chan, you could fucking die... “ 

The hybrid cups your cheeks with both hands and forces your eyes to connect. With a weak smile, he chuckles, “I’m not dying on you anytime soon, (Y/N). That would be the worst decision on my part.” 

You can’t reply, 

“Listen to me,” He swipes his thumb over your cheekbone. His whisper is faint, loud enough for only your ears to listen in, “I know I can win this. I can get Hyunjin back. I just need you to trust me.” 

Everything inside of your head was telling you to say no, to laugh in Chan’s face and call him an idiot for ever attempting. But the softer part of yourself was telling you the opposite. Beneath his brown-eyed gaze, you felt helpless, trapped in a war between your head and heart. Memories flash through your mind like sparks of fireworks: You see Woojin’s scarred palm in your rearview mirror. You see blood pooling on the floor like an ocean of waste. You see the stupid leash around Seungmin’s neck. Most importantly, you see Chan sat defenseless in that dark alleyway. 

Before you can change your mind, you nod your head, “You better win.” 

Chan smiles, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss on your forehead. He hums, “I will. For Hyunjin and for you.” 

~~*~~**~~*~~

Surprisingly, Hyunjin’s owner actually agreed to your offer. If Chan wins against the Destroyer, she’ll hand the dalmatian hybrid over with no other questions. You didn’t like the spark of excitement that entered her eyes when you told her Chan was also a wolf hybrid. Or how she asked if Chan has ever been “aggressive” with you before. That didn’t sit well in your stomach. 

“You okay?” You turn your gaze away from the cage at Woojin’s concern. He tilts his head, and if he hadn’t had his beanie on, his ears would be twitching too, “You look like you’re gonna be sick.” 

“If anything goes wrong, then I probably will be.” 

Woojin shakes his head, “(Y/N)-ah, Channie is going to win. There’s no doubt about it.” 

While Woojin’s persistence somewhat eases the nausea stirring inside your stomach, it doesn’t make it falter entirely. It’s not like you didn’t have faith in him, because you certainly did, he’s strong, clever and agile. But you just can’t stand the guilt that if something bad happens, Chan’s life is on your conscience. You took him in that night so you’re responsible for anything bad that happens to him. 

That’s all this feeling was… right? 

“Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we have yet another surprise show for you all tonight.” Sinking your teeth into your bottom lip, you watch the announcer as he walks around the ring. You try to ignore the sight of the Destroyer, seething with brutality and hunger. “An unexpected challenger has decided to test their luck against the Destroyer. We’ll see who comes out on top tonight.” 

You debated covering your ears to avoid the loud applause, but force your hands to remain clasped into your lap. The announcer waits for the crowd to die down before continuing, “Our next opponent for the night is none other than a wolf hybrid, folks, weighing over one hundred and sixty pounds. Everyone, put your hands together for Bang Chan!” 

Your heart picks up as Chan languidly steps into the ring. He was shirtless, the planes of his muscles apparent in the stage light. The combination of his tanned skin and blonde hair made him seem like a beacon - your beacon - of hope. He surveys the crowd outside the metal cage, stopping when his eyes connect with yours. He sends you one of his soft smiles and a wink. And you can’t help the upturn of your own lips. 

You mouth for him to be careful. He nods, looks at you one last time then turns to his opponent. 

The announcer shouts, “Count with me, folks! Three… two…

“One!” The bell shrieks like a banshee, the sound cutting into your ear drums. With your heart racing, you watch Chan and the Destroyer begin to circle one another. The doberman obviously knew this round wasn’t going to be as easy as his last few. You didn’t know if that knowledge gave you hope or fear. 

All of a sudden, the doberman charges straight at Chan. You hold your breath as your companion dodges his attack and also trips him in the process. The other hybrid goes flying against the chainlink barrier face first, his body colliding with a rough clank. Your relief doesn’t last because he’s on his feet in less than three seconds. 

Chan goes for him this time around, effectively picking him up and throwing him back against the cage. He lands a right and left hook on his face before delivering a couple hits to his stomach. The Destroyer groans in pain, clutching his torso. The wolf backs off and allows his opponent to catch his breath. He takes the time to look in your direction and send you another smile. 

You almost do the same until movement out of the corner of your eye catches your attention. You gasp and scream, “Chan, behind you!” 

It’s too late, the Destroyer takes the wolf by surprise and collides into his back. Chan attempts to regain control, but the doberman had his arms pinned to his sides, his knee driving blow after blow into his waist. Each strike sends an ache to your own chest. You weren’t the only one though, Woojin was anxiously chewing at his own lips too. 

Chan manages to free himself and shove his opponent away. His stance was a lot shaky, but he deals a right hook with no trouble at all. The doberman stumbles, giving Chan just the right moment to charge himself. 

Forcefully, Chan knocks both the other hybrid and himself to the ground. The two tustle for power over one another, rolling across the floor of the ring. To your disappointment (and sanity), the Destroyer gains the upper-hand, straddles the wolf and delivers one strike to the face after another. Similar to his final takedown of Hyunjin. 

Screaming rings in your ears, and it took you a moment to realize it was your own. You were screaming for Chan - for your hybrid. You had never been so panicked in your life, the night at the circus never compared to this. Chan. His name was all that left your lips: 

“Chan!” 

Your calls somehow give Chan the strength he needs to turn the tables and flip the other hybrid so he was beneath him instead. He knocks out the doberman with not one, or two, but many, many punches. The fast pace in which his arm moved back and forth made you dizzy. You felt like you could faint, but it probably wasn’t for that reason. 

The next few moments move by in a blur. The announcer pronounces Chan the winner of the night and the owner returns with an unsteady Hyunjin leaning on her shoulders. The younger hybrid quite literally launches himself into Woojin’s arms, sobs and cries and thank yous falling from his lips. You barely have time to relish the heartfelt reunion before Chan returns, frantic and wide-eyed. 

“We have to go now.” 

“What do you mean? Hyunjin-”

“The cops are here, (Y/N)!” Your excuse falls short on your tongue at Chan’s response. Your relief from before is stripped away like an adult takes candy from a child, and you almost forgot to breathe. “We have to go. Right now.” 

Chan, with a firm grip on your wrist, leads you through the bustling and panicking crowds and into darkness. Woojin is not far behind with Hyunjin on his back. His pace grows quicker at the booming voices that echo through the garage, indicating that anyone who attempts to escape will be shot. Your heart beat picks up. 

“Shit,” Chan hisses when the four of you reach the back wall of the building. You’d expect they have some sort of backdoor in places like these, but apparently not. Instead there was a single, broken window a couple feet above your heads. “Shit. We’re so fucked.” 

“Not necessarily. Just climb up. Let me go first.” Woojin offers. Chan nods, waits for Woojin to transfer Hyunjin onto your shoulders and lifts his brother up to the escape. Woojin fits through easily, and after a few seconds calls for Chan to send Hyunjin. 

You hand the dalmatian over. Through the corner of your eye, you notice the beam of flashlights flitting throughout the garage and whisper, “We need to hurry up. They’re starting to search the place.” 

Chan doesn’t reply, but heaves Hyunjin up a lot faster than he did with Woojin. He falters though, obviously hurt from his fight earlier. You rush to help him and manage to get the younger hybrid out the window. Even so, the lights are a lot closer. You won’t have enough time for the both of you to fit through. Just one. 

“Here. You go.” 

Chan shakes his head, “Absolutely not. You first.” 

“There’s no time for arguing. I’ll be right behind you.” The lie is bitter when it leaves your lips, but you know you have no other choice. Chan, knowing your time crisis, takes the bait and allows you to help him up to the window. Once you’re sure he’s able to get out of his own from there, you rip your hands away and murmur, “I’m sorry.” 

If Chan called for you, you didn’t know because you were already taking off further into the darkness. You follow the back wall as much as you can, finding yourself among various totaled car and truck. Nonetheless, you could still see the lights slowly closing in. It was only a matter of time before the police find you and you’d be fucked. 

But at least the boys are safe. 

Just one you were about to give up hope, an arm suddenly yanks at your leg and tugs you beneath one of the cars. You try to scream, but a palm stops any noise from leaving your lips. The stranger hums a warning just as dozens of feet passed by where you’re hidden. You hold your breath, convinced they’d be able to hear the pounding of your heart and you’d be caught anyway. But somehow, there is a god. 

The police fall away and all that’s left is you and your unknown savior. Only when they’re sure your captors wouldn’t return does the stranger remove their hand. You silently cough and scoot away from the figure, harshly whispering, “Who the hell are you? Why did you-?” 

“-We’ll talk later. Right now, we have to get out of here.” 

You can tell its a male from his deep voice. Just as he’s about to slide from your hiding spot, you grab his arm and yank him back, “No. Tell me who you are first.” 

The stranger sighs and gives you a pointed look through the darkness, “I think you’ve been looking for me actually: 

“The name’s Minho. Lee Minho.”

[toho-literature]

Curiosities of Lotus Asia - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Illusionary Bird

Marisa visited Kourindou carrying one of the beautiful crested ibises that had been increasing in number in Gensokyo lately. After catching it near Hakurei Shrine, Marisa was planning to cook it and eat it with Reimu. In the now lively Kourindou, the owner Rinnosuke was immersed in thought about the reason for the increase in the ibises...

Chapter 2 of an original story based on the Touhou series!

Illusionary Bird

“Hey, Kourin! What's up? Today's our routine hot pot day!”

She shouted as she threw open the door. As far as I'm concerned, today's Animal Protection Day.

“Oh, it's you, Marisa? What's the meaning of coming here and claiming this to be a 'hot pot day'?”

Marisa showed me what she had in her right hand, and there it was, a limp, red-and-white lump...

Some way from the Human Village in Gensokyo is the Forest of Magic, and close by this forest is my shop, Kourindou. In other words, it's halfway between where the humans live and where the youkai are. I thought that I could do business with both humans and youkai in this location, but the truth is that I almost never have clients of either kind. Well, it gets lively at times, but...

“Isn't that a crested ibis? What happened?”

“Yeah, I caught it by the shrine. Reimu's preparin' stuff for the hot pot, so she'll be late.”

“And why did you decide to meet at my place? You never even asked.”

“What are you talkin' about? This'll make a great meal! Sure, he looks a bit worse for the wear, but...”

The crested ibis. More and more of these birds have been appearing in Gensokyo every year. Wherever they become roused, the sky would become dyed in their colors. Yet their meat tastes good, despite their shabby appearances. The hot pot too, would end up dyed in that ibis color, almost a scarlet red. Not a nice way to put it, but it'd look like a human hot pot made by a vampire.

“Well, I guess it's fine, but why hot pot, all of a sudden?”

“Isn't it obvious? Cold days are all about hot pots.”

Marisa continued to chatter while barging into the kitchen. "Well, I just found 'im by chance, but he was pretty lively until a while ago."

Gensokyo is, quite literally, a place where illusionary creatures dwell. At some point, the people in the outside world wrote off “illusionary creatures” as nothing more than “fantasy creatures”. But, of course, illusionary creatures and fantasy creatures are very different. A fantasy creature is just another name for a delusion, misinterpretation or misunderstanding. On the other hand, an illusionary creature is one that can only be found in Gensokyo. It goes without saying, then, that both Marisa and I are also illusionary creatures.

However, the reason behind the sudden proliferation of crested ibises is something I don't understand. Could it be that they have become “illusionary birds”? That would be unthinkable in the outside world I knew, but then again, too much time has elapsed since then. As much as I try to imagine the outside world from limited literature and old memories, it would amount to nothing more than imaginations. An imagination plagued by imaginations is no more than a fantasy. For imaginations, I rank them in the order of Fantasy, Delusion, Prediction, the Virtual, and Illusion.

“Sorry for the wait! Marisa is here, too, right?”

“...I wasn't waiting. How could I when you girls showed up so suddenly?”

“Well, of course we came suddenly. But you should be waiting at all times. Isn't this a shop and everything?”

Reimu came just as Marisa said. She was carrying several bags with her. Ingredients for the hot pot, I guess.

“Hey, Reimu! Took ya long enough! Let's get this hot pot cookin'.”

Marisa had her arm outstretched, with a feeling of “C'mon, hand it over!” to it.

“I brought everything, yes.”

“Huh? This is red miso. Who told you to bring red miso?”

“I didn't need to be told. Red miso is the obvious choice for ibis broth!”

“Hey, hey! The hot pot is already red enough, so we should make it with white miso. Putting red miso in red broth? Are ya some kind of Communist?"

“It's not like you aren't going to eat because of the color. Since ibis meat is red to begin with, it shouldn't bother you, right? And why white miso? This isn't the Genpei War.”

The two of them went on about food coloring, but I wasn't listening. Regardless, Marisa was holding the ibis, and every time she gave it a squeeze, the ibis would squawk. It was kind of weird, like the ibis was supporting her. I'm sure Marisa was doing that on purpose.

"Don't red pickles go with tonkotsu? Wouldja put it in miso ramen?"

"And doesn't fukujinzuke go with curry? But knowing you, you'd probably throw it in cream stew.”

“Having somethin' red in the middle of somethin' white is the sign of a Japanese soul!”

“I'm already red and white enough. And what part of you has a Japanese soul, Marisa? Do you even know what 'Wabi-sabi' is?”

“I don't think ya know yerself, Reimu.”

“Of course I don't.”

“Anyway, we're not makin' a hot pot like that.”

“Wasn't it you who came up with the hot pot idea? We can't eat this ibis raw.”

“So is that how it is? Alright then, let's just divide it now.”

“Decide it?”

“Yeah, that'll work, too. Wanna go?”

In the end, it seems like they decided to settle the matter in a shooting duel, without so much as asking for my advice (even though they came to my shop uninvited). The rules were: 1-on-1 with Spellcard Rules. If Reimu won, the hot pot would be done her way; if Marisa won, she'd apparently make her go buy white miso. Never mind that I had white miso in my place, they seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I just let them be. Speaking of which, I actually know the tastiest way to cook a crested ibis...

“Marisa, what do I always tell you?”

“If you're gonna fight, then go outside, right?”

“More importantly, could you divide the bird up for Marisa, Mr. Rinnosuke?”

Their objectives seem to have changed already. Whatever the result is, I guess they'll happily eat it however I cook it. I could go as far as to think they arranged this scenario from the beginning, since it always follows the same pattern. Those two are frequently dueling to decide the most insignificant things. On top of that, they've been using attacks with lots of projectiles. It's extremely bright, and hard on the eyes.

Their duels are always a study in contrast. Against the gung-ho Marisa, Reimu – either on purpose or naturally – fights in a more laid-back style. The duels mostly go Reimu's way, but Marisa doesn't always lose. It's just that Marisa attacks with all her skill and might against Reimu, who looks just like she was made of air; it's like trying to pound a nail into dust. In any way, when looking at Reimu, she gives off a feeling that she is not quite from our own world. Anything more than that is something one cannot quite grasp.

“Hey, that's dangerous! What if it had hit me, Marisa!? Geez...”

“Aw, c'mon! Why didn't it hit?”

“Your bullets swerve to avoid me on their own. How nice of them!”

“They're flyin' straight...”

Since I could hear their voices, I went to see how things were going. Reimu looked like she would practically teleport at times. And her bullets would fly guided in impossible directions. It was kind of unfair.

Well then, this nice, round ibis looks really tasty; I've never seen one like it before. Speaking of which, Marisa said something that bothered me...

“Sorry for the wait, we've just made a decision.”

“Yes, you always make me wait like this. I already made the hot pot. With red miso, as expected.”

“Grrr... You already prepared the hot pot? What would ya do if I had won, Kourin?”

“I would have had you eat an ibis cooked in the tastiest way.”

The Hakurei Shrine is located in the edge of Gensokyo. And by edge, that doesn't mean only in the physical sense. There is the border between the outside world and Gensokyo. Because of that, the Hakurei Shrine is not an entirely “illusionary place”. And Marisa said she caught the ibis by the Shrine. It may be that this ibis is indeed from the outside world. So it would seem that crested ibises are not Illusionary Birds yet. I feel somewhat relieved.

[scopicsage]

Why is it that I’m frugal when it comes to bare necessities, but when I see natural hair care products I drop a thousand dollars like-

[eveningmercury]

QUEEN COOKING!!!

AN: this turned outway longer than I was expecting, but I hope you enjoy nonetheless!

Summary: (Moderncollege AU) Brian and Roger finally decided to open their home to twomore housemates, first an art student with an ambition to try allkinds of new foods, and then an electrical engineer with a knack forcheese on toast.

Ships: no ships forthis story :)

Words: 1632

“Good morning,Brian,” John greeted pleasantly, looking at the astrophysicsstudent over the rim of his coffee mug. “I made breakfast, ifyou’re hungry. Plates are in the box on the counter, forks and knivesare by the fridge.”

Brian nodded in response,setting the textbook he’d been carrying on the table before headingover to the stove to see what the bassist had cooked up. The fryingpan held a handful of sausages, a few strips of bacon, and a coupleof eggs, over-easy.

Nothing that reallyappealed to him, if he was honest. But he didn’t want to hurt his newhousemates feelings, so he scooped an eggs onto his plate, one of thesomewhat tacky white ones with the green trim that Freddie had movedin with him and Roger.

As he stared into thebarren abyss that was their fridge, Brian made a mental note to buysome fruit the next time he went to the store.

“Is that all you’regoing to have? Don’t worry about the others, I can make more ifthere’s not enough.” John looked despairingly at Brian’spractically empty plate, his gaze carefully avoiding Brian’s eyes.

“Oh, no, John, it’sfine,” he hesitated, though he wasn’t sure why. He wasn’t ashamed,not at all, yet he was still hesitant.

“It’s just, well,”John looked at him encouragingly. “I’m a vegetarian,” Hefinished, looking up from his plate to gauge the younger man’sreaction.

John’s mouth formed a soft‘oh’ as he glanced at the breakfast he’d made.

“I’m sorry, Brian, I hadno idea,” He chuckled nervously. “I’ll keep that in mind for nexttime.”

John smiled at him, andBrian couldn’t help but smile back.

“Thanks, John.”

He had a feeling they weregoing to get along swell.

~

Brian woke one night tothe sound of a package being torn open.

He peeled his eyes open tofind himself seated a the kitchen table, his face pasted to aresearch paper (he was too out of it to remember what on earth thepaper was about- something to do with Zodiacal light). He must havefallen asleep writing. The ache in his neck and back affirmed hissuspicions.

The crinkling sound of thepackage had stopped and was soon replaced by the sound of someoneopening and closing the kitchen cupboards in search of some elusiveobject.

He finally lifted his headfrom the table and found himself looking at a manic Freddie. Hisblack hair was pulled out of his eyes with and elastic band, and thatworried Brian more than anything so far. Freddie never tied his hairup, and he would certainly never use some random elastic that wouldknot and rip his hair as soon as he tried to take it out.

The unusual choice of hairtie quickly slipped from Brian’s thoughts as Freddie apparently foundwhat he was looking for: a Ziploc bag. The design student let out aquiet ‘Aha!’ and stood up to grab whatever package he had beenopening earlier, not even bothering to close the cupboard.

Freddie dumped thecontents of the package into his bag, humming softly. The mysteriousitem was ramen, Brian realized, and he quirked his head. What thehell was Freddie doing with dry ramen and a Ziploc bag?

He settled on it beingsome weird art thing.

His hypothesis was soonproven wrong, however, as Freddie dumped the entirety of theseasoning packet that came with the ramen into his bag, crunched itall up, scooped up a handful of the mixture, and shoved it into hismouth, chewing obnoxiously.

“What the hell areyou eating, Fred?” Brian asked, unable to keep quiet any longer.

Freddie jumped, holdingthe bag to his chest as if it would protect him from whatevernocturnal creature he thought stalked the dimly lit kitchen. Hisstance shifted from one of pure terror to utter relief, albeit angry,as he laid eyes on Brian at the table.

“Jesus Christ,Brian, don’t scare me like that! What are you doing up so late?” hecursed, picking up a pencil that had fallen from where it had beentucked behind his ear.

“What are youeating?” Brian repeated, ignoring the question, his eyes stilltrained on the concoction in Freddie’s hands.

“Pasta,” thedesign student said simply, holding up the bag and shaking it like itwas some cat toy and Brian was the cat.

Too tired to argue, Brianmerely stared at his housemate in utter horror, hoping that this wasall a fever dream and Freddie wasn’t actually going to voluntarilyput that stuff in his body.

“Well, as fun asthis has been, I have work I need to finish, so, goodnight, darling.”Freddie offered him a tight-lipped smile before grabbing anotherfistful of the dry ramen and shoveling into his mouth.

Brian could only watch asFreddie walked away, his crunching disappearing down the hall.

~

Freddie sat on the edge ofthe kitchen counter, smearing an unsavory amount of honey on a pieceof toast. John glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, cringingslightly at the amount of sweetness the artist was tainting the poorbread with.

“How much honeyare you going to put on that thing, Fred?” He asked, taking a bitof his own slice of toast.

Freddie shrugged, sendinghim a small glare. “As much as I want, dear.”

The bassist rolled hiseyes, deciding to drop the subject.

“At least it’s notthat monstrosity,” Freddie continued, gesturing to John’s food witha look of disdain on his face.

“What’s so badabout cheese on toast?” John countered, trying not to look tooinsulted.

“There’s nothingwrong with cheese toast, Freddie.” Brian walked into the kitchen,an empty glass of water in one hand and a towel he was using to dryhis curls in the other.

Brian’s attempt atdiffusing the situation proved futile as Roger strolled up next tohim, stretching lazily.

“It’s just a bitweird, since it’s literally all you eat, Deak,” he stated, talkingthrough a yawn.

“It’s good!”John insisted, taking another bite to emphasize his point.

“It’s cheese onbread!” Freddie exclaimed.

“What, have younever had a grilled cheese?” Brian asked him, looking up from themail he was sorting at the table. “It’s essentially the same thing,just minus one piece of bread.”

“What’s a grilledcheese?” Freddie furrowed his brow, his lips curling slightly indisgust.

“Wait, Freddie,you’ve never had a grilled cheese?” Roger stared at himincredulously.

“I mean, he justlearned what ramen was last week,” Brian mused, grimacing as hethought about the singer’s latest midnight snack.

“God, Fred, whatkind of childhood did you have?” Roger stared at the man inquestion, who in turn sent him a glare icy enough to send a chilldown the drummer’s spine.

Brian elbowed him in theside, sending the blond another glare, urging him to mutter a quiet,“Sorry.”

John merely took anotherbite of his toast, before deciding to offer part of the slice toFreddie.

The dark-haired man lookedat the offering, then up at John, then back to John’s outstretchedhand, before hesitantly grabbing the toast.

He took a small bite,chewing slowly, his dark eyes narrowed in contemplation.

The other three watchedhim expectantly, John almost falling off the counter as he leanedcloser to see Freddie’s reaction.

Freddie said nothing as hegave John his breakfast back.

“So? What do youthink?” Roger asked, drumming his fingers in anticipation.

“It’s…”Freddie started. Brian gestured for him to continue.

“Plain,” Hefinished, shrugging slightly.

“Perfect for plainol’ John Deacon, then,” John said, happily shoving the rest of thetoast into his mouth.

~

Roger Taylor was stressed.

Probably because thekitchen was on fire.

He swore at the smokealarm as its incessant beeping alerted the rest of the house to hislittle incident, which definitely did not include him causing a smallfire, then accidentally creating a much bigger fire in an attempt toput it out with the nearest thing to him: a roll of paper towels.

Now, he wasn’t an idiot.He knew that putting paper towels on a fire was definitely not a goodway to extinguish said thing, but he panicked and just grabbed whatwas closest to him.

He also didn’t get a winkof sleep last night.

“Rog, what the hell didyou do?” The voice of one Brian May drew the blond from his shockedstupor.

“I’m making breakfast.”

“Clearly, you are not.”John’s monotone voice was laced with a slight edge of panic.

Brian was the first tomove, pulling Roger away from the fire by the shoulders, shoving himat John. He quickly maneuvered himself around the growing flames, rippingopen one of the cupboards.

He grabbed a bag of somesort of white powder (silently blessing John Deacon for buying awhole bunch of baking ingredients; apparently it was a side hobby ofhis, and he made a killer lemon tart), quickly dumping it’s contentsonto the stove.

The fire was soonextinguished, and Roger pried himself slowly from John’s arms, whichhad been practically strangling him, and he heaved a breath, coughingas he inhaled a large amount of smoke.

“My, sleep in for tenminutes and look at all the fun I missed.”

The three men slowlyturned to see Freddie, in all of his bedhead glory, standing in thedoorway with a cocky grin.

“I’ll order takeout.”

[sakichi56]

LawLicht Week Day 5:

“Hyde, I will be busy giving the angel in training some piano lessons, so make sure you don't bother us.”

“Sure thing angel-chan. I'll behave.”

The dark haired teen narrowed his eyes even more than normal, if possible, as if he didn't believe his partner for a second. But in the end, all he said was “You better.” and then walked away.

Of course, Hyde would try to behave, but there was no guarantee. He wasn't one to follow the rules. It was in his name after, Lawless, to be without law. So if he wanted to go interrupt Mahiru and Licht while they were playing the piano, then he would.

However, he didn't want to upset Licht. Perhaps he would go out there to check on them under the guise of being out there to get a drink. Yes, that could work.

Deciding to give them 10 minutes, before he barged out there, Hyde laid back on the bed, contemplating his plan of action. I can't continuously go out there for a drink, Licht will know what I'm doing. Maybe for a snack later, and while I'm out getting a snack, I can lay something down and go back out even later saying that I'm looking for it. Yeah, yeah that's good.

After the 10 minutes were up, the vampire stood and bounded out of the room, and headed toward the kitchen. The first thing he noticed when he walked through the main room to get to the kitchen, was how close the two males were sitting.

They were pressed shoulder to shoulder, as Licht pointed at things and explained what they were. And Hyde did not like it. He couldn't fault the teen on it though, so he just took a deep breathe, sighed it out, and went on to get his beverage.

As soon as he heard the footsteps getting further, Licht threw a glare over his shoulder. He wasn't sure what the hedgehog was up to, but knowing Hyde, it couldn't be anything good. The young pianist shook his head and turned his attention back to the brunet beside him.

“Okay, now, do I need to teach you what the bars mean?”

The immortal being spent a good long while in the kitchen, making his double espresso as slowly as possible, just to give himself an excuse to be shamelessly watching his lover through the doorway.

It was ridiculous that Hyde could get so upset over this. It's not like Mahiru was going to take Licht from him. Mahiru didn't even like Licht that much. And besides, Mahiru was dating his older Kuro. And the two seemed more than happy together. So this whole thing was just insane.

But he couldn't help it. He didn't like how close they were, or how Licht was giving the other boy his undivided attention. All because he was this ‘angel in training’. What if Hyde said he wanted Licht to teach him the piano? Would Licht act like this with him? Would he even agree to it?

Briefly, he considered storming out there and insisting that he wanted piano lessons too, and that Licht should teach them both at the same time. But that would only result in him getting yelled at and kicked around for interrupting.

Another loud sigh, escaped his lips as he grabbed his favorite drink, and headed back to his room. Completely unaware of the fact that his Eve had heard him sighing twice, and was starting to get irritated.

------------------------------------------------------------

After having finished his drink and waiting half an hour in his room on his phone, the blond decided that it was time to check in on them once more.

He quickly padded his way back out to the kitchen and made himself a ham and cheese sandwich, all the while keeping a keen eye on his lover's back. Dismissively, he placed his phone on the countertop, so he would have an excuse to come back out here later, as Licht never told him how long the two would be at it.

Once his sandwich was done, he walked over to the door frame to lean on it and eat his sandwich, what he saw, almost made him drop the food all together, plate and everything. instead he settled for nearly ripping his hair out with his free hand.

Licht was sitting behind the younger Eve, hands on top of his as he guided him through the motions of a beginner's song called “when the saints go marching in”. His chest was pressed to the other boy’s back! That was entirely too close! Was he TRYING to make him mad?!

No, no. Licht wouldn't do that. He takes his music very seriously. And he has never had many friends, so he probably just doesn't see a problem with this. Yeah, yeah that's all it is. He probably just told Mahiru there was an easier way to show him how to play and the darn simple loving kid probably agreed. Nothing bad is happening. I'm just overreacting.

The oldest male in the room, took another deep inhale of oxygen and released it in a long, grounding exhale. He then ate his sandwich in silence, watching the two teenagers like a hawk. He suddenly felt less like a boyfriend, and more like an overprotective father who would make excuses to check on his daughter whenever she had a boy over to study.

Shortly after this revelation, the sandwich was gone, and Hyde had wandered back to his room once more.

“Umm, Licht-san, is me being here bad? Lawless seems a bit on edge.”

“No, just ignore him. He's just being a brat. If we ignore him for long enough, he may just give up and stay in there.”

----------------------------------------------------------

I'm just being paranoid. There is no reason to be upset. But, I mean, how much worse could this get?! They're already pressed as closely together as two people can be! There is no way for this to go any further south. It's fine. I'm fine. Licht and I are fine.

The red eyed immortal took a few more calming breaths and gave the two other males a few minutes reprieve, before he stalked back out to grab his phone.

That, was it. He was going to explode! Rationality be damned! Licht was now, not only sitting with the boy pressed against his chest, but he was being way too nice to the kid now too!

“That's right. Good job angel in training, you only messed up 3 notes that time.” Spoke the tutor as he patted the boy on the head.

“Ah, thanks Licht-san. I couldn't do it without you though!” Said the student as he turned and gave the older boy a bright smile. To which, the teacher gave a very slight upturn of the lip back.

Arrgghh!!! That's it!!! I can't take it anymore! I have to say something!

Just as he was about to March over and give the two a piece of his mind, there was a soft, lazy knock on the door that the two in the main room didn't seem to hear. Giving an intentionally loud and aggravated sigh, the Servamp walked over and yanked the door open, only to be met with a black cat pushing his way inside. Once inside, he shut the door and changed back.

“I'm here to pick up Mahiru. I woke up to find I was home alone and saw a note that said he would be here with the violent angel.”

“Ah, nii-san. Thank goodness! You won't believe how out Eve’s are acting! It's shameful!”

Kuro tilted his head and lazily meandered his way into the main room, Lawless trailing after him.

The two Eve’s were still seated in the position that Hyde had found them in earlier. And while it infuriated him, his brother didn't seem to care at all. He just blinked. As if this didn't matter!

“See?! Look at them! They're dating us and yet they look like they're dating each other right now!”

“So? Just cuz they're sitting like that, doesn't mean anything is going on. Mahiru is too innocent for that. They're just friends Hyde. Besides,” He said as a loving smile took its place on his lips. “I trust him. And I know he would never betray me.”

“You really have that much faith in him? You trust him that much? You don't think, for even a second, that he won't turn around marry someone else all of a sudden for some stupid reason?!”

“I do. With my life. And no, he would never do that to me. Mahiru’s not that kind of guy. And Licht's not either. If he didn't want to be with you, he would tell you upfront. So relax a bit. Hey, Mahiru.”

Upon hearing the bored drawl of his boyfriend, Mahiru's head spun around and a huge sunny smile shot across his face.

“Kuro! You came to get me!” Exclaimed the brunet, as he shot up and raced over to throw himself into the bluenette’s arms.

“Yeah, I woke up alone and without breakfast. And we're out of instant ramen. So I had to come get you so you could feed me.”

“Ugh! Kuro!” He gave the Servamp a light punch in the shoulder, causing a lazy smirk to appear on the taller male’s face.

“I’ve gotta go now Licht-san, but thank you so much for today. I had a lot of fun, and I really learned a lot. Bye!”

And with that the Sloth pair left, a black cat on the brunet’s shoulder, nuzzling against his neck. As soon as the door shut, all hell broke loose.

“What the hell was that?!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“You two were all over each other! And he said he had ‘fun’ and he ‘learned a lot’ what exactly was happening out here?!”

The dark haired male stood, faced his boyfriend, and crossed his arms.

“Hmph, you should know shit rat, you've been out here plenty, and you have eyes. You should be able to tell. What was the excuse this time?”

“W-what?”

“The bathroom? Or were you just winging it? Decided you’d come out here without an excuse, huh?”

“I-I left my phone in the kitchen while I was making my sandwich…”

The boy scoffed. “Intentionally, I bet.”

He couldn’t come up with a rebuttal, he had him there.

“Look shit rat, you can either cut the crap and just tell me what's going on with you, or we can drop this whole charade all together and you will get no answer.”

The vampire bit his lip. He usually didn't mind whenever Licht won one of their spats, but this time it really bothered him how easily the boy had cornered him and turned this whole thing around on him.

“Fine! I'm jealous okay?! You're my boyfriend and yet you were all close and touchy and nice to my brother's Eve!” For some unknown reason, Licht smirked.

“Oh? I thought you liked a challenge rat. You've never complained before about me not being nice to you. And you say you're upset that I was spending all that time being close to Mahiru, and yet you're not even the Servamp of Envy. You are Greed.”

“Sh-shut up! It's just, it makes me think that, sometimes, you actually don't like me. And I'm entitled to feel jealous! It's part of being greedy! I see something and I want it! And I wanted you attention! So there!”

Suddenly, Licht lowered his arms, his face carrying a serious look, smirk gone, and walked toward Hyde. The blond thought that perhaps he had struck a nerve and they were going to actually fight. But instead, the teen reached out and yanked on his tie. Pulling him forward and smashing their lips together.

His first reaction was to blink owlishly, as he wasn't entirely sure what was happening or what to do. But shortly after, he melted, allowing himself to hum in enjoyment. Not even a second later, the angel pulled back, smirk instantly returning. Hyde blushed.

“I know Hyde. I knew the whole time that you were jealous, it was a bit unwarranted, but you are entitled to feel whatever you want. I just wanted you to admit to it and realize that it's not a bad thing to fess up to it. Now, do you still think I hate you even though I'm dating you? Or are you done being stupid?”

“N-no, not really. You wouldn't have kissed me like that if you hated me. W-wait a minute! You knew?! So you WERE doing all that on purpose! That's so mean Lich-tan! I can't believe you!” He whined.

Licht rolled his eyes, stuffing his hands in his pockets, clearly done with this whole conversation. Honestly, it was a miracle he hadn't kicked him yet. “Stupid rat, don't accuse an angel of something so evil.”

“But you're not denying it! Lich-tannnnn. How could you! And I was so good too! I didn't interrupt you once. Don't I get some kind of reward?” The pianist turned away, walking off to the bedroom, scoffing as he did so.

“Yeah right, if that's what you call good, then it's no wonder you're a demon. You were practically breathing down our necks the whole time. Checking in like an overprotective father. Or, an incredibly jealous boyfriend.”

For a second, Hyde could have sworn that was mirth he heard in the teen’s voice. Rushing after him, he called him out on it.

“You're enjoying this aren't you? Are you sure you're not the demon in this relationship angel-chan? You are so mean!”

As soon as he finished his sentence, the teen stopped dead in his tracks and turned a fire filled glare on his blond lover.

“How dare you. And after I kissed you like that to make you feel better. You can consider that kiss your compensation for being jealous all afternoon, because I'm an angel, I am nice, and don't forget it shit rat.”

“Right. You're right. You're an angel. Wait. Does that mean anytime I'm jealous I get a kiss like that? If I say I'm still jealous, do I get another one?”

Smirk sliding onto his feature, quickly replacing his upset and shaken look. Licht gave a small groan and shook his head, continuing on to their bedroom, followed closely by Hyde.

“You're deplorable. Go to bed Hyde.”

“No way angel cakes! That was really hot earlier! The way you kissed me like that. I want another! You aren't going to leave your poor, adorable pet hedgehog so distraught, are you?”

“Distraught my ass! You're fine!”

“Nooooo!!! I'm super depressed Lich-tan! You have to kiss me better!”

“Get off right now or else rat!”

The blond laughed, Licht was clearly in a good mood today, so that meant that, despite his threat, Hyde could get away with his actions. So the vampire's response was to throw his arms and legs around the teen, snuggling closer to him on their bed, causing the angel to blush profusely.

“Nevermind angel-chan. This will do just fine. I don't need that second kiss after all, since it embarrasses you so much.” He exclaimed as he nuzzled the boy’s cheek with his own. “You're such an ass...” Muttered the teen.

“Maybe, but I'm your ass!” Chirped the blond.

“Yes, you are. And I love you, despite how much you piss me off rat.”

“Aww, angel baby! I love you too!”

The two laid silently, which was a miracle for the ever loud Servamp of Greed. But eventually, the energetic blond let out a yawn, slowly losing himself to slumber and inadvertently loosening his hold. Licht chose this opportunity to slip an arm out and wrap it around the other male, pulling him to his chest. Instantly shocking the immortal out of his sleepy state.

“Lich-ta-” He started, in his normally loud voice, only being stopped by the raven placing his hand over his mouth and shushing him.

"Speak low, if you speak love."

The blonds eyes widened for a second, but sluggishly closed them as a smile spread across his face and Licht removed his hand.

“Sorry I got so jealous Lich-tan.” He whispered

“It's okay shit rat.”

“No, it's not, it made it was unfair to you.”

“It's know you've got some trust issues from your past, I don't mind. Now go to sleep. Really. It's fine.”

There was a beat of silence as they both closed their eyes.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

The smile on the Servamp’s face widened, as a small one formed on his Eve’s face to match him. “Goodnight Lich-tan, sleep well.” He muttered.

“Goodnight Hyde.” He got softly whispered back. And then all was silent, as the two slipped into a peaceful and happy slumber.

THE END

[recentanimenews]

The Day I Became a God – 12 (Fin) – The Easy Way Out

Up to this point, The Day I Became a God had told a compelling and reasonably plausible sci-fi tale about a child who was given a new lease on life (i.e. “became a god”) thanks to bleeding-edge technology, only to have that tech stripped away when the ramifications of its wider use were considered too constructive.

That decision was made by the highest world powers who had to that point played no role in the narrative, and play no role afterwards. Thanks to Suzuki Hiroto’s hacking, Youta is able to find the Hina who is no longer a god and even gain entry to her care facility.

Youta put the consequences of his fraud out of his mind because he held out hope one more miracle would occur: Hina would not only remember him and their happy summer together with his friends and family, but make the decision to return home with him.

Rather than accept the new normal and move forward, Youta insisted on getting everything back to the way it was—on moving backward. And while I certainly sympathized with, and may even have acted as he did in his position, in the end he was wrong, and misguided. Just being in that facility under false pretenses marked him as a criminal.

Throughout the sanitarium part of the series, Shiba had been painted as Youta’s adversary; his rival for the deciding of Hina’s future. It was even implied Shiba had a personal stake in remaining in the here-and-now Hina’s care, which is considerable and not to be undertaken lightly. This week she confronts him about his fraud, but rather than expel him immediately from the facility and turn him over to the police, she gives him One More Day.

The show had me until then, then lost me as soon as that decision was made. I understand this is a fictional show that makes choices out of dramatic license, but for someone who claims to be so committed to Hina’s health and safety, Shiba’s “small kindness” to Youta is as baffling as it is reckless.

Sure, we may know Youta means no harm, but have neither the training or experience to know the extent of how much he may harm her nonetheless. Shiba does, and rather than immediately remove a potential agent of further harm, she lets him not only linger, but take Hina away.

Youta is depicted as being at his lowest point as he’s roughly escorted out of the facility to a waiting car. That should be it, but Shiba takes Hina out into the freezing cold to allow for an extended goodbye, during which it dawns on Youta why Hina kept discarding the card with the drawing of him. The real him was already there, unlike the others, so his card wasn’t needed.

With the real Youta now about to be “missing” Hina verbally protests, repeating how she “loves Yoha[sic]”, jumping out of Shiba’s arms, steadying herself, then walking barefoot into his waiting arms. Finally, Youta has evidence that her memories aren’t gone. She remembers him and his family and friends. The Hina he knew is still “in there”, merely in a more frail body with a smaller vocabulary.

And hey, that’s great! It really is! But Hina remembering Youta, and even declaring she loves him, doesn’t mean he can immediately take her back home like nothing happened! Shiba was preparing to take Hina to a better facility overseas, implying that the current facility, clearly no slouch itself, wasn’t quite up to spec in terms of being the best place for Hina’s continued care and development.

Youta’s house may be a loving home, but I have to question whether Youta and his parents truly have her best interests at heart. None of them have caregiver training for special needs children. Worse, Youta returns home immediately, and it’s clear his house hasn’t been modified for caregiving.

If there were plans for Shiba to take Hina abroad, why would she simply give up guardianship and custody to someone she knew was a high school student pretending to be a pediatric researcher? At the very least, Shiba would move into Youta’s house to help with Hina. I’m sorry, but none of these events make any logical sense if you push past the emotional manipulation and think about any of it for one second.

Instead, things carry on as if Hina had simply been kidnapped and returned safe and sound. Youta figures out that the things she did as “Odin”—playing basketball, eating ramen, making a film, etc.—were things the pre-chip Hina wanted to do but couldn’t due to her Logos Syndrome. But then why did pre-chip Hina want to revitalize a restaurant…or get Youta laid by a mahjongg otaku??

Youta decides that Hina always was a god, and even remains one, and credits her with helping him decide his path in life: he’ll go to college to become the foremost researcher on her condition. Wonderful sentiments, but the fact of the matter is he is woefully ill-equipped to help her now.

While he’s plugging away at the books (pre-med is no joke), Hina will need 24-hour care. Assuming he’ll leave that to his parents, will they get the training they need? Again, the fact Shiba simply vanishes without a trace is maddening.

Sora finally finishes her movie, which turns out to be a reflection of Youta and Hina’s arc: a guy rescuing a girl the world needed sacrifice in order to save it. The film sidesteps what effect the actual end of the world would have on their happiness; I guess they’d just enjoy their lives together until the oxygen ran out, because that’s better than being apart and the world going on?

The film is followed by the making-of segments, during which Hina sits down and gets real about her time on the earth with Youta & company. She likens the memories she’s made with them to be a chest full of dazzling jewels she’ll treasure for all of her days—even if “the world should end.”

You’d be forgiven for tearing up during this scene, as with other touching scenes designed to invoke tears. Youta and the others were tearing up. Heck, I teared up too! But once the tears dried, I was simply frustrated to the point of indignation.

This was a show that had all the resources to deliver a realistic ending, in which the acceptance of the loss and change in Youta’s life would spur his own growth and change, bolstering the change God-Hina had already caused. The previous two episodes paved the way for that kind of ending. It would have been difficult, and sad, but it would have felt genuine.

Instead, the show took the easy way out and gave Youta everything he wanted in a painfully artificial happy ending that shredded all previous nuance or appeals to realism. There are no apparent consequences for the fraud he committed, nor for removing Hina from a highly-controlled care facility and dropping her into the chaos of his family and friends.

Youta claims to now know the path he wants to walk, but reached that epiphany only after being unjustly rewarded for his missteps and ignorance. He learned that if he was stubborn and passionate enough, all obstacles would fold and he’d get his way…and they did. Finally, the less said about any romantic undertones to his bond with Hina, the better. I wish this ending didn’t leave such a bitter taste in my mouth, but here we are.

By: magicalchurlsukui

[dragonwitchgaming]

Fighting (A servamp kuromahi fanfiction)

(This is my first fanfiction on Tumbler. If you want me to make more fanfictions just ask. I enjoy this kind of thing so I want to do more but I don’t know what people want. so ENJOY! XD)

The power was out due to a bad thunderstorm. It had wiped out the entire neighborhood’s power so we weren’t the only ones.

Kuro and I had decided to cuddle on the couch for warmth. With a few minor scented candles lit of course. The dark room was dimly lit by said candles and only allowed my human eyes limited sight, were as my cat counter part could see everything. 

“K-Kuro do you mind g-going and getting another b-blanket? I'm freezing.” I shuttered with shivers wracking my frame.

“Can’t deal.” He mutters begrudgingly but got up to get one anyway. Once he returned he threw the orange cloth at me. I immediately wrapped myself in its delicious warmth. “Why don’t you get it yourself next time.” he groaned as he sat back down.

“Because I don’t have night vision unlike a certain ally cat I know.” I muttered. A clash of lightning lit the room for a few mere seconds, however it gave me enough time for me to read Kuro’s face. He looked at me with sad eyes that left me wondering what was wrong. “Are you doing ok Kuro?” I asked with a concerned tone.

“it’s nothing.” He said. His figure turned away from me. Our fight with Tsubaki hadn’t been to long ago. My guess was Kuro was still worried about his youngest brother. My concern exponentially grew for the servamp as he started to not eat his cupped ramen when offered.

Tenderly I placed my hand on the servamp’s shoulder. “Kuro talk to me. I’m here.” I said slowly.

“Mahiru, do you think it was right of me to get in Tsubaki’s way?” he asked. “I mean, if I had been in his shoes...” Kuro trailed off not bothering to finish.

“Kuro, what you did saved thousands if not millions of innocent lives. Never doubt for a moment what you did was wrong. “I’m proud you faced things head on.” I told him boldly, hoping to convey my feeling on the topic to him.

“How can you possibly know anything about it?” Kuro suddenly snapped.

“What?” I was confused.

”You don’t know anything! You don’t get it. I betrayed my brother, my father how could you be proud?!” Kuro shouted at me.

“You are my servamp and I your eve, but that dose not define our relationship Kuro.” I kept my voice calm despite the urge to do otherwise.

“Why even DID you pick me up?! I’m just an ally cat after all.” He snapped making air quotations. 

“Kuro were is all this coming from?!” I gapped shocked.

“Us meeting was a mistake.” He said in a hushed whisper. I don’t think he meant for me to here which made it all that much worse. However after he said it, he seemed to go back to normal.

“Sorry, I’ll be going to bed. I’m really tired.” I said softly. Kuro didn’t seem to notice as he opened the DS and played to Mario. I laid there for a good hour or two, just thinking what could have possibly made Kuro this upset. 

The next morning I found Kuro sleeping on the couch. “I guess things won’t be the same.” I mumbled looking at him. The light from outside lit up the apartment nicely. I paced in the kitchen thinking to myself. I nearly walked into the counter because I was so deep in thought. If it hadn’t been for Kuro’s violent howling I would’ve. 

“Kuro!” I cried with concern as I rushed into the living room.

“Mahiru.” Kuro said once I came into sight. I moved slowly toward him just in case he rejected my presence.

“Kuro are you okay?” I asked cautiously. He gave me a level look as I sat next to him.

”I was just having a nightmare. It’s nothing for you to be concerned about.” He said with a blatant tone. 

“What? I can’t be concerned about you?” I asked hurt.

“Stay out of my life.” He hissed. Between this and last night I was starting to wonder if he blamed me for Tsubaki. I lowered my eyes to the floor.

“Fine.” I muttered just loud enough for him to hear before leaving the apartment.

  I needed to blow off some stem so I went to Sakuya. The only thing I didn’t know was how far the distance restriction was. So I had Sakuya meet me at a nearby park.“Yo’ what’s wrong? You seemed pretty on edge when you called.” Sakuya asked.

“I think Kuro is upset... no I know he is, but he won’t tell me what’s wrong.” I said glaring at the ground.

“I’ll talk to him.” He offered kindly.

“No! That will make it worse. Besides it’s between him and me. Whatever it is I have to be the one to talk to him. Otherwise he’ll never want to open up to me again.” I shouted.

(Now what I didn’t know at this time was that Kuro was listening in on my conversation, hiding behind a tree next to the bench I sat on. Come to find out Sakuya had planned for him to.)

“Why do you say that? He let you in about his father.” Sakuya said confused. “That’s true at least.” I muttered.

“Well there you go then. So what makes this any different? Maybe he just doesn’t know how to talk to you about it.” Sakuya asked.

“What makes it different is the comments. ‘stay out of my life’ ‘Us meeting was a mistake’ you tell me that’s miscommunication.” I sighed.  

”Wow he really said that?!” Sakuya gasped shock written all over his face.

“I wish I had dreamed it. I don’t want to agree with him. I’m glad I picked him up. He has changed my life, maybe not it the best way, but I like it the way it is now. I just wish he could say the same.” I muttered. “Honestly I feel like I’ve failed him.”

 *Kuro*

 I had been listing to this conversation due to Sakuya’s request. However I only half payed attention. The only comment that stuck in my head was Mahiru feeling like he failed me. The words sent shivers to my core. The words I spoke to him recently echoed in my mind. The ironic thing was I didn’t mean a word of it.

“Mahiru I would just give Kuro time. He has his own problems and they may very well not be your concern.” I peeked at Mahiru’s face. The hurt in his eyes pulled at my heart.

“Thanks Sakuya.” He said softly.

“I think you should head back. My guess is Kuro’s hungry.’” Sakuya said jokingly, his effort to brighten Mahiru’s mood was in vain.

“Your right.” I rushed back into the apartment shortly before Mahiru did.

“Kuro?!” Mahiru called for me. I calmed my nerves as I prepared an apology or something to say to him. “I’m making lunch.” He said coming into the living room. I looked at his back as he turned to go back on the kitchen. Morphing into my cat form I made way to the kitchen.  

“Mahiru...” I called quietly.

“Huh?”

“Sakuya had me listen to you conversation.” I said guilty.

“That jerk!” Mahiru cried suddenly red in the face.

“Mahiru!” I shouted to regain his attention. Once I had it I continued. “I had no idea that was what you though. I’m not upset with you. I... I just was lost in thought and blaming myself for Tsubaki.” I said nearly going on a rant.

“So you actually want me in your life?” Mahiru’s breath stopped as he waited for my reply

”Yes I do.” I said with a cat smile.

[ask-svt-hearteu]

Can you do a Beach date with Joshua?💕

A Date with Svt: Beach date with Joshua

Admin Jess: I may or may not have been listening to Josh singing beautiful while writing this so excuse me (also Josh isn’t my bias or anything whaaaat what do you mean HAHAHAHAH)

it was a beautiful day

well everyday is beautiful

but that day was especially so

shining almost

a bright and warm evening

the sun’s rays permeating into your apartment

its light gently cascading over the furniture, reaching every space of the room

its glow falling onto your face as you laid on the couch

your phone to your ear as you talked to Joshua

“As long as you make sure to take care of your health.” You say letting a smile break across your face

“Of course, Mingyu is feeding us well don’t worry.” Josh laughs and the sound is soft and gentle

“Yah ramen everyday is not ok.” You scoff laughing with him

“What’s wrong with ramen? Last I checked you have ramen pretty frequently too.”

“Exactly why you shouldn’t, no need to follow your girlfriend’s bad habit of eating junk food.”

silence follows your comment

“Joshua? You still there?”

“Sorry I just missed hearing your voice. I guess I just miss you.” his gentle laugh sounding into your ear again

your cheeks flush

“I miss you too.”

“Well let’s do something when I get back tomorrow.”

you jump up from laying down into a sitting position

“Josh are you coming back tomorrow?!???! And didn’t tell me?!?!?”

“Surprise? I guess?”

your heart warms not tired of hearing him laugh

“Well what do you want to do?” You ask

“I’m not too sure but I do have an idea.”

“And you’re not going to tell me?”

“Nope, you’ll just have to wait and see.”

”How am I going to survive the evening dying from this suspense?” You joke

“I’m sure you’ll manage. Until then get some rest.”

“You too.”

“Sweet dreams then.”

and the line cut

you just sit surrounded by the warm feeling left from talking with Joshua

meanwhile Josh…

“Ay our Shua must be happy to see someone tomorrow.” Jeonghan teased

“Ah stop.”

“So what are your ‘secret’ plans?”

“I’ll tell you, Jeonghan, if you help me.”

“Why anything for our gentleman, Shua.”

the next morning you stand in front of your closet door contemplating an outfit

“Knowing Shua, it could be anywhere.” You sigh shaking your head and smiling saying this to yourself

you settle for some shorts, a T-shirt, and a jean jacket that’s a bit big on you

but the long sleeves are somewhat comforting

you place your sunglasses on top your head

and grab a bag to put your phone, keys, a water bottle, and a few snacks

you decide to throw in the book you’re currently reading and sunscreen just in case

the spontaneous date with a mystery location was an exciting idea

and with a light spring in your step you leave your apartment and start the walk over to the coffee shop on the corner, where you said you’d meet Josh

“See you in a bit lovely.” A text from him reads as you walk

“What a dork.” You giggle to yourself as you read it

when you reach the shop, he’s outside standing waiting for you, a backpack slung over one shoulder

casually dressed in jeans and a flannel over a t-shirt

without saying anything he pulls you into a hug and pulls back holding onto your hand

“Let’s go.”

the bus ride takes a while

but that was fine with you

you ask about how his schedule went

and he asks about school and work

and you tease him about not telling you where the date was going to be

and you laugh at his jokes

until the bus stops at its destination

and finally you can see it

the vast ocean blue spread out

the waves gently brushing the sand’s beige

the sun shining brightly

“Joshua what the actual heck.”

“Do you SEA where we’re having our date now?” He chuckles

“I don’t approve of that pun, Shua.”

“What I thought it was funny.”

you both laugh as you walk out onto the sand

bare feet tingling at the touch of soft sand

“It’s so beautiful.” You stare in awe

“Come here.” Josh takes your hand in his and pulls you along as you follow the edge of the water

you walk for a while until the beach curves behind some rocks before a vast cliff

rounding the corner you see it

a picnic blanket laid out

a sun umbrella perfectly poking out of the sand

“You-“ you’re speechless

“Jeonghan helped me set up, what do you think?”

“I think you wasted a lot of time on me.” You giggle awestruck

“Well no, I wanted to make today’s date count.”

and it did

your bag neglected on the sand with his backpack

as you both ran into the water

chasing the waves and screaming as the cold washed over your feet

he wrote your name and his name in the sand

and you watched the waves wash it away

“That’s ok.” You giggle hugging him when you see a small frown

he quickly wraps his arms around your waist and twirls you around

“I know it is.”

you both are the cutest

taking lots of pictures on each other’s phones

“Yah don’t drop my phone in the ocean!!!” You yell giggling

he takes a selfie with you throwing bunny ears behind his head as you smile for the camera

“You should totally make that your home-screen, y/n.”

“And what if I don’t want to?” You tease sticking out your tongue

“Awww please?”

“Fiiine.”

him climbing onto some of the rocks to strike a silly pose for the camera

you snapping away your camera

“Wow, exclusive photoshoot at the beach!”

him taking your phone from you again to take a picture of you walking along the sand

and then taking pics of the two of you together

smiling into the lens counting down

“3, 2, 1-“

he says before turning to kiss you on your cheek

and then clicking the shutter button

“Yah!!!” You giggle pushing him away

“Your turn one for my phone so I can brag about how pretty you are to the others y/n.”

you laugh as he taps his cheek teasingly closing his eyes while positioning the phone above you for the picture

you lean in to kiss his cheek

and he takes the pic

“Wait it’s blurry, another pleeeease.”

you sigh giggling again and lean in

right as he turns his head

and presses his lips to yours softly

the sea breeze blowing refreshingly against your burning skin

“Josh!”

“Sorry heh.”

you both walking hand in hand bare feet feeling the water rush over your toes

sitting and having snacks together under the sunshade on the blanket

laying back on his stomach reading your book

as he gently ruffles your hair while reading his own book

exploring the tide pools and pointing at the different sea stars

the day quickly fading away

but not before one last thing

from amongst the rocks, he pulls out a guitar case

“Did you bring a guitar?!?!”

“Yep, this was a pain to do really early in the morning by the way.” He chuckles

he strums lightly

a melody filling the air

singing softly

as you listen

the strings sound beautifully mingling with his gentle voice

the smile he had seeing you smile

ending the perfect day

the bus ride back was bitter sweet

“Josh…”

“Hmm?”

“Your guitar.”

“Oh haha.” He said moving it aside

“You’re putting a gap between our relationship.” Josh joked

“No your guitar was!” You laugh too smacking his arm

then he pulled you closer to replace the space the guitar left

and just held onto your hand

the tiring day not leaving much but smiles as you fell asleep against his chest

him grinning like a fool down at you in his hold

resting his chin gently over the top of your head

and not letting go until after the bus had stopped

~ admin jess

DATE REQUEST CLOSED

MASTERLIST (where the other date scenarios can be found)

[unlockthelore]

Consideration

Title: Isn’t it Love?

Chapter 5: Consideration

Relationship: Hiei/Kurama | Minamino Shuuichi

Character(s): Hiei (YuYu Hakusho), Kurama | Minamino Shuuichi

Additional Tags: Feelings Realization, Team as Family, Post-Canon, Fluff, 5+1 Things

Summary: On a mission to the Ningenkai, Yukina and Hiei reach an understanding while Yuusuke gives a clue to something that Hiei's been avoiding for awhile.

It is only through the grace of Yukina’s presence that the former spirit detective was permitted to live another day. After returning to the Ningenkai, the peaceful lull of afternoon settled over the city, Hiei clad himself in human clothing to walk the streets towards Yuusuke’s shop with full intentions to put the Mazoku in the ground once and for all. What he hadn’t accounted for was his sister visiting Keiko for a bowl of ramen and conversation with the couple. 

“It’s been a while, Hiei,” Keiko said as he shut the sliding door behind him. “How’s Kurama?”

“He’s fine,” Hiei replied without thinking, taking a seat beside his sister who gave him a smile, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. 

The thought belatedly crossing his mind on why she asked that particular question. He narrowed his eyes questioningly at Keiko who gave him a friendly wave then turned around to a snickering Yuusuke who had his back to the bar, cleaning something , although Hiei was certain he was just trying not to laugh in his face. And while he wanted to stay angry, being in such close proximity to Yukina make it difficult. Occasionally as if gauging his mood, her gaze would drift to him as she slurped away at her noodles. On the umpteenth time that her hair nearly fell, he reached over to lay a hand on her shoulder.

 “Is something wrong, brother?” Yukina asked, the title making his heart flutter and he huffed. Pointing to the messy pony-tail, she nodded in understanding and reached back to undo it. Gently, he nudged her hands away. 

“I’ll do it,” he assured, rising from his chair and slipping to stand behind her.

There was a faint pink tinge to her skin as he undid her ponytail, and it rose to her face, barely visible on her cheeks from where he stood. Running his fingers through her before gathering it up, he deftly twisted the hair ribbon around it and secured it in a bow just as she wore it. Once he was sure that it was fixed, he laid his hand on the back of her chair and peered around to her face. Her cheeks were nearly as red as their eyes but her smile was bright.

“Something happen?” He asked, tilting his head. Only when he spoke did she return from her reverie and give him a smile, her eyes practically sparkling. 

“Nothing, I’m grateful, brother,” Yukina says, and Hiei is certain that she’s glowing. 

So bright that he has to look away, climbing into his chair again and resting his elbow on the bar as he averted his gaze, chin resting in his hand. “Good,” he grumbled, ignoring the floating feeling in his chest at her words.

Yuusuke fiddled around with a few more of the dishes. The clinking distracting Hiei from his sister’s occasional glances and presence until a glass of water was set in front of him. 

“So, you come here often, shortie?” Yuusuke asked with a shit-eating grin from ear to ear, unwithering even with one of Hiei’s best glares.

“You were the one that gave Mukuro a cellphone, weren’t you?” Hiei accused, his eyes narrowing when the spirit detective dared to laugh . 

“What gave it away?”

Hiei snorted, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms, the heat wafting from him causing the water in the glass to warm from the steam forming on the edges. 

“The contact names that you put for everyone ,” Hiei stressed, counting the reasons off on his fingers.”The pictures that could have only been taken by people that were nearby, and the lack of anyone else having such liberal access to her.”

Yuusuke whistles low and raps his knuckles against the bar. “Damn, are you sure that you shouldn’t have been a spirit detective?”

A scathing remark sat on his tongue but he reined it in when a chance look out the corner of his eye landed him eye to eye with his sister. Her forehead creased with worry, lips pressed together and eyes wide as she regarded him. The sinking in his stomach only served to acclimate his annoyance with Yuusuke but he knew better than to act like this in front of Yukina. Startling her was the last thing he wanted. Easing the heat waves pouring off of him, he smiled faintly.

“I’m sorry, sister, there was an issue with something the detective gave to Mukuro and I merely wanted to get to the bottom of it,” he explained, laying a hand atop her head. “There’s nothing to be concerned over.”

Yukina gave him a look then smiled in return, accepting the head pat with a slight nod before returning to her food. Hiei resisted the urge to sigh. He knew that she wasn’t easy to fool and definitely wasn’t a child, but it didn’t make lying to her easy. Skirting around the truth was just as hard to his dismay. And obviously Yuusuke’s amusement if his grin was anything to account for. 

Hiei grimaced, jutting a thumb towards the doorway and the former detective got the message, stepping away from the bar and calling to Keiko that he would be stepping out for a bit. 

“Brother,” Yukina called once Hiei stepped away from his chair, the fire demon looking over his shoulder at her. “I know that you might be busy but would you mind walking home with me today?”

Hiei straightened up. He half expected that the oaf would be clamoring over himself to get here and have the chance to walk his sister home. The fact that he wasn’t only made HIei want to rescind his consideration of giving Kuwabara permission to court his sister. Turning to face her, hands tucked in his pockets, Hiei nodded. Such a simple gesture made her smile and the fluttering feeling in his chest returned.

He resisted the urge to curl his fingers in his shirt and twist, instead turning his back and trying to rid himself of this giddiness as he headed to the door. Yuusuke waiting for him outside, the two slipped into the alleyway near the shop where Hiei was free to grab the Mazoku by his shirt and tug him down to eye level. 

“Why did you do it?” 

The mazoku grinned. “Why did I do what?” 

Obviously, he was getting some sort of joy out of this and Hiei would not let him have the satisfaction of hearing him say it. Reaching into the pocket of his jeans for the offending object, the screen comes to life and switching to his contacts, the one in particular, found almost immediately. He’d recognize that face anywhere after all.

The phone’s screen shoved in Yuusuke’s face making him go cross-eyed as he tried to read what was on the screen. Leaning his head back enough to look at it better, he bit down on his bottom lip harshly to stifle a laugh. Though it wasn’t enough and his shoulders shook, laughter echoing off the walls of the alley. Hiei glowered and tried to stifle the growl clawing up his throat. 

“You’re mad that I put Kurama in your phone as your ‘hubby’?” 

Hearing the word out loud was even more mortifiying than reading it on the screen. Hiei recoiled as if burned and snatched his hand away from the detective, running it over his clothes as if he touched something foul.

“Kurama is not my…” he visibly cringed at the word and shoved the phone in his pocket. “He is my partner , not that disgusting euphemism you used.”

Yuusuke rolled his eyes, folding his arms across his chest. “Partner is the same as hubby , dumbass. And two, Keiko calls me ‘hubby’ so watch it.”

“I know what I said,” Hiei said flatly, rolling his eyes. “Why did you even give her a phone? There are other ways to contact one another that are quicker or you could just see her.”

Yuusuke gives him a look and Hiei knows that particular look. It’s the look of how long can he drag this out before the fire demon starts threatening bodily harm. A game that he and at times, unknowingly, Kuwabara tend to play. Deciding that it may be better to tell the fire demon what he wanted to know, Yuusuke shrugged.

“Group chats.”

“Group chats,” Hiei repeated, staring at Yuusuke as if he had grown two heads. “Why.”

“Pictures.”

These few-worded statements weren’t getting them anywhere and he was almost certain that he was going to kill him. Rules against violence and disturbances in the Ningenkai be damned, the detective was pushing his buttons.

“Listen Hiei, we could always use those other methods to send stuff to each other and all, but it makes planning so much easier. And a lot harder to avoid ,” Yuusuke stressed, giving him a look that made Hiei huff and fold his arms, looking away. “C’mon, is it really that bad that I wanted us all to be connected like a family should be?”

Hiei’s mind came to a screeching halt. “What did you say?”

Yuusuke tilted his head, now looking at him as if he had grown two heads. “We could always us—”

“No, not that,” Hiei interjected. “The last part. Connection.”

Yuusuke nodded slowly. “Yeah, I mean, why do you think we’re all on a family plan? I even got Kurama to switch over —” 

“Wait, Kurama knows about this?” 

Yuusuke sighed and rubbed at his temples. “Hiei, you’re practically married to the guy, how do you not know about thi— wait, where did you get your phone from?”

“Mukuro.”

“That damn fox,” Yuusuke huffed a laugh and shook his head. “I thought that Kurama would’ve given it to you and explained everything but he must’ve left it with Mukuro the last time he went over there.”

Wrapping his head around all of this was difficult . A dawning realization making Hiei’s blood run cold.

“The name…”

“Huh?”

“Did Kurama see the name?”

Yuusuke opened his mouth, then closed it, looking from left to right as if he was afraid the fox would materialize out of thin air. 

Hiei growled, seconds away from throttling him, “ Yuusuke .”

The detective held up his hands. “Okay, yeah. Yeah, he saw it.” 

Hiei feels as if his soul left his body. Kurama saw that innane nickname.What did he even think of it? What did he want him to think of it? His heart was simultaneously sinking and beating faster, and he leant against the alley wall, focusing on the tongue of his sneakers. 

“I’m not married to him,” he muttered numbly, running his fingers through his hair. “We’re—” 

Yuusuke’s hand appeared in his line of sight, setting on his shoulder and slowly, he raised his head to look at the spirit detective. The teasing and grinning face he wore was gone, replaced with a look that spoke nothing but concern and openness. His dark eyes were warm and imploring, Hiei reflected in their depths and while he often hated being looked down on or boxed in, the gesture was comforting . He might have to rescind his thought to put the Mazoku under and send his soul to the Reikai. 

“You’re partners,” Yuusuke points out, shrugging. “And you do everything together, right?”

More or less.

He ate most of his meals at Kurama’s, slept there even on the nights when he could’ve stayed in Mukuro’s territory, they went out together more often than not, and attended functions with the entire group as a pair. They even slept in the same bed and slept with eachother , and the kiss that Kurama gives him before he leaves, the way he holds him. Wants him to tell him to come home safely.

Home .

“Hiei, hey,” Yuusuke calls, snapping his fingers in front of the fire demon’s face.

Hiei shoved his hand away and pushed away from the wall, Yuusuke taking a step back to give him room. Wanting to pace back and forth to clear his mind, run from here to the boundary that led to the Makai and then back, but unable to do anything but stand rooted at the spot. His hands tucked in his pockets, eyes searching the cracks in the pavement and the dirt beneath the soles of his shoes for answers.

“What did he say?” 

Yuusuke tilted his head. “About the name?”

Hiei’s silence is an answer but Yuusuke’s silence is damning. FInally, the spirit detective’s presence is felt by his side and his arm comes to rest around his shoulders. 

“No idea, he was with Yukina when he did the final check-up to make sure it was ‘something you would agree with’,” Yuusuke said, air quoting with his fingers, a smile on his lips as he glanced down at Hiei. “He really knows you well, huh?”

Too well. He could only imagine how he would’ve taken this if Kurama had given it to him head on. Mukuro might have been a way to soften the blow. To avert his attention, to bring him to a conclusion about something else. He wasn’t sure what part of the fox’s plan that his embarrassment played a role in but here he was. 

“Hey, Hiei. Can I ask you something?”

“Didn’t you already?”

He could practically hear Yuusuke’s eyes rolling around in their sockets, and the light tap to his shoulder brings his attention to the mazoku who looks down at him with this unreadable expression. There’s fondness somewhere in his eyes but other things as well. He’d seen it a few times: in Maze Castle after he decided to spare their lives from the falling ceiling, in the Dark Tournament when he returned from his bout with the Dragon of the Darkness Flame, and shortly after Yuusuke’s resurrection. 

“Spit it out already.”

Yuusuke smiled. “Do you see us as family?”

“What?”

Yuusuke shrugged as if what he was asking so casually was easy for him to reply to. “Do you see us as family? All of us, even Kuwabara. I know you put up a tough act, but deep down, you’re a big softie. I’m not gonna tell anybody, so lemme know. To you, are we your family?”

Family.

The only family that he’d ever registered was Yukina and even that was tentative. When he resolved never to tell her, it was out of wanting to protect her, true. But also fear that he’d be rejected by the one person that he knew was of his blood. No, something about that didn’t seem right. He didn’t want to be rejected by her for another reason — 

Something that gnawed at him, twisted at his insides, made it difficult to breathe but the thought of her smile eased the tension. His thoughts wandering to Mukuro, her words from before, the look in her eyes — that unreadable expression. Why hadn’t he changed the contact name in his phone from ‘Mom’ to her name? 

What did that mean ? 

He found alongside them because it was in his best interests, yes, but that didn’t feel like the whole truth. There was something else lurking beneath the surface. Something that he’d been turning away from, ignoring, bellying in hopes to keep this . Yet here was Yuusuke, looking at him with those eyes and asking him — offering him this . 

“Why does it matter to you?”

Yuusuke shrugged. “My mom had me when she was younger, and we didn’t really talk to a lot of my family, then I got you guys and I just thought ‘hey’, what else do I need I guess.”

Slipping his arm from around Hiei’s shoulders, he walks out of the alleyway with his hands tucked in his pockets, sparing a glance over his shoulder before he disappears around the corner.

“And by the way, I think we’ve known each other long enough that I can get what you’re trying to say even when you don’t say it.”

Hiei highly doubted that but the knowing look in Yuusuke’s eyes said something else. 

“If I had to pick a brother, I’d choose you without a doubt,” he says.

Hiei’s left speechless as he turns the corner and leaves. The gentle chime of the front door telling him that the mazoku went back into the shop. Leaving him not only to his turmoil but to sort out this warmth in his chest. 

Brother .

He leans against the wall of the shop, waiting in the alleyway as he tries to sort out his thoughts when the feeling of a cool breeze brings his attention to the Ice Maiden standing a few inches away from him. The afternoon sun’s glow illuminates Yukina’s being in a golden halo and Hiei almost looks away but he forces himself to meet her gaze. She tilts her head and turns on her heel with a smile, quietly beckoning him to follow and follow he does. They fall into step, walking on the fairly empty streets, their shadows overlapping as they go.

It’s quiet just as Hiei likes it. A silence that he’s grown accustomed to with his sister. Despite the decades of history between them with looking and seeking one another out, the mountain of lies they’d been told and convinced themselves of, they could still have this. Even if their relationship would never be perfect — this was more than Hiei could have ever dreamt of.

“I heard that you got your phone,” Yukina says, her gaze sweeping over him. “Did you happen to look at the different names?”

Hiei nodded and glanced towards her. “I changed yours from Yukina to ‘Sister’.”

The surprise shows on her face and she tries to hide her smile by averting her gaze. Hiei smiles faintly. That look suited her and he found that he preferred it to the others that she wore. For a moment, they walk in silence, crossing a bridge overlooking a river that flowed through town. Yukina’s pace slowed and Hiei stopped, looking back over his shoulder. She stood close to the bridge’s railing, her hands resting upon it as she stared out at the honey gold sky. The setting sun shimmering on the horizon amidst the buildings. 

Bathed in the orange-gold, she looked much younger than Hiei knew they both were. He turned on his heel to walk to her side and leant forward, resting his arms on the railing and looking into the horizon.

“...Did you know the name that was input for Kurama?”

Yukina nodded slowly. “I thought it was fitting, do you not?”

“I don’t know,” Hiei admitted, a stray gust of wind ruffling his hair and for a moment, all he saw was darkness when his eyes slipped shut to focus on the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the wind on his skin. “Today has been… questionable.”

“How so?”

Hiei shrugged. “I have been noticing odd things about myself, about my heart , the world around me. It feels as if everyone else knows something that I should know and they’re hinting to it like some long-held secret.”

Yukina hummed softly in reply and it took Hiei a moment to realize how similar they were. From their mannerisms to their slight quirks when in conversation. It was jarring when he tried to remember that Yukina, despite being almost the polar opposite of him, was his sister in every way.

“We’ve known each other for a long time, brother, everyone knows that rushing you into something isn’t right. So they try to ease you into it, into this ,” she explained gently, and Hiei opened his eyes to look at her.

“ This ?”

Yukina shrugged with a slight smile, looking toward him. “Family.”

There it was. That word again. The fluttering feeling returned and he braced himself for it, looking away. It was easier to look down at the river waters and try to distract himself with the sounds. Yet, he could feel Yukina’s gaze on him, the weight of it reminding him just how alike they were.

“Did it ever cross your mind that I wanted to know?” Yukina asked. “That I wanted to know that you were my brother?”

Hiei’s head jerked upright and whipped around to look at her. She stood with a hand clasped tightly to her chest, facing away from the sunset.

“I understand that you may have had your reasons, I worried about what my brother would think of me when he’d lived a life so hard compared to mine —” 

Opening his mouth to refute that, Yukina’s steadfast gaze silenced him.

“And then I met you. You told me that suffering can’t be compared, that I should do for myself, and the evidence kept piling up but I was just waiting for you to say something. You didn't, so I took the advice — the advice that could only come from a brother .” 

Hiei swallowed thickly, a lump in his throat as he felt the acclimation of this . 

“So did it ever cross your mind, brother? That I might love you despite what you’ve done?”

His eyes widened and the world seemed to tunnel around the edges to where all he could see was her. One hand lingering on the railing while the other hung uselessly at his side. 

“Where… where is this coming from?”

“I just felt that it needed to be said instead of waiting around.”

“I thought… I was doing what was best for you so that you would be happy,” Hiei muttered, but the words that he’d once clung to now felt like a useless and flimsy excuse.

Yukina’s eyes softened and she laid her hand on top of his own. Hiei willing his muscles not to tense beneath her hold, his gaze drifting from their hands to her face.

“I would rather be happy with you,” she says, tilting her head with a soft smile. “Because I love you, brother. We all do.”

All. 

Their faces appeared in his mind one by one, each distinct from the last, with memories and words that he could attach to each of them. The last being that of a patient man with red hair and green eyes, beneath which lied silver and gold, and that man — 

Hiei’s mouth fell open and he felt his heart skip a beat. Slipping his hand from beneath Yukina’s, he stepped forward and pulled her in close to him with a hug. His arms wrapped around her and his head resting on her shoulder, squeezing her as he held her close. She stiffened in his arms for a second then practically melted, resting her hand on his back then smoothing her hands across until she was returning the hug in full.

“Thank you…” Hiei muttered, giving her another squeeze before he pulled back. “..sister.”

A light curved through her eyes and she smiled brightly.

“...You’re welcome, brother.” 

The rest of the walk to the Kuwabara household is done in relative quiet but the air shifted between them. Yukina’s hand in his own, their fingers interlaced as they walked, standing close enough that their shoulders are almost melded into one. She looks around the neighborhood, pointing things out to him and he listens to the stories that she has to tell. Once they arrive at the gate, she gives him one last hug and he returns it fiercely. Nearly lifting her off the ground before he lets her go and waits until she’s safely inside to leave.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he sighed and opened it to the contacts.

He had a call to make.

[momkiddies-blog]

Latest Post On https://momandkids.fun/2019/03/15/hey-mama-lets-cook/

“Hey Mama, Let’s Cook!”

Photography by: Cole Collective

I have this red apron that I only wear maybe one time a year. On the front it has a painting of me and my paternal grandmother along with some Christmas presents and a dog. My grandma made me the apron when I wasn’t even ten but the apron means nothing really without the smells and memories that it elicits.

I remember the warmth of the kitchen on a winter day.

Snow packed on the ground outside, house full of family and the pugnacious smell of chitterlings being cleaned and fried DEEP within the carpet, the walls and all throughout the air in the house. One whiff and your nose hairs just kind of curled at the ends and you never really got the smell off of you. On the stove top were six different kinds of pie and one icebox pie in the fridge (just in case you wanted to indulge).

Food was kind of the foundation upon which I was raised.

I was a regular in the kitchen from the time I could walk, searching for the crispy bits of the meat, the ugly end of the bread, the beater with the mashed potatoes/cake batter/frosting to lick before everyone came into the kitchen to eat. We started learning how to cook around the same time that we could write our name or do a basic mathematics table.

Cooking was as much a part of our home education as brushing our teeth or making up our own bed.

I recently went to Rubye’s school for a parent night and she showed me how she preps vegetables by herself in the classroom. My just turned three year old daughter went into the fridge for produce and got a cutting board and crinkle cutter knife and proceeded to rinse and chop her vegetables and offer me a snack! My mind was blown. She was so independent and self-sufficient! At that point I started wondering what else I did for her that she could do for herself. (And immediately we bought a crinkle cutter and a serrated spreader because there is no such thing as free lunch! A lesson for another day.) I realized that we were way beyond the stage of washing and sorting produce as a part of our food prep. I used to make cooking a counting or colors lesson as she poked her little nose over the edge of the counter top. She was now my sous chef and she took her job VERY seriously. Not only could she go into the fridge and identify and grab the vegetables or herbs that we needed, but she was actually learning how to prepare them for our dinners and lunches.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned when you are cooking with kids is that you can’t micromanage.

It’s going to be messy. The food may taste awful (or it might be really damn good). Their knife cuts won’t be perfect. They may throw in salt when its supposed to be sugar, but those mistakes are all a part of the learning process. Before we begin cooking, I talk to my daughter about food safety and using our kitchen tools properly. For some reason, the sharp side of the knife is really interesting for little fingers! I make sure that all of our ingredients are either laid out or easy for her to grab from the pantry or refrigerator.

I give her agency and empower her to try new things.

Its okay if your meal isn’t Pinterest quality or Instagram ready. Learning new things requires failure. I’ve eaten some pretty awful food in my days as a World Geography teacher during culture days. This Christmas, we made some sugar cookies that came out looking like little turds (but tasted like the sweetest shortbread you’ve ever had). It isn’t really about the appearance or the taste, it is about the experience. Some of my greatest memories with family and friends have been in the kitchen.

I don’t know how to properly put into words the importance of breaking bread with the people that you love. There is something about food that brings back the simplicity of relationships and love.

These meals that we prepare with our own hands and the helping hands of our future are the lifeblood of happiness. They nourish our souls and psyche just as much as they do our bodies. Teaching our children how to cook beyond the microwave ramen, strip steak on the George Foreman type of cooking- its an invaluable skill. I want Rubye and Solomon to know how to use a knife, make pasta perfectly al dente without having to throw it against a wall, cook eggs properly, make basic sauces and roast a chicken. I want them to be like Julia Childs chile! Lets create a legacy!!

These are some of our favorite recipes to make as a family:

Avocado Toast… because duh avocados plus toast is the greatest marriage since celery and peanut butter. Our Austin favorite is Irene’s because they slather the avocado on a fresh slice of Easy Tiger bread with evoo and feta cheese. We love to indulge so we usually throw some micro greens and a farm egg on top as well. This meal is quick, nutritious, easily customizable and I’ve never seen a kid not like it. For a fun alternative version, try egg in the hole avocado toast. When you break out the cookie cutters to make that hole a star or a dinosaur- it automatically makes this the best meal that your kids ever made for themselves.

2. Cacio e Pepe…. Lets get real. Pasta night could be every single night at our house. My kids are super spoiled because I like to make all my sauces from scratch but on a Monday night after working all day, rushing to swim lessons and then getting home at what would be our normal bed time nobody has time for reinventing the wheel. So many nights its Cacio e Pepe. So simple. So delicious and insanely quick. Our favorite in Austin is at this little trailer on the Eastside called Patrizis. Ask them to add the House Farm Cheese and a meatball for a complete party in your mouth.

3. Roasted Vegetables… Want to get your kid to eat vegetables? Have them paint them with olive oil and drizzle them in spices, roast them until the ends are a little brown and crispy. Call them “candied” and everyone wins. We roast veggies on the regular so that we always have snacks and side dishes readily available. Roasted veggies were both of my kids first foods so this could be great for children of all ages.

4. Beef Stroganoff… We love our Instant Pot and hearty meals like this stroganoff that can be prepped and done in about 30-45 minutes. We love our stroganoff with mashed potatoes but if there is leftover Cacio e Pepe from earlier in the week, this sauce tastes great atop that as well.

5. Shortbread Cookies… We make these every Christmas and sometimes just for fun at other times of the year. Instead of dipping ours in chocolate we usually make a fruit compote or macerated berries with whatever fruit we have in the fridge. Full disclosure- this was not the turd cookie recipe. Ina would never do that to me.

  We’d love to hear your favorite recipes in your home with your kiddos! Share in the comments. 

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About chalimarchieza

For over 30 years, Chalimar has called Austin her home. Inspired by the luscious Hill Country and sacred springs, Chalimar can be found most weekends wandering barefoot with her wildlings Rubye (2015) and Solomon (2017), showing them the beauty of nature and simplicity of life. Chalimar is married to her best friend and soulmate, Tatenda, a youth soccer coach. Her passions are photography, cooking and gardening. For the last 13 years, Chalimar has taught middle and high school History. After giving birth to her daughter, she also became a birth and postpartum doula with a goal of providing advocacy and eradicating the disparities in healthcare equality for birthing people. You can find Chalimar on Instagram (@chaliiib) and at MoonTribe Doula

[pinksweatergettingbetter]

ah i almsot forgot: warning, the following has mainly snarky opinions on Spirit of Justice. Reader discretion is advised.

and we’re back to our scheduled programming

time to be rendered unconscious against your will you lil shit

-

“i hardly think anyone could pass out from eating something like this”

clearly you dont know what world youre living in, Sadmad.

...also he... might be allergic, guys. ever thought of that? 

-

yes, EAT! EAT OR WE WILL HARASS YOU, POSSIBLY INNOCENT BYSTANDER!!! YOU THINK YOU HAVE RIGHTS???? CRAM THAT SHIT DOWN YOUR THROAT BEFORE I DO!!!!

-

...uh;

-

FIVE IS NOT AN OCCUPATION!!! EAT ANOTHER BUN AS PUNISHMENT!!!! REGRESS FURTHER!!!! HFKJGU;SUUSRSO 

coping jokes aside holy shit 

don’t hurt this tiny boy!!!

-

i hope you all feel guilty for being such pricks.

look at him. he's curled up under his jacket like a traumatized baby 

at least this personality... sort of aligns with how DID is supposed to work? But now i just feel even worse. Someone get that kid a teddy and a juice-box, stat!

-

“Its clear that none of his personalities could be the killer!”

A) one of the three could still be lying

B) there’s four so far, what’s to discount a fifth? triggered by... i dunno, a reefer brownie.

C) I'm actually glad he's not the killer anyway just wanted to point out the possibilities youre discounting there

-

i love that theyre playing the goofy X people music for a traumatized five year old who witnessed a horrific murder of a loved one.

-

“I believe the person who laid the cards out is the very person who killed the victim” WELL.... DOY.

-

“How quickly you move onto a new theory when your old theory proves false!”

WELL.......... DOY

-

I love that theyre all just yelling and screaming about murder while the tiny child cowers behind the bench

hello??? anybody with compassion anywhere? maybe in the gallery? a bailiff? anybody???

-

“his emotions are spiralling out of control! something must have really frightening him”

maybe 

THE FUCKING MURDER????

athena youre a psychologist; dont you know anything about calming people down or at least putting them at ease? youre gonna put scars on this kid’s scars!

i mean at least Cody Hackins was fairly fearless and defiant about what happened to him and only really broke down once it dawned on him what he’d actually seen. Owen is clearly very, very upset.

-

i passed out *image promptly closes eyes*

-

“poor kid, he's absolutely terrified of something”

KDJFKLDGDGL

“whatever it is, it might be the root of his out of control emotions!”

DSHFA;SLGHOHSO GIRSHG’ 

-

“see, all we got out of this boy is a tale he dreamt up”

fuck off sadmad

-

(sigh) Owen’s on his side, Shisho’s laying down, just get to it already

-

“rotating your thinking about?”

“oh! you mean turning your thinking around!”

“yeah, whatever...”

(SNERK)

-

“like the forehead, perhaps”

is that... just a random location or is it actually going to come true

also, back at the office, Apollo winces and he can’t figure out why

-

oh yeah its definitely gonna come back.

-

WHOA; OK, MANHANDLING 

MANHANDLING, NOT GOOD

STEP AWAY FROM THE ATTORNEY, BLACKQUILL

yeah just fucking manhandle the stressed out anxious girl. you piece of shit.  i knew me being your friend wouldn’t fuckin last.

-

“MOTIVE, OPPORTUNITY, EVIDENCE??? IS THAT ALL IT TAKES TO MAKE YOU STOP BELIEVING IT YOUR CLIENT?!”

to be fuckin fair, cuckoo, thats usually what loses most cases.

-

would phoenix manhandle athena?? would he berate her and shake her into doing her best?? i highly doubt it.

-

“prosecutor blackquill was just giving me a pep talk, thats all!”

athena thats unhealthy

-

legitimately simon’s been nothing but unpleasant this entire time. its fun to watch him wreck sadmad’s shit but he needs to keep the hell away from athena. whatever protective, elder-brotherly instincts he had for her in DD seem to have stayed in DD.

-

man I'm looking back at my previous commentary and i was. i was just so optimistic. how foolish. franziska, bring down your lash upon this foolishly foolish fool.

atcuall dont i bruise like a peach

-

jeez now I'm imagining Super Dad™ Phoenix Wright cross examining Owen with Athena instead and it’s melting my cold, hard heart

-

“unfortunately, i spy nothing of the sort”

again Sadmad acts like if he doesn't see the answer, then it’s nonexistent 

not very monk-y of you, Sadmad.

-

gotta admit, i love this unique murder weapon

ive actually nearly suffocated under soft, cold, gloopy stuff and lemme tell you, its not fun.

-

...i love that simon took that logic-attack for us 

maybe the animators just wanted to play his OH SHIT animation again 

-

i know it looks like i pick on everything but in fact i edit these down. sometimes i take out whole statements because i rationalize them and realize that theyre actually plausible and i let them slide. so just, y’know. if you think I'm just blindly going at it, i am actually giving this game the benefit of the doubt. you just dont see it.

...if you read these

...uh

-

they used the pre-prepped noodles in the fridge. c’mon guys, as athena would say: Andale!

-

“perhaps the victim was simply playing with the cards, and they hold no other meaning”

oh NOW THEY COULD BE UNRELATED TO THE CASE

OF COURSE, NOW THAT IT’S CONVENIENT TO YOU

you sack’a shit

-

nice cliffhanger, kid.

Oh well; I’m partially glad that the poor lil guy can get a rest, and partially upset that his last two surfaces put him through intense anguish. maybe get Uendo drunk and go to the theatre or something, guys. poor baby could use a pick-me-up.

-

n no–– rise from the ashes flashbacks–– RISE FROM THE ASHES FLASHBACKS

THE LUNCHBOXES

SO MANY LUNCHBOXES

AAAAAHHHHhhhhi gotta give bucky a hand; being drunk and riding a skateboard while supporting a tower of bentos isn’t an easy feat

-

ew slurping 

-

and simon extends his douchiness to the guys he's even shafting Athena for.

just, fuckin, lighten the fuck UP simon, CHRIST

-

TIDDIES

seriously tho; we haven’t had a proper boob joke in ages. actually Geiru kinda reminds me of April May...

 Meanwhile we’ve had several testicle references, a drunk guy, and the bloodiest overarching plot the series has ever had. I think we’ve left Ace behind and graduated to Edge Attorney

-

 to be fair the judge could totally be talking about her actual rubber balloons, considering his childlike personality at times. so maybe ITS YOU, SADMAD, WHO’S THE VULGAR ONE!

GET YOUR MIND OUTTA THE GUTTER!!

-

bloooon. i think Drifloon says that, too. Is that a japenese onomatopoeia or something? 

-

ooh he sadMad

heh

i guess its up to simon’s brilliant mind tricks to save us again..?

...yehhhh i knew it

-

...huh. didnt expect that. impressive use of air...sword... skill. 

-

IM NOT A KOORAHEENIST, SHE’S NOT GONNA HEAR ME ANYWAY.

-

i know what theyre building up and yes, i am super excited to see all those balloons pop

-

...i gotta ask tho, why does Athena think those balloon animals are bad?? theyre extremely intricate and they look a lot more like the thing she promised than most of the ones ive seen.

-

aw no the cake disappeared. i want a huge explosion at the end!!

-

“I’ma cut ya, witch!”

...

.....

........

i uh, i have to um,,,,,,, go now

-

SHES GONNA CUT OFF A TIT

GIRD YERSELF ATHENA

-

me, into my DS mic: HOLD IT. Hold IT. Hold it. hold it... hold it... bold it

athena; HOLD IT 

-

simon: athena youre stupid do something. I'm not helping you.

simon: this time I'm going to do something, but god forbid you dont run with it

i dont think we’ve ever had a co counsel add something to the testimony for us before. we’ve had them hint at answers and interrupt trials to get us out of tight spots, but never directly ordering something like that. Guess that proves just how highly BK thinks of Athena’s abilities......

-

ooh the cakes back and there was a pop

im super ready for this

-

shit thats a strong balloon. i wouldn’t advice biting very thing plastic...

-

............

the... fuck???

sadmad: here is what will prove that Geiru IS NOT the murderer!

(geiru reveals buckwheat allergy and ACUAL RED HAND)

how the fuck does that help your case, Sadmad?? We know that the killer used the dough to kill the master by suffocating him with it. Pointing out that she came into contact with the dough, WITH HER HANDS, IS PROVING SHE DID IT.

YOU JUST GOT HER CAUGHT LITERALLY RED-HANDED.

HOW DOES THIS HELP YOUR CASE??????

-

ok well apparently she could die just by being in the room but if we look at how badly her hand has reacted, and is still reacting, Geiru should probably have at least some difficulty talking if “breathing in the flour” was dangerous. If her hand reacted that badly from minor contact, her throat should be shut like a steel trap. what I'm saying is, she’s probably lying about the severity.

-

“As if I would do anything so underhanded”

oh sad-‘trigger my enemies into yielding’-mad, youre hilarious 

-

y’know i just realized, it is a little insensitive of Taifu to make/buy/keep soba around the place. if Geiru is this deadly allergic, he’s risking killing her simply because he can’t give up his precious noodles. thats like living with someone with a deadly peanut allergy and being all “can’t get enough of my PBnJ!!”

-

its time for

Off!

Brand!

Logic!!!!

-

oh. its not. ...ok

-

hang on didnt she say the dough was udon already, or am i misremembering? if she did and everyone just forgot, thats a little sad.

anyway, i guess thats... an alright twist. i still say that saying your witness is allergic to something and showing a reaction on the body part associated with the murder is stupid thing to do.

-

“dont lose your nerve now. keep charging forward or you'll feel my blade at your back”

I'm just gonna let that speak for itself.

-

ah THERES the off brand logic. and we’re finally gonna talk about those fucking noodles in the fridge. its been a long time coming.

-

i like that ‘ramen’ is a third choice every time

-

that was a pretty involved murder. “alright, kill the old man, hmm hmm... make a dish that i’m deathly allergic to to throw of the scent; just gotta get the cooking! make sure Uendo doesn’t wake up and catch me in the act~~ get rid of the dough in a way that is probably time consuming, lalala~ and there! Blooooon, the perfect crime!”

how much time did she have??

-

also how much blood did she lose form that knick on her forehead? if its enough to permeate an entire clump of dough, she should probably need a transfusion.

-

simon: dog pun. have you figured out the twist yet???? DOG PUN, BY THE WAY. JUST SO YOU KNOW.

-

all the balloons are there. its time.

-

seriously, thats gotta be a lot of blood. I'm getting Gingerdead Man flashbacks.

-

“i wanna thank you, simon. without your constant abuse, i wouldn’t have been scared enough to succeed for fear of what would happen if i failed!”

-

...its a bit premature for breakdown animations; the police haven't gotten back to us about the dough...

-

...i didnt like this balloon explosion as much as i thought i was going to. this is kinda just... uncomfortable.

-

you know, she shouldn’t have resorted to murder or blaming the crime on an innocent, but I feel like Taifu should’ve.... I dunno, either Trained her properly or let her down easy instead of forcing her to be a sexy balloon clown.

It’s clear she really, really wanted to succeed her father’s name, (which I'm a little confused about; was he one of Taifu’s students? What is Uendo’s real name then? what is any of their real names...) so I’m sure that if she just practiced enough, she’d probably be able to do what she needed to get to that level of entertainment. And if she couldn’t, letting her down easy and encouraging her to find something she actually liked instead of making her do... um... balloons would probably be a whole lot less nasty.

also wtf uendo; what did whet ever do to you

man all of these people were kind of dicks. except bucky. the guy who came to his trial drunk.

-

Sadmad: Hmm.... upon further deliberation... seeing as you won... I believe I shall afford you a basic sense of human respect.................. 

Athena: thats all I ask, prosecutor sadmahdi!

-

heyy he’s sobered up! or should I say... SOBA’D UP AAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH but seriously i don’t think they’ve said drunk or hungover once in this entire case what the fu

-

“no way... i almost got convicted out of convenience?” you, larry butz, maggey byrde and a shit tonne of other characters in the series. its actually a fairly common occurrence.

-

“he didn’t give her the name because he wanted geiru to find her own calling in life...”

...you know. after foisting a sexy balloon routine on her. to encourage her to quite entertainment. 

obviously Taifu was using the Simon Blackquill approach to encouragement.

“making udon was his way of showing his support of her in her new endeavour”

...what does that... mean

“oh, i’ll make safe dough instead of the stuff THAT KILLS HER to prove that i support her!”

genius

-

“So this entire situation happened because of a misunderstanding? How sad...”

i think you mean,,, hhhh

i hate misunderstanding plots so so much

-

this entire case is just “he was being an asshole to ENCOURAGE you, see!! now you HAVE to forgive him!!”

newsflash: no i dont. you know what works better than fear tactics, threats and coercion? 

BEING ACTUALLY SUPPORTIVE

-

“he probably used some tough love on you so that the shop wouldn’t just go belly up”

I SAID SUPPORTIVE. ARE YOU DEAF???

-

see? athena is being a little misguided but at least she's using a positive -food- to try to accomplish something.

“i’ll make sure its got all the TLC Master Toneido would’ve packed in it, too!”

you got it! one ice-cold, bitter, al-dente bowl with a side of vinegar, comin’ right up!

-

no athena!! brand loyalty!! mr eldoon will never forgive you!!!

-

“do us all proud, bucky”

or else

(flashes air sword)

-

Athena: I wonder if this gave me any experience as a lawyer...

Simon: HAHA WRONG, IF I HADN’T BEEN THERE YOU’D HAVE HAD THE SHIT KICKED OUT OF YOU. YOU SUCK, ATHENA, AND YOU DO EVERYTHING WRONG. FUCK YOU~!

see what annoys me about this is that when I first played Athena, I had some issues with her being too inexperienced to be a proper lawyer, especially with her court-related PTSD which could seriously endanger her clients.

However... Why are they bringing up her lack of experience in the one case (it’s not even a full case) in a game that isn’t even about her? And ignoring all the progress she made in Dual Destinies?

The way they’re talking about it is as if theyre setting up some kind of sequel; ‘you need to improve athena, you need to practice’. Which would have been all well and good for one of the cases in the first run of her own game... but Athena has been and continues to be a side character to Apollo and Phoenix. Rather than this moment coming at a crucial moment in her own game, it comes out of nowhere during a case she got last minute, couldn’t have prepared for, and is abused throughout.

what I'm saying is, the ghosts of DD past has come to haunt us. They introduced Athena too early and are bungling up her character development. Lawyers need a full set of games to let them grow. Just make an actual Apollo Justice 2 or Athena Cykes 1, but don’t insult us by pretending that this five minute shit actually did either of them justice.

-

Simon: I hope you stay shitty so that I can always win

brilliant.

you know, usually when a character is jerk with a heart of gold, that ‘heart of gold’ thing is supposed to show up at the end.

-

i was going to ignore the horrible joke but then Widget said “ROTFL”

what a... great way to end this....... great case

-

and so we close this one off, and for a case about tasty food, it sure left a bitter taste in my mouth.