#Sweet bean Nari is here to help

[rikalovesrice]

Life Beat (Casperan Family AU Ficlet)

Zoe finds out.

Nari woke with a start. There hadn’t been an apparent disturbance. No loud noise, no sudden movements. It was early morning, eight o’clock or so, and beams of fresh sunlight shone through the single window in Nari’s quarters. Mornings in the Casperan home were still and silent since no one was really an early riser aside from herself. But what had Nari’s aura so excited, humming and flickering and buzzing deep within her spirit, was the undeniable creation of a new soul.

Of course, as the Mother of Life, new souls were nothing new to her. Nari had sensed since the Earth’s beginnings countless souls being knit together in their mothers’ wombs, human and otherwise. But today...Today it was not only close, dare she say just down the hallway, but it was familiar. So indisputably familiar, yet so very different.  

Eagerness surging through her, Nari hopped out of bed and made for the door, cracking it open and peeking out just in time to see Douxie sluggishly round the corner towards the kitchen. Normally Nari would have greeted him. But everything inside of her was pulling her in the opposite direction from where he’d come, towards this new soul.

Nari trotted down the hall, an animal following a scent. Douxie had left his and Zoe’s bedroom door open so Nari hurried right in, immediately zeroing in on Zoe lying in bed and scrolling through her phone. Zoe didn’t have time to fully notice Nari before the little goddess was at her bedside, eyes wide and searching.

“W-whoa, Nari?” Zoe sat up, what looked to be one of Douxie’s band t-shirts hanging off her shoulders. She instinctively flinched away when Nari ran her hands along the blankets, right over where Zoe’s stomach was. “Hey, what...What are you doing?”

Nari folded her hands over Zoe’s belly and closed her eyes, breathing in. The new soul’s energy pulsed weakly, but Nari could tell and she couldn’t help but laugh softly. Sweet. Passionate. Gentle. Strong. It was Douxie. It was Zoe. But beyond those layers of familiarity, the soul’s core was a seed yet to sprout and blossom.

“There is a new soul inside of you, Zoe,” Nari said, meeting Zoe’s gaze. “You are pregnant.”

Several seconds passed. The statement had struck Zoe like a spear of lightning through the chest. It was sudden but slow as Zoe processed Nari’s words, until the shocking currents began to ripple through her body, charging her heart as it began to beat faster and faster.

“Wha...W-what?” Zoe continued to stare blankly at Nari. A nervous laugh left her lips. “N-No, that can’t...You’re joking, Nari, c’mon. Not funny.”

Nari shook her head calmly. “I am not lying. I can feel it.” She smoothed her hand over Zoe’s stomach and hummed. “This new soul within you. Your baby.” 

Zoe’s heartrate increased with every word. Her throat was starting to hurt. Her palms began to sweat.

“What? N-no, no, no, how can you even -”

“I have sensed every life that has walked this Earth from the beginning of days,” Nari said. “My roots have known each soul as they have come and gone.” Nari studied Zoe’s face for a moment, then frowned in concern. “Are you not happy, Zoe?”

That wasn’t the question. Zoe dropped her phone and gripped the sides of her head. Her shoulders began to shake. Her breathing grew increasingly labored.

“No...No, no, no, no, no...” 

“Zoe -”

Zoe threw off the covers and swung her bare legs off the mattress. She marched across the room and carefully but quickly shut the door before pressing her back against it, Zoe held her hands over her mouth, eyes wide and body quivering.

“Zoe, what is wrong?” 

“You’re sure?” Zoe asked, voice trembling. “You’re for real? Like you’re a hundred percent positive?”

Nari’s brow scrunched at Zoe’s distress, feeling in her aura. She nodded wordlessly.

“Oh...” A big, stuttering gasp seized Zoe as she slid her back down the door. “Oh my God.....H-how? This can’t.....I didn’t even know I could -”

“I have sensed this less than ten times since the beginning,” Nari quietly said. “Beings like you and Douxie having children together. But it has always happened when the world’s magic was strong. Very strong. And very untamed.” Nari glanced over at the window where she could glimpse the clear blue sky over roof and treetops. “Last night the magical energies were as such. Otherwise, this could not be...”

Nari trailed off, look back at Zoe who was now curled up in front of the door, forehead on her knees, taking deep, shuddering breaths. Nari quietly approached Zoe on all fours before sitting in front of her.

“Zoe...You are afraid,” Nari said softly, reaching out with her aura to feel Zoe’s laced with anxiety. 

Zoe let out a long weighty sigh, running a hand down her face as she looked up at Nari. “I mean...Yeah. Yeah, I’m...I’m terrified, Nari, I can’t....” She leaned back against the door and held her hand over her stomach, just barely brushing it with her fingers. She shook her head, her voice a fragmented whisper. “I can’t...I can’t do this, I can’t, I-”

“Zoe.” Nari reached out and gently took Zoe’s hand over her stomach. Zoe met Nari’s gaze, tears beginning to prickle at the corners of her blue eyes. With soft smile, Nari eased Zoe’s hand down so that it now fully pressed on her tummy, then closed her eyes. A breath in and out, Nari concentrated, growing her aura and lightly touching new soul’s energy. She then invited Zoe to open her own aura.

“N-Nari...” Zoe gulped, feeling her invitation.

“Will you trust me?” Nari asked, her dark golden eyes tender.

After only a few more seconds of hesitation, Zoe shut her eyes, her aura metaphorically taking Nari’s by the hand. Nari closed her own eyes again, guiding Zoe to the new soul, which began to pulse more brightly, alert to its mother’s aura. As their energies crossed, Zoe sucked in a breath, her soul suddenly flooded with warmth. 

There was a sort of light but intense burning sensation activated in Zoe’s abdomen like a small but brilliant glow in pitch darkness. Zoe’s and the new soul’s auras melded together as if embracing. Zoe felt the fragile pulse of its newly ignited aura, could feel its warmth and radiance in her very bones, in her racing heart. Reaching for her. Flickering and strobing. Zoe could feel it, could understand it clear as day. 

It was excited. 

Her child was happy.

Sensing that Zoe’s fear had lessened significantly, Nari eased away the connection at that revelation. Zoe took in a deep breath when she opened her eyes. She brushed her face with her knuckles and they came away wet with her tears. Nari inched closer, placing her other hand on Zoe’s shoulder.

“Wow...,” Zoe breathed, curling in on herself again. Only this time, she wasn’t hiding, but cradling her stomach with her hands. “Oh my gosh...”

“Yes,” Nari said with a soft chuckle. “There is no need to fear, Zoe. Life is a gift. This life,” Nari gestured to their hands joined over Zoe’s tummy, “has been gifted to you. Do not be afraid.” Nari smiled tenderly. “I can feel that it already loves you dearly.”

More warm tears spilled down onto Zoe’s cheeks. They remained like that, leaning close, Zoe feeling her baby’s presence and Nari’s comfort. The moment shattered when Douxie’s voice travelled down the hallway and came muffled through the door.

“Zoe, are you up?”

Zoe scrambled away from the door, panic setting in.

“Oh we must tell Douxie!” Nari said. At that, Zoe whirled around and grabbed her shoulders, eliciting a squeak of surprise.

“Don’t tell him,” Zoe said. “Please, please don’t tell Douxie.”

Nari raised a brow. “Why?”

“Because...!” Zoe chewed her lip, confliction on her face. “Because...With everything that’s going on with Lin and those New Order bastards, I don’t need him to have something else to worry about. Especially me.” Because Douxie hardly ever had to worry about Zoe. And now that she was, well, with child, she feared the stress would kill Douxie before the New Order could even try.

Nari crossed her arms and frowned, looking down at the floor. “Zoe...I do not wish to keep secrets from Douxie. This...This he would definitely want to know about right now.”

“I know, Nari, I know.....Me neither.” Zoe sighed. “Look, we will tell him. Just...not now. At least not until the New Order’s taken care of. Then he can know, okay? Please Nari...” Zoe’s hold on Nari’s shoulders tightened, desperation on her face. “Please don’t tell him.”

They locked eyes, Zoe’s pleading and Nari’s uncertain. But eventually, Nari sighed and uncrossed her arms.

“Okay,” she said.

Zoe’s heart swelled with gratitude. She leaned forward, bringing the little goddess into a hug. “Thanks Nari.”

“But you must promise you will tell him when the New Order is defeated,” Nari said, rubbing Zoe’s back.

“Of course. I promise.”

And as if on cue, the door to the room creaked open, startling them both. Douxie stepped into the room, immediately confused as to why his wife and adopted sister were on the floor.

“Oh, Nari! Good morning...” Douxie rubbed the back of his head, further ruffling his bed hair. “Um, why are you two on the floor?”

Zoe quickly rolled out an explanation. “We’re just having some girl talk is all. And uh...” She wiggled her toes. “Nari was helping me clip my toenails. Cause I didn’t feel like it and I didn’t want my nail clippings to get on the bed.” Douxie’s face scrunched. “We cleaned it up already! W-what a girl can’t get help with her toenails every once and a while?”

“Y-yes, I am happy to help.” Nari glanced at Zoe before working a smile at Douxie.��“...With toenails.”

“Well um...Alright then. That’s kind of you, Nari.” Douxie gestured over his shoulder with his thumb. “I made some breakfast. Hope you’re hungry for blueberry waffles.”

Nari’s eyes glimmered and she hopped up off the floor, strolling into the hallway.

“That sounds great,” Zoe said, getting up herself.  “Thanks, babe.”

“Anything for the lovely lady.” Douxie took Zoe’s hand, kissing her fingers before gazing at her lovingly.

Zoe breathed a laugh despite the small blush on her face. “Alright, you big sap.” Even so, she walked into a hug, sighing contently as Douxie’s arms folded around her. They held each other close for only a few seconds before Zoe noticed the distinct smell of something burning.

“....You didn’t take the waffles out, did you?”

“Oh fuzzbuckets!!!” Douxie pulled away, giving Zoe’s forehead a good smooch before scrambling out the door and back to the kitchen. Zoe rolled her eyes with a grin. Then she felt her stomach again, face falling with somber resolution. 

Not now. Just...not now.

[nyxicnymph]

Hi bab! *hugsss* got a request here for a Douxie x Reader! :3 Douxie seems to be receiving mystery gifts and notes almost every day leading up to Valentine's Day where the notes seemingly lead to a certain someone with a certain surprise. (Basically secret admirer stuff that I keep imagining them being best friends and the reader planning this elaborate thing to ask him out CAUSE HE DESERVES BIG ROMANTIC GESTURES PLEASE XD)

Aww hi Prism! This'll be a fun one, I think!

Pairing: Hisirdoux Casperan x GN!reader Warnings: Secret admirer au, if that's a problem for you, please don't read. Rating: Teen and up, as usual. Summary: Valentine's day is soon, and you once again don't have one. But the boy at the cafe is cute and sweet, and he's your best friend already. Maybe if you do it right, you can finally ask Douxie out.

Tales of Douxie: Secret Admirer

You chucked the notepad across the room, frustrated that the stupid holiday was once again upon you. You hated going into town and seeing all the red and the pink and the hearts, and all those people clinging to each other. Secretly, though, you admitted you'd hate Valentine's day a lot less if you actually had someone of your own to fawn over.

However, as it stood, you didn't have anyone, so like some children's cartoon villain, you pettily hated the holiday like it was your nemesis.

Well, no. You didn't have anyone who reciprocated your feelings. You would fawn all over your best friend, Douxie, but he just. Didn't. Get. It.

So instead you flopped on your bed and grumbled into your pillow. You really wanted to tell him, but you weren't very good with your words, and while he was amazing at translating your messed up phrases and sentences for other people, you weren't sure if he'd be able to translate for himself.

You rolled over and stared at the ceiling, thoughts turning in your head. Douxie was fond of somewhat dramatic gestures, you knew that much, but you also wanted to be yourself.

Quiet.

A plan developed in your head as the night fell.

<Next day>

Douxie looked up from the register and smiled as you walked in. "Hello, mate! What brings you here so early?"

You sat down and shifted your hair out of your face. "Oh, just wanted to see how you were doing, especially with all the valentine's day orders coming in nonstop right now."

Douxie shrugged as you handed him your card. He swiped it and gave it back, kicking into gear to make your usual order. He spoke as he worked. "I'm not doing too bad, I've done this song and dance so many times, you know. It's just another day to me."

"I imagine," you said, chin resting in your hand.

Douxie handed you your drink, and you parted ways. You grinned as you left the building. You'd seen Archie in the back, so you now knew that no one was at Douxie's place.

Time for phase one.

<A week later>

You'd successfully left him gifts and notes all week. Each day, you'd stopped by the shop first thing, and check for whether or not Archie was around. On Wednesday, you hadn't seen him, so you'd asked about his whereabouts. Douxie then told you he'd gone off to Trollmarket, which put you at ease in one way, and made you nervous for Archie in a different way.

Valentine's Day was set for a Monday, so you left your first gift the Monday before. A bag of coffee beans, and a simple note that said "From your secret admirer!"

On Tuesday, you left him and empty notebook and a set of pencils and pens. "Don't you like writing songs? I though you might enjoy these," is what your note read.

Wednesday, you left a basket of things for Archie, but as to help conceal your identity a little better, you made it just a bunch of regular cat items, but with a blue and black magic theme. "For Archie," the note said.

Thursday, you left a box of dark chocolates. "They're sweet but have a bite. They remind me of my favorite parts of you."

Friday, you left him a pack of seeds. You actually intended them for Nari, but as even you, much less random Arcadian citizens, weren't even supposed to know about her, you didn't say anything. "For how my heart grows when I see you."

Saturday, you left him flowers. "Normally, men don't get flowers. I want to change that. I think you deserve them."

Sunday, you left him a map, and finally dropped some hints. "You know me a lot better than you think right now. I've been shy for a long time, but now I want to step forward and admit to you my feelings and who I am. Meet me here tomorrow?"

You weren't sure he would come, and if he did come, he'd probably be very cautious and suspicious. You hadn't realized how weird it would seem to do this until halfway through, but you wanted to commit to the bit.

You sat on a bench in the park, hands clenched tight in your lap. Good, bad, or middling, this was the day you came clean. You held your breath as you saw him drawing near, and your feet drummed on the ground beneath you.

"Ah, Y/n, I wasn't expecting to see you here! Are you also waiting for a secret admirer?"

You shook your head and stood up. "No, I- Well, actually-" You took a shaky breath. "It's me. I am, was, is? I'm your secret admirer. Hi."

Douxie looked like he had turned into a rebooting computer, trying to process the statement. Then he shut his mouth and shook his head.

"You know, that actually makes sense. But I never knew how much you-" He choked up, his face reddening. "Do you really, really, like me that much?"

You nodded, face warm. "Y-yeah. For a while now. I-"

Douxie caught you off guard when he wrapped you in his arms. "I thought I was alone. You're so captivating, Y/n."

"I'm captivating? You're a wizard! You fight evil at night! I just go to college!"

"And you're amazing at it. I-" He squeezed a bit. "I've probably love you for a long while, too."

The sun and clouds made for a picturesque backdrop to the new tale unfolding in Arcadia Oak's central park, one of discovery and love.

And Archie begging for salmon before he died of sugar overdose.

[inhonoredglory]

ROTT: hot takes 🔥 (spoilers)

I wrote the following last Thursday, before my fandom life was waylaid by birthday shindigs for my sister and a weekend of migraines and nausea/fainting because of the COVID vaccine. I feel so out of touch w/ fandom but here’s my late but initial thoughts to ROTT if anyone’s interested LOL

––––––

DAMN SON.

DAMN.

I saw Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans last night. Before I launch into the fandom again, I’mma share my unfiltered thoughts.

ThAT oPEnING. HOLY SHIT. It was exhilarating. Seeing all of Tales of Arcadia rush past me in 3 minutes was awesomesauuuuuce.

but guYS GUYS lemme tell you the

✨✨ABSOLUTE✨✨

✨✨✨UTTER✨✨✨

✨✨✨✨✨HIGHLIGHT✨✨✨✨✨

✨✨✨✨✨✨of MY LIFE✨✨✨✨

////oh gODS////

hearing Douxie say in that deep, grave, convicted, voice:

❝ ｂｕｔ　ｔｈｅｙ　ｃａｎ　ｔａｋｅ　ｍｅ ❞

DOUXIE MY SELFLESS WIZARD BEAN. LIGHT OF MY LIFE. I’M DECEASED.

Because it’s scenes like this which convince me they KNOW that Selflessness Is His Thing. And that means so freaking much to me OH MY LORD.

Act 1 of ROTT was an absolute delight, let’s just say.

Men in Black!Krel

Nari!Douxie (i cANNot beLIEve THIs is a THING im in tears)

THE BARBARA/JIM REUNION!!!!!

A FREAKING STRICKLAKE ENGAGEMENT!!!!! Jim/Strickler relationship growth arc 😭😭😭

Y’ALL WE GOT JLAIRE SITTING ON A FLIPPIN’ RED ASS BED. This is the closest we’re gonna get to sex in a kid’s show.

NOT COUNTING OFC THE INSTA-STAJA-FAM CONCEPTION

should I be scared that GDT is reading the totally wack corners of mpreg AO3??!! 👀👀👀dude, like DUDE. that happened.

ELI GLOWUP !!!!! damn son u hot

also aja is such a Queen in this whole thing omg

I obvs can’t go scene by scene through this thing but––

Douxie and Nari in P A I N during the spellbreaking scene. that hurt my soul oh lordy. there must be art made

OK but then after this SHIT GETS VERY REAL. There’s a lot of Character Thematics/Arcs and Real Narrative shit I can get down into and stuff I want to think about because yEAH... wow, this movie Went There. And Back Again. (lOLJSKGSg)

I appreciate the deaths. I really do. But Strickler was a shock. Jim holding onto his mom and crying, overwhelmed with guilt, was the most Jim thing. The boy puts so much agony on himself. It’s his undoing. gAH POOR JIM.

CAN WE MAKE A NOTE THAT JIM’S RIBS WERE BROKEN/HURT throughout this entire thing??? 😭😭😭 HMmm? HMMMM!!! LOOK AT THE ANGST

Claire shadow-porting an eNTiRE TITAN. This girl is OFF THE CHARTS SJGHSBKGJMNFSBG

Nari’s death was emotional. Wow. She was being a Hero. Not running, like she said. That was a Power Growth and beautifully scored. Not to mention archie trapped forever?!!! Nooooo?!!!

They really want to take everything away from Douxie don’t they.

Jim getting Excalibur and leveling up with Akiridian armor was pRETTY SWEET. Especially ✨together✨. And everyone saying the Destiny speech. *tissues*

Act 3 finale babbaaayyyy.

CHILDREN OF THE SUN REDUX OMSKGJSGGMN HELL YEAHHHH

Jim realizing the amulet didn’t make. him a hero, HE DID. And that’s why the amulet chose him.

y’all I sobbed for tobes. that was powerful, painful, and moving. and y’know it was almost like this whole movie was an apology for treating toby like a comedic sidekick––and giving him the trollhunter mantle in the end.

like THEY VALIDATED JIM AND TOBY’s FRIENDSHIP and that cANnNOt be underestimated. Because friendship is almost ALWAYS knocked down the ladder of importance in the pantheon of human relationships, and ROTT said NO. Jim loves Toby so much that he’d change his own history and the history of the ENTIRE WORLD in order to get him back.

like, Jim, our sacrificial Hero. Deciding to truly be Atlas and take all the weight of What Could Have Been on his shoulders, because he cannot stand the losses that happened under his leadership.

this kiss tho. the absolute ANGUISH in the way jim presses himself to her face. gOD. THE PAIN. THE LOVE. THE “I LOVE YOU”

––––

The whole time travel twist tho. I’m kinda... not here for it?? Time travel is tricky to pull off and yeah, I think I’m in the camp that everyone’s character arcs (except Jim’s) have been retconned. It’s sad because people get connected to one another by the shared pains, joy, and experiences that brought them together, and now they’ve lost that.

But thematically and more importantly, why can’t the acceptance of death be validated? Sure, so many people dying was painful, but Let. It. Be. Painful. That’s life. TOA hasn’t shied away from dark things before. Toby and Strickler and Nomura and Nari (even Archie and Charlemagne) gave their lives; Toby became a Hero in the truest sense of the word. Let him do that, let that choice be his. In fact, it says a lot thematically about Jim’s hero complex that he cannot accept other people making heroic choices with tragic consequences. That it’s all on him. But with this ending, they do make it clear Jim’s need to be a hero is a driving obsession, and I appreciate the strength of his conviction on that identity for himself.

But the thing about retconning the anguish is that it’s telling us that bad consequences, tragedy, and loss are unacceptable in life. That just because Jim and his friends need 10 years of therapy, he should try to erase all that pain and give himself and his friends a “normal” life. No. Depression, loss, hurt... these help make us who we are; growth is about accepting them and using that pain to become better people, not invalidating them from our past.

*grumbles*

let’s be real tho: that ending was meta. it was like they were telling us fans that now WE can go create the Trollhunters we wanted to see, and fix all the things we thought went wrong. I think someone’s been reading a bunch of Trollhunter AU fics, no?

tl;dr ROTT creates more questions than it does answers and we need another show LMAO

[xu-ren]

The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?

Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Scaramouche x reader

Wordcount: 600+

This is written for the Mid-Autumn Festival so for anyone that celebrates, Happy Mid-Autumn Festival to you!

*~*~*

Initially, when you mentioned missing the Mid-Autumn Festival to Scaramouche, all he had scoffed at you, asking why you would concern yourself with such a mundane festival. The moon was nearly always there after all, surely you could stare at it at another time? Why would you need a specific day set aside for just staring at the moon?

At his lacklustre response, you were prepared to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival alone this year. Just as you were setting out the mooncake and the tea, Scaramouche appeared in front of you.

“Love, what are you doing here?” you asked Scaramouche curiously, because he had already made it very clear that he was not interested in celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with you.

He eyed the mooncake you had set out derisively before grabbing your wrist, tugging you along roughly. “Come,” he demanded harshly.

“Slow down,” you pleaded as you scrambled after him, desperately trying not to trip and fall on your face at the punishing pace he was setting. He didn’t apologise but he did slow down until you were walking beside him.

“Thank you,” you told him as you maneuverered your hands until you were holding hands, his fingers entwined with yours.

“Come,” he grunted, and you would have thought that he did not hear your thanks if not for the faint red that coloured his ears. The both of you walked in silence for a few minutes until you reached a pavilion.

“What is this?” you asked curiously, taking in the lanterns hung up around the pavilion, and the mooncakes and tea already set out on the marble table.

“This is what you wanted, isn’t it?” Scaramouche asked harshly, his eyes staring resolutely into the distance even as his cheeks took on a pink hue. You flung yourself at him, hugging him tightly as you uttered your thanks over and over again into his ear.

“Get off of me,” he grumbled viciously, even as he wrapped his arms around you, pulling you closer until there was nary a space between the both of you.

“This is the last time,” he warned when he finally allowed you to leave his arms.

“Of course, love” you promised. Neither of your words carried any weight, especially when they have been uttered so many times before. So many last times and yet there was always another time.

The both of you sat down at the marble table as you greedily took in the various mooncakes laid out in the front of you. There were wuren mooncakes, red bean paste mooncakes, white lotus seed paste mooncake, fruit mooncakes and even snow skin mooncakes.

“Eat,” Scaramouche ordered, pushing a plate of white lotus seed paste mooncakes in your direction. You couldn’t help but notice that there was a salted egg yolk in the middle of each mooncake, making it your favourite type of mooncake.

“Thank you,” you uttered gratefully, flashing him a sweet smile as you nibbled at the mooncake, allowing the sweet taste to fill your mouth.

For once, he wasn’t wearing his hat, allowing you to see the red hue tinting his ears as he busied himself with brewing the both of you a cup of black tea, specifically chosen to bring out the sweetness of the white lotus seed paste mooncake.

“Look at the moon, that’s what we are here for,” Scaramouche ordered harshly when you continued to stare at him, enjoying the sight of him doing something as domestic as brewing tea.

“The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked as he passed you your cup of brewed to perfection black tea.

“It’s very beautiful,” you agreed before the both of you lapsed into silence.

[nikibogwater]

Please give me some writing advice on how to write brother-sister relationships keeping it purely platonic (as hopefully all sibling dynamics are). You do it really well so I was wondering if you might have some tips.

(freaks out for a second because nobody's ever asked me for writing advice before that's such an honor and also terrifying oh land what if all my advice is actually crap what if--)

Hi, Non! First of all, thank you so much for the very sweet compliment! Here's a few things that have been really helpful for me in my writing, both for brother-sister relationships and other platonic relationships:

Drawing from personal experience can be enormously helpful. Think about what the best relationships in your own life look like, and how they make you feel. How do you yourself like to express affection to friends/family? How does it make you feel when they express affection to you? For example, in my Magical Siblings fic Shedding Layers, when Douxie is saying goodbye to Nari in the morning, he lets her know where he's going, how long he's going to be gone, and what he wants her to do while he's away: primarily, eat and be safe. For me, one of the best indicators of love is when someone fusses over your safety and wellbeing, and as someone with an eating disorder, I'm constantly hearing "Make sure you eat while I'm gone" if I'm going to be home alone for a while. So I was able to slip that into the fic and use it as a way to showcase how deeply and selflessly Douxie cares for his Bean Sister.

Physical affection between family/friends can seem like a dangerous path to tread, but once you know where the lines are, it's surprisingly easy to avoid having it look shippy. I think there's really only a couple of Hard Nos when it comes to keeping physical affection strictly platonic. No kissing on the lips/neck, no wandering hands, nothing that can only be taken as sexual/romantic. If you're still worried about a simple hug or a forehead kiss seeming shippy, a good rule of thumb is to make descriptions of gestures of physical affection in your story short and to the point. For example, if I was writing a romance scene where two characters hold hands for the first time, I'd spend a loooooot of time describing how their palms are sweating, or the tingling warmth in their fingers, the pounding of their heart, etc. etc. But in a platonic setting, I'd keep it brief, and instead of talking at length about the physical sensation of holding hands, I'd focus more on describing the emotions the two characters are feeling in this moment--how does it feel to know that the other has their back, is going to stick with them no matter what. Does the character feel grateful? Are they scared of losing the other? etc. etc. Basically, just avoid portraying the physical affection as intensely sensual, and you'll be just fine.

In my experience, if you're using a website like Archive of Our Own, most people there will respect canon/your authorial intent. So for example, if in your tags you are using the Character & Character relationship tag instead of the Character/Character tag, the vast majority of your readers will politely take off their shipping glasses and enjoy the relationship as you are intending it to be enjoyed. If your characters aren't biologically related, then another good way to shut down shipping is to simply have one of the characters express exactly how they feel about the other: "They're like family" or "They're my best friend." And then not have any of the other characters question or contend this. Odds are good that if everyone in your story knows there's nothing romantic going on between two characters, then the audience will believe that as well.

Observe the professionals! Got a piece of media with a platonic relationship you absolutely adore? Pay careful attention to the way those characters interact, what their dynamic is like, what about it helps you to know that they are Best Buds/Siblings. A very good exercise is to try to pinpoint what aspects of these characters affect how they relate to each other. Is one of them much bigger and physically stronger than the other? That might explain why that character is always so worried about their Smol Friend, and why they can get overprotective of them. Relationship dynamics are shaped by the personalities of the people involved, so linking a character's behavior with an aspect of their personality can help you understand why and how the dynamic works the way it does, which can be a very useful strength in your writing.

Anyways, those are the things that I find most helpful to keep in mind when I'm writing for the Magical Siblings. Something I've learned from writing for a long time is that there is that there are an infinite number of dynamics between characters--no two relationships look exactly the same. It's why I pull not only from my relationship with my own brothers, but also with friends and other family when I write for Douxie and Nari. And the more you observe and write, the more confident you'll become.

Thanks so much for the ask, Non! I hope to read some of your work someday! ✨

[greenjacketwhitehatdocmui]

Frozen:  Kitchen Raid

Okay, I’ve had this as part of anthology I’ve been working on, but...I figured that now would be a good time to get it out for Frozen II Appreciation Week.  Mind you, this does have some links to my own AU, but it also stands on its own fairly well.

This takes place a little before the sisters’ separation.  And yes, there may be some feels.  :)

--Doc

-----

    The main kitchen was dark, the ovens extinguished for the night.  Whatever ingredients that hadn’t been used had been packed up and stored in the ice boxes below.  The working surfaces were tidy, with nary a scrap of food to be found.

    The kitchen did not remain silent for long. The furtive scuff of slippers on the floor was followed by urgent shushing.

    “Anna, you need to be quiet,” Elsa whispered. “Nobody’s supposed to know that we’re here.”

    Anna pouted.  At barely five years old, patience and silence were things best left to other people.  Still, if it seemed important to Elsa, it was okay by her, then.

    “Are we getting chocolate?” Anna whispered.

    Elsa gently patted Anna on the back and nodded. “I just have to figure out where they keep it.”

    “Can’t we just open up everything?”

    “That would make a lot of noise,” Elsa reminded her. “They keep pots and pans around here. And I want you to stay away from the knives,” she said sternly.  “I don’t want you getting hurt.”

    Anna nodded.  She waited patiently for thirty seconds as Elsa tried to rummage through the cupboards.  

    “I found some chocolate!” Anna whispered, holding her prize high.  She unwrapped the bar and broke it in half—the better to share with Elsa.  She then broke off a piece and popped it into her mouth, only to grimace at the taste.  “Yuck!  Not sweet!”

    “Are you all right?  The chocolate isn’t sweet?”

    Anna winced expressively.  “Not sweet.  Bitter.”

    Elsa took a tentative nibble of her bar.  She flinched slightly.

    “Anna, this is baking chocolate,” she whispered with a sigh.  “It doesn’t have any sugar in it.  The cooks add the sugar when they use this.”

    “Any sweet chocolate?” Anna asked hopefully. Her blue eyes shimmered in the dim light, an expression that Elsa found irresistible.

    “I think that they keep it…here…” Elsa said as she clambered onto the counter.  Opening up a cupboard, she reached inside and brandished her spoils. “Got it!”

    “Lemme see!  Lemme see!”

    Elsa shushed her gently as Anna reached for the armload she was carrying.  There was more than enough for both of them.  With any luck, they would have their little snack and be back in bed before anyone knew what was happening.

    The girls giggled as they clambered under a cupboard.  This was going to be fun!

********

    Queen Iduna sighed as she walked through the darkened hallways of the castle.  Every once in a while, she just had a craving for chocolate in the middle of the night. It had begun when she’d been carrying Elsa and had continued when Anna had come around.  Privately, she suspected that this was the reason why her daughters were so fond of the stuff.  Not that she disliked chocolate in any way, but her girls were often ravenous for the stuff.

    It was a good thing that Anna and Elsa had never discovered chocolate-covered coffee beans.  Just after she and Agnarr had gotten married, they received a good amount of those beans from some friends in England.  They had no idea the havoc that those lovely, innocent-looking confections had unleashed.  

    She suppressed a shudder—and an urge to lick her lips.  It had been almost nine years since she’d had them.  She still remembered that blissfully manic time when she and Agnarr were feeling the full effects of that little present.  He’d gone so far as to consider invading Switzerland, just for their chocolate.  She, on the other hand, had been quite the social darling when she entertained the guests of the day.  She had never talked that quickly in her life.  Later on, the servants would admit that she had an unsettlingly bright gleam in her eyes.

    After that incident, Kai and Gerda kept an eye on everything that was shipped to the kitchen.  It was regrettable, but a manic royal family wasn’t good for anyone. That did not stop her from occasionally looking through the cupboards, just in case.

    The thought of Elsa on those beans had given Agnarr and Iduna some pause.  Given Elsa’s powers, the castle might have been turned into an icy playground. Lately, she’d been asking to try her hand at making the ballroom a skating rink, to no avail.  Creating ice wasn’t a problem for her.  It was defrosting the ice that was a bit inconvenient.

    None of the parenting books that they’d read had covered anything like this.  Agnarr and Iduna were going by their instincts as far as Elsa’s powers were concerned.  They were afraid that one day, they’d make an irreparable mistake.

    She sighed.  There would be time to worry about that later.

    As she shuffled into the kitchen, she paused at an unusual noise.  It was coming from the cupboard that she was about to search—to reassure herself that Kai had been doing his due diligence, of course.

    Elsa and Anna giggled in the cupboard.  They had never tried frosted chocolate with extra sugar before.  They rather liked it.

    Iduna quirked an eyebrow and considered her options. She quietly crept to just next to the offending cabinet and waited.

    “Burping contest,” Anna whispered.  “Go!”

    “Anna, no,” Elsa protested.  “We—“

    Burp!

    “—have to—“

    Burp!

    “—be quiet or—“

    Burp!

    “—someone will—“

    Iduna flinched as Anna—her little Anna—let out a belch worthy of a sailor at a portside bar.  She was suddenly very glad that Agnarr hadn’t decided to accompany her on her midnight kitchen raid.  He would have been aghast at his little girls’ behavior.

    The next few moments were a growing crescendo of burps and belches.  Evidently, Elsa’s competitive side had been roused by Anna’s efforts.  When the girls shared one final, five-second, full-throated belch, Iduna decided that she’d had enough.

    Hiding her smile, she quickly opened the cupboard that the girls were hidden under and frowned.  From the girls’ perspective, their mother looked like she was dispensing judgment from on high.

    Elsa’s cerulean eyes grew wide.  She looked at her mother, then at the chocolate in her hands and finally, to a somewhat unsteady Anna.  She cleared her throat.

    “This isn’t what it looks like, Mama,” she said in a quavering, unconvincing voice.  “We were playing hide and seek.”

    Iduna arched an eyebrow and Elsa tried hard not to wince.  Her mother’s eyebrows had power beyond her own ice magic, it seemed.  

    “I see,” Iduna said in a carefully neutral tone. “And you decided to do so at midnight?”

    “Anna couldn’t sleep.”

    Iduna’s attention was diverted as she heard Anna gurgle.  Even in the dim candlelight, her youngest daughter was looking rather green.

    “I don’t feel so good,” Anna declared as she gulped hard.  “My tummy hurts.”  She burped and looked perilously close to wasting the chocolate she’d eaten.

    Iduna returned her gaze to Elsa, who was looking very nervous indeed.  Small patches of frost were beginning to form where the blonde was kneeling.

    Iduna sighed and extended a hand.  Her daughters were already being punished, especially Anna.  She idly wondered if her youngest would still love chocolate so much after this.

    “Come on,” she said, helping her daughters out of the cupboard.  “Let’s get your stomachs settled so that you can sleep.”  She hefted Anna in her arms and gently rubbed her back.

    “Don’t want chocolate…for a week…” Anna murmured.

    “What do you think, Elsa?” Iduna asked.  “Does that sound fair to you?”

    The little platinum-blonde managed a shaky smile. “Yes, Mama.  No chocolate for a week.”

    She chuckled to herself.  Neither she nor Agnarr had been blessed with siblings growing up.  They’d never engaged in belching contests or the like.  Agnarr’s best friend David had been the closest thing that he’d had to a brother.  He also was the man who had made their relationship possible.  He’d been like a brother to her as well.

    She pondered whether or not the girls were old enough to go on a trip to England, just to visit.  Then again, Agnarr would have been leery about leaving Arendelle without a king.  His duty to the kingdom was second only to his devotion to his family.

    Anna’s gurgle brought her back to reality—as well as Elsa’s cool little hand.  They’d crossed the distance to the girls’ room in her reverie.

    “Come on now,” she urged them, nudging the door open. “Let’s get you settled.”

    One dose of stomach medicine later, Anna seemed to be looking much better.  Iduna smiled as she saw Elsa gently rubbing Anna’s back, just to help her sleep. After a few moments, Anna had let out one last burp and had started snoring.  Elsa sighed and burrowed under the covers.

    With a gentle smile, Iduna kissed her girls on their foreheads and tucked them in.  She stayed for a few moments as Elsa herself fell asleep.

    “Dear?” Agnarr whispered, causing her to start. She hadn’t heard him come behind her. “Are the girls all right?”

    She put her index finger to her lips.  He nodded and they left, quietly closing the door behind them.

    “Just a little kitchen raid,” she said as they headed back to their room.  “They overdid it on the chocolate, though.”

    "Clearly, that was from your side of the family," he joked.

    "Oh, clearly," she mock-agreed. "You obviously despise the stuff."

    "Can't stand it.  Can't imagine why you and the girls love it so much," he said, but his eyes said otherwise.

    They shared a subdued laugh as they made their way back to bed.  Sliding underneath the covers, they cuddled close.

    "Do you think that the girls are old enough to travel?" she asked.

    Agnarr hummed thoughtfully.  "If Elsa's control holds up, I don't see why not," he said.  "Small trips at first, of course.  Then maybe we can work on finally going to England for a visit.  David still owes me a few favors."

    "I think that he and his family would be accepting of Elsa's powers," Iduna ventured.  "I just wish that you could tell him."

    Agnarr shook his head.  "I can't.  Our code's been cracked.  I can trust David and his family, but I don't trust anyone above him.  And you know how Old Wayne likes to keep his fingers in every pot."

    "But someday?"

    "Someday," he promised.  "And who knows?  Maybe his older son will meet Elsa and they can be friends."

    "Someday," she echoed as she drifted off.  The last thought before sleep gently claimed her was that it was a joy to see her little girls getting along so well together.

The End

[jungkooksthighsinc]

Fallen (M) Chapter One

Next

Hi! This is a Jungkook AU! I really hope you enjoy this series! Happy reading! 

For me my world has always been one way, in one system, black and white. There were no ‘gray areas’. Until I met you… I guess I should start from the beginning, huh? It’ll be easier for you to understand this way. So it won’t hurt as much… Or at least I hope.

“(y/n)! Are you listening~” Your friend, Nari waved her hand in front of your face. “Huh? What?” You ask, completely dazed. Your final exams have been back to back non-stop. You spent nearly almost all your free time studying, and the small few hours you’ve worked, you actually enjoyed. I suppose it’s my only break from the oppression of school. You thought.

“Party, tonight. My house. You coming?” Nari was the party type, but she wouldn’t get shitfaced. She’d just go to have fun and enjoy herself. She gets a sort of ‘natural high’ from them.

“You know that’s not my style” You sigh while rolling your eyes. Never in your life had you gone to a party (aside from birthdays), and you most certainly aren’t going to start now. “Aw come on! It will be so fun~” she cooed.

The bell rang and you internally growled. Exam for college algebra, my favorite. “No, besides my exam plate is stacked enough for a party of 5 to eat. I need to cram.” You sighed “it’s always about studying this, cramming that, work this. Come and hang out with me~ I miss you-“ “bye love” You waved her off with her retorts right with her.

Being short was never fun for you, especially through the halls. People always pushing past your shoulders, constantly being pinned against others because everyone is just trying to do the same thing, get to their class.

Not paying attention, you tripped. You fell flat on your ass, because someone’s bag was on the floor.

“Taehyung!” You heard someone yell.

Looking up, you see him. Jeon Jungkook. Smiling down at your pathetic self on the floor. “Sorry, my friend threw my bag. I hope you didn’t get hurt.” He said sweetly offering his hand, but you refused picking yourself up. All the girls in the school were in love with this guy. But you knew what he was known for, getting girls in bed then ditching them. You weren’t about that life.

“It’s fine,” You faked smiled “It’s my fault for not paying attention anyways” a small chuckle escaped your throat. A boy with silver hair and a red bandanna came running after you. You could feel Jungkook staring at you, but you ignored it.

“I’m sorry! I didn’t think anyone would trip!” The boy apologized. “It’s okay, really.” You smiled gently at the boy and patted him on the shoulder. “I’m gonna go now, bye.” You quickly said, excusing yourself.

I’m guessing that’s Taehyung. You thought.

Walking into class, you cleared your head and readied yourself for your exam. You were still in high school, but since your school offered college classes, you decided to take them. But it was a heavy workload, and you barely had time to enjoy yourself.

“(y/n)! Don’t think you’re getting away that easily!” Nari called after you as you walked to your car. Your brain was completely fried from that exam. Logarithms, polynomials, exponential functions, and even some damn calculus was in that test! That professor is evil. You swore that you were going to be dreaming of the equations for the next week because it is so damn engraved in your brain.

“You’re coming to the party. You’re a junior, live your life. We can have a sleepover and just talk about stupid things when the party's over” She begged with her hands together and puppy dog eyes. You felt bad, you hadn’t been spending much time with her despite her always texting you to hang. “Well it is Friday so…” “Yay!” She jumped and hugged you. “You won’t regret it!” she started to run off. “I have work till eight you know!” I yelled after her and she just put her hand up as if saying ‘yeah yeah’.

“That girl I swear” You couldn’t help but smile. Nari was like a ray of sunshine. She’s always fun to be around, and she can be very down to earth. At times she may not look it, but she’s a good judge of character and people's moods. She always seems to know just the right things to say.

You worked in a small coffee shop. To be honest you weren’t much of a coffee person, you were more of a tea person. But the aroma of coffee was so intoxicating to you. Different coffees had different scents. Some were bitter, some were sweet. Your favorite was the ‘Indian Monsooned Malabar’ blend. It had a bittersweet scent but it invades your senses and makes you feel so relaxed and at home.

“Hi Hoseok” You smiled at your co-worker. You both went to the same high school, and your shifts always seemed to sync up. “Hey, (y/n)” He gave you one of his famous bright smiles. You always took notice of his customer service since he’s always tipped well.

“Counter today?” You asked, tying your hair up and throwing on your apron. “Yep” He laughed, slipping off his backpack and green bomber jacket. Stepping into the back, you quickly made yourself look presentable. A little bit of lip gloss and mascara. You didn’t care much for how you looked, but at work it was different. You like tips, and you found that when you look a little more cute, people tend to tip well.

“Is Brian and Chase still out there?” you asked while pinning on your name tag “Yeah they’re cleaning up right now.” he was doing the same as well. He fixed his red hair today to look a little curly. Hoseok was a dancer, you’ve seen him a couple times. Mostly through just late nights of closing the shop. But each time it was more enjoyable than the last. He danced with so much passion and elegance, it truly is beautiful.

You clocked yourself in and did the same for Hoseok. He had already started preparing some of the coffee grounds. You guys had a system. He’d prep, you’d clean. Then at the end of the night you would prep and he would clean. This is how these things have always gone between you two. You worked surprisingly well together.

“Oh hey man!” Hoseok said, you turned to see him giving a bro five to Jungkook, who’s eyes immediately found yours. “Hey” He smiled back at Hoseok “Can I get a cappuccino?” “Yeah sure, (y/n).” Hoseok quickly shot you a look and you had already started.

A medium roast espresso blend in a drip coffee machine. As the cup filled, you steamed the milk, whipped it until it became a froth. Gently, you poured the milk over the dark liquid. You created a tree design in the froth due to it being December. Taking a small moment you admired your work.

Walking over, you brought him his drink. “Here you go sir, is there anything else you’d like?” You fake smiled, a beautiful art that you’ve picked up through this job. You honestly didn’t want to be around this douche. And this is the first time that you’ve ever seen the hoe here in the two whole years that you’ve worked here.

“Yes, I’d like you.” He brought his coffee to his pink lips and locked eyes with yours. Your heart clenched and you felt the blood rush to your cheeks. What the fuck? You thought. “Sorry, but I’m not for sale.” You smiled sarcastically and walked off, fists clenched. How bold! And rude, what even was that! Why is he even here. Why am I blushing? Why is my heart pounding?

“(y/n) one americano” Hoseok called “G-Got it” you stammered and mentally cursed at yourself. Hoseok gave you a weird look but you ignored it and made the coffee.

As soon as Jungkook left, you felt the tension in your chest release. How annoying. He was there for at least an hour, and every time you passed him to give customers their orders, you could definitely feel him looking at you. It was like a 6th sense or something, but you could definitely feel it.

You went to his table to clean up. And as you were, you saw a $20 tip and his number on a napkin. Your eye twitched. Who does this boy think he is? A sex god? I don’t want this dumbasses number! After putting the twenty in your pouch, crumpling the napkin, wiping down the table, and made your way back to the sink.

Is he trying to buy me? Get my attention? Well he got it alright, he’s lucky I don’t shove my foot up his ass. Wait- no I am a peer mediator that would be not something a good samaritan would do. “(y/n), I know I’m cute and all, but stop daydreaming about me and make a chai latte to go” Hoseok smiled at you, and his words brought you out of your thoughts.

“Pf, you wish dude” you laughed and he followed suit.

The rest of your work evening was pretty normal paced. Just the same old back and forward motions, you and Hoseok messing around. Counting tips, etc.

You were prepping all the coffee machines for tomorrow when Hoseok tapped you on the shoulder.

“What’s up?” You asked, wiping away at the stains in the metal rim of an espresso bean grinder. “It’s eight, your shift is done” you shooed him away. “I’m not gonna leave you my work load. That’s not cool.” you sighed, turning to face him, well more like looking up at him since you were short. “Yeah, but I don’t mind. Besides you have Naris party to go to right~” He teased. You wondered how he knew but he answered that for you. “I’m going too, but I overheard you guys in the parking lot in front of the school” he cleared his throat “You’re a junior, live your life.” He quoted Nari, but in a higher pitched mocked version of her voice.

Laughing, you pushed Hoseok's shoulder. “She doesn’t sound like that you idiot” You chuckled and he pretended to flip his imaginary long hair over his shoulder “She totally does” he said still in the ridiculous voice.

You two laughed a bit more and then found an agreement since you both were going to the party it would just be easier if you both closed up the shop.

“See you at the party (y/n), don’t get shitfaced now!” Hoseok teased as we got into our cars. “Please if anyone is getting drunk it’s you or Namjoon.” “You’re probably right” He smiled brightly, and from there you both drove to Naris place.

Luckily since you had to go to work, you dressed nicely. A pair of black ripped Jeans, a slightly oversized black shirt that said ‘NeverMind’, a simple white beanie and white hightop vans to match.

The house was a large two story white home on private land. Both of Naris parents are overseas at the moment for their company. The house was already flooded, and cars were starting to line the driveway. Loud music bombed from the entirety of the property. People were outside watching others on the ‘Keg stand’. That weird beer thing where people do a handstand and try to drink as much beer for as long as possible.

Oh boy. You thought as you stepped out of your black mazda6, Hoseok right behind you. “Don’t be nervous!” He slapped you on the back. “You’ll have fun”. You seriously doubted that, but regardless, you walked with him to the entrance and through the swarm of bodies.

As you entered the house, people were grinding on each other with red solo cups in their hands. Strobe lights flashed all throughout the house. The music was now so loud it felt as if your spine had vibrations going through it.

Making your way to the kitchen you found your best friend, you somehow lost Hoseok but you were honestly fine with it since he’s friends with pretty much everybody.

“Nari” You sighed in relief. “(y/n), you made it! I’m so glad!” She gave you a tight hug. Nari had on a skin tight red dress that made her boobs stand out. She paired it with a black velvet choker, and some red heels. “You trying to get laid? You look hot” You said and your best friend smiled. “Nope, just making sure guys know I’m not a snack” She gave a wink. Her beautiful long black hair framed her face and body nicely. She had a small frame but just enough curves. Her skin was pale, and she had big brown eyes. A lot of guys like her, and it’s easy to understand why.

“Let’s go dance (y/n)-”

“Hey Nari”

Both you and your friend turn around to find Namjoon, Yoongi, Seokjin, Jimin, Taehyung, Hoseok, and Jungkook. I almost puked and Nari almost melted, she has a thing for Namjoon.

“H-Hi” She stammered cutely. “Want to dance?” He asked, his voice deep and confident, but red stained his cheeks as he held out his hand. She quickly looked back at me asking for permission, her eyes desperate. How could I say no? I gave her a nod and she took his hand swiftly and led him to the dance floor.

“Shit” I cursed, completely forgetting there were 6 other guys in this kitchen.

“Ah! You’re the cute girl from earlier!” Taehyung exclaimed, making your eyes widen. “C-Cute?” You stuttered, a flush running over your cheeks. He gave a cute laugh and you wanted to bolt. “I didn’t think this was your scene.” Jungkook smirked. You wanted to slap him. “(y/n) right? I’m Yoongi we take the same music tech class.” He said, but of course you already knew who he was. “Hi” Jimin smiled, along Jungkook, he’s known as one of the hottest guys in school. “Don’t crowd the girl!” Seokjin exclaimed. “Okay mom~” Hoseok teased.

“Hi” You said quietly as all the boys stared at you, it was uncomfortable, and something you were not used to. You were that one quiet girl who sat in the back of the class with a book in her hand, the one who spent her free time studying. The ‘Teacher’s Pet’. Not the girl who goes to parties, and adding onto that getting noticed by a bunch of hot guys.

“(y/n) don’t be weird” Hoseok laughed and patted you on the back. You shot him a death glare. “So you’re name is (y/n), you’re so cute and small” Taehyung said, bending down to look at you better. Why does he keep calling me cute? This is so weird, Nari please save me from this hell.

“So, (y/n)” Jungkook saying your name sent shivers down your spine. “What?” You asked, no fake niceness in your voice. The others were taken aback except for Hoseok, he was used to it. “Get my number?” He asked, not wiping that ‘I know I’m irresistible’ smirk off his face. “Yep I did, and I threw it away. I don’t want it. I’ll pass, not smash. Thanks.” With that, you walked away leaving them all stumped. You ran up the stairs to Naris bedroom and shut the door locking it behind you.

Your face was burning bright red. What was that?! Why did I say that? What’s wrong with me, why can’t I just be a quiet girl that doesn’t stand out? Throwing yourself on the floor, you let your racing heart rest. You felt the steam rise from your face. This isn’t me.

“(y/n)! Get your ass out of my room and come have fun!” Nari’s voice came from the other side of the door. Very muted, but still audible. So quick! What the fuck does she have ninja senses? “Fuck no! I just embarrassed myself”. Suddenly her door was open and she came to my side. Wasn’t that door just locked?

“Telling off a fuckboy? Being a badass? Be proud! I’m proud!” You covered your face as she beamed at you. “Where’s Namjoon?” You peeked through your fingers, up at your friend. “He’s teasing Jungkook for getting rejected. Now, let’s make you look hot so he really gets pissed.”

“Oh hell no”

“Yep deal with it”

“But your clothes are revealing!”

“That’s the point!”

You fought with her till you was reduced to a pair of short black shorts, a white crop top, that was more of a bra if we’re being up front here, a black and gold choker, your beanie and shoes. She made you take your hair out, and straighten it. She put a dark reddish brown lipstick on you. Looking at yourself in the mirror you stared, mortified.

“I look like a whore” You shot her a death glance and all she gave you was a smile. “That top really shows off your baby abs” You were slightly athletic, running and core strengthening was about the extent you’d go to. “I don’t have abs, and I don’t want to be seen like this.” You hid your burning face. Too much skin was exposed.

“Just for one night, (y/n). Own it and be badass!” without even giving you time to respond, she grabbed your wrist with a surprising amount of strength and dragged your sorry ass down stairs.

You got some looks, mostly of shock. One of those shocked faces being a Hoseok and a Seokjin. Nari lead you through the pit of sweaty bodies, towards the middle. ‘Dance’ she mouthed, moving her hips and throwing her hair around to the erratic beat of the music. You slightly moved your hips, but you felt awkward, like everyone was looking at you. Nari rolled her eyes, grabbed your hands and started jumping up and down with you. “Go crazy and have fun!” She yelled over the insanely loud trap music.

Somehow, somewhere inside you, you hit the ‘fuck it’ button. So you did as she said, you moved your hips rhythmically, you tossed your hair side to side, and danced with your best friend. If you looked stupid? You couldn’t care less. You were on such a high, it was almost like the music was coursing through you and all you could do was move how it made you feel.

Suddenly someone's hands gripped around your waist. Quickly, you turned around and it was Jungkook. All the fun you were having? Gone. But, an idea popped in your head. “You don’t give up do you?” You yelled, still moving your hips to the beat, his hands still held firmly. “Not when I see something I like” He answered, tongue running over his glistening pink lips. He turned you around, your back against his hard chest as he grinded against you, you could feel his erection against your ass.  

With a smirk, you turned standing on your tippy toes, wrapping your arms around his neck and brought your lips to his ear. “I’m not something you can have.” you whispered, while playing with the hairs close to the nape of his neck. With that you removed his hands and swayed back over to Nari, but you didn’t break eye contact with him. He looked dazed, confused, and most of all, really, really pissed.

The rest of the party was pretty much one fantastic blur, you and Nari just danced, had fun but then when everyone was going, you two collapsed on her bed.

“Finally everyone's gone” She weakly laughed “God I know” the both of you were tired, but she jumped up almost nearly as energetic as she was at the beginning of this party. Almost as if she was remembering something she was excited about.

“What was that with Jungkook?”

I really hope you enjoyed this chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it, please give me feed back. Also my requests are open so feel free to ask away!

[rikalovesrice]

From the Guardians of Arcadia : Merry Christmas~!

THIS WAS RUSHED I KNOW ALSO I CAN'T COLOR DRAWING IS HARD DON'T HURT ME AHHHHHHHHH

And now for some Christmas Headcanons!!!

🎄🎄🎄❄️🎸🖤🗡🔮🛸👽💙☃️😸💚🎄

It’s Aja and Krel’s first Christmas!  -^__^- They’re both captivated by the beautiful Christmas tree and are more than eager to help decorate.

Claire supervises, making sure the Akiridions don’t try to eat the pretty ornaments.

Nari’s dresses up as a reindeer (because of course), complete with a glowing red nose. Everyone hangs ornaments and lights on her antlers.

Jim bakes all the goodies! Cookies, brownies, and fruit cakes. He also cooks an epic Christmas dinner and has the world’s greatest eggnog recipe.

Douxie busts through the door donning a Santa hat and hoisting a sack of presents. You’d be hard-pressed finding a lad more hyped about Christmas than this moppet.

Zoe has a skull hanging off the tip of her hat because she can.

Steve and Eli are the idiot elves we all love.

Best believe there’s a Secret Santa, white elephant gift exchange (gag gifts galore)

Claire gifts Jim and Toby two halves of a heart-shaped “best friends” necklace. Toby wears it unabashedly.

But there are also actual gifts <3

Zoe gifts Douxie a jar of slorr juice for his hair. Good thing, he was just about to run out! (anyone on the Douxie server knows what’s up here lol)

Douxie gifts everyone Ash Dispersal Pattern merch (always be pluggin’ lol), but also lovely geodes from his magical crystal collection

Aja gives Steve a bag of oats...cause it reminds her of “oaf”.

Krel gives Eli a one-pound bag of pepper and stuffed jack rabbit (haha get it???)

Nari, being a sweet veggie bean, gifts everyone their favorite flower, magically immortalized.

Gotta have a mistletoe bit!

Jim and Claire share a sweet kiss. Que a collective “Awwwwww”

Steve and Eli find themselves under the mistletoe, much to Eli’s horror. Steve, being Steve, grabs Eli’s face and dramatically puckers his lips, going for it, before Eli straight up faints.

Aja tosses Eli’s body like a ragdoll, cause, like, no, that’s her bumbling oaf, before spinning Steve into a dip and landing one on him.

Douxie’s a shy bean but eventually Zoe tugs him down and pecks him on the lips. He smiles like a dork before kissing her for reals.

There are three snowmen outside: one that looks like a troll, one with four arms and a core made of pebbles, and one that looks like Archie.

Everyone settles down by the fireplace, drinking hot chocolate and eggnog. Aja nearly downs two pitchers full of eggnog.

Douxie gets out one of his acoustic guitars and softly sings Christmas carols.

They’re all snuggling and leaning on each other on the floor, all warm and fuzzy, listening to Douxie play.

After everyone cleans up, they put on Christmas movies.

Douxie and Zoe throw blankets over the youngins when they fall asleep. Then they sit in front of the fire, holding each other close and remembering a millennium of Christmas’. They add this one to one of their favorites.

[toddlazarski]

Discovering Alambres in Milwaukee

Shepherd Express

Beef or pork? Tripa? What about lengua? I can’t live without at least trying every chorizo presented to me. And with any decent Mexican restaurant even pollo should be on the table for discussion—hinting at the biggest problem within the greatest, highest-varietal world cuisine: What do you order when you want everything?

Anyone with the maybe embarrassing experience of eating out with me at a proper Mexican spot has probably witnessed, with some gastrointestinal wonder, or maybe a guffaw, a personal solution to the conundrum. It is what I’ve long deemed the “entree-plus” method. What you do is order, say, a torta dinner, but then, politely holding your finger up to indicate to the waitress you are not yet done with your wish list, also ask for a couple of tacos. For the side. Maybe get the shrimp diablo, and team it with a simple desebrada number. Try the bistec ranchero, but with a sidecar of cecina. Possibilities become endless, but within, the basic premise is simple: to run the meat gamut, as much as possible, exponentially increase your lipid-and-sauce variations, skip the fear of missing out, make lunch a cultural deep dive, in the process achieving your Epicurean best self, spinning life into a fete of curiosity, not restraint, and turning the table into one of those fashionably messy, rustic Bon Appetit cover photo shoots.        

But what if the answer to the ubiquitous meat question, with all the options, all the exotic-sounding proteins, is, more simply—in that annoying social media vernacular vain—“Yes, please!”  

Enter the Mexico City specialty known as the Alambre. Spanish for “wire,” the word is indeed rooted in a meat combo cooked on a skewer. But it is a shish kabob in spirit only. In the real world it exists as a single plate amalgamation, a meat party, that is actually more like a sizzling late-night drunk skillet of all the most satisfying things found in the furthest crevices of the fridge. Among the multitude varietals, the basic offering mixes steak, chopped bacon, bell peppers, onions, melty cheese. Chorizo is a common contributor as well. Ham can sometimes be considered a healthy alternative—which tells you much about the nature of the dish. Avocado is also a usual suspect. But remember, as it tells itself every morning when looking in the mirror, that is good fat. A blank slate for Fieri-level exploration when sided by tortillas and some salsa, the alambre is a vessel of a DIY taco tour through a good Mexican grocery store.  

My introduction came on 25th and Greenfield Avenue, where the sadly-shuttered El Canaveral once specialized in the plate. It is a meal that still exists like something out of Proust, the memory triggering hunger daydreams of winter nights spent hunkered over a posse of a meat pile, a craggy, cheesy sponge for their quintet of creamy salsas, each building on the last in hue, heat, and intensity. What was truly unique, in those Canaveral salad days, was I only felt the need to order one thing. One word, even, levied to the waitress, enough to hold all the Mexican meal promise one might reasonably ask for. I often bemoan the loss, wistfully ponder the empty husk of the handsome and cozy corner barroom, consider the death of all that smoking meat waft potential. But in loving pursuit of those bite memories, I set out to chronicle what remains, to capture at least a loose roadmap of Milwaukee’s best single-steaming-plate Mexican marriage of foodstuffs.    

4. Kompali Taqueria

Maybe the most telling thing about restaurateurs Karlos Soriano and Paco Villar is how little, through maybe two dozen meals, I’ve ever found wrong with either of their two spots. First, they put too much pineapple on the pastor offering at Kompali, the new taco joint. Second, as a waitress once chastised me for a request, scolding, “I only have two hands!” it seems they can’t find great help at C-Viche. That is it. Everything else—from the aji verde sauce to the pork beans to the esquite to the pisco sours to the succulent beef hearts fit for even those squeamish about, “wait, this is heart?”—feels somehow  in turns regional and personal, and like it’s been consummated with a sense of thoroughness and chile peppered-love. C-Viche is really just a couple of brunch misfires short of upholding my contention that it is maybe the most interesting, if not flat out best, restaurant in Milwaukee.

Which is to say their second, stripped down, taco and tequila-focused Brady Street replacement of Cemapazuchi is certain to deliver on the basics. And it does: from the distinctly salty, cumin-tinged, creamy tomato salsa that comes with the chips, to the smoky chipotle mayo-textured blend that comes with the tacos, it is a happy ideal of Mexican cooking that Cempazuchi only really seemed to be that one time on TV. They also personify an ideal starter alambre for the uninitiated—in prefab taco form. Diced carne asada tumbles uniformly with tender chopped ham and slightly crunchy bacon bits, everything topped with onion and bell pepper before being swathed in smooth goo queso and swaddled neatly inside a homemade tortilla. While the rest of the list here strive for something between gut burstage and a drunken munchie sate, this is a happy, reasonable start not only to an alambre tour, but to a night out. With little threat of overwhelming, without grease-bombing, with nary a worry as to not having room for more drinks, dessert. In fact maybe that’s a third complaint. Or it would be if I wasn’t so happy filling up with their housemade chorizo, the aforementioned pastor, etc.  

3. Al Pastor

Despite the nachos and burritos and ‘Stallis zip code, the menu at Al Pastor does specifically promise “Mexico City style cuisine,” and alongside the eponymous pork stuff of taco dreams and the likes of bistec en chile de arbol, the alambre is presented, simply, honestly, as a “delicious combination.”     

Thin folds of tender skirt steak, with prominent sear marks, generous seasoning and decent snap, dominant the taste swirl of the mashup plate. These are buoyed by bits of salty ham—some grilltop-blackened, some fleshy; tiny granules of charred chorizo, lending a greasy beating heart to the whole; semi-charred wedges of red and green bell peppers; and bright Oaxacan cheese, half-melted throughout, gooping and draping everything like a tangled favorite blanket. Hunks of pineapple occasionally turn up too, contrasting the saltiness, lending some sweet bright sunshine, even to a barren block of Burnham in February.

It’s a richly savory meat sludge, all aspects breaking up under fork pressure, colliding, tussling, coming together in earthy, brackish bites, steaming and begging to be patted atop lightly griddled, sturdy flour tortillas. Ratchet everything up with a surprisingly zinging fresh jalapeno salsa, or a fiery vinegar-laced, arbol-based red. It’s emblematic of when food writers, like sportwriters, feel the need for that old adage of the package being greater than the sum of the parts. How else to describe the Giannis, Middleton, Bledsoe ball movement to open-three mindflow? The roll, the collective rhythm, the push and pull, the unexpectedness, the jazz, that extra-sensory unity. Like the Bucks, the alambre might be the one seed of Mexican cuisine. A “delicious combination” indeed.   

2. La Flamita

It’s like a scene out of a movie: the know-everything writer, pushing big nerd glasses back up on the bridge of his cook-bookish nose, trying out a bit of show-off Spanish, placing a knowing order, within which to don worldliness, after which to scribe a wise pen-sermon full of clever phrases and expensive-sounding words, is stopped in his cocky tracks with a simple question— “What meat?” Yes, apparently you can improvise, personalize your alambre here at this white truck parked on 20th and National. And while such off-balance thinking has led to many problematic orders through the years, it’s clear this is a dish that could only be messed up by a vegetarian. This is the thought the man in the order window must have, half-heartedly agreeing, nodding, patiently waiting, as I audibly recite every possible roster variation that comes to mind, eventually arriving on an All-Star team of asada, pastor, and chorizo.   

This is a to-go order of homogenized harmony, everything neatly, uniformly diced, melded, a goopy white cheese center holding the whole family together with the droopy, loving arms of a domineering grandmother. Nothing gets too far away, each bite seemingly packed with equal part onion and bell pepper hunks, velvety melty queso, and, in my iteration, craggly cow and greasy pork two different ways. Ignore the rote verde salsa in lieu of a truly mean-spirited, arbol-centered sauce. It lends a bit of heated vitality, vigor throughout all that togetherness. This eye-opening feel is furthered by full exploration of the bag. That tin-foiled brick down there isn’t more tortillas. It is a steaming baked potato. Soft, starchy, you can neatly crumble it atop the meat mix, or maybe refry a bit for next-morning eggs. Either way, it’s happily sponge-like, more salsa-soaking than french fries, and turns out to be an ingenious little carb-y loaf addition to the big styrofoam protein package. It’s also another surprising glimpse of the peripatetic nature of taco trucking—the road is a mighty teacher.

1. La Guelaguetza

The most delightfully-named taqueria in the city—the truck on 15th and Burnham takes its handle from an annual indigenous cultural festival in Oaxaca—has a handy translation placard for available meats: “lengua” is “tongue,” “cabeza” is “head,” “Alambres” is… “Alambres.”  Meaning, seemingly, that there is no translation. As in, if you don’t speak the language, you won’t get it. It reminds me of a time a well-meaning prankster member of my Mexican in-law tribe tried to let me in on the ultimate Spanish cuss, the one to use if anybody is really giving you a hard time. When I asked my wife to explain what it meant, I didn’t think the translation sounded so offensive. Until, later, at one of those extended relative gatherings, when, backed into a corner, being mocked for my broken espanol, fumbling for a face-saving zinger, I let the unmentionable phrase slip in front of an abuela, a tia, and a gaggle of cousins. All eyes on me, mouths aghast in collective terror and befuddlement, with crickets suddenly echoing around the awkward silence, it was like Lenny Bruce joking about Adolf Hitler. I haven’t been invited to a family funeral since.

What can’t be lost or misconstrued in translation is taste. So if you stumble through the three-syllables, you will be rewarded with an alambre of crispy asada, tender pastor from a bulbous stationary vertical spit of seasoned pork, and bacon wedges in varying levels of doneness. The multitude meat stuffs exist in loose, pepper-inflected affiliation, messily inconsistent chops leave incongruous bites—some onion-y, some gooey, all meaty and salty and dense. Such variety is the spice of life, as they say. Which is not true. Salsa is the spice of life. And the rojo here is blood red and angrily smoky, thick enough to hold its own on the mass, spicy but short of overpowering, so that the massive container of chopped, pickled habanero and onion sitting on the counter should still be utilized. Though, in the spirit of those male enhancement drug disclaimers, maybe consult with a doctor if there is any history of heart problems. A crumbly baked papa also sits atop the two-meal mash. And by now, it feels like, why not? It’s a spongy starch addition that is better to soak it up—the debris, the salty carnage, all the messy drip of life itself. Piquant, earthy, foreign, comforting, a concentrated slop of intricacy and nuance, the whole thing is really a beautiful sense bastardization, an amalgamation that only leaves trace amounts of grease guilt.     

Sometimes saying things you don’t understand really pays off.