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homeimprovementway · 9 months ago

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Is Mahogany the Ultimate Choice for Cutting Boards? Find Out Here!

Yes, mahogany is a good option for cutting boards due to its durability and natural resistance to moisture and bacteria. Mahogany's strength and stability make it an ideal choice for kitchen utensils. Its rich color and fine textures also add a touch of elegance to any kitchen decor. Additionally, mahogany's tight grains prevent the growth of bacteria, making it a hygienic choice for food preparation. Its density and hardness make it resistant to knife marks, ensuring a long-lasting cutting surface. Moreover, mahogany can be easily maintained by regular oiling and wiping, which helps to preserve its beauty and extend its lifespan. Overall, mahogany is an excellent material for cutting boards, combining functionality, aesthetics, and hygiene.

Benefits Of Mahogany For Cutting Boards

Mahogany is a popular choice when it comes to selecting a material for cutting boards. Its numerous benefits make it a preferred option for professional chefs and home cooks alike. Let's explore some of the key advantages of using mahogany for cutting boards. Durable And Long-lasting One of the remarkable benefits of mahogany is its incredible durability and longevity. With its dense and sturdy nature, a mahogany cutting board can withstand heavy chopping and slicing without showing signs of wear and tear. This characteristic is essential for a cutting board as it ensures your board stays intact and remains a reliable kitchen companion for years to come. Resistant To Moisture And Bacteria Another advantage of mahogany as a cutting board material is its resistance to moisture and bacteria. Due to its natural oils and tight grain structure, mahogany is highly resistant to water absorption. This quality makes it less prone to warping or swelling when exposed to moisture, which is a common issue with many other types of wood. Additionally, mahogany's inherent antibacterial properties help inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms, thus ensuring a hygienic food preparation surface. In conclusion, the benefits of mahogany for cutting boards are evident. Its durability and longevity make it a reliable kitchen tool that can withstand rigorous use. Its resistance to moisture and bacteria provides a safe and clean surface for food preparation. For those looking for a high-quality and long-lasting cutting board, mahogany is an excellent choice.

Credit: birchbarndesigns.com

Challenges Of Using Mahogany For Cutting Boards

Mahogany, known for its beautiful color and texture, is a popular choice for furniture and decorative items. However, when it comes to using mahogany for cutting boards, there are certain challenges that need to be considered. The hardness and maintenance requirements as well as the cost implications are important factors to bear in mind. Hardness And Maintenance Mahogany is a relatively soft wood with a Janka hardness rating of around 800. While this may be sufficient for some cutting board applications, it may not be ideal for heavy-duty cutting and chopping. Harder woods like maple or bamboo are better suited for those tasks as they are more resistant to knife marks and scratches. In terms of maintenance, mahogany requires regular oiling and conditioning to keep it moisturized and protected from moisture damage. Failure to do so can result in the wood drying out, cracking, and potentially warping over time. This means that mahogany cutting boards will require more attention and care compared to other types of wood. Cost Considerations Mahogany is a high-quality wood that is often associated with luxury and craftsmanship. As such, it tends to be more expensive compared to other woods commonly used for cutting boards. The cost of mahogany can vary depending on factors such as the grade and origin of the wood, but it is generally considered to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Therefore, if budget is a consideration, opting for other hardwoods like maple or cherry may be a more cost-effective choice without compromising on quality or durability. These woods offer similar hardness and maintenance requirements at a more affordable price point. In conclusion, while mahogany can certainly be used for cutting boards, it does come with its challenges. Its relatively soft nature and higher maintenance needs make it less suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, the higher cost compared to other hardwoods should be carefully considered. Ultimately, the choice of wood for a cutting board should be based on personal preferences, needs, and overall requirements.

Comparison Of Mahogany With Other Cutting Board Materials

When it comes to selecting the best material for cutting boards, Mahogany is often a top contender. However, it's essential to consider how it fares when compared to other popular materials like Bamboo and Maple. Let's delve into the comparison of Mahogany with these cutting board materials to determine its suitability. Versus Bamboo Bamboo cutting boards have gained popularity for their eco-friendly and sustainable properties. These boards are lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture, making them a practical choice for use in the kitchen. However, when it comes to hardness, Mahogany surpasses Bamboo, providing a more sturdy surface that is ideal for cutting and chopping tasks. Moreover, Mahogany's natural oils help in preserving the board, making it less prone to bacteria growth compared to Bamboo. Versus Maple On the other hand, Maple cutting boards are renowned for their durability and attractive appearance. Maple offers a tough cutting surface that can withstand heavy usage. Although Mahogany may not be as dense as Maple, it still provides a robust and reliable cutting surface. Additionally, Mahogany's rich and warm hues add an elegant touch to the kitchen, distinguishing it from the lighter tones of Maple.

Credit: virginiaboyskitchens.com

Tips For Caring For Mahogany Cutting Boards

Mahogany cutting boards are not only beautiful but also versatile and durable. However, like any other cutting board, they require proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity. In this section, we will discuss some essential tips for cleaning and maintaining your mahogany cutting board so that it stays in optimal condition for years to come. Proper Cleaning Techniques Keeping your mahogany cutting board clean is crucial for preventing the growth of bacteria and maintaining its appearance. Here are a few simple cleaning techniques: - Wash the cutting board immediately after use with hot, soapy water. Ensure you scrub it gently to remove any food particles. - Dry the cutting board thoroughly after washing, as excess moisture can cause the wood to warp or crack. - Avoid submerging the cutting board in water or putting it in the dishwasher, as this can damage the wood. - Occasionally disinfect the cutting board by using a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a food-safe disinfectant spray. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry it thoroughly. Maintenance And Oil Treatments Regular maintenance and oil treatments can help preserve the quality and appearance of your mahogany cutting board. Here are some tips to follow: - Apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil or beeswax regularly to protect the wood from moisture and prevent it from drying out. - Using a soft cloth, rub the oil or wax into the surface of the cutting board, ensuring complete coverage. - Let the oil or wax sit for a few hours or overnight to allow it to penetrate the wood. - Wipe off any excess oil or wax with a clean cloth. - Repeat this process every few months or as needed to maintain the board's integrity. Following these simple tips will help keep your mahogany cutting board in excellent condition, ensuring its longevity and allowing you to enjoy its beauty and functionality for years to come.

Conclusion And Final Thoughts

Wondering whether mahogany is suitable for cutting boards? In conclusion, mahogany is an excellent choice due to its durability and natural resistance to moisture and bacteria. Moreover, it boasts an attractive appearance, making it an ideal option for both functionality and aesthetics. Considerations For Choosing A Cutting Board Material Before we dive into the verdict on mahogany as a cutting board material, let's take a moment to consider the factors to keep in mind when deciding which material to choose for your cutting board. - Knife-Friendliness: A good cutting board should be kind to your knives, helping them retain their sharpness for longer periods of time. - Resistance to Moisture: As a cutting board is often exposed to water and other liquids, it's important to select a material that won't easily warp or become damaged. - Hygiene and Safety: Cutting boards should be easy to clean and maintain to ensure food safety. Some materials are more prone to harboring bacteria than others. - Durability: A cutting board should be sturdy enough to withstand daily use, resisting scratches and cuts. - Aesthetic Appeal: While not essential for functionality, the visual appeal of a cutting board can be an added bonus. The Verdict On Mahogany After considering the above factors, it's time to assess whether mahogany makes a good choice for a cutting board. Here's what you need to know: Factor Mahogany Knife-Friendliness Mahogany is a hardwood with a dense grain, allowing knives to glide smoothly without dulling the edges excessively. Resistance to Moisture Mahogany has natural oils that make it resistant to water damage, reducing the likelihood of warping or bacterial growth. Hygiene and Safety As long as properly cleaned and maintained, mahogany cutting boards can be hygienic and safe for food preparation. Durability Mahogany is a durable wood that can withstand regular use and resist scratches, making it a long-lasting choice for cutting boards. Aesthetic Appeal Mahogany's rich, reddish-brown hues and natural beauty make it an attractive option for those seeking an elegant cutting board. Considering all these factors, mahogany appears to be an excellent choice for a cutting board material. Its knife-friendliness, resistance to moisture, durability, and aesthetic appeal make it a top contender. Of course, personal preferences and priorities may vary, so it's ultimately up to you to decide what suits your needs and style best.

Frequently Asked Questions On Is Mahogany Good For Cutting Boards

Is Mahogany Safe For A Cutting Board? Yes, mahogany is safe for use as a cutting board. Can Mahogany Be Used For A Butcher Block? Yes, mahogany can be used for a butcher block. It is a durable and attractive option. What Is the Best Wood For Cutting Board? The best wood for a cutting board is maple, walnut, or cherry. These hardwoods are durable, less porous, and won't dull knives. They also have natural antimicrobial properties, making them safe for food preparation. Regular oiling can maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan. What Material Is Not Recommended For Cutting Boards? Avoid using materials such as glass, marble, or metal for cutting boards. These materials can damage knives and dull the blades. Stick with cutting boards made from wood or plastic for optimal knife protection and longevity.

Conclusion

In crafting cutting boards, mahogany offers durability and beauty, making it a great choice. Its natural oils protect against water damage and bacteria, enhancing kitchen safety. With proper maintenance, mahogany cutting boards can last for years, making them a sustainable and reliable option for any kitchen. Choose mahogany for quality and longevity in your kitchen tools. Read the full article

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ultra-maha-us · 2 years ago

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The Art of Craftsmanship: Handmade Cutting Boards for Style and Functionality

Introduction:

In the heart of every kitchen, a cutting board holds a special place. It's not just a practical tool but also an essential piece of culinary artistry. Handmade cutting boards, crafted with precision and passion, bring a touch of elegance and functionality to the culinary experience. In this article, we will explore the beauty, craftsmanship, and benefits of handmade cutting boards, celebrating the artistry behind these kitchen essentials.

Exquisite Craftsmanship and Unique Designs: Handmade cutting boards are a testament to the skill and artistry of their creators. Craftsmen and artisans carefully select quality hardwoods, such as maple, walnut, cherry, or bamboo, to craft each board with precision and attention to detail. The result is a unique piece that showcases the natural beauty of the wood, with distinct grain patterns, rich colors, and smooth finishes. Handcrafted cutting boards are often created in small batches or as one-of-a-kind pieces, making them unique additions to any kitchen.

Superior Quality and Durability: Handmade cutting boards are built to last. Craftsmen pay meticulous attention to the selection and preparation of the wood, ensuring its durability and resistance to wear. The thickness and construction of these boards provide stability and longevity, with many lasting for years or even decades with proper care. The high-quality materials and craftsmanship of handmade cutting boards offer a reliable and sturdy surface for all your chopping, slicing, and dicing needs.

Versatility and Functionality: Handmade cutting boards are designed Housewarming gifts to be versatile and functional in the kitchen. Craftsmen often consider factors such as size, shape, and surface texture when creating these boards. Different cutting board designs cater to various culinary needs, from large and sturdy boards for heavy-duty tasks to smaller boards for precise cutting or serving purposes. Some cutting boards also feature grooves or juice channels to catch drippings, preventing messes on countertops. With their thoughtful designs, handmade cutting boards enhance the cooking experience and provide a reliable workspace for all types of culinary endeavors.

Natural Antibacterial Properties: Wooden cutting boards offer natural antibacterial properties that can help maintain food safety. Studies have shown that wood possesses antimicrobial characteristics that can inhibit the growth of bacteria on its surface. Additionally, the self-healing properties of wood fibers can minimize the impact of knife marks, reducing the risk of bacteria becoming trapped within the board. Proper cleaning and maintenance of handmade cutting boards can help ensure a hygienic and safe food preparation surface.

Aesthetic Appeal and Kitchen Décor: Handmade cutting boards are not just functional kitchen tools; they also add a touch of elegance and warmth to the culinary space. With their natural wood grains and beautiful finishes, these boards serve as decorative pieces when not in use. They can be displayed on countertops, shelves, or hung on kitchen walls, adding a rustic and inviting charm to the overall kitchen décor. Handmade cutting boards serve as both practical tools and beautiful accents, elevating the aesthetic appeal of any kitchen.

Conclusion:

Handmade cutting boards are more than just tools for food preparation; they are exquisite examples of craftsmanship, combining functionality and beauty in one. With their unique designs, superior quality, versatility, natural antibacterial properties, and aesthetic appeal, these boards become cherished additions to any kitchen. The artistry and dedication of the craftsmen shine through, creating kitchen essentials that are both practical and visually pleasing. So, embrace the art of craftsmanship and elevate your culinary experience with a handmade cutting board that not only enhances your cooking but also adds a touch of artistry to your kitchen space.

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eazyonlineshop · 3 years ago

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How can we choose a Perfect Wooden Cutting Board?

Choosing a Cutting board for your kitchen is an easy task, but choosing the perfect cutting board may get complicated. There's a lot that goes into choosing the perfect cutting board, but don't worry; we've already done most of the research for you.

We always try to make our eatable items free from germs and viruses. In a kitchen, professional cutting boards are essential and very useful for maintaining hygiene and chopping material like vegetables, meats, and fruits. Preparing final products with safety would be practically impossible without these chopping boards.

There are two types of Cutting boards available in the market: the wooden cutting board and the plastic cutting board. Both have different uses and serve different purposes.

Wooden cutting boards generally have a wide application than plastic cutting boards. The most fabulous material for cutting boards is undoubtedly wood. It's tough but delicate on blades, smooth but not slick, and firm while still absorbing shocks. The wooden Chopping board can last for a long time, and after multiple cuts, it can be sanded to get a smooth surface.

Maple and walnut woods are generally preferred as they offer a soft surface than other wood types like hardwood, bamboo, and plastics.

Eazyonlineshop has designed a unique wooden chopping board that holds a silicon layer that resists the scratch from the knife. They have created an aesthetically pleasing wooden chopping board that outweighs many flaws and has become very beneficial for a user.

Get your Lightweight, Long-life, pleasant Wooden Chopping boards

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fractionallystruckout · 4 years ago

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Save Me a Seat Next to You

TetsuJun, future fic, friends to lovers, WIP

AU: In which Tetsu attends the University of Hawaii

Also on AO3.

Jun's trip to visit Tetsu in Hawaii, told through the food they eat.

—

Jun stood with the car door open, shielding his eyes from the sun as he looked up at the sign.

"What's saimin?" he asked.

Tetsu spoke from the driver's side. "It's like ramen."

Jun turned to gape at him. He stepped up onto the lip of the car, bracing himself on the open door so he could see over the roof. Tetsu looked back at him over fading grey paint.

"You want to eat ramen on a day like this?"

There wasn't a cloud in the sky. It was picturesque in a way but it meant there was nothing to ease the force of the sun beating down on them, causing heat to rise from the car roof in waves. Jun was careful not to touch the exterior of the car as he waited for an answer.

Tetsu closed his door. "Saimin," he corrected.

Jun stared at the hint of a smile tugging at the corner of Tetsu's mouth. He hopped down from the car when Tetsu walked away without any hesitation. He shut the car door, hearing the locks engage as he caught up to Tetsu in a few long strides.

"Tetsu," he said, trying for reason. The building was small, the parking lot even smaller. They were at the door to the restaurant in steps. "It's too hot for ramen."

"Saimin," Tetsu repeated.

"Same thing!" Jun argued.

The hint of a smile grew. "Don't let them hear you say that."

"It's too hot to be eating hot noodle soup," Jun said. He was already starting to sweat. The building offered no shade from the sun. "No matter what you call it."

Tetsu stopped with his hand on the door. He actually seemed to consider Jun's argument for a brief and fleeting moment.

"It's really good, Jun," he said before pushing the door open.

"I don't care if-"

Jun came to an abrupt halt just inside the restaurant.

It was small.

It was even smaller than Jun had imagined from the outside. There were only seven tables, most of which were filled, and the walk from the door to the kitchen looked shorter than the walk from the door to Tetsu's car. Size, however, wasn't what Jun took issue with.

It was hot.

It was hotter inside the restaurant than it was outside in the sun.

"Tetsu," Jun hissed, grabbing the back of Tetsu's shirt. "You can't be serious."

Tetsu ignored him in favor of the passing server balancing multiple large bowls on a tray.

"How many?" she asked, in English.

"Two," Tetsu answered.

"You can sit in the corner," she said, nodding in the direction of an open table. "I'll be right with you."

"Thank you."

Tetsu moved to the open table, forcing Jun to follow by simply not looking back. The table was picnic-style with benches and just enough surface area for two people. Jun sat opposite Tetsu with his back to the window where he could feel heat either seeping in or bouncing off the glass; it was impossible to say which it was.

A different server passed their table, dropping off two tall glasses of water without breaking stride. Jun drank greedily from his. His mouth still felt dry from the flight and the heat wasn't helping at all.

Tetsu didn't even touch his glass.

"This is unbelievable, even for you," Jun grumbled, finishing off his water. He leaned over the table, lowering his voice because the restaurant was so small. "Why is it so hot in here? Why isn't there air conditioning?"

Tetsu shrugged and took a short drink from his glass.

"Can we go somewhere with air conditioning?"

"It's really good, Jun."

Jun narrowed his eyes at Tetsu as a server came by to refill his glass of water. He knew Tetsu could be stubborn but eating ramen/saimin/whatever in what was essentially a cement box on a hot August day was really taking it to new heights.

He shook his head, reaching for his water as annoyance blended into nostalgia.

Tetsu had never been one for limits.

"Where's the menu?" he asked.

Tetsu turned in his seat and pointed at the wall behind him.

Jun looked up at the eight item menu. There weren't even options. Hot noodle soup, be it saimin or udon, with or without won tons, was the only thing the restaurant served. That didn't seem to bother Tetsu, who was giving the lack of options more thought than necessary, or any of the other customers bent over steaming bowls. They ate with vigor, impervious to the heat.

Maybe it really was good.

Jun's gaze wandered, falling from the menu board to Tetsu.

Two years had done little to change him.

Tetsu still kept his hair short, he still held himself with a posture that rivaled most soldiers. He might've gotten taller but then so had Jun; the additional height seemed relative making it not much of a change at all. He still spoke with purpose. He still surprised Jun with flashes of humor when he least expected it.

The only thing that marked the passage of time, distinguishing the Tetsu in front of him from the Tetsu in his memory, was the shirt Tetsu wore, white with green script spelling out 'Hawaii Baseball' across his chest.

New school, same Tetsu.

It was achingly familiar in the best and worst ways.

"What can I get you?"

The question yanked Jun out of his thoughts. The restaurant came back into focus and he saw both the server who sat them, now standing at the table, and Tetsu looking at him.

"You go first," he said, throwing the attention at Tetsu.

"Can I have a large won ton min and three barbeque sticks?" said Tetsu.

The attention returned to Jun faster than he liked.

"I'll have the same," he said, in English.

It was the safest option as it was the shortest answer. It also saved him from having to admit that he hadn't looked at the menu long enough to choose something.

The server left with a nod. Another one passed by and refilled Jun's glass of water.

Tetsu was still looking at him.

"Your English is fine," he said, half a smile holding firm on one side of his face.

Jun crossed his arms and slouched against the wall. "It was four words."

"They were fine."

Jun looked around the small space for a distraction. He reached for his water, putting it down again without taking a drink.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to stay at the house?" he asked.

Tetsu nodded. "I checked with Skip again, like you asked, and he said it's fine. There's plenty of room."

"Are you sure?" Jun pressed. The arrangements had been made months ago but he still felt unsettled. "I don't need my own room. I can sleep on the couch or the floor."

"The room's empty," Tetsu said. "You're not putting anyone out. Mason moved out in May after graduation and Skip hasn't found someone to fill it yet. It's okay, Jun."

"Skip said it was fine?"

"Skip said if you stayed in a hotel, he'd be insulted."

Jun laughed. "I guess we don't want that."

Tetsu shook his head. "No, we don't."

Jun still had questions - both Tetsu and his roommate were cagey whenever he asked about paying for his accommodations - but he was cut off by the arrival of their food.

The server returned carrying a full tray expertly on one arm. She dropped napkins, disposable chopsticks, soup spoons, and two shoyu dishes with a dollop of mustard each on the table before carefully setting down two large, steaming bowls. One plate with six barbeque sticks, a dark sauce pooling at the bottom, concluded the presentation.

"Can I get you anything else?" she asked, tucking the empty tray under her arm.

"No," Tetsu said. "This is great. Thank you."

Jun looked down at his bowl.

He could see the differences right away.

The noodles were a different color from the ramen he was used to, darker with a yellow hue and a texture that reminded him of chow mein. The broth was light and clear, he could see through it to the bottom of the bowl, but the aroma was still rich and warm and oddly secretive; it wasn't obvious what meat was used to flavor it. Aside from the requested won tons sitting among the noodles, the toppings were simple: chopped char siu and a generous serving of green onions.

Jun broke his chopsticks and took a cautious first bite.

He shook his head as the unnecessary warmth spread through him.

He hated when Tetsu was right.

Jun knew he was being watched so he ate more, using his spoon to scoop up one of the won tons. It was heavy with filling and had a good bite to the dough. It paired perfectly with the clear, mystery broth. He had another and a few mouthfuls of noodles before he reached for his water, reluctantly meeting Tetsu's waiting eyes.

"It's really good," he conceded.

Tetsu smiled.

"That doesn't mean I like sweating while I eat," Jun said, pointing his soup spoon at him. "Next time: air conditioning."

"Okay," Tetsu said with a nod.

They ate in companionable silence, the slurping sounds from their table adding to the easy chorus of eating in the restaurant. Tetsu poured shoyu into each of their shoyu dishes, less in Jun's and more in his, dipping his won tons into the cloudy shoyu-mustard mix. Their server returned to fill both glasses of water. She also left a check face down on the table which Tetsu slid into his lap when he thought Jun wasn't looking.

"I saw that," he said, holding his bowl in both hands.

"They only take cash," Tetsu said, tapping shoyu-mustard onto a won ton, "and you don't have the right currency."

"We're going to a bank after this," Jun muttered.

Tetsu didn't respond. Jun, beyond reason, drank deep from his soup.

He picked up a barbeque stick. It was heavier than he expected, thin slices of beef folded and threaded onto a bamboo skewer, charred to a pleasant black on the outermost edges. He glanced at Tetsu and the rest of the restaurant before ripping a piece off with his teeth, following the example set for him. The meat was well-cooked, smoky in a way that could only come from grilling. The sauce had a sweet, tangy flavor he recognized but couldn't name.

Jun was halfway through his third stick when he noticed Tetsu had stopped eating.

"What?" he asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

Tetsu set his chopsticks down on the edge of his bowl, noodles sinking back into the broth.

"I'm glad you're here, Jun," he said, softly but as clear as the heat of the day. "It's really good to see you."

Jun looked down at his nearly empty bowl.

He could blame the warmth creeping up the back of his neck on the saimin, or the restaurant, or the sun beating in through the window behind him. It was more than plausible, anyone would believe it.

He almost believed it himself.

Jun dragged his spoon through his bowl once to watch the broth stir and settle. He looked up, meeting Tetsu's steady gaze, and nostalgia melted into something he thought he'd successfully packed away.

"It's really good to see you too."

#Daiya no Ace #fanfic #TetsuJun #JunTetsu #Fitz fic #This technically isn't new #I just never posted it here #The WIP that I love so much #Save Me a WIP

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bellatrixobsessed1 · 4 years ago

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Protea (Part 6)

Snapdragon feels all warm inside. She hasn’t had fresh bread since she’d left Hira’a. It is still warm and it melts like butter on her tongue. It tastes like butter to. She decides that, after her collection of shiny things, palace food is her favorite thing. She dangles her legs over the beam and lets the breeze play with her hair.

“Can you scramble back in here?” Mai asks. “You’re stressing me out.”

“Why?”

“Aren’t you afraid that you’re going to fall?”

Snapdragon looks down. It wouldn’t exactly be a nice fall, the rubbish beneath the beam is mostly metal bits and blades from old war and industrial machines. But if she looks down in a different direction she can see a beach and a lovely sprawl of houses. “I like it up here.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

She shakes her head. “Nope, I ain’t afraid. I been up here so many times. It’s nice. You should come up here.”

“No thanks.” She replies. “I don’t really care for heights.”

Snapdragon shrugs. “Suit yourself. I like heights though. You get to be above everyone and usually no one can get to you so it’s peaceful.”

“Yeah, until you misstep.” Mai shudders.

“That’s why you practice down there first.” She points to a small stack of crates and a brick wall. “If you do it wrong you get scrapes and bruises…”

“And broken bones?”

“Only once!” Snapdragon declares. She holes out her arm and shows the woman another scar. “It weren’t so bad.” She taps her chin, “But Mohi says that’s only because I passed out ‘n so I couldn’t feel it.”

“You are not helping me like heights any better.”

Snapdragon scrambles her way back across the beam and into her nest. “Have the flowers come in yet?”

Mai shakes her head. “They’re being delivered on a boat, it’s going to take a while.”

Her eyes light up, “so since we have time, will you go trinket hunting with me?”

“I was actually hoping that you’d tell me a story.”

“I like telling stories. What kind do you wanna here.”

“When we were at the palace, you said that you were found in a jungle.”

Snapdragon nods.

“What did you mean by that?”

“I meant that I was found in a jungle. I think that I was born there.” She pauses. “I don’t really remember it much. I forgot a lotta things.” She thinks for a moment. “But Mohi can tell you! Can I introduce you to Mohi?”

.oOo.

Mai isn’t sure that she wants to meet this Mohi woman. But Snapdragon is all to enthusiastic for her to turn the woman down. Anyways, she is rather curious about the woman’s origin story. And so she stands before a rundown little shack with lopsided shudders and a roof full of holes and cracks.

Snapdragon gives the door several knocks.

“C’mon in.” Calls a voice. “’S open, ya know that by now, girl.”

“Mohi, I brought someone for you to meet!”

“Tha flowa lady?”

The inside of the shack smells like cooking oil and scorched meat. She half expects an elephant-rat or a roach to crawl out of one of the cracks in the stained wall. But other than a clutter of clothes, old kitchenware, and some scattered scrolls the place is fairly clean. Cleaner than the decrepit exterior had hinted. She removes her shoes and sets them upon the mat by the door.

“Ya have to excuse tha mess. I tol’ tha boys to help me clean it but they’ve been blowing that off for firebendin’ and this one…” she gestures at Snapdragon, “keeps bringin’ junk home.”

“It ain’t junk, Mohi!”

“Then wha’s this?” She holds up some sort of metal plank. Perhaps a broken rafter or the blade of a propeller.

“I dunno.” Snapdragon admits. “I just thought it were neat.”

Mohi sets it aside with an audible groan. “She jus’ tosses things on tha floor. Makes more work for her motha.”

“I’m gonna pick ‘em up.”

“You’re her mother?”

“In a manner’a speakin’.” Mohi returns to her chopping block. She slices a carrot twice more and then adds, “I don’t suppose she’s gone ‘n tol’ ya that I foun’ ‘er in the jungle one night.”

“She mentioned it.” Mai sits down.

“That’s what we’re here for, Mohi!” Snapdragon declares. “I was hoping you could tell her the story.”

“Let me jus’ finish wit these carrots. Maybe ya could help me wit ‘em. Or ya can start on the potatoes?”

Snapdragon picks up a knife and a potato.

“Ken ya cook?” Mohi asks.

“Not very well.” Mai admits.

Mohi nods. “She was tellin’ me that ya is one’a tha uppa class ladies.” She gives the carrot another chop. The knife clomps on the cutting board.

“I am.” Mai replies. “But I don’t mind giving this a try. It beats…” sitting in the palace with Zuko, enduring his awkward attempts to clear the air. “It beats home life.”

“Aye. Then grab’a board ‘n a turnip. I’ll tell ya a story while we choppin’.”

“Leave the roots for me.” Snapdragon says.

.oOo.

The night held a sweltering humidity. Moonless, cloudless, the sky was an uninterrupted canvas of stars. And the hog-monkies screeched while the toad-squirrels chittered and croaked and the crickets droned on and on.

A middle aged woman tended to her garden, to the night blooming flowers, watching the flutterbats swoop down overhead. Mohi much preferred to do her gardening at night, safe from the sun’s hottest glares, safe from forced small talk with passing neighbors, and safe from the neediness of her sons--at least until the next morning. She thought that it was boundlessly more pleasant to do yard work with fireflies for company. She’d seen far less spider-wasps too.

That night, the fireflies were particularly active, dancing in clouds like a current through the sea. She stooped down to pluck an iris. She tried not to look at the treeline, lately the jungle had been acting mighty strange. It glowed and it sang. It hummed with spirit energy, too much for her comfort. And more of it than she had seen in decades. It wasn’t a bad thing necessarily, but she has always thought that it was best to just leave the spirits to themselves. Of the dark or light, they could coexist side by side, never interacting, only quietly crossing the paths of one another. And so she had maintained peace.

Peace, a bountiful garden and sugarcane field, and a family in good health. It was a lifestyle she could never trade. How could she give up waking up to the smell of sugarcane, bamboo, and wildflower every morning? How could she give up morning strolls into town to trade her sugarcane for fish and to watch a good theater performance with her boys?

Life was well. Life was prosperous. Life was everything she could have hoped for and she was almost certain that she owed it to the respect and care she had put into a land that is so close to the world of the Spirits.

And so when the spirits tossed her a young woman, she couldn’t bring herself to throw her back into the jungle. The poor thing stood at the treeline, dirty and scraggly haired. Mohi almost hadn’t noticed her. She wouldn’t have if not for the fireflies. They had all paused, going dark for a good while before lighting up again collectively in a spiral around the young woman.

Spirit energy radiated from her, the woman’s very skin hummed with it when Mohi took her hand. Quickly, instinctively, the young woman jerked her hand away with a snarl and ducked back into the jungle.

Mohi was inclined to let her return to the jungle from which she emerged. But she was human. Only human. And Mohi thought that she must have gotten lost out there and for a very long time. Such a long time that human contact had become foreign. Or maybe she had never had it at all. Mohi was well aware of the parents who’d abandoned their unwanted or unplanned children in the jungle.

“C’mon chil’, let’s get ya inside. ‘S nice inside.” She’d tried coaxing the woman.

She’d retreated deeper into the jungle and deeper still until Mohi had lost sight of her and was willing to venture no further. But she returned the next night and the night after. And six moons from then she caught the woman eating an unripe and raw pineapple.

She’d coaxed her into the house with a sweetly smelling fruit basket. She’d disappeared again in the middle of the night. The jungle had grown quiet, the spirit activity seeming to cease. And just when Mohi thought that the girl was gone for good, Kaz had come running into the house complaining of a naked lady in their sugarcane field.

That day Mohi hadn’t taken any protest, and spirits did the woman put up a fuss. By sunset, she had the girl bathed, clothed, and seething with a feral brand of rage. Decidedly she would teach the woman some manners.

It would be quite some time before she would be able to leave the woman alone, mostly Zenyul would watch her when Mohi couldn’t. And it would be much longer before she could take the woman out in public.

But when the woman finally began speaking in something other than grunts and clicks, it was a natural process. As though blockage had been cleared from a creek, speech had returned to her. Mohi had grown certain that the woman had gotten herself well and lost in that jungle, she only had to help her remember the civilized world she had once been a part of.

Her speech had been broken at first, hard to understand but she was getting there. And then she’d gotten there. Mostly, Mohi could forget that she had found the woman in the jungle. Mostly she was like everyone else, well groomed, clothed, and only somewhat less than well spoken.

Mostly, Mohi could return to her usual day to day endeavors. To the life she adored and cherished so well. It was a nice home, a nice standard of living. If only the girl hadn’t had such wandering, thieving fingers. If only the girl wasn’t prone to bouts of mischief and troublemaking. If only the jungle didn’t drive the girl mad on nights when the moon was new. It was a lifestyle she could never give up, and yet for the sake of this woman whom the spirits gifted her, she’d leave it behind.

Leave it behind for a run down shack in the unpleasantly smelling outskirts of a city much too grand for her tastes.

.oOo.

Mai supposes that it makes sense; Snapdragon’s mannerisms and her taking comfort in nests and shiny things.

“Did you like her?”

“Hmm?” Mai asks.

“Mohi. Did you like Mohi?”

Mai nods, “she seems like a nice woman. She takes cares a lot about you.” She wishes that her mother were as invested in her well being as Mohi is in Snapdragon’s.

Snapdragon is quiet for a long while and Mai grows uncomfortable under the cloud of silence. “What’s wrong?” She finally asks. “And don’t try to tell me that this is a happy hush.”

Snapdragon laughs but only briefly before her smile fades. “You think it’s weird, don’t you.”

“That you used to run naked through the jungle and eat raw pineapples?”

Snapdragon nods.

“I thought it was weird to watch you eat a whole sunflower and then scamper up and into your nest.”

Snapdragon frowns.

“I’m looking for strange.” Mai confesses. “Everything is so boring, Snapdragon! It’s the same thing every day; I would wake up and go to some council meeting with my dad or with Zuko when I was his girlfriend. I would have a nice meal and warm bath--rose scented soap every time. Sometimes I’d go for walks or talk with the other ladies in the palace. I used to talk to TyLee and that was interesting but then she left to join the Kyoshi Warriors and it was just me, Aunt Mura, Tom-Tom, and that flower shop. And then it was even more of the same routine every day.” She pauses. “And then you invited yourself to work at my stall.”

Snapdragon curls her bangs around her finger. “I thought that…”

“Everything was just starting to blend together one really long dull day that never ended. I can tell the difference now.” Mai says. “It’s not boring. You make me feel things because you’re weird. I wish more people around here would just be bizarre and unpredictable. I wish I could scramble up a tower and surround myself with random items.”

“You can.” Snapdragon smiles. “You can visit my nest even if I’m not around. Just don’t break anything.”

“That’s not the point, Snapdragon.” Mai says. “The point is; I know that you’re weird and I want you to keep doing that.”

She needs her to keep doing that. Maybe if she does, she can start to break the monotony on her own.

“Keep doin’ what?”

“Hoarding your knick knacks and eating more questionable parts of plants.”

Snapdragon nods, “I can do that.” She fidgets with her metal propeller blade. “I have to drop this off. Will you spend the night with me? I never had a sleepover before.”

Mai thinks of her comfortable bed in the security of the palace. She really ought to go there. But she is casting normalcy to the side now, doing the things that her mother would likely disown her for. “And I’ve never slept in an abandoned factory before.”

“It’s really nice ‘cept for when it’s windy and the breezes get in the air ducts and it makes these spooky noises. And sometimes…”

“Let’s just get to the factory before I have second thoughts.”

#Avatar The Last Airbender #Azula #Avatar Mai #Maizula #Fanfiction

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patchwork-panda · 4 years ago

Text

If A Moment Is All We Are (39/?)

AO3 link HERE (due to formatting errors on tumblr, clicking the link is recommended)

S1, OP2

Music 1

“Okay... the oil should be hot enough now.”

Kyouka moved her hand away from the top of the uncovered pan and turned towards me. She nodded, her blue eyes serious.

“Go ahead.”

Swallowing nervously, I nodded back.

“Okay. Here I go...”

“ You’ve got this, Kusunoki- san! ” Atsushi cried, cheering me on from behind a splatter screen as I slowly tilted the bowl of beaten egg mixture over the pan. “ I believe in you!”

But the moment the egg hit the oil and started to fry, he ducked back down behind the screen to hide.

Ignoring him, I kept my eyes on the omelette sizzling in the pan, determined not to let this one burn like the last two had.

“Good,” Kyouka said quietly, peering at the stovetop from behind my elbow.

So she was hiding too...

“Now leave it alone and let it cook. Once it looks solid enough— ”

She turned towards the sink, where the charred remains of a ruined square pan lay smoldering in the sink. I shrank in on myself as she glared up at me.

“You can start rolling it. I’ll be keeping a closer eye on you this time. ”

Sweating a little and smiling weakly, I nodded again.

“Yes, ma’am...”

I went back to staring at the omelette, praying that I wouldn’t ruin this one like the others. It was already seven in the morning. I had barely managed to get the rice balls done correctly as it was. If I kept going like this, there was no way I would have Kunikida’s bento lunch done in time for our day together!

And then...!

Inwardly, I squirmed.

My entire plan would be ruined...!

I sighed.

Just two days ago, I had felt unstoppable. It was a week after I’d closed Professor Matsuyama’s case. Every last report had been finally turned in. My entire backlog gone. Even Dazai had seemed unusually focused for the past several days and I’d managed to finish every last piece of work unbothered for the first time since, well, ever. I’d just been packing up for the day and getting ready to go home to play video games when Yosano called out to me from her side of the room...

“Kyou-chan!”

I looked up from my bag as Yosano approached.

“Come with me for a second.”

And without waiting for me to even give a response, she grabbed the back of my shirt and literally started dragging me away.

“ Yosano-sensei!” I yelped as she tore me away from my desk. “ What are you doing —?!”

“Just hush up and come here.”

And that’s when we passed the infirmary. I quickly realized I was not about to be dissected and stopped struggling immediately.

I nervously met her glance.

“Uh... Where are we going?”

“Somewhere we’re not goin g to be overheard,” she replied casually.

Her purple eyes twinkled as she glanced down at me and I was abruptly and involuntarily reminded of Dazai .

“I’m giving you a special assignment ...”

And as we arrived at the conference room at last, she opened the door and shoved me in. I heard the subtle click of the lock behind me as I got up and dusted myself off.

“This is a secret assignment,” Yosano said, turning to face me. “And it comes straight from the President himself. So make sure you don’t breathe a word of this to anyone else, okay?”

At that, my ears perked up.

“A secret assignment?” I sputtered, rounding on her, my eyes huge. “From P-President Fukuzawa?!”

W-what kind of special assignment would President Fukuzawa give someone like me?!

And why was it secret?!

W as it s omething massive ly important or particularly special?! But if that were the case, why not hand it to Kunikida or Dazai or someone far more competent than me?!

“Calm down, Kyou-chan,” Yosano said quickly, raising her black-gloved hands up in an appeasing gesture. “It’s nothing big or scary. It’s actually quite simple.”

She paused to think for a second.

She frowned.

“Okay, maybe not that simple, but we do think it’s a job you’re well-suited for. We were originally going to give it to Dazai but then we realized it really was better to ask you.”

Huh?

I blinked.

They were asking me to do an assignment in Dazai’s stead?

“What’s the assignment?” I asked, confused.

“ We need you...” Yosano said, taking a deep breath in.

Her face turned deadly serious.

“To distract Kunikida.”

My jaw hit the floor.

“HUH?!!”

“ He hasn’t taken a day off in almost a full year,” Yosano sighed, rubbing her temple with one black-gloved hand. “He’s been pretty stressed out the last couple days thanks to his latest big-shot client and his blood pressure lately’s been through the roof.”

She shook her head, her dark hair flying about her face.

“It’s way too high for someone his age. If this keeps up, he’ll keel over and drop dead before Dazai does!”

I balked.

I didn’t know a thing about medical science, but if Yosano was saying this... Just how bad was Kunikida’s stress?!

“Oh, but don’t worry!” Yosano said quickly, correctly recognizing the look on my face. “He’ll be okay. As long as he learns to relax a little more and take his breaks when he needs to, I think he’ll live a long, healthy life! Probably.”

Not entirely convinced, I nodded slowly.

“So, here’s the thing,” she continued, understanding that she now had my full attention. “The president is forcing— I mean, asking Kunikida to take a day off. Next week. For his health. Now, normally, Kunikida will follow any order the president gives but for something like this, we’re not sure if he’ll be able to do it on his own .”

She frowned.

“You see, he likes to plan things out to the letter and we’re concerned that he’ll find a way to sneak some work in here or there. Either that or overplan his day to the point where it’s not relaxing any more. So!”

She jabbed her finger at me.

“That’s where you come in,” she declared. “Your job is to make sure Kunikida Doppo spends the whole day relaxing, even if it kills him!”

WHAT?!

“It’s just for one day,” Yosano elaborated. “You just finished up a big case and it seems like you got through your entire backlog just now. So, we’re asking you to do it because you could probably use a short break yourself.”

She beamed.

“ That means you’re getting the day off too!”

Ah...

I felt a grim smile come to my face.

So that meant they weren’t paying me to do any of this...

“ We’re counting on you, Kyou-chan,” Yosano said, clapping her hand on my shoulder. “ If it’s you, I know you’ll be able to help. But...”

She tightened her grip on my shoulder and I felt an instinctive rush of fear.

“If he comes anywhere within a five-hundred meter radius of this office ,” she declared, grinning maniacally.

Even though she was carrying no weapons, I could picture the shine of her cleaver held at the ready above my head.

“ It’ll be on your head...”

Shuddering at the memory, I kept my focus on the thin layer of egg cooking in the pan in front of me.

So that’s why I was here.

My job, as it was forced on me, was to accompany Kunikida for the day and make sure he didn’t try to do any work. While Yosano had said something to the effect of “break his cell phone if you have to,” I had no plans to do anything of the sort.

I had a much better idea...

I felt a tiny grin coming to my face as I saw the egg begin to puff up in the pan.

If I wanted to keep Kunikida away from the office for an entire day, then what better way to do so than with a nice day out on the town? It wouldn’t be a date exactly, but there couldn’t be any harm in, say, taking Kunikida out to a bunch of places that I thought he might like? Or getting up early to make him a bento box lunch from scratch, so he wouldn’t want to go back to the Uzumaki Cafe? Or in dressing up a little nicer than usual since I was going to be spending an entire day with him?

It’s what his ideal woman would do, right?

Picking up my chopsticks, I started rolling up the egg.

Thinking back on it, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I was already thinking about confessing to Kunikida by the end of this week. What better way to do it than after a day like this?

And maybe...

I felt my cheeks warm as I poured in the second layer of egg.

Maybe today would go so well that he would consider returning my feelings, or at least giving me a chance...!

I just had to make sure everything went according to plan.

“Kusunoki-san!”

Atsushi was suddenly at my shoulder, his duochrome eyes wide. I realized he had lowered the splatter screen “shield.”

“I think you’re actually doing it!”

I tried not to take offense.

“Thanks...”

“No, really!” he said, pausing to sniff the air.

I thought I saw him wipe away a fleck of drool, his golden eyes bright as he eyed the growing log of egg in the pan.

“It looks great!”

“Want the first slice, then?” I asked, surprising even myself.

Atsushi stared at me.

“R-really?” he blurted out. “Is that okay? I mean you’re going to all this trouble for Kunikida-sa—”

His question was cut short by Kyouka elbowing him in the stomach.

“Really,” I said, nodding as I transferred the cooked tamagoyaki out of the pan and onto a bamboo sushi rolling mat.

Taking care not to burn my hands, I finished compacting the egg log and cut him a slice. As I held it out to Atsushi , who gleefully took it from me with a pair of chopsticks he produced out of nowhere, I was suddenly reminded of the last time I’d tried feeding a stray cat outside the ADA building.

The tiger-boy grinned and opened his mouth.

“Itadakimasu!”

He took a bite.

I was sweating. I could hear the blood pounding in my ears as I watched the boy in front of me gleefully chew. Then, he swallowed.

“ It’s good!” he exclaimed, shooting me an excited look . “It’s actually really good!”

He quickly scarfed down the rest of his egg.

“I think Kunikida-san would be happy to eat something like this.”

I clapped my egg-covered hands over my mouth.

“Really!?” I squeaked, hardly believing his words. “You really mean that?!”

“Yes, really!”

I wasn’t sure who looked more excited—Atsushi or me.

“In fact...!”

He stepped up to the chopping board, where the rest of the tamagoyaki lay steaming on its thin plastic surface.

��Let me show you something.”

Picking up the knife, Atsushi cut off a thick slice and laid it down on the board.

“If you cut this slice in half diagonally,” he said cheerfully, demonstrating as I watched, “and then place the two halves together like this...”

He laid it out on the board with a grin.

“Y ou can make a heart!”

“ H -h eart-shaped tamagoyaki ...” I stuttered, staring at it.

For Kunikida’s bento?!

My face instantly burst into flame.

Atsushi nodded.

“Yeah, it’s really cute and I think it would be perfect for your da —OW!”

He doubled over, groaning in pain as Kyouka elbowed him in the stomach again.

“Kusunoki-san.”

Shoving her roommate aside, Kyouka stepped forward. She presented me with the nearly completed bento box, the rest of the foods we’d finished cooking this morning neatly nestled alongside a bed of freshly cooked rice.

“Love is a woman’s battle,” she said, her blue eyes bright.

She held up the box.

“Good luck!!”

“Kyouka-chan...!” I whispered.

I was actually tearing up. I couldn’t help it ! Seeing her there next to me, in her cute little apron, with her hair tied up and the purest smile on her face— I was about to step forward and envelop her in a crushing hug when I realized she was holding onto the lunch boxes I’d worked so hard to prepare. Coughing a little, I dropped into as low of a bow as I could manage.

“Thank you!! Thank you so much!”

“It’s nothing,” Kyouka mumbled quickly, her cheeks reddening in an adorable blush. “I only hope I was a suitable teacher.”

You were, you were!” I sniffled, wiping my eyes. “I’ll return the favor someday, I promise—”

“You don’t have to do that,” Kyouka said quickly. “Just...”

And as one, we turned to the sink, where the pile of dirty dishes had grown to the size of a small tower. I was instantly reminded of the moldering dishes that had collected in Tayama Katai’s sink.

I grimaced as Kyouka quietly mumbled her request:

“Just help me wash the dishes before you go.”

“Alright, then. I’m off!”

Tucking the finished set of bento boxes into the cute little bag I’d specifically chosen for this occasion, I hoisted the thick strap over my shoulder and turned to face my hosts.

“Thank you so much for everything today, Atsushi-kun, Kyouka-chan! I won’t forget this, I swear!”

“Don’t worry about it, Kusunoki-san!” Atsushi said quickly, ushering me towards the door. “You’ve already thanked us enough. Just hurry up and get going or you’re going to be late!”

“It’ll be okay, Atsushi-kun!” I declared, taking out the tiny notepad I’d bought just for today (green, just like Kunikida’s!) and flipping it open to show him my plans. “I have everything completely planned out. The next bus doesn’t arrive for another ten minutes. And if I miss this bus—”

I flipped to the next memo.

“Then I can just run to the nearest train station, take the next train and run to get the meeting location on time! And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just call a taxi—”

“Oh my God,” Atsushi whispered, his face color changing to an unsettling shade of blue as he stared at my itinerary, “you really do have it all planned out. As expected of someone tasked with distracting Kunikida-san all day... it’s almost too much...”

I blinked at him.

“Is it...?”

“Kusunoki-san?”

Drying a dish in her tiny hands, Kyouka emerged from the kitchen area.

“Good luck,” she said, her blue eyes bright. “I hope it goes well!” “‘Goes well?’” Atsushi repeated, looking confused. “What does that mean—”

“D-Don’t worry about it,” I mumbled awkwardly, my face going pink. “Anyway, I’ll see you guys tomorrow! Have a nice day at work!”

And with that, I grabbed the doorknob and let myself out into the hallway, Atsushi and Kyouka following me as far as the foyer to see me off.

“You too, Kusunoki-san!” Atsushi called after me as I headed down the hall, waving. “Have a nice day!”

Breathing a sigh of relief as the door closed at last, I took my notepad back out and held it in front of me.

“Is it really too much?” I mumbled, scanning down the list of things I’d planned to do.

8:00 am: meet Kunikida at the park by the ADA dorms.

8:02 am: small talk

8:06 am: walk from the park to a nearby coffee shop

8:09 am: order coffee

8:19 am: spend time at the coffee shop

9:01 am: leave coffee shop

9:11 am: arrive at bookstore on next street

9:31 am: leave bookstore

9:32 am: window shop (?)

9:48 am: head to train station

9:50 am: board train

10:13 am: get off train

10:17 am: arrive at Yokohama Marine Tower

10:41 am: leave Yokohama Marine Tower

10:46 am: arrive at Yamashita Park

10:47 am: look at the flowers (10 min per flower bed!)

12:30 pm: Lunch break

1:34 pm: leave Yamashita Park

1:43 pm: Walk around Chinatown.

2:14 pm: leave Chinatown

“...”

I stopped walking down the hallway to stare at the list.

Compared to Kunikida’s notebook, this really didn’t seem that unmanageable...

But then again...

I made a face as I kept scrolling through the next couple pages of memos.

Maybe Atsushi was right and it really was a little ambitious.

I forgot to schedule in bathroom breaks...

“Will thirty minutes really be enough at the bookstore?” I mumbled to myself as I resumed walking. “Maybe I shouldn’t drink that much coffee...”

Bookstores, museums, bento lunch at the park, stationary stores and fishing...

I felt an odd twinge in my chest as I scrolled through the list. I’d worked really hard to put together this schedule, even staying up a little later than usual so that I could research every location. Everything that was on here was here for a reason. Some, like the bookstore, were there because I either thought or heard that Kunikida had an interest in them. Others, like the trip to Yamashita Park, were there because I’d heard...

I felt my face warm as I stared at the flower I’d drawn next to the kanji.

Because I’d heard that they were good date spots...

I lowered the notebook with a small, wistful sigh.

I’d planned everything out to the letter, even copied the kind of scheduling I thought Kunikida might approve of, even though it had nearly killed me to do so.

And I did it because...

My fingers tightened around the notebook.

I wanted Kunikida to like me. I really, really wanted him to like me and I was willing to do anything it took if it meant that he might begin to see me the way I saw him...

Even if it was just a slim possibility.

Feeling strangely determined, I stuffed the notebook into my pocket and proceeded down the hall.

If I could just hear those four little words... If I could just hear Kunikida Doppo say to me once, “I like you, too...”

Then it would all be worth it.

But just as I came to the end of the sunlit hall, I thought I saw something flashing on the wall to my right. I stopped in my tracks.

“Huh?”

Blinking, I took a step towards it.

It was a name plate: a square of shiny, rectangular glass, under which was a small card bearing the name of the occupant within.

My eyes widened.

“Dazai... Osamu.”

I nearly dropped the bag.

Here?

Dazai lived here?

I felt something strange passing through my body as I stood there staring at the name plate, the glass shining as brightly in the morning sun as the full moon had that unusually wintry night...

“You don’t have to say yes right away, Kusunoki-san.”

I took a step forward, towards the door.

“Take your time, think about it. Just know that if you ever change your mind, you’ll know where to find me.”

Standing there beside me at the wrought-metal gates, Dazai paused for a moment and thoughtfully rubbed his chin.

“Actually, maybe you don’t. I should probably give you my number.”

My cell phone, buried deep in my coat pocket, clunked softly against my thigh as I took another couple steps towards Dazai’s front door.

Text received. My burner cell buzzed noisily in my jacket and, pocketing his own device, Dazai smiled.

The name plate was right in front of me, the kanji neat and dark upon the white paper card within.

“My apartment’s not very far from here. If you ever need anything, anything at all...”

I reached out.

Dazai winked, his grin as cheerful as ever.

“Just give me a call. I promise...”

My fingers came to a rest on the name plate, just below Dazai’s name.

“I’ll be right over.”

So...

I bit my lip.

This is what he meant when he said he lived nearby...

Dazai, like Atsushi and Kyouka, lived at the company dorm, just one short train ride away from my apartment.

He was only two doors down and I’d been making quite the racket this morning when I was cooking—or rather, failing at cooking.

How much had he heard? Did he know why I was cooking at Atsushi and Kyouka’s apartment?

My fingers lingered on the name plate.

Should I talk to him? Tell him I was only here because I’d been given a special assignment? That I was going to be out all day today because of it?

My fingers curled in on themselves, like a fist against the name plate.

Should I tell him that I was planning to confess to Kunikida today?

I brought my folded fingers to my chest and sighed.

No. I shouldn’t say anything. Knowing Dazai, he’d probably take this as an excuse to mess with me or derail my plans or something to that effect.

Besides, he probably wasn’t even home...

I stared at the door.

But then, where would he be? It wasn’t like him to come to the Agency early so that he could get a head start on the workday.

I stood before the door, my left hand curled into a fist against my chest, my right curled around the bag of bento boxes.

Maybe I should just say hi. Just real quick. He is still one of my mentors, after all...

Slowly, I lifted my hand towards the door.

Suddenly, someone kicked a door open down the hall with an ear-shattering BANG. Startled, I jumped and moved away from the door just in time to see Atsushi coming through the door with a large trash bag in his hands.

“Kusunoki-san, you’re still here?” Atsushi called, gawping at me with his big golden eyes. “Don’t you have a bus to catch?!”

Behind him, Kyouka quickly poked her head out the open door.

“What are you doing?” she yelled, brandishing a cooking knife at me, her blue eyes sharp. “Get going, right now!”

“Yes, ma’am!” I shrieked, throwing my hands in the air like a thief who’d just been caught.

And before she could throw the knife at me, I sprinted down the stairs, nearly tripping over my own feet as I made it out of the courtyard. As if on cue, the bus pulled in to the bus stop just as I arrived at the loading zone and I quickly followed the rest of the morning commuters inside.

Luckily for me, it was relatively empty and I was able to find a seat by one of the windows on the right side. Taking care not to jostle the bento boxes too much, I sat down, breathing a sigh of relief only when the bus began to crawl down the street.

But as I took out my mirror to check my reflection, to make sure my makeup was still in decent condition, I caught sight of the Agency apartment complex, in the distance, with its corrugated red roof and pale, softly streaked walls. I watched quietly as the corner room on the second floor, the room I’d been standing in front of not two minutes ago, slowly grew smaller and faded into the distance.

With a heavy creaking and groaning of wheels, the bus turned the corner.

Dazai’s apartment disappeared from sight.

To the gods out there who kept me alive long enough to see this day...

I paused at the edge of the sidewalk, just outside the park, unable to take another step forward, for fear of ruining the perfect image in front of me: Kunikida Doppo, sitting on a park bench on the hill, his tall figure bathed in the warm glow of the morning light, his dirty-blonde hair shining like finespun gold.

Kunikida-san... sitting there waiting for me...!

I seriously thought I was going to cry.

Thank you...

Kunikida-san... He always looked so handsome and well-put-together when he was at the office, with his broad shoulders and long legs, sitting at his desk in his beige vest and slacks.

But today...

I felt my cheeks warm as I quietly observed him from afar.

Today, I got to see him in a way that I’d never seen him before. Today, Kunikida was dressed in casual wear. Well, sort of. That navy blue blazer had clearly been tailored to fit his body (and it did. Very well, actually) and those brown shoes on his feet were just a little on the fancy side, but he was still sitting there on that bench wearing jeans and a white T-shirt. I watched as he crossed and uncrossed his long, slim legs, his beautiful, sage-colored eyes never leaving the pages of his little green notebook.

He looked great.

Grinning stupidly to myself, I pulled my cell phone out of my pocket, getting ready to snap a photo. I knew I probably looked like some kind of a creep, but I had to commemorate this moment. How often was the lighting as perfect as the subject? Maybe if he agreed to be my boyfriend (a girl could dream, couldn’t she?), he might forgive me and we’d have a good laugh about it.

But just as I had him all lined up in the viewfinder, Kunikida looked up and spotted me from across the way. His gray-green eyes met mine through the screen and I actually threw my phone into the air in shock.

“K-Kunikida-san!” I stammered, trying at once to both regain my composure and catch my phone. “G-Good morning! Were you waiting long?”

No sooner were the words out of my mouth than I thought I heard the “snap” of the photo being taken.

Shit. Had he heard?!

I hurried to stuff it away in my pocket before Kunikida could notice.

“No, not really,” Kunikida said politely.

Rising from the bench, he tucked his notebook into a hidden pocket of his blazer and walked towards me. Behind him, the morning sun framed his golden hair like a halo, the gray tone of his eyes softening into something more vibrant and green.

“Don’t worry.”

Stopping just before me on the path, he inclined his head in greeting.

“I only just arrived.”

Ahh...

How many times had I dreamed of having this exact conversation with him? The customary pleasantries exchanged when you finally meet up for a date?

I’m so happy I could die ...!

Suddenly spotting the colorful little bag hanging at my side, Kunikida raised an eyebrow and gestured towards it.

“Hey...” he said slowly. “Is the pattern on that canvas bag actually just a bunch of Pikach—”

“Ah, would you look at the time!” I cried, pulling my own miniature notebook out of my pocket and flipping to the appropriate page. “We should really get going if we want to get to the cafe on time!”

I jerked around and robotically made for the street, the heels of my shoes clicking awkwardly against the sidewalk as I moved.

“We’ve got a busy schedule today, you know!”

Kunikida blinked at me.

“‘Busy schedule?’” he repeated, sounding surprised.

Had I said the magic words? Was he going to be pleased?

I nodded, suddenly filled with a renewed sense of determination.

“Yeah!” I said, briefly lifting my notebook up to show him. “I’ve got our entire day planned out right here in this little notebook. So, Kunikida-san!”

I turned and shot him a grin over my shoulder.

“Please leave everything to me.”

I’ll make sure you have the most relaxing day ever!

For a moment, Kunikida grew quiet. I watched as the handsome, blonde detective slowly looked from the notebook to me. Finally, he nodded, a tiny smile gracing his features.

“Sounds good,” he said, tucking his hands into his pockets. “Lead the way, Kusunoki-kun.”

Smiling, I pulled open my maps and turned back towards the street.

“Yes, sir!”

Atsushi-kun was right...

Wobbling a little on my feet, I collapsed against the inner wall of the observation deck of the Yokohama Marine Tower.

My schedule really was too ambitious...

When I’d first gotten the idea to distract Kunikida by taking him out for a day of fun around Yokohama, I’d thought my task would be relatively straightforward. I figured, as long as I did the research and put in the time necessary to craft a perfect schedule, I would succeed. Little did I know how wrong I was.

Things went off the rails almost as soon as we’d left the park.

Our first stop was a local coffee shop. I’d specifically chosen this cafe because Shimeko told me that they were famous for their Caffe Americano’s, Kunikida’s go-to drink at the Uzumaki Cafe. I could already smell the coffee from down the street and in my excitement, I turned to look at Kunikida, hoping to see that he was just as excited as I was. But just when I was about to open my mouth to talk, I was interrupted by the sound of Kunikida’s cell phone ringing.

Before I could stop him, he reached into his pocket and picked it up.

“Hello?” he answered, his tone professional.

He frowned.

“Ah. Yeah. Yes, I understand.”

He nodded.

“Rest assured, I’ll have it done by noon tomorrow. Alright, then.”

He hung up, pocketed his phone and took out his little green notebook. Without slowing his pace or looking up at the street ahead, Kunikida took out a familiar black fountain pen from inside his blazer and wrote something down. I waited apprehensively for the scratching of the pen to subside before asking my question.

“Uh... Kunikida-san?”

“Hm?”

He glanced down at me, his gray-green eyes calm.

“Yes, Kusunoki-kun?”

I tried not to make a face.

“...what are you doing?”

“Writing myself a reminder,” Kunikida replied, tucking his notebook back into his blazer. “That was a client I’d just picked up a few days ago. He wants me to follow up on a report.”

“Is... is that what you were doing?” I asked, sweat dripping down my temple. “Are you trying to—”

“Oh, don’t worry, Kusunoki-kun,” Kunikida replied crisply, glancing back up ahead at the road. “This isn’t technically work. Yosano-sensei told me everything, so please rest assured, I will do everything in my power to relax.”

But I could already see the way his hand twitched in his pocket, wrapping around his phone.

“R-right...”

I tried to put a smile on my face as the cafe came into view.

“I understand. As long as you’re not actually doing any work and you stay relaxed, okay?”

For both our sakes—Yosano really seemed like she meant it when she said it would “be on my head.”

But little did I know my troubles were only beginning.

“It’s not technically work.” But it wasn’t “technically” fun, either.

When we got to the cafe, I was forced to watch as Kunikida grilled the barista on everything from the beans they used to the temperature of the roast, only giving up when the terrified young man offered to give him a discount on his order in place of divulging trade secrets. I was too embarrassed to step in and say anything, much less be seen with him (or worse, asked to take responsibility as his kohai), so I just stood there quietly in the back and waited for my latte and chocolate croissant until it was over. As soon as it was, I ushered Kunikida out with the promise of a nice quiet stroll in the park, all plans of staying for a pleasant chat in the small, but atmospheric shop gone.

I could never show my face in that cafe again.

Luckily, the park was relatively empty and we were able to find another bench to sit on pretty quickly. I was half-wondering if it would be too much to offer him a bite of my croissant (wouldn’t me taking a bite after be an indirect kiss?! Could I really be so bold?!) when I looked to my right and realized he was writing in his notebook again.

“Kunikida-san...” I asked dully. “What are you doing?”

“Taking notes,” Kunikida replied. “I managed to figure out a few things from my conversation with the barista.”

“...About coffee?”

Kunikida paused for a moment.

“Not quite,” he said. “Something he said reminded me of a case I was working on last week and I think I might have a new lead to give to the police officers working with me. I thought I’d write it down before I forgot.”

He closed his notebook and picked up his drink.

“Besides,” he said, taking a sip. “It’s good to wait a few minutes after exercising to enjoy food or beverages like this. It’s better for your stomach.”

“Right...”

And on and on it went.

When we got to the bookstore for the poetry event, the first poet was late. It seemed he was nursing a hangover and so, Kunikida just had to take him aside to lecture him on his professionalism. Surprisingly though, the drunkard actually thanked Kunikida for verbally tearing him a new one and we left the shop with a couple of free copies of the man’s most recently published work.

I wasn’t sure if I could say anything or not because this “technically” wasn’t work either (and I wasn’t going to say no to free books).

Then, when we were walking on the street to do some window shopping (I was secretly hoping to take Kunikida to a nearby stationary store I’d discovered), we heard a piercing shriek. A woman was being robbed in broad daylight right in front of us! At once, Kunikida sprang into action, chasing down the thief and leveling him with a flying kick to the back. Then, while my mentor was using his Ability to produce a set of handcuffs to secure the thief, I got the woman’s purse back and stayed with her until she calmed down. It was only after the police arrived that I realized I had been pulled into Kunikida’s workaholic antics this time.

I slapped my hands over my face and groaned.

Well... At least Yosano didn’t say I had to refrain from doing anything work-related... Not verbatim, anyway. But how was I supposed to just stand aside and do nothing when I was a member of the Armed Detective Agency, myself?

Several people walked away from me as I tightened my grip over my face and heard my groan change into a soft, pained whine.

Perhaps Yosano was right. If I spent enough time with Kunikida, perhaps I would turn into a four-eyed workhorse as well. My vision was already getting fuzzier than before. But that was probably from the stress...

Letting out one final sigh, I peered through my fingers at the large, slanted windows ahead, watching tiredly as Kunikida leaned against the railing and gazed out across Yokohama Bay, his expression placid as he watched the ships go by.

Well...

I felt my cheeks warm as I saw a tiny smile cross his face.

At least one of us seems pretty relaxed right now.

Smiling softly, I hoisted my bag over my shoulder and walked towards him.

“Enjoying the view?”

“Yeah.”

Kunikida nodded, the smile never leaving his face.

“It’s really something when the weather’s nice,” he said, still staring out across the water. “I’ve been up here before but never on a day like this.”

I faltered.

“You’ve been here before?”

Kunikida nodded again.

“I have,” he said, his gray-green eyes flicking down to me. “Shortly after I joined the Agency. Ranpo-san insisted on coming up to see the view and, well...”

He chuckled softly.

“I think you know how he is with directions.”

I made a face.

“Yeah. I remember.”

Hoping to chase away the flashbacks of the stressful day I’d spent in Edogawa’s company, I turned towards the window as well, my smile only returning when I spotted the Yokohama Bay Bridge in the distance, shining like a beacon in the harbor.

Kunikida was right.

It really was a beautiful view...

“By the way, Kusunoki-kun...?”

“Hm?”

I glanced back up.

Huh?

Kunikida was looking at me. Directly at me. In a way I wasn’t quite sure he’d ever looked at me before.

I felt my heart begin to race as he tilted his head slightly, his expression pensive.

“Something I noticed earlier,” he said haltingly.

His gray-green eyes raked up and down my form and at once, I felt my face grow warm. Kunikida rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and spoke.

“You seem a little taller than usual today,” he pointed out, glancing back down at my shoes.

His eyebrows drew together.

“Do you normally wear heels on your days off?”

“Oh. Uh...”

I tucked a stray lock of hair behind my ear and smiled shyly up at him.

“Not... really,” I mumbled, looking away.

Even though I’d chosen reasonably short heels, it was that much harder to look at him when our faces were a lot closer together than before.

“I used to,” I answered truthfully, “back when I was still a student...”

I trailed off for a moment as a distant memory slowly resurfaced in the back of my mind—a memory of being dragged down the streets of Motomachi by an old friend.

A memory from “before.”

I closed my eyes and breathed out.

“You see... I had this friend,” I recalled, smiling softly. “She was a part-time model—always insisted we both look our best whenever we went out into the city. You know, because ‘we were young’ and ‘why not.’”

I glanced down at my shoes, a pair of reasonably tall wedge heels I’d picked out on that very shopping trip.

“And that usually meant wearing heels...”

I leaned forward and propped my arms up on the railing, staring out the window at the shining, blue waves.

“I think I last saw her a year ago but it feels like it’s been much longer...”

I grew quiet and dropped my gaze, my eyes following the lines of a couple of sailboats as they slowly drifted in towards the pier. I felt, rather than heard, Kunikida falling silent beside me.

“I see,” he murmured, after a pause.

For a moment, we just stood there, staring out across the harbor together and solemnly watching the ships go by. As time slowly passed, I heard Kunikida’s soft exhale from somewhere near my left and I thought heard him mumbling something under his breath. His voice was soft.

“It really does, doesn’t it...?”

I blinked.

“Kunikida-san?”

And as I lifted my face to look at him, Kunikida glanced down at me and rubbed his chin, looking thoughtful. Then, he dropped his hand.

“Kusunoki. Come here for a second.”

I balked.

“Huh?”

And before I knew what was happening, Kunikida suddenly took my hand.

Kuni/Kyou Theme

He quietly pulled me away from the bay-facing windows.

I instantly went red.

“Kunikida-san?!” I sputtered, stumbling after him as we made for the opposite side of the observation tower. “W-where are we going?”

“I have something I want to show you,” the tall detective replied, without glancing back. “Follow me.”

Falling silent, I followed, trailing after him like an obedient puppy as we walked around the center section of the observation deck.

I couldn’t take my eyes off his broad back.

This was nothing like the time he’d saved me from Akutagawa at the art gallery...

Back then, his hand had been around my wrist, his grip as strong as an iron vise, the air around us filled with smoke and dust and fear. Today, his hand was wrapped loosely around mine, his fingers curling softly around my palm, his touch radiating warmth and tenderness. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think his hand was maybe just a touch sweaty.

But that didn’t make sense.

I felt something stirring in my chest as Kunikida led me past a rather cozy-looking couple, walking hand in hand towards the bay-facing windows.

If Kunikida’s hand was just a little sweaty while he was holding mine... wouldn’t that mean he was a little nervous...?

And if he was a little nervous...

I felt my heart skip a beat in my chest as a crazy thought crossed my mind.

Wouldn’t that mean that Kunikida might possibly like me back?

But before I could figure out if it was my hand that was sweaty or his, Kunikida stopped walking and let go.

My palm tingled.

“Over there,” Kunikida said, guiding me towards a specific window.

He pushed me forward by the back of my shoulder and pointed to a spot in the distance.

“Take a look at that spot to the southwest. Do you see something familiar?”

“Something familiar?” I repeated, curious.

Kunikida nodded as I walked forwards, towards the windows.

Putting my hands on the railing, I leaned forward, squinting ahead into the distance. Then, I spotted a familiar red-brick building in the midst of a forest of gray and white.

I gasped.

“It’s the Agency!”

“It is,” Kunikida said proudly, striding forward to stand next to me. “I still remember the day I first saw it here, after I’d just joined.”

He glanced down at me, looking pleased with himself.

“Ranpo-san challenged me to look for it. Said that the first person to spot it got free drinks from the vending machine from the losers. He won easily, of course, but we didn’t really mind. As you can see, not much has changed since then.”

“No kidding,” I laughed, taking a step back.

Smiling, I looked up at my mentor.

“Kunikida-san. Thank you.”

This time, it was Kunikida’s turn to blink.

“For what?” he asked, looking amused. “Showing you this?”

“For always taking such good care of me,” I said, quickly looking back at the ADA building as my face grew even warmer. “A-and for showing me this.”

There was a pause. And then, I heard a quiet laugh.

Shocked, I whipped my head to the side just in time to see Kunikida put his hand over his mouth. He quickly coughed and looked away, cheeks going pink.

“Actually, Kusunoki,” he said quietly, “I should be thanking you. Yosano-sensei told me you volunteered to help take my mind off of work today and I can tell you’re putting in a lot of effort.”

He glanced back at me, his smile growing just a touch sheepish.

“You’ve really come a long way since the day you started with us, haven’t you?” Kunikida asked, his gray-green eyes warm.

I...

I thought back to everything that had happened since I was first rescued by Dazai and Kunikida. I thought about the Entrance Exam, dodging Kyouka and parrying Yasha Shirayuki with a pair of office scissors as my handcuffs finally broke. I thought about the serial kidnapping case, the Tanedas sitting in the interrogation room as I backed away, my chair clattering loudly in the cold, empty room. I thought about pulling Edogawa out of the pot in the ground in the collapsed house. Dazai patting my head in the office, warm sunlight streaming in. Akutagawa, chasing me around the parking garage as I ran for my life, a single plastic lighter gripped tightly in my hand. Professor Matsuyama and his wife, each visiting the grave of their beloved friend, confessing their perceived sins to me, a complete and total stranger.

I swallowed dryly.

“I guess I have...” I mumbled quietly.

A warm hand descended on my shoulder.

Kunikida nodded. He looked proud.

“You did well... Kusunoki.”

My heart skipped a beat.

Was this it?

I felt my grip tighten on my bag. My hands felt clammy with nerves.

Was this the moment? We still had half the day to go and I hadn’t even given him the lunchbox but...

This mood...

I felt my lips part.

Everything suddenly felt just right.

“Kunikida-san...”

“Hm?”

He still hadn’t taken his hand off my shoulder.

“I...”

I steeled myself.

Here goes nothing...!

“I...!”

Something suddenly chimed loudly in the gloom. I froze.

“Uh, what’s that noise?” Kunikida asked.

His hand slid off my shoulder as my pocket continued to ring.

Shit.

As quick as I could, I jammed my hand deep into my pocket and seized my phone. The ringing stopped at once.

“It’s my alarm,” I mumbled, embarrassed.

I couldn’t look him in the eye.

“I, uh...”

I squirmed.

“I set this alarm for lunch hour,” I said, tugging the strap of my brightly colored bag a little higher over my shoulder. “It seems we weren’t able to stick to the schedule, what with everything that happened.”

“Oh...”

Kunikida suddenly went red.

“I’m... I’m so sorry, Kusunoki-kun!” he groaned, slapping one large hand over his face. “For someone like me to be unable to stick to a proper schedule—and a schedule my kohai set up for me on a day like this...!”

Grimacing like he was physically in pain, Kunikida took his hand off his face and bent forward at a perfect ninety-degree angle bow.

“Please forgive me!”

“I-it’s really nothing!” I stammered, also going red.

I waved my hands in front of him in an attempt to get him to snap out of it.

“P-please, Kunikida-san... Please get up, people are going to stare...!”

“You’re right,” he exclaimed, instantly straightening up. “Causing a ruckus in public would bring shame to the Agency!”

Pushing his glasses up his nose, he turned away from the windows and swiftly walked towards the elevators.

“Come, Kusunoki-kun, let’s go have lunch. I promise, from now on, I will do whatever it takes to stick to your schedule.”

“Y-you don’t have to be that strict with it,” I stammered, chasing after him as he headed for the center of the room.

Crap. Should I have been more strict with it?!

“It’s okay! As long as you’re relaxing...!”

“I appreciate your flexibility,” Kunikida said, shooting me a curt, professional nod as I caught up to him. “Once again, you have my thanks.”

And as the light above the elevator doors lit up at last, Kunikida suddenly turned to me and cleared his throat.

“By the way...”

I looked up and instantly flinched. Kunikida had suddenly gone as white as a sheet.

“Do you mind not telling Yosano-sensei about the thief we stopped earlier?” he asked. “She said that if she caught me doing any kind of work today on my ‘day off,’ she was going to dissect me in a way that would ensure I would never have any problems with my body again.”

I instantly went rigid, my thoughts going straight to the memory of Yosano raising her machete above my head.

I swallowed nervously and shot him a watery grin.

“Y-you got it.”

Kunikida breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thanks, Kusunoki. I owe you one.”

But I shook my head.

“Don’t worry, Kunikida-san,” I told him as the elevator doors opened.

I followed him inside and grinned up at him as the doors finally closed.

“I won’t say a word.”

#kunikida x oc #bsd #fanfiction #dazai x oc #if a moment is all we are

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intobarbarians · 4 years ago

Text

part seven to necromancy nonsense

Kuwabara breathes through his nose and thinks, cabbage rolls.

The thought tumbles out of his head straight into Urameshi’s, who hunts for a knife to chop the carrots and mince the pork. For a guy who is incredibly resistant to letting other people stroll about his kitchen unsupervised, Yusuke has no problem waltzing among Kuwabara’s utensils and pots and declaring, “This cutting board should have been oiled a hundred stir-fries ago.”

Botan hunts through the fridge with all of the proprietorship that dating the owner’s sister grants her, which is a lot. Kuwabara thinks about the pricey tangerine juice squished between the tomatoes and the curry blocks. He should have known as soon as he impulsively bought it that he’d be seeing her soon; the brand is Botan’s favorite.

Kuwabara slides the bag with the tangerine juice across the counter to fend Botan off his ice cream stash. “It’s on my to-do list,” he swears to Yusuke. He’ll oil the walnut as soon as he gets his amateur necromancy sorted out.

Yusuke shakes a milk pitcher full of wooden spoons and spatulas in Kuwabara’s direction. “These, too.”

Yusuke bossing Kuwabara around in his own kitchen would have started a brawl when they were kids. Instead, Kuwabara pulls apart the cabbage leaves with a grin. Keiko grew up in a restaurant, and Yusuke grew up loitering wherever Keiko was, soaking in Mr. Yukimura’s lectures about washing your hands and how to pick good lotus root from bad like any good little chef-in-training.

But even without Mr. Yukimura’s influence, Yusuke would have taken good care of his kitchen because he takes good care of everything that matters to him. It’s one of the things Kuwabara loves about him.

Kuwabara sets a pot of water on the stove to boil. “So, what’s the emergency?”

Yusuke inspects a carrot. If he chooses to comment poorly on Kuwabara’s produce picking skills, he will get hosed in the face. “You’ve been watching the news lately? All of those disappearances have caught Spirit World’s attention. They think one of ours is behind it.”

‘Ours’, meaning a demon. Maybe he doesn’t include Kuwabara in that, but Yusuke has to know that after all these years Kuwabara will always align closer to Makai than to Spirit World. “And what does Natsume think?”

Yusuke hacks off the carrot top and sweeps it into the sink. His eyes narrow at the knife. Oh, so he’s going to yell at Kuwabara over keeping his knives sharp now? “Natsume thinks it’s fucking bullshit Spirit World wants to point fingers at demons every time something fishy happens on earth. Half of Makai’s reputation is literally their fault.”

“Well, she's right!” Botan says. “Humans have always been the greatest threat to other humans. There’s plenty of violence going on without any demons involved.”

She would know, being a grim reaper. “What tipped the scales?”

Yusuke snorts. “A demon disappeared last night. Isn’t that ironic? B-class, not an easy mark for your run-of-the-mill kidnapper--or serial killer.”

Kuwabara thinks of Toguro hoisting an arena the size of a football field above his head. Not many humans could pull that off. The only two he knows of are in this room. “Should I be expecting a visit from Koenma soon?”

The lid on the pot of water starts to fuss and clatter. Botan hands Kuwabara the bamboo steamer. “Not unless you’re involved in some other crime we don’t know of yet,” she teases.

Maybe he hesitates too long in taking the steamer. “You would be the first to know.”

“Anyway, we’re not here on Koenma’s behalf. Natsume called in the big guns--goddamn, this knife is dull. How have you been cooking for yourself and three clones with this thing?”

Kuwabara sniffs. “My three lovers are well fed, thank you very much.”

Yusuke lifts his head. “So you are seeing someone.”

Botan pauses mid-sip of her juice to scrutinize Kuwabara’s reaction. Fuck. He only meant to play along. Kuwabara digs through the junk drawer for the knife sharpener to shove in Yusuke’s face. That’ll distract him. “Natsume wants us to find out who’s behind the disappearances so Spirit World will get off her back.”

The distraction works because Yusuke loves sharpening knives a little too much. He takes the sharpener and runs the blade across the stone. “She’s ordered some old friends to help. Jin, Touya, and the others are gonna act as extra eyes. Speaking of, Hiei’s been exempted from curfew, as well.”

Botan openly watches Kuwabara’s face, the fancy juice in her hand apparently forgotten. He thinks he keeps cool at the mention of Hiei. Distraction number two. “Can’t you go to Spirit World and ask these folks what happened?”

Botan shakes her head. “None of them have crossed over.”

None of them have died? “That means there’s a chance we can find them.”

“Don’t get too excited,” Yusuke says. He cuts into the plastic wrapping around the pork. Shit. Kuwabara really needs to steam the cabbage leaves. “The souls might be the point.”

Botan rubs her thumbs against the juice mascot on the bottle label: a winking tangerine. “Most souls can’t cross over without a reaper to guide them. If these people have been killed, they’re at terrible risk of becoming vengeful spirits.”

Kuwabara lines the steamer with cabbage leaves, debates. Curiosity could give everything away. “But you know when people die, don’t you, Botan?”

“It’s tricky when things don’t go according to plan. Case in point.” She gestures at Yusuke. He waves the newly sharpened knife. “Only one of the missing people was scheduled to die recently: an older gentleman from carbon monoxide poisoning. If he’s still alive, that’s going to be a lot of paperwork.”

Kuwabara presses his luck. “Can’t you just look at a person in their living body and know when their time is up?”

Botan laughs. “I used to, way back when! It was just me and a few reapers back then, not like the whole fleet we have now. I had to fly around and find people who were about to die the old-fashioned way. That sense has atrophied since the Spirit World bureaucracy sprang up, though. I haven’t used it in ages. Oh, Kuwabara, you don’t think I’m walking around and seeing a countdown timer on everyone’s head, do you? I promise I’m not!”

That’s good for a whole host of not-related-to-Hiei reasons. Kuwabara relaxes. “I guess you wouldn’t know if you were dealing with a zombie or something.”

“Zombies are pretty distinctive,” Yusuke disagrees. “What with the shouting for braaaaaaainss and all. Oh, the constant rotting.”

Botan considers the idea with a little more seriousness. “There are so many ways to become undead--”

“What the fuck? Really?”

“Are you serious?”

“--and only some of them are as cinematically stereotypical as Yusuke describes. But I’d figure it out eventually,” Botan says proudly. “A soul returning to the body in any way other than how Yusuke came back would end in disaster, no matter how normal the person seemed.”

Kuwabara crushes a cabbage leaf. “Why?”

“Because souls forget how to exist in the flesh once they’ve been removed. A resurrection requires careful manipulation of energy channels so that the soul can remember how to connect with its mortality. Otherwise--”

“Otherwise what?”

Botan looks away. “Otherwise, that person becomes a monster, a thing that can only consume. The only way to save the soul is to free it from the body once more.”

“Oh.” Kuwabara smooths out the cabbage leaf and places it on the steamer. He’ll eat that one, if he gets his appetite back.

#my fic #yyh #hiei x kuwabara #necromancy nonsense

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majorweeb · 4 years ago

Text

The Vacation

Lucy was tired, after being gone all the time off doing requests she needed a much-needed break.

Always being around Natsu is hard and after Gray and Juvia broke up, uh it had driven her crazy.

Apparently, Juvia was unhappy with their bedroom relations. She needed more and he couldn't keep it up unless he was drunk. It broke them down. Which in turn upset Lucy because he would go with Natsu, Happy, and her on missions.

Lucy loved Gray and enjoyed his companionship, so it didn't really matter one way or another. Yet, being labeled a homewrecker was annoying. Even if only Juvia believed it.

Lucy was done, not this month. She had saved up enough Jewels to go to the beach. She had found the perfect little house with its own private area where she and Plue could be free from the chaos that was the guildhall.

She loved everyone but even Levy thought it would be best. In fact, it was her family's home she was renting.

She yawned and stretched knowing that today she was finally able to leave and have some space.

"Ugh, I'm so glad I packed up last night! This is going to be great 4 full weeks of fun and freedom!" She said as she stretched in her pink bed. A small white cutoff tank barely covering her breasts.

Yawn escaping her lips as she rose stretching deeper, navy blue boy shorts riding up her ass as she bent over.

"Oi Lucy, still not up yet huh? Those are new, like the way they ride up..." Natsu started to say as Lucy decided to kick him in the face.

"Lucy Kick"! she screamed wondering why in the hell he couldn't use that damn door to come over.

Covering up and walking to the bathroom to get dressed for the day she huffed.

"Get out Natsu, I have shit to do and I don't need to be harassed at the moment. Can't, you ever knock?" Slamming the bathroom door in his face.

"But Lushi, Happy left me high and dry. Some stupid exceed thing and him, Charlie, and Pantherlily all left last night. I'm lonely. Can't I stay and snuggle with you?" Natsu whined from her bed stretched out and looking his best.

Years they'd been traveling together and he wanted nothing more to just bend her over and have his way. But she deserved more than the thoughts that ran through his brain as he fisted himself on lonely nights.

Lucy exited the bathroom in a low-waisted pair of painted-on skin-tight jeans, hair pulled back into a high ponytail, and a navy blue tight button-up sleeveless blouse. Oh, and Natsu was ever so pleased with his large baggy pants. Groaning at the thought of those panties from earlier being too high for her to be wearing them under those pants. Oh shit, was she wearing a bra?

He watched her as she roamed her room gathering her keys and placing them on her hip. Putting toiletries and such into a duffle.

He was about to ask her what was going on, she said that she was taking a break. Why was she packing? That's when there was a knock at her door. He could smell him before he announced himself. Gray that asshat, always getting in the damn way.

"Hey, Gray, what's up?" eyes full of joy as she smiled at him when he let himself in.

"Hey, Lucy, where ya going? I came by to see you and wanted to know what you were doing later. But I see you are packing."

"Hey Ice Princess! What are you doing here? Hiding?" Natsu said with an air of sarcasm that was obvious.

"No, she left had shit to do with Gajeel! But who fucking cares." Throwing himself onto Lucy's couch.

" Listen I love you both, and so enjoy listening to you girls banter over who is prettier. I am very much in a hurry and have to catch a train. So if you don't mind. GET OUT!"

"Where ya going, Luce? I wanted to spend time with you? Can I come too? It'll be fun, just us like old times. Please!!" Fake tears welling into Natsu's eyes as he pleaded with her to know what she was doing for the next few weeks.

"Well if you must know I rented a house out in Akane Beach, ya know Levys beach property. I have the next four weeks of sun, sand, ocean, and a whole city to explore." She seemed excited and dreamy.

The next thing she knew she has boarded a train with both Gray across from her and Natsu with his nose buried deep in her lap. She swore he loved this more than anything and it always made her a little excited knowing her scent calmed him. She grew stiff wondering what scent calmed him. He huffed and she went back to carding her finger through his hair. Yet, why the in hell are they coming along. Didn't they have better things to do?

She ignored the situation and decided to nap on the 2-hour train ride. Fingers combing through the soft tendrils of Natsu's hair. Whether she wanted to admit it or not the attention of two of the hottest ( in her opinion) guys in all of Fairy Tail, hell all of Magnolia wanted to tag along. Who was she to say no?

She awoke to the soft tapping on her shoulder a while later knowing that it was Gray informing her that they had arrived.

Luggage gathered and all of them together walked to the beach house. She picked a room out of the 5 and unpacked listening to the other 2 bickered about Mavis knows what and she just ignored it.

After all, was settled she wanted food. Not fast food or restaurant food, home-cooked food. She grabbed her keys and released Virgo informing her of her duties while she was off shopping.

"Yes Master, will you punish me if I don't do it properly?" Virgo stated as she bowed low in her skimpy french maid's uniform.

"No, just I wanna cook but need all of this out and ready so it's easier. I won't have to look for what I need this way. " Quickly changing into something cooler.

When Lucy walked out of her appointed room in her tiny black shorts and white bikini Natsu almost busted a nut right then and there on the couch. Gray was no better, having lost his cigarette somewhere on the porch and quickly spreading ice over it to stop and prevent a fire. Overdoing it all the way to the waves.

"I'll be back getting groceries, if you need anything go and do it on your own. I'll just be an hour or so." She put a small white poncho over top and slipped on her sandals and made her way out.

"Hey Ice dick, nice cover-up! If I didn't know any better you just shot your damn load all over the fucking yard." laughing as he stretched out over the couch closing his eyes.

"Like your any better, that burn mark where your hands were arent any better. Fucking Flame brain!" putting out his smoke and coming inside.

" If I have to be here with you, I need liquor, and soon, let's go and keep your tiny firebreathing dragon in your pants huh."

When Lucy got home they were both gone and it was nice to have some quiet as she worked. She had released Virgo when she returned and quickly called upon Loke. He was a little naughty but he sure could cook.

He left with a bow when dinner was almost done and she was happy to see him for that short time.

While plating dinner the door busted open and in came Natsu and Gray, shitfaced and laughing. She could deal with them happily, this would be cake.

"Hey Luce, is that dinner. So hungry, want food then you! GRRRR!" Natsu growled as he sat at the table.

Lucy was shocked he had never spoken to her that way before and was way out of character, even when he had had a few.

Gray just sat across from him, smile plastered to his face sitting in just his boxer briefs. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a sizable tent in Grays briefs. Assuming it must have been just the alcohol she continued serving.

"Of course, not a single day without some fun huh guys." Smacking her forehead at the both of them. Natsu being a dumb ass and Gray almost naked.

"Hey Lucy, we brought home drinks you wanted to relax, let's eat and have fun. Chat, get to know each other better." Slamming the large bottle of Jager on the table.

She didn't know what to say or think, but a drink or two would get them to calm down and maybe give her the evening alone as they slept it off. Maybe she could write a little as she planned, or a nite swim was nice.

Dinner went off nicely, she made lamb chops with rosemary and garlic, sided with cauliflower Au Gratin and asparagus.

They all decided to start drinking and her goal was a few drinks and shove them off to sleep. Yet, that was far from her evening plans! This night was a night to remember.

After the first bottle was done and they were a giggling mess on the back deck, she had summoned who she had hoped would be Loke. Someone with willpower to calm them all down, as they were begging for more alcohol.

That is not who she summoned at all, in fact, Virgo was all for her master being shitfaced. She got more alcohol and learned if Lucy was dared she would be punished and have her ass bit. She enjoyed this Lucy more. She released herself with a moan.

Lucy leaned over both the boys and whispered, " Wanna hear a secret?"

Both sat up straight and made sure to listen so carefully, excited to hear what the blonde had to say.

"I've always wanted to see you two kiss! Please be nice to me, I'm a good girl right. I wanna see tongue."

Gray just shrugged his shoulders and leaned over, placing his lips onto Natsu. He was expecting it to be quick and make Lucy happy, little did he know that the warmth of his lips sent a shock right to his groin. It didn't help that Natsu moaned and grabbed the back of his neck in the process licking his lips begging for entry.

Lucy removed herself from their lap and watched in amazement as the kiss became more and more heated.

Hands groping, tongues lashing. The next thing she knew Gray was on top of Natsu caging him in and not allowing him to retreat from the small loveseat made of bamboo.

Natsu thrust his hips forward and ground against Gray in a way to relieve the pressure of his growing problem, moaning and panting between licks, bites, and kisses.

Lucy moaned out loud catching the attention of the 2 men who seemed to have lost all thought and cared less about where they were.

"Lushie, are you jealous? Or is that smell out of lust?" Natsu said as he sniffed the air in her direction. The prominent tent in his pants growing by the second.

Gray removed himself from above Natsu and picked Lucy up threw her over his shoulder and carried her into the house. Groping her ass in the process. Natsu followed.

Walking into the room she had picked which seemed to have the largest bed know to all Fiore, he tossed her on it. Natsu coming behind Gray rubbing up against him making the man moan as he felt his friend's cock press roughly against his ass.

He leaned his head against his shoulder feeling the warm hands of Natsu roam his alcohol-riddled body and shuddered.

"Lucy, I want you to take off your clothes, I want to watch you go crazy as you watch us. Can you do that for me, baby? Can you be good and not touch yourself as I touch Gray.

She nodded enthusiastically as her shorts and bikini top were removed. Whimpering as she removed the small patch of fabric covering her leaking wet pussy.

Natsu had started stroking off Gray through his briefs as they both watched Lucy wiggle and squirm. The smell of her arousal thick in the air as their clothes were removed between petting and touching. Natsu got down on his knees and licked the underside of Grays cock. Feeling it's girth lay on his tongue. Gray got on the bed first, just to her right feeling the softness of the cotton under his fingers, using his ice magic to create a pair of cuffs for her on the bed. Pinning her down and spreading her out.

Natsu came up on her left, warming his hands so that the touch of his fingers was like a shock to her entire body.

"Please, oh Mavis someone touch me already. Together, separate, I don't care. I've needed and wanted this for so long. I'm begging you!" moaning loudly as each of them worked their way up her body. Kissing each other along the way. She could feel their precum dripping on her thighs as they groped, licked, and flicked different parts of her body.

She was overwhelmed, the icy feel of Gray with the burning touch of Natsu drove her insane. Screaming as her first orgasm ripped through her.

"Good girl, what would you like next?" Gray whispered in her ear causing the warmth to pool between her legs once again.

Seeing Natsu lick the slick of her orgasm off his fingers was too much, she held back a moan as her body became hotter and hotter and not form touch.

Both of them slowly started sending an icy burning trail down her body. Cupping her and teasing her until she thrashed against the icy cuffs.

They took turns rubbing her clit, while the other entered her giving her the feeling of both of their magic. Showing her that it wasn't just for fighting.

" I need you in me please!!" She begged

Gray removed her cuffs and they let her relax for a moment, she watched in awe as she watched them both on their knees kissing again. As they kneeled over her their cocks touched and she leaned forward and licked them simultaneously. Wrapping her hands around them both stroking them as they made out.

They stopped and the look in their eyes had her building again, she had heard about sex, but never anything like this.

They looked back at each other when out of nowhere Gray said, " Bottom!"

She had assumed he meat to take from Natsu but boy was she wrong.

Natsu gathered her up in his arms and made her wrap her legs tightly around his waist. Felling his hot cock bob against her thighs, feeling its warmth against her clit and begging to enter her.

She looked over at Gray laying on his back lubing up his own cock, back against the headboard, soft moans escaping his lips.

"Go to him, he's waiting!" Natsu whispered in her ear causing her to shiver with excitement. she crawled over to Gray, ass in the air in hopes to entice Natsu. Entice she did, except she wasn't expecting a hot tongue licking a wet hot streak from clit to ass. Making her jello in their arms.

"Please, need more." breathy moans and lust addled mind saying all she could.

"Turn around, let me help you."

She obeyed and she was then pulled back into Grays's arms. His chest against her back, his cock throbbing against the cleft of her ass, his hands playing with her nipples, rolling them around between his finger and thumb. Keeping his hands icy and causing her to twitch with anticipation.

He then pulled her up so that his cock was pressed against her dripping wet pussy, lips throbbing, eyes heavy and full of lust. Until Natsu got on his hands and knees and crawled across the bed in-between her legs.

Shoving the ice-cold cock down his throat, enjoying the moans from Gray as his heated breath and mouth covered him completely.

"Fuck Natsu, so good, so warm yes!" Gray moaned thrusting his hips as her body gushed from the site and the feelings.

" Nice choice on taste Ice Prick!" Natsu smirked moving Grays cock aside and he began to loosen Lucy up, licking her clit as his fingers toyed with her tight little asshole.

She screamed and relaxed around the digits and more and more entered her. Scissoring her open, making her body ready for Gray.

Before she knew it she was being ripped open as Gray started moving his cock deeper and deeper into her ass. Saying calming words into her ear while Natsu began to lick her clit again. Nibbling on her lips, thrusting his tongue into her warm cavern.

Once she was relaxed Gray trusted up into her. Enjoying the feel yet afraid of cumming too soon.

Natus leaned over them, kissing Lucy, letting her taste the lube, herself, and Gray all at once on him.

He then leaned down to kiss Gray, the passion deep and inviting.

Reaching down with his right hand, burning her skin so delicately and popping her right breast into her mouth he shoved his cock deep inside her in one fluid motion.

Her scream would have had the neighbors calling the police if they were in Magnolia. But here, here they could ravage her as much as they wanted, no fear of having to stop. Not unless she said so.

Lifting himself slightly he began to trust, causing not only his cock to move but Grays as well. Making her as full as possible.

Her nails dug into Natsu's back, her lips sloppily kissing Gray. Moaning as she was about to reach yet another orgasm and squeezing tightly around her boys. Enjoying the feeling of Grays hands fondling her nipples, sucking on her ears lobes, kissing her neck. While Natsu leaned back slightly to watch her come apart as his thumb rubbed circles on and around her clit. Edging her into completion.

"Yes.. Yes... Oh Fuck Yes! Please more, don't stop I need you in me, fill me, fuck me, claim me, take me I'm yours.

Her moans drowning out even the sound of the waves outside.

Gray was moaning as well, "Cum again Lucy, come on baby I wanna feel you cum on my cock."

Natsu started thrusting faster and harder. He leaned down and kissed Gray again to then turn his head and kiss Lucy, " That's it, baby. Cum for us, scream, let us make you feel good all month long."

Her orgasm ripped through her in a loud guttural groan, making her whole body go tight.

The feel of her squeeze caused both men to gasp and lose their breath as Natsu started to pump in a ragged uneven rhythm.

His orgasm was ripped from him first, the look in his eyes as he stared down at Gray in his moment of bliss made Gray cum loudly. Their eyes never leaving each other as they rode out their orgasm.

Natsu carefully pulled out of Lucy, assisted Gray in untangling her limp and satisfied body to the bed.

Gray went and got a few warm rags and gently cleaned and cared for Lucy while Natsu got them each a water bottle. She drank like a dying woman, thirst more apparent now that she stopped. With the sheet over her overstimulated body, she relaxed reaching out for them to hold her. Wanting to be the middle spoon.

"Never leave me, guys. I love you, and I know you love each other." she yawned and fell asleep. Being held by the two men she loved most.

Natsu leaned over Lucy to kiss her on her cheek and promised to never leave. Confessing he's loved her all along.

He looked at Gray, "Shes Right ya know, I love you too! I would do anything for ya!"

Gray reached across and kissed him deeply, " I love you too flame brain, and you too Lucy. Tomorrow we can work all this out."

They all fell asleep in each other's arms, full of love and bliss.

This has no beta and I did a quick read to make sure I edited it okay!

#lucy heartfilia #gray x natsu #gray x lucy #natsu #natsu x lucy

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