#but yes a grumpy radish

[bliss-wily]

More headcanons because I’m sick and have nothing better to do~

This post? Raditz! Radish boy shall receive some love~

Very silly and of course it’s just headcanons so please don’t take these too seriously.

•Raditz is a tsundere through and through both for relationships and friendships.

•He’s the outlier of the group of 3, the other two being Vegeta and Nappa.

•Doesn’t get stronger like the others because he is too much of a coward to pick on anyone stronger than him.

•Grouchiest of the three, yes, even more so than Vegeta.

•His tail is super sensitive, most definitely his weakness.

•Relies on his scouter too much as he doesn’t trust his own instincts from constantly being invalidated by Vegeta and Nappa.

•Seeing as he doesn’t really have friends, befriending Raditz would mean him being quite insecure and likely having him being very possessive or having a fear of abandonment.

•If he’s extra grouchy, get that man food asap and lots of it.

•His tail reveals a lot about his feeling and emotions in the moment - that’s if it’s not wrapped around his waist.

•Struggles with human technology, so imagine you’re living with him (platonically or romantically, doesn’t matter) and you wake up to noises at 3am with the man trying to get a microwave to work. So yes…the man can use Saiyan pods and scouters but microwaves stump him.

•You know what, technophobe when it comes to earthling tech, you would see many phones destroyed because he can’t manage it.

•Or hearing him argue with Siri/Alexa/Google because everything isn’t working how he wants.

•But by no means does this make Raditz stupid. He’s smart but just doesn’t get the opportunity to really say anything.

•Looks up to Vegeta and Nappa, he just wants some form of acceptance goddamn it.

•Acts mean because it’s all he’s ever known - how he’s been treated.

•Of the three remaining Saiyans in the Frieza Force, I imagine he gets the least amount of name calling as the other two as he’s just kinda there? Raditz strikes me as someone who’s closed off.

•And due to ill treatment from his teammates I think he believes that being mean in the best way to communicate with people he’s interested in.

•Also…maybe a bit promiscuous. Frieza did assume Gohan was Raditz’s son so…I’ll leave that open ended, as I tend to stay relative SFW on here.

Someone socialise this man, he deserved to be around longer. So did Nappa to be fair.

[harunayuuka2060]

MC: Idia, my love from hell. I swear to Hades. If you don't get some sun right this instant, I'll be forced to carry you out myself.

Idia: Like a cat?

MC: ...

Ortho: MC, no. You just need to convince him—

MC: Yes. Like a grumpy, unwilling cat you are.

Ortho: *frowns*

Leona: Oi, radish sprout. Where can I get someone like your spouse?

Idia: Home Depot.

Leona: ...

Leona: Are you fucking kidding me? That's not a place you usually go to.

Idia: You'd be surprised.

[kiankiwi]

If you could, I'd really like you to write something in the Home AU about us just trying to feed baby E his veggies in his highchair and him just being grumpy until we get him to cooperate? Thanks!

Sometimes Elvis slipped by just looking at a vegetable he hated them that much. And of course looking at vegetables made him grumpy as soon as he slipped.

You had made one of Elvis's favorite meals for dinner tonight. Lasagna. No special occasion you just wanted your man to feel special. But this man was throwing an absolute fit every time he even glanced at his salad with cherry tomatoes, radishes bell peppers and sunflower seeds in it.

"Elvis..." You warned. Elvis just glared at you but you leveled his glare with a 'don't you dare!' mama look.

Elvis stamped his feet under the table, upset. "No, mama no, they're icky! I don't want the g'eens!" (greens)

"Elvis, baby, you have to have your greens if you wanna be big and strong enough to dance on stage all night! C'mon baby, just a couple bites for mama." You attempted to give him your best puppy dog eyes but Elvis knew what you were doing, it was one of his tricks after all. He eyed the salad and veggies once more, pushing his bottom lip out as far as it would go in a major pout and shook his head crossing his arms.

You sighed, okay the puppy eyes he knew but what else could you try? You decided to try the airplane/train trick next and you would use bribery last if that didn't work.

"Okay, baby. Let's try this again..." You took a beat and for a minute you two just stared at each other until you got up the courage to try coming at him with the forkful of lettuce and veggies. You put on a big smile and tried to look excited so he'd be excited to have more food. "Look baby, here comes the choo choo train! Choo choo!" Elvis saw right through it and whined, shaking his head and having a big cry. You sighed. Well that didn't work.

Onto bribery.

"Okay, how about this, baby, you take five whole bites of your salad and mama will take you to get you a new movie and to the store for a new toy and maaaaybe a new stuffie if you have more than five bites!"

Elvis eyed you, trying to decipher if your offer was true. A toy, a movie, and a stuffie? Yes please! "A-a dolly?" Elvis asked hesitantly. You nodded, anything to get him to eat this damn salad.

"Sure five bites of this salad and you can get a dolly, a stuffie and a movie bubs."

Elvis inched his mouth forward and finally took a bite off the fork. "Good boy! Thank you! Four more bites okay?" Elvis made a disgusted face but didn't spit it out. That was at least progress. "Swallow, good job. See, just a little more bub." Elvis whined but did take another bite.

**

He finally ate some veggies! Woo!

Another request down! If you have any more please let me know!

Happy reading!

[tinyshe]

Garden Report & Frugal Living 24.21.02

Yesterday I planted carrot seeds that Jen gave me. They are to be purple skinned and red core. I pulled lanky and bolted radishes so I could lay them gently under the protective leaves of the swiss chard. I then layed a light blanket of pear leaves over the top. I'm not sure this was a good choice: days of rain predicted; favored duff material of the little rototiller birds; damn neighbor's cat who have the whole wide world to shite in but are determined to use my grow boxes. I think every day/ everyother day I will send 5 minutes between rain storms either to plant a small row of things that won't drown/rot or some garden chore. I can't get in too much trouble in 5 minutes ...

The spearmint is freshly growing and ready for first harvest as is the horehound. I'm not sure the lemon balm survived this much wet. Fruit trees are still in need of pruning but too much rain. People don't want to hang out in a storm and trim trees especially up on an orchard ladder than is sinking precariously in the sog. The hens have had enough -- they hate the wind; they hate the rain; they hate being in their aviary; they hate their freeze dried mealworms; they hate the singing little birds with their lusty antics ... just grumpy old hens. They need some tea (yes, people make tea for their chickens ... google it). Personally, my biddy birdies would still complain because they just be that way.

Frugal tip is about buying bulk. Even people that are single can buy bulk and benefit from the savings. Go in with family and friends if you don't want the whole lot, then divie it up or get mason jars and use for storage to build your pantry. Dry Good Things like beans, rice and some grains have a long shelf life. If you go to grocer warehouse during their seasonal sales, you can manage some good buys (look at harvest dates/years on bags). Make sure you transfer info onto your storage containers. If you are using recycled/reused containers, make sure they are tight against moisture (a little insert of wax paper around the container's 'mouth'/opening may help fill the gap). Here's a link to grain storage that may be helpful https://commongrains.com/how-long-can-you-store-whole-grains-or-flours-a-reference-chart/

Encouraging everyone to think about growing your own food as well as thinking about building a pantry no matter what the size. Once you have thought about it, go out and do it! Its not a one size fits all -- make it yours and fit your life. If you need more ideas or encouragement, just go ahead and dm.

[lorei-writes]

Lost Letters

Masamune x MC Fluff Parts of this work include suggestive content. [To avoid suggestive content, skip the following months: May, January.] Word Estimate: 2k

Honourable Customers,

We are pleased to inform You all the lost letters were successfully delivered.

Your trustworthy messengers, Azuchi-Kasugayama Postal Service Crew

Content Warnings: war mention, injury mention, suggestive content, food mention, anxiety mention

To my beloved Masamune. It is March now, and the frost has begun its retreat from the air. You are not here, and I do not expect to send this letter… Yet I miss you so much the words seem to be writing themselves without much help. In this very moment, I wish I could ask how your day was. It is one of those rare instances where I miss modern technology – my helplessness is simply disarming me completely. I console myself with the thought that you will be back tonight. I missed seeing your face so bad. There are so many things I want to tell you, my heart is overflowing. I don’t think I should let any of them spill, yet I cannot hold all either. So, even if just on this paper, I must confess: I love you, Masamune. I love you so much it hurts. I could not focus on anything but your return the entire day. I cannot let you see this letter. You will never let me forget it. Although maybe... Maybe I should.

To my beloved Masamune.

It is March now, and the frost has begun its retreat from the air. You are not here, and I do not expect to send this letter… Yet I miss you so much the words seem to be writing themselves without much help.

In this very moment, I wish I could ask how your day was. It is one of those rare instances where I miss modern technology – my helplessness is simply disarming me completely. I console myself with the thought that you will be back tonight. I missed seeing your face so bad. There are so many things I want to tell you, my heart is overflowing.

I don’t think I should let any of them spill, yet I cannot hold all either. So, even if just on this paper, I must confess: I love you, Masamune. I love you so much it hurts. I could not focus on anything but your return the entire day.

I cannot let you see this letter. You will never let me forget it. Although maybe... Maybe I should.

~

To my courageous Masamune.

It is April now, and you came back all beaten and tattered. Your muscles tensed whenever I touched your skin. The disinfectant seeping into your cuts did not help either, I suppose… But you hugged me tight all the same, and did not let go for long. Your breath tickled my neck as you held your ear pressed against my pulse. I wonder, how bad was it this time? But do not get me wrong. I do not mind, I can stay in your arms for however long you desire.

This time, however, it was different. I cannot describe the feeling that I felt when you looked up at me and simply said you feel terrible and need rest. You… Appeared so vulnerable? And I know it never comes easy to you to be in this state.

I love you so much. Thanks for coming back yet once again. I am writing this as you sleep only a few meters away. Please, rest well – and thank you for trusting me yet once again.

~

To my flirtatious Masamune.

It is May now, and the weather has got quite warm already. However, my dear tiger, treat this as a note of complaint! Although… You will never see it, hopefully. You would see all the other ones then.

Never mind that! How dare you! You big, unruly, sneaky…!!! You know my knees get weak when you kiss me, and yet…! In the middle of the crowd, at that! Truly, my “knees were not a problem” as you put it after lifting me up, but my face surely was! I was red like a crab, Masamune!

How dare you uphold that air of coolness! If it were not for what you whispered… Curse that too, argh! Surely, nobody realised, and you always walk this fast, but… But it is the next morning, and I still am a mess after all the things you did to me the last night!

How dare you stay on my mind even now. Well, you did leave some marks, so surely, it is hard not to think of it, but… ! I want to lay in your arms a little longer, but alas. You had to start work early today of all days…

~

To my caring Masamune.

It is June now, and somehow, I managed to catch a cold. It is nothing much, really, but you insist I don’t leave bed today… Honestly, I feel a little guilty, but I am enjoying myself. You’re spoiling me quite a lot, my love, and I can hardly oppose it…

You brought some of your work here, so that you could watch over me while I napped. You checked my fever, brought me more covers when I was cold, even got Shogetsu to cuddle me up. When I woke up, you cooked me porridge, and I don’t know what rituals you did in the kitchen,  but it was beyond delicious. Or perhaps I’m getting better?

My eyelids are heavier and heavier… And you’re insisting I stop writing and cuddle with you now. You didn’t want to move to sleep in a separate bed either…  How could I refuse? I swear, tiger, some may say you hardly care, but whenever I see you acting like this, my heart beats faster.

~

To my curious Masamune.

It is July now, and this is both a letter of praise, and of complaint. For somebody who learns so fast, you surely never learnt not to get taken away by challenges. However, here end my complaints, as it… Surely is quite entertaining.

We are still running away from our own allies now. We have just settled for the night, and you are calling for me to come eat and sit with you by the fire. Have I ever told you you are the most beautiful when you are free and wild? No? Because your eye sparkles so gorgeously now.

You’ve made me appreciate so many new sides of life. I love sharing it with you, both the good and the bad. I don’t know what you’ve made, but let’s be honest, there are only starts above us and I couldn’t care any less about food right now.

Yes, yes, I’m coming, you impatient cat…

~

To my hardworking Masamune.

It is August now, and you are swarmed with work. I do not know how you manage to stay on top of it… But truly, you seem tired now. You set off early, and come back late, and it takes little before you fall asleep.

You… You cannot know it, but each night, you return my embrace quite strongly, even if deep slumber has already claimed you. You are adorable – your nose crinkles slightly whenever I kiss your forehead. I started telling you I love you, and you usually mumble back that you love me too… Then you generally get a little upset and nuzzle into my neck, and sometimes scoff about some pillows or radishes, whichever one it is this time around.

I must never reveal the fact that you talk in your sleep if you are tired enough. What if you forbid me from ever indulging in it ever again? I don’t think I could live without it anymore.

Signed,

Your Beautiful Futon

~

To my joyous Masamune.

It is September now! I want to go celebrate with you, so this letter will be brief:

Thank you for having been born, Masamune.

Please, live a long life. I want to love you plenty more. I need to love you plenty more. To hear you laugh, to see your smile… Your happiness is infectious, and I want for it to last for as long as it can.

~

To my resilient Masamune.

It is October now, and it came in sour, as if to balance the joy of the previous month. This battle was harsh. You emerged victorious, but at what price? So many were lost… Although I think you would care even for a single person just as much. War is a dreadful thing, to say the least. You know it better than I will ever be able to. That is why you protect me from it, is it not? I wish I could carry half your burden...

When you returned, you only latched onto my wrist. Your hands were cold, and you looked almost lost. Were you scared that I would be gone too? My love, my heart… You held yourself together bravely the entire time, but I am glad you let yourself unwind once in our quarters. I needed to feel that you were alive too.

I helped you wash, and you seemed to relax when I ran my fingers through your wet hair. Perhaps the bath was a good idea in the end. I hope no nightmares come your way today – but if any do, I will do my best to chase them all away. I know you would do great by yourself… But I love you, so please, do share some of your concerns.

~

To my grumpy Masamune.

It is November now, and oh my, I got to pay you back for how sweetly you cared for me when I was ill. It appears it was your time, my love. I did not expect you to resist so much! “Sleep in a different room”?! As if I would even consider that much! But… You were quite sweet once you caved in. If we were in the future, I would give you a good patient badge!

Kojuro came in later too. You were so adorable when he started telling stories from your childhood! Ah, and you were locked in bed, so for once, I got a chance to actually listen to them too! A shy little Masamune… I wish cameras were a thing in this time.

It was a good day, but please, do not fall ill much. I will always care for you, it is only that… As much as your pouts were a sight to behold, I love your content smile even more. I will have to make some of today up to you.

~

To my thoughtful Masamune.

It is December now, and you surprised me yet once again. I do know we celebrated Christmas together once, but I did not expect for you to hold onto the idea. This time, you organised everything by yourself, with your own twists to everything.

The party was great – the music, the food, the gifts, I loved every single moment of it. You dressed well too, and I swear, you look even more handsome in the more so festive clothes. It was just cool enough for me to shamelessly cuddle into your side as well… Did you plan that as well?

I must thank you for the gift tomorrow. You must have had ordered this fabric months in advance. It… It really feels amazing knowing that you truly listen to what I say. I love you, Masamune. Somehow, you have this way of making me feel loved even without using any words.

~

To my adventurous Masamune.

It is January now, and winters in this part of the country tend to grow rather harsh. The snow is thick, and it seemingly keeps on falling, and falling… I did not expect for you to suggest taking a trip, much less one to the hot springs.

I do not know what heated me up more – your kisses or the water. Good thing we retreated to our room fast, otherwise we could be thrown out of the estate. I am quite relaxed after we have made love… Perhaps my initial fear of you suggesting doing it in the snow was completely unfounded. Well, you would not force me to go forward with it anyway, but your drive for novelty is infectious at times.

You went out to get some food for us to share, and I am still lying in bed. The pillow smells of you, and the covers are pleasantly warm from our shared heat. I think you will want to slide right next to me once you are back, will you not? I know you do better with cold than the heat, but is it not too tempting? Ah, I think I can hear your steps… I wonder, what are those plans for tomorrow you have made.

~

To my calm Masamune.

It is February now. You seem to be at home plenty, and I welcome the change. We cook together nearly everyday, and I am enjoying it a lot. At first, those were more of classes than anything else, but now… We recreated some of the future dishes I told you about. Is that not amazing? You truly could be a chef in my original time.

However! Today I shall take my revenge! Just you wait and see, Masamune Date! I will pay you back for all those hugs from behind, and “sampled dishes”, and for all those “you seem to have a bit of the sauce over your lips”! I prepared something you did not expect yourself, and you have made me this devil!

I hope I can get this surprised face out of you. It should be tasty enough for that? I should carry it to you before it gets cold…

~

To my beloved Masamune.

It is March again, and I love you all the same.

Tag list: @datenoriko, @nad-zeta, @tsubaki3192, @missjudge-me, @ikemencrossedmyth, @nuttytani, @thesirenwashere, @milas-imaginarium, @kisara-16, @yukas-clover, @alerialumina , @cheese-ception , @iamryxx, @cottonfluffballofdoom, @ozziegrl71, @rikumorimachisgirl, @bestbryn, @kink-rabbithole  @ikesenfangirl @themysticalbeing If you want to be tagged under my future works, let me know (any way works)! ^^ Also, do remember to specify fandoms (and characters, if you are interested only in some) :D If it ever happens that you wish to be removed from my taglist, for any reason, do let me know. I will not ask why, it’s all fine ^^

[theeslytherinslut]

A Shit Tutor (4/?)

Pairings: Draco Malfoy x reader, Draco Malfoy x slytherin!reader 

Word Count: 1,581 

Warnings: language, none

A/N: sorry for the hiatus guys! Some of you guys now but I’m in college and nearing the end of the semester so the workload is getting more intense. And on top of that I’m working on writing an actual book lol. So a lot going on rn but I’ll try to work out a more regular posting schedule. Anyway, thanks for reading!!!

~Masterlist~

“Up! Up! Up!” your alarm clock chirped, excited to fulfill its role. 

“Alright,” you moaned into your pillow, turning onto your side. 

“Did you hear me? It’s time to get up!” it chirped once more. 

“I heard you! I’ll be up in a minute,” you whined, eyes still heavy with sleep. 

“The first to rise is always most wise!” it sang; your mother thought the clock was quite funny, especially knowing how grumpy you were in the mornings.  

“Fucking fine! I’m up! You obnoxiously cheerful sodding clock,” you grumped, rolling out of your bed. 

“Always such a pleasure,” the clock quipped back before the gears resembling eyes slid closed once more. 

“I was just about to wake you myself,” Jal said, poking her head around the corner, grinning at you as she braided her hair back. You merely grunted in response, attempting to rub the sleep from your eyes. “You always were a graceful riser.”

Shooting her a glare, she grinned and disappeared back into her section of the room. Yawning, you pulled a brush through your hair and clipped it up and out of your face, dawning your uniform for the day. Just as you were finished tying your tie, Jal called out to you. 

“C’mon, we’ve already missed breakfast. I’m not being late to McGonagall for you,” she warned. Realizing she was right, you cursed under your breath and slung your bag onto your shoulder, jogging after Jal. 

The morning had been hell, you’d forgotten your report for McGonagall in your dorms, and even though it was done, the witch had taken 5 points for not having with you. In Ancient Runes, you’d been half asleep when Professor Babbling called on you--you gave the wrong answer. Jal’s snickers all throughout were of no help to your mood, and by lunch, you were positively bitchy. 

“Sweet Salazar, someone’s got their knickers in a bunch this morning, haven’t they?” Jal said, looking amused at your grumpy face. 

“It would help if you weren’t so goddamn giggly. Old McGonagall takes 5 points, and it’s somehow funny to you,” you pouted, lowering your eyes at her as the two of you stepped into the Great Hall. As you walked past the Gryffindor table, you could’ve sworn you heard the gangly redhead say your name, but when you turned to throw daggers, the bushy-haired girl that was always with them quickly hushed him up so you couldn’t be sure. 

“If you weren’t the one getting points taken, you wouldn’t be so bitchy,” Jal sighed as you glared at the three. Harry looked up and started at the malice in your face, but the girl with them snapped her fingers and called his attention once more. 

“Yeah, well, it was me, wasn’t it?” you grumped as the two of you came to the Slytherin table; just as you were about to slide onto the bench, you heard your name. 

“Y/N!” a nearby voice called. Shocked, you looked to find a pale hand waving you up the table. Looking over at Jal, she wore the look you imagined was on your face as well and shrugged. 

“Go on,” she said after a moment, waving you on. 

“Y/N!” the voice called again. 

“Go!” she called again, waving her hands at you as she moved to sit. 

“Come with me!” you called, suddenly intensely nervous. 

“What?” she said, suddenly looking scared. 

“Come on!” you hissed, grasping her wrist tightly and dragging her along with you. She resisted for a minute, but as the two of you got closer, she recovered and walked with you. 

“Yes?” you said, stopping in front of Draco as he smirked at you. Turning around in his seat across from Draco, you felt Jal stiffen as Blaise’s eyes traveled along her figure. 

“Jaltrece, right?” he smirked, his voice like butter. Looking at him now, you could definitely see the appeal. His jaw was simply unforgiving and the muscles tensed as he looked at Jal; she seemed to have lost her voice. His dark eyes were alight with amusement at her awkwardness, and it was a moment before you could pull your eyes from him. As fair as Blaise was dark, sitting across from him was Draco, grinning at you in amusement as well. 

“Jal,” she choked out after an awkward pause. Clearing her throat, she spoke again. “It’s Jal.” 

“Jal,” he repeated, and you could have sworn you saw her knees tremble a bit. “Care to sit?” 

Words failing her, she nodded dumbly and slid into the spot next to him. Gesturing with his own arm, Draco beckoned you to the other side of the table. Walking around it, you smiled sheepishly and slid into the spot next to him. 

“Thought we might sit together. How’s your morning?” he asked as he buttered a biscuit. 

“Pretty shit, honestly. Forgot my Transfiguration report, so McGonagall took 5 points, then I gave the wrong answer in Ancient Runes, not to mention the bloody staircase changed on the way here, so I got lost for a bit,” you sighed. 

“I’ll never understand why they made the sodding staircases change--as if the castle wasn't confusing enough,” he agreed, shaking his head. “Father says it was Rowena Ravenclaw who insisted on it; I thought the Ravenclaws were supposed to be intelligent.” 

“Nothing says intelligence like unnecessarily enchanting the staircases in an utterly massive castle to get you lost,” you sighed, filling your plate. He laughed lightly, and you snuck a look at him as he did so; his true smiles were so rare. “Besides, have you seen that one Ravenclaw?” 

“Which one?” he asked, grinning. 

“The airhead; the one who wears bloody radishes for jewelry,” you laughed.

“The one who follows after Potter and his followers like a bloody puppy dog? Loony?” he asked, looking annoyed as he spoke of Harry. 

“Loony?” you laughed.

“You haven’t heard her nickname? I thought everyone had,” he laughed back, lifting his goblet to his lips. 

“Evidently not. Nobody tells me anything--that’s incredible, Loony, ha!” you laughed again. Draco smiled at you and seemed to study your face. Feeling slightly uncomfortable at his intense attention, you let your Y/C/H hair curtain over your face. 

“So, were you planning on a Hogsmeade trip this weekend? It’s the first of the year,” he asked conversationally. 

“Probably. Jal here is a sugar addict; she never misses a Honeydukes trip,” you teased. She scowled darkly at you. 

“Blaise keeps a stash of pepper imps underneath his bed; he isn’t the only sugar addict,” Draco said, grinning as well at his friend. 

“Careful, Malfoy. I think what you keep hidden under your bed is a bit more interesting,” Blaise said darkly. Obviously, your interest was piqued. Looking at Draco, you found his features paler than normal and started a bit at the intensity in his glare. Nobody glared like a Malfoy glared. 

“Touche, Zabini,” he muttered darkly, his smugness leaking back into his face as he noticed you watching. “Fancy a partner?” 

“Sorry?” you asked, almost choking on your chip. 

“To Hogsmeade? How would you fancy accompanying me?” Draco asked, turning on his charm as he smirked at you. Dazed, you felt your heart rate pick up in your chest. 

“Er, yeah. Yes, I, uh, I suppose that would be alright,” you said, trying to sound appeasingly nonchalant. Looking up, you saw Jal smirking and knew you failed. 

“Excellent, I’ll meet you in the courtyard after breakfast on Saturday?” he smiled. 

“It’s a date,” you smiled back, but then your insides turned ice cold. “Shit, er, didn’t mean it like that. Was just trying to be funny.” 

Your face was positively burning hot; it seemed it had leeched all of the blood from your body. Cursing yourself internally, you bit the inside of your cheek and hoped to Godric he’d let it go.

“It’s a date,” he repeated and delivered a swift kiss to your cheek. Shocked, you actually choked on the chip headed down your throat this time. Coughing violently, you were all too aware of the eyes now watching you. Despite all your coughing, your body couldn’t seem to dislodge the piece of food, and breathing was impossible; though, if you were to die right there, you didn’t think you'd mind too much. I mean, here you were actually choking to death because Draco Malfoy had asked you on a date and gave your cheek a kiss. 

“Apapneo,” you heard suddenly. Surprised, but cherishing the air now flowing to your lungs, you gave a grateful smile to your savior. 

“Try to chew next time, yes?” 

To your utter annoyance, Snape was the one who happened to be passing by to get to the staff table at the time of your choking. 

“Right, thank you, Professor,” you forced through grit teeth. Without another word, Snape began making his way up once more. 

“You are the only Slytherin I’ve ever met that Snape actively dislikes,” Blaise said after a moment. 

“You’re telling me!” you sighed exasperatedly. “All because I’m not too good at Potions,” 

The three of them gave you a look, and you rolled your eyes. 

“Alright, alright. I’m rubbish, I know, thank you,” you said, offering them your favorite finger. And because why wouldn’t you be, you were caught. 

“Ms. Y/L/N!” you heard. Closing your eyes, you let out a deep breath; it was simply not your day. “Another 5 from Slytherin,” McGonagall quipped. 

“I am on a roll today,” you sighed. If you didn’t start finding humor in the events of the day, someone was going to be dead by sunrise. 

[janeykath318]

The Gardener Next Door

Darcy felt like she’d finally made it: finished her PhD and found a great job that allowed her to upgrade from her tiny apartment to her very own house in the suburbs. It needed a little work, but it had charm and personality and Darcy took several months making it her own. The neighborhood she lives in was mostly elderly people or young newlywed couples and the people were generally very friendly. Sweet Mrs. Messer brought her over baked goods regularly and shared the local gossip while Old Mrs. Richards brought her puppy over for regular visits. Before she’d lived there six months, she knew almost everyone on the block except for her next door neighbor on the left, who didn’t appear to be the sociable type.

Even Mrs. Messer hadn’t been able to find out much information, other than his name was something Grant and he liked to garden and preferred to be left alone.

“He must be one of those grumpy old hermit types,” Mrs. Messer sighed. “Never answered the door when I went to bring him a welcome to the neighborhood pie. I wonder what happened to the poor man to make him so wary of people.”

“I don’t know, but maybe you could try leaving some on his front porch with a friendly note. Once he’s discovered the glory of your chocolate chip cookies, he might just loosen up a little.” Darcy suggested.

This cheered up Mrs. Messer and she scurried off to start baking.

Mysterious Neighbor Dude clearly preferred a motorcycle as his form of transportation, but he always pulled right into the garage, so she was never able to get a glimpse of him without his helmet.

As spring went on, Darcy started spending more time outside in her cozy lounge chair, from which she started noticing her neighbor working outdoors. Even from the distance she could see by the way he moved, he was still in the prime of life and he appeared to be a workout fiend, judging by the size of his shoulders and arms.

He wore a big floppy straw hat that kept the sun off, which was probably a good thing because he was working in his garden almost nonstop on sunny days. It was kind of fascinating watching the progression from bare dirt to tiny plants. So far, their only interaction was a friendly wave when he caught her staring and Darcy was dying for more, but he’d never approached her and she didn’t want to invade his privacy.

But then she came home one day to find a big basket of lettuce and radishes on her front porch.

There was a note with them:

“Sharing some lettuce with you. It makes delicious salads. Have a nice day!”

The note was not signed and Darcy squinted at it for quite awhile like it would suddenly start talking and reveal its author, but alas, no such luck.

The lettuce did make excellent salads and she thought about her hunky neighbor with every bite.

Mrs. Messer came over very excitedly to report that the cookies had been taken and she too had been given a basket of lettuce.

“Looks like you were right, Darcy. The man just needed a little kindness. I wonder if he likes lemon bars…..”

As the weeks went by, the gifts of veggies continued, varying as different things came into season. Peppers, carrots, tomatoes, and green beans all arrived steadily and were either quickly eaten or given to Darcy’s vegetarian co-worker.

Darcy started replying to his notes on the fifth basket and soon they had a funny banter going back and forth, filled with vegetable puns.

“Lettuce be friends?” She wrote on the note left in the empty basket which had previously held plump red tomatoes and would be supplying her with BLTs for a long time.

“Yes, peas!” he’d replied on the next basket, which did contain the mentioned vegetable.

“Why are you so cute and unreachable?” Darcy murmured to herself, stashing the note away with a smile.

She laid out sunbathing in her favorite bathing suit the next day and since there was no fence between their backyards, the hot neighbor dude got a nice view. This time it was Darcy who caught him staring and waved happily, pretty sure he was blushing. Ugh. He was just too adorable. She wanted to March over there and plant one on him, pun slightly intended. He briefly took off his hat to wipe sweat off of his face and she caught a glimpse of dark hair and beard. Dang it, that was a GOOD look!!

The notes and vegetable puns continued, but now they were accompanied by cute sketches of cartoon vegetables representing the various neighbors. Darcy absolutely loved it and it proved her suspicions that the so-called hermit was much more observant than he seemed.

“So you’re an artist as well as a champion gardener? Is there anything you can’t do?” She wrote on the next note.

“Plenty,” he replied back. “I sure can’t bake and I can’t seem to be able to remember how to speak when my pretty neighbor is around.”

Darcy was floored, but thrilled, and wrote and rewrote seven replies before she finally figured out how to word her response.

“Here I was thinking you didn’t want to talk to me. Guess we’re both disasters at communicating.”

The response to this rang Darcy’s doorbell the very next evening and she opened it to see her neighbor, up close and personal, looking all kinds of shy and adorable and holding out a bouquet of gorgeous flowers that she knew came from his yard.

“Aww, how sweet!” She exclaimed, accepting the flowers eagerly. “They’re beautiful. Nice to finally meet you……….”

Her voice trailed off as she recognized the gorgeous and famous face in front of her.

“Steve,” he finished quietly, almost apologetically. “I’m sorry for the secrecy. I’ve been hiding out living the retired life and trying my hand at new hobbies.”

He looked even more nervous now, probably thinking she was going to either throw him out or go yelling to the neighbors.

“Please, come in,” she told him, heart pounding. “I’m Darcy Lewis, astrophysicist and former Avengers wrangler. I did NOT recognize you from across the yard with the dye job. It’s a good look, though. Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

“Thanks,” Steve sighed, relaxing a touch. “I think I remember seeing you yelling at Tony a few times. It was pretty neat, the way you made him cower.”

“I learned early on, Tony needed a firm hand or he would never eat or sleep and bad things happened,” Darcy recalled, with a pang of sadness. “You guys saved the world,” she added. “I think you’ve more than earned your privacy and a peaceful retirement.”

Steve cracked a crooked smile. “That’s very gracious of you. Some days, it’s a pretty big struggle for me to believe that, thinking about everyone we lost. Gardening’s been keeping me sane.”

“And you’re doing a fabulous job with it. I’ve never had such perfect tomatoes,” Darcy told him with a smile.

“I was pretty proud of them,” Steve admitted, then he grew serious again and looked at her very earnestly with those gorgeous blue eyes.

“Darcy, do you still want to…”

“Yes,” Darcy interrupted. “Heck yes. I like you, Steve. I didn’t really know you apart from Captain America before and I’m finding regular Steve to be more irresistible than Mrs. Messer’s lemon bars.”

Steve chuckled and started to turn pink, which was even cuter seen close up.

“Given how amazing those are, that’s high praise,” he remarked, with a twinkle in his eye. “Looks like I’ve got a lot of missed opportunities to make up for.”

They shared another long look and Steve moved into her personal space with intent-to-kiss written all over his face.

Darcy was very much down for that and nodded eagerly, wrapping her arms around him. The pent up feelings resulted in a pretty intense kiss, which left her weak in the knees and practically hanging onto Steve for dear life.

“Well that was worth it,” she whispered, when she’d caught her breath. “I’m so glad you didn’t actually go to the moon. There’s been rumors.”

Steve full on laughed at that, a joyous sight which she’d never witnessed before, but was very glad to finally see. His eyes crinkled, his face lit up and he looked so adorably cute, her heart turned into a puddle of goo.

“Don’t know where they came up with that one,” he remarked, shaking his head in amusement. “But I have no intentions of going to the moon. I’d rather stay here with you.”

“Good, because I need some more of those green beans, ASAP,” Darcy replied mischievously, barely refraining from making an eggplant joke. She didn’t want to be TOO forward.

“How about you come over and I can give you the grand tour?” Steve suggested.

“Yes, peas.” She responded, making him laugh again.

Before long, the neighbors were gossiping again, this time over the shocking sight of “Mr. Grant” making out with Dr. Lewis right in his backyard.

“I knew it!” Old Mrs. Richards chuckled, petting her dog gleefully.

“I’ll volunteer to make their wedding cake!” Exclaimed Mrs. Messer.

[killerandhealerqueen]

Morning! Pls pls may I beg a 3 from the grumpy affectionate list for a MDZS pair of your choice? Ty 💖

Hi!  I’m so sorry this took me this long to write!  I really hope you enjoy it!

#3. “You’re so annoying. Oh my God– I love you so much.”

It was a quiet morning as Lan Sizhui played with the rabbits, feeding them bits of carrots and radishes before he brushed their fur with his fingers, marveling at how soft their fur was.  As he was playing with them, he didn’t hear Lan Jingyi sneaking up behind him.  Lan Jingyi then grabbed Lan Sizhui by the shoulders and gently shook him.

“Yah!” he exclaimed, causing Lan Sizhui to let out a scream and nearly drop the rabbit that was in his hand.  He then spun around to see Lan Jingyi smiling at him, causing him to let out a groan and roll his eyes.

“Jingyi!  You could have made me drop the rabbit!” he exclaimed.  Lan Jingyi chuckled before he huffed and crossed his arms.

“What are you doing here anyways?  Isn’t feeding and looking after the rabbits usually punishment?” he asked.  Lan Sizhui looked up at him and shrugged.

“Yes, but sometimes I just like to come here and play with them.  They’re really relaxing.  And super cute” he replied.  Lan Jingyi huffed and shook his head.

“You’re so weird” he murmured as he sat down next to Lan Sizhui, picking up one of the rabbits and placing it in his lap.  He then began petting the bunny, just like Lan Sizhui had taught him the first time he had brought him to Lan Wangji’s secret area where Wei Wuxian had first brought the bunnies.  

“See?  Isn’t this relaxing?” Lan Sizhui asked, looking over at him.  Lan Jingyi looked back at him and shrugged.

“It’s okay, I guess.  Sizhui, I meant to ask, why do you like rabbits so much?” he asked.  Lan Sizhui was quiet before he shrugged.

“I don’t know…I know that Father likes them…like, really likes them.  And they seem to like him too, since they flock to him whenever he comes to visit” he replied, just as a lone black rabbit hopped over to them.

“A black rabbit?  I’ve never seen a black rabbit before” Lan Jingyi stated.  Lan Sizhui shook his head.

“I don’t know where he came from, but he kind of reminds me of Mother, you know, always sticking out like a sore thumb in his black robes in the sea of white that’s Cloud Recess” he murmured before he put down the white bunny that he was holding and held out his hand to the black rabbit.

“It’s okay little one, I’m not going to hurt you” he whispered.  The black rabbit twitched its ear at him before it slowly hopped over to him and sniffed at Lan Sizhui’s fingers before it suddenly nipped it, causing it to bleed.

“Ow!” he exclaimed, pulling his hand away to look down at his bleeding finger.

“Sizhui!  Are you okay?” Lan Jingyi exclaimed, looking up from petting his rabbit.  Lan Sizhui looked back at him and smiled, nodding.

“I’m fine.  The bunny just nipped me” he replied, quickly healing his finger before he looked back at the black rabbit.

“You’re a naughty one, aren’t you?  Just like Mother” he teased.  The black rabbit scrunched its nose at him before it hopped over to him and stood up on its back feet, its little cute front feet resting on Lan Sizhui’s knee.

“Oh, are you apologizing to me now?” Lan Sizhui asked, smiling softly.  The rabbit scrunched its nose at him again before it lowered back down onto the ground and scratched its ear.  

“You’re so cute” Lan Sizhui murmured before he held his hand out to the rabbit again.

“Sizhui, are you sure that’s a good idea?  It might bite you again” Lan Jingyi stated.  Lan Sizhui looked back at him and smiled.

“It might.  But then again, it might not” he replied before he looked back at the rabbit.

“You’re not going to bite me again, are you?” he asked softly.  The black rabbit just twitched its nose before it hopped over to Lan Sizhui and sniffed at his hand again, this time licking his fingers.

“Aw, thank you” he thanked before he looked up at Lan Jingyi, who was looking at him with wide eyes.

“See?  I told you it wouldn’t bite me” he declared before he reached out and picked up the rabbit carefully, placing it in his lap before he began to pet it.  Meanwhile, Lan Jingyi continued to stare at him with wide eyes.

‘My boyfriend’s a rabbit whisperer…oh my God’ he thought to himself before he looked at Lan Sizhui, who was smiling and playing with the rabbit, and shook his head.

“You’re so weird…oh my God I love you” he whispered.  Lan Sizhui lifted his head, as did the rabbit, and both turned to look at him, making Lan Jingyi gulp.

“What did you say, Jingyi?” Lan Sizhui asked.  Lan Jingyi gulped again before he looked into Lan Sizhui’s eyes.

“I said you’re so weird, you know, being able to talk to rabbits like how you do” he explained.  Lan Sizhui blinked at him before his face turned sad and he looked back down at the rabbit.

“Oh” he murmured.  Lan Jingyi’s eyes widened and he quickly shook his head, trying to fix his fuck up.

“No, but it’s because you’re so weird that I love you.  I love that you’re weird, Sizhui.  Seriously” he explained.  Lan Sizhui looked up at him and frowned.

“Really?” he asked.  Lan Jingyi nodded.

“Yeah.  I love that you’re weird.  It makes you, well…you” he explained.  Lan Sizhui was quiet before he blushed slightly.

“Oh…thank you” he murmured, just as the black rabbit hopped off of Lan Sizhui’s lap and hopped over to Lan Jingyi, standing up on its back paws while placing its front paws on Lan Jingyi’s knees.

“Hello there” Lan Jingyi greeted, reaching out to pet the rabbit when the rabbit suddenly nipped him, causing his eyes to widen.

“Ow!  What the fuck!” he exclaimed as he clutched at his hand.  Lan Sizhui laughed as he stood up and walked over to him, causing the black rabbit to scurry off.

“I guess he was scolding you for calling me weird” he teased.  Lan Jingyi huffed.

“That rabbit really is naughty…maybe it’s Senior Wei in disguise” he mused.  Lan Sizhui shook his head.

“Mother’s powerful, but I don’t think he’s that powerful.  But wouldn’t that be funny?” he agreed, just as Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian appeared at the top of the clearing.

“Sizhui, Jingyi.  It’s time for dinner” Lan Wangji called out.  Both Lan Jingyi and Lan Sizhui turned to look up at them, both nodding.

“Coming Hanguang-Jun” they called back, both of them placing their rabbits down on the ground before they grabbed their swords and rushed towards Lan Wangji and Wei Wuxian, who was patiently waiting for them.  Once both juniors had reached him, they all turned and headed back to Cloud Recesses.  On their way back, Wei Wuxian slowed his steps so that he was walking next to Lan Jingyi, who glanced over at him and gulped.

“Yes, Senior Wei?” he asked.  Wei Wuxian smiled before he looked over at Lan Sizhui and motioned towards Lan Wangji.

“Can I have a moment with Jingyi?” he asked.  Lan Sizhui nodded and quickened his pace, leaving Lan Jingyi and Wei Wuxian a few steps behind himself and Lan Wangji.

“So…you love A-Yuan hmm?” Wei Wuxian asked, placing his hands behind his back.  Lan Jingyi’s eyes widened and he looked up at him in shock.

“How did you—” he started before he gasped.

“You were the naughty black rabbit!” he exclaimed.  Wei Wuxian chuckled.

“Guilty.  But seriously, if you want to confess to him, maybe choose a different word than “weird” next time, hmm?” he suggested before he began to quicken his pace to head back to Lan Wangji’s side.

“Senior Wei, wait!” Lan Jingyi exclaimed, causing Wei Wuxian to stop and glance back at him.

“Hmm?” he replied.

“Can Hanguang-Jun—” Lan Jingyi started.  Wei Wuxian just smiled and winked before he headed over to walk on the other side of Lan Sizhui, father and son soon talking animatedly, Hanguang-Jun saying a few words every now and then.

“Holy shit…” Lan Jingyi whispered to himself before he shook his head and rushed after the Lan-Wei family, still shocked by the events that Wei Wuxian just heard him confess to his son and that Wei Wuxian (as well as Lan Wangji) could shapeshift into rabbits.  Holy shit.

[ship-trek]

Welcome! A little bit about myself, my f/os, and my dni below! I’m also happy to do short requests, and the rules for that are below too.

Also, if my anons/asks/dms are ever off, don't hesitate to let me know! It's probably on accident.

(Shameless self promo here)

I also have a Carrd! It's very ugly but has a more detailed f/o list as well as some information on my s/is.

If I’ve reblogged something from you and used the wrong pronouns, please let me know and I’ll correct it. I am comically bad with names and pronouns - it’s not an act of malice, it’s an act of dumbassery, I promise.

Right now, both the carrd and this list are out of date. Expect a revamp soon eventually

About me:

I’m going by Kestrel right now, but that’s a pseudonym (both for privacy’s sake and for Gender reasons) so that may change. I’m over 18 but under 21, nonbinary (???), and I use they/them pronouns. You can call me Kes as a nickname if you’d like.

All interaction comes from my main blog.

Although I've been self shipping for a long time, I’m very new to the self shipping community, so I’d love to make some friends! I don’t know how active I’ll be, though, on account of very low spoons and a busy schedule.

I am incredibly forgetful and wildly inconsistent on tagging, though I do try to tag consistently for major triggers. If I’ve missed something or you need something specific tagged, let me know! No trigger is too weird to tag for.

I do sometimes go on anon, with and without linking this blog, but I never send hate.

My f/os, interests, and tags:

My romantic f/o is Kira Nerys (Star Trek: Deep Space 9), tag tbd.

(I have only seen season one so far so no spoilers please, and for anyone who isn’t familiar with Star Trek, she’s a Bajoran (alien species) and follows their naming conventions. Kira is her family name, Nerys is her given name. Her formal title is Major Kira, but I usually call her Nerys.)

My platonic f/os are:

Callie (Nothing Special), tag tbd,

Declan (Nothing Special), tag tbd,

Radish (Nothing Special), tag is "you're my favorite salad",

Fred, Daphne, Velma, Shaggy and Scooby (Scooby Doo), tag is “if it weren’t for you meddling kids”,

Spock (Star Trek: The Original Series), tag is “thrah t’nash-veh eh thrah t’du”,

Uhura (Star Trek: The Original Series), tag tbd,

Worf (Star Trek: The Next Generation), tag tbd, 

Tasha Yar (Star Trek: The Next Generation), tag is "my space sister in arms",

and Julian Bashir (Star Trek: Deep Space 9), tag tbd,

though sometimes the other characters from those shows make appearances.

(Side note about Tasha: yes, I know what happened to her in canon. Some of my interactions with her choose to acknowledge this and some of them do not. This is a massive continuity error and I am okay with that. The tag for posts that ignore canon is "canon: i pretend i do not see it" and the tag for posts that are canon compliant is tbd.)

My familial f/o is Bones (Star Trek: The Original Series), tag is "my grumpy space dad".

If you can’t tell, I’m into Star Trek! I’m also into Minecraft, Scooby-doo, and Dungeons and Dragons, and I’m getting into Legend of Zelda and a3!. I’m also into a lot of webcomics!

I should be totally fine sharing both romantic and platonic f/os, but I do get a little jealous sometimes (I'm working on it), so I ask that people with Nerys as a romantic f/o don't gush about her directly to me. I also may take a little longer to respond to asks/messages/etc about Spock, though you can still send them! But regardless of what f/os we do or don't share, you're welcome to interact.

I also block all Spamton-related tags. You’re welcome to follow if you ship with him but if I don’t interact with your Spamton-related posts, that’s why! It’s nothing personal, I promise.

Tags are a work in progress, and until I figure them out everything will be tagged as “[character] tag tbd”

Other tags of note: 

“kes cries” - vent posts

“kestrel go to bed challenge” - posts that seem like a good idea at 2:30 am

“kes speaks” - exactly what it sounds like

“kes goes on anon” - reblogs of anonymous asks I sent

“kestrel’s sideblog struggles” - things that should be a reply, but this is a sideblog so I have to reblog them instead

Do Not Interact:

If you are racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, a nazi, alt-right, pedophile etc.

If you’re a terf, swerf, acephobe, biphobe, panphobe, or exclusionist, or you don’t think non-binary people exist

If you are a NSFW-focused account or do not tag your nsfw.

If you’re a sfw kink-based blog (e.g. agere as a coping mechanism is welcome, agere as kink is not, even if both blogs are sfw)

If you’re just here to spread hate or start discourse (it isn’t going to work)

If you age down s/i characters or age up minor characters to ship yourself romantically with them

Just generally think about who you’re speaking to and use common sense.

If you ship something I don’t want to be exposed to, I’m going to block you. This is nothing personal, I’m just looking out for my mental health. If you don’t want to see the content I’m creating, I invite you to do the same.

Requests:

Thanks for making it this far! (Or maybe you just scrolled all the way down to the end and didn’t read any of it. Either way, I’m glad you’re here!)

I make no guarantees of quality or timelines, but I’m happy to write short letters or imagines (think a paragraph or two, unless I get really inspired) for you and your f/os!

Rules:

One ask at a time, please. Wait for me to get to yours before asking for another one.

Be patient! Having the spoons to research and write for a new character is a rarity for me. These may take a long time. You have been warned.

I will write for villains, but I won’t write things that condone their morally wrong actions.

I will not write anything NSFW.

I won't write romantic letters for Spock or Nerys (sorry!)

I reserve the right to refuse any request for any reason. Hopefully this never comes up.

What to send in your ask:

Please specify the character and the source material, and be as specific as you can. If you have any headcanons about them, please add those too. Any information that helps me get to know your f/o better will help my writing to be more in character!

Please include whether this is a romantic, familial, or platonic f/o!

Please specify whether you want an imagine or a letter. If you want an imagine, a prompt would be great. If you want a letter, I’d appreciate some notes on the tone you want the letter to be in.

If you send the ask anonymously and want me to @ your self shipping blog, let me know and include the blog!

As I said, I make no promises of quality or timeliness. Remember, your f/os love you very much!

[aflower-exe]

[ a/n: as requested by @9596bij @incoherent-piece-of-trash @radish-fern @ladiesalute and more, here is pt. 2 of Wish You were Gay. Enjoy! -for new readers pt. 1 can be found here- ]

[ 4:27 pm ] Five months. You stood by his side, putting back together the pieces she broke, every time. For five months you wiped away countless tears. It took five long months for you to realize it was time. Time to stop wiping away his tears and instead wipe your own. Time to put yourself back together. Most importantly, it was time to stop loving someone who didn’t love you back. You were over him. No. That was a lie. But it was a lie you had to believe, if not for Jimin’s sake, for your own. “____?” You looked up at the smiling face in front of you. He was holding a french fry and looking at you with curious eyes. “You went away for a second there” Jooheon chuckled, shoving the fry into his mouth. “Yeah, sorry” You mumble, shaking the thoughts of him out of your head. “What did it say?” Jooheon asks “What did what say?” “You got a message and then started staring out the window like you’d seen a ghost.” Ah,right. You glanced down at your phone. You held it in your hands so tightly your knuckles were damn near white. “She’s pregnant. It’s not mine. We broke up for good. Can you come over i need your cuddles. ____ please i really need my best friend right now” Jimin had texted you sporadically. You swallowed hard, pushing down all the emotions that were clawing to get out. “Well... are you just gonna leave me hanging in suspense?” You looked back up at Jooheon, you’d forgot he was sitting in front of you. “It’s nothing” You stutter. You quickly reply ‘Be there soon’ to Jimin then set your phone down on the table. “You sure?” He asked. Jooheon cared for you the way you did Jimin and you loved him for that. It was nice being the one that was loved for once. “You know you can tell me anything right, after all that’s what best friends are for” Jooheon says, his brows furrowed with worry. God how you were growing to hate those words. “I’m sure,” You whisper. You can tell by the concern in his eyes that he doesn’t believe you, but thankfully he doesnt push “but i need to go” Jooheon nods and motions for the waitress “Check please”

[ 6:19 pm ] You felt Jooheon’s body shake as he laughed himself to tears at the silly movie he had picked for you two to watch. You look up at him and smile. “You’re cute when you laugh” you whisper, causing his face to fade to red. The moment is interrupted by the ding of your phone. You break eye contact with Jooheon and lean over to check the message. When you see Jimin’s name on the screen your heart swells. “Is it bad that i miss her?” the message reads. The excitement that had been building up in you heart deflates like a balloon. After all this, how could he still want her? You flip your phone over and refuse to respond to the text. Shortly after, Jimin calls you, you look to see your screen showing a picture the two of you had taken ages ago. You ignore the longing to hear his voice and decline the call. Now upset, you rest your head on Jooheon’s shoulder. He tenses at first, shocked by the sudden contact. He turns to look at you, and you look up at him, and before you know it your lips are colliding to form a soft cherry flavored kiss. A single tear rolls down your cheek, it’s salty flavor blending with his sweet one.

[ 1:30 pm ] It had been a particularly boring Saturday when he called. So boring that you actually humored answering. So boring that you actually did answer. “Hey” he says. “Hey” you respond. “I didn’t expect you to pick up” Your heart swells at the sound of his soft voice “I didn’t expect me to either” the line goes silent. “Did I… do something wrong?” Jimin asks, “No. I’ve just been” Tired. Heartbroken. Lonely. “busy.” “Oh. Well are you busy tonight?” “No why?” “I was thinking. You. Me. Dinner at the sushi place doen the street from your apartment. You down?” “Yeah” “Good. I’ve missed you” “See you then Chim” “7 pm?” He said “7pm” you confirm, a small smile forming on your face.

[ 7:45 pm] You ate alone at 7. He was “6 minutes away”.

[ 10:38 pm ] You and Jooheon had been preparing for bed after going out with his friends when he called. You were furious. How could he stand you up one day and then call as if nothing happened the next? “What do you want” You hiss, your words dripping with venom. “Let me explain. I know I’m a dick for not showing up—” “Not only did you not show up, you had the nerve to not call and explain where you were!” “Yes i know and i’m so fucking sorry but Yujin had a miscarriage and she wanted me to be with her” “I should’ve known. You two aren’t even together and she’s still ruining our relationship” “____ you’re being irrational” “Don’t you dare tell me I’m irrational. Jimin, i loved you. But she has you wrapped around her finger” “Had. She had me. It’s not like this means I’m back with her. I was actually planning on telling you— wait you loved me?” “Yes. Loved,” You state, emphasizing the d. “But i guess that doesn’t matter anymore” “How am I suppose to make you feel okay if all you do is push me away” Jimin asked. He sounded legitimately upset. You shake off the pity and ignore the sympathy you felt. “You can’t make it okay...” You sigh. Before he has a chance to respond, you hang up. It seems like all your interactions with Jimin left you with such a heavy heart these days. Part of you wants him out of your life completely, the other part wants to go back to the days where you two were carefree best friends who would laugh and cry with each other. “Was that... you’re ex?” Jooheon asked, snapping you from your thoughts “No” If only we ever got that far, you thought “Should i be worried about him?” he questions, an eyebrow raised “No” He could never love me the way i want him to “Should i be worried about... you?” You blink your eyes in surprise. No one had ever payed as much attention to your feelings as Jooheon did. He cared for you more than you did yourself and his love was honestly what kept you going. “Maybe” You say, tears now streaming down your face. Jooheon pulls you into him and let’s you cry yourself to sleep in his arms.

[ 3:25 am ] It was three in the morning when he first texted you; “Please talk to me”. It was three o’five when he texted you “____ please i don’t know what to do without you.” These were easy to ignore. You had gotten used to ignoring Jimin’s pitiful pleas. It wasn’t until he texted you “I’m outside your apartment I’m not leaving until I see you” that you responded, “go away”. The message was shown as read mere seconds after you hit send “come say it to my face” Jimin responds. You slowly move Jooheon’s arms from around you and crawl out of bed. You slide on some slippers and head out to the front of your building. Jimin was standing just outside the door with a few half-dead roses and a tired look on his face. When he sees you he smiles slightly. He offers you the flowers but you cross your arms, a stern look forming on your face. You two stand like this for a while, him basking in your presence you sulking in his. “... I love you” He says finally. “ I know” You reply. You feel your throat close and your eyes burn but you blink away the tears and take a deep breath. “I’m seeing someone now” you say. You were scared to tell him about Jooheon in case he ever did reciprocate your feelings. But now that he did... “I know” Jimin says. “So I guess there’s no chance you’d leave—” You shot daggers at Jimin. Who did he think he was to suggest you leave your boyfriend?? Jimin chuckles darkly and runs his free hand through his hair, “I never stood a chance did i?” He asks, his voice wavering. “That’s the sad part; You did once.” You whisper, voice growing hoarse from the cold air and the tears. Jimin nods slowly, then turns around and walks away, flowers still in hand. You pull yourself together and walk back in to your apartment. Jooheon was sitting up in bed waiting for you. His grumpy, half asleep face softens at the sight of your puffy red-eyed one. No words are shared between the two of you as you climb back into bed and hold Jooheon like you hadn’t seen him in years. “I love you” you finally say. “I love you too” he whispers back, into your hair. After everything you’d been through you couldn’t help but think of how good it felt to finally hear someone say it back.

[a/n: i swear i wanted to make it fluffy but after listening to the song again I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I hope you enjoy nonetheless! ALSO HOLY SHIT THANKS FOR 100 FOLLOWERS ❤️]

[joyfulpoet]

Handsome Brothers’ Daycare

Part 4

Modern AU crossover where Lan Wangji collects all his queer brothers to help him run a daycare.

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

At the first high pitch scream Xie Lian’s brain went into red alert and before he knew it he’d vaulted over the counter into the welcome area of the daycare. Only then did he realize that the scream was actually high pitch laughter as a two year old was being mercilessly tickled by a long haired man in an overly large black knit sweater. The man stopped his attack on the child with eyes wide in surprise. Brother Lan had even leaned forward over the counter to look at him with slightly raised brows.

“Flower Crown Martial Prince?” The man asked in a confused tone. “Ah! It is you! What are you doing here in the city?”

Taken aback, Xie Lian stood up from the crouch he’d landed in and scrutinized the man’s face. He was in his late 20’s, if 30. Tired, probably overworked judging by the bags under his eyes, but still very cute with messy bangs framing his face. There was what looked like smudged black eyeliner at the corner of his eyes. Xie suddenly remembered a far less tired version of this face with heavy stage makeup, a devilish smile, swirling black and crimson robes and the sound of an eerie pipe flute being played.

“Ah! Yiling Patriarch!” Xie Lian exclaimed. “Wei Wuxian! What poor woman did you trick into having a child with you?”

Wei Wuxian gasped in mock outrage. “How dare you Xie Lian! This is my nephew! The one Brother Lan stole is mine!”

Looking over at Brother Lan, who seemed to have turned to stone, he saw that the man was indeed holding a sleeping three year old. Which was surprising. The children at the daycare were sadly very intimidated by Brother Lan and had a hard time just asking him for a cup of water. Not wanting to make things uncomfortable for the children he usually spent most of his time either in his office or in the back garden. Xie Lian had to admit that Brother Lan gently cradling a sleeping child to his shoulder was rather heart warming.

Turning back to Wei Wuxian “So now you’re stealing children Wu-Er? You and I both know you were too busy getting drunk back stage to be having any affairs four years ago.”

“Tch, that mouth on you Li-Er! No one expects it with that babyface of yours. I adopted A-Yuan fair and square. And just what is a vagabond like you doing here? I thought you enjoyed the life of a leaf in the wind?”

Xie couldn’t help chuckling at the description of him being a leaf. It did describe his life will up until almost two years ago when he decided to stay to help Lan Wangji open his daycare.

“This leaf got caught by a bunch of small children. Thankfully they were merciful and said they would not crush me if I danced a silly dance for them.”

“Haha! that does sound like something that would happen to you Li-Er.” The man grinned widely as he wrangled the small child in his arms who clearly wish to escape.

“NO TICKLE!” The boy rather pitifully whined.

“Aaaah, but A-Ling I thought you wanted me too? It’s so hard to tell what you want when you never tell me.” Standing up Wei Wuxian held the little A-Ling as he squirmed about but the man did not tickle him again. After a moment of not being tickled the child settled, clutching a rather cute dog plushie to his face as he pouted with teary eyes.

“Uncle Ying mean.”

Wei Wuxian looked over a Xie Lian also making a sad face “Tch, So ungrateful this little one. I do so much for him and my Shijie and here he is telling me I’m a mean uncle because I tickled him a little bit. He’s the mean one.”

“Pfft!” Xie couldn’t help but laugh at Wei Wuxian’s antics. He hadn’t changed a bit since he’d last saw him almost three years ago, when they had both still been performing together for the TiaCheng Royal Performance Troop. It was amazing how easily he could get under someone’s skin but then have them laughing at his jokes the next minute. It was this complete lack of social decorum Xie Lian liked best about him.

“Still tormenting children I see,”  Xie teasingly stated as he smiled gently at A-Ling. “Oh that’s a cute puppy you have there.”

A-Ling blinked tears from his eyes as he regarded this new brother. He then held the plushie out for him to get a better look.

“This Fairy.”

“Hmm,” Xie nodded “a very cute name for very cute puppy.”

“Tch, don’t encourage that kind of naming. The last thing I want is for him to grow up like his other uncle.”

Hearing this little A-Ling became indignant and began to squirm and kick out again. Taking pity on the small child Xie Lian snagged him out of his uncle’s arms before settling him on his hip. Startled at the sudden change A-Ling stopped kicking and clung to the front of Xie’s apron.

“There that’s better?” Xie asked, giving the little one a soft smile. “I’ve got some new stuffed animals who are in need of a good name. What to help me?”

Little A-Ling’s eyes went wide at the prospect of getting to name new plushies.

“Mnn!” He agreed with an excited nod.

Wei Wuxian let out a very dejected “awwww” as he look back an forth between Xie and Brother Lan.

“What’s with all these handsome brothers stealing my children from me today? Can’t you get you own kids?”

Brother Lan seem to finally turn back to flesh and blood with a slight jerk. Looking down at the sleeping child in his arms he began to shift forward as if to hand him back to Wei Wuxian.

“Ah ya! Don’t do that!” Wei Wuxian frantically waved his hands to stop him. “You’ll wake him up! Took me forever to get him to fall asleep last night since it was raining.”

The man caught one of the child’s little shoe covered feet peeking out from Brother Lan’s arm. He gave it a light shake.

“You be good now my little radish. Papa has to go to work.”

Letting go of the little foot, Wei Wuxian then turned to his nephew in Xie Lian’s arms. Leaning down he booped the two year old on the nose. A-Ling seemed torn between wanting to be mad at his uncle for the unfair treatment of earlier and being pleased with the sudden gentle affection. Unable to deal he pouted, turned and buries his face in Xie’s shoulder.

“Ah I see how is. Found yourself a better looking uncle huh?” Wei Wuxian pouted back. “You be good for these Big Brothers now. Look after your cousin. I’ll be back later.”

Straightening up, Wei Wuxian gave Xie a wink. “Li-Er, it was good seeing you again. I wish all the luck dealing with this grumpy ungrateful child.” A-Ling gave out a small squawk at that. “Since you’re in town we should get drinks some time!”

Xie Lian froze up a bit at that. As pleased as he was to see his friend he did not ever want to go drinking with him ever again. Drinking had never really appealed to him, and after one the time he did drink he very much refused repeat the experience.

“Aaah,” he fished about for a polite way to refuse. “I’m still not a drinker. Maybe coffee?”

“Hmm? Really?” Wei Wuxian sighed. “That one time had been so much fun though.”

‘Maybe for you.’ Thought Xie, ‘but most definitely not for me.’

“Coffee it is then.” The man said shaking him head in a what-am-I-to-do-with-you way.

Thinking that Wei Wuxian was on his way out, Xie had turned to go around the counter but stopped when he noticed that the man hadn’t moved towards the door but the counter. Where Brother Lan was still standing. Leaning slightly against the top of the counter Wei Wuxian looked up coyly at the taller man.

“Lan ge ge,” Wei Wuxian practically purred.

Xie was stunned. He’d seen Wei Wuxian act shamelessly hundreds of times, but Xie had hoped that he’d learned who not to provoke by now. As he watch, the man reached out a slender pale hand to tug at the pristine white necktie at Brother Lan’s throat.

“You’ll take good care of my little boy for me right ge ge?” A cheeky grin stretched Wei Wuxian’s face as he tugged again at the necktie.

In the nearly two years Xie had worked with Lan Wangji, he’d never really seen the man noticeable outwardly react to much. But the man had a very high standard for how one should conduct themselves in public, so if anything was to anger him it would be this level of shamelessness. Much to his surprise though Brother Lan after a few blinks very seriously nodded with a “Mn”.

Taken aback, Wei Wuxian drop the tie. A blush creeped up his cheeks as he back away from the counter. He moved his head back an forth as if he didn’t know where to look.

“I . . . Well,” the man stuttered. “Thanks.” He finally managed as he beat a hasty retreat to the door. “Bye bye now.” With a swish of long hair he was out the door.

Both Xie Lian and Lan Wangji started at the door long after Wei Wuxian had left.

“Ah ha, Brother Lan,” Xie called out.

The brother in question jumped as if he hadn’t noticed he still had an audience. He turned to look at Xie.

“Brother Lan, Wu-Er has always been pretty shameless, but also very harmless. Please don’t think less of him.”

“You know him.” The expression on Brother Lan’s face seemed strange to Xie, the fact that he was being this expressive at all was strange.

“Yes, we preformed together for a few years ago as actors in a traveling theater troop. He’s a bit like an little brother to me, always causing mischief and misunderstandings.”

Brother Lan’s face smoothed out to his usual cool expression at this explication.

“Ah.” He nodded in understanding. “He really hasn’t changed much.”

Finally going around the counter into the play area of the daycare Xie looked confusedly at the younger brother.

“Does Brother Lan also know Wei Wuxian?”

The only answer was another “mn”, without offering anymore explanation then that.

“Alright, well A-Ling,” Xie addressed the small child still clinging to the front of his apron. “Ready to help me name those plushies?”

“Yes!” The boy excitedly squeaked.

“Ah, Brother Xie?”

Xie Lian who’d began to walk towards the further end of the play area paused to look back at Brother Lan. He was looking down at the sleeping A-Yuan still in his arms.

“Do I, keep holding him? or?”

“Oh! Haha, hold on. I’ll set up one of the play mats we use at nap time. You can lay him on that.” Xie set A-Ling down saying he’d be right back before getting a rolled plush mat and a fuzzy blanket. Finding a place out of the way of the chaos of the other children playing, he unrolled the mat before directing Brother Lan to lay the sleeping child down. The taller man hesitated a moment, seeming unsure about how to go about it. Then he kneeled down next to the mat before leaning forward and slowly lowering the child. A-Yuan at first squirmed a bit at being in a new position but then settled, continuing to sleep. Letting out a small sigh, Brother Lan tried to sit up only to find he couldn’t.

“Hm? Something wrong Brother Lan.” Xie asked.

“Tie.” Was the only reply.

“Tie?” Bending down Xie looked and saw that the end of Brother Lan’s necktie was caught in A-Yuan little fist. “Pfft! Like father like son, as they say.” Carefully he help extract the tie from the tiny hand.

Freed, Lan Wangji sat up smoothing the necktie out while looking at the child with pinched brows on an otherwise smooth face. Plucking up the blanket he covered the child with it. Then after thinking for a moment he tucked the edges of the blanket underneath him. The child’s face scrunched up, then wiggling a bit he freed an arm from the blanket. An aura of concern radiated from Brother Lan as he tucked the arm back into the blanket.

Xie Lian watch in growing amusement as the younger brother continued to tried to tuck the small child into the blanket. But as he managed to tuck an arm in, a foot would then escape and so on.

“Brother Lan,” Xie chuckled, after the fifth time Brother Lan tucked in a foot just for an arm to pop out, “he’ll be fine if not all of him is cover. At this rate you might wake him up.”

Lan Wangji paused at that before reluctantly standing up. He continued to stand in place looking down at the small child with pinched brows seemingly unsure what to do.

‘Ah, thought Xie, ‘He must of really taken Wei Wuxian’s teasing at face value.’ To the man he said, “This brother will let you know when he wakes up. You have things to take care of don’t you? This child will be fine, it’s safe here is it not?”

Reluctantly Lan Wangji nodded before slowly walking back to front of the daycare. As he reach the computer the door opened to admit another parent and child which he greeted. Xie Lian smiled fondly after him before going back to A-Ling who was waiting for him.

Showing him the box of new plushies he let the small child pull out a few to give names to. This also attracted the attention of other small children and soon there was a gaggle of them coming up with usual names children think up. There was now a Lieutenant Snuggles, a Pretty Miss Kitty Fluff, Daisy, and a rather disheveled looking teddy called A-Xu the Destroyer. Listening to the children squabble about names, Xie almost missed hearing a knocking coming from kitchen in the back.

Leaning back from his spot on the floor to look through the open doorway, Xie Lian was unable to see if Luo Binghe was back there or not. Another knock came. Concerned, he excused himself from the children to investigate.

Entering the kitchen it was empty of the large youth who of late had taken up cooking for the children. Xie Lian had some concerns about Luo Binghe being in the daycare, but had yet to voice them to the other two brothers as it would require some explaining that he wasn’t at liberty to tell yet. Also he was worried about braking poor little Shen Yuan’s heart telling him what his favorite student had been up to these past five years. For now he was letting the young man slide as he for the most part kept out of sight and away from the children. It also didn’t hurt that he was an exceptionally good cook.

Wondering where Luo Binghe could’ve gone off to, as the daycare really wasn’t that big, he was startled as another knock sounded at the backdoor. Concerned that maybe he’d locked himself out Xie Lian opened the door find a very different tall young man. He had his hand raised to knock again but stopped when the door suddenly opened. The youth was dressed in a rough red polo shirt tucked into black work pants, a long braid draped over his right shoulder. Embroidered over on the left breast of the polo was Hong’s Fresh Produce Delivery Service in silverly white lettering. A long fringe of black hair peaking out of under a red baseball cap obscured most of his right face. The single eye that Xie could see widened slightly.

“Good Morning!” Xie Lian greeted cheerfully realizing it was just the usual food delivery that came every few days. Brother Lan was very adamant about the food for the children always being fresh and that it was bought locally to help out the community.

“Ah, good morning.” The young man replied off handedly. “Sorry for the lateness, I . . . ran into some traffic. If this brother wouldn’t mind signing?” He held up a clipboard with a delivery sheet.

“Oh! of course!” Xie accepted the clipboard but was rather unsure what to do, as up til now he’d never really accepted a delivery before and so just stared at it. There came an “ahem”, Xie looked up to see that the young man was pushing a dolly cart laden with red crates of produce.

“Ah, sorry sorry!” Xie stepped off to the side while holding the door open to allow him to push the cart in. There was a chuckle as the youth pushed passed him into the kitchen. Stopping at counter he turned back to Xie Lian tapping a long delicate finger to his chin.

“This new ge ge seems a bit lost.” He stated teasingly.

Xie felt his cheeks heat in slight embarrassment, wondering if there was anything he was suppose to be doing. He stared down at the clipboard as his brain scrambled. Was he suppose to help? Should he offer refreshments? Was there a protocol for this? He could remember all the ways one could accept or decline a gift from a visiting dignitary depending on their station but for the life of him he couldn’t remember if his dear mother, gods rest her soul, ever mentioned accepting a food delivery.

There was another chuckle but much closer this time. Looking up, all he saw at first was the opening of a shirt and the pale hollow of a throat. Following the slender neck up with his eyes he came to a delicate but firm chin. Tilting his head back Xie Lian was finally able to look the man in the face. The mouth above the firm chin quirked up in one corner while the single visible eye gleamed in amusement. Xie had to say that usually he was not a fan of the younger generations tendencies to obscure their face with overly long fringes but this one’s lent an oddly mischievous boyish charm to him. So much so that Xie couldn’t help but think he was cute.

“Ge ge, please sign here.” Xie felt a gentle tap on the clipboard he was still holding. Looking back down he saw a long shapely finger tap again at a place near the bottom of the sheet that said signature with a line after it.

“Ah, of course, of course.” Xie mumbled as he fumbled to grab the pen out of the clip at the top of the board. The treacherous pen however slipped out of his fingers, bounced once on the clipboard before falling towards the floor. Luckily the slander hand from earlier caught it and handed it back to him with a “Careful ge ge.”

He could feel his face get hotter as he accepted the pen back. It looked like today was shaping up to be one of those awkward days for him. As he wrote his signature on the line the young man move back over to crates of produce and began lifting them onto the counter.

“Ah! Let me help!”

Smiling the young man shook his head. “No need ge ge.” After setting the last of the crates down  he then held out his hand. Confused Xie Lian just looked at, it was a very well shaped hand.

“May I have it back ge ge?”

“Oh! Yes!” Realizing what the young man had wanted that Xie handed the clipboard back. Taking it the young man looked down at it before quirking an eyebrow up questioningly.

“Xie Lian? You wouldn’t happen to be a part of The Xie Family that disappeared all those years ago?”

Xie’s heart gave a painful jump at the question. While his name wasn’t the most common of surnames it wasn’t rare either. Xie Lian took another look at this delivery man. He seem like a normal young man in his mid twenties.

“How is it that such a young man like yourself knows about the disappearance of The Xie family? You probably weren’t even 10 at the time.”

The young man shrugged, “I had family who had worked for them. Plus it had been a great mystery to everyone at the time. Such a powerful and ancient family suddenly gone, no clues as to what had happened. People still wonder about it.”

Shaken, Xie Lian did his best to remain calm. In these past 17 years he’d never had anyone guess that he wasn’t just another average joe. Even people who should have known his face had not recognized him. No one expected a street performer to really be the heir to a mass fortune. Though in truth everything was gone now. Not even a hut in the mountains was left to his name.

“Ah ha,” Xie good naturally laughted, “of course, of course. I remember, it was all over the news, it had been very strange. There also was even a good long while back then when people kept asking if I’d been related to that family.”

The teasing amusement from earlier was gone now, replaced with a sad concern on the young man’s face. “I’ve seem to have gone to far, forgive me ge ge. I’d only meant make a joke.”

Relieved that the subject was being dropped, but still concern that it had come up at all, Xie smile at the young man while waving his hand in a placating gesture. “Ah it fine, it’s fine.” He had a vague feel that this must be what Brother Shen felt like anytime him and Brother Lan fussed over his health. ��If I might ask, what is this younger brother’s name?”

The young man perked up a bit at the question. Shyly he replied, “Lang. San Lang.”

‘San,’ Xie thought, ‘I don’t remember anyone in particularly working for my family with that surname.’ But then again he had been either busy with school work or off at college in England for most of the years leading up to the tragedy that be-felled his family. His Father also thought it very improper for him to be even remotely familiar with the work staff at the house. Xie had stopped attempting to be friendly with any of them after his father had fired half of the cleaning staff because Xie had refused to stop conversing with them while they worked.

San Lang fiddled with the sheet on the clipboard, extracting the pink bottom sheet as he looked back and forth between Xie Lian and the board. It reminded Xie of how some of the kids looked when approaching Brother Lan with a question, but felt too shy to ask it. It was rather endearingly cute.

“San Lang,” Xie tested out saying the name. “That’s a good name.”

A blush dusted across San Lang’s cheeks upon hearing this.

“I’m glad ge ge likes it.” Then clearing his throat he said, “I should get going, I have more deliveries to make this morning.” Handed the pink sheet to Xie Lian with a “For Brother Lan.”

With a quiet “oh” Xie Lian took the sheet, as he did the tips of his fingers grazed the back of San Lang’s hand. The young man practically jumped out of his skin at the contact. Turning away he quickly grab the dolly cart and walked to the backdoor. With a quiet “It was nice meeting you,” he slipped out the door leaving a rather bewildered Xie Lian wondering what had happened.

‘Maybe he’s a germaphobe?’ Xie reasoned, ‘That’s a thing now-a-days right?’ Brother Lan also wasn’t big on being touched but he usually would just shift away from the contact and not make a big show of it.

As he was contemplating this a small heart broken wail took up from inside of the daycare.

****

Having put away the cart San Lang climbed into the driver’s seat of his delivery van. Hunching over the steering wheel he took a deep breath and slowly let it out before letting his head thump down onto the top of it. He thumped it a few more times for good measure as he muttered “stupid, stupid, stupid,” under his breath. He’d been so happy to finally get to see his ge ge, and then he been so stupid.

The last thing he wanted was for Xie Lian to be suspicious of him, he might as well have carved the word right onto his forehead. Ge ge had done well to hide how troubled he had been after being asked about his family. All of Xie Lian’s smiles were blinding but that last one he’d given San Lang had barely reached his eyes. It had hurt to see those lively eyes look so lifeless as he remembered.

Slumping back dejectedly into his seat San Lang glared out the front of his windshield. Things until then had been going so well, which is probably why he’d gotten cocky. He definitely had far better luck then the average person, but every so often the universe had to remind him that he was still human.

On the bright side, at least now he doesn’t have to be inconspicuous if he ran into Xie Lian in public. It wouldn’t be too weird if he saw him while riding the train and called out to him. Remind him that he was the little brother who delivered produce to the daycare. He might have to be patient and wait a few weeks before doing so, so as not to raise more suspicion. But it could work. Just a few random run ins. Maybe he’ll actually have the guts to ask him out on a date during one of them.

He covered his face as a blush creeped up his cheeks when he remembered how Xie Lian had said his name, and that he had said it was a good one. The back of his hand felt hot where his finger tips had brushed it. It had been an accident, feather light and would’ve been unnoticeable if not for the shock that had ran up his arm to his heart. He’d wanted grab it and hold onto it, never letting it go. It would’ve been odd for a stranger to do that to someone they’d just met, well met again. Not that ge ge recognized him. It had been such a long time ago and he was a full grown adult now, not some scrawny brat. Though if he thought about, professionally ge ge has known him for quite some time, just by a very different name.

It was then that he spotted Luo Binghe walking along the side of the daycare. His handsome face looked like a black thundercloud. He paused when he saw the van, then looked up through the windshield at San Lang with a hostile “the fuck you doing here” look.

Not wanting to deal that guy, San Lang grabbed the key still in the ignition and turned it until the engine roar to life. How that little devil managed to get a job working in the daycare he’ll never know. The owner Brother Lan seem like a reasonable person, who at least would do a background check before hiring someone so sketchy. He supposed he might have done it as a favor to Brother Shen who been the kids teacher. But that still begged the question as to why Luo Binghe, a notorious gang leader, was spending his mornings making food for children.

As he was backing out into the alleyway Luo Binghe flipped him the bird while scowling, San Lang returned it with gusto. Every single time they had the unfortunate luck to run into each other it always turned into a pissing match. Why they hadn’t come to actually blows yet was a slight mystery. For San Lang there were a few too many unknown variables for him to ever risk getting into a genuine fight with Binghe. Why Luo Binghe kept his fists to himself was another unanswered question. San Lang did have to admit that riling him up on occasion could be fun.

As the van rolled up to the corner and San Lang stopped to wait for the light to turn, the door leading to the back opened slightly.

“Mr. Lang?” Came a light voice, a dark eye peer out at him.

Not turning, San Lang softly responded “Ah miss, it’s still not safe. I have a few more stops. Then I’ll be able to take you all to those who’ll get you home safe. Please be patient.”

The woman was quiet for a moment. “A few of the girls are wondering if there might be some water?”

The light turned green and San Lang pressed on the gas, going through the intersection as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

After a moment he said “There’s a few bottles of clean water off to the right in a crate. They can have that. But try not to drink too much. It’ll be several hours before it will be safe enough for anyone to be able to come out.”

“Thank you Mr Lang.” And the door slide shut again.

Turning down another street, San Lang softly let out a breath he was holding. It was going to be a long morning.

~~~~

Woo! this ended up being pretty long. I realized I hadn’t written from Xie’s perspective yet which fit in nicely after Wei Ying’s and also gave me a surprising amount of room to set up plot points for future chapters. That man has a bad habit of getting tied up in other peoples problems. Also I think my Xie is a little more distrusting and secretive then cannon Xie, but he has his reasons given what his actual job is, I’ll get into what it is later on. 

Poor San Lang, he was a little too excited to finally see his ge ge. My Hua Cheng still has like crazy good luck, but he is still just a regular human, sometime he really can’t catch a brake. What he’s actually up isn’t as bad as looks.

I used single name syllables with -Er in this chapter as a way to show that WWX and XL have a close relationship, but to also make a slight joke since Er can be used to mean Little. And given that Xie is very babyface and small, people wouldn’t find it surprising, but him calling WWX little would seem a bit weird since he’s taller and seems older, when really he’s the little brother. Also I just think Li-Er and Wu-Er sound cute. Poor Lan Wangji having all the misunderstanding, you got him back though sir with your whole hearted sincerity.

I do want to state, that when WWX and XL first met they actually didn’t get along, it took them a while to come to a understanding of each other. The Slowburn Friendship, that I probably wont get into as it doesn’t have a lot to do with the actual plot.

[asuitcaseofmemories]

As We Walk in Fields of Gold

It was a day like any other. We loaded into the van excited to explore a new location. Traffic was hellacious, but we didn’t care. We put on some music and jammed out the only way a Chinese, a Filipino, and two Americans know how. Us three girls were given the decision of a mountain or a music/artist town. For this adventure we went with mountain.

There was a heavy smog that day in the city, a clear reminder that winter is approaching. As we drove out of the city of 7million, we were excited to see patches of blue sky and fluffy clouds greeting us. I looked to both sides of the highway and saw unbelievably golden fields. I have never seen anything like this before, so I asked what it was. They were rice fields. My mind was boggled by this as I’ve seen rice fields before and they just look like patches of water. Apparently, this is the final step before harvesting. I still have so much to learn.

Our friend and driver, John asked us if we wanted to stop for some photos; the answer was, and always is YES. The heat hit us as we exited the car, and I was overdressed. Nevertheless we gallivanted through the fields, soaking in the sun, taking photos. I felt like we could’ve been in the music video for Sting’s “Fields of Gold.”

The local farmers passing by no doubt wondering why Americans find rice so amusing. One older woman was driving by in her red wagon/vehicle and stopped for a moment to chat. We exchanged hellos and smiles.She began speaking in Chinese, most of it indecipherable to me, except when she asked if I was American, to which I responded yes. I pointed at the field and told her in Chinese it was “beautiful.” She giggled and I could feel the sense of pride and happiness exuding from her. She circled around a few more times smiling, and watching us.. for good measure. A grandson and grandfather combo offered up a chance for a nice candid moment.  There was a very rural looking school to the right of them, and children were being picked up for lunch.

After we’d sufficiently photographed the area, we headed towards our destination. Since the smog cleared I said “look a mountain.” Our driver laughed at me and exclaimed that it was just a hill. Well, it LOOKED like a mountain compared to flat Hefei so I stand by my statement.

We kept driving and eventually came upon a small rural town. I pass little places like this often on the train and daydream about being able to talk to the locals and snag some photographs of this side of China. Their houses are mostly composed of cement and bright red bricks, their roofs similar to temples. They appear to be very minimal. I have grown to love the “no frills” type of architecture. We came upon a rice farmer, drying their goods in the street, something else I knew nothing of.

We got to the mountain park after passing through town, and it despite a restaurant on the outskirts, appeared abandoned. Initially we thought it was a quiet tourist day, and decided to drive up the mountain in search of the “good view.” Well, on this one lane, twisty road, we came across a gate. Uh oh. We convinced John that he could turn around doing an easy 100 point K turn and pleaded with him not to kill us by going over the cliff. We got turned around and to our surprise there were two Chinese soldiers looking at us bewildered. John had a conversation with them and we took off. They claimed that there was no longer access for civilians to go to the top. John thought MAYBE they were fibbing and we better try the other road that cut off from that. Turns out they weren’t lying after all.

Feeling a bit defeated we parked at the bottom and walked around there taking photos. There were some gravestones on the side of the mountain, which was very odd to see here in China. They cremate everyone these days so you don’t see as many graveyards as the US. Joann and I did our usual chasing of butterflies, while John looked at us like we were crazy. I was hit in the face by two aggressive ladybugs, which is strange because that’s two more than an average day. Joann saw a praying mantis and a ladybug that was reverse colors (mainly black with red dots).

John told us to pick some flowers to take home with us, which I got quite the laugh about. He coined me “Flower Killer” quite some time ago after picking a flower on a walk. He explained that these were wild flowers so it’s okay. We each picked some flowers to take with us. Aileen saw this dying little Charlie Brown Christmas tree look alike, and she wanted to take it home to replant. Next thing I know John is yanking on it with all his might and pulled it out of the ground roots and all. Something about this visual makes me die laughing. We are an odd bunch, that’s for sure.

All this flower picking worked up quite the appetite. We went to the restaurant at the bottom of the mountain, and they were very happy to have us. I was really happy to see they had dogs. And also they had bathrooms which is very important when you live in China. Joann was taking a picture of some veggies they had in a bowl outside when one of the workers (owner I think), decided that we needed a tour. Bless this woman’s heart. She took us through the kitchen (which initially I was all oh god please no), and out the back door. She had a very large vegetable garden, and was proudly showing us. I imagine she was telling us that all her dishes are cooked with ingredients from there. She even plucked something out of the ground to show us. I think it was a giant radish but I really don’t know. She showed us the pigs they also have, which both made me happy because SO CUTE and sad because they’ll get eaten. There was a gaggle of geese around the restaurant too; every once in awhile the workers would go running toward them yelling so they’d go back outside and they’d squabble away. On our way back through the kitchen we met the chef who was excited that we wanted his photo. This place was legit farm to table.

I decided I needed a beer because it was like 1:30 obviously. We ordered some veggie dishes, a soup, and tomato and egg dish. All the workers kept stopping by our room and were so excited that the foreigners liked their restaurant. They wanted to take photos with us out front, which is always a funny experience in itself. The kindness of these people shows no bounds. I mean how many restaurant owners would show so much kindness to foreigners eating at their establishment?

The owner told John about a local festival going on at the top of the other side of the mountain. She thought we may be able to catch it. So when we were filled up we left in the hopes of watching it. We had to stop a few times because the windy mountain road was tempting us with views we couldn’t resist. I got out of the car and hopped onto the barrier next to the road (pic below) and Joann screamed, scaring me shitless. From the angle she was at, it appeared a straight drop off, and well you know my clumsy ways (Sorry for the heart attack). A little farther up the road I saw in the distance vibrant yellow fields. We took photos but we didn’t really know what it was/how to get there.

We continued to the top of the mountain to where to our surprise we found a temple. The festival was over by this time unfortunately, so we walked around. I walked down the path, both sides of me were covered in what I found out were tea leaves growing. I looked into the distance and could see the smog rolling in, covering what I am sure was a breathtaking view. We found this really old rock wall, with an old metal gate adorned with a star; mystery was clearly behind it. A dog began barking so we knew someone lived there. The man was a grumpy old man, but he allowed us to enter for the price of a few coins. Inside was a well with some of the clearest water I’d ever seen. John said that people have polluted it with coins (making wishes), but that it was special water. It was humbling to see his home, which was lacking most modern technologies.

We left there with the intent to figure out what those bright yellow fields were. John is a very trusty navigator and got us there pretty easily by taking the road less traveled. To our amazement it was MASSIVE fields of bright yellow flowers. The owner of the property allowed us to enter and take photos. The workers smiled and laughed as we took their photos. They are such hard workers picking EACH flower head off the plant. At first I was confused on why they were just picking the flower heads, and then I recalled chrysanthemum tea. This type of tea is very popular throughout China. Obviously, it tastes very floral and is quite delicious. It was cool to see the process. The view these workers had was unbelievable. The owner was a kind soul, and allowed us to take some of his flowers home with us.

As the day turned to night, that was our cue that the adventure was over. The day wasn’t what we’d originally thought it would be, but it was more than we could’ve imagined. I think this was one of the more memorable days I’ve had here. Good company, kind locals, and a good all around cultural experience.

[nattsocscorner]

[ meet the muse. ] - Asselin. *eyebrow wiglging*

[edit: Sedgemarch AU went under such a change all infos about it in this answer should be discarded!]

Thankyouuu! °3°

SoI have this character in many universes and AUs. There’s littlevariation to him, as he has a very strong personality, so theseanswers are by default, unless specified. Now, let’s meet thathandsome rogue!

➥ Whatis your character’s full name?:

AngeloMaria Adam Asselin Traversini.As he absolutely hates his firstand middle names, he goes with his first last name: Asselin. If askedby important enough people, he’ll give his two last names, pretendingthe first one is simply his first name.

➥When were they born?:

21stof june. The date depends of the universes (but in the majority of the universes, he’s in his early fourties).

➥What are their parent’s names?:

Marcello Vitu Asselin-Traversini for the father and Serena Maria di Salvo for themother.

➥Do they have any brothers or sisters?:

In all AUs but Sedge: Heprobably does, but he doesn’t know any of them. His parents wouldn’teven let him get to know them, as he’s dead to their eyes.In Sedge: he’s to have a baby sibling and has been raised with several kids the same age as he did, that he considered siblings by bond. His parents didn’t feel it necessary to have other children as they were around the other children and also considered them extended family. Both his parents adore him and the feeling is mutual in this universe.

➥What kind of eyes do they have?:

Hehas brown, hazelnut-coloured eyes. They are of normal, proportionateseize with his face. There’s that gleam of mischievousness into them.

➥What kind of hair do they have?:

Hehas short brown hair, with greying temples and a few strands of greyhair among the thick mass of hair. He doesn’t brush them often. Theperk of having short hair. He just needs to brush his fingers throughit and voilà!

➥What is their complexion like?:

He’s white, with a really easy tendency to tan. He’s part of these peoplewho won’t burn easily in exposure of the sun (in reasonable amounts of time of course)but will quickly develop a stronger tan.

➥What body type are they?:

Althoughit’s not always noticeable because he likes being in comfortable,larger clothes, he’s quite buff.

➥What is listening to their voice like?:

Intriguing.He has this rather low, slightly raspy voice and more often than not,he finds it amusing to play it “dark and mysterious”. Also, don’task him to sing. Ever. He’s a terrible singer. He knows it though andwill probably refuse to do it anyway.

➥What do they hate most about themselves?:

Thefact that he has to eat quite often. He’s one of these person whoburn energy fast and will need more food to compensate. If hedoesn’t get his food for any reason, his stomach will remind him in aloud way. Also (in all AUs but Sedge), may it be due to lack of energy resources or poorupbringing, he’ll feel grumpy if he spends a few days without eatinga bit of meat.

➥Do they have a favorite quote?:

He’dgo with Achard’s favourite: “I find the best cure for guilt,is to never get caught in the first place.”

➥What sort of music do they enjoy?:

Heenjoy melodic music. Not fond of ballads and sappy/sad romanticstuff, but he enjoys folkloric songs about old legends andbattles.In the modern AU, he enjoys hard/rock and country/blues.

➥Have/would they ever cheat(ed) on a partner?:

No.Asselin may show himself as flirty, he does have a strong sense ofhonour and even stronger feelings for Achard. Although they do havetheir agreements and show themselves to be polyamorous, he will nevertouch anyone before telling Achard… and possibly inviting him tojoin the fun.

➥Have they been cheated on by a partner?:

No.Before he met Achard, he had fleeting relationships but nothing“serious”. His partners could do whatever they wanted and so didhe. As he found himself falling in love with Achard and having astrong, long-term relationship with him, he also got to know theother man would never cheat on him.

➥Have they ever lost someone close to them?:

Luckily,no. He did loose a few companions when he was part of a gang, but hedidn’t care that much for them.

➥What is their favorite sound?:

Thesound of the rain smashing against a roof or windows when he himselfis inside, preferably in bed, under a dozen of blankets, a good firein the fireplace and his Achard cuddled up against him.

➥Are they judgmental of others?:

More often than not with the exception of rich people andnobles, in all universes but Sedge’s. Due to his upbringing in the lower class, his parents workingendlessly in their farm, noblety putting up heavy taxes and more orless abusing of their power towards poorer people got him to harboura certain bitterness towards them.

➥Have they ever been drunk?:

Yes.Many times. The next morning having him swearing he wouldn’t abuse ofsuch drinks anymore, only to get drunk again for some occasion. Heisn’t a regular drinker, thankfully, but if there’s a party orsomething to celebrate? He’ll be there to raise his glass!

➥What are they like when they stay up all night?:

Itdepends what for. If it’s due to something he likes or obtaining goodresults after helping Achard, coming back from a successful mission, etc. he’ll be tired but happy andsatisfied. If it is for a task he doesn’t like but has to do anyway,he’ll be grumpy and pissy until he gets to sleep.

➥Have they ever been arrested?:

Hedid, more than once… But he’s slippery as an eel and managed to gethimself out of most situations. Most. There may have been a couple oftimes where he had to use the help of a few contacts, or have Achardbail him out. He isn’t proud of the latter.

➥What evokes strong memories for them?:

In all AUs but Sedge: thesmell of curry spices. Not only these are linked to, of course,Achard’s cooking, it evokes the smell of cooking of one of his aunts,who took care of him after he ran away from his parent’s house.

In Sedge: the smell of orange flower after his first holidays in Corsica, as he might have added it a tad too much every time he was to eat fresh goat cheese.

➥What do they do on rainy days?:

Whenhe is not out for a mission, he enjoys taking it easy. Do small housetasks if needed, rest and enjoy a good meal. And of course, spend agood time snuggling and relaxing with Achard.

➥What religion are they?:

In all AUS but modern & Sedge: Ifhe didn’t know there were some serious Elder Gods bullshit going on,he’d define himself as an atheist (But then, he thinks it’s maybe atad exaggerated to call these creatures “gods” just because theywant to enslave or destroy people.). He simply couldn’t care lessabout religion, it’s not his thing at all and overly religious peopletend to piss him off. He tends to be fine with it as long as peopledon’t shove it into his face though.

In the modern AU, completely and utterly atheist.

In Sedge: he’s pretty much agnostic, going by the motto: “Religion is like a penis, it’s cool if you have it but don’t shove it in my face.”

➥What word do they overuse the most?:

“Fuck.”And its derivatives.

➥What do they wear to bed?:

Ifit’s cold outside, he wears a long shirt and maybe socks he’d tossoff in the night. If it’s not, he’s fine wearing just underwear or nothing at all. He’d alwayshave Achard to warm him up anyway.

➥Do they have any tattoos or piercings?:

No,except in the modern universe, where both his forearms are tattooedwith geometrical patterns. In the other universes, he’s consideringit… Consider an enchanted tattoo as a lucky charm. He isn’t one forpiercings onto himself, although he enjoys the aesthetics of it.

➥What type of clothing are they most comfortable in?:

Overall,he enjoys clothes that are a tad large and comfortable. A simpleshirt and trousers is the base. If going to a mission, he adds awaistcoat where he can slide his weapons onto (along with belts that have satchels and sheaths attached to) and a long coat (thefabric it’s made of depends of the season).In the modernuniverse, he does enjoy the classy shirt/waistcoat combo but his personalfavourite is wearing tshirts with bad puns/jokes and jeans or your classic, black trousers. Leather jackets are the cherry on top.

➥What is their most disliked food?:

in All AUs but Sedge: Hecan eat a bit of everything but he doesn’t like celery or radish and simply hates unsalted soup with toomuch water and too little vegetables into it.Maybe he got too many of these when he was a kid.

In Sedge: just celery or radish.

➥Do they have any enemies?:

In all AUs but Sedge: Mostdefinitely. Whether it is people he crossed while hunting for anitem, noble people he stole specific items from or people he gave abeating to while they were bothering a weaker person, a friend orAchard. And if Achard has enemies? Then these are his enemies aswell!

In sedge: Anyone that goes against Juliette Richards & his family is automatically his enemy.

➥What does their writing look like?:

Asidein the modern universe & Sedge, where his writing is a bit messy, Asselindoesn’t know how to write. He didn’t go to school, as he was destinedto be like his parents, an illiterate farmer. Achard is teaching himhow to write and read and (although he finds it a tad boring) he’sreally thankful to get the chance to become educated on that point.Reading and writing would help greatly in deciphering maps andfinding secrets!

➥What disgusts them?:

People(especially the upper class/rich/noble/powerful ones) taking advantage of weakerpeople. He has a rooted despise against abusive people and if hewitnesses a situation he finds unfair (and sees he has a chance toget out of it without being killed), he’ll intervene in the instant.

[zillowcondo]

The French Market: Bend’s Friendly, French Dining Destination

Nestled into the Old Bend neighborhood amongst the many cottage bungalows and historic estate grand mansions of their time, originally owned by the mill owners who founded this young, now booming tourist town is a new dining destination for lovers of French and western European cuisine.

The French Market opened its doors this past June, and I couldn’t sit down in one of their classic bistro chairs quickly enough. First exploring their lunch and then having let the hours fly by during two memorable dinners with friends during the warm summer evenings, each experience has offered a warm welcome, ease afforded to simply enjoy the food, the ambiance and the leisurely pace of an everyday ritual elevated to a moment to savor either solitarily or amongst companions.

The owners, Judith and Philip Lipton purchased the property in 2016 and took on a remodel of the once Riverside neighborhood market. Having spoken to residence in the neighborhood who are now frequent patrons of the new establishment, they comment on the entirely different aesthetic and quiet, yet welcoming atmosphere The French Market has brought with their seasonal fare.

It was during my second visit to the restaurant with two good friends visiting from out-of-town that I had the opportunity to first meet both Phil and his wife Judith. With a bottle of recommended red wine in hand, Phil stopped by to offer a taste test (and then the bottle), and stayed to share the story of how he and Judith chose the town of Bend to open one of more than few restaurants they have managed. Their responses are in the conversation below, but quite simply, their answer was what I was hoping to find when I moved to Bend in the food culture but couldn’t until they arrived. They filled a culinary niche that had not yet been touched. So while yes, Bend is known for its many breweries (22 as of this posting), now it has a culinary destination as akin as I have found in Oregon to sitting down in a small town in Europe amongst the quiet chatter of familiar faces and passers-through whilst sipping wine from France, nibbling on Tete de Moin from Switzerland and savoring handmade pasta with fresh chorizo, Manchego, lemon and greens inspired by the likes of Italy.

With an ever-changing menu inspired by the seasons, as well as using freshly grown vegetables and herbs in their adjacent garden, each meal, serving sizes to satiate as the food is delectable and mouth-watering but properly proportioned so there will no need for a doggie bag (the perfect French approach as was discussed in today’s interview on the podcast with Géraldine Lepere), was enjoyed from the charcuterie & cheese platter full of French pate, Spanish chorizo and buttery Emmental cheese to the main courses ranging from Roasted Pork Tenderloin with radish salsa and fried fennel to the farro salad with avocado and poached egg and Grilled Albacore topped with crème fraîche and nigella seed with cherry tomatoes. But I cannot neglect to ogle over their ricotta mousse (which I talked about earlier in this post), which is an unexpectedly most perfectly decadent, yet refreshing selection to complete your evening at the market.

Composing an environment that is both fundamentally about good food, but offers guests a full experience is something that comes with expertise and time being around lovers of food, jovial conversation and a wide variety of cultures. Judith and Philip have succeeded in creating a symphony, and below you’ll discover how it came to be.

Discover what Judith appreciates about the power of a delicious, well-prepared meal, the next French-inspired book I will be reading thanks to Phil’s most recently read book, a glimpse into their love story and much more. It is my pleasure to introduce TSLL readers to the owners of The French Market, partners in life and in business, Philip and Judith Lipton:

1. The French Market, in name, evokes a feeling of a sophisticated, delicious, casual locale. Being nestled into a historic neighborhood in Bend, what was it about the location and the city of Bend that sparked the decision to open a restaurant here?

We thought this existing restaurant would be welcomed by the neighborhood if it reflected their taste and lifestyle. People in Bend are more sophisticated. They have traveled all over the world. They are adventuresome eaters. We wanted to serve them the kind of dishes they ordered in Europe. With the right food and ambiance, they can relive that experience and create a their own sense of adventure. Just as each village or neighborhood in France has a café the residents can walk to, we felt the Old Bend neighborhood would welcome its own special eatery.

2. The cuisine available to patrons at The French Market is inspired by the offerings in southern France and northern Spain. What is one of your favorite dishes on the menu currently?

Phil: The scallop carpaccio is my favorite. But the season ends in a week. Another favorite is the eggplant prepared like baba ganoush.

Judith: My favorite entrée is the Roasted duck breast, and the Summer vegetable caponata is my favorite small plate.

3. When did you begin to fall in love with cuisine and cooking, and what about this world of how and what one eats spoke to you?

Phil: God bless my Mother. He forgot to bless her cooking. I got interested in cooking as a matter of survival. I was soon charmed by Julia Child’s cooking show. It seemed like magic to me yet so complicated that I was afraid to try. I screwed up my courage one day and made a quiche. It went over at the family dinner. I have not looked back.

I met Judy at a ski house in Squaw Valley. Over the group meals at the house, I learned she was the chef at her restaurant in San Francisco. It was a shared interest! We talked about recipes and restaurants. After a trip to Paris, I asked her how to create a dish that I had enjoyed there. The first time Judy had dinner at my apartment was the evening she came over and showed me how to prepare the dish. Not that it matters, but the dish was four kinds of fish fillets. The magic was the sauce. Fish fumet is added to beaten egg whites and flying fish roe was added at the very end. Pleasing to the the eye and the palate.

Judith: I grew up in a family of citrus ranchers. Eating just-picked fruit and vegetables was a way of life, and mealtimes were sacrosanct. My grandmothers and my mother and aunts were all fabulous cooks, so I learned from the best. Then when I was 20 years old, I had a boyfriend give me a Gourmet (magazine) cookbook. I was off and running, delighting in the wonderful world of French cooking.

4. Judith, you have co-owned eight restaurants and catering companies in both San Francisco and Napa Valley. What were some of the most valuable insights you learned about food and people during your experience?

I learned that when presented with fresh, well-prepared food, no matter if it was at a formal dinner or at a picnic on the beach, people would begin to unwind, to start to connect with one another. A bite of a fresh, home-grown tomato can transport you back to your childhood. Well-prepared fresh vegetables can convert even the most died-in-the-wool vegetable hater who grew up on canned or overcooked vegetables. Grumpy people can be smiling by the end of a delicious meal.

5. Many of our readers are Francophiles, most of which visit but do not live in France. You two have lived in France for two years, as well as Spain for three. What did you most enjoy about living in Europe and what ways of life have you brought with you to your new life in Bend?

You know, Shannon, people write books to answer this question. Over a bottle of wine and some local boar meat salami, I would talk about what it is like to be the immigrant. We are the outsiders. We did not speak the language. We did not know the customs, the rules that every body else observes. Strangers showed us great kindness.

Sticking to food, there are supermarkets just like here. What is special are the village markets. Our town closes off the center to vehicles so the farmers can set up their stalls. There stalls of fresh produce, breads, wines, cheeses, meats, olives and so on. One of my passions is for the cheeses. We may never have the raw milk cheese permitted in the US. The production is so small for the farmer’s cheeses that they do not get exported. Nor do they have the shelf life to stand up to the transportation time. You have to go there to enjoy them.

  6. Having had the opportunity to dine at The French Market a couple of times (once for lunch and once for dinner), I appreciated immensely how the wait-staff enabled guests to sit, savor and talk. In so doing, we lost all track of time and ended up having the most memorable experience from appetizer to dessert. In so many American restaurants, there is a hurry for turn-over. What other details, along with the wait-staff’s attention, do you find makes for the best dining experience?

It’s important to us that each diner has the option to sit, relax, and enjoy his or her meal in a pleasant environment, along with having the opportunity to enjoy their dining companions. While in Europe, we learned that the history of the word “companion” comes from “con”, meaning “with”, and “pan”, meaning “bread.” Thus a companion is someone with whom you shared your bread.

7. What is a restaurant, bistro or café you love to visit when you return to France/Spain?

In France, we love to go to the local town crêperie, called Le Sarrisan. The crêpes are delicious! In Spain, one of our go-to restaurants is Mirabé, located in Barcelona on the side of Tibidabo. It not only serves wonderful and delicious Catalan dishes, but offers a fabulous vista overlooking the entire city.

8. What is something you are excited about that diners can expect in the coming months at The French Market?

This fall, we are excited to offer monthly pre-fixe dinners, each of which will pair special wines with a unique and delicious menu. We also will be hosting Meet-the-Winemaker dinners.

Below are a few rapid-fire questions to let readers get to know you a bit more:

9. Most memorable meal (what & where): The Tasting Menu at the restaurant Le Taillevent, Paris

10. Favorite music – Gypsy jazz – Django Reinhart

11. Wine or cocktail – Wine

12. Most underestimated food item – Eggs – they’re so versatile!

13. Favorite food to eat/cook with – Anything picked from the garden

14. Butter or Olive Oil – both!

15. Most recent book read:

Judith: Labyrinth, by Kate Mosse

Phil:From Here You Can’t See Paris, by Michael S. Sanders

16. A Bend destination or activity you love – Bike riding/hiking on Phil’s Trail

17. Best life advice – Follow your passion

18. Favorite simple everyday pleasure – Relaxing at the end of day with a great glass of wine or Armagnac

  I want to thank Judith, Phil and their staff for the warm welcome into the restaurant and providing an experience what was most memorable for myself as well as my guests.

I want to conclude by sharing a snapshot of a moment I won’t soon forget.  In the dining occasion discussed above, after three hours of conversation, debate and laughter with my guests over a meal that spanned three courses, Phil returned to our table with a bottle Brandy from Portland, Oregon’s own Clear Creek Distillery and three delicate aperitif glasses. Punctuating our evening with such a greathearted gesture, we toasted in gratitude and exchanged bisous before departing with our appetites satiated and minds and memories given something sweet to savor. (a picture captured at the tail-end of that evening is below)

~the transparent refrigerator for the kitchen is seen in the dining area which provides a uniquely market aesthetic, all the while providing structure for the chefs to work their magic.~

  ~outdoor patio dining~

The French Market

Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 11am – 9pm

Reservations recommended for dinner

Patio seating, first come first serve

(541) 241-2926

285 NW Riverside Blvd Bend, Oregon, OR 97703

Follow: Instagram, Facebook

  View more Bend, Sweet Bend posts here and a few below:

~Bend, Oregon’s Farmers Markets

~Roundabout Books: A Booklover’s Sanctuary

~The Sparrow Bakery NWX

TSLL 2017 French Week continues through August 12th. Amusez-vous bien! 

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