#food is the best love language

[moon-yean]

Let's eat first. Come on. I'll listen to you after eating. Okay?

[adachimoe]

How clueless is Yukiko anyway?

Early in the game, when we're introduced to Yukiko's character, we're given the impression that she has good academics and grades, but she comes off as something of an airhead who isn't aware of the attention she gets from boys.

For example, when Mitsuo tries to ask her out, she seems clueless about what he was after:

The on-looking students even make a remark about the "Amagi Challenge":

These are your first scenes with Yukiko in the game, and it informs your first impression of her. There being an "Amagi Challenge" especially tells the player that she just shoots down guys left and right. But I think the game hints at her being not so clueless, and that what you initially perceive as cluelessness is an act.

I touched on this briefly in the post about "Teddie and Scoring", but when Yukiko appears on the Midnight Channel, her Shadow self announces that she's going to "ナンパ (nanpa)... 「逆ナン (gyakunan)」":

ナンパ is like saying hitting on, picking up, flirting, etc. But it's typically talking about guys trying to pick up girls. Yukiko's Shadow pauses, then corrects herself to say 逆ナン instead. 逆ナン is a combination of ナンパ and the character for reversal/turnaround/etc.

tl;dr = ナンパ is "guy pursues girl", whereas 逆ナン is a reversal of that, so "girl pursues guy".

Let's remind ourselves of what the Shadows are: They poke at very real insecurities that the Investigation Team has, but they manifest as practically caricature-like versions of the people they're based on. Then we're told in December that Shadows hate the truth, and the moment when humans want to see the truth is what makes Shadows go nutso and attack.

When you think about how the game plays out, then the Shadows attack the Investigation Team because the "You're not me!" is the brief moment when humans yearn for the truth. It's a truthful enough statement to torment the Shadows, causing them to lash out.

In the case of Yukiko, her Shadow proclaiming she wants to 逆ナン seems to be part of the caricature-like nature of her Shadow that doesn't represent her. Case in point: Yukiko doesn't go around Inaba hitting on dudes as a way to escape. Perfectly sound logic.

At the beginning of this post, I asked if Yukiko really is clueless about all of this. Considering how her Shadow says "ナンパ" then corrects itself to "逆ナン", I think her Shadow's use of these phrases indicates Yukiko does understand that men are hitting on her. Even if her Shadow is a caricature, her own insecurities and experiences are real.

As we see, people in town are reaaaaaaally not subtle about how horny they are for a 16 year old girl. It's not just boys her age who do this to her, it's random TV reporters and even her own teacher who treat her like this. She is constantly being objectified:

If her Shadow is going on about ナンパ and 逆ナン, and she actually does know what is being said to her, then it seems from the scene on April 12th that Yukiko's way of dealing with this objectification is to just... feign ignorance.

I think you can also assume that one of her other solutions to this is, "Let Chie do something about it". We're not shown this directly, but we get the impression that Chie sometimes deals with these guys herself, and this must be a recurring thing if there's a meta game recommended strategy about talking to Yukiko alone:

And this is probably why her Shadow brings up Chie as a prince figure:

If Yukiko knows she's being hit on and is more aware of these situations than she lets on, then what is this about Chie? Less than genuine helplessness and reliance, it feels more like she is intentionally making her problems become Chie's problems. But Yukiko has a new struggle due to Mayumi Yamano's visit and death, called "managing the ryokan while having no idea what the hell you're doing and also being a high school student". Which is why Chie is no longer qualified to be her Shadow's prince: Ultimately, Yukiko can't make the ryokan also become Chie's problem.

As the game goes on past Yukiko's Castle, there are scenes where I think Yukiko responds differently than before her time in the TV and before everyone saw her Shadow, and I think they lend to the idea that yeah she did know all along.

For example, Yosuke wants her help academically and mentions "private lessons". Yukiko interprets this as something inappropriate. She doesn't bother to ask him what he means by that and reacts by slapping him, insisting that her hand simply moved on its own:

Like how the news reporter and even her teacher acted, in this scene we're also told that ryokan visitors say inappropriate shit to her.

There's also the scene Yosuke tries to get Yukiko's phone number, and Chie mentions that Yosuke calls her to tell her dirty jokes. Yukiko does a thousand yard "......." stare before changing the subject entirely and not giving him a response:

(I've read an interpretation that Yukiko repeatedly acts dismissive to Yosuke because Chie likes him and he's oblivious. I'm not into that pairing, but I get where they're coming from cause early 2000s media did have some "two people bickering with one another means they're going to get married and have 4 kids" type of shit going on.)

Yukiko also reacts when she sees Kanji has an anime nosebleed. She's the one who pushes him into the water, not Chie:

Compare these scenes from after the TV world with how she treats Yosuke and Mitsuo on April 12th, before anything with the TV happens. Yosuke says he tried to ask her out before and got shut down, and she acts like she isn't sure what he's talking about:

While she ends up shooting him down (again), she actually bothers replying to him (as well as Mitsuo), she doesn't get physical, and she shows her fake reliance on Chie by asking Chie what Mitsuo wanted anyway.

You'd think if that she was genuinely oblivious about these interactions with boys as she's shown to be in April, then would her Shadow even know what ナンパ is? And in the May and June scenes, wouldn't she be asking questions like, "What does he mean by 'private lessons'" or "Hey Chie, why is Kanji's nose bleeding?" (which would then lead to Chie pushing Kanji in).

And the culmination of all of this is her response to the reporter who wants to film her bathing in the onsen and offer "all day menus" (99% sure this means "turn the ryokan into a soapland"). Rather than continue to make things Chie's problems or expect Chie to do something or pretend like she has no idea what's being said, Yukiko -- having seen a caricature of herself -- takes her own initiative.

...buuut this raises another question. Even if Yukiko is aware of when dudes are being gross to her, what about the other moments where she seems completely oblivious...?

Is she only aware of the interactions with guys because of how frequently they happen? Or is she actually a master of deadpan humor who is perfectly aware during scenes like this too?

[cr3ntist]

somethin soft…

[nekrosmos]

Saw youre not feeling great and food is my love language, since I offered rawr some freshly baked focaccia with garlic confit earlier I thought I'd also virtually give you a piece along with a hug, if you'd like of course <33 OH! And I made jam earlier so here's a jar of it too <33

AAAAA Thank you Q you're lovely !! <3 Anything with garlic in it will make me immensely happy so I'm definitely accepting the virtual gift. Food is such a great love language to have honestly !! 🫂

[cynicalmusings]

also… this youtube video came up on my recommended (yes, another one), and i’m just thinking about sharing a portion with heizou… especially because it’s similar to his signature dish… hmmmmm…

[i-need-to-get-a-life3]

how my love language works

Im a taurus, my love language is Food yum yum

If I offer you food, then I love you, you are my family, best freind, or a love interest

If you ask for food and I say yes, then yea I like u were friends

If you ask for food, and I say no, then I don't like you

If you ask for food, and I say no. And eat it in front of your face, then I HATE you. Get out of my face. You suck . I want to kill you I want you DEAD. Either that, or ur my best friend. It's pretty obvious which one.

And If i offer you food and you day no, you hurt my feelings.

if I offer you HOMEMADE food and you say no, then one sec lemme just cry in my room for a sec.

Ily all byeee 🩵

[pergaminaa]

Modern au:

Manon is someone who is very focused and stressed and she’s just… a mess really. A perfectly put up together mess but a mess nonetheless.

Dorian was quick to notice that. He knows how stress-prone she is, and also how much she undereats. It’s easily seen that food goes out of the window when she is busy or stressed. She often forgets to eat or just loses her appetite altogether (which happens quite a lot).

This is why Dorian makes sure that every night Manon gets to have something nutritious to eat because he knows for a fact this is the only time she eats in the day because of how she is.

Also, she names things wrong. His brilliantly amazing girlfriend has no issues calling a sad green salad a meal and thinks nothing of it.

It’s why he puts his focus on dinner. Sure, she can claim the salad she had ten hours ago is 'proper food' but he draws the line at dinner.

He also learned of her taste- not quite picky, but Manon is particular with the food she eats and it can easily be assumed to be pickiness but Dorian knows it’s not the case.

It’s mostly an issue of texture, if it’s too slimy or runny she will not go near it. Dorian can easily avoid this by focusing on solid food and keeping any sauce or dressing aside because it’s as simple as that.

Mashed potatoes, porridge, and the like? She won’t even look at it because it makes her physically sick (ok she’s a bit dramatic with that but let’s give it to her). Luckily, she is okay with other things and food is not really an issue. The main problem is getting her to actually eat a balanced meal once a day which is not easy because she’s either working late, or stressed and feeling upset because of her grandmother, or she’s feeling too tired to do anything other than shower and sleep. This is the main battle, really. Manon doesn't prioritize food. She'd put everything else first and call it a day.

Dorian prides himself on cooking certain foods she normally wouldn’t touch in a certain way, and it’s the only time she eats the stuff because of how he makes them. His soft chocolate cookies are a prime example of that. And it made him feel brave enough to try it with brownies, and other foods as well (she ended up liking all of his modifications).

It’s the highlight of his day, planning on what to cook in the evening and spending his time perfecting these meals.

He hates how Manon is too stressed out to focus on food. He noticed how undernourished she was with how she bruised easily, indicating that her body lacks some nutrients (she takes supplements and thinks it solves the problem, but not on Dorian’s watch).

When she’s upset, Dorian pauses everything. He sits with her and comforts her while she cries it all out (because girl is tired okay. She also doesn't vent because that includes talking about things she doesn't understand so she just doesn't do it and Dorian understands) then he continues cooking while she takes a shower to put the miserable day behind her.

[baek1nho]

i love that my love mix up is another drama about loving thru a cat

[citriarchive]

do you ever just think of ocs based on like. the most random thing. just. ever. not ever but like. ever.

[widowshill]

you ever facetime a friend for a few hours and ur like oh yeah .... there is joy in the world... !!!

[oceanxveiined]

Special Dish: Sea God’s Catch

Base: Sashimi platter

❛❛ The fish and garnishes seem oddly cut, but nonetheless the meat is chilled, tender, and its fragrance holds a sweet zest to it and an odd hint of spice from the side made to go with it. With Danae’s usual lack of culinary skills, it seems she must have put lots of practice into this. And been a bit overeager in her efforts, the overwhelmingly hearty portion considered. Your expression seems to fluster her. “What?! A proper meal’s good to keep up your strength! So eat up! Wh–you want to share it?! I...ugh, fine, I’ll help you finish– ❜❜

[sebbyhd]

'i was told that a warm meal heals the soul'

– food for the heart self-para

Sebastian didn’t always have a good relationship with food, or rather, he had a rather complicated one with it, in fact. Staring at this piece of paper in front of him with ingredients would have filled him with hollowness, and incomprehensible dread if he was much younger, still a child and living in England. His grandparents would always tell him that food was important, more than the calories being eaten, it replenished the soul, and sharing it with those who were loved was a sure-fire way to boost the mood, and fill the heart with warmth. Now, he could say he understood, but it wasn’t always like that. He’d like to think of his life split into two parts. Before his parents, and after them. The time before was filled with heavy memories, not many of them were any good. The only time he had a smile on his face while thinking about his time spent with his parents was when he was thinking of his grandparents as well. Memory was a fragile sort of thing, subjective. Sometimes, Sebastian wondered if any of it did happen, or it was just a fever dream. did he concoct it all up in his mind, and none of it was any true?

Was it a mistake to want to cook this dish for his grandparents, and bring forth better memories?

It’s easy to slip back into the past. It wasn’t that long ago since he had left Europe to come to South Korea. When was the last time he had eaten with his parents? Oh- right. A few weeks before he came out.

He always had an interest in cooking. It seemed interesting, fun. He loved watching the maids in the kitchen prepping the food, taking out the knives and utensils. It was almost hypnotising in a way. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be involved with the whole process, and maybe it was his young brain trying to create connections with those he spent the most time with. He was surrounded more by his maids and butlers than he was with his parents. He wanted to be close to them, help them around the house instead of being confined in his room all day, doing homework and schoolwork, trying to be the best son his parents had wanted him to be. It was tiring, emotionally, and psychologically, and it wasn’t fun. He was so small, and just wanted to move a little, and maybe do something more interesting. He could remember how nervous he was when he approached one of his caregivers, asking if he could help them with chores, and maybe help them cook dinner. He got a soft smile at the question, and they were more than happy to show him the ropes. Sebastian vividly remembered the feeling of being able to touch the vegetables and fruits before slowly cutting them with a knife, his nanny peering over him, helping him steady his grip and curl in his fingers as he chopped. He was just about six years old by then. It became nearly a ritual after that first day. Whenever he came back from school, he would help in secret until his parents came back from work, and they would sit around the table, and Sebastian would watch his parents take a bite of the food he created, feel pride bloom inside of him.

Of course, sometimes good things must come to an end. His parents were informed of his activities with the kitchen workers, and he was banned from ever stepping foot in there unless he was under their supervision. “Men don’t cook.” Was something they told him, pushing him to focus on “better” things, such as his schooling and homework they had given him. One of the many things they had taken away from him, he was left feeling empty. Food and eating became boring after that. Lackluster, nothing tasted as good as a meal he had helped prepare. It was bland. What was once something that filled him with warmth and made him excited, was now something that made him feel empty. Food wasn’t as interesting after that. He would watch the cooks longingly, throwing his gaze their way after school before being ushered into his room, and he vowed that the next time he had a new interest, it would be his, and it wouldn’t be stolen from him.

His grandparents saved that part of him.

They always knew what was best for him. Comforting him when he needed it the most, and showing him love and affection, they showed him just how fun cooking could be again, letting him join and help whenever he wanted, it made it easy to fall in love with the art once more. Sebastian was grateful for them. Without them, he wouldn’t be the version he currently was of himself, he would have been full of anger and hate- not that he wasn’t, but that was a memory for another time.

He steeled his heart.

Cooking for his grandparents was the best way to show his love. There was nothing better he could do, and without any doubt or regret, he did it.

[indigodreames]

When Domino and Sienna had heard the news from their parents coming home one day to all of them being gathered together. Dropping the bomb of arranging their children to be married. Not asking them what they thought of it, or if it was something they'd consider. No, it was none of that. They weren't part of the discussion and in the end, had no say in anything. It was something they were obligated to do for the benefit of both of their families.

It had been a month already of the pair being engaged. A month of preparations. Their mothers had planned everything, all the shops and venues they could choose from that was up to their standards. While it had been awkward in the first few weeks of all of this, Domino had come to find it a little more bearable. Being able to spend time with Sienna like this, without the prying eyes of their parents.

They were still awkward of course, because of their situation. However, there were some things he found himself actually enjoying together. Especially the food tasting. He expected nothing less from his or her mother, so he was pleasantly surprised how good the catering options they had to choose between.

The pair was already seated at the table that was reserved for them. The food was slowly coming out to choose which dishes they wanted to be served at the wedding after the ceremony. Plates were put in front of them and already, Domino was impressed by the plating and the aroma coming off the dish. He picked up his fork and knife, cutting a small bite, and without thinking, he gave it to Sienna instead of trying it himself first.

"This one looks and smells good, I don't doubt it'd taste bad." He said with a chuckle as he held out his fork of food to Sienna. Only now realizing what he was doing. But his fork was already in front of her, it seemed rude to take it away despite how awkward he was feeling now. "Um, here, you should try it first, let me know what you think." He managed a brief smile as he waited for her to taste it and give her opinion.

@fatescattered

[redshoes-blues]

I wish I could make all of my mutuals hot chocolate right now because you all deserve a lovely cup of cocoa on a cold and snowy (where I live) day like today 🫶🏻

[fruutbaag]

grrrrr why can't complimenting food establishments be easier i wanna be like Hey Btw This Is My Favorite Breakfast Meal Ever but there's like no time to Say it because im fuckign Ordering

[seumyo]

bakugou “do it yourself—no—i’ll do it” katsuki.

In simple theory, you have your husband, Bakugou Katsuki, wrapped around your finger. And he can fight it all he wants, but it’s nothing if not the wholehearted truth.

“Hey, can you grab me some coffee?”

Bakugou didn’t even look up from his phone. “No. Get your own damn coffee.”

“Fine,” you sighed dramatically, turning your attention back to your work. You didn’t miss the way Bakugou grumbled under his breath as he stood up a few moments later. When he returned, he placed a steaming cup of coffee on your desk without a word.

You hid your smile behind the rim of the cup. “Thanks, Katsuki.”

“Whatever,” he muttered, glaring at you.

-

Later that afternoon, you two were sparring in the gym in the comfort of your home—courtesy to your husband insisting that it’s a non-negotiable when arranging the first designs of your dream home together. You were struggling to move one of the heavier training dummies back into its original position, and once again you had the brilliant idea of putting your theory to the test.

What’s the point of having a husband if he doesn’t let you do things like these?

You let out an exaggerated sigh and turned to Bakugou, who was wiping sweat from his brow. For a moment, you forgot what you were about to say—momentarily distracted by how good he looks, muscles glistening and all with his signature black tank top.

Goddamn, you scored a hottie.

“Katsuki, help me move this,” you called, pointing at the dummy.

“No way,” he shot back immediately. “You’re the one who moved it there, so you deal with it.”

“Fine,” you sighed, turning back to the dummy and giving it an exaggerated shove. Before you could try again, Bakugou had stormed over, cursing at the dummy under his breath. He grabbed the dummy with one hand and effortlessly dragged it back into place.

“There. Happy now?” he grunted.

Oh, so it could be resist, then actually do it, or refuse while doing it anyway.

You smiled. “Very. Thanks, Katsuki.”

“Shut up,” he growled, his ears slightly tinged with pink.

-

By the end of the week, it had become a game for you. You’d ask for the simplest things, knowing full well that Bakugou would always refuse—only to do it anyway. Maybe it’s his love language to refuse but comply nevertheless.

“Can you pass me the remote?”

“No. Use your legs.” Hands it over.

“Can you open this jar for me?”

“Do it yourself.” Opens it in one twist.

“Can you get groceries on your way home?”

“Fuck no.” What do you mean he’s already loading the grocery bags in his car?

“Can you carry my bag for a second?”

“Die. I’m not your damn pack mule.” Carries it all the way home.

-

One evening, you two were sitting on the couch of your home, eating takeout and watching a movie. You were cuddled up with a freshly ironed blanket—thanks to Bakugou, who had done the laundry yesterday while you did the ironing when everything had dried enough—poking at your food lazily. You turned to Bakugou, your head resting on the couch cushion.

“Hey, can you grab me some water?” you asked with a sweet smile.

Bakugou glared at you, pausing mid-bite, his usual scowl in place. “No. You’ve got legs. Use ‘em.”

“Okay,” you said simply, turning your attention back to the movie.

You decided that you’ll get water once you finish this specific scene.

Bakugou lasted all of five minutes before he let out a loud groan, stomping to the kitchen and returning with a glass of water. He shoved it into your hands, his expression equal parts annoyed and resigned.

“There,” he grumbled. “Happy now?”

You took the glass with a smug grin. “Thanks, Katsuki. You’re the best.”

He sank back onto the couch, crossing his arms and glaring at the screen. “You’re so damn annoying.”

“You love me,” you said teasingly.

“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered, his ears turning red. But he didn’t deny it.

“Married me, too. So I don’t think you mind at all.”

“Die.”

“‘til death do we part, Kats.”

And despite all his protests, you knew the truth. Katsuki Bakugou might have sworn you’d never have him wrapped around your finger, but with every little thing he did for you—grudgingly or not—you knew you had your conclusion.

Even if it’s a little bit.

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