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shortprince-cos · 4 years ago

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Presents Or Pranks?

Summary: Janus assumes his "secret admirer" is a prankster, but a familiar face proves him wrong.

Ship: Romantic Moceit (Patton x Janus)

Warnings: Stabbing mention (doesn't actually happen i swear-), pranking mention, high school, Valentine's Day(?). Tell me if I need to add anything else!

Note: Happy Valentine's Day!!! Hope you have a good day regardless of if you have a s/o or not! Also i forgot that Valentine's day wasn't on a school day this year, so ignore that cause i didn't want to rewrite it. Pretend its an AU.

Thank you to @emy-loves-you for helping me with some plot (and basically every other fic I've written)!

~~~~~

If there was ever a time for Janus to develop anxiety, it would be now.

For weeks he had been wondering who kept putting letters - love letters - in his locker at least twice a week. The last letter had said to meet him here, under the bleachers on the football field, after school, on Valentine's Day.

There were two possible situations that this could turn into: One, this was a really elaborate prank and he was about to either get humiliated or stabbed, whichever came first, or two, someone who has a crush on him was about to meet him, and he would have to break their heart or make out with them.

At least if he gets attacked he can defend himself, and humiliate the stranger instead. If it was an admirer, then they would both be humiliated.

He hoped it was a prankster, because if the person was real, they seemed really sweet, and Janus didn't want to do that to them.

It's probably some straight girl who wants a bad boy. It wouldn't be the first time that had happened, but Janus was tired of explaining that he was gay to every girl he ever crossed paths with.

The letters and gifts had always been very stereotypical, like ones you would see in rom-coms and books. They usually consisted of chocolates, little poems, and pressed yellow flowers.

They were all really sweet gifts (especially the chocolates), but Janus still couldn't help but worry over who the 'admirer' was.

Janus anxiously checked his phone. The stranger was seven minutes late.

It was probably a prankster, and he was probably being filmed right now. Janus looked around, but all that was there was an empty football field.

Janus sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

Would a prankster even put this much effort into a joke? This was going on for weeks, and unless this person really hated Janus, he doubted it was a prank. As awful as that was.

Who would even have a crush on Janus, anyway? He wasn't exactly nice or pretty, he was mean and- well, he wasn't ugly, but he definitely wasn't charismatic.

His whole aesthetic was 'stay away from me', so he always wondered why that seemed to attract girls to him, until Remus enlightened him.

"They want a bad boy." Remus explained one day. "They think the idea of an angry guy with a soft spot only for them, is sexy."

"That's stupid." Janus had replied.

And it was stupid- is stupid. What kind of girl wants someone who's mean to them? Janus blamed the Twilight saga.

Janus checked his phone again. Eleven minutes late.

Janus cursed and decided to call it quits. He picked up his backpack and started walking towards the parking lot before he heard someone shouting something behind him.

He looked back towards the football field to see a short, blond, boy, running at him as fast as they could.

"W-Wait!" They yelled.

Janus waited for the short person to catch up, when they did, they put their hands on their knees, trying to catch their breath.

They looked kind of familiar, but everyone does when you go to the same highschool.

"Sorry- sorry!" The stranger looked up at him with blue eyes looking through round glasses. "I'm so sorry I'm late! I promise I didn't mean to be, but my teacher wanted to talk to me after class about my grades, and I tried to tell her I was late, but she wouldn't listen! And then my friends wanted advice about their gifts for their partners, and I got caught up! I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting!"

Janus knew he should probably be listening to what the shorter boy was saying, but all his mind was thinking was that he was rather adorable.

"W-What?"

Oh, did he say that out loud?

Janus smirked. "You're adorable when you're rambling."

The boy blushed quickly. "I- u-uh- thank you?"

Janus chuckled. "So, you're the one putting those gifts in my locker?"

The blue-eyed stranger shifted on his feet. "Y-Yeah, I did. I did wanna talk to you about that! Which, is the whole reason we're here- obviously- why else would we-?" He giggled nervously. "Anyway, the reason I put those there is because...uh- I kinda- maybe sorta...like you?"

"Why?" Janus immediately asked.

"I- what?"

Janus crossed his arms. "You said you liked me, and I want to know why."

"O-Oh. I didn't expect you to- uh- ask that?"

"Well, do you have a reason, or-?"

"No- yeah! Of-of course I do...you-you want to hear it?"

"No, I just asked because I was curious." Janus answered sarcastically.

"R-Right. Yeah, okay, um- well-"

Janus smirked as he saw the shorter one fumble over his words.

"Well, over winter break? You uh- you volunteer at an animal shelter in the next town over?"

Janus' eyes widened in shock. "How did you-"

"I work there too! I do every weekend when I'm at my dad's house! Uh- anyway, I saw you there over winter break, and you were just so...soft, with the animals, and it was really cute to see you playing with kittens, and you always took the older dogs on walks because they were sad they never got adopted, ooh! And then you helped me carry some boxes in that one time 'cause no one else was, and you kinda called me pretty? I guess that part isn't as important, heh- oh my gosh I'm rambling! I'm sorry!"

Janus was shocked at how specific this guy's examples were. Then he thought about the situations again.

"You had blue hair."

The bubbly boy's face lit up. "You remember me?"

"A little. You cried when puppies got adopted."

"Can you blame me?! I loved playing with them, and I just wanted to make sure they got a good home!"

Janus outright laughed - which, if you talked to Janus' friends, they would claim that Janus only laughed when a kid fell off a bike.

"S-Sorry- I-" Janus laughed a bit more. "That was the most innocent thing I've ever heard."

The blue-clad boy pouted and crossed his arms in the least intimidating way possible.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" Janus apologized while still chuckling slightly. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. A-Anyways, I just wanted to tell you that okay I'll be going now-"

"Wait." Janus said before the smaller one ran off. "What are you doing tonight?"

"O-Oh! I'm not doing anything...why?"

"The dance tonight? Would the unnamed stranger in front of me like to go?"

"Oh my gosh! I'm sorry, I totally forgot to introduce myself! My name's Patton!"

Janus smiled. "Alright then. Would you like to go to the dance with me, Patton?"

Patton immediately blushed more. "Oh gosh, you don't have to-"

Janus took Patton's hand in his own and brought it up to his lips. "Now why wouldn't I want to take my beautiful admirer to a nice dance?" He pressed a kiss to Patton's knuckles and watched as Patton's face turned even redder.

"I-I...y-yeah, I wanna go with you!" He squeaked out.

Janus dropped Patton's hand. "I'll see you tonight, then?"

"Y-Yeah, sure!"

Janus picked up his bag again as Patton started to gather his as well. "Oh, and, Patton?"

"Yeah?"

"I hope you know that I will have to repay you for those presents you gifted me."

Patton sputtered. "You don't have to! I just wanted to give you something-"

"Nope, too late, I've already decided." Janus started walking back towards the parking lot. "See you later, cutie!"

Thinking about the future dance, Janus decided that maybe an admirer was better than a prankster after all.

~~~~~

Sorry this is so short, but I thought something was better than nothing! I hope you guys enjoyed!

General Taglist: @resident-crow-goth @macademmia @theantisocialghost @foreverfangirlalways @emo--nightmaree @moxy--sanders101 @quinnthequeer @gattonero17 @trashno0dles @tranquil-space-ninja @chaotic-murder-muffin @lugooble @sander-crossing @princess-rosie @sleepyysoot @hi-its-tutty @lookingforaplacetosleep @sarcasmremovedsoul @corkeecoderyt @drarrymalecsolangelo @private-snippers @girl-who-reads @emy-loves-you @reptilian-with-scallions

Ask to be added or removed!

Reblogs are appreciated!💖

#sanders sides #sanders sides fic #sanders sides fanfic #sanders sides fanfiction #moceit #romantic moceit #valentines day #ts patton #ts janus #kawaiikat54 fic #patton sanders #janus sanders

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dixingcups · 4 years ago

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genderfluid! Shen Wei, weilan, 1154 words The back of Shen Wei's closet is as neatly organized as the front, which is how Zhao Yunlan knows that he's hidden The Sweatpants deliberately. He whistles as he digs through the folded sweaters in a drawer--something pop-y, Xiao Guo has been bobbing his head every time it comes on the radio--and is only mildly disappointed when he finds no faded, cheesecloth-hole fleece between the blue and grey cashmere. It was a long shot anyway, this drawer: but leave no stone unturned, that's the motto of a detective. No sweater unexamined? No drawer disregarded? In all honesty The Sweatpants are a lot less comfortable than the replacement pairs (three of them!) that Shen Wei has foisted on Zhao Yunlan in transparent attempts to get him to switch, but at this point it's about the meaning of the thing, and the meaning is about being stubborn. Also, the prissy little moue of Shen Wei's mouth when Zhao Yunlan annoys him is adorable and kind of unfairly hot. Returning to the hanging racks (hey, Zhao Yunlan never claimed to be organized, just effective), Zhao Yunlan pushes past a bulky garment bag and gropes around to drag a handful of clamp hangers into the light. The texture of the fabric is all wrong to be what he's looking for, so he almost shoves them past his shoulder before his eyes catch up to his fingers, and then Zhao Yunlan can't do anything but use his eyes, for staring. Because. It's--skirts.

A lot of them, he realizes, as he swallows and starts to flip through the hangers behind them. Skirts that flare out, some of them long enough they must hit the ground. Skirts that are cut close to the hip and taper, made of the same neat wool that characterizes Shen Wei's suits. Skirts that are actually dresses; Zhao Yunlan sees something with a lot of straps and has to take a moment to press his hands over his face and breathe. "Hei Lao Ge," he tries; it comes out strangled to near silence. Figuring he might need the visual aid, he grabs a skirt at random--it's one of the tight suited kind--and drapes it over his arm, abandoning the closet for now so he can find Shen Wei in the kitchen. Shen Wei is diligently chopping scallions. Zhao Yunlan takes a moment to feel a fond wash of affection, and also to check out his ass. (It's nice ass.) "Hey," he says, now that Shen Wei can hear him, and is rewarded by Shen Wei turning immediately towards him, smiling. He sees when Shen Wei recognizes what Zhao Yunlan is holding, because Shen Wei's face goes blank. Right. "You know, if you wanted to wear skirts for me, you could have said," Zhao Yunlan says, curling his tongue around the words as much as possible. Shen Wei's cheeks go gratifyingly pink. Still, his voice is calm when he answers, turning back to the counter and picking up the knife. "Do you not like the trousers? I seem to recall you mentioning the opposite. Several times." Zhao Yunlan laughs, because he's busted and doesn't want anything less, and comes closer so he can rest an arm on Shen Wei's shoulder and kiss his cheek. The up-and-down motion as Shen Wei chops jostles Zhao Yunlan's elbow. It's a familiar rhythm. "I do, oh yeah I do. But I didn't know this was on the table." He shakes the skirt slightly in Shen Wei's peripheral vision. Shen Wei doesn't answer. He goes tense under Zhao Yunlan's touch, and Zhao Yunlan forces himself to stay relaxed in counterpoint, to not jerk away. "Hey. I'm not gonna be--you've seen me in drag, Xiao Wei. And I looked good as shit, I know you agree." It was a case, a couple months ago--gay bar, Zhao Yunlan had to go undercover. His first attempt had actually not been so flattering, but one of the queens they were working with had taken one look at him, said something to the tune of "oh no honey, you do makeup like a cop," and sat him down to re-do the whole thing herself. Zhao Yunlan has been meaning to go back and pay her to teach him how to do it; his cheekbones looked damn sharp. He just hasn't had the time. Crimes, you know. The knuckles of Shen Wei's right hand have gone tight around the handle of the knife. "It...is not drag. For me." "Okay," Zhao Yunlan says, slowly. The lights in his brain that say BIG DEAL! DON'T FUCK THIS UP! are suddenly blazing, and it's so distracting he can't quite parse what Shen Wei is trying to tell him. "Is, um. Is this stuff now drag, then?" He nudges his fingers under the collar of Shen Wei's pressed shirt, trying to sink reassurance into the soft skin. The scallions are very green against the wood of the cutting board: little spirals. "No," Shen Wei says. He starts cutting again, with a little bit less than his customary smooth grace. "In Dixing, things are not as separated. I do not ascribe to one...I only wear the skirts when I am down there. Haixingren nowadays do not do well with...fluidity. It was something I had to learn." Zhao Yunlan imagines Professor Shen arriving to class, bespectacled and mild in something like the skirt in his fist, and being harassed for it. A thrill of anger so complete he feels himself buzz from his forehead to his toes takes him, and for the next couple of heartbeats he can't see anything but red. Then he imagines the way Professor Shen's legs would look, crossed underneath the tight tailoring, and has to close his mouth so he doesn't say something stupid and possibly reductive like I'm so extremely bisexual or will you put this skirt on right now and fuck me in it. He brushes a thumb along Shen Wei's ear to gather some time to compose himself. (It's a nice ear.) "Well, fuck those Haixingren," he says, when he can trust himself not to leer too aggressively. "You always look good in whatever you wear. Whatever you don't wear too," he adds, and lets himself make that suggestive, because he thinks it will make Shen Wei laugh. He does, quietly and a little bit startled, in that way that never fails to punch Zhao Yunlan right in the chest. Fucking hell, he loves Shen Wei. "Let me cook," Shen Wei says, nudging Zhao Yunlan off him. Zhao Yunlan sticks his tongue out and retreats, making it clear with his body language that he's put-upon and suffering. Shen Wei doesn't laugh again, but he does shake his head, his eyes dancing, and that's almost as good. He leaves the skirt upside-down over the back of the couch, like he's forgotten to put it back. He hasn't. He thinks Shen Wei knows that, but he doesn't say a thing.

#guardian #guardian 2018 #weilan #guardian zhen hun #shen wei #zhao yunlan #my fics #<3 #why would dixing ascribe to shitty gender binaries i ask u....whats the logic in that

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5-falsehoods-phonated · 4 years ago

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Dee Little Snake

Series Summary: Janus uses age regression as a way to destress but has little control over it whenever he grows upset. Trying to keep a secret like that can be hard when you’re only four years old, and thus family bonding ensues in a way nobody expected, least of all Deceit.

Chapter 3: Carrots and Cuddles

Chapter Summary: Virgil and Dee are compromised by carrots; it turns out better than either of them thought it could.

Warnings: crying, mild panic, food mention

WC: 1 846

Taglist (ask to be added): @a-different-s1de @reptilian-with-scallions

General Taglist (ask to be added): @im-an-anxious-wreck

“Eat your carrots and then we can go play alright?”

Virgil leaned forward a bit and held out the fork, having taken it from Dee a few minutes ago when it became clear all he was going to do with it was push the horrible orange vegetables around his plate. Nobody in the mind scape liked vegetables except Janus- for whatever reason. Usually it was the only thing Virgil could get him to eat on the days he was feeling picky but now- Virgil sighed as Dee simply turned his head to the other side and pouted, little arms folded across his chest in a resolute pout.

“Come on buddy, everyone’s gone for now but we don’t know when they’ll be back. If you don’t eat these now you’re gonna be hungry later and I’m not letting you survive on cookies and juice boxes the entire afternoon.”

“Nuh.”

“Dee.”

“Nuh!”

Sighing again, Virgil lowered the fork. Not only was it apparently a picky day but it was also going to be a day where Dee was mostly nonverbal- which was perfectly fine besides the fact that Virgil now had no way of knowing what Dee might actually want at any given point in time, which when you have a time limit to leave the kitchen spotless by with a fussy toddler who suddenly decides to reject his tried and true favorite food it becomes the least ideal situation the living embodiment of anxiety could be in.

He regarded the carrots with distaste before holding up the fork again hopefully.

“Nuh.”

“Work with me a little Dee. No, you don’t want to play?”

“Nuh.”

No, you don’t want carrots? But these were always your favorite-” Virgil watched helplessly as the plate was firmly pushed away and arms crossed again. Did he just suck at this after not having taken care of him in so long? Were carrots not his favorite anymore? Did he just hate Virgil now because he’d taken so long to reach out again? He’d been the one to suggest that Janus take the day to be little to destress since everyone else would be with Thomas for a couple hours and they’d be free to do whatever until then, which Janus had agreed to and what they had been doing all morning until now- lunch- that Dee was stubbornly refusing.

“Just eat one alright? Just one and then I’ll make you another sandwich for later in case you get hungry.”

“Nuh.”

“Eat the carrot.”

“Nuh.”

“Dee-” Virgil was interrupted suddenly by a whooshing sound. One that sounded distinctly like someone sinking back into the mindscape. Early. While him and Dee were still sat at the table. Panicking Virgil could only stay frozen as the side began to speak, footsteps getting louder as they came towards the kitchen.

“...thought I left it in here but- oh! I didn’t realize you’d be-” Patton stopped in the doorway, a look of shock on his face as he took in the scene of Virgil sat stock still at the table with a forkful of carrot still held aloft and Dee stiff as a board as well in his own seat with his plate of uneaten carrots in front of him, both of them hardly daring to breathe as the air tensed.

“H-heya Pat! How’s it uh...how’s it going out there?”

Patton blinked. “It- um, It’s going...it’s going. Who might this be?”

They both looked at Dee who, with the air still tense and suddenly being stared at, suddenly became very overwhelmed, lower lip trembling as his eyes flicked from Virgil to Patton and back.

“Dee, you’re okay, it’s fine!” Virgil rushed out, dropping the fork in his urgency to reach for the smaller side.

“Dee?” Patton questioned and that seemed to do it. Tears spilled onto Dee’s cheeks as he began to cry, the panic of being caught finally settling in his mind as he realized Patton was not, in fact, ever meant to see him while he was small. Panicking even more, Virgil fought to keep his voice level as he quickly scooped the now bawling side into his arms and began to try and gently shush him, echoing voice betraying him as it only served to scare Dee further into his head and make him cry harder. Close to tears himself he looked desperately at Patton who seemed to finally snap out of it and sank out quickly, leaving Virgil to stare incredulously at the spot he had vacated. Was he going to tell the others? He knew he couldn't, right? Of course he didn’t he didn’t even know what was going on how would he not-

“Okay, had to step out and tell them I had a headache coming on and was going to make some tea and lie down. That’ll keep them out there and not looking for any of us! Now-” Virgil watched as Patton came a little closer, fully in Dee’s sights as he continued to cry. “I’m sorry I scared you so badly there kiddo, I just wasn’t expecting to see you is all. I can leave if you want me to but I’d like to stay and help if you’ll let me?”

Patton’s soft tones seemed to calm the toddler down significantly as he leaned more into Virgil but thankfully stopped crying, only jerking a little with lingering hiccups while he eyed the fatherlyside cautiously. Patton seemed to take it as a win however as he looked over to the carrots left abandoned on the table, wrinkling his nose in distaste. “The heck are you being fed kiddo?”

“They’re usually his favorite,” Virgil was quick to defend them both, twisting his mouth to one side as he looked at the now far too cold for comfort cooked carrots congealing at the plate. “At least they were…”

Patton didn’t comment, instead scooping up the plate and turning to Dee. “Well they can’t be any good cold. Why don’t I heat these up and maybe add something special, make them taste different hm?”

Virgil watched as Dee peaked through his slightly longer bangs at the other side, who only grinned happily and waited. Hesitantly he reached his small fist up and wiped at his eyes, nodding but still making sure to lean back into Virgil. Nodding, Patton turned and made his way to the stove, dumping the carrots into a pan and flicking the burner on. Smiling crookedly Virgil leaned down to nuzzle the top of Dee’s head softly, earning a giggle in return as he squirmed in his arms. Virgil set him back down in his chair gently and pushed his juicebox over to him while watching Patton out of the corner of his eye, who was currently trying his absolute best not to stare at them while he cooked. The carrots sizzled lightly as he added salt and what looked like brown sugar, caramelizing with the pat of butter he had also added. Virgil had to admit it smelled delicious and even Dee was leaning forward in anticipation.

“And here we go! Carrots for people who don’t like carrots!” He set the plate down gently in front of the small side, putting a clean fork next to the plate and carefully taking a seat next to Virgil. They both watched as Dee poked lightly at the carrots, Virgil ready to sigh in defeat, when he actually put a couple in his mouth, eyes lighting up and all but shoving the entire plate in his face.

“Slow down kiddo, they’’ll still be there if you use a fork!” Patton laughed lightly and turned to Virgil, who simply shook his head and mouthed “I’ll tell you later.”

“Fair enough.” Patton mouthed back. “Coffee?”

“God yes.” Accidentally breathing the yes out loud Virgil huffed out a laugh and offered Patton a smile before turning back to Dee. This...definitely wasn’t how he thought the morning would go but- he’d take it.

-----

“Age regression huh? I guess that makes sense.”

“It’s normal Pat.” Virgil’s reply came out sharper than he intended, making the moral side flinch a bit before shaking his head. “Sorry I- defensive. Protective. Whatever, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“It’s cute.” Patton’s eyes softened as he watched Virgil run his fingers through Dee’s hair, the latter fast asleep in anxiety’s lap. “You’re good with him; it’s clear he trusts and loves you a lot.”

Hiding his eyes behind his bangs so Patton wouldn’t see just how much that meant to him he nearly choked trying to answer. “Y- yeah?”

“Yeah.” Patton sat back against the couch and smiled. “I won’t tell anyone, I promise. Poor baby looked scared enough seeing me walk in, I could only imagine if it had been-”

Virgil lifted his head as Patton’s sentence caught, both of them knowing what was hanging in the air but not wanting to voice it. It was a thought better shelved for another day- one that didn’t have a four year old asleep in Virgil’s lap as he tried not to cry in relief that Patton was simply taking this in stride. Virgil could still take care of Janus when he needed it and maybe this would help his and Patton’s relationship like how it helped him and Virgil. Good. Those two needed to sit down and talk at some point and if this was the push they needed well...it was better than nothing Virgil supposed.

“Do you think he’ll be mad? That I saw him like this?” Virgil looked over at Patton twisting his fingers together painfully. “I can guess it was supposed to be secret- I really didn’t mean to walk in!”

Reaching over with his free hand Virgil batted his fingers apart to take a hand in his own. “I know, Pop-star. He’ll understand; he doesn’t hate you.”

“He doesn’t?”

Virgil looked up to see Patton’s wide eyes watering a bit as he pressed his lips together anxiously. He looked almost the exact same way Dee had when he had asked Virgil if he hated him, the memory stabbing through his chest as he squeezed Patton’s hand tightly.

“He loves you Patton, so much. He loves all of us he just-” has dumb ways of showing it. Virgil smoothed Dee’s hair down gently while rubbing Patton’s knuckles with his other hand. “He loves all of us Patton, you included. He just gets so wrapped up in playing the villain he forgets how to make sure you actually know it.”

Biting back the urge to hit himself over the head with his own hypocrisy he started a bit as Patton laid his head on his shoulder, intertwining their fingers as he relaxed. “It’s good to know that’s all it is.”

Pointedly ignoring the slight teasing tone, Virgil laid his cheek on top of Patton’s head and simply nodded. They’d have to move soon if they didn’t want to get caught but for now, being curled up on the couch as a small family felt incredibly nice. He supposed they could stay just a little longer.

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#false writes #sanders sides #sanders sides fic #dee little snake #janus sanders #deciet sanders #virgil sanders #patton sanders #familial bonding #agere #age regression #food metion

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coreastories · 5 years ago

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Inside Joke

The inside story on Gon and Tae-Eul’s “melodrama.”

1500 words. All the domesticity we thirst for.

Gon knew immediately that things weren’t right when he came out of the obelisks and saw Tae-eul’s face. She had that sullen expression she wore back when she thought he was a ridiculous bum with a costume and a horse and without a home.

“What’s wrong?” He took her hand and it was a little warm. Almost without thought his feet moved to lead her back to her world, to get her somewhere secure and safe.

She let him lead her, still looking sullen. “My back hurts. This happens every month. Why couldn’t it have happened during the week?”

They drove to Seoul in silence. She kept fidgeting in her seat trying to get comfortable. Once at their long-term lease in the hotel, Tae-eul stomped inside the suite and promptly dropped on the couch.

“What do you need? I’ll get it for you.”

“I already took my medicine,” she said, closing her eyes and dropping her arm across her face. “It really works, but it takes a while. I don’t get miserable by choice, you know.”

Gon saw pink creep up from her neck to her partially obscured face, so he knew he wasn’t the only one struck by the double meaning behind her words.

“All right, we don’t have to leave. We can stay here.”

Still covering her face with her arm, she nodded. With her free hand, she patted the space on the sofa. He smiled automatically and answered the summons of that simple, soft gesture. He scooped her up and sat down, settling her head and shoulders on his lap.

He reached for the remote controls for the air and diffusers. He wasn’t sure if he should humidify-- would that help? But he did so anyway. For scent, he chose eucalyptus. He felt her relax further against him.

He didn’t know how long they stayed like that. He was occupied with stroking her hair, digging his fingers in to massage her scalp. Her right arm came up to hug him loosely, her hand patting his lower back, and he smiled again. He lived for these affectionate touches and he’d missed her all week.

“Do you want to go to bed? Is your medicine making you drowsy?”

She finally removed her arm from her face, and Gon held back his amusement. The fabric of her sleeve had left deep, weird wrinkles across her cheeks.

“No. Yes,” she said. “But I’m good.”

“Yes, you are. You’re adorable. Does this always happen at your time of the month?”

She swatted him on the knee. “Don’t talk about it.”

“I just wanted to know if you have any other discomfort.”

“Just my back. I’m lucky. Na-ri has it way worse with cramps.”

He winced. “What do you want to eat?”

“Ramyeon. Don’t get fancy. We have some in the pantry. Just add boiling water and then come back here.”

He scoffed. At the very least, he’d add eggs and scallions. And he knew they always had kimchi. He gently levered her off his lap, got up, and then propped a pillow to replace his thigh. She bent her knees and struggled to move a pillow underneath them, so he took care of that.

Then he bent and kissed her on the forehead, and then the cheek, and because she looked adorable, went ahead and kissed her on the lips, too. She responded sleepily, but he felt both her arms slide up around his shoulders.

He always felt this magnetic pull toward Tae-eul’s lips, and he answered that pull as much as he could on their time together.

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

Empty bowls of ramyeon sat on the coffee table. A romantic comedy movie-- or was it a series?-- was playing on the TV. Tae-eul felt full. Too full. She didn’t get cramps, but she still got that achy pressure in her lower belly, and she got bloated with gas, whatever she ate. Slurping ramyeon didn’t help matters.

She and Gon were back in their original position earlier. After eating, she simply slid down onto her back on the sofa, pillowing her head and shoulder on Gon’s right thigh. Gon had his right arm across her chest-- and she wished she’d removed her jacket. Why on earth was she still wearing her jacket?

She felt Gon’s hand move from her shoulder to her hand. “What is it?” he asked. “You said you don’t get cramps?”

Tae-eul realized she’d been rubbing her belly.

“It’s gas.”

As she wanted and expected, Gon laughed. She loved hearing him laugh.

But she wasn’t about to make him laugh by making him hear her letting out her gas. She got up. She should take another dose of her medicine anyway. It worked best for her when she overlapped them.

In the bathroom, she showered and changed into her third favorite pajamas-- cotton blend, soft like silk, dark, safe and sturdy enough for stain removal, if any. She could already feel her drowsiness setting in, and she barely had any discomfort any longer. Good.

She found Gon in the bedroom, also changed into his own silk pajamas. He was sitting against the headboard, reading glasses on. When he saw her in the doorway, he promptly put his book down and folded back the covers for her.

Crawling in, she wrapped her arm around him and nestled against his side. He smelled wonderful, distinguishable from the eucalyptus permeating the entire suite. This is what she missed everyday they weren’t together, this closeness, the feel of him against her, beside her.

It was making her tear up. Cursed hormones.

She turned to the TV. At some point, Gon had turned it on, volume low. It was the same show he’d also chosen in the living room.

They watched for awhile, Tae-eul waiting for her drowsiness to turn into sleep, but hovering in between instead. Gon’s hand moved from her hair to her nape, up and down her back and arm, dipping into her waist and caressing her belly, hypnotizing her.

“Why can’t we have that?” she heard herself say. “Even Yeong can have that. He’s not actually an indentured slave, is he?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean that.” She nodded toward the TV, where the male and female leads just made a high five across the space between their desks. “I wish we can see each other whenever we like. I wish I could just barge into your house and catch you with your pile of smelly socks.”

“Smelly socks?” The timber of his voice was low, amused and annoyed at the same time. She grinned. He was easy to rile.

But her mind and mouth was on a different tangent. “I wish we just worked together or something. Why couldn’t you be a cop? In my world?”

His hand gave a gentle squeeze on her waist. “I’m a pilot in this world.”

“Why do we have to be in a melodrama story? Why can’t it be a thriller or romantic comedy? We could have a disrupter, a… a… an antagonist, isn’t that what they’re called… and we defeat or defy the antagonist and that’s it. We win. It’s gonna be a blockbuster. I’d watch it tons of times.”

Gon had curled his body toward her now, peering at her face over the rim of his glasses to see if she was all right, or perhaps just to see her, to meet her eyes with his. “We did win,” he said, watching her intently.

And she couldn’t say anything much except, “I love you.”

He kissed her on the forehead, pressing his lips there for several seconds. “I love you. Go to sleep.”

“No.”

He laughed.

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

Gon met Tae-eul coming out of the bathroom, fully dressed. He blinked.

“Is your back better?”

“Yes,” she said, a little sheepishly. “I’m fine. I feel really good.” She walked to the island and brought him the mug of coffee standing ready there. It was still hot. “Let’s not waste this weekend.”

So they didn’t. This time the drive to the bamboo grove was filled with conversation. Her father. Jangmi. The newbie. Na-ri and Eun-sup and the twins.

He watched her and he was happy to see she really was feeling better, without any sign of discomfort.

“Let me take your backpack.”

“No. I’m fine with it.”

Then he saw the lights. Beams of 1200 lumens cutting through the gloom of the evening.

He almost laughed when she hid herself against him inside his coat. This was going to be one of those interesting days. And it was.

The revelations about Yeong were swept from his mind as he watched and listened to her repeat what she’d said last night. She was telling him she didn’t mean it, or meant it but wasn’t angry about it. She loved him and wouldn’t trade their situation--such as it was-- for any alternative. This was their destiny. She was his, and he was hers.

It was quick work to lift her onto the desk so she wouldn’t strain her back.

She was already smiling, lifting her face sweetly up to his. They understood each other.

Like her always saying no when he tells her to go to sleep, this would be another inside joke. “Melodrama.”

And maybe “control tower” too.

#CoreaFiction #the king eternal monarch #lee gon #jeong tae eul #lee min ho #kim go eun #the king: eternal monarch

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chefftruffle · 4 years ago

Text

TRINI CURRY CHICKEN

Curry Chicken. Savory, mouth-watering, hardy, spicy, mind blowing. All of these words, I could in-arguably use to describe what is one of my favorite dishes to cook, and your new favorite dish to eat! But before I tell you how to prepare it… a little history about where Curry Chicken comes from.

Curry, the spice, has origins in India. A blend of at least 14 different aromatic herbs and spices is what makes curry uniquely different and easily distinguishable from any other flavor in the world. Curry is a household name in America. When the British colonizers took over 500,000 Indian people as indentured servants to the carribean islands, Curry was then introduced to the west. When West Africans were taken as enslaved people to the carribean islands, they brought their agricultural techniques and different plant species, such as plantains, combining to develop what most americans know as carribean food. Their cultures and cuisines were so beautifully fused, and from that, Trini Curry Chicken was born.

I learned this recipe from watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown where he traveled to Trinidad & Tobago. He was hosted by a West Indian family where they prepared him fresh Curry Duck in the same way I describe below. Season 9, Episode 7 if you're lucky enough to have access to those pure gems of episodes. My version of it is more of a stew, however, and pairs very well with white rice and fried plantains. In this recipe, I'm going to list a bunch of ingredients to use in your curry, but don’t feel stressed! Only if you have them readily available, should you feel inclined to repeat this recipe exactly the same way. Curry Chicken can be made many different ways, as far as seasonings and techniques. Nevertheless, there are only 3 major steps to this recipe, and I don't think you will find it difficult to put this all together and make some absolutely enchanting Curry Chicken in your own home. Have at it!

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 45 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 LBS Cut up CHicken legs

3 Tomatoes (of any kind) cut up

3-4 Scallions (Green Onions)

1 Yellow Onion (sliced thin)

1 Habanero or Scotch Bonnet Pepper

(optional) Dried Chillies de Arbol

4-5 Cloves of Garlic

1 tsp Fennel Seeds

Salt and Pepper

2 Tbsp Garam Masala

2 Tbsp Curry

¼ Cup Cooking Oil (Olive Oil is best in this situation)

1 Tbsp Knorr Chicken Bouillon

1 Can (medium sized) of Coconut Milk

½ Bunch of Cilantro to Garnish

PROCEDURE:

Toast your fennel seeds and chillies in a dried pan with no oil over a low heat, moving around occasionally. You can tell they are ready when you can smell them from the pan. They will be very aromatic. Add them to the bowl with your chicken.

Marinate your chicken with all of the ingredients listed above besides Tomatoes, Cilantro, Coconut Milk, and Chicken Bouillon. Make sure that every crevice of your chicken is coated in the mixture with the olive oil. Adding a cooking oil to your marinade helps to seal in the flavors.

Add your marinated curry chicken mixture to a hot pot with a little oil at the bottom. You want to try and let the curry chicken get a pre-cooking, a slight browning on the edges, and THEN you add your tomatoes and the coconut milk.

If you are using a dutch oven like me, now would be a good time to place your oven at 350 F.

After stirring in the coconut milk, you can add a Tbsp of Chicken Bouillon. If you want to cook this completely on the stove, you can simply turn the heat down to a simmer at this point, and continue checking on the pot every 10 min or so for the next hr, just to stir it. When the chicken is Tender and Falling off the bone, your Trinidadian Curry Chicken is ready to serve! ENJOY

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skaryskylar · 5 years ago

Text

Cherry Wine

Pairing: ZoSan

Type: One-Shot

Summary: There is a song that pervades throughout the land of Wano. Zoro can't hear the words, but somehow he still understands the lyrics.

Also available on AO3

He first hears the song when he's drinking on Kin'emon's porch. The sake O-Tsuru brought is hot on his tongue as it eases its way down his throat, rim of the porcelain cup cool on his lips. The sharp tang of alcohol clashes with the sweetness of plum, just as the heat of the drink clashes against the cool gusts of wind fiddling with the branches of the trees, playing with sturdy sakura wood and pliant, lush leaves like strings of a shamisen.

Zoro grants an ear to its melody. The white katana at his hip hums along, vibrating in its sheath. This was something secret. Sacred. And though he caught the rhythm and flow, the lyrics weren't meant for human ears. It feels like a memory teetering on the brim of his consciousness, the triumph of knowing that it was there and reaching for it before the bitterness of watching it slip through your grasp.

There was a song he could understand though. He hears the familiar thwack-thwack-thwack of a strainer, the cacophony of knives against a cutting board. Light, rich laughter that hung in the air, rustling his hair and easing the tightness in his chest. The stretch of rubber. The twang a of violin being tuned. A resounding slap as a hand is pushed away. Feminine voice mingling with a deeper baritone (Together. Always together those two.) closely followed by a child's squeal. A boisterous voice rising above all the noise, weaving a tale of insects that were larger than men and the valiant hero that dared to tame them.

This was a song of nakama, and it spoke to something deep within his center, allowing a zen even meditation did not grant him. It was one of peace and trust and love that ran deeper than blood.

He knows all the words by heart, even those unspoken.

A whizz through the air is his only warning.

He catches the bowl that was thrown at him with ease. The udon swims precariously inside but does not slip over the rim. He looks down at the thick noodles swimming in the dark dashi. Fresh, green scallions scattered over the swirling narutomaki, a few pieces floating in the broth past thin slices of beef like leaves in a river. He breathes in, savors the rich scent, then raises his hand to catch the chopsticks shot his way.

(He got used to the pain of them smacking his palm a few islands ago. He had missed it during that long week at the beginning of all this, when he wandered the land of Wano with no one to spar with nor a Captain to follow.)

"Hurry up, before Luffy gets his hands on it."

Sanji settles next to him. He can tell by how the air shifts to accommodate his lithe form, plucking the acrid smoke from his pipe and casting it away. Though they did not touch, his entire left side suddenly feels warm. The cool night does nothing to beat the sensation back, encouraging it if anything else, forcing the blonde closer with a shiver.

His hair, golden and wavy without his tools to straighten it, is strung back into a low ponytail. The stubble given a chance to reign for the day took full advantage, casting his entire jaw in shadow, relenting only to the pale, plush lips that tugged on the vice between them.

His eyes were on the stars, but they shift their attention quickly when he notices Zoro staring.

(And he was closer to that memory. He could feel the softness of it in his hands. The song was getting clearer. Wado hums at his side, bidding him to keep reaching and maybe with a final stretch-.)

"It'll get cold dumbass. Hurry up, or I'll give it Luffy."

"Don't push your luck Curly. You won't get this bowl unless I give it to you."

He takes his first bite and tastes the sea. The crisp salt of the ocean and freshness of the unpolluted air. The grit in his teeth when Luffy launched him into the grass. The billow of a mast unfurling. The crash of the waves against the Sunny's strong, sturdy Adam's wood. Early mornings in the crow's nest, a fresh cup of jasmine tea in hand as he stares out to the edge of the blue expanse.

Yes, this tasted like home.

The song grows in its intensity as he eats. The last chord only ends when the final drop of dashi slips down his throat. Sanji takes the bowl from him, making a point to get close enough for Zoro to smell the ginger-spice of oil he used for his skin, before he scowled, ripping it and the chopsticks away from him to return to his kitchen.

As soon as his foot crosses the threshold, the song stops.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He hears the song again as he walks through the forest. The morning sun sits heavy on his skin, sweat forcing the tan to glisten in its wake. The light that shone through the trees started off the ballad, soon joined by birds that darted about overhead. They seem to follow him as he walks down a rough path, nearly overrun by nature. The soil sinks beneath his sandals without resistance, an easy tempo followed by lively chirps of the birds and the cry of cicadas.

It wasn't difficult to sink into the dreamlike haze. The familiar zen of meditation washes through him, easing his breath and loosening his grip on the hilt of his swords. Which was why he jumps when Wado rattles in her sheath.

He pauses, looks around, and is entirely unsure of where he's found himself. While the rest of Wano is well-loved and taken care of post-Kaido, this area seems to be untouched from Oden's time. The trees grew tall and unhindered by human folly, wildflowers sprouting at their roots in a myriad of colors. Tiny woodland animals dart about, sniffing at his feet, pouncing at his sword. They're curious. Unafraid of him because they have never seen one of his kind.

The most noticeable of them all was the golden fox. It was perched on a branch, lazily flicking its milky tail back and forth as it peers down at him with bemused black eyes. Zoro tightens his hand on Enma's hilt. It follows the movement, then gives a huff, as if laughing at the notion that the swordsman could harm it.

It stands, stretches into a long, arc, then opens its maw in a silent yawn.

Smacking it's lips, the fox gives Zoro one last look, smirks, then scampers down the tree and trots away.

A childish, petty anger surges in his chest at the disrespect. He doesn't hesitate before he goes to follow. The little woodland animals fall over themselves to track his footsteps as he goes deeper into the forest, following the sway of that golden tail. The song in his ears grows louder, sounds forming the beginning of words till he steps into a clearing, and everything falls to a low vibration.

Wado is warm in his hand. Every nerve fires off, putting him on guard. But the clearing is empty save for the overgrown grass and the wooden markers that stood high, covered in moss and rot.

He found his feet stepping towards them before he could resist. The wood is cool against his fingertips as he brushes away the dust, struggling to make out the faint characters etched into the surface.

'Noa'...'Ro'....

"They say that they're proud of you." Kuina's voice says in his ear. Wado's hilt has turned hot in hand as he crouches. He brushes against the wood again, wanting to hear that sweet sound once more, peeling lichen out of the way to make out the rest of the name. So fervent is he in his efforts, that he fails to notice the crunch of leaves underfoot until another, deeper voice rings out, fondness sewn into the tone beneath the harsh words.

"Honestly, marimo. Can't we go to one island without you getting lost? You missed lunch asshole."

Sanji stops a couple paces away. There is nothing remarkable about his appearance. He is dressed in his usual kimono, white and yellow with the sleeves rolled up. He had just come back from work. If the low ponytail didn't indicate as much, then the carefully wrapped bento in his hand would.

Zoro had seen this man in this same position-with a frown on his face and a hand on his hip so many times before. So there was no reason for his breath to freeze in his lungs despite the heat of the day. Clearing his throat, he shiftsdiscreetly, trying to force his heart to jumpstart in his chest and give his brain the blood it needed to think clearly.

A moment of silence grew too long.

Sanji looked beyond Zoro, over to what he was doing, then his face crinkled in disgust.

"Is...Is that a grave marker? You sick necrophilia-loving fuck. Stop touching that!"

Heat flooded his face. He heard a little girl's laughter on the wind as he scrambled backwards, rubbing his hands on his dark hakama.

"I just wanted to read them! Get your head out of the gutter you perv!"

"What'd you say matcha-brain?"

"Exactly what I said Curlicue!"

He felt the kick coming before Sanji even raised his leg. Their timing is perfect, as always. A splinter of wood flies off the man's sandal when the heel meets Enma in a sonic clash. Blue eyes meet his through the burst of flames, merriment dancing in their depths despite the scowl on their owner's face.

He smirks back.

They pull apart and come together time after time again. It is their own elaborate dance, and the steps are much too complicated to be taught to anyone else. Around them, the clearing begins to roar its approval.

Wano's song descends upon the scene seamlessly, ringing in Zoro's ears as if it was always there. The golden fox adds to the chorus, cheerfully yipping as it darts about, watching the fight with the same excited vigor as the rest of the creatures gathered to watch. With each kick he meets with his blade, the words become clearer. Verse after verse, lyric after lyric, kick after kick pushing him higher, sending him towards the finale.

He rushes towards it in a flying leap. Wado sings between his teeth as he bore down on the man, unafraid of the heat of the flames even as they licked his bare skin.

When a well-placed kick knocks his swords from his hands, the song did not falter. He moves with its cadence. Slipping Wado back into its hilt to go no-sword style, he braces himself for impact and grabs Sanji by the shoulders, sending them both tumbling to the ground.

Their breaths mingle, a cool gust on the crook of his neck as he presses his nose to blonde tufts, breathes, and listens.

He knows he's close. He can taste it on his lips, sweet as plum sake and just as pleasing to his tongue. The strands of blonde tickle his nose. Vanilla and ginger mingle, scent of his conditioner strong through the man's sweat. He wasn't aware the rumble in the air was coming from him till timid fingers flutter at his shoulders, resting there as if they belonged.

He looks down into deep azure eyes and he hears the song as if it were in another room. There are lyrics, words that slit his heart open and let it weep, an outpouring of emotion so thick he can't speak.

He licks his lips and tilts his head to see if he could get a better listen.

"OI! Zoro! Sanji!" The rustle of grass beneath hooves cut off the song abruptly. The men scramble apart just as Chopper appears from the trees. The deer pants, obviously having run all the way, but his expression is joyous when he clambers up to them.

(The golden fox takes one look at the reindeer and rolls it eyes. After a pointed, pained look at Zoro, it turns on its heel and scampers away.)

"Izo and Marco are setting up a sparring contest! O-Robi's going to use swords! One hundred sword style!"

Zoro is up and running before the kid can finish. The song is left forgotten.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hiyori's fingers are a blur against the strings. Nimble, pale, and skilled, they dart across the instrument with a self-assuredness he recognizes quickly. Her shamisen is like his blades: an extension of the self so integral it was like another limb. Her chords blend easily with that song, and yet he can't help but think it is a pale mimicry of the original. He doesn't dislike it, no.

But it still feels like something is missing. The build-up is there. The rush that heats his blood and makes him want to fight is there. But it's surface level. There was a depth to the original that her song didn't achieve.

His time with the cook was the closest he got to hearing the end of it. Was anger the key? Did he need to get pissed off to understand?

(Wado laughs in her sheath, high and feminine. Free and true. It's a sound that never failed to make him feel like a fool, going back to when he was a child.)

He doesn't realize she stopped playing until she speaks.

"You seem distracted."

"Got a lot to think about," He grunts.

"Let me try to ease your mind."

The response annoys him. He wanted a push, a snarky rebuttal. There was no resistance. The pliancy-the way she bends to serve-it's unnerving.

She looks him over and he can't help the goosebumps on his skin. Her eyes are a stunning shade of blue, but they were wrong. This is the blue of the sky, of stability, the promise of 'forever' no matter how stagnant the days may become.

He craves the blue of the sea. He wants to look deep in the whorl of the waves and fall headfirst into the chaos of their storms. He seeks mystery and adventure because they can make him strong. He wants to discover the unknown, to let its tide roll through him. He wants triumph in the face of disaster. An unrelenting fire to forge his swords. The smell of ginger, spices, tobacco, steel, leather and sea salt.

Not this. Not sitting in a tiny room with an empty bottle of sake at his side, idly listening to rehearsed music as his blades waste away and grow dull.

Wado is silent. Even as Hiyori starts a new song, she is silent.

He's growing impatient. He knew it was showing on his face because her fingers began to still on the strings. She looks him over again, displeasure rolling off of her in waves. Sighing, she sets the instrument aside.

"My songs don't please you."

"They don't displease me." He offers, but he sees from the way her face shuttered that it wasn't the right thing to say. He isn't clever like the cook. He wasn't raised to be suave. His tongue is a thick, heavy clod in his mouth that resists even if his lips manage to move in the right way.

Hiyori ducks her head. One by one, she plucks the pins from her hair, setting each to side with careful clinks as waves of her silken, cerulean hair fall over her shoulders. Once they are all complete, she pushes it behind her back, revealing her face and the determination that settles in her gaze.

"Perhaps," Confusion makes his heart swing as she leans forward. Close. Much to close. "I can help with that."

He freezes back as she pulls herself onto his lap.

"Relax," She says softly. His heart batters against his ribcage, heat climbing up his skin as the slow, dreadful realization as to what was going on rattles his brain. Her hands are tiny but firm on his thighs, fingers reaching for the tie of his obi as he begs his frozen mouth to move and resist in a way that wouldn't physically harm her.

But shock isn't easily shook off. It forces a series of syllables that didn't belong to any language out before he finally, thankfully, spluttered a:

"Wait, no! Lady, stop I-!"

The shoji slides open and the voice of the last person Zoro wants to see at that moment rings out bold and true.

"Hiyori-chan!!!! I've got tea for you, then Izo and Okiku-chan helped me make cookies! Maybe you could show me how-! Eh, mosshead?"

This shade of blue is correct. He studies the myriad of navy and azure in the irises as the black pupils shrank. This is the one that reminded him of freedom and the sweet taste of victory. They promised greatness.

But there's something wrong.

Emotions flash across their surface, quick and intense as a thunderous storm. Wado rattles in her scabbard, but that sound is overshadowed by the tea set crashing to the ground, sending porcelain shards and matcha powder arcing through the air. The kettle tips over, hot water streaming quick to socked feet but it was like Sanji didn't notice. He only stares at the scene before him. His hands quiver, shaking as if he were cold, until he regains the sense of mind to clutch at the sleeves of his kimono, abruptly dipping into a low, stiff bow.

"Sorry for interrupting." He says coldly, then he turns and runs.

Zoro's heart hammers in his chest before it loses its place and falls to the depths of his gut. He scrambles to get up through the pain, chasing after the man through the hallway as Wado yells at him to 'run, run, run', bolting past rooms with booming laughter and delicious smells, ignoring Luffy's shouts of his name.

But by the time he comes to a stop at the front door, the yard is empty save for the swaying grass.

The angry chittering at his hip stops.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The rain has a long, mournful solo. There is no chirping of cicadas, no rush of the wind through the trees, no sun to kiss his skin and bid him welcome to Wano's orchestra. There is only wetness and biting cold, barely fought back by the sake in his hand.

He sits alone. Usopp had stopped by earlier with dinner. The empty bowl is at his side, resting against a still white sword, silent as the day its original master died. He watches the world in all its grayness from Kin'emon's porch. How the rain sweeps in and cleanses them all, nature and man alike, dropping its sorrowful tune on the world, slipping its melancholy through his thick haori till it chills his very bones.

The sound of the door opening and gentle yet sure footsteps perk his ears. He doesn't need to look to know who it was. (Sanji's steps were just as graceful, but they were heavier. The only other Strawhat with this grace was-.)

"I'm reading a book about soulmates," Robin says, folding her legs beneath her as she sits down. The wisteria of her perfume tickles his nose, sweet and stark against the fresh scent of the rain. He doesn't look away from the downpour. She follows the line of his gaze and does the same.

"I'm not usually one for fiction, but Franky saw fit to buy me something he'd thought I'd like. The fact that he stepped foot in a bookstore at all speaks volumes."

A stabbing pain shoots through him. He loosely knows the crawling heat of envy, and is sure it wasn't for either half of the couple in particular but that thing that they shared.

Robin could be morbid and cruel but Franky makes her laugh. He loosened her grip on the grotesque, brought her down from the icy pedestal of perfection and lets her bare her weaknesses for the crew to see. Franky is a madman, loyal to his family to a fault, a perverted genius. She forces his kindness, literally gripped him by the balls till he dared to share his visions with the world, to use his smarts to help a boy become a king.

(They are two of the most amazing, worst people he has ever met. Separated, they're horrible. If Luffy asked him to cut them down back then, he wouldn't have hesitated. Together, he trusts them with his life. Would give up his own for theirs. They made each other 'good'. Stable enough to act as parents to a genius, teenage reindeer with a knack for sticking his hands in human bodies. Wasn't it funny how fate worked out sometimes?)

"It's an interesting concept isn't it? One soul ripped into two by the gods, doomed to roam this earth for years just searching for their second half..." A red-breasted thrush flutters into the grass before them. It cocked its head at the two, rustling its feathers even as the rain pelts down, unbowed and unbroken under the deluge. Zoro straightens as its beady eyes settle on him.

Wado gives a little shiver.

"It would be easier if we were birds," Robin continues. "How lovely it must be to find someone that's singing the same song as you."

"I don't believe in fairy tales."

She just smiles softly. The rain does not cease. The melody of Wano does not come.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The days pass. The repairs on the Sunny are nearly complete. Marco the Phoenix flies back to Sphinx. Momonosuke studies hard to become a worthy leader of his beloved country. Hiyori finds him and apologizes. Outwardly, he accepts it with a grunt. Inwardly, he can't help but bluster. He resents her. Just a little bit. Only time and distance could let him overcome the instinctive surge of embarrassment every time he thinks of the incident.

(He wants to set sail. He wants to set sail. He wants to set sail.)

He trains.

He swings his swords and ignores how they no longer sing. Usopp gives him a wide berth after a particularly snappy remark. Nami forces him into bathhouses, thinking the water should 'cool him off'. Chopper fixes his practice-induced injuries but does not reprimand him. Franky keeps asking if he's okay. Robin sends him those knowing glances, saying whatever cryptic words come to her mind in that moment. Luffy says nothing, places the strawhat on his head, and encourages him to nap.

(His eyes stay wide open beneath the brim.)

He does not see Sanji outside of meal times.

He didn't realize he was looking till one day Luffy plucks the hat back, staring deep into his eyes with that rare, serious expression that made him seem years older than he was.

"Try again. Whenever you think you're going the right way, go the opposite."

The air shifts, and the boy grins once more.

"That's what I do whenever I need to find Law! Guys like us can't listen to our heads! What matters is our guts! The stomach is the answer to all our problems!"

As if summoned, the organ in question gives a loud, long rumble. Luffy groans. He flops over, letting his hat cover his face in the exact same position Zoro had been in.

"Please...hurry...Sanji doesn't make extra snacks when he's angry."

As First Mate it was his duty to follow his Captain's orders. He repeats this mantra in his mind, using this justification to steel himself as he plucks his swords from where they lean against the tree, saddles them at his hip, and begins his search.

Sanji was not at the udon shop. Nor was he at Kin'emon's place. He was not drinking tea at O-Tsuru's shop, nor was he aiding the rebuilding efforts at Oden Castle. He was not at the ship. Not flirting with girls at the geisha house.

Zoro keeps searching. He walks until his stomach begins to grumble and even sake can't silence it.

Mt. Atama was the last place he would've checked.

He finds him atop the hill, hidden in the shadow of a cherry blossom tree. He is not alone. Izo and Kiku are at his sides as they had been since the end of the battle.

(They took to each other quick. The gunslinger said the blonde reminded him of someone he used to know. That sitting in the kitchen as he worked calmed him. Sanji laid his hand on his in understanding and showed him how to make mochi.)

Tama and Toko are seated with them. All five wear flowers in their hair, carefully weaved by Tama if the stems scattered around her are any indication. They chatter and laugh, sharing tea and cookies. The cook's face is flushed red from his laughter. Toko is doing a funny dance that brings tears to his eyes. He only laughs harder when the girl drags Izo and his sister to join.

It's mid-spin that the gunslinger senses him approach. A dark, thin brow arches high, frown playing at painted red lips. Zoro waits as the man leans down to whisper to the girls, tugging his sister by her kimono sleeve to give the two some semblance of privacy.

Of course, the group has to pass Zoro on the way. Izo gives him a look that was less of glance and more of a silent threat, but he says nothing, nor does his swift pace falter.

The swordsman begins his silent rapture, ascending the curve of the hill to meet the golden man waiting for him above. The song starts again. He's in the room where its playing. He can hear every plucked string, the reverb and chorus's lively echo.

"What do you want?" Sanji asks. He's no longer laughing. The light in his eyes has gone cold. Zoro doesn't respond as he sits. The winds stirs, blowing through their hair. He smells matcha tea and flames.

They speak at the same time.

"What you saw that day-."

"You don't have to explain yourself to me-."

They stop, take a breath. Zoro tries again.

"She apologized. For, uh..." He coughs, chest suddenly feeling very tight. "She misread the 'signals' I was giving. She told me to apologize to you on her behalf."

He sucks on his lower lip, letting a short 'tch' rip past his teeth as his heart bounces in his throat. Sanji still wasn't looking at him.

"Well, I forgive her. So you can run and tell your little girlfriend that if she wants to keep you here in this tiny country all for herself, she can. You can stay here with her and make little sword-stabbing babies with weird hair and-."

"I don't want to stay here." The blond freezes. Zoro takes a breath. He reminds himself of his Captain's words and jumped to instinct.

"I want to go to sea." The 'with you' goes unsaid but, if they're listening to the same song, then it didn't go unheard.

The cook's hands are shaking. He pulls out his pipe, struggles to pack it tight and light it up. When he manages to take a long drag, the wind gives him the same affectionate consideration it did the first time, plucking the smoke and casting it towards the clouds.

Sanji watched it fly away. Zoro watched him watch it, tracing the firm collarbone and V-shaped sliver of skin with vicious longing tearing at his insides.

"She'll be disappointed."

"I don't care."

He hears a girl's gasped laughter. Wado rattles in her sheath. He unbuckles all three swords and sets them to the side. Then he takes two quick steps up to Sanji, reaches for the man's jaw and tilts it till they're making eye contact.

(His eyes are so, so blue.)

"Are you singing the same song as me?" He asks, because his mind is blank but his gut has a lot of strong opinions. Sanji pulls the pipe from his lips. Sets it aside. Then his expression crinkles into something exasperated and fond all at once.

"Have you been talking to Robin too?"

He was not stopped when he leaned in. There was no one to intervene when he pressed his lips to Sanji's own and relished the soft, little whine that rose to meet him. He's in the room where the song is playing. He can hear every beat of the drum. The chorus of Wano's ghosts sings about adventure, a great battle, victory, and love of their motherland.

The lyrics let him know he is home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zoro isn't a music kind of guy. He's not like Brook, playing ballads to the calm sea at night, hoping a friend living hundreds of nautical miles away was still listening close enough to sing along. He doesn't play jazz records in the middle of the night like Robin. He yells at Nami to shut up when she sings that old Navy song her mom taught her, and grits his teeth when Luffy hums that weird country song he's fond of. He has no interest in Franky and Usopp's loud, radical rock and roll nor Jimbei's strange underwater yodeling.

But he has a favorite song. He listens to it daily. It's in the smack of chopsticks against his palm when he catches them. And in the clatter of a plate of onigiri set on the ground while he's training. He hears it in a loud- nearly violent-argument over a game of jenga and the screams when the Sunny lurches and the entire tower falls over.

He hears it in soft, discreet touches (that never quite manage to miss Robin's hawk-like gaze if her little smirks mean anything) and in the affection hidden behind spat vitriol whenever a certain idiot lays it on too thick with all the compliments to the sea witch.

The lyrics are easy to remember. The trick is convincing the singer to say them.

You see, you can't just rush him into it.

No, you have to make sure his guard is down. Spar with him in the morning after breakfast to make sure he gets any aggressive energy out of his system. Don't interrupt to get sake while he's making dinner.

(If you can't resist your alcoholic tendecies, then at least stick around while you drink instead of walking away. Compliment how his hands move with a knife in them. Mention that the food smells good. Rest your hand against the curve of his ass and place your lips against that spot on his neck just the way he likes. If he laughs and nudges you away with his shoulder, you're in the clear. If he kicks you away, you will not get to hear him sing that night. Try again tomorrow.)

When dinner is done, the dishes are set to dry and the kitchen is clean, linger in the Crow's Nest. Resist the urge to work out. He'll complain if you're sweaty and that's all you'll hear about for the rest of the night. No, instead open up the overhead dome so that the light of the stars comes in through the glass, bathing the room in a pale, silver tinge.

(Allow yourself a swig of sake. Stare up at the thousands of brilliant blazes in the sky and try to remember where he showed you his favorite ones were. Andromeda. Pisces. Draco. Scorpio. Vulpecula. You couldn't find the Ursas. Make a mental note to ask him to point them out again.)

When he clambers over the ladder, pluck the bottle of wine from his hand before he accidentally breaks it.

Sit next to him as he pours himself a glass. You two will drink, whisper in the shadows, point up at the stars and listen to the stories his father told him of old, legendary sailors and the gods. Then, when the alcohol is done for the night and there's a twin flame in your hearts, he will settle his head on your chest.

(This is the most complicated part. Don't fuck it up.)

You can't rush it, but you can't go too slowly otherwise he'll fall asleep. Run your fingers through his hair. Tease him to rile him up (Never, ever mention the V*nsm*k*s). Let him torment you back and respond to his attempts with nothing more than a low grumble of a laugh. Then, when he shifts his weight to look at you, skinny arms like iron bars on either side of your head, let him lean down to kiss you.

Yeah. Let him lean down to kiss you.

It's a power thing. You don't care either way but he likes having that control of the situation. Let him pry your lips open with his tongue. Feel his fingers trace the ridges of the scar slashed across your chest. Groan as his thumb circles a nipple and hiss when he takes your arousal into his fist.

Listen carefully for the song to start. With patience, you'll find it.

The thump-thump-thump of two heartbeats sharing the same tempo. Scratches against the wood as limbs scramble to reposition themselves. Huffs, groans, whimpers, and moans all adding to create a wonderful melody as you thrust into a sweet, tight heat.

Then, if you've played all your cards right, you'll hear him sing.

They lyrics were simple. A hushed, rapid chant of:

'Iloveyou. iloveyou. Iloveyou.'

#ZoSan #ZoSan Fanfic #op fic #One Piece Fic #My Writing #ZoSan Fic #a03 link #zoro x sanji

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sfarticles · 4 years ago

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Go Big With Your Burgers

Photo courtesy of America’s Test Kitchen/ Keller + Keller

Memorial Day Weekend is around the corner. Just the other day, I was thinking, the gas grill needs to be brought out from winter’s hibernation and the propane tank filled so it is ready for dad’s arrival from Florida. For three months a year, he enjoys grilling, especially those juicy burgers he makes by hand.

A couple of years ago, I found the the perfect Father’s Day gift for him, “The Ultimate Burger: Plus DIY Condiments, Sides, and Boozy Milkshakes,” by America’s Test Kitchen (2019, America’s Test Kitchen, $26.99).

Whether you want a beef burger or a cauliflower burger, are cooking on the grill or stovetop, or want to try making homemade buns and condiments, all the inspiration is in the book to achieve burger perfection.

In the “Anatomy of an Ultimate Burger,” it says, “no one element makes a burger ultimate, it’s the result of a combination of flavors and textures coming together.”

In this section, buns, sauce, toppings, cheese and the patty are discussed. I found the Dos and Don’ts of Store-Bought Ground Beef helpful. “Go Beyond Beef” introduces other burger options.

For those who want to really want to get into the “meat” of it, “Be Your Own Butcher” gives the knowledge in choosing the right cuts to create your signature blend and how to grind your meat without intimidation.

“Get Ready to Cook” ensures that every burger you make is tender and flavorful. You’ll learn how to properly grill (on a gas or charcoal grill) , shape a burger, and how to test the level of doneness. America’s Test Kitchen spent the time, often days and months, testing the recipes, the best equipment to use for burger making and the best store-bought burger fixings.

The book’s recipes don’t stop with burgers. Included are recipes for all of the trimmings; sauces, fries, potato and macaroni salads, buns, and milkshakes.

From the recipes here to pretzel buns, beer-battered onion rings, buttermilk cole slaw and ultimate cookies and Irish cream milkshakes to grilled Portobello burgers with goat cheese and arugula, and Connecticut steamed cheeseburgers (the latter two can be found at https://bit.ly/2VTJGpt, America’s Test Kitchen’s “The Ultimate Burger” will make your barbecues varied and delicious.

If you look around, burgers are everywhere. You can find local, regional and national restaurants dedicated to burgers. Some think of the hamburger as the “cuisine” of the country. Chefs have come up with creative signature craft burgers, plant-based patties and home cooks are getting into grinding their own meat.

As many know, the hamburger has roots in New Haven. Louis’ Lunch claims to be the inventor of the hamburger. Today, they are still cooked in the original vertical broilers as they were in 1900. And remember, no ketchup allowed!

Grilled turkey burgers with spinach and feta

The headnote says, “Why This Recipe Works: Ground turkey is a great neutral canvas, making it an ideal choice as the base for a burger with lots of mix-ins. We wanted super flavorful turkey burgers that take full advantage of this fact, but first we had to start by addressing the problems that plague ground turkey. Despite their popularity, turkey burgers are notorious for being bland and/or dry. This is because turkey has a mild flavor, and its leanness means it can easily dry out during cooking. We wanted to reinstate the turkey burger’s good reputation with an easy way to crank up the flavor and add some much needed moisture. We boosted the flavor of our patties by stirring some melted butter and feta cheese into the ground meat; these simple additions provided plenty of richness and flavor while preventing the burgers from drying out. For textural interest, we added fresh baby spinach to the meat mixture. Chopped dill lent a hit of freshness, and minced garlic rounded out the flavors. Be sure to use 93 percent lean ground turkey, not 99 percent fat-free ground turkey breast, or the burgers will be tough.”

1 1/4 pounds ground turkey

2 ounces (2 cups) baby spinach, chopped

2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

2 teaspoons minced fresh dill

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon table salt

4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

Break ground turkey into small pieces in large bowl. Add spinach, feta, melted butter, dill, garlic, and pepper and gently knead with hands until well combined. Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, then gently shape each portion into 3/4-inch-thick patty. Using your fingertips, press center of each patty down until about 1/2-inch thick, creating slight divot.

For a charcoal grill:Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium.

Clean and oil cooking grate. Season patties with salt. Place patties on grill, divot side up, and cook (covered if using gas) until well browned on first side and meat easily releases from grill, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip patties and continue to cook until browned on second side and meat registers 160 degrees, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer burgers to platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve burgers on buns. Serves 4

Variations

Grilled turkey burgers with miso and ginger: Omit spinach, feta, salt, and pepper. Whisk 2 tablespoons miso paste and 1 tablespoon water together in bowl until combined. Add miso mixture to turkey with melted butter. Substitute 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for dill and 2 minced scallions for garlic.

Grilled turkey burgers with herbs and goat cheese: Omit spinach and garlic. Substitute 3/4 cup crumbled goat cheese for feta. Add 1 large minced shallot and 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley to turkey with melted butter.

Smoky grilled potato salad

The headnote says, “Why This Recipe Works: Creamy potato salad may be the classic, but we wanted a modern, summery option that could cook on the grill from start to finish right alongside some of our delectably charred burgers. For smoky potatoes with tender insides and crispy, grilled outsides, we started with halved, unpeeled red potatoes. Leaving the skins on helped the potatoes stay intact, as their firm, waxy texture stood up to the heat of the grill. Crumbled bacon was an obvious choice to add smokiness, and we found that we could infuse our salad with even more savory bacon flavor by reserving some of the fat and coating the potatoes with it before grilling. Grilling our onions with the potatoes gave them a beautiful char that heightened their flavor. Instead of a thick dressing that would hide the spectacular grill marks on our potatoes, we opted for a bold vinaigrette with a kick of chipotle to add even more smoky depth. Halving our potatoes after they cooled exposed their creamy center and allowed them to soak up the spicy, tangy flavors of the dressing. Use small red potatoes 11/2-2 inches in diameter. If you don’t have 2 tablespoons of fat in the skillet after frying the bacon, add olive oil to make up the difference.”

4 slices bacon

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

11/2 tablespoons mayonnaise

11/2 teaspoons minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce

1/2 teaspoon table salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing

2 pounds small red potatoes, unpeeled, halved

1 onion, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

3 scallions, sliced thin

Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crisp, 7 to 9 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. When cool enough to handle, crumble bacon and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat. (If necessary, add olive oil to equal 2 tablespoons.) Whisk vinegar, mayonnaise, chipotle, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper together in large bowl. Slowly whisk in oil until combined; set aside.

For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (41/2 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium.

Clean and oil cooking grate. Toss potatoes with reserved bacon fat and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in bowl. Push toothpick horizontally through each onion round to keep rings intact while grilling. Brush onion rounds lightly with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place potatoes, cut side down, and onion rounds on grill and cook, covered, until charred on first side, 10 to 14 minutes.

Flip potatoes and onion rounds and continue to cook, covered, until well browned all over and potatoes are tender, 10 to 16 minutes. Transfer potatoes and onion rounds to rimmed baking sheet and let cool slightly.

When cool enough to handle, halve potatoes. Remove toothpicks and coarsely chop onion rounds.

Add potatoes, onion, scallions, and bacon to dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 4-6

Grilled bacon burgers with caramelized onions and blue cheese

The headnote says, “Why This Recipe Works: Smoky, salty bacon can take any burger to the next level, but burgers with just a few strips on top failed to deliver bold bacon flavor. Our version nixes the strips and mixes bacon directly into the burger for bacony bliss in every bite. Mixing raw bacon with raw ground beef overworked and compressed the patties so that they cooked up tough and dry, and cooked crumbled bacon — though it mixed in better — was too crunchy. For the perfect balance of bacon flavor and juicy texture, we processed raw bacon in the food processor and then cooked it briefly in a skillet. The par cooked pieces incorporated easily into the ground beef and dispersed bacon flavor more evenly throughout while the burgers stayed moist and juicy. Instead of tossing the leftover bacon fat we used it to sauté some onions, which provided salty balance to their sweet flavor. To turn these burgers into a savory showstopper, we topped them with rich and creamy crumbled blue cheese.”

8 slices bacon

1 large onion, halved and sliced thin

1/4 teaspoon table salt

11/2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef

1/4 teaspoon pepper

4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled and chilled (1 cup) (optional)

4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

Process bacon in food processor to smooth paste, about 1 minute, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Cook bacon in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, breaking up pieces with wooden spoon, until lightly browned in spots but still pink (do not cook until crisp), about 5 minutes. Drain bacon in fine-mesh strainer set over bowl. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate and let cool completely. Reserve bacon fat.

Add 2 tablespoons reserved fat to now-empty skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and salt and cook until well browned, about 20 minutes. Transfer to bowl and set aside.

Break ground beef into small pieces and spread into even layer on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with bacon and gently toss to combine using 2 forks. Divide beef mixture into 4 equal portions, then gently shape each portion into 3/4-inch-thick patty. Using your fingertips, press center of each patty down until about 1/2-inch thick, creating slight divot.

For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Leave all burners on high.

Clean and oil cooking grate. Season patties with pepper. Place patties on grill, divot side up, and cook until well browned on first side, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip patties, top with blue cheese, if using, and continue to cook until well browned on second side and meat registers 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare) or 130 to 135 degrees (for medium), 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer burgers to platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve burgers on buns, topped with onions. Serves 4.

Recipes courtesy of ....

#hamburgers #memorial day weekend #America's Test Kitchen #grilling season

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tk-productions · 4 years ago

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Mystic Sisters- Ch.9 Kiss and Makeup

Yua’s pov

I felt like I was going to throw up. My emotions were running all over the place and so was my brain. It was late but I knew I had to talk to Haru. Maybe I shouldn't be doing this. I thought, reaching for the doorknob with sweaty palms. The cold air hit my face as I walked down the familiar street remembering the last time I was here.

It was a few weeks after we broke up. Haru stopped coming to school and stopped answering his phone. I knocked on the front door calling out his name but no reply. His parents' car wasn't in the driveway. I peaked around to the back to see the back gate was unlocked. That wasn't like them. I grabbed the doorknob and it opened. Stepping inside there was nothing. Not a couch, a painting, not a single piece of evidence that a family once lived here. Every room was completely empty and so was I.

“Haru?” I called out disparately. Falling to the floor the tears I had been holding back started to spill.

“You can't just leave me here.” I cried.

Here I was again, standing in front of his house with tears threatening to fall.

“Yua?” Haru puzzled, shutting the front door behind him. “What are you doing here?” he asked walking closer. I don't know how long I was standing there but I didn't hear him open the door.

“We need to talk.” my voice came out more as a whisper.

“It's midnight. Couldn't this have waited until tomorrow?”

“No. I'm tired of you running away. I'm not leaving until we talk.” Haru quickly looked around before grabbing my hand and leading into the house and back to his room. Nothing had changed. Everything was back in its place like the house wasn't empty a few months ago. Every picture frame, piece of furniture, even the flower pot Haru’s mom kept by the front door. Being back reminded me of all the nights we would spend here watching movies and doing homework together. All the times we pulled all nighters for midterms and ended up eating way too many snacks. Then we would walk sleepily to Mystic cafe for coffee before our test. I finally met Haru’s eyes and he stared at me worried. He still had his hands wrapped around mine.

“Why did you leave?” I asked bluntly. When he didn't say anything I asked again.

“I thought we were okay. You told me you loved me and then disappeared. Haru I tried calling you I even came back here but you were gone. Why? You left me here and that hurt!” I cried out.

“Hey don't be so loud. My parents are asleep.” he said calmly. He took his free hand and tried to wipe my tears but I swatted his hand away. I stood up walking away from his bed.

“I don't even know why I came here. You obviously stopped caring about me a long time ago. And what makes matters worse is that I still love you. Even after all the shit you put me through, I still love you!” Haru pulled me into his lap. We stayed in silence until Haru spoke.

“Yua I still love you. I always will.” he whispered into my ear. I was torn. Those three words are what I waited months to hear but now I don't know what to feel.

“I know what I did was wrong but I had no intention of hurting you.”

“Then why did you leave?” I mumbled. I turned to face him, still teary eyed.

“I had to. I didn't want to but I had to. I had so many family issues and they all piled up at once. The next thing I knew we were packing up and headed back to our family home. I never meant to hurt you that night. When I came back I knew that I hurt you and didn't know how to talk to you so I kept avoiding you.I meant it when I said that I loved you. I never knew if I was coming back. I thought it would be better if you forgot about me.”

“ We've been friends forever and dated for two and a half years. Haru I couldn't forget you.” I had been playing with the necklace around my neck while Haru talked. It was a habit that I picked up anytime I thought about him. I laid against his chest trying to take in everything that was happening.

“You still wear it?” he smiled, brushing the hair out of my face.

“Of course idiot”. We talked for a little while longer. I zoned out for a little while taking everything in. Nothing about him had changed.well maybe his hair. His hair had grown out a little but I still liked it. He still had that same smile that I loved since we were kids. “You know you could have just told me what was going on.”

“I know. I should have but everything happened so fast.” I looked at my phone and it was 2am. I let out a yawn and got up.

“I should probably go home.”

“I'll walk you back. It’s late.” I nodded and yawned again before following him out of his room. Haru held my hand as we walked back to my house. It was silent but it was comfortable like it had always been.

“Thanks for walking me home.” I said once we got to the front door. He let go of my hand and pulled me to his chest.

“Let's talk some more when it’s not 2 am.” he laughed and I nodded against his chest. He leaned down to press a light kiss on my lips.

“Good night Yua.”

A few weeks later

“Why are you so smiley?” Hikari asked from across the table at breakfast. She gave me a confused look before digging her fork into her french toast.

“No reason.” I smiled, looking up from my phone and sipped my orange juice. Hikari shrugged and continued to eat while scrambling to finish her math homework.

“If you weren’t up all night with Hisako playing video games then maybe you would have finished.” I joked. She looked up for a second to give me an angry glare before going back to her homework.

“Girls! Hurry up with breakfast before you're late!” Mom yelled running through the house while biting into an apple. She had a meeting this morning and has been running around the house since 5 am.

“Has anyone seen my phone?!” She yelled pulling her sweater over her head.

“Living room!” Hikari and I yelled back in unison.

“Why is she always like this?” I asked, shaking my head.

“Oneesan! Let’s get ice cream.” Hikari said happily as she and Hisako waited for me after school.

“Oh… I actually have plans.” I looked over her, smiling at the figure walking over towards us.

“With who?” She pouted cutely.

“With me.” Haru said leaning down to kiss me.

“Okay ew. I guess I’ll go with Hisako.” Hikari said, walking away disgusted. She only walked a few feet before turning back to face us.

“Wait are you officially back together?”

“Maybe.” I winked, reaching up to kiss Haru’s cheek. Hikari walked away again with the same disgusted look walking faster to catch up with Hisako. I laughed reaching for Haru’s hand.

��Where do you wanna go?” Haru asked after walking around for a few hours.

“Let’s get ramen!” I cheered, grabbing Haru’s hand. There was a ramen shop that had opened up in Harajuku.

“I see why you wanted to come here?” Haru laughed once we got to the building. I looked at him with a mischievous grin on my face.

“How could I miss out on a Naruto themed ramen shop?” I squealed. Haru playfully rolled his eyes before following me inside. Everything felt normal again. After we talked at his house that night we talked a few more times before deciding to give our relationship another shot. I found us a table when Haru ordered the food. I felt off like someone was watching me. I haven't felt like this in awhile. It couldn't have been just me right? Hikari seemed fine so maybe this time it was really just me imagining things. I felt at ease when I saw Haru walking to our table.

“Extra scallions, no garlic, firm noodles, extra spicy, and iced tea.” Haru smiled now sitting across from me. I smiled back happy that he still knows my ramen order.

“And aren't you missing something?” I questioned. He laughed and pulled out a charm from his pocket.

“And a Sasuke charm that you wouldn't let me leave without.” I smiled watching him add the charm to my keychain.

“Thank you.” The waiter came by with our food. I enjoyed every bite and planned to make Haru come back. While we were eating I noticed that Haru tensed up a bit. Maybe he was nervous. That wasn't like him though. After dinner we walked around Harajuku for a little while longer, popping in a few stores along the way. I noticed that Haru seemed distant and distracted. He only replied back to me with “yeah” or “okay”.

“Haru?” I stopped him by standing in front of him.

“What’s up?” he asked, confused.

“Why are you so distant tonight?” He came closer now standing right in front of me, looking down. “Why are you so tall?” I mumbled looking up at him.

“Babe i'm fine.” he reassured, leaning down to kiss me. “Are you sure? We promised not to keep secrets from each this time.”

“I promise I'm fine. Let’s go home though. I don't need your mom yelling at me because I brought you back past curfew.” he laughed.

“It wouldn't be the first time.”

Haru’s pov

I dropped Yua off and told her goodnight. Her mom gave me some lemon bars to give to my mom. My mom loved Naomi’s lemon bars. Walking back to my house I felt someone following me. I picked up on his scent. It was the same from earlier. I turned around to face where the scent was coming from.

“I know you're following me so just come out. I don’t bite well, not always” I was met with a teen boy with blue eyes dressed in all black.

“So you’re the one that’s been stalking my girlfriend.”

“I wouldn’t call her your girlfriend since she’s been crying about how you left her for a long time now. Maybe you should leave her again. That would make my job a lot easier” The boy said completely unbothered.

I looked him up and down before grabbing him by his collar “Who the fuck are you and what do you want with my girl?”

The boy yawned as if he was bored and pushed me off of him. “ You're in my business, don't do that. I’m pretty sure you have your secrets that you wouldn’t want her to know right?” He looked at me and his eyes were very cold. The boy smirked at me “you're pathetic and not worth my time so let me handle my business in peace.”

He tried to walk away from me but I wasn’t about to let him go without knowing what he wanted from Yua. I grabbed his shoulder, turning him back towards me. “ If you think i’m just gonna let you leave then you got another thing coming. Now answer my question what the fuck do you want with Yua?!” I yelled as I attempted to punch him in the face but he dodged me and held a blank face as if he was bored.

The boy sighed before smirking at me. “You really wanna do this? Alright” He said before hitting me with a roundhouse kick catching me off guard hitting me directly in my jaw. I got ready to send another punch his way when I felt his knee hit me in the stomach with extreme force. I stepped back gasping for air. “Damn this guy is fast how did he land two hits in a blink of an eye!?”I looked at the boy who just looked at me and there was no smirk this time his face was serious.

“I can do this all day. You wanna keep going? You seem out of it already so how about you dont waste anymore of my time.” he kept the same bored tone.

“Stay away from Yua and then I’ll leave you alone.” I growled this time using my speed and tackling him to the ground putting him in a headlock. I had to move faster than him if I wanted to get somewhere.

The boy sighed again and I heard him speak under his breath. “Idiot.” before breaking out of the headlock and elbowing me in my neck and sending a right hook across my face. And just when I thought he was done he sent another kick hitting me straight under my chin sending me flying and hitting the concrete ground roughly. “Next time you get in my way I won’t be so gentle.” the boy said before walking away.

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etraytin · 5 years ago

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Quarantine, Day 81

The best thing that happened today was definitely the Rice Krispie treats. The worst, well there are a couple of contenders, but I'd honestly rather talk about the dessert. If you don't subscribe to Alton Brown on YouTube you really ought to, because he is amazing. Besides doing Quarantine Quitchen, he has been doing a series called Pantry Raid, where he yums up basic recipes with things you can probably get your hands on. For Rice Krispie Treats, he suggested toasting the Rice Krispies nice and golden brown in a wok pan, then using a high-fat butter and browning it before adding the marshmallows, plus a dash of kosher salt. Holy moly, it makes a big difference! I could eat a truly unhealthy amount of those things. I probably already have.

My other recipe today was spinach-feta quesadillas, which were okay. I used fresh spinach, pan-wilted, fresh mint, dill and scallions from the garden, and a bunch of feta cheese to make a filling, then put that on homemade tortillas with mozzarella cheese to get the thing to actually stick together. It was not bad at all, but if I make it again, I will add greek dressing to the filling for a sharper flavor kick. This may be because I grew up eating spinach doused in vinegar because it was how my mom and grandpa before me ate it, and no other cooked spinach form seems quite right. I also didn't have any parsley because that plant is currently not thriving and I left my potted version at home. Ah well.

Today's FIL visit was not good. He is still very logy and barely able to talk from the new meds, and there was apparently a fire drill while they were visiting, so all the patient room doors were closed and no staff could go in. He was trying to get out of his chair, which is a bad idea because he can't do it unassisted and could fall, and all MIL and my husband could do from the window was watch. We've got several phone calls primed and ready to go for tomorrow. I mean, I know they have to have fire drills, but if the person at the front could've said "Wait ten minutes before you come to the window so he won't try to get up and get to you while we can't help him," that would've been super nice.

That sort of clouded the whole day, which was already clouded by all the terrible stuff going on around the country. A big part of me would like to go out and protest, but with high-risk people at home, it's one more thing I can't do right now. We have a little extra money, so I've been making small donations to various bail funds and medic-sponsoring organizations, figuring that every little bit helps. I had a text conversation with my mom, who has very different political views than I do, and that was frustrating, but we arrived at something like detente eventually. Even being deeply conservative and white and from a small town, it is clear to her that the current systems of profiling are wrong and need to be stopped. That's definitely something.

In other news, the 31 days in May have messed up my perfect numbering system. All through April, the last number in the date and the last number in my quarantine count matched up, so I never had to look back to remember what day I was on. Now it's all going to be thrown off by a day. Thanks a lot, May 31!

I should probably try and get to bed a little earlier tonight; we're going to try and get to Trader Joe's tomorrow, which should be extremely exciting for certain values of exciting. MIL has not been to the grocery store in many weeks, though, and Trader Joe's is generally regarded as the safest and cleanest one, plus it's her favorite. It'll be an adventure!

#quarantine

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shortprince-cos · 4 years ago

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More Truths Than Dares

Summary: After "The Double Closet Incident" as Patton so calls it, Patton and Janus have a talk at their friends' sleepover.

Ship: Moceit (Patton x Janus)

Warnings: Smoking, claustrophobia mention, truth or dare. Tell me if I need to add anything else!

Note: This is a direct sequel to "In A Closet"! You can read this without reading that, but it'll probably be confusing!

{Previous}

{Masterlist} (I KNOW I NEED TO FIX IT BUT IM A PROCRASTINATOR FIGHT ME)

~~~~~

"Oh, I didn't know he was invited."

All Patton had done was walk in the door. He hadn't even said hi, or hugged Roman yet, he just walked in the door, and Janus was already on his back for just existing in his presence.

It was going to be a long night.

"Yes? He's my best friend, you know!" Roman defended as he brought Patton to sit on the couch with him and Logan.

"Wow, rude." Logan said.

Roman made a series of offended noises. "You're my boyfriend! So obviously Patton is my best friend!"

As the two quickly dissolved into playful banter, Patton stood to go put his overnight bag in Roman's room, hearing Janus whisper something to Remus and Virgil as he walked by.

Just ignore it, he thought, not really in the mood to argue today. Especially not after what Patton had dubbed ‘The Double Closet Incident’.

It was disastrous. Not only did Patton get locked in a closet with Janus, who has claustrophobia, he discovered that he may have a thing for men. Who knew?

Roman. Roman probably knew, especially after he had adopted Patton into their little friend group. And if being gay was a contest, Roman would be the judge.

But...it was normal to feel that way, right? It wasn't weird to feel embarrassed when someone got up in your personal space, was it? It wasn't abnormal to blush when someone said kind words to you, or odd to imagine yourself in different scenarios with someone you saw on a daily basis and they were-

Wait, what was he doing again?

Patton sighed as he set down his bag by Roman's bed. Those were thoughts for another day. He was supposed to be having fun at his best friend's sleepover, after all!

Patton put on a happy face and went back to the living room to join the others, finding that Roman and Remus were wrestling over something, Logan and Janus were debating, and Virgil was scrolling on his phone. Yep, it was going to be a long night.

---

After breaking up Roman and Remus' tussle, watching a couple of movies, and other various shenanigans, Remus decided to gather everyone up in his room to play truth or dare.

If Patton learned anything from watching the others' turns, it was to always choose truth when Remus picks you.

"Double D, Truth or Dare?" Remus asked excitedly, even though he already knew what Janus would say.

"Dare."

Remus grinned like a shark. "I dare you and Patton to stay in my closet for one hour together."

Both Janus and Patton went pale.

"I...lied. I meant truth." Janus quickly said, hoping that Remus would let up.

"Nope! Too late! Now, you and Patton have to get in there, have hate sex or something, and come out in an hour!"

"Uh- we can't!" Patton exclaimed suddenly, and then all eyes were on him.

"What, are you afraid of the dark or something?" Remus teased.

"Um- no- well, kinda- but no. I- uh- have claustrophobia."

Janus looked shocked, to say the least. Thankfully, everyone was still looking at Patton.

"Yeah, small spaces are absolute torture to be in, and I would prefer it if none of us did stuff that involves small spaces, because then I'll worry about them!" Patton rambled quickly, trying to get all attention on him.

Remus rolled his eyes. "Ugh, fine. But you guys still need to do something together."

Patton blushed a bit, and Janus sighed, looking relieved.

Eventually, Remus gave up, and just dared Janus to eat shaving cream.

The rest of the night went smoother, and Patton ended up telling a lot of weird secrets, but not very important ones.

Eventually, everyone was asleep in either Roman's room, or Remus' room. Everyone except Patton, who couldn't get his brain to turn off.

Patton reluctantly got out of his sleeping bag, and made his way to the front door, maybe some fresh air would clear his mind.

Turns out, he wasn't the only one who had that idea, because as he stepped outside, he found the one and only Janus on the porch, smoking a cigarette.

Before Patton could turn back around, Janus saw him, and nodded his head in acknowledgment. Well, no going back now.

Patton silently sat down in the wooden rocking chair next to where Janus was standing, staring off into space a little before speaking up.

"You-you know that smoking is bad for you, right?"

Janus' lips curled up in a small smile as he chuckled. "I'm aware. Don't worry your pretty head, I only do it when I'm stressed."

Patton decided to ignore the way being called pretty by Janus felt and focused on the other part of that statement. "What are you stressed about?"

Janus blew out a puff of smoke, and suddenly Patton was very distracted by his lips.

"You. You're...different than how I thought you'd be." Janus said solemnly, drawing in another breath.

"Is...is that a bad thing?" Patton asked quietly, looking down to the floor.

Janus glanced at Patton with an indecipherable look on his face. "To be honest? I don't know. On one hand, you're actually a decent person."

"Thank you?"

"And on the other," Janus continued. "I've treated you like s**t for no reason other than spite."

"...It's okay-"

"It's not." Janus interrupted.

They sat in silence for awhile, trying to figure out if the other still wanted them here or not.

"Why did you think I was a bad person?" Patton asked quietly.

Janus huffed. "It's complicated."

"I mean...we got all night."

"...true." Janus sighed. "I think it's because ‘nice’ people don't usually want anything to do with me, and when they do, it's usually for the wrong reasons." He explained. "So when you started talking to me...I don't know, you reminded me of all the wrong people."

Patton's heart broke. He reminded Janus of some probably terrible memories, and had probably been hurting him just by being around him! No wonder Janus frowned whenever Patton walked in a room!

"Janus, I'm so so sorry, I never knew-"

"What are you sorry for?"

"I- That I remind you of some terrible people in your life-"

"Patton," Janus rest a hand on Patton's shoulder, making him blush. "You don't have any control over who you remind me of. Please, don't apologize for that."

"Well- then you can't apologize for being reminded of those people either!" Patton argued.

"I didn't say that, I said I was sorry for treating you terribly!"

"Well, then, I guess you're forgiven!" Patton retorted.

Janus looked at him in shock, as if Patton had just said a bunch of profanities, before quickly looking back to stare off into the distance again. His cheeks were red, but Patton convinced himself that he was probably cold out here.

"You're...too forgiving." Janus mumbled softly, as if he was talking to himself.

"I think that's a good thing." Patton replied.

Janus huffed. "...Thank you." He said, looking at Patton with a small smile on his face. "For everything."

Patton blushed. "Y-Yeah. No problem."

Janus looked at him with a disagreeing look on his face, but let it go.

They settled into comfortable silence as Janus threw his cigarette away and Patton almost fell asleep.

The second time Patton had to force his head up, Janus huffed.

"You should probably get to sleep."

As if on cue, Patton yawned. "So should you." He said sleepily, rubbing his eyes.

Janus chuckled. "Fine. I'll go back to bed if you do."

"Okay, fine. You have a deal."

Janus had that stupid, self-satisfied smirk on his face that he usually wore that made Patton feel fuzzy inside.

"Good," He smirked. "See you in the morning."

"Yeah. See ya."

Janus ventured into the house, Patton following a few moments later.

Patton felt like he was getting into dangerous territory with Janus, but instead of feeling concerned, he felt more excited than ever.

~~~~~

Hi guys!!!! Its been awhile! So, this is an au that ive fallen in love with, so i wanna keep writing for it! If you guys have any name ideas, send em my way please!

Ask to be added or removed!

Reblogs are appreciated!💖

#sanders sides #sanders sides fic #sanders sides fanfic #sanders sides fanfiction #moceit #patton sanders #ts patton #janus sanders #ts janus #ts roman #ts logan #ts virgil #ts remus #kawaiikat54 fic #fanfiction

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elizapbrooke · 5 years ago

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A discovery of pancakes

This is my newsletter from Friday, May 22. You can sign up here.

I am disappointed to announce that the bird call I thought belonged to an owl comes, in fact, from a mourning dove. “One of the most abundant and widespread of all North American birds,” Wikipedia says. It’s an embarrassing but maybe understandable mistake. I figured this owl was out during the day because it was a creature of New York like the rest of us, its circadian rhythm all fucked up by early morning garbage trucks and the blue glow of the Chase Bank across the street. The mourning dove’s coo is low and melancholy, a distinctive series of five notes. I’d certainly forgive you for thinking it’s a hoot. As I was listening to mourning dove calls on my computer and having this horrible realization, one landed on the fire escape and startled me with the loudest, most intimate rendition of their song I’d ever heard. It may as well have pressed its beak up against the glass. (I assume it thought there was a dove in the apartment.) I crept over to the window to confirm with my eyeballs what AllAboutBirds.org had already told me, and, yep, there it was. It felt so special to have a mystery owl in the neighborhood, but I guess doves are lovely birds too, with their plushy throats and elegantly tapered tail feathers. Anyway, my friend Sid tells me he’s heard owls in Gowanus, so I’m keeping my hopes up. This week I published a story for Curbed detailing the history and recent evolution of the home office. As I was fact checking it, I realized I’d accidentally talked to ten hundred sources, so please do enjoy the fruits of my labor. I’m not here to talk about home offices, though. A few weeks ago, I woke up in the middle of the night and discovered I’d been brainstorming pitches in my sleep. I was thrilled. On account of pandemic depression and seeing very little of the outside world, I’ve really been struggling to come up with story concepts, which is problematic because that’s my job. Most of my dream pitches evaporated upon waking, but I managed to hold onto one, and in my sleepy haze I thought it was possibly the greatest idea I’d ever had. It was: PANCAKES ARE HAVING A MOMENT IN QUARANTINE. I decided I’d email the New York Times first thing in the morning. In the light of day, I realized that there wasn’t really a story there. When you’re writing a trend piece, you want to be able to point to, I don’t know, at least four really solid examples from the public sphere. My evidence was:

Alex and I had made pancakes recently

We were planning to make them again

I’d recently discussed pancakes with Molly and Vivian

I’d heard you can make pancakes from sourdough starter discard (which actually does speak to the zeitgeist)

But here’s the thing. Pancakes are a great topic for a newsletter. So here is my pancake article.

***

I’ve always liked the look of a big stack of pancakes, but I never really got why people were so into eating them. I like a breakfast that is hyper-functional and maximally filling. Because I’m an aging hippie, my preferred breakfast is a double-sized bowl of Ezekiel cereal, which tastes like delicious cardboard and fulfills 42% of your daily fiber needs. Pancakes, like pastries, always struck me as glamorous but pointless. I was even somewhat distrustful of my mom’s pancakes, which are dense and nutty, not sweet at all. Her recipe came from a “chiropractor/health nut in San Diego about 31 years ago” and involves grinding your own flour from winter wheat berries, groats, rye, brown rice, and millet. I love them, but a family pancake breakfast still makes me feel very out of control. This all changed a few weeks ago when Alex and I decided to make pancakes for dinner. All I can say is that quarantine has a way of melting away the rigid little fucks you used to give. For once, the chaos I associate with pancakes sounded fun and freeing. Also we’ve been watching a ton of Parks & Rec, and I was feeling inspired by Leslie’s diet of waffles and whipped cream. We made buttermilk pancakes, extra fluffy ones that require you to whip the egg whites on their own for several minutes before folding them into the batter. Two with banana chunks, two with bits of frozen peaches, two blueberry, one bonus plain for me. I had mine without anything on top, enjoying the choking feeling of eating so much cakey carb. It felt like a hug. When I saw my friend Todd post a gorgeous stack of pancakes on Instagram, I asked him if he had any theories about why they’re such a good quarantine food. At first he thought I was trolling him, but when I told him I was dead serious, here’s what he said: “What I love about pancakes right now is that they feel both ordinary and radical at the same time. Ordinary because they are nostalgic, all-American, homey, comfortable, and approachable. Anyone can make them. But there’s also something really subversive about a stack of pancakes right now—the gluten, the non-plant-based butter and eggs, eating breakfast when Goop tells us we should be intermittent fasting, so forth. Eating pancakes in the time of coronavirus brings into focus how overwhelming wellness culture has become in recent years—celery juice and collagen smoothies will never, ever, ever beat a big, buttery, syrupy stack of flapjacks.” I would agree. Given my dedication to breakfast foods that involve sprouted beans—which predates our wellness moment but was certainly bolstered by it—I definitely find pancakes subversive. They make me feel nostalgic, too, but not for anything I’ve personally experienced. For weekends in high school that I spent ensconced in the television world of Gilmore Girls, maybe, where breakfast at Luke’s Diner is a comfortable routine. As I continued my journey into pancake reportage, I sought out the perspective of Sarah Jampel, an editor at Bon Appetit. While pancakes made from sourdough discard have their fans, Sarah is not particularly one of them. She’s also team waffle. I don’t really have a horse in the pancake/waffle debate, but Sarah makes a compelling case. “I have thought a lot about pancakes,” she emailed back when I asked if she had anything to say about the topic. “And yes, I have made them since isolation started—mostly because I'm ‘every woman’ and my fridge is overflowing with sourdough discard. ‘Put it in pancakes,’ I thought. The issue is that I need to add more flour (as well as butter or oil and leaveners) to sourdough discard to turn it into pancakes, so I ultimately end up using more ingredients for the sole purpose of not throwing some stuff into the trash or compost (but really, the trash). And even though pancakes sound nice in theory—why not start the day with a hot breakfast instead of the usual routine, eating a Clif bar with one hand while the other clings bare to the subway pole (huge sigh of nostalgia)?—in actuality they're inferior waffles. Unless you take care with your pancakes—loading them with lots of butter and separating the egg yolks and whites (this recipe's my fave)—they're too mono-textured.” Never fear: Alex and I loaded ours with an alarming amount of butter. I suppose it is to be expected that when you go out hunting for pancake insights, you come back with waffle testimonials. When I asked Alex’s high school friends to weigh in on the appeal of pancakes during a global shutdown, Nico said, “Waffles are the superior carb. They provide greater textural variety and are a better delivery vessel for condiments.” (Dylan has been eating toast all quarantine, and Dan “didn’t understand the question” because the only god he acknowledges is the Joy of Cooking’s pancake recipe.) My friend Molly has been eating a lot of savory pancakes under quarantine, for breakfast or lunch. She sautées a bunch of garlic and kale in olive oil, adding scallions at the last minute, and then sets the vegetables aside in a bowl. In goes the Bisquick, and she adds the kale mix on top of the pancakes as they cook; after a minute, she tops the pancake with shredded white cheddar so that when she flips it, the cheese turns crispy. She’ll eat that with a runny egg or garlic yogurt. I can’t wait to see her again so she can make one for me. Pancakes are one of the few foods that Molly has consistently been able to stomach during this period of immense anxiety. They have a strong positive association for her: in pre-corona times, she would make savory pancakes after playing soccer on Saturday mornings. Those games are one of the things she misses most right now. We talked on the phone while she made her daily trip outside to juggle a soccer ball. Molly likes to chat with friends during these breaks because bouncing a ball on your feet benefits from loose attention. “Cooking a pancake is similar,” she said. “It requires some focus but it’s not that hard. You don’t really need to cut anything. You just watch it.” Alex always says that cooking is meditative for him. I would respectfully disagree—to me, it feels more like hurtling down a mogul course—but I can see it with pancakes. You’re just systematically waiting and flipping, waiting and flipping. After making buttermilk pancakes, we progressed to Sqirl’s buckwheat pancakes for lunch on a Sunday. I can’t find the recipe online, but here’s a photo. For those who are lucky enough to have dodged my Sqirl talk thus far, it’s a phenomenal, semi-healthy breakfast and lunch spot in Silver Lake. Every time I’m in LA, I badger my companions into going right when it opens at 8 a.m. so we’re sure to get a table. When I was there to write about Dax Shepard in November, I high-tailed it to Sqirl right after our interview and embarrassed myself in front of the staff by inhaling bits of a particularly seedy cookie and having a loud coughing fit, after which I went around the corner to die in private. Alex and I thought we had all the requisite ingredients for Sqirl’s buckwheat pancakes, other than cactus flour, but the recipe calls for corn flour and it turns out cornmeal isn’t the same thing. We subbed in whole wheat, so they weren’t really Sqirlcakes, but they were still tasty in a restrained, earthy way. Alex convinced me to try one with raspberry jam, which I reluctantly admit was a great pairing. A week or two later, we made them again. I wasn’t really hungry because it was 2 p.m. and I’d already eaten lunch—Alex had just gotten up—but I pledged to eat my portion cold out of the fridge. Alex thought this was insane, but he sometimes forgets that I like my food a little squidgy. We went grocery shopping the next morning, which was as much of a bitch as it always is right now. Even though we’ve gotten the process down to a science, it still takes three hours from start to finish, with significant angst on my part about the cleanliness of the inbound goods. Finally everything was put away, and Alex headed off to take a shower. I was agitated and crazy hungry. I scrubbed my hands one more time, pulled the pancakes out of the fridge, and promptly dropped one on the floor while trying to get it into my mouth. I ate the rest in big, angry bites, one after another, standing in the middle of the kitchen. I didn’t want to sit down in my outdoor clothes. The pancakes were perfect, though. A shot of sweet, comforting carb straight to the heart.

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animeniacss · 5 years ago

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What I Want - BadBoy! Taehyung x Reader - Chapter 19 -Old Relationships and New Friendships

Synopsis: You are an innocent, excitable new girl, moving all the way to Korea due to your dad’s new job. As you anxiously learn about the new world around you and how you’ll make your mark, you stumble into none other than bad boy Kim Taehyung and his band of six crazy friends. He seems to be bothered but you, something he doesn’t even understand. Will you be able to tolerate the shenanigans of Taehyung and his rowdy friends, or will you fall victim to his charms just like everyone else?

Featuring Jihyo and Dahyun (TWICE) as your friends, and BTS members as Taehyung’s group of friends.

Genre: Romance, BadBoy!V, BadBoy!BTS, High School Romance, Drama

Length: approx. 4.6k words

Disclaimer: This chapter shows scenes of domestic violence. Please read with caution.

Chapter 19 - Old Relationships and New Friendships

“Ji Seok, stop!” Hyuna shouted, stepping back into the living room. Ji Seok followed her, glaring. After stating that they needed to talk, he mentioned that he saw her with Taehyung an hour prior, talking and laughing as they shared cigarettes. He made sure to remind her how angry he got at that, and when Hyuna tried to defend herself as best as she could, he flew into a rage, throwing the beer bottle against the wall. The shattered contents fell to the floor, and the liquid itself splattered all over the wall. Hyuna was right by the wall, and when the sound of the beer bottle shattered, she jumped out of her seat and attempted to move away from Ji Seok. That was when he began approaching her, like a predator trying to corner their prey. “You’re acting crazy.”

“Oh. Oh, I’m acting crazy?!” He asked. He punched the wall as he passed by it, making Hyuna covered her mouth to muffle a terrified shriek. When his bare fist retracted from the wall, a hole was left in its place. “I only act crazy because you know damn well how I feel when I see you with some other bum fuck of a guy! Especially…ESPECIALLY Kim Taehyung!”

“I gave him a fucking cigarette and we smoked! Why do you always take this so seriously!?” Ji Seok finally got close to her and grabbed hold of her arm, yanking her close to him. “OW! Ji Seok!”

“Kim Taehyung and his bitch of a girlfriend are the reason I ended up in a police station being questioned for a whole god damn night. I get out, with no call or any worry from you. How long were you even with him before I saw you outside?!” Hyuna tried to pull her wrist from his grasp, but he just yanked it tighter. “ANSWER ME.” He hissed.

“I just ran into him then, I wasn’t even with him that long!” She whimpered as she felt the grasp on her wrist tighten. “You’re hurting me, let me go, Ji Seok!”

“I’ll let you go when I’m fucking finished with you!” He said. “Another question. Where you happy I was locked up for a whole day? Is that why you didn’t call?” Hyuna kept trying to pry her wrist away, and it only angered Ji Seok even more. He yanked her arm down hard, not enough to break it but to put it at an angle where she groaned in pain. “HYUNA!”

“Yes!” She glared. “I was fucking thrilled because you weren’t around to do shit like this to me!” Ji Seok snickered, finally releasing her arm. She rubbed it, letting out a few grunts and whimpers in pain as she backed away from him. Ji Seok looked at the end table beside the couch.

“Shit like what?” he asked. “This?” He knocked on the plant that sat on top of it onto the floor. The contents shattered along the carpet and prevented a safe entry into the kitchen. “I can do a whole lot fucking worse if you want me too!” Hyuna hurried towards the bathroom, but Ji Seok caught her. He spun her around and balled up a fist, smirking as he threw a punch. Hyuna groaned, covering the throbbing eye as Ji Seok pulled back for just a moment. “You want me to show you worse?!”

“Get the hell out of here!” Hyuna shouted. “I swear to God, I’ll call the fucking cops!”

“Oh yeah? Do it! What did they do last time, huh? Fucking nothing. Because you’re a whore! They don’t believe whores!” He walked over and pinned her against the wall, grabbing hold of her chin. “Don’t tell me. Kim Taehyung is the one who’s encouraging this new defiant attitude, isn’t he?” He asked. “What a fucking prick, touching my property.”

“I said get the fuck out of my apartment.” Hyuna cried out. She shoved Ji Seok away despite her throbbing wrist, using all the strength she had left. “Get out, I’m sick and tired of this shit! I never want to see you again, get out!”

“Yeah. That’s definitely Kim Taehyung speaking. What, now that he’s all good and shit, you think one conversation with him can make you defy me? No, no, no, honey. That’s not how it works.”

“We’re not even talking about Kim Taehyung anymore, we’re talking about you! We’re talking about how you’re a piece of shit and how I want you out of my apartment!” She shoved him again. And again. And again. He was by the door. She picked up his shoes and threw them at him. “Get out! Get out, get out, and get out!” Once they were by the entrance to the apartment, she managed to reach out and open the door.

“You’re such a bitch!” He cried out. “Don’t think I’ll fucking forget this. Have fun, because next time I’ll break your fucking legs so you can’t run. Do you hear me?!” With one final shove, Hyuna slammed the door in Ji Seok’s face and quickly locked it, pressing herself up against it as she tried to catch her breath. She heard him kick the door a few times. She stepped back, hearing him grumble a few curse words before footsteps were heard heading down the street. While still being on an adrenaline high, she hurried to her room. Throwing open her drawers and flinging open her closet, she took out every single thing that was Ji Seok’s: every big tee shirt, every pack of cigarettes, every anniversary gift, everything that spoke Ji Seok’s name was ripped out of her room and stuffed into garbage bags. She was cursing, crying, shaking. Her head was throbbing as she yanked the trash bags closed. She picked them up and carried them into the main hall, opening the door and tossing them out the door. Slamming the door shut again, she slid down against it and covered her eye, groaning at how sensitive it was. She sat there in silence for what felt like forever before she stood up.

“I need to clean the house before they get home…” she said, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a broom and dustpan.

------

“Does this stuff look like it is good for a picnic?” Taehyung asked his friends, handing them the list that he had written. After meeting up with Hyuna and talking, he felt somewhat more confident. It surprised him that Hyuna of all people was someone he could find himself talking to about his problem…but it seemed as though Hyuna was a bit different than the last time they had crossed paths. He met up with the others, who were all studying together. The older boy’s entrance exams were only a month away, so cramming was something they did often. However, they did it somewhere that was free, allowing them to eat snacks, hang out, and keep the atmosphere relaxed with friends instead of tense with anxiety.

“Lemme see,” Jin said, setting down his pencil as he took the paper from Taehyung. He looked it over. “Kimchi fried rice, scallion salad, beef bulgogi, cabbage rolls…” Jin glanced at Taehyung. “Do not tell me you plan on making all of this.” He said.

“Well, that’s what came up when you look for the typical stuff to bring on a picnic.”

“Yeah, if you’re feeding an entire sports team. That’s way too much for just the two of you.” Namjoon said, glancing over. “Just pick like two of those things and add some snacks.”

“Cabbage rolls sounds delicious.” Jungkook hummed, smiling at the thought. “Make that. And the beef bulgogi.” Taehyung nodded, scribbling things down. “Are you going to bring desserts?”

“I was thinking of making something simple. Brownies, maybe some kind of cookie. I dunno.”

“Yeah, keep it simple.” Yoongi hummed. Taehyung sighed, looking at Jin.

“Hyung, will you help me make everything?” he asked. Jin couldn’t help but smile.

“I was waiting for you to ask.” He said. “Yes, of course I’ll help you.” Taehyung beamed. “But I’m not going all of the work. You’re going to make it too. She’s already tasted my cooking many times.” Taehyung nodded, a determined grin on his face. “When are you two meeting Saturday?”

“I was thinking about 2?”

“Come by early the morning. I’ll have everything prepared and we’ll get it all baked.”

“Can I come too?” Jungkook asked curiously.

“No. It’s just going to be us. If too many people come, Taehyung will be pushed out because he has barely any cooking skill.” Jin said simply, chuckling when Taehyung lowered his head on the table in defeat. Jimin leaned over and put a potato chip to Taehyung’s lips, which he took and ate. “7 a.m., be at my house.”

“Okay.” He said. He glanced up, watching as Hoseok leaned towards Namjoon, a textbook in hand as he asked Namjoon to explain a problem. Jungkook was looking down at his work, scribbling away, focused expression on his face. Occasionally, he would stick his hand out and grab a chip or something, putting it in his mouth, but his eyes didn’t leave his work. Taehyung sat up straight, scratching his head as he reached into his bag. He pulled out some of his own work to do, the same thing Jimin was currently working on, which was Korean history, and scooted closer to him so they could work on it together. He wanted to be caught up with his assignments so that they were done by Saturday so that you both could enjoy your date without anything lingering in the back of your minds.

You seemed to have the same idea, sitting in Jihyo’s living room with her as the two of you were doing homework. With Saturday only a few days away, you wanted your homework done and studying for the week completed.

“What do you think Taehyung has planned for Saturday?” you asked. Jihyo rolled her eyes. “What’s with that face?” you asked curiously.

“Nothing.” She said. “It’s just all you’re talking about.”

“Oh sorry.” You mumbled, blushing in embarrassment. “I’m just excited. I love surprise dates.”

“I know. And you can tell me all about it after it’s over.” She reached over and hit you over the head playfully with the end of her pencil. “You whined as Jihyo laughed a bit. “Can we finish studying? We’re almost done.”

“Yeaaaaah.” You sighed, looking back down at your work. The two of you worked diligently from that point on, getting your studying and your work done. It was around 3 that afternoon when you cleaned up your stuff and set it aside. “With that done, I’m starving.” You stated, hearing your stomach rumble. You had worked through lunch. “Should we go out and get something to eat?”

“Yeah. If you want to.” Jihyo said. “What do you want to get?”

“Pizza sounds really good.” You said.

“I agree.” So, with that set, the two of you got up and headed out. Jihyo called out to her mom that the two of you would be back later in the day, and headed out to a nearby pizzeria. It wasn’t too long of a walk, the two of you idly chatting about whatever came to mind as you headed down the street, around the corner, and into the marketplace of town. The pizzeria was somewhere you guys would frequent often, either after school with friends or with family on nights that your mom was too lazy to cook. It was pretty tasty, you had to admit. You took Taehyung here a few times, and the others too, to show them how good it was.

The two of you ordered your pizza and sat down to eat at one of the tables. As you both ate, the bell at the front of the room rang, and you saw someone walk in. Glancing up, you saw it was Hyuna. She had on a baggy sweatshirt, leggings, and flats. Her hair was tugged up in a messy ponytail, and she was wearing glasses, even as she stepped inside.

“Is that Hyuna?” you whispered to Jihyo, pointing in her direction. She glanced over, seeing Hyuna walk over to the counter and order.

“Yeah. I think so. She looks different when she isn’t all glammed up.” She agreed. You watched her take her food and find a seat at the other end of the establishment, fixing her ponytail as she ate her slice silently. You were tempted to walk over to her and talk to her, but you figured that may not be a good idea. So, you simply turned around, allowing her to mind her own business as you continue with your food.

You and Jihyo were at the pizzeria for about an hour total, between ordering, waiting, eating your food, and sitting down to chat for a few minutes while your food digested. Around 5, you both got up and made your way out, closing the door behind you. Just before you could make your trek home, the door to the pizzeria opened again, and you heard your name being called out. Turning your head, you saw Hyuna hurry up to you.

“Hey…” she said. “Good thing I caught you before you left.” You saw her sigh, fixing her hair once again. “Can we talk?”

“…What do you want to talk about?” You asked curiously. Hyuna bit her lip.

“Just…we need to talk. Alone.” You glanced at Jihyo, who didn’t seem too comfortable with the idea.

“I don’t know.” She said. “Where’s Ji Seok?” Hyuna scoffed.

“I fucking dumped the bastard.” She said. “Trust me, I’m not trying to lure you to him or anything. I wouldn’t do that.” You noticed her put her hands in the pocket of her sweatshirt. “Please.” Yes, you were hesitant to go with her. You had only met a handful of times, but those times were never pleasant. Either she was flirting with Taehyung, or you and she were exchanging rude words. But still…you sensed that the Hyuna from then and the Hyuna from now were a bit different. Maybe it was just the clothes, but you kind of wanted to hear her out.

“I’ll come by afterward.” You said to Jihyo. She pursed her lips.

“You sure?” She asked. Giving a nod, you looked back at Hyuna.

“Lead the way~.” You said happily. Hyuna nodded, and the two of you headed down the street. Both of you walked in silence for a few moments, you waiting patiently for Hyuna to talk to you, while Hyuna seemed to think of what she was going to say and how. She dug her hand in her sweatshirt pocket again, pulling out a cigarette and lighter.

“Do you mind if I smoke?” She asked curiously, putting the cigarette into her mouth. You sighed a bit, smiling.

“Yeah, go ahead. I think I’ve gone nose blind to the smell from Taehyung.” Hyuna chuckled, lighting her cigarette as she took a drag.

“I’m going to assume offering you one will be met with a big fat-.”

“No.” You said in unison with her, the both of you, again, sharing a giggle between you. “Now, what did you want to talk to me about?”

“Well.” She began. “I mainly just wanted to apologize for what I’ve done to you and Taheyung for the past few months.” She took another drag of her cigarette.

“Oh.” You said. “Well thank you.” A smile formed on your lips. Then, you pursed your lips. “You said you and Ji Seok broke up. What happened?” Hyuna was silent for a moment, and her pace slowed until it stopped altogether. You stopped as well, turning to face her as she dropped her cigarette on the floor, stomping it out with her foot. She wasn’t even finished with it.

“Well, this is one reason.” She said, taking off her sunglasses. Once the glasses were removed from her face, her left eye was exposed to be horribly bruised and mildly swollen. You gasped.

“Hyuna, oh my God…” you gasped, covering your mouth. Her eyes fell to the floor as she put her glasses in her pocket. “He did this to you?”

“Yeah.” She said softly. “I ran into Taehyung a few days ago and we got to talking. I apologized to him too. Little did I know that Ji Seok was spying on me since he got out of that interrogation the day they had that stupid fight.” You stepped closer, gently reaching out to take her hand. “Ah!” She hissed, yanking her hand back as she rubbed it. “Fuck.”

“I’m sorry…” you said. You watched her pull her sleeve down, exposing a long path of bruises, old and new, decorated the parts of the skin you could see.

“He got so pissed when he came to my apartment.” Hyuna sighed. “Good thing I kicked him out and threw this shit out with him,” she said. “I couldn’t take him anymore. I was dealing with his shit since I was like 14.” She chuckled. “God, I’m so stupid.”

“No, you’re not.” You said quickly. “Ji Seok is dangerous and manipulative. Good for you for putting him in his place.” Hyuna smiled a bit.

“I dunno. I thought I could handle things after a while. He wasn’t always bad. He had anger issues, he was a bad boy, but he had his good moments. But, for some reason, eventually, those good moments were few and far between. Instead, all I got was yelling and threats and suspicion. I’m sure he’s sleeping with tons of other girls, but god forbid I try and hit on someone else, right?” She chuckled. “Taehyung was an idiot, but lord helps me he never raised a hand to me. I should have never broken up with him.”

“Did Ji Seok convince you to do that too?” You asked curiously. Hyuna nodded. She pulled out another cigarette and lit it up. “Jeez. I’m sorry you had to go through that all these years.”

“Thanks.” She said. “But whatever, I’m over it now. I always told myself I would break up with him. Never did until now.” She glanced at you. “Feels kind of good.”

“Good! You deserve to be with someone who treats you right!” You said. “…Except for Taehyung.” Both of you laughed.

“I know, I know. He’s off-limits, I got the message.” She said. “But if you break up, I won’t lie, I’m calling rebound.” Again, you found yourself laughing.

“You’re really funny when you’re not trying to hit on my boyfriend.” You said. Hyuna smiled. “I’m glad you apologized and opened up to me.” You reached out, taking her other hand and holding it tightly. “I hope we can start over and be friends.” Hyuna nodded, taking her bruised hand and enclosing it over your own.

“Me too.” She said. “I’m glad you’re forgiving me so easily. Not going to lie, I was kind of worried. If some girl who kept trying to hit on my boyfriend tried to apologize, I think I’d laugh and chokeslam her into the pavement.”

“Oh my God.” You chuckled, grinning a bit. “Well, I don’t have the strength to chokeslam anyone. Maybe I can get in a nice, hard kick or something if I really try.” You said, making Hyuna grin. “Also, if I was dating Ji Seok, I’d probably try to hit on anyone I could find too. So, in a way, I can’t blame you.” Hyuna nodded. “Why don’t you come back to my house?” you offered. “We can get you something to wrap your wrist up and make sure it doesn’t swell.”

“You sure?” She asked. “Weren’t you hanging out with that other girl…what was it, Jihyo? I didn’t plan on taking up your entire day.”

“Oh, she lives by me. I’ll invite her over and properly introduce you.” Flashing a bright smile, you nodded. “Okay~?” Hyuna blinked, nodding at you.

“Yeah. Okay…” she said. You nodded, happily leading her down the street. You kept her hand on your own, staying close to her in hopes of keeping a safe and comforting air between the two of you. Once you got home, you called Jihyo over before wrapping Hyuna’s wrist up in an ace bandage and icing it to prevent swelling. When Jihyo arrived, you properly introduced both of them to each other, and they were a bit awkward when saying hello, but your optimistic attitude kept things from going sour. The three of you got to talking, and that awkward tension seemed to melt away over time, allowing for the seeds of a new friendship to blossom.

---

“You and Hyuna made up?” Taehyung asked, pressing his cell phone in between his ear and his shoulder. He was at Jungkook’s house, resting on the couch as Jungkook played Overwatch beside him. It was later in the evening now, and Jihyo and Hyuna had gone home a few hours ago. Once you were ready for bed, you called Taehyung up to check in on him.

“Yeah. She told me about her and Ji Seok breaking up. I took her to my house and we got to talking. I’m really glad she apologized to me and we can start over.” Taehyung smiled. “Hopefully, things won’t be too awkward anymore.”

“Yeah, hopefully.” He agreed. “You excited for Saturday?” he asked.

“Can’t you tell me where we’re going? Maybe then I’ll be more excited.” You begged.

“No way.” He huffed. “You’ll know when we get to where we’re going.” You whined a bit on the phone, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. “Awww, it’s only a few days away. It’ll be here soon. Trust me, I’m excited too.”

“Okaaay.” You pouted. “I’m going to go to bed then. That way it’ll be one day closer.” Taehyung chuckled.

“Alright. Goodnight.” He said. Jungkook leaned over and shouted hello to you over the phone before the two of you hung up and turned in for the night.

Saturday finally showed itself, and you woke up early in hopes of finding the perfect outfit and looking your best. You took a shower, put some curls in your hair, and dug through your closet. Taehyung suggested she wear something comfortable, that this date was not a fancy one. That led you to choose a pair of overalls and a pink graphic tee shirt. You found a matching headband to put up your bangs and some pink flats. You were ready to go, spinning around in your mirror to get a good look at yourself. Suddenly, your mother called your name from downstairs.

“Taehyung is here!” She shouted. You hurried downstairs as you saw your mother letting Taehyung in. He was in a white tee-shirt and a pair of jeans with sneakers. His hair was up in a headband as well. When he saw you come down the steps, he smiled.

“Hey. Ready?” he asked. You nodded, hurrying towards him as you greeted each other with a kiss.

“Have fun you too. Be safe.” Your mother called as the two of you headed out the door.

“So now will you tell me where we’re going?” you asked curiously. Taehyung shook his head, his hand clutched tightly in yours.

“Nope. But I’ll give you a hint, we have to take a train to Seoul.” You pouted.

“Awww, that’s it?” You asked. Taehyung smiled, and the two of you headed to the train station.

It took some travel time, but the two of you arrived in Seoul and made your way to a park. Naksan Park, to be exact. You walked through the beautiful park, seeing people walking the trails, running around with friends, or sitting and just enjoying the views that this gorgeous park had to offer.

“We’re pretty close,” Taehyung said, leading you down one of the trails. You kept close to him, looking around until he finally spoke.

“Okay, look.” You glanced over and your eyes sparkled. Before you were a red and white checkered blanket, laid underneath a big, beautiful tree. A picnic basket rested on it. “Remember when I said it was too cold in December to have a picnic? Well, it’s not cold now.”

“Awwwww.” You hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek. “This is so cute! I absolutely love this!” You took his head and led him over to the blanket and both of you took a seat. As you sat, you heard footsteps fading away, and looked over, seeing what looked like Jimin and Hoseok booking it down one of the trails. You smiled, glancing at Taehyung.

“They came just to make sure nobody touched the blanket while we got here. Jin-Hyung also brought the basket and set it all up for us.” Taehyung explained. He opened the basket and you peeked in. “He also helped me make everything.” You saw him pull out different food in little Tupperware’s, like the cabbage rolls and some beef bulgogi. There were some rice and some bottled waters.

“You made this?” you asked curiously, taking some chopsticks.

“No, no,” Taehyung said, opening his little Tupperware of beef bulgogi. “Jin-Hyung did. I helped.” You began laughing as you opened your mouth and took a bite of the bulgogi.

“Mmmm!” You gasped. “That’s so good!” You smiled up at him. “I can tell you helped make it.”

“Is that an insult?” he asked, and you shook your head with a giggle. You scooted closer to him, resting against him as you continued to eat your food.

“It’s really good.” You assured. “You and Jin did a wonderful job.” Taehyung smiled a bit, leaning over to kiss your forehead. The two of you, snuggled up to each other, began to eat. “So what else do we have to eat?” You asked, reaching over and using your chopsticks to cut your cabbage roll in half, popping one half into it into your mouth. Taehyung hummed, setting down his chopsticks as he pulled the basket over.

“Well-.” He began, glancing at the other half of the cabbage roll. “-I call that.” He opened the basket, pulling out another Tupperware of little brownies. “I wasn’t too sure what to make. Jin-Hyung suggested brownies are nice and simple.” You smiled a bit as he set them back down and picked up the other half of the cabbage roll, eating it. “Mmm, these are so frigging good.” He sighed.

“I know, right?” You agreed. Taehyung glanced down at you as he swallowed his food. He watched you reach into your little plastic boxes of food, picking up some rice and some beef and putting them into your mouth, the corners of your lips pointing up in a little smile as you eagerly ate the food. Taehyung rested his head against you, taking a deep breath as he continued to eat.

Jimin seemed to be right. I think this mood is helping. He thought to himself. Taehyung took another deep breath and sat up straight, setting down his food and turning to you.

“I need to talk to you.” He said. You blinked, swallowing your last bite of food as you looked up at him, setting your own food down as well and turning towards him.

“Is everything okay?” you asked curiously.

“Yeah. There’s just something I really want to tell you.” You felt your breath catch in your throat, and you smiled a bit, nodding. “Uhm…well…” He glanced towards the big tree beside you, before looking down at the basket of food, then back to you. “You know I’m not good at saying this kind of stuff…to anyone, not just you….”

“I know.” You said, giving him a reassuring smile. Taehyung nodded. He felt a wave of confidence wash over him as he took your hands, giving a quick kiss to your knuckles.

“Well, you see…I-.”

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o-holynight · 6 years ago

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Thoroughly Beaten | All You Have To Do Is Fall In Love AU

Other Parts: 1 2 3 4 Author: Michaela - @o-holynight Pairing: Joe Mazzello / OFC, Ben Hardy / OFC Rating: T Word Count: 1.6k POV: Michaela Warnings: series warnings, lactose intolerance lol Summary: Michaela cooks breakfast for her friends, new and old, with only minimal casualties.

Masterlist found here! Series Summary: Best friends and college roommates Ben, Joe, and Gwil, find themselves tangled up with a group of girls who bring out the best (and worst) in them. Series Warnings: drinking, swearing Authors’ Note: Stories can stand alone, but it’s much better when read all together! Not everything is always in the same tense, or same point of view/perspective.

“Thoroughly beaten it is,” I say, after taking a moment to absorb what he had just said to me. “I’m sure I must’ve brought my whip with me somewhere…” I said, turning around, feigning a search along the counter. The bright, bold chuckle from behind me was all the encouragement I needed. I was suddenly completely at ease in this unfamiliar kitchen, with an unfamiliar man.

“You two are getting on nicely I see.” Ben said, entering the kitchen, dragging a stupidly-big-grinning Sarah behind him.

“I think she may have just threatened me…? But I’m weirdly okay with it.” Joe said, cracking a few eggs into a bowl. “Here you go, primed and ready for a beating.”

I smirked, grabbing the bowl from him. “Any add ins? Bacon, scallions?” I asked, whisking the eggs with a fork.

“Yeah, sure, whatever you like.” Joe said, leaning onto the counter, taking a sip from his tea after blowing on it slightly. When he blew across the surface of the liquid, the inner pinkness of his lips were just visible. And his slight stubble from having not yet shaven today, practically glistened in the well-lit kitchen. I definitely did not need to kiss those lips right now… I turned to grab a bundle of green onions, and a knife, and began slicing them thinly on the cutting board.

“Do you ever pretend you’re like, on a cooking show? Y’know like narrating what you’re prepping?” Joe asked, leaning his chin in his hand.

“Um, only always.” I said truthfully. I couldn’t lie, I have definitely held entire episodes of Chopped in my head, rushing against the nonexistent clock, only to make a whatever-the-hell aioli at the last second.

“She’s got some green onions, otherwise known as scallions. She’s going in for the chop, what’ll it be, OHH, it’s a chiffonade, only the most precise of all cuts!” Joe said, slightly cupping around his mouth to give a radio announcer quality to his voice.

I laugh out loud and shake my head. I could really fucking kiss him right now. “You’re funny, you know that?” I said, pointing the knife at him briefly after scraping the onions into the egg mixture.

“Yeah? I’m here all week. All semester really. And until graduation.” Joe said, popping a morsel of bacon into his mouth.

“Small world! Me too.” I said, turning around to dump the eggs into a preheating pan on the stove. I sprinkled the crumbled up bacon and a handful of cheddar cheese onto the eggs before swirling them around, and stirring it into a scramble. “So Ben.” I started. “We goin’ with three pancakes today? Don’t give me that ‘two is fine’ bullshit, cause you always steal half of Sarah’s.”

“Yeah, sure sure, you know me.” Ben said sheepishly. “D’you need some help? I could--”

“NO” Sarah and I chimed in in unison.

“I’m sensing some tension here, and I’m gonna need the backstory on that?” Joe says, more of a question than a statement.

“Last time we thought we could trust Benjamin with the pancake duty. Let’s just say the man is not to be trusted with fire.” Sarah said, grabbing Ben’s chin and squishing his face cutely.

“If you care about your blueberries remaining chewable, please just sit back and relax.” I say to Ben, as I pour the batter down on the second, flatter pan. “Joe, would you do the honors?” I asked, dropping a few blueberries into his open palm while I went to dish out the eggs.

“Oh you let him do it, but--” Ben started, but let it go when Sarah shook her head almost imperceivably, closing her eyes.

Joe chuckled as he peppered in the blueberries, and managed to flip the first couple pancakes perfectly after they had risen. “Dare me to do it behind my back. Dare me.” Joe said, tossing one of the pancakes up and down on the spatula as if getting ready to throw.

“I think not.” I said, grabbing his forearm, and flipping the pancake down onto the surface of the pan. My hands lingered on his arm, looking up at him, a playful smile on his face. “Okay it’s time to eat.” I said, not breaking eye contact until I turned away to bring the plate of pancakes over to Joe to collect the last one.

Ben and Sarah carried the plates over to the table, as Joe and I poured mimosas for everyone back at the counter. One of them almost overflowed as Joe poured a little too vigorously, but I managed to save it by sipping the bubbles off of the top. “Okay, that one’s yours.” Joe said in between giggles.

“No, it’s yours, you said you weren’t big into alcohol in the morning anyway, so, you’re welcome, I already took some of it away for ya.” I said, topping it off with orange juice.

“I may have only said that to not seem like a total alcoholic in front of a pretty girl.” he said, with a shrug, taking the mimosas and sipping one slyly as he walked over to join the group.

My cheeks were definitely crimson as I swooned my way over to carry the other two glasses to the table, and took my seat next to Joe, across from Sarah.

“So what did you prepare for us today, Chef Michaela?” Joe said, in his announcer voice once again.

“Well we have some perfect blueberry-to-pancake ratio blueberry pancakes, and scrambled eggs with scallions, bacon, and cheddar cheese.” I said, pointing to each item as I described it.

Ben inhaled sharply through his teeth. “Shit, I, uh, forgot to mention that Joe’s lactose intolerant.”

“It’s fine, Ben, I’m fine.” Joe said, shaking his head slightly, as if to say ‘stay-the-fuck-out-of-this-Ben’.

“Oh my god are you kidding me? I’m so sorry I didn’t know, I can make another one? We don’t have any more bacon, but I can whip you up a different kind?” I said, grabbing onto his arm apologetically. Also maybe to feel his bicep which was straining against his fairly tight plain white t-shirt. But mostly because I felt horrible.

“No, no it’s completely fine, please. I have like...a fuck ton of pills, it should be fine...it will be fine.” Joe said, smiling sweetly, sounding less than confident in his delivery of the line, but I wasn’t about to tell a grown man what to do with his body, especially after just meeting him.

“If you’re sure it’s okay--” I said, feeling slightly guilty about the havoc it could wreak on his body.

“Positive.” Joe said, taking a forkful of the eggs, and practically moaning in delight, they were so good.

“He’s lying, he’s not fine. But he must really like you, for how long he’s about to spend in the loo tonight.” Ben said, winking at me, earning a shade of blush across Joe’s face as well as mine.

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

@a-night-at-the-0pera @crazylittlethingcalledobsession @lelifesaver@redspecialty @rrrogahtaylahhhh

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