#i guess it's like cilantro sigh

[sunandmoonster]

it's honeatly such a pain in the ass to dislike the fandom's most popular ships 😫😩💀 whhyyyyy, brain whyyyyy :(((((

[deadsetobsessions]

Sea Cryptic! Danny Pt.6

[Pt.1] [Pt.2] [Pt.3] [Pt.4] [Pt.5] [Pt.7] [Pt.8] [Pt.9] [Pt.10]

Danny slumped over the table at the library. He’d feel embarrassed about it if it weren’t for the rest of the floor’s occupants. Around him, students were speed running through the five stages of grief like it was going out of style.

“Fuuuuuuuuuuck.”

“Same.” Danny replied, rolling his head to look at Tim. “I’m feeling like an academic victim instead of an academic weapon right now.”

“I should have stayed dropped out of school,” Tim grumbled.

Danny gasped theatrically. “And deprive the world of your awe-inspiring genius on…” Danny peered at Tim’s books and grinned. “On… the Krebs cycle? Seriously? They’re teaching that again?”

“I know! This is like, the third time.” Tim whined.

“At least you’ll be good at it, right?”

Tim scoffed. “I’m gonna drop out of college and become a stripper.”

“They do make bank,” Danny nodded. “But aren’t you like a millionaire or something?”

Tim brightened. “Oh, you’re right. I don’t need education! I’m filthy rich!”

Danny whacked Tim on the back of the head, laughing quietly.

“Whatever. Let’s go take a break. Snacks?”

“I literally don’t know how you eat so much.”

“Snacks have a separate stomach pouch. Normal food goes one place, junk food and desserts in another.” Danny retorted, quickly packing up his stuff. In reality, he didn’t need that much food. He’s half dead, after all. But food also converts to ectoplasm in his body, and ancients knows Danny needs all the energy he could get.

They made their way out of the campus library, passing stressed out looking students on their way to a taco truck.

“Does this even count as a snack?” Tim asked, amused. He tugged on his book bag, readjusting the vigilante pins on them.

“Is the sky even blue?” Danny snarked back, forking over the cash needed for the best fucking tacos on this side of Gotham. They sat on the benches, asking for an obscene amount of extra lime and cilantro before going to town.

“Holy shit, how many of those can you eat?”

“Dunno,” Danny mumbled though a mouthful or carne asada and pico de gallo. “Hungry.”

Tim snorted, pulling out his phone to scroll as he ate. A moment later, Tim showed Danny his screen.

“Hey, you live near here, right?”

Danny, cheeks bulging with food, peered at Tim’s phone and nodded.

“Oh, cool! Have you seen the green guy around?”

Danny squinted at Tim, tilting his head as he chewed.

“You know, the glowing green guy that’s been blowing up the Gotham Bay tag.”

Oh. Tim was talking about him, Danny!

Danny nodded. He quickly ate his food and wiped his mouth before replying. “Yeah, why?”

“Does he seriously just clean up the bay? Nothing else?”

Mildly offended for some reason, Danny shrugged. “I mean yeah? He doesn’t seem to pop up near any of the shady spots- oh, I saw him save someone from a mugging in front of my apartment once! But like, I think all he does is clean the bay. Which is good, because holy heck, that place is nastyyy.”

“Seriously?” Tim leaned in, looking super interested. “So he’s friendly?”

Danny raised a brow. “Yeah, he seemed pretty nice, I guess. Though, that’s not saying much considering your Rogues tend to be pretty chill when they’re not in the middle of a scheme.”

Tim snorted. “True that. You talked to him? When? Outside of his bay cleanings, right? I’ve noticed that he only talks to the Bats during those.”

Danny stared at Tim. “Tim… are you… stalking the guy?”

What Danny really wanted to say was: “Tim, are you stalking me?”

“I’m not stalking him!” At Danny’s suspicious glare, belied by his sauce stained mouth, Tim sighed. “Okay, maybe I am. But only some minor stalking!”

“Uh-huh.”

“But if you have, you think you could introduce us? Maybe he’d want to be friends?”

Was Tim asking Danny to introduce him to… Danny himself?

“Uh. Why do you even want to meet him?”

“Danny, he’s a glowing green guy that does community service for funsies. And he knows the Bats. That’s cool.”

“And here I thought you wouldn’t know cool if it smacked you in the face.” Danny teased. Well, whatever. He might as well do something nice for Tim. “Sure. I’ll text you when he pops up and see if he’s okay with meeting you.”

Tim grinned at him, a piece of cilantro stuck in his teeth. “Thanks!”

——

Danny made a duplicate of himself and went ghost. Danny and his duplicate looked at each other and sighed.

“We’ve done stupider things.”

“But we’re still not telling Jazz.”

“Agreed.”

Danny paused. Did he just make a deal with himself? No, he’s busy.

Doppelgänger Danny went invisible and left the apartment by going through a wall. Danny followed in a sedate pace, the normal way.

Outside, he pretended to catch sight of a suddenly visible Phantom. He’d heard the heartbeats outside his apartment ever since he got home all those days ago, and he’s pretty sure the vigilantes were watching his place ever since. Luckily, he made sure there weren’t any bugs or hidden cameras- Sam beat cautiousness into his head a while ago- before starting the plan.

One of those heartbeats sounded like Tim’s which left some… interesting connotations.

Danny sighed. Who was he kidding? Of course he’d be friends with a vigilante.

“Hey, Phantom!” Danny shouted, waving. Phantom floated over.

“Danny. Hi. Did you need something?”

“Oh, not really. My friend wanted to meet you, he’s a huuuuge fan. Think you’ve got time today?” Danny held up his phone.

Phantom hummed. “I can stay for a bit. Thirty minutes.”

“Okay, I’ll call him. His name is Tim, by the way. Thanks for taking the time to meet him!”

“No problem.”

Danny texted Tim, and minutely frowned as he picked up the sound of Tim’s ringtone. Shit, that pretty much confirmed his suspicions. He got a text back from Tim.

Timsy

[5 nin]

Nin

Nin

Nin

Min

Danny huffed an amused breath. “He’ll be here in five minutes.”

“Alright.”

Danny texted back an okay.

Five minutes later, a flushed and disheveled Tim peeled onto the street and right to the curb.

“Here!” He said as he tumbled out of the car.

“Damn, bro. You good?”

“Fine- oh my god, you’re the green guy!” Danny had to hand it to Tim. If he didn’t already figure out he was Red Robin, Danny would’ve believed the act. Holy shit, wait, he called his friend broke. Hah!

“It’s Phantom. Nice to meet you, Tom.”

A quick sliver of sullenness flashed over Tim’s face. “It- it’s Tim.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, human names sound so similar.” Danny leaned back and hid a grin as his doppelgänger messed with his friend.

“Oh, wow, you’re not human? What are you then?”

“Oh my god, Tim, you can’t just ask him what he is!” Danny scolded. These vigilantes were really similar.

“Sorry…” Tim apologized.

“It’s fine. To answer your question, I’m dead. Ghost.”

“Do you really pay taxes?”

Phantom tilted his head. “Yes, of course.” By the, Danny meant that he paid both human taxes and oversaw the Zone’s taxes. “You know that saying, something about never escaping from two things and that’s taxes and death? You can escape death- might come back a little wrong- but taxes are in the afterlife too.”

“Come back a little wrong?” Tim asked, eyes suddenly sharp.

“Come back a little,” Phantom gestured to himself. “Green. More emotive and prone to irritation.”

Tim stared.

——

“Jason, are you a ghost?” Dick, crouched on the top of Danny’s apartment building whispered.

Red Hood, crouched in the same area, stayed silent.

——

“How did you die?”

Phantom snarled and disappeared.

Tim whirled around, looking bewildered. Behind him, Danny struggled to stay calm.

“Where’d he go?”

“He probably didn’t want to hurt you.” Danny sighed.

“What? What did I do?”

“You asked him how he died. That’s like, the ultimate social taboo.”

“I didn’t know that!”

“It’s common sense, dude. Trauma like that has to be shared instead of asked about. Generally.” Danny sighed. “Come on, let’s get off the street and I’ll give you a crash course in manners.”

——

Bruce, upon hearing about the conversation, dove headfirst into researching the after life.

“No, go suck a goat’s genitals, Batsy, I am not helping you adopt a being of the infinite realms!” Constantine hung up on him.

“Hn.” Bruce will adopt the child and give him a home. It’s only a matter of when… and what inter-dimensional loopholes he could find and use in the relevant laws.

Jason was right behind him, because he was going to get answers, dammit.

[lindsay00000008]

Ghost x Fem!Reader

DownBad!Simon Ghost Riley x JustAFriend!Reader

Part 2 (Prev)

CW: suggestive fluff, bad jokes, boners, reader is willfully dumb, author doesn’t know where this story is going but wants to write more parts anyway, first cod fic actually send help, is he smiling too much? Idk, happy ghost I guess

“Well that… that is not a book.”

Ghost’s eyes lock onto yours, too close for comfort. Your whole body flushes, and your stomach dips. This situation is way out of hand. His breath huffs and his body tenses, and your skin tingles with the charge in the air — the playfight isn’t over.

You do the only thing you can think of. You wriggle your arm between the two of you and cover his mouth with your palm, using his surprise to smoosh his face away from yours and twisting your body to the side. Both of you roll off the couch and onto the floor. You’re on top, and ready to break away, to end the fight with a handshake and burning cheeks.

But you gasp as his legs come up and around your hips, and his arms catch your torso and head, bringing you into his hips like a tree to a bear.

“Simon!” you yelp, though it sounds more like Fimom, the word getting lost in his meaty shoulder. His hold is gentle but stiff, and it’s impossible to go anywhere. You shift your body, feeling like you’ve been gift-wrapped by a professional knot-maker. “Mmph…” you give up and let your body relax on top of his.

After a few moments of heavy silence he sighs and relaxes his grip.

“Mmm,” he purrs. “This is nice…”

You can’t help the laugh that bubbles up as he finally allows you to move.

“If you wanted a cuddle you could’ve just asked,” you tell him, rolling off him to land on your back.

“I meant the roughhousing,” he deadpans, turning his head to watch you.

“Oh, of course. My mistake,” you quip back. Then you remember the box on the floor and jolt upright, stuffing the contents back in before stumbling to your feet and heading to your room, your shoulder tensed for a possible pounce. But it seems playtime is over, and you make it to your room without a fuss. You toss the small box on your bed, then change your mind and put it in a drawer instead.

When you return, Simon is in the kitchen, peeling the dry outer layers away from an onion.

“You can just cut it in half and it’d be easier to get those bits off,” you tell him.

“It’s not clean,” he retorts.

“You’re worried about a little dirt?”

“No,” he doesn’t elaborate, but keeps peeling it anyway. You settle into his side and smile, taking the skin off a second onion. How silly, that this man cares so much for grocery store germs, when he probably had days at a time in the field where he couldn’t even wash his hands?

When he finishes peeling his onion, he washes his hands again, and even rinses the onion, before grabbing the knife. You follow the routine, not wanting to gross him out or overstep. You guess it may be an overcorrection, him trying to be as clean as possible when he can. You just don’t remember seeing these tendencies when he’s made food for himself, those times you came over after your own early dinner. In fact, this may be the first time he’s cooked for you.

“You want to become God, then?” You joke, feeling a bit lame.

“What?”

“Cleanliness. Close to godliness.”

He shrugs. “You deserve a clean onion.”

That’s makes you snicker. “You must think so highly of me. Odd, considering you’ve seen the kind of messes I make when I cook for you.”

He smiles at that. You’re thinking of the time you accidentally heated up soup in a soapy pot. Simon had half of his bowl before you took a bite, only commenting that he must have that rogue cilantro gene. But he could be thinking of one of the many other food mishaps that occurred under your hospitality.

As he chops, you bend down and pat his leg to scooch, so you can access the cabinets beneath him. He tilts his hips and steps away — but not before you notice the bulge tightly packed behind his zipper. As you nonchalantly grab the glass bowl and pan you need, your head spins. Is this some odd side effect of cutting onions? Your eyes sting, you cry, you pop a boner…

Or was it because he just had your body under him, atop him, picturing you using your recent delivery…?

No. It’s not you he’s reacting to, he’s just a guy. He just got a little excited, got his blood pumping for a play fight with his bestie. That’s normal. But you can’t help thinking how you have this giant, manly — sexual man in your kitchen. How you ever managed to disregard that fact in the first place.

You’ve stalled after placing the pan on the stove, and you don’t realize until a handful of minced onion hits the pan in front of you.

“Oh wait, the oil,” you tell him, looking up at his face. He looks concerned for you, and maybe a little warm himself, a pink flush on his cheeks.

“Just poured some. You okay?”

“Yeah. Yeah… Water?”

He grunts his confirmation. You open the fridge to find the filter empty. You sigh.

“Beer?”

“Beer.”

(Next)

[melancholitas]

The dangers of cooking, pt. 1

for @heart-pirates-week day 5, Clione & Food

Ikkaku: Ooh Clione and Uni have cooking duty today, can't wait for dinner~!

Bepo: This will be a feast, I hope they're making that hot pot again! *stomache grumbling noises* I'm sorry--

Jean-Bart: Ahahaha! Don't worry, I get it. I'm also getting hungry just thinking about their food. They're really gifted cooks, I'm glad I get to enjoy this now.

Shachi: *snickers* so you only joined the crew to feast? Can't blame you, though.

*a shriek and banging pots in the distance*

Penguin:.. What was that?

*Uni speeds around the corner and hides behind the group*

Ikkaku: Yo, you alright? What happened, is it dinner time already?

Uni: Negative.. Clione threw me out of the kitchen.

Penguin: How did you manage that? I thought you're a heart and soul when it comes to cooking?

Uni:... I used cilantro and Clione lost it. Even threw pots after me because I 'defiled the whole dish with soap'. But it's a very nutritional herb and blends really well with the flavors....

Shachi: That's .... I don't even know what to say.

Ikkaku: So Clione is one of those, huh... But I also do find that stuff a bit soapy. Guess you either hate it or love it.

Uni: Well. Seems like he absolutely hates it.

Penguin: Don't sweat it, dude. He'll come around again. Let's just wait it out for now, Clione can manage on his own this time.

Uni: *sighs* Got no other choice it seems. Damn, his accuracy with throwing kitchen utensils really is something... *rubs his shoulder*

Jean-Bart: Quick reminder then to never anger the cook, especially Clione. The smaller the man, the closer to hell and the greater the wrath, or so I've heard.

Uni: Don't let him hear that, or you'll be next! *dodges a spatula hurling in their direction*

Clione: *from a distance* I HEARD THAT!

Jean-Bart: *rubs his elbow*.. Ouch, right to the nerve... I see what you mean now.

*barely contained snorting*

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9

[yzeltia]

FFXIVwrite2024 9. Lend an Ear

Characters: Violet Fisher, Wuk Lamat, Koana, Gulool Ja, Alisaie Levilluer, U'rahn Nuhn, Alphinaud Levilluer, Estinien Wyrmblood Expansion: Dawntrail Rating: T Summary: The younger Scions seek guidance in matters of the heart. Notes: I'm so sorry Jannie that you were meant to talk to Alphinaud QwQ Estinien just showed up.

“...Did you just ask me how I knew that I was in love with Riol?”

Violet cocked her eyebrow at Wuk Lamat mid sip on a rather colorful looking drink inside a pineapple, getting a rather eager nod from the Third Promise. She paused, then sat down the drink, staring at it a moment before shaking her head. “Swive if I know. He was just a long time swive-buddy and over a long…long time until I let my guard down. Why? Are you suddenly making eyes at Bakool Ja Ja,” Violet teased, pushing the little umbrella in her drink about the rim as she grinned at Wuk Lamat.

“Noooooo! Don’t even put that out there! I want him as much as I want cilantro in my tacos,” Wuk Lamat said, shaking her head before sticking out her tongue as if she’d eaten something foul. “I just want to know how you know it’s like, real and stuff.”

Violet looked around Xbalyav T’ve then back at Wuk Lamat. “Are you seriously asking me? I mean literally anyone else would be swiven better. Like U’rahn, despite being himself, is way more in touch with that sort of thing than I am.”

“Oh, c’mon Violet! I can’t ask him because he’ll end up saying something and embarrass me if I’m wrong,” Wuk Lamat protested.

Violet sighed, then leaned on the counter a bit. “Fine, but again I’ll warn you that I’m the least versed in this sort of thing. The first guy I fell for was practically myself,” she started, rubbing her brow, thinking it would be best to leave out that she’d literally absorbed Ardbert’s soul into herself. “But he’s gone now. As for Riol, well.”

Wuk Lamat’s eyes widened as Violet brushed her hair back from her face and rolled her eyes. “It’s like I said. We swived a lot and got emotionally tangled to the point where I felt that I could trust him with more than my body. He listens to me and doesn’t let me get away with my usual avoidant bullshite. He likes to tease me and I don’t get mad at him for it, just flustered. And I guess he makes me laugh and I think about him when I have a stray thought.”

Wuk Lamat nodded as Violet blushed and held herself, avoiding the other’s eager gaze. “I see. So then when you love someone you trust them with everything. They make you feel good about yourself. And um, make you feel good physically,” Wuk Lamat listed.

“More or less. I’m sure there’s a more nuanced manner of putting it,” Violet said with a shrug before returning to her drink.

“You explained it well enough! Thank you Violet,” Wuk Lamat said before hurrying off back to Vollok Shoonsa to find Koana.

Her brother was in his study, quietly enjoying some imported tea from Old Sharalyan while brushing up on Yak T’el with a book in hopes of preparing for the penultimate rite. Wuk Lamat entering his room, he looked up. “Lamaty’i? What is it?”

“So I’ve been thinking. V’anille has been traveling with me, no? But he came here to see you right? You’re still being friendly even though you’re working against each other.”

“Yes. While I have admittedly under estimated their value to my perusits, I don’t begrudge sticking with you. If anything, I respect him more for sticking to his promise to aid you despite my attempt to win him back over to my side,” Koana answered.

“So you’d say you trust him then? Right?”

“Yes. With you. With my our family. With my life,” Koana said before returning to his book. “If that’s all, you should rest for tomorrow.”

“I have another question though! Does V’anille make you feel good about yourself,” Wuk Lamat asked, staring down at her brother. 

Koana clapped his book shut, a bit startled by the question. Sitting up in his seat, he set the tome aside then pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose. “I’m unsure why this is relevant Lamaty’i.”

“Just answer Koana!”

Koanna sighed, exasperated by his sister as she leaned in expectantly. “Yes. Anille was a very good friend during my time in Eorzea and continues to prove to be by being supportive of my efforts without conflicting with your interests in the challenges we’ve faced together. Needless to say, I am fond of his company. What does that have to do with anything?”

“I’m getting there! Okay?” Wuk Lamat said before crossing her arms, looking away as her cheeks turned red. “So then…have you two. Well, have you two kissed and stuff?”

“LAMATY’I,” Koana shouted, standing up as his tail flicked high, cheeks crimson underneath his glasses.

“You have! Brother! You’re in love! I knew it! Oh! I am so happy for you. Are you going to propose after the Rites? Did you tell papa yet?”

“Out! Out now,” Koana ordered, his sister laughing as she hurried toward the door. “And don’t say anything to Annille!”

“Sure! I won’t Koana,” Wuk Lamat taunted before hurrying out toward the throne room. “Papa! Papa guess what!?”

“LAMATY’I,” Koana yelled out.

Gulool Ja Ja sighed as he heard his children run through the halls laughing, Resolve looking toward Reason’s veiled head. “It fills our heart to know some things will never change, doesn’t it brother?”

-

Alisaie sighed loudly as she rested her cheek in her fist, having yet to touch her plate of tacos before her. Beside her, U’rahn stared at the plate then back to Alisaie, and then the plate again as he’d been doing not so subtly for the past few minutes. Rolling her eyes, Alisaie slid over the plate. “Here. I’m not going to eat them.”

“Hey Hey! You don’t have to to that,” he said, despite picking one up and happily chomping into it with a purr.

Alisaie narrowed her eyes then shook her head, returning to her light brooding. U’rahn satiated, he looked to her then swallowed his mouthful. “Ah. So, why so glum?”

“It’s nothing,” Alisaie said quickly.

“Nu-uh. C’mon. You’ve been gloomy all afternoon. I notice these things cause I’m a dad now. I’ve got like, super empathy. Maybe it’s like Krile’s? Does the Echo evolve? Ah, that doesn’t matter right now. Let me dad you! It’ll be good practice,” U’rahn babbled before leaning forward with a big grin.

Alisaie’s eye twitched a bit, unsure how to respond before shaking her head and deciding it was just best to let him hear her out and offer whatever silly thing he’d come up with rather than deny him and hurt his feelings. “Alright then. I’m just feeling a little jealous of Alphinaud today. It’s silly, but he is a lot more readily sociable than I. When we were at the Studium, others would mistake him for me and bring me his Valentione’s or whisper their love confessions to me on accident. And now he’s off on his linkpearl with Jullus telling him all about our adventures. I don’t really have anyone to talk to like that. It’s all really silly, and the feeling will pass. It always does.”

U’rahn finished his first taco then used a napkin to wipe the crumbs off his face before sitting up straight. He cracked his neck, as if getting ready to square off in a big fight then turned to face Alisae, putting his hand on her shoulder. “Okay! First off, your feelings are not silly. I’m silly. Estinien is silly. You having the blues is not and it is okay for you to feel that way. As for friendships, Alphinaud is just more of a social butterfly. He’s good with words and you’re better with actions and at the end of the day it’s the quality of friend and not the quantity that really matters. You’ve met and helped so many people that care about you. Not to mention you’ve got all the Scions, and most importantly: me! Ah!! And if you really want someone to talk to about stuff that really misses you, Lyse I’m sure would love it if you told her all about Tural and maybe sent her a few presents. And if not Lyse, then I know eight little huntresses and a tia that would love for their big sister Alisaie to tell them all about how she climbed the tallest and scariest mountain in all of Tural!”

Alsaie blinked as U’rahn raised his hand high for emphasis, then started to laugh. U’rahn’s ears sank a bit, smile turning into a straight line as his young friend tried to calm her chuckling. “What? No good?”

“Very good actually. You’re surprisingly not bad at this dad thing. I feel much improved,” Alisaie said before hopping off her chair. “I think it would be nice to reconnect with Lyse again. Thank you Rahn,” she said before giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek before hurrying off to find good reception for her linkpearl. U’rahn beamed, fluttering his ears and tail joyfully before returning to his tacos, only to have them yoinked out from under him by Alisaie.

“Oi Oi! Get you’re own,” U’rahn called out.

“They were my own,” Alisaie called back.

“Oh yeah…”

-

Alphinaud swallowed as he stared in the mirror, poking at his stomach as he stood in his trousers in front of his dresser believing he was alone until a loud thump sounded out from the deck to his sea-facing dock. Jumping, he let out a scream as Estinien wandered in, raising his brow high. “What in the Hells are you doing?”

“N-Nothing! Get out Estinien,” Alphinaud breathed out, grasping for his undershirt.

Estinien looked at the mirror then back to Alphinaud. “I see. So you’ve taken to preening. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look and smell good. A growing lad like you is probably experiencing the new unpleasant realities of budding man hood. I recommend a daily bath and to visit an alchemist to pick up conditioner for your hair to use twice a week to keep your hair nice and healthy which is essential for an adventurer.”

“I-I am twenty summers Estinien. I am long acquainted with the changes of my body,” Alphinuad breathed out, torn between anger and embarrassment before shaking his head. “Mostly, that is.”

Estinien crossed his arms then gave a sage nod. “I see. You’re wondering when you’ll sprout up.”

“A little. I have seen most of our world, and beyond. I’ve done more than most my age and probably will do in their lifetime. Not to mention I am a year older than this body. I feel like it should have caught up by now. Even U’rahn is taller than I, and he is only two years my senior. I just feel out of place sometimes standing next to my friends.”

Estinien nodded, getting lost in thought for a moment. “This would not have anything to do with your Garlean paramour, would it?”

Alphinuad grit his teeth, cheeks burning as Estinien somehow hit the nail on his head. Before he could say otherwise, Estinien took a seat and gave a sage nod before crossing his arms and leaning back to address him.

“Now it all makes sense. I remember well the summers of my early twenties, eagerly awaiting to outgrow the Hyur in my regiment who had towered over me since my enlistment. How eager I was for manhood and all the things that come with it. I suppose it is time someone spoke to you about the fairer sex…or um, well, I suppose your Garlean peer. That’s going to take some thinking but the importance of being safe and hygiene is more or less universal no matter your partner,” Estininen started.

Alphinuad felt the life leave his body, just staring at Estinien. Wanting to evaporate on the spot, he let Estinien talk, not letting the words register in his head as the man made vague hand gestures, of which he hadn’t the faintest idea of how it could relate to the matters of intercourse. When he finally could feel his senses return to him he shook his head and waved his hands. “For the love of the Twelve! My father had this talk with me quite some time ago. Please, I beg you, stop.”

Estinien was taken back a moment then stood up. “I suppose it is natural that he would have. Well, if you have any questions that you’re too embarrassed to ask him, you can always come to me. I will let you return to your mirror gazing. And remember, it’s not the size of the man, but the size of his heart,” he said before wandering back out to the dock then launching himself upward to who knows where.

Alphinuad stumbled back against the wall, shaking his head. After letting out a sigh, he stood back up then looked in the mirror. “Well, I guess he got it right in the end,” he said before heading to his wicker lounge to pick up a book and try to purge the memory with some reading.

[l-lend]

Let's see if I can go two for two. This little oneshot is for @writing-positivelyexisting for the @cloneficgiftexchange.

prompt used: "Come taste! Let me know if I need to add anything."

No warnings to really mention, but if I'm missing anything please let me know.

word count: 806 words

@burningfieldof-clover @rain-on-kamino @writing-positivelyexisting @locitapurplepink

Strands of meat sizzled and spat as she flipped the tangled mass. Her work distracting from the pair of eyes watching you from the doorway. Her culinary tasks from the staccato chops of a knife to peppers to the accented clink of a mortar and pestle offered a calming tune.

The way she moved as natural as breathing to each station. Tending to simmering pots, finely chopping herbs into bits. The aroma already unfurling into the room. His footfalls whispered along the floor as he made his approach. His target currently occupied with bisecting a pepper. He chose his moment to strike as the chef's knife lightly clinked as it was set aside. His arms coiling around her form. His face immediately slotting into place at the junction of her neck and shoulder.

“How's your head?” She asked, lips curling upward as his stubble grazed her skin.

“Better. Surprised you kept everyone quiet.”

She tittered, “Tech and Echo are working on repairs last I checked. Wrecker and Omega are actually on a mission for me.”

He hummed, “and what mission is that?”

“Replenishing my stock of coriander. This batch of birria nearly wiped me out.”

The sergeant picked his head up to survey the simmering cookware. His senses tingling with the extra stimulation of the spices. She reached up. Her fingertips tracing the tattoo along his face.

“Come taste,” she offered softly, “tell me if I need to add anything.”

He approached the crowded stovetop and after sighting an appropriate utensil, she stifled giggles as he sputtered. The sergeant ill prepared for the siege on his delicate senses.

“Yours is here.” She gently corrected, guiding his hand to the smaller pot simmering away.

“and I made sure not to put cilantro in it.”

He huffed a laugh, “Guess it's just my luck that it tastes like armor cleaner to me.”

She shrugged, “It happens. Besides I like a challenge.”

A gentle smiles curled his lips before tasting from the smaller batch. Most of the flavors from the larger batch still layered on top of each other as if they were cornerstones of a structure, but the smoky flavor was now more subdued for his taste. The absence of the herb and odd taste resembling soap only brought his attention to the more pleasing flavor notes.

After the flavors had time to mingle on his tongue, he swallowed, giving the hint of a nod.

“It's good.”

“Not too overpowering? Not too spicy?”

“No, but...you don't have to go making multiples.”

“Hunter,” She shushed with a finger to his lips, "I wanted to."

His gaze met hers. The comfortable intimacy of their shared silence stretched on. The points holding importance being him and her. A hand slipped its way under her jaw. A subtle request. One she accepted by leaning into his form.

Their lips met as practiced as a favorite song. Her hand cradling his cheek. Fingers drawing gentle patterns as an excuse to feel the stubble. His arm had returned to her waist pulling her close. His hand caressing her back as if she would disappear in a puff of smoke.

They came up for air for barely a moment before he returned for another, yet with the yearning for depth he previously kept at bay.

Her contented sigh was the only opening he needed after tracing the tip of his tongue along the seam of her lips. Their tongues joined in their usual game. Not a tussle for dominance, but of prodding and teasing. Testing to see who would crumble first.

The sergeant eventually yielded as her hand tangled into his locks giving the slightest tug. His lips curling against hers.

The sound of footfalls brought the pair back to the universe before them. Their kiss breaking to leave the pair exchanging labored breathing, flushed faces, and a shared gaze telling of late night promises to be delivered upon.

The cause of their abrupt separation soon came into view. Her much larger chaperone following along.

“Got it,” the smaller clone called, depositing the paper wrapped packet onto the counter.

“You're a lifesaver.” The older woman gushed, her smile growing upon seeing the two familiar cartons in his grasp.

“and you two already took your cut.”

“It was on the way back.” The larger clone explained around a mouthful of mantell mix.

“Fair enough,” She chuckled, “Food'll be ready in a bit. Think you two could drag those gearheads out of the ship?”

“You got it.” The larger clone replied, lowering one of the cartons to be grabbed up by his smaller cohort before taking their leave.

She broke the budding silence with a contented sigh before she began to feel the presence of a pair of familiar hands.

“Stand down, Sergeant.” She chided, leaning forward to capture his lips, “You'll get your dessert after dinner.”

[softquietsteadylove]

Okay I’m glad we can cry about the vow au together, because if Thena’s going to keep remembering things when her sweet and precious Gil makes her a treat I might just never stop asking for it 😭 would love to read more, whatever you think comes next i’m happy to read!!!

"Sweetie?"

Thena looked up from her pillow. She looked particularly miserable, which made sense; she had never done well when sick. "Hm?"

Gil stepped into the guest room with his tray in hand. He nudged the door closed before setting it down on the dresser, "how are you feeling, hon?"

Thena blinked her glassy green eyes at him, "I'm sorry to make you take care of me like this."

Gil just shook his head. She had no memory of him nursing her back to health when a flu took her down hard after their first trip together. Her first cold with him as a couple when she kept insisting he couldn't see her with her runny nose and blotchy fever skin. Even when she had some bad periods that could make her growly.

She thought of herself as a real lioness, but he couldn't help but think of a plush, ragdoll cat who kept hissing at him.

He leaned forward, kissing her clammy forehead. "I think your fever's broken, at least. Did you get a little rest?"

Thena just nodded, pulling up her knees under the covers so he could sit on the edge of the bed. "Did you apologise to Ajak for me?"

"Hey, come on, people get sick, it happens," he chuckled as he patted her knees. "I have some time off to use, and she understands. They can do without me for a few days."

"I don't know how true that is," she muttered as he retrieved the tray. She straightened her legs again so he could stand it up over her lap. "Your customers will be missing out on your perfect croissants."

He grinned, offering her the mug of tea first. "And my seasalt vanilla fours?"

Thena's smile turned soft and a little shy. He was elated, though--ever since their first date and their kiss, he had been excited to see how they would continue to progress their relationship.

"Here," he whispered, adjusting the platter he had brought with him. "I made you some homemade chicken soup, nothing too heavy. I boiled the chicken in the broth, like Hainanese chicken rice. I gave you a little side of rice if you wanna dip it in the broth, but don't force yourself. Some cucumbers, but they're not pickled because I don't think it's good for you if you're sick--I guess I don't really know."

Thena tilted her head at him, her hair rustling against one of the many pillows propping her up. She kept insisting she looked awful, but he thought she looked as beautiful as always. "Thank you."

He sighed a little, trying not to make it obvious that he was mourning a time when this would be natural for them. But he adjusted the little cilantro flower he included on her napkin, "in sickness and in health, right?"

Thena's expression changed, but she gave him one of those gorgeous smiles that used all her teeth and picked up her spoon, "I suppose you're right."

Gil looked around the room, standing to pick up the extra blanket she had picked off in her sleep, as well as some pajama changes. It was hard to tell how messy she could be at times based on the polished appearance of his wife, but he liked picking up after her (most of the time).

"Gil?"

He looked back at her as he folded up the blanket. She had her big sad kitten eyes on again. "What's up?"

"You're not going to sit with me?"

His face split into a grin, even if she seemed a little sheepish about it. He knew it wasn't something she would ask easily, and obviously she had kind of just let it slip. But he all but dropped the blanket and threw himself onto the bed again. "Of course I am."

Thena settled against the pillows again after he gave her knee a squeeze on his way to lying on his side to face her. "Did you eat?"

"I grazed while I was cooking," he excused easily. He'd had some rice and a few pieces of chicken, mostly concerned with getting the flavours right for Thena's weakened state.

Thena eyed him, nudging the dish of rice he had specifically described as optional, "I won't eat it all anyway."

That was true, she tended to eat less in terms of the starch of any dish. Gil chuckled, "okay."

Placated by him picking up the rice and using the chopsticks, she continued using the spoon to sip the broth. She was delicate about it. It reminded him of the first time they'd gotten ramen together--she'd held her hair back while taking delicate little bites the whole time. He'd found it unbearably cute while he'd guzzled his back in minutes. Of course he ordered another bowl so she wouldn't have to eat alone.

Thena's eyes watered a little, but he squinted. Was it just the general sickness, was it her fever coming back, was there too much ginger? She sniffled, putting the spoon down. "I know this taste."

Ah, his sweet wife. He put the rice down gently before reaching for her hand. "I make it for you every time you're sick. You know how to make it too."

"I do?" she asked, staring at him as if he'd suggested she knew rocket science. "Me?"

"Yes, you," he reached out to tap her nose, but she leaned away from him. "All you do is add the aromatics to the pot with the whole chicken, even you can do it."

"Hm," she remarked quietly, staring at the meal she couldn't believe she would be capable of replicating.

"I made it for you the first time you were sick when we were dating," he continued, picking up some cucumber for himself. "I surprised you with it, showed up at your doorstep--very romantic, y'know."

She gave him a look, definitely knowing that she - in the story - hadn't appreciated being ambushed.

"You told me I shouldn't have and that you looked awful, but I couldn't have been more in love with you," he sighed, fluttering his lashes at her. She rolled her eyes, but he could see her smiling just a tiny little bit. "I delivered this dish and we hung out a little. You told me I would get sick, I said I wouldn't, and you were totally right, I got sick the next day."

She tilted her head the other way and raised her eyebrows at him, unimpressed to say the least.

He shrugged though, still grinning. "But I didn't want to admit it, so I told you I was healthy as a horse and couldn't make our date that week because of a work emergency."

"Deceitful," she murmured, pursing her lips at it.

"Come on, just a harmless little lie, y'know," he pursed his lips right back at her, even hitting her with his own sad puppy eyes.

She looked back into the bowl and took a loud sip. He would take that as him being forgiven. "I remember you coming over."

"Really?" he sat up straighter.

She nodded, taking another, slower, quieter sip. "No one had ever done that for me before. I was so astounded. And the food was so good it made me want to cry."

"No crying," he whispered, keeping his eye on her now, watching for tears. Not that it wasn't a chef's dream to have people cry from their food, but this was different.

"Kari called me to ask how I was doing," she smiled more at the memory as it came to her. They were coming more often and at greater length. It was nothing if not encouraging. "I told her that this very sweet guy I was seeing brought me some homemade chicken rice. She practically slapped her phone in her hurry to tell me to 'lock it down'."

Gil made a face, stroking the hair on his chin, "she's wise."

Thena shook her head at him again, but he could tell she was falling for his charm all over again. "I suppose I followed her advice, didn't I?"

So much came to mind, but Gil leaned forward to kiss her forehead again, which continued to feel cooler to the touch, "I'm lucky you did."

Thena leaned into his affection. She had gotten more used to it as they continued to explore their relationship, and he really had the feeling that she was looking for more sometimes. He would save that for a time when she wasn't ill.

"You keep eating," he encouraged, moving the rice closer to her again in hopes of tempting her.

"But-"

"I'll get a bowl for myself and come right back," he promised, sealing it with a wink and everything. His wife gave him another look of feigned exasperation, but she was already waiting for his return, preciously clutching her rice to eat with him.

[littlebodybigdreamz]

A Day On The Beach pt.2 <3

Hi all sorry for kinda dragging on this second part, I had finals then went to Mexico for three weeks but don't worry I've been writinggg I didn't forget about this :) so here enjoy and the final part (pt.3) should hopefully be uploaded within the next few days.

With Peace -A <3

The rest of the day flew by quickly; I was back in my hotel room trying to pick something to wear later. I settled on a black flowy-long skirt, a white ruffled blouse, and some black flats. My hair was put into two loose braids on either side of my face pairing it with a black hairband. Dangly white feather earrings, as well as my cultural bracelets with the precious evil eye to protect the energy around me. And of course, I paired the outfit with some fine silver rings. 

When I met George, he brought me into a tight hug, his familiar cologne hit my nose as I felt my legs giving out under me as we pulled away from the hug. With his arms still wrapped around my waist he pulled me into a kiss. I sighed in relief, kissing George was going to be my new favorite thing. Once we pulled away, we smiled at each other, “You look divine”, George said kissing my cheek. “You don’t look so bad yourself Harrison”, returning a kiss to his cheek. 

We smiled once more to each other as we walked hand in hand to the car. 

Once we arrived at the restaurant, George held my hand in his, smiling as the waiter guided us to a secluded area. We sat at a table in the middle of an indoor garden above the restaurant, when we were finally seated George asked for a bottle of wine, white, my favorite. As the waiter walked away George looked into my eyes, reaching for my hands, he sighed contently.  

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted to ask you out for, I've waited so long for you my dear”. He kissed my hand sweetly. “I’ve actually never thought this would happen to be honest”, I replied with a sly smile on my face. “Oh, so you’ve thought of us going out before?”, he asked, a confident smirk spread on his face.  

As my face grew hot and red, I prepared myself to answer, then the waiter returned with the bottle of wine in hand.  

“Here you two go, now have we thought about what you’d like to start off with tonight?”, the waiter looked at George then at me, shit, I hadn’t even looked at the menu this whole time. I’ve just been a googly-eyed mess, my thoughts were interrupted by George. “Yes, we’ll start off with the cilantro and sunflower seed dip and chips, please”. He said ever so politely in his cute accent.  

“You got it Mr. Harrison”, she smiled and walked away. 

“I’d have to guess you’ve brought others here?”, you asked having a feeling this wasn’t his first time here with a girl. 

“Urm-well”, he began to scratch the back of his neck as he continued. “Yes, but they weren’t you”, he recovered ever so slightly. To this you chuckled, you had to give him some credit, he was a charming man for sure.  

“Ah okay”, was all I responded pouring wine into my glass. He smiled, “I don’t know how long I've watched you. But I've watched you for so long it feels like I know you deeply already”, he said in a sensual husky voice. 

My cheeks flushed bright red as he leaned across the table to kiss me. I returned the favor and leaned in as well. We kissed as sparks flew all around us, oh boy I was already falling deeply for this man. 

Once we separated, we noticed the waiter walking towards our table with the appetizer. That was quick, I thought. Maybe every time they knew George was coming, they already knew how to prepare what he usually ordered for his dates.  

“Here you go enjoy! I’ll be back soon with your main course order”, She smiled leaving. George looked at me, “What?”, I asked sheepishly. “You have tha’ look on your face doll, what are you thinking about?”, he asked curiously.  

“Hmm, how many girls have you brought here?”, the question flew out of my mouth as soon as I opened it. George was a little taken back by my question. “Uh, - I actually. Maybe we should just eat some of this dip. It’s actually pretty good”, he said digging a chip into the green colored dip. I smiled politely because I wasn’t going to ruin tonight with my questions, though it bothered me.  

We spent the rest of the dinner eating and talking about our weeks and life. I took a few pictures of George as I loved documenting my life, he flashed a cute toothy grin and smiled at the camera. The rest of the night continued like that, till we were outside my room. 

He turned to me and asked, “Did ya have fun tonight dear?”, he peered down into my eyes.  

“Yes, you actually surprised me tonight Harrison”, I smiled, the thought of having gone on our first dinner date to the same place he took many other women still ran rampant through my head. As my smile wavered the boy pulled me in for a kiss, it was obvious he was trying to make up for something. As his hands roamed my back he pulled me into a deeper kiss, he lightly pushed me against the door to my room. 

When my back hit the door I let a low whimper escape from my mouth. “You like it rough hmm?”, George whispered in my ear lowly. I bit my lip and nodded, was I about to sleep with George? I asked myself.  

“Shall we move this to your room or mine?”, he pulled away to look into my eyes. I wanted to say yes but my thoughts kept winning, was this the same game he played every gal? 

George looked at my face with an eyebrow raised, “Y/n, you’re different you are not like any woman I have ever been with. You are the epidemy of beauty. In fact, I’ve been working on a song, I think you should hear it. I was going to wait till it was released. But no better time than now”. He grabbed hold of my hand lightly and walked me towards his room door.  

[roxannarambles]

Title: The Bloodmoon Graves (Part 2/7)

Summary: Nemona learns about the rumors of a fabled "Bloodmoon Beast" and decides they should all go for a camping trip out in the Timeless Woods to search for it. They end up finding a bit more than they bargained for.

(See Ch 1 for tags & other info)

Chapters: Ch 1 - Ch 2 - Ch 3 - Ch 4 - Ch 5 - Ch 6 - Epilogue

Once Nemona, Juliana and Ogerpon returned to camp, Nemona excitedly tried to share their adventure.

“Guys, guess what! We found a cave really closeby, and Ogerpon found this secret tunnel in it and we followed her, and it was packed to the brim with tera crystals!! And then–”

Arven was in the midst of preparing dinner, but he turned and pointed his grill tongs irately at them.

“I don’t wanna hear it! You two are terrible! Running off like a couple of bratty kids, for pete’s sake! You know you both wouldn’t last one night if you had to camp out on your own?”

Both Nemona and Juliana’s expressions fell. Arven continued to wave the tongs,

“Me and Penny had to do all the work! All I asked for was help with a few lousy chores, but noooo, let’s ignore Arven, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about, nevermind the fact he’s been doing this for years– c’mon Penny, you agree with me, right?”

Sitting by the fire, Penny sighed and muttered,

“I mean, yeah, you’re right, but it would help if you weren’t so obnoxious about it.”

“What do you mean ‘obnoxious’?!”

After an awkward pause, Juliana said,

“You’re a little hypercontrolling when it comes to camping, Arven.” Penny nodded.

“I’m not hypercontrolling! I have a well-honed system that works! I can’t believe this–”

“Wait, please, let’s not fight. We’re sorry, Arven,” Nemona cut in, giving him an appeasing look. 

“Ugh.”

Juliana sighed. She said,

“Okay, look, you’re right, we shouldn’t have left you with all the work. Let us make it up to you, what can we help with?”

Arven turned back to his cooking and scowled.

“Well it’s pretty much done now. I just have to finish the meat and put everything together . . . . although I guess you could get us some more firewood, I didn’t gather that much.”

“Okay, we can do that!” 

“Yeah, we’ll be back soon!”

“You better be.”

Nemona, Juliana and Ogerpon went to gather dry sticks and branches, gathering up an excessive amount to demonstrate their dedication; Ogerpon’s vines were really helpful in pulling down dead branches still up in the trees. They hauled it all back just in time for dinner. Arven had prepared fajitas, avocado salad, cilantro rice and fresh salsa. Everyone had to admit it tasted amazing, and after dinner, the ruffled tempers had smoothed over and they were all laughing and having fun again. After cleanup, they spent some time casually walking the woods and trying to catch pokemon. When the sky began to grow dark, they returned to camp to sit around the campfire and break out the supplies for making some s’mores.

It was incredibly cozy, the campfire crackling and popping as the sky darkened to a deep navy, the first stars appearing and the trees around them turning to dark silhouettes. The air smelled of cool, mossy earth and wood smoke and it felt like they were the only people around for miles and miles. 

“This is so cool, I’m so glad we did this. I haven’t been camping like this in ages!” Nemona said, tossing another pinecone into the fire. She liked how they popped and crackled when they were thrown in.

“You’ve been camping before?” Juliana asked. 

“Yep! A long time ago, back when Azelia and I were still little kids. I have happy memories of that, we had so much fun. Back then mother and father had a lot more time for us and they’d take us on weekend trips! We went hiking, swimming, fishing . . . it was great.”

“Aw, that’s so cool you got to do that.”

Nemona had a nostalgic smile.

“Yeah. They’re some of my best memories of my family. After the camping trips stopped and we got a little older, everything kinda started to change, our parents got super busy with their work and Azelia and I grew apart over the years. So I really treasure those memories back when things were still really happy and simple, y’know?”

Juliana looked at her with a sad smile. Quietly, she said,

“Yeah. I get that. I’m sorry it isn’t like it used to be.”

Nemona shrugged,

“Ahh, it’s fine! Things change, that’s how life goes. And family’s complicated, but that’s just how it is.”

Ogerpon handed Nemona another pinecone and she tossed it on the fire. Juliana nodded.

“Yeah. My situation was similar in some ways. My family went on some camping trips too when I was younger. Then my older brother moved away with his girlfriend and dad stopped being in the picture and . . . mom and I moved out here.”

“You have a brother? I didn’t know that,” Arven commented. He was carefully roasting a marshmallow over the fire, making sure it was even on all sides.

“Yeah. Florian. Step-brother, actually. He’s a lot older than me.”

“Oh, I see. Did you two get along well? Or was it more like having three parents?”

Juliana chuckled.

“Not really. He . . . ehh. He wasn’t very nice to me. I don’t miss him or dad at all, honestly. But the camping trips we had back then weren’t so bad, so that’s a positive memory, at least.”

“Ah. Okay.”

After an awkward pause, Arven said,

“Well, uh, you guys pretty much already know my deal. It was mostly just me and Mabosstiff when I was growing up. But there were upsides to that, I started getting interested in cooking when I had to learn how to take care of myself. That’s how I got into camping, too, I was really interested in survival and foraging.”

He reached down and patted Mabosstiff’s head. The dog’s tail thumped the ground. Juliana turned and asked,

“What about you, Penny? You have any camping memories?”

Penny was petting the Umbreon curled up in her lap. She sighed in thought.

“Well, we did go on a few trips before mom died. They were alright, I guess. But they were kinda boring, and I hated all the bugs and the cold and the gross porta-potty bathrooms, and all that. I’m kinda glad we stopped going.”

Nemona said,

“Aww, Penny . . . I’m sure some of it had to be fun, right?”

Penny was quiet for a while, but eventually she answered,

“Yeah. Some of it was. One weekend it rained really hard when we got there and we had to cancel our plans, so we rented a hotel in Hammerlocke instead and did a bunch of touristy junk.”

Juliana laughed,

“I don’t think that counts.”

“That totally counts. It was the best camping trip ever.”

“You weren’t even outside!”

“We were outside sometimes! When the rain cleared up we took a walk in one of the parks in Hammerlocke.”

Juliana snorted.

“That’s not camping, Penny,” Arven told her around bites of a s’more.

“It was a big park. Whatever, going outside and staring at a bunch of trees is overrated anyway, you guys are just weird.”

Juliana and Arven laughed. Nemona said,

“Okay, well even if it wasn’t a typical camping trip, I’m glad you have happy memories with your family too, Penny.”

Penny nodded and glanced away.

“. . . yeah. We did a lot of stupid tourist stuff but it was still fun. Mom really loved it in the end even though she was so disappointed at first. Dad tried to get me to go on camping trips again after that, but he got really clingy after mom died and it was just too much to deal with, you know? So that was the last ‘camping’ trip I did, I guess.”

They were quiet for a bit, the campfire crackling and the soothing sound of Kricketot chirping in the woods.

“Well, I’m glad we’re all here now making some new memories,” Nemona said, glancing between them. Penny stroked her Umbreon’s fur and smiled gently; Arven nodded and Juliana leaned her shoulder against Nemona’s. Juliana agreed,

“Yeah. Me too.”

After a while, Nemona’s eyes lit up and she said,

“Oooh! I know, we should tell spooky stories around the campfire!”

Juliana’s eyes widened and she said,

“Oh, yeah, yeah! That’s perfect.”

Arven frowned, wiping off marshmallow on a napkin.

“I don’t think I know any spooky stories.”

“That’s all right, you can just make something up! Anyway, I can start, I can tell you guys more about the Bloodmoon Beast!”

Juliana stuck another marshmallow to her stick and grinned.

“Perfect. We’re gonna hunt for it later tonight, so everyone should be prepared for what we’re gonna face. Go ahead, Nemona.”

Nemona nodded, then closed her eyes, a serious expression on her face. She began:

“So . . . a long time ago, the Bloodmoon Beast was just a normal Ursaluna that fled its home in Sinnoh. Nobody’s sure why, but they think maybe it was because Ursaluna in general became very rare once human settlements in Sinnoh increased. Maybe the Beast was lonely or it was trying to escape the human towns. The Beast traveled very far and swam across the sea, eventually washing ashore in Kitakami. It made the Timeless Woods its home, rarely seen by other people.”

Ogerpon hopped into Juliana’s lap and chirped, waving her little hands; Juliana gently hushed her.

“Shh, listen ‘lil Mandarina, your mamá’s telling a story.”

Nemona continued her tale, her voice still very serious;

“Over time, the Beast changed. He grew stronger and bigger, and started to walk on two legs to see better in the woods. He liked to dig in the rich forest soil at night and would be covered in layers and layers of mud that dried in the morning light; eventually, the layers of mud grew as hard as iron and protected the Beast. But the Beast became more and more reclusive over time, hating the presence of the humans that would sometimes pass by. He started to only roam the woods on dark, foggy nights when few could spot him. One of his eyes adapted to see better at night, so he could easily find his way. But the Beast only truly became terrifying on a very special night . . .”

She paused for dramatic effect, looking around at everyone before saying,

“. . . the night of the Bloodmoon!”

Juliana grinned, while Penny just rolled her eyes and Arven chuckled. Ignoring them, Nemona continued,

“On the night of the eclipse, when the full moon turned red as blood, Ursaluna’s third eye opened; and his pained cry pierced the cold, dark night, so that people heard the sound for miles and miles. They say that on that night, he gained the ability to hit any creature without fail, even Ghost types– with a fearsome beam of light that unleashes the full might of the Beast’s agonized soul! It’s even mightier and more devastating than a Hyper Beam and can raze the land, destroying all it touches!”

Penny interrupted, “Okay, that’s a bit much. Stronger than a Hyper Beam?”

Juliana said,

“Let her finish!”

Penny sighed. Nemona answered her calmly,

“To answer your question Penny, yes, it’s even stronger than a Hyper Beam– or at least that’s the best guess from the people who’ve studied the scorch marks left behind on the trees in this forest. There’s no way to know for certain until we meet it face-to-face! The plan is we’re gonna get up in the middle of the night, ‘cause the fog is due to roll in around 2 or 3am. That’s when the Beast goes on the prowl. But! We gotta be extra, extra careful. Because tonight is very special . . .”

Penny raised a brow. Arven frowned, saying,

“It is?”

Nemona glanced to Juliana; Juliana was grinning like crazy and nodding. Nemona looked back to Penny and Arven.

“Yeah . . . because on this very night . . . there’s gonna be another Bloodmoon!!”

Her audience seemed genuinely shocked– even Ogerpon, her eyes gone wide.

“Wait, really?”

“That’s– huh. You didn’t mention that before.”

After Arven and Penny looked at each other in surprise, Penny asked,

“And you’re not just messing with us?”

Unable to stifle her grin any longer, Nemona answered,

“Yeeeah, I’m just messing.”

Immediately, Arven said,

“What the heck, Nemona!”

“I thought it sounded a little convenient,” Penny griped. Juliana just laughed. Nemona quickly pointed out,

“Okay, but while there isn’t an eclipse tonight, it is a full moon tonight. Ursaluna are strongest on the full moon so my point still stands, we gotta be careful.”

“Uh-huh. Sure.”

Juliana said,

“It is a full moon! You can check.”

Penny shook her head.

“I don’t doubt that part, I just don’t think this ‘Bloodmoon Beast’ is something to worry about. Chances are it’s just some Hatterene wandering around at night and getting cranky at people approaching it.”

Juliana scoffed,

“A Haterene? With a forehead that glows like a blood-red moon and all those other details?!”

Penny shrugged.

“Haterene has plenty of moves that glow, and it learns some pretty strong attacks. All that other junk’s probably just made up. I mean, c’mon guys, look at Ogerpon.” She pointed at the little Pokemon in Juliana’s lap.

“The people in Kitakami spent literal generations being terrified of her and making up all sorts of awful stories about her, but she’s like the nicest little Pokemon you’ve ever seen. People just like to talk crap about people and pokemon, that’s what I think.”

Nemona looked down at Ogerpon, who was chewing on a pinecone and drooling. She patted her head, looking thoughtful.

“That’s true, but on the other hand, Ogerpon is incredibly powerful. So they weren’t wrong about that part. I’m willing to bet at least some of the Beast’s story is true.”

Juliana nodded, while Penny frowned. Eventually Penny said,

“I guess it’s possible.”

Nemona looked to Arven, asking,

“What do you think, Arven? Are you scared of the Bloodmoon Beast?”

Arven used a stick to poke the fire, shifting the logs to burn better. Mildly, he answered,

“The only thing I’m scared of is the possibility of somebody twisting an ankle or something tonight while we run around in the fog at 2am.”

Juliana sighed, sticking another marshmallow into the fire.

“You guys are such killjoys.”

“Yeah! You should try to be open to the world of possibilities,” Nemona said, 

“I bet there’s still loads of things out there that’ll surprise you. All sorts of super-powerful pokemon we haven’t even heard of yet. Maybe even something stronger and scarier than the Bloodmoon Beast! You never know. New stuff is still being discovered all the time!”

Penny chuckled, 

“Even scarier than the Bloodmoon Beast? I guess that’s always possible, you never know.”

The group fell quiet for a while, watching the crackling fire.

“Jules, your marshmallow’s on fire.”

“Ya, I like ‘em like that.”

“But it’s like, SUPER on fire.”

“Yeah it’s perfect.”

“Jules there’s no way that thing’s edible anymore–”

Juliana pulled the marshmallow from the campfire, letting it burn like a ball of molten lava.

“Delicious and crunchy. . .”

“You know that’s carcinogenic, right?”

“Delicious carcinogens . . .”

Nemona blew on the marshmallow, extinguishing the flames.

“Hey! It wasn’t done . . .”

Arven said,

“Juliana, could you try to not waste those, they’re handmade marshmallows you know, not dollar-store junk.”

“You guys are mean.”

“Here, I’ll cook you another one Jules, why don’t you try one that’s slightly less toxic?”

Juliana sighed,

“Fiiiiine . . .”

The teens continued to sit around the campfire and chat until it grew late. After extinguishing the campfire and securing any food leftovers a safe distance away from camp– to avoid any scavenging Pokemon from visiting them unexpectedly during the night– they all retired to their tents. The plan was to sleep for now and to get up at 2am, which is when the fog usually rolled in, according to the locals. They had brought two tents with them, Arven’s and Juliana’s; Nemona and Juliana were sharing one while Arven and Penny had the other. They were a bit snug as they were only backpacking tents, but they were big enough to fit their sleeping bags, and that’s all that really mattered.

~

Inside the tent, Nemona and Juliana had already changed into their pajamas and were lounging in their sleeping bags by the dim light of a little electric lantern. Juliana scrolled through her smartphone, but nothing was loading– service out here was just too spotty. Her phone was almost dead anyway. She set the phone down and gazed at the ceiling of the tent for a bit. After a while, she asked,

“Are you tired?”

Looking at her own phone, Nemona answered,

“Not even a little bit.”

Juliana chuckled.

“Okay, I’m glad it’s not just me.”

Nemona tossed her phone aside.

“I’m way too wired to think of sleep. I wish it was just foggy already so we could go looking now.”

“Yeah. I doubt I’ll get any rest, or by the time I actually fall asleep it’ll be time to get up anyway.”

“Exactly!”

Juliana gazed at the ceiling, humming.

“I wonder what we should do, since we can’t sleep.”

She was quiet for a beat. She turned her head to look at Nemona at the same time Nemona turned to look at her. Nemona’s brows lifted a little.

~

Outside in the chill of the night, Arven grumbled, annoyed that their cell phones weren’t even sending texts to each other. Sure, it was to be expected out here, but what can he say, technology was convenient. He headed over to Juliana and Nemona’s tent and pulled the zipper, sticking his head in to ask,

“Hey guys I just– WHOOAA THERE–”

He quickly turned away in a panic, embarrassed at having apparently interrupted a rather private moment. He stammered,

“S-sorry! Sorry, I just–”

“Oh jeez, sorry, Arven–”

“No, no, it was my bad, I–ugh, can I– is it safe to–”

“Yeah.”

He turned back, quickly spitting out what he came to say.

“I just wanted to ask if you guys set an alarm for 2, or if you’d need us to wake you up, I don’t know if your phones are dead by now or not, I have a charger if you need.”

Juliana fumbled with her phone and answered,

“U-uhm, mine’s, mine’s almost dead.”

“Mine’s not. I have an alarm set, we should be fine.”

“Okay, great. Thanks. That’s all I needed. Uh, goodnight then.”

He beat a hasty retreat, the two girls watching him leave and then just sitting there for a bit, blinking.

Then Juliana covered her face and sunk down into her sleeping bag, groaning.

“Uuughh, man, that was . . . awkward.”

Nemona agreed,

“Yeah . . .”

Juliana uncovered her face and sat up, sighing and looking at Nemona.

“Guess we probably should cool it with the kissing for now, in case somebody else busts in here again.”

Nemona sighed too. She looked disappointed.

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

They were quiet for a while.

“Or, I could try jamming the zipper . . .”

Juliana giggled,

“Nemona!”

“Just a thought.”

“We could end up trapped in here if you did that.”

Nemona nudged her and said,

“Oooh nooo, trapped in here all alone with Juliana, how terrible . . .”

Juliana gave a surprised laugh.

“Since when did you start being sarcastic?”

Nemona winked,

“I learn from the best.”

“Oh man, I dunno if I’m a positive influence.”

“Of course you are,” Nemona said, letting her head drop down on Juliana’s shoulder. Juliana smiled softly, running a hand through her girlfriend’s hair. Nemona gave a happy mumble and shifted, giving her better access. Juliana was very content to play with her hair, carding her fingers through soft, silky strands and gently scratching against her scalp.

In response, Nemona hummed, low and delighted.

“You’re way too good at that, you know.”

Juliana chuckled. She continued for a while, hoping it would help relax them both enough to feel like sleeping. It seemed to work well, Nemona practically purring in her lap before long.

When it seemed like they were sufficiently relaxed, Juliana clicked off the light from the little lantern.

“Okay, let’s try to sleep a bit.”

“Mmmm.”

Nemona didn’t budge. Juliana laughed,

“C’mon, tesoro, I can’t lay down like this.”

She tried to nudge her head off her lap. Nemona made an unhappy noise.

“Nnnnnn . . .”

“C’mon, you silly butt, you wanna be rested if we’re hunting for scary beasts later tonight.”

Reluctantly, Nemona shifted, sitting back up and sighing,

“I guess . . .”

Then she drooped and leaned against Juliana, nuzzling against her. Juliana giggled, feeling her skin tingle at the sensation. 

Then Nemona started to kiss her softly, lazily trailing kisses up her neck as she did. Juliana’s face heated up very quickly.

“Nemona, t-that’s– nghh– c’mon, if you do that, nobody’s getting any sleep–”

Nemona stopped and pulled away, blinking sleepily. As if only now realizing what she’d been doing, her lips twisted into a half-smile and she said,

“Sorry.”

She sounded both sorry but also a little sneaky. Juliana laughed.

“Okay, okay, for real, we should go to sleep, you’re right,” Nemona agreed, turning and zipping her sleeping bag open. They both stowed their backpacks at the bottom of the tent and clambered inside their sleeping bags, settling down to rest.

“G’night Nemona,” Juliana said in a hushed voice.

“G’night Jules,” Nemona yawned. Juliana turned her head towards the side of their tent. 

“G’NIGHT ARVEN! G’NIGHT PENNY!”

“Oh my god just go to sleep already.”

“Okay, okay, jeez.”

They settled down and fell quiet, eventually drifting off to sleep.

~

However, as the night grew colder, the soothing sound of Kricketot cries and the occasional Noctowl weren’t the only things heard in the darkness. Arven was wakened by a rustling sound just outside their tents. Concerned, he poked his head out of the tent and shone a flashlight, but he didn’t spot anything. With an annoyed grunt, he returned to his sleeping bag.

Penny asked,

“Something wrong?”

He shook his head.

“Nah, just worried somebody accidentally left some food out to attract something, but it went away, whatever it was.”

Unfortunately, that wasn’t the last of it. The noises kept returning– something rummaging through their campground. Arven tried to ignore it at first, but he started to get worried it was going to mess with his camping equipment. He got shoes on and went out there with his flashlight to scare it off, but once again, the campgrounds were strangely empty.

After doing this routine twice, when the noises returned once more, Arven just scowled and pushed the pillows against his head to muffle the sound. “Go away,” he grumbled.

“What’s even out there?” Penny asked.

“I have no idea, it runs off before I can see. Probably just some dumb Greedent trying to lick grease stains off the ground or something.”

The rustling noises suddenly stopped. Arven sighed.

“Good, now just stay away, please,” he muttered quietly. They both settled back down to sleep.

A minute or so later, there was a strange, distant, high-pitched wailing. Both Arven and Penny opened their eyes. Penny whispered,

“That . . . doesn’t sound like a Greedent. What was that?”

“I dunno, man . . . a Froslass?”

“I don’t think there are Froslass in the woods.”

The sound came again, very drawn-out and shrill. 

“Okay, well, I dunno, Litwick maybe.”

“I don’t think so.”

The cry repeated, a trembling moan this time, almost as if the Pokemon was in pain.

“Maybe it’s the Bloodmoon Beast,” Arven snarked. Penny rolled her eyes, making a show of being annoyed, but she then seemed to consider the possibility. She looked a little uneasy. Arven laid back down, saying,

“As long as it isn’t tearing the campground apart, just ignore it, I’m sure it’s nothing to worry over.”

“I guess so . . . sounded kinda weird though.”

They fell quiet, trying to go back to sleep, but the strange cry continued intermittently, making it difficult. It didn’t help that it seemed to grow increasingly shrill and emphatic– and increasingly distorted. After a while it began to sound almost like a very strange human crying out.

It also was getting louder. 

“Arven–”

“Yeah. I know. Look, there’s nothing I can do. Sometimes pokemon feel like making a racket, that’s just a part of camping. All the food scraps and cooking equipment are secured a safe distance from our tents, so there’s no reason for them to bother us. Just try to . . . ignore it as best you can.”

After a pause, Penny said,

“Okay. Okay, yeah, I’ll try.”

She definitely sounded a little anxious, not that Arven really blamed her. He’d never admit it but the mysterious pokemon cries were weirding him out a bit too. But he’d never been to Kitakami before, it was just some pokemon he wasn’t familiar with, no doubt. He’d already checked the Pokedex for this region and thought he already knew everything, but apparently not.

Or, heck, maybe it really was an Ursaluna like Juliana and Nemona wanted. Either way, it was something they could deal with later.

Penny had apparently handled the situation by sticking her headphones in and playing music; Arven didn’t have headphones, so he sandwiched his head between his folded pillow.

Eventually, the two managed to fall asleep.

The human visitors to the Timeless Woods were quiet after that, sleeping soundly even as the full moon began to rise and the creatures of the night stirred.

[sinkat-arts]

Comfort Food

Fluffy Daisuga one-shot in which Daichi is sick and Suga just wants him to go rest. And also a sandwich is made.

On AO3 >

--

“Out, out, out!” Koushi commands. He stands by the kitchen island, chest puffed up and face stern as he points an indignant finger behind him, towards the living room, “Out of the kitchen this instant, or so help me…”

“Kou, I can do it myself. I’m not…” Daichi begins a valiant attempt to wave his husband off, but stops short when Koushi raises his eyebrows in disbelief. It’s clearly an invitation to keep talking, the look on his face says he’s waiting, that he’d like Daichi to continue and do all the work of digging the hole for him. Shoulders slumped, Daichi sighs in defeat… and that sigh turns into a cough that rattles his chest and has him leaning on the countertop for support. 

“You are ,” Koushi says as he moves swiftly to Daichi’s side. He places his palm in between his shoulder blades, moving it firmly up and down until the coughing fit subsides. “Dai, come on, you need to go back to the couch. I’ll finish your…” His eyes flit to the ingredients laid out before them and his brows press together. “What… what were you trying to make?” 

Daichi sees the confusion on Koushi’s face and follows his gaze to the pile of things he’d dragged out. Leftover spaghetti, a tomato, cheese, half an onion, a stick of butter, a head of lettuce, cilantro, carrots, celery, a bag of potato chips, an orange…

“A… sandwich?” Daichi answers, reluctant to explain but knowing he’ll have to. 

“Babe, we have got to get you to the doctor,” Koushi says. One hand is still on Daichi’s back, and it makes a gentle circle as Koushi places the other on Daichi’s forehead. “You’re messing up food . Your fever must have spiked… Are you hallucinating?” 

Daichi laughs, and it’s a rough, grinding sound for all the gunk in his chest and the fire in his throat. He meets his husband’s wide-eyed stare - the shock plain on his face - as Daichi takes the hand that had been pressed against his forehead into his own.

“No,” He says, “Worse.” 

The look Koushi gives him, how he’s so completely flummoxed, the way his mouth hangs open, and the way it was so obvious that his brain was working to make all the dots connect, makes Daichi chuckle again. He’s always handsome, but sometimes he can be so damn cute it hurts.   

“I’ve reverted. You’re looking at how I ate in college,” he explains in a tone that is as serious and solemn as he can make it, “It’s a dark past, I didn’t want you to see this. I must be sick.”

“You don’t say?” Koushi responds, and his tone is somehow both sarcastic and flabbergasted. He turns again to the food on the counter. “This is… a sandwich? Really?” 

“Not yet,” Daichi answers, “It will be. Or was going to be. It’s like… a patty melt, but with spaghetti. Kind of… greasy comfort food.”

Koushi’s mind again goes to work, assembling a sandwich in his head based on the facts at hand, and finally looks up.

“Ok, I get all this,” he says, gesturing to the spaghetti, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and butter, “But celery and carrots?”

“Gotta have some kind of vegetable on the side,” Daichi explains, “That’s how you know it’s healthy.”

Koushi wrinkles his nose at Daichi and shakes his head. “Keep telling yourself that… but ok… I guess the chips are a side, too…”

“Nope, they go on it… for the crunch. It’s a texture thing.” 

“Uh huh,” Koushi says, dubious, and just looks at him for a moment before rolling his eyes and continuing down the list. “The cilantro?”

“That was actually a mistake. I thought it was parsley… but I wouldn’t be above trying it.”

 “Acceptable answer… and… the orange?”

Daichi shrugs. “I just like oranges.” 

“Thank god,” Koushi breathes out in relief, “I was scared you used the juice for, like a sauce or something.”

Daichi hums thoughtfully, “Well now that you mention it…”

“Gross,” Koushi says, “I love you and you’re gross and I want you out of my sight.” 

“That’s mean,” Daichi says, hand to his heart in mock pain, “You should be nicer to me… don’t you know I’m siiiiiick.” He stretches the word out, trying to be cute, but the way his shredded voice delivers the line is more like a sputtering lawnmower. 

“Yes, I do! And big, sick babies belong on the couch so their doting husbands can take care of them and not serve them garbage food for lunch,” Koushi argues, giving Daichi a shove in the direction of their living room, “Now go, you’re banished from the kitchen.” 

Daichi moves to leave before Koushi stops him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Seriously, chill and let me take care of you for once? Please?” He says in a lower, sweeter tone that makes Daichi’s heart lurch forward and brings a dumb, stupid smile to his face. He nods, wishing he weren’t sick so he could collect this man in his arms and kiss him until neither of them could breathe. 

But he’s having trouble enough breathing as it is. The journey from the kitchen to the couch is long and arduous, and he’s woozy by the time he finally sinks into the nest Koushi made him as soon as his temperature hit 38. 

The sounds of Koushi banging around in the kitchen fill the air, and Daichi takes a moment to look around him. He’s bundled up in soft blankets and supported by part of their not-insignificant collection of pillows. He has water, medicine, tissues, and cough drops at his fingertips. There are books beside him, some are a few volumes of a manga Koushi desperately wants him to read and some are books of puzzles to occupy time. There are empty mugs that had held tea to soothe his throat and help him sleep. Koushi had even let him borrow that damn stuffed bear he slept with when Daichi was away so he’d have something to brace himself when the coughing fits were too bad. 

In short, he is surrounded by all the trappings of his husband’s love for him. If he’d ever doubted that he was loved… here is all the evidence he needed to prove it. Daichi is so full now that his chest hurts for a reason other than the congestion it contained. It’s overwhelming. He feels like crying out of happiness, but instead he just holds on to Koushi’s bear more tightly and closes his eyes. 

He dozes a bit, coming back to reality when Koushi gently touches his shoulder. There’s a plate in his hand and a look in his eye that’s hard to read. He seems… hesitant? But there’s also the look of expectation and maybe even a hair of smarmy pleasure on his face. 

“After this monstrosity,” he says, using his free hand to replace his bear with an older pillow, “I hope you never doubt my love for you for even a single second.” With that, he lowers the plate onto the pillow and stands in triumph over them. 

Daichi looks at the plate in shock. He’d made the damn sandwich. All that earlier - Koushi wasn’t really poking fun at him… he was making sure he understood what Daichi was planning for each ingredient, so he could replicate it for him. That too-tight feeling from earlier returns, and maybe it’s because he’s so sick that he can’t regulate his emotions, or maybe this is just who he is, but he does cry, just a little, over his sandwich. 

“Hey,” Koushi soothes, and slots in next to him on the couch, one hand stroking the short hair at the back of his neck. “What’s this about? Did I do it wrong?” 

“No,” Daichi answers, sniffling and rubbing at his eyes, “I don’t feel good, and I’m tired, and everything hurts, and I just. Love you so much.” He knows he’s being pathetic, but that’s ok, because he can be pathetic in front of Koushi. 

“Awww,” Koushi says and his hand trails down to Daichi’s shoulder so his arm is wrapped around him in the best semblance of a hug he can create, “I know, Dai. I love you, too. I hate that you feel so shitty… maybe eating will help?” 

Daichi nods, knowing that Koushi is right. He needs calories to fight this infection or flu or whatever it is, so he picks up the spaghetti melt that his husband made him and takes a bite. 

“And? Is it every bit of greasy garbage comfort food deliciousness that you dreamed of?” Koushi asks, grinning. 

“And more,” Daichi says around the bite in his mouth. He swallows, grimacing. Toasted bread and chips didn’t go down well with a sore throat, but it was what he wanted and that’s what water was for, anyway. “It’s perfect. The cilantro is a nice touch.”

[hollisjones]

Hollis raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued by Chi's take on vanilla. "Weird tang?" He chuckled, shaking his head. "Guess I never really gave it that much thought. Maybe it's just one of those things, like cilantro, you either taste soap, or you don't. Except, y'know, with vanilla..." He shifted, popping another fry into his mouth with a half smirk. "Ben & Jerry's, though. We were never allowed that stuff.Is it really worth the hype?

Hollis squinted at the phone screen, trying to make sense of the bizarre eatery that she was showing him. "A thousand dollars for that? I'm in the wrong business. I could make that stuff. Just put a random bug on a chicken's foot and call it art. Hell, I could probably even throw in the ball pit." he grinned, though he was still in genuine disbelief at the state of some of the dishes she'd shown him. "I don't know if I could eat a picture of my own face. It feels like betrayal."

He leaned back, sighing with mock relief. "Yeah, no thanks, man. I'll stick to the bargain fries. At least here, I don't have to worry about accidentally eating a butterfly. Though, there was an old key stuck to a hotdog bun once, but, I saw it before it broke my teeth." He screwed his face up in playful disgust of the memory. "So, what's your deal with food? You seem like you've got a thing for it. Don't tell me you're a secret health inspector or something. 'Cause if you are, I bought these fries with my money that I got at my job. And anything else you heard, was slander."

“Seriously? I always liked white vanilla more. Yellow vanilla has this weird tang that's always hard to describe for some reason.” If it's with another flavor, she'll ignore it, but by itself? It always makes her face scrunch kind of funny, combined with some noise that sounds like “Mrnnnnn.” “I kinda dig the chocolate chips though. You gotta like…swirl it around your mouth. It'll melt. But I like it more when it's the funny looking chunks. Ben & Jerry's does it well." And now she's craving a pint of chocolate chip cookie dough. 

Chi immediately snickered at her accidental judgement on the fries, putting her hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. No shame for the bits. I'm biting my chef tongue.” Does she even qualify as a chef? She just does cooking on the side. She's no Anthony Bourdain. “It depends on what counts as stuffy. I think in terms of food, some fine dining plates fall under the same amount as bits…but it's about the experience and they give you like—nine plates.” She then pulled out her phone, clicking for a moment before pulling up a youtube video she was watching about one restaurant. Although the plates were tiny, they were decorated with things like butterflies. “Like that.”

She then grimaced when she remembered the prices. “It is really fucking expensive though. 1K. So, I'll take your way over making my wallet scream.”

[neon-moon-beam]

Everyone knows the anime could not animate Submas at all, but look at Emmet specifically.

His chin is as long as his hair. Exactly.

I don’t know much about animation, but looking at it, it’s almost like they drew the shape for his hair, made it wide, and then just colored in the part that was supposed to be his face differently and added his nose and I guess where his lips are supposed to be. Except his chin is huge, like they knew where his face was supposed to line up in regards to his hair but had all this extra...face, and just left it.

And then of course Ingo’s face is wrong too in a different way, the foreshortening on his arm looks a bit off, and something about his hand too...

I don’t know what went wrong, but it went wrong.

bl*nkshippers dni--I will block you

[shoheilovebot]

Meeting Your Parents 💗

Part Two

~ Shohei Ohtani Imagine

visual:

Once you arrived to your parents house after they picked you up from the airport, the sun was already setting. You and your mom went into the house while shohei and your father stayed behind to grab the bags from the trunk. You and your mother immediately went into the kitchen and your father took the bags upstairs and put them in a room for you and Sho to unpack later.

Your mother had mentioned how a week ago you told her you had been craving smoked marlin tacos. Well she’s making them for dinner. You were so happy and extremely hungry at the thought of eating those tacos.

You excused yourself from your mom and went to go check up on Shohei. Shohei was just sitting on the couch staring at the blank tv screen.

“Baby turn on the tv silly. My mom and I are gonna be in the kitchen cooking so if you need anything come and let me know okay? Also my dad put our bags in a room and he’s outside feeding the animals they have.” You said.

Shohei just smiled at you and nodded. You turned on the tv for him and put it on a sports Chanel. You then gave him a kiss on the lips and tugged on his hair a bit.

He made a little sound when you tugged on his hair. You pulled away from the kiss and smirked at him. You knew he was craving you.

He tried pulling you back in for a kiss but you dodged him and just playfully messed up his hair while giggling. He let out a sigh of defeat and just laid back and watched the baseball game on the tv.

You smiled and went back to help your mom in the kitchen. You helped her prepare the toppings that go on top of the tacos. You emptied a can of sweetened corned and added some spices plus a bit of lime juice. You cut up some onions, cilantro and limes. You added some pickled jalapeños to a bowl and went and set everything up at the dinner table.

Your mom was almost done with the white sauce that goes along with the tacos. You made some horchata while your mom finished the sauce and the tacos. It only took about 30 minutes to get everything ready as it’s not a dish that requires many steps and the fish is basically already prepared just needs to be heated up.

Your dad came back in the house and went to go wash his hands.

“Sweetheart how many tacos would your boyfriend want? He’s a big boy so I’m guessing he eats a lot?” Your mom asked.

You giggled. “Yeah mom he eats a lot. I’ve seen him eat 6 tacos one time. It’s kind of sexy how hungry he always is. He’s always working out and eating healthy stuff so it doesn’t hurt for him to always be hungry.” You explained.

“I think I like him already. I love a man who can eat” your mom said.

You laughed. “Ah so that’s where I get it from” you said.

Both of you laughed and you helped your mom prepare the dishes. You went to go get shohei and then your dad to let them know dinner was ready. You showed shohei to the bathroom so he could wash his hands.

You went back to help your mom some more and you father was already seated. Your mom put four tacos on his plate, three on hers, and three on yours. She also put four in Shohei’s plate. You were putting ice in cups and pouring the horchata and handed them to everyone.

Shohei had sat down and thanked your mom for preparing his plate. He also thanked you for the horchata.

“If you want more tacos you let me know okay mijo (son)? There is plenty of fish for more tacos so don’t be shy” you mother said

“Thank you” shohei said to your mom while smiling.

She smiled back at him and you finally sat down to join them.

Your parents had already prepared their tacos so you handed the toppings to shohei so he can add some on his tacos. You did the same to yours.

“This sauce right here is amazing with fish so you need to try this” your father said to Shohei.

Shohei nodded and grabbed the sauce and put some on the first taco. He took a bite and everyone was staring at him. He had his eyes closed and was savoring the taste.

You giggled at him and he opened his eyes to see all of you staring at him. He swallowed his food and shyly cleaned his face with a napkin

“What do you think?” You father asked.

“Absolutely delicious. I now see why y/n is always talking about tacos de marlin (tacos of marlin)” he said with a smile.

Your parents smiled at him and Shohei smiled at you.

You smiled back at him and you all continued eating.

“So shohei do you know Spanish?” Your father asked.

It was cute how your parents had an accent when speaking English and so did Shohei. You found it to be so adorable.

“Un poquito (a little bit)” Shohei replied.

“That’s good mijo. You will be speaking good Spanish by the time you meet the rest of the family during the wedding” your father said.

You and Shohei choked on your food for a bit because that caught you both by surprise.

“Apá we’ve only been dating for a couple months I think it’s too early to talk about a wedding” you said.

“Nonsense! Me and your mom dated for a couple months before I proposed to her” your father said.

You looked at shohei and he was blushing and smiley.

“I’m honored that you think I am worthy of marrying y/n” shohei said.

You blushed at his response. You’re proud of him because you know your father is going to enjoy that response.

“Of course I do mijo. If you didn’t know any Spanish the story would be different. You also enjoy Hispanic food so that deals the deal for me. How do you feel about tomorrow we have a carne asada. You and me on the grill having a beer?” You father said.

“Sounds good sir” Shohei said.

“None of that sir stuff call me *insert your dads name*” your dad said.

“I would love for that to happen y/d/n” shohei replied.

You smiled at shohei.

“I told you they would love you” you said

He smiled at you and blushed.

You all continued eating and you finished you food and so did you mom. Your mom got up and went to make one more taco for your dad and two more for shohei.

“So mijo what is it that you do for a living?” Your mother asked.

“Yeah I would like to know. Y/n said you okay baseball. With what we saw at the airport I assumed you were an actor? Do you play baseball in a tv series or movie?” He asked.

“Oh no I’m not an actor. I am a professional baseball player. I play for the Los Angeles Angels” shohei replied.

“Oh wow for the Angels? Would be cooler if you were a Dodgers player” your dad said.

You laughed at that while shohei was clearly nervous.

“Apá you don’t even like baseball so I don’t get why it matters what team he’s on” you said.

“Well your cousin was on the dodgers” your dad said.

“Dad we’ve never even met him he is a distant cousin so he’s basically not even my cousin” you said.

“Don’t start with that nonsense of distant cousin. He’s still your cousin” your dad said.

“Okay dad whatever you say.” You replied.

“The angels? Isn’t that the team your ex boyfriend was a part of?” Your mom said.

“Ex boyfriend?” Shohei asked.

“Yeah I dated tyler in high school.” You paused. “We met at a game and dated for like a year but since I lived in LA and he lived in Murrieta he had to travel by train to come see me and it just was too much. Also we kind of argued a lot so we just stayed friends and he’s been a better friend than a boyfriend to be completely honest. I didn’t want you to get upset or jealous so I didn’t mention that we dated. It was also so long ago so I didn’t think it mattered. Sorry for not being honest with you.” You said.

“Hey it’s okay. You’re right I would’ve been a bit jealous but hes your best friend and I know that’s all it’s ever gonna be so I have nothing to be jealous about. I’m glad you told me but that’s the past and it does not matter to me because I love you so much” he said.

“I love you too showy” you said.

“Aww que lindo (how beautiful)” your mom said.

“I didnt like Tyler he made my little baby cry a lot” your dad said angrily.

“Well now I’m here and I would never want your little baby to cry because of me” Shohei said.

“Good. Keep it that way” your dad said sternly

Shohei became nervous but he nodded.

You all talked about anything and everything. Your parents were surprised Shohei was born in Japan. They thought he was a Japanese American. They were fascinated to learn about his childhood in Japan and hear him explain the beauty of Japan.

Two hours had gone by of just talking and it was barely 9pm.

“Mijo would you like dessert?” Your mom asked.

“Yes please!” Shohei replied

“Do you like flan and canelita?” She asked him.

“I don’t know what that is but I would love to try it” he replied.

Your mom gave you an upset look. “You haven’t made him try flan?!” She asked.

“No ma you know I don’t like it eating it often” you replied.

She shook her head at you and went into the kitchen.

“What’s flan and canelita?” Shohei asked.

“Flan is basically like custard with caramel sauce on top. It looks like jello. Canelita is basically a hot cinnamon drink. It’s really good with pan dulce” you replied.

He nodded and seemed to be fascinated with the thought of trying new Hispanic food.

Shohei really does love the latine community.

Your mom gave everyone a slice of flan and a mug of canelita

You all are as your parents told stories of their younger days and how they met. Shohei was fascinated by their stories and was just overall excited.

You smiled as you looked at him. He really is the love of your life. You can’t imagine a different person being in his spot. Definitely not any of those white boys you dated.

You all finished eating and your father with shohei went into the living room to watch some tv. You and your mother went into the kitchen to wash the dishes together and talk.

“I really like him for you. He seems really good for you. He is kind and oh gosh is he cute” your mom said.

“Mom do you have a crush on my boyfriend?” You said while giggling.

“Don’t tell your father. He get jealous very easily” your mom sad while smiling.

You both finished cleaning the kitchen and your mom went into the living room to say goodnight to shohei as she was getting tired. It was only 11pm but this was around the time your parents went to bed.

Your father also said goodnight and followed your mom into their bedroom on the first floor.

You and shohei watched tv for a bit and cuddled on the couch.

“I’m still craving you because of that kiss you gave me earlier.” Shohei said.

You giggled. “My hungry boy”

You yawned and snuggled into shoheis chest.

“Time for bed?” He asked

You nodded.

You got up from the couch and Shohei picked you up bridal style.

“Let’s go to bed baby” he said.

You went up the stairs and then down a hall towards another set of stairs where your room was up in the attic. It was pretty spacious up there so you chose it as your room. Your parents room was on the first floor. The layout of the first floor was the front door and a little space there to take off your shoes and hang your jackets then the living room to the left and the kitchen and dinner table to the right. There was a hall by the living room that lead to your parents room and a bathroom. The second floor was four rooms facing each other on opposite ends. One of the rooms was a spacious bathroom and one of them was a storage room the others were office space or a guest room. Then there’s a small little short hallway that has a set of stairs going to the attic where your bedroom was.

Shohei took you up the stairs to your room and laid you down on your bed.

“Where’s my luggage?” Shohei asked.

you giggled.

“My dad probably put you in a guest room so we don’t sleepy together. Knowing how protective he is over me that’s definitely what happened” you said.

He started walking towards the stairs.

“No showyyyy stay with me. Just sleep in your undies.” You said.

“Baby I gotta brush my teeth.” He said.

You groaned and got up because you also had to do that. You helped him find his luggage and he took it up to your room while you were in the bathroom.

He finally joined you in bed and he was sleeping in his undies. So we’re you so it was very nice to feel his skin on your skin. Seeing him under the moonlight that entered through skylight in your room. Gosh was he so magical. You really do love every single part of this man. His personality, his smile, his kindness, his body. Oh god his body is so amazing. He’s big and he’s buff. He’s a total himbo and a really nice cuddle bear. You can’t get enough of him.

You lay your head on his chest and fell asleep hearing the way his heart beats for you.

- okay besties there’s gonna be a part 3 but it will be about a picnic date ! There will be some smut there 😈 stay tuned ! Pls forgive the typos if there is any ! Thank you for reading !

[windona]

For prompting night: Jaime finding out Khaji Da has an intense dislike for something almost bizarrely random (flavor, sound, tv show, whatever you find most entertaining).

Atmosphere: 30.7 Barr, 57% humidity, 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hector and Nadia had not texted about any supervillain attacks. None had been detected while on patrol.

Jaime had eaten his dinner at 1.35777 hours previously. He was gliding on the wind currents through the sky, curving on the flow as he angled downward and lightly touched down.

Ghrelin and leptin levels indicated that Jaime was slightly hungry. Training along with puberty had increased his appetite, but there was a 57.67% chance that the recent increase in hunger predicated a growth spurt.

Scanning the food vendors, Khaji Da processed the information to identify the optimal snack. Protein for muscle, calcium and vitamin D for bones, sufficient calorie profile, and of course a taste profile that would be appealing to Jaime all needed to be accounted for.

"Hey, they have limited edition chocos?"

[[Chocos are not the optimal snack. Carrots with hummus currently appear to be the superior option.]]

"Yeah, but depending I might not be able to get them again," Jaime whispered before exchanging money with the man at the newsstand. The man shrugged and gave Jaime his change: people in El Paso had long grown used to the quirks of the city's hero.

Jaime unwrapped them, and took a bite. Alerts went off.

[[WRONG. The chocos are POISON.]]

Jaime froze. "What? What are the effects?"

Khaji Da ran the chemical interactions. The results. [[None.]]

"...How is it poison?"

The man at the newsstand stiffened, but that was inconsequential.

[[The flavoring is WRONG.]]

"...Uh. You've had dulche de leche before."

[[Dulche de leche is made of milk and sugar. This is not and it is WRONG.]]

"Oh. This isn't a soap tasting cilantro thing, is it?"

[[<I> do not have genetics.]]

"Yeah, it is, huh? I guess mama will be happy to know all her cooking is fine."

[[It is nutritionally complete and not WRONG.]]

Jaime sighed, and crumpled up the cookies before throwing them in the trash. "That's good to know. Just warn me before I buy a food you don't like the taste of next time, okay?"

[causalitylinked]

    Well, on the bright side, she did seem to have finally calmed down somewhat, but even so, he's quick to let out a scoff at her next words. "Of course I am always thinking about eating! How can I not when food's pretty much the most important thing in life?" Fang points out. Why, as far as he was concerned, there was no greater joy than eating and sleeping; in fact, those activities keeping him alive were just a bonus.

    "And Bahus made it, not me. There's supposed to be beef brisket, smoked cheddar, pickled vegetables, and cilantro in it, though," he then informs her while pulling out the aforementioned sandwich from within his bag, which was where he kept his wallet and all the supplies he bought from Tomoe's shop.

    "Yeah, something tells me that if Fang were to make his own sandwich, it would be jam packed with mostly meat instead of vegetables," Eryn soon sweat drops as she settles down next to him. "Hey, for your information, I totally eat my veggies! But you're right about it probably being a very meat-heavy sandwich," Fang brings himself to acquiesce before managing a self assured grin and puffing out his chest rather triumphantly when next Eira praises him.

    "Heh... that was nothing! With me, the great, legendary hero Fang, leading the charge, snatching away Furies from Dorfa is pretty much like taking candy from a baby," he boasts, causing Eryn to roll her eyes. "The only reason you were even able to get it at all was because Eira helped... or did you conveniently forget we were outnumbered back then?" she retorts, and by that point, Fang would proceed to click his tongue before finally taking one bite into his sandwich.

    "Tch... hay to 'weat the 'mall puff..." he mumbles through a mouthful of buttered ciabatta bread and beef. Once Fang finishes swallowing his food, though, he'll sheepishly sigh, ignoring the grossed out look on Eryn's face. "But I guess you were a big help too... thanks for having my back, Eira."

Was it callous self-indulgence that drove Fang to make such open declarations of others? Such as calling a former Heavenly Czar a pupil? It made little sense to her how someone of his character seemed to gather others under his lead. Sadly, it would be a bold-faced lie to say that it didn’t make her curious of the otherwise lackadaisical man. Not that she’d ever admit it. Especially to him.

"Oh please, Eira, place more trust in your comrades, mm?"

At least Eryn was more palatable to logical reasoning. Eira's own Fairy partner, Vidahl, would sooner harp on the instrument than the performance. Was there not amusement enough in how the battle went down? A sound victory. Easy for the goat-horned gentleman to say.

“I would have much preferred to speak to them myself.” Goddess knew that the woman was capable of going beyond verbal lashings, if her short time working alongside Fang and his group of fencers hadn’t made such a thing clear enough. “Had it not been for Fang's… loyal disciples… I’d be giving chase rather than standing here. Opportunities like this shouldn’t be wasted. And…” And Fang proceeds to do the clear opposite, merited it may somewhat be, the silver-haired woman sighs through her nostrils.

To think- that by casting her lot with the opposition in the name of finding the truth about Dorfa and her family's involvement, she now found herself working alongside this bizarrely eccentric cast of characters. In need of proper guidance and leadership. While entirely unwilling to heed it. Ugh.

“It's unwise to underestimate Paiga simply due to his pathetic capacity for combat. Power won’t be everything in dealing with Dorfa. Information is just as important. As are connections. Which is why I—tch, never mind!” She’ll go in circles at this rate.

But, at the very least, Eira does take a seat nearby, letting the adrenaline and aftermath dissipate as her Fairy unlinks from the weapon and takes a leisurely spot elsewhere. He grins knowingly about the situation, but lets it go. The intensity from before now long simmered into something more palatable for all. Now, the woman looks more tired, curious glance cast to the side at Fang.

“You're always thinking about eating. Dare I ask what you even put on that sandwich?" She looks curious about it, to say the least. "Well. You do deserve some degree of appreciation, acquiring the Fury from Dorfa as you did. So. Good work.”

[cuuno-moved]

did you ever finish the oc story? i love them a lot

oh fuck, i did!

here:

It was Acamar's idea, of course.

It had been so excited about it, insisting on surprising the other two, and refusing to tell them what the big surprise was.

Rose had been less than optimistic.

"Being lured by a strange adult in a mask into the woods," He muttered bitterly. "Sounds fun."

"It's a veil, not a mask," Acamar said, its voice deep and grating and endlessly patient. "And I'm no stranger than you."

"Besides, what better things do you have to be doing?" Cilantro hissed by his side, and he jolted a little as the rodent slipped into pace with him. "You say you have been spending too much time inside, yes?"

"I could have messaged Noel. Or Glyphie and Cal. Hell, I could have just gone on a walk alone."

"But they cannot provide you with this much joy," Cilantro muttered, with what sounded like a rare hint of sarcasm. "An hour in the woods and you haven't stopped whining. Whine whine whine."

Rose opened his mouth to argue, but Acamar raised a hand, stopping dead in its tracks. "We're here."

Here looked to be a tiny clearing, with a campfire and a table with three chairs in the center. On the table was a little wooden case.

"Let me guess," Rose said, dryly. "There's a decapitated head in the case."

"No," Acamar sighed, exasperated. "It's a tea set. We're here for a tea party."

"I don't like tea," Declared Cilantro. "May I go home?"

"No," Snapped Acamar, grabbing the back of Cilantro's cape with one hand and Rose's hand with the other. "Let's go. Tea party time."

It sat them down at the table, daintily opening the tea set. It was lovely, very clearly Dawnish in origin, with elegant gold details on the cream colored set. Rose found himself impressed, despite his best efforts to be unmoved.

Cilantro seemed to feel the same. "Honeybee, how much did this cost you?"

"Oh, not much," Acamar shrugged, obviously lying. "It was just lying around, I'd figured I'd put it to good use."

It lit the campfire, setting a golden kettle over it and brought out a bottle of water, making a show of pouring it in.

Cilantro and Rose made eye contact.

"Mid life crisis." Rose mouthed.

"Senile." Cilantro breathed in the same second.

Acamar glanced at them, obviously having heard them, but it did nothing about it. What could it even say? It was more than twice Rose's age, and while they weren't exactly sure how old Cilantro was, it was likely a good bit older.

"So, what kind of tea do you guys want?" It rumbled, clapping its hands, although its gloves all but muted the gesture. "I've got green, black, chai, herbal…"

"Have you, by chance, any lettuce?" Cilantro asked.

"Lettuce… lettuce tea?"

"Yes."

Acamar looked between Cilantro and Rose, who shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "Um. No I don't think I do."

"Shame. I'll see myself out." Cilantro began to rise, but was grabbed by the cloak by Rose.

"I think the fuck not," The human snapped. "It's family time."

"Family?" The rodent spit the word like a slur. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Family is when there's a group of people who are usually related -" Acamar began, but was cut off by Cilantro practically hissing at it.

"I know what a family is, you stupid imbecile. I meant what Rosalyn meant by calling us a family."

"Well, it makes sense. Acamar is the dad. I'm it's kid. You're our pet rat-"

"-I am not a rat-"

"-Rose, be nice-"

"-I was joking, I was joking," Rose said, then, quietly: "Kinda."

"Wait, you see me as a father figure?" Acamar said, flattered, taking the kettle from the fire. "That's awfully sweet of you."

"Well," Rose shrugged. "I mean, it's whatever."

Cilantro huffed. "I am not a rat."

"Okay, you're my sibling then."

"I don't wish to be your sibling," Cilantro said, firmly. "I wish to be disconnected from this inane house play."

"Too late," Acamar said, removing the whistling kettle from the fire. "I'm your father now."

Cilantro's tail thrashed unhappily, but the rodent didn't say anything as Acamar poured some water into a tea pot.

"I'm just going to make some green tea, if either of you want anything different-"

"Wait, I want chai-" Rose said, abruptly.

"-You can keep your mouths shut." Acamar finished. "We just need to let this brew for a few minutes."

"Have you brought any grain?" Cilantro said, teeth clicking as bulging yellow eyes searched the table. "As a snack."

"Yes, I do. A bag of barley for you, a box of biscuits for me and a tub of raspberries for Rose."

"You really thought of everything, didn't you?" Rose said, impressed.

"Well, it is a special occasion."

Immediately both Rose and Cilantro froze, staring at each other. A special occasion? Surely it couldn't be Acamar's birthday, that was in the Autumn.

Right?

"You've forgotten, haven't you," Acamar says, and it doesn't sound disappointed or even surprised. "Both of you."

"Happy-" Cilantro starts, before falling silent again. "Merry-?"

Acamar laughs, pouring the tea into their cups, adding a dash of cream and a single sugar to its own. "Think hard. What is it today?"

"It's… Tuesday?" Rose asks.

"Wrong, it's Wednesday. What else?"

"It's… August 3rd?"

"And what happens next week?"

"Goblin City school starts?" Rose guessed.

"And what did we do last year to celebrate your last week of Summer?"

Rose snapped, sitting upright. "We went to the river bank in Sanctuary and found Cilantro."

Cilantro looked up from lapping at the tea like a dog to blink at them. "Me?"

"Cilantro, it's your birthday!" Rose beamed at his friend, who's nose twitched in confusion.

"It is not, my birthday is in the month of May-"

"It's the anniversary of us finding you," Acamar said, softly. "It's your… your found day."

"I was found before then," Cilantro mutters, but both of them spot the blush crawling up furry cheeks. "I do not need coddling."

"Let us celebrate," Rose said, exasperated. "You've made the last year a hell and a half, you owe us."

"Well here is not where I want to be either-!"

Acamar leaned in, pressing it's lower face to the top of Cilantro's head with an audible "Mwah!" and the rodent's mouth snapped shut.

"We're happy you're here," Acamar said, softly, gathering Cilantro in its arms and squeezing. "Thank you for everything."

Rose stood too, rubbing his knuckles against Cilantro's head and laughing as he was snapped at. "Yeah, for real. You really do mean a lot to us."

Cilantro blushed a little deeper, muttering something in Spanish and wiggling halfheartedly, but ended up giving in.