#i originally wanted to do this for cherry and joe

[sebdoesthings]

Sorry but this post was made for them

[gardening-guy]

life update 02/10/25 - gardening, seed starting, website, markets, etc etc

things have been super hectic and busy busy busy but i wanted to do a big update on life stuff so hereeeee we goooooo

so i did a market yesterday yippee!!! i had a lot of fun and even though i spent more than i made, i still believe it was a success and very worth it! here's photos of our booth, because i teamed up with two of my friends! one provided art prints, keychains, and stickers to sell while the other sold bead bracelets and crochet pieces! and lil ol' me sold my plants and paintings as usual!

i was really proud of our setup, and it looked great! i now own the canopy, a-frame sign, and the smaller table because i got them for free from a local closing business. it's sad that they're shutting down, but i'm thankful they gave me so much great stuff to use for markets! in the future, i hope to improve my setup even more - i saw a couple other outdoor vendors with rugs and racks and hanging curtains, and i might try some of those ideas in the future too!

i also started my new job at a local creative reuse center! my official job title is reuse & education specialist, which means i manage front-end store operations, process donations, coordinate with volunteers, assist with educational outreach and events, and more! it's been really fun honestly, and we get so many cool and weird donations! here's quite a few that i snagged photos of (the haunted doll's name is patty lmaooo)!

i also started working in the garden a bit during the couple of warm days we'd been having! i know i probably shouldn't have, but i did buy some new bags of soil to put down for those original flower beds i made up against my back deck. i also bought these window boxes forever ago that i intended on putting on the back deck railing, and so i finally started filling them with dirt and seeds that need to be cold-stratified, so i'm hopeful they'll grow? maybe, idk and don't really have a lot of experience with cold stratification other than knowing you can refridgerate seeds that need it.

i also have hopeful, tentative plans for the front yard flower beds i was working on a while ago, so i'll update you on that if i end up working on it. but in the meantime, here are the photos from my backyard.

in the window box planters that are now on the deck, i planted one with lavender seeds, one with poppy seeds, and one with cilantro seeds (i know these don't need cold stratification but i had handfuls of just loose seeds that fell out of the packet and there were SO MUCH loose seeds that i just threw them into the pot tbh). i also did throw down some more cold stratification seeds on that dirt that i placed, i think i planted: lavender, bee balm, assorted poppies, st. john's wort, joe pye weed, and white yarrow! i kinda just sprinkled them out as much as i could throughout the soil, so hopefully they grow? i'm kinda just messing around tbh. my violas are also still going on strong, and my butterfly bush will get up-potted in the late spring i think!

i've also been starting seeds indoors!

they're all nicely labeled and i also admittedly started a bunch of sweetie cherry tomatoes just bc i'm *eager* okay i want to be back in the garden so badly!!!

i'm not able to upload more photos into this post, but this is mostly everything that's been going on! things have been good honestly, even though i got sick with the flu for a bit! i hope you're all doing well!

[starletdust]

oh my goddess I just saw that you do sk8 stuff nowww!!! :DD could I get some little Miya headcanons with Joe and Cherry as his CG? but take your time and don’t overwork yourself of course, I know you’re busy and have a lot in progress <3 /gen

𓏵 little miya & cg cherry + joe hcs !! ❀

yesyesyes i am obsessed with sk8 !!!! so sorry that this took so long ╥﹏╥ new layout because consistency is boring and i think the last one was ugly .. i do kinda want a consistent // overall color scheme thou , but i think my blog theme changes too much for that :3

pretty short because i’ve already made one of these sillies >< but i tried to keep them different from my other post !!

❀ ⋆. miya originally called cherry and joe ‘mom and dad’ as a joke , but it ended up being a comfort for him ໒꒰ྀི ∩ ⸝⸝ ∩ ꒱ྀིა his caregivers happily fit the role , though !!

★ ⋆. joe makes miya lots of comfort foods when he’s little , so he can enjoy the taste of something homeade and not microwaved meals ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝) and dinners together !

⤷ joe and cherry stick with miya together as much as they can , and are always showerin him in affection !!!

𖧷 ⋆. miya loves movie nights !! they don’t usually watch his pick because joe and cherry know it’ll be too much for the kiddo , but they know his favorites and what keeps him quiet /silly ^w^

☆ ⋆. miya is such a spoiled tiny , always getting little gifts from his caregivers ( sometimes as a bribe for something ) (っω⊂) he keeps most of his stuff at either sia la luce or joe / cherry’s place , but rest assured he has a small horde of toys and stuffed animals at his own home , too !

i hjate physics so nuch why is it like that can you be normal

gaaaaaackg sorry if this seems rushed or stinky or anything . hhrhrrrrjrjrbgb

@twinypwupy

[ao3feed-matchablossom]

If You Give a Chef a Kid You Get

by W3R1DC0R3_W3R1D0S Kojiro finds a kid at the back dumpster in Sia La Luca, so what does he do? Adopt it of course. Aka Matchablossom parents au (Gonna try and make a challenge for myself and post every other week/every month) Words: 1193, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: SK8 the Infinity (Anime) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen, M/M Characters: Higa Hiromi | Shadow, Nanjo Kojiro | Joe, Sakurayashiki Kaoru | Cherry Blossom, Kyan Reki, Chinen Miya, Hasegawa Langa, Original Characters, Original Trans Character(s), Eli Yuki Nanjo (OC), Ángel Marco Pérez (OC) Relationships: Nanjo Kojiro | Joe/Sakurayashiki Kaoru | Cherry Blossom, Hasegawa Langa/Kyan Reki, Nanjo Kojiro | Joe & OC, Sakurayashiki Kaoru | Cherry Blossom & OC, OC/OC Additional Tags: Might add Adam and his freak later, Original Character(s), Fluff, Angst, MatchaBlossom, Matchablossom but they’re parents, Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Joe is a fantastic parent, Cherry is the “I don’t want a cat” type dad, renga, Renga is there eventually, Dont question the age difference between Eli and his parents, Adoption, but not legally, will add tags as I go along, Possibly OOC, Joe is bilingual because he went to Italy, No beta read we die like Eli’s mom, Eli is pronounced as Ellie source https://archiveofourown.org/works/64916971

[lesbiansagainsttheatre]

(for the "old and cynical" ask game at {YOUR TUMBLR}/769155284090355712)

How about 2, 3, 10, 23, 32, aaaaaaaaaand the multiples of 7? If that's too many (i like yapping and hearing other people yap lol), cherry pick the ones you have the most interesting answers for!

2. What is the oldest musical you love?

know it's also considered an operetta but probably pirates of penzance

3. What is the newest musical you love?

probably six i had to see if it or the grinning man premiered most recently.

10. What is your favourite non-English musical?

i'm gonna be real i am unfortunately a loser who hasn't ever really gotten into non-english musicals so i guess schikaneder by default bc it's the only one i've ever really listened too. sorry for being an anglophone. oh wait i have fucked with the original french les mis too.

23. What's a song you love from a musical you don't otherwise like?

don't care for beetlejuice but i do like creepy old guy

32. Talk about the worst production of a musical you like that you've seen.

okay while i now have more negative opinions of it recently but it will forever have a special place in my heart bc i saw it in previews in new york, a local production of something rotten. mostly because it was trying to be a broadway replica too much and i've read peter brook's the empty space too many times for school so now i have strong feeling's about what brook terms "the deadly theatre" and man now i can't stand theatre that just tries to be what has already been successful and placate audiences with mediocrity instead of anything new and timely or what brook calls "the immediate theatre". all this is to say read the empty space by peter brook it was the first real theatre theory i read and it completely rewired my brain. my copy is highlighted to hell and back.

7. Who is your favourite musical theatre actor?

ooooooh this is a hard one for me to pick. actually that's a lie no it's not it's bernadette peters hands down queen of musical theatre and also making me a homosexual!

14. What is your favourite act 2 opener?

okay i had to think about this one but i have to go no one remember's achmed from twisted joe walker you will always be famous bbygirl

21. What is your favourite trio?

easy you could drive a person crazy from company!

28. What's a musical that you saw ages ago that you're still not over? What about it made you love it so much?

okay it's not ages ages ago but the recent jesus christ superstar tour specifically for the way they did king herod's song <3

33. Talk about a performance in a role that you can't forget.

okay it's kinda a movie musical but forgive me for this bernadette peters in cinderella (1997) bc it was my lesbian awakening

40. Talk about something musical-related that annoys you.

okay so i kinda hate that people feel compelled to clap as the only way to signify appreciating/being impacted by a work of theatre/a performance. this comes out most for me with all you wanna do from six. i just think clapping for the song when it's done is not the reaction i have to the way it ends honestly i think it would be more meaningful to be in stunned silence afterwards considering the final chorus. any way go read peter brook again this time the chapter on the holy theatre for more info.

47. Is there a musical that you looked forward to seeing that disappointed you? Why did it fail to live up to your expectations?

nerdy prudes must die :( i created a version of it in my head while waiting for it to come out and it was not what i wanted it to be sowwy!

send me musical theatre asks

ty for the ask <3 i love to yap so i appreciate the excuse!

[danceofthephilos]

Ichiro Okouchi Interview (SK8 the Infinity Official Guide Book)

Skateboarding was the peak of fun.

Series Composition & Screenwriter Ichiro Okouchi*

*(though his name is romanized "Ohkouchi" in the book, I'm choosing to write it "Okouchi" as he is usually called in English-language sources.)

PROFILE

Screenwriter and novelist. He was in charge of the series composition and screenplays for major works such as Lupin the Third PART 5, Princess Principal, and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, among others.

—First, how are you feeling now that episode 12 has finished airing?

FAN & FUN! In working on this series, I myself became a FAN of it, and it was a FUN series to create.

—Could you give us your honest impressions of what you thought when you heard the outline for the series?

When I heard it was an original work by Director Utsumi, I accepted right then. Utsumi-san's series have been so enjoyable to watch, after all. I only heard definitively that it was going to be a skateboarding anime after that. I had never ridden a skateboard before, but working with Utsumi-san was so appealing that I wasn't anxious in the slightest.

—Do you have any favorite episodes, or scenes that left an impression on you?

Episode 2 might be the one that made the most lasting impression on me. How I imagined episode 2 and the episode 2 the director wanted to create were different, so it was the episode that made me think, "Ah, it's this kind of series," and solidified the "image" of SK8 the Infinity in my heart. Thinking back on it, it was an important episode.

—Were there any episodes or behind-the-scenes developments that you hated to cut? (lit. "cut while crying")

There are! But, I can't say definitively that we won't use them in the future, so they're secret!

—Do you have a favorite character? Could you explain your reason why?

I like all of them, so it's difficult to single one out. Langa is dazzling, I love him. Reki, I understand your feelings! MIYA is a good kid who diligently worries about others. Shadow, I'm glad you grew up into a lovable character. Joe is an incredible adult, and if I were a woman I'd fall in love with him. Cherry Blossom might be the most pure-hearted. ADAM is the most incredible heel character, and elevated this work to the next level. Kikuchi, please keep supporting Ainosuke from now on!

—Could you tell us your impressions of the voice cast?

Of course everyone's performances were excellent, and the arrangement and balance of the youth and adult groups was wonderful too.

—Can you tell us about the appeal of skateboarding we felt in the series?

As the line in the series goes, "fun!" is what it's about. Not just when you're skating yourself, but talking to your friends, seeing your buddies' tricks, diligently practicing, and falling down are all fun. I interviewed all kinds of skaters, and it was striking how all of them made even the painful parts sound fun.

—Could you tell us any stories you would like to include in a spin-off?

I already wrote two spin-off scripts for the Blu-ray and DVD bonus CDs, so if possible, I'd like to write a continuation of the original work next.

—Do you have any anecdotes about Okinawa, the setting for the series?

The production staff and I all took our skateboards and went on a location hunt around Okinawa. It was spring, but it was already incredibly hot, and we had to scramble to buy hats. In that brightly saturated scenery, skateboarding was the peak of fun.

—If "S" opened in the real world, what part do you think you'd be most interested in?

I'd be happy to be an irresponsible spectator. But I'd at least like to try participating by Adam dragging me by the leg around a corner. (laughter)

—Can you send a message to all the fans who loved SK8 the Infinity?

Thank you so much for watching and loving SK8 the Infinity! The responses echoed stronger and stronger with each episode and filled all of us creators with strength. It was a work where we could feel the strength of everyone's support in a way that's only possible in this era of social media. I'm grateful!

(from SK8 the Infinity OFFICIAL GUIDE BOOK, released December 22nd 2021)

[keiraaaaaaaaaaxxx]

ALL ABOUT ✨ME✨

(This is gonna be song f*cking long but anyways...)

LAST UPDATED: 02/01/2025

You can call me Keira, Keir for short, Bear (idk where tf the nickname "bear" came from 🤔) some ppl also call me Nikki (My middle name is Nicole so makes sense ig!)

I am a September girly and Im a virgo ♍️ 🌻🧸🍂✨

I am 5''4 (✨short queen✨)

My gender is Demi girl / Androgynous 🩷💜🩵 (Idk which one 🫠)

She/Them Pronouns but any except for "It" is fine 🥰

I am Queer 🏳️‍🌈 (I don't like labels ngl)

Im an ISFP whatever that is so thats pretty cool ig

My eyes are Green 🐍

I have Curly, ginger, medium length hair (I dyed it ginger and permed it lol, my real colour is blonde!) 👩🏼‍🦰

I play guitar, ukulele and I played piano in the past! 🎸

Blue, cherry red, black and purple are my fav colours! 🫐🍒🪻🐈‍⬛

90s Grunge/70s glam rock/80s aesthetic (Im kinda my own aesthetic ngl cuz I mix all of these!)

Im not gonna show my face but I look a little something like this:

My Fav genre of music is Rock

Genres I like are Rock, pop rock, grunge, alt, pop punk, disco, glam rock, 60s/70s/80s 💿

my Fav singers are:

★Taylor Swift

★Michael Jackson (my love 😍)

★David Bowie

★Chappell Roan

★Madonna

My fav bands are:

★Green day (Billie Joe my love 😍😍)

★Queen

★Kiss

★Bon Jovi

★Nirvana

my Fav song ever is Everybody wants to rule the world ~ Tears for Fears 😍

my Fav song at the moment is Parents ~ YUNGBLUD 🖤

my Fav song to play on guitar is Rebel Rebel ~ David Bowie 👨‍🎤

my Fav album ever is Kerplunk ~ Green Day (Oml that is a no skip album, im obsessed! 😍😍)

my Fav food is Mac n Cheese! 🤤🧀

my Fav drink is this mocktail I make called a "Ziggy Stardust" (im obsessed with Bowie ik!) It is sprite with cherry syrup, vanilla syrup and blue sugar around the rim. It's so good pls try it! 😋🍒

my Fav dessert is COOKIE DOUGH ICE CREAM!!! 🤤🤤

my Fav Show is Young Sheldon but I also rly like reality shows like dance moms and supernanny! 📺

my Fav sport is Dance 🕺🪩

my Fav book is Heartstopper 🍃

my Fav shops are Lush, temu, amazon, backstage originals 🛍️

Do I write fanfic? Yh I do, it's so cringe 😩

my Fav swear word is f*ck off

my Fav emojis are 😍, ☺️ or 🎸

my Fav Video game is I don't rly play video games, but I do like retro 80s arcade games like pac man and space invaders! ���

I have 1 friend 😭 (im lonely!)

I am in a relationship!!!!! 😆🥰

My ✨HYPER FIXATIONS✨

★The 80s: I just fucking love every thing abt the 80s, best decade ever! 😍

★MICHAEL JACKSON: MY FAV PERSON OF ALL TIME!!! I am actually in love with him, he is my soulmate (I MAY OR MAY NOT WEAR HIS INITIALS ON A CHAIN AROUND MY NECK IM DELULU ASF IK LET A GIRL DREAM!!) 🥰

★Alvin and the Chipmunks: My fav comfort show/movie of all time! I've loved it since I was 7 so I can't unlove them now! 🐿️

★Halloween: IT IS MY FAV HOLIDAY OF ALL TIME OMFG WHY IS IT SO FUN???? 🎃🎃🎃

★Joan Jett: UMMM HELLO??? HOW HAVE I OVERLOOKED FOR FOR SO LONG??? I literally luv her music so much and she is so fine like helppp! 😩

TOP 5 MOVIES:

★Alvin and the Chipmunks (The OG one) 🐿️

★School of Rock 🎸

★Bohemian Rhapsody 🎶

★Grease 💃

★Mean Girls 💋

Celebrity crushes:

★Michael Jackson

★Freddie Mercury

★David Bowie

★Chappell Roan

★Billie Joe Armstrong

★Joan Jett

M Y M O O T S 💕

@iiiidiotnathanieliii

@ziggy-stardust-is-in-love (My day one fan ilyyyy 🫶)

@pirulated

@leoluvsbilkyjo

MY PARTNER... ALEX 😘

they are literally the best person in the world, im head over fucking heels for them! 🥰💖 (They are offline 99.999999% of the time but THEY HAVE AN ACCOUNT NOW!!!!)

@i-heart-music38902

MY SOCIALS 📱

SPOTIFY:

(WARNING: CRINGY SHIT ON MY SPOTIFY CUZ IVE HAD THIS ACCT SINCE I WAS LIKE 8 💀)

PINTEREST:

I don't post if u wanna look at my boards or follow me, it's here! 🥰

PRONOUNS PAGE:

NO DONATIONS!!! I AM BROKEEEEE!!!!!

Also pls don't be creepy (Im a minor aged 12-15 for gods sake and I will block and report you!)

Pls do not follow me if you are a homophobe, transphobe, r*cist, tr*mp fan, n*zi or basically any form of arsehole!

So yeah thats about everything I can think of! 🥰 I was so bored rn and idk wtf to post sooo this is it!!!!!

Luv y'all!

♥️🖤🎸🤘

[kudouusagi]

Here's a rough translation of the PV.... it's mostly just random words from the characters it's not very coherent so it's hard to translate it really.

Cherry: Something... Joe: Isn't there something...? Reki: My passion.... adam: Loyalty... huh? Joe: Serious... huh? Reki: Seriously!? Langa: I can't tell if this is amazing or not? Miya: It's not unclear! (maybe. depends on context) Joe: We're going to decide this now. Cherry: Can't be serious about everything Tadashi: I leave it to you (or please) Langa: I want to try Reki: 3... 2... 1... then let's do it? Reki: I'm back my best base(??) skate park Joe: I can keep going! Cherry: So can I! Adam: Originality Joe: This is the last one Adam: Aesthetic Miya: Goodbye Adam: Balance Miya: That's(this?) is how you(he?) say(s?) it(?) (again... lack of context lol) Adam: And... Miya: Love again Shadow: Thank you!

NEW SK8 OVA PV

[cherryblossomsandhydrangeas]

The Cultivation of the Hydrangea - Prologue

Read the Prompt [Here]

You can also read this on my Wordpress.

Tags: Single Father Kaoru, Trans Sakurayashiki Kaoru, Canon Typical Violence, Canon Divergence, Full Swing Kiss Aftermath, Hurt/Comfort, Trauma, Panic Attacks, Adam Canon Characteristics, Familial Reconciliation, Food as a love language, Gift giving as a love language, Original Characters, Slow Romance, Accidental Pregnancy

Relationships: Endgame MatchaBlossom, Past LoveBlossom, Platonic Nanako & Kaoru, Platonic Hiromi & Kojiro & Kaoru, Platonic Kaoru & OCs

Trigger Warnings: Physical & Mental Child Abuse, Transphobia, Misgendering, Child Neglect, Pedophilia, Ableism Note: (The beginning of all scenes with triggers will be marked with a -X-)

Word Count: 11,544

Time to Read: 64 Minutes

Chapter Summary: The infamous beef between Adam and Cherry Blossom draws near, along with the end of life as Joe knows it.

“I think I'll take the Osso Buco tonight. And a glass of Lafite if you will.”

“Oh, feeling fancy tonight, aren't we four eyes?” Kojiro huffed as he wrote down the order, a small wisp of a smile dancing on his lips as he passed it through the window to the kitchen for one of the line cooks, Tagawa Rioto, to take. The chef rested his forearms across the bar and whispered, ���Early celebration before your beef with Adam?”

Kaoru scoffed, leaning back in his chair, “No. Just wanted to try something different, that's all.”

It was a night just like many other nights. Sakurayashiki Kaoru had found himself drifting through the luscio vetro doors of Sia La Luce as the last of the dinner rush's customers filtered out the establishment, bellies full from delicious meals and tongues stained from decadent wines. He's seated in his usual seat, twiddling with his fan while the busboys cleaned the dining tables and the manager and sous chef counted down the registers.

“Still. Didn't even settle for the Tomato Risotto, the Crab Ravioli, or hell, even the Pasta Puttanesca." The smile dropped from Kojiro's face. “Are you worried about Saturday?”

Worried, or perhaps the man's anxiety was beginning to overwhelm him? The previous weekend, everyone at S was bursting at the seams for the titular beef between the gallantly Matador of Love and the ice demeanored AI Skater, but a singular phone call had destroyed the tense yet exciting atmosphere of the tournament.

“What?!" Kojiro remembered Adam snarling into his phone, his grip on the device near-shattering. The god of the mountain had been disgruntled ever since he pulled Cherry Blossom's card from the selection box, his reluctance to race the pink-haired ninja ever evident as his normal pre-battle peacocking was nowhere to be found.

Adam's brows had pinched; his lips fell into a repulsed frown. Whoever was on the other end of the line was obviously delivering some very unwelcome information.

“Ugh," Adam sighed before picking up his board and flipping it over his shoulder. “God help me. Fine, doggy, I'm coming. Be a dear and have my suit ready, will you?”

The little beep as he hung up seemed to echo around the now silent starting line. Adam turned to Cherry Blossom.

“Sorry, Cherry darling, looks like our little rendezvous will have to wait. You know just as well as I do that we can't just ignore when duty calls," the matador said and shrugged in response to the rosy haired man's raised brow.

The S Gallery started to moan in disappointment, “No way!s”, “Come on!s”, and “Are you fucking kidding me?s” coming out from all around.

“You could just forfeit here and now," Cherry Blossom had said cooly, crossing his arms as Adam took a small step towards him. “It would save you the embarrassment of losing later.”

Some of the gallery gasped. Some even whistled and crowed at the audacity.

Adam had grinned, “Hah, cute, but no. You're not going to ruin this for me, Cherry. Besides, you've been vying to beef with me for so long, it'd be so horribly pathetic if I didn't finally grant your wish.”

“Tch," Cherry had glared as the man walked past him.

As two capmen opened up the gates for their boss to pass through, Adam suddenly turned around and held his arms out wide.

“Fear not, everyone~" a lilt had made it back into his voice. “While I sadly must depart, I assure you the tournament will resume as soon I deal with a couple annoyances.”

Adam clicked his heels. “Oh yes, I can see it now, can't you? Sparks to fire, fire to ash, enmity running through our very bones, through our very flesh. Oh, the tracks will be flush and full with our passion!”

As it was whenever Adam showered the mountain's occupants with his baritone voice, the S Gallery was enraptured and triggered into a vigorous furor. Cheers, screams, and chants were abound. Boards were held aloft, high over skater's heads like flags waving in the wind. The fan groups came to life, injecting the mountain air with bolts of fanatical energy.

“Hell yeah, Adam!”

“You got this, Cherry!”

“Cherry-sama, don't lose!”

“Can't wait, Adam!”

“Adam!”

“Cherry!”

“Adam!”

“Cherry!”

“Adam!”

“Cherry!”

As the crowd's rowdy screams grew louder, the matador's grin grew wider, his fangs on full display for all to see. He clicked his heels again, and the wind slid in to pick up his cape as he twirled round. As he walked out of the iron gates- a black sedan waiting for him on the other side- he gave a few final, foreboding words of departure. They still echoed in Kojiro's mind even now.

“Next Saturday. The Parable of Sakura!”

“It's not Saturday I'm worried about," Kaoru muttered as he set his fan down on the bar. “I've had a rough week.”

“What happened? Difficult client?" Kojiro asked.

“It's nothing I can't handle," Kaoru replied, pausing as a server, Oshiro-san, came bearing two wine glasses and a 1996 vintage.

“Thanks, Hirohito," Kojiro smiled as he accepted the glasses. “Don't worry about the rest of those dishes, I'll get them. And tell Jona that after she plates the polenta she can leave as well. I'll take care of this freeloader," he continued with a smirk in Kaoru's direction.

The calligrapher rolled his eyes. “Oshiro-san, I must thank you for constantly putting up with this bumbling oaf of a man. Though, perhaps the paycheck is why you tolerate him?”

Hirohito smiled, having grown used to the two's banter a long time ago. “It's nothing, sensei. Chef's always been good to me, so I like to stand by him as much as I can.”

Kojiro laughed, “See, now that's what we call loyalty, four eyes. I'd imagine you'd kill to see an employee show you that.”

The server chuckled, “But the pay's good too," and headed back into the kitchen to finish the night's duties with his coworkers.

As a betrayed look fell upon his friend's face, Kaoru snickered, “Aww, gonna cry?”

The restaurant owner flipped him the bird as his sous chef and manager shut the drawers on the registers and walked over to him.

“Deposit bag's in the safe," the manager, Uehara-san, said as she slid the night's paperwork into the pocket of Kojiro's apron. “I'm gonna head out early tonight, see you Chef, sensei.”

“Goodnight, Uehara-san." Kaoru nodded at her while Kojiro said, “Night Sayuri.”

As the manager hurried out the door, the head chef slapped a hand on his sous chef's shoulder.

“Thanks again for coming tonight, Miyoko," Kojiro said earnestly. “I got a text from Teijo a couple hours ago; his plane is still delayed. Possibly going to be stuck in Osaka for a couple more days until the storm clears.”

“I needed a few extra hours anyway," Miyoko shrugged as the rest of their coworkers filtered out the back.

“Polenta's plated, Chef!“ Jona smiled. “Nice to see you again, sensei.”

“Likewise," Kaoru waved in their direction. “I hope all of you have a good night.”

“Thanks, sensei!" many replied in unison. “See you tomorrow, Chef!" the employees of Sia La Luce called as they left the two alone.

Kojiro waved them off as he spoke, “Now, what exactly is making you so tired?“ and popped open the bottle of Lafite to fill the pink-haired man's glass.

“I told you it's nothing I couldn't handle." Kaoru reached over and swirled the glass in his hands. “Just the usual.”

“Which usual? Client who doesn't know what they really want usual or client who wants to get inside your yukata usual?”

“Both wrapped in one," Kaoru grunted before taking a sip from his glass.

“Oh geez, “Kojiro shook his head, his curly, forest green locks threatening to come loose from their tie. “Let me go check on dinner while you get into it.”

The calligrapher sighed, “It's not much to talk about. He has a party coming up so he wants me to make a banner, but he doesn't know what he wants the banner to say, so I've been spitballing ideas waiting for him to say yea when he's constantly saying nay." He took another sip of wine. “It'd go a bit faster if he didn't get distracted trying to look down my collar.”

“He's not gonna see much other than your binder.”

“They think if they keep trying they'll get me on a day when I'm not wearing it.”

“He's gonna have to see you on an off day for that. And honestly, he's kinda sounding like the type of client you reject after the first time.” Kojiro pondered for a second. “Unless this one happens to be your type. Maybe after his commission he can make up for some of the stress he's caused you.”

“You know I don't do one night stands, you pig.”

“Hey, I'm just saying, maybe you'll get a full night's sleep for once.”

“I sleep well enough, thank you,“ Kaoru retorted.

“We both know that's not true," Kojiro countered through the window. “Seriously, you're trying to hide it, but I can see you've used concealer under your eyes.”

Kaoru's fingers hovered over his face, inches above his tired eyelids. “Fine, so I was up late a couple nights, but it wasn't because of this client. It's nothing too serious.”

Kojiro's voice sounded a bit off from the other side of the kitchen. “You sure?”

“Positive,“ Kaoru responded.

“Really positive? Cause if something's bothering you right now I think it's fair to use the same excuse Adam did. If he tries to make you forfeit I'll just call him out on his bullshit.”

“Thanks, but I intend to settle everything this Saturday. Besides, I don't think the Gallery would tolerate another abrupt ending to the tournament like that.”

Kojiro huffed, well aware of just how close the S Gallery got to city destroying ball sports fans when something ruined the electrifying energy of the mountain. He was about to give a word of assent, when suddenly, Kaoru's phone started to sing like a morning dove.

Kaoru retrieved his phone from his bag, eyes narrowing at the ID as he stood from his seat. “I have to take this. Be right back.”

“Take your time. I'm not going anywhere.”

“Hello?“ The calligrapher's voice drifted away as he walked to the front of the restaurant, the door letting off a little chime as he walked out.

Alone, Kojiro began to whistle, eyes utterly focused on the meal in front of him. Using a fork, he pierced one of the veal shanks, humming in approval as the tender meat easily gave way and broze broth trickled down into the simmering pot. Reaching over, he pulled the plates of plated polenta closer to him before reaching up and grabbing a ladle.

“I'm back, sorry about that,“ Kaoru said as he returned to his seat.

“What happened? Client cancel on you or something?”

“Not a client. It was just a friend calling, nothing serious.”

“Oh, a friend you say?“ the chef jested and smirked. “And here I thought you didn't do one-night stands.”

“I will fucking stab you in your own restaurant.”

Kojiro snickered. It wasn't every night that the calligrapher got a random call, but Kojiro never gave up the chance to tease his rosy-haired friend whenever a misdial or a telemarketer interrupted their nightly rituals.

“So, when you win, who do you think you'll go up against next?“ the chef asked, switching the conversation back.

“Don't know. It could be Shadow, it could be Snow, it could be this Snake, it's all chance anyway,“ Kaoru replied with a a shrug.

“You don't think Miya can beat Snake?”

“Miya's good.“ Kaoru frowned as he took another sip from his glass. “But, I don't think he's that good. Snake's experience will triumph over Miya's skill.”

“Yeah, well, I'm living proof that that's not exactly true.”

“Just because your technique's so sloppy that you could lose to a rookie doesn't mean everyone else will.”

“You of all people know that's no normal rookie!”

The two argued back and forth about their skating techniques as Kojiro plated the braised veal shanks and vegetables atop the polenta. Their conversation broke as he slide the plates onto a serving tray along with a basket full of the last of the day's fresh bread. He walked out of the kitchen, throwing open the door with a flourish and winked at his best friend.

Kaoru huffed, smiling into his glass.

As Kojiro set his plate down in front of him, the calligrapher suddenly jumped, eyes a bit wide. “Oh, I almost forgot, did you remember to give your okaasan the herbs I gave you?”

“Yeah, she made pesto pasta for herself and chichi one night, used the thyme for some cornish hens, think she said she was going to turn the lavender into syrup,“ Kojiro said as he sat down and picked up a fork to stab at his veal. “Can't believe my haha got you of all people to start an herb garden.”

“Perhaps I've learned the pleasure of nursing plants.”

“You can feel pleasure?”

“I could break this bottle of wine and ruin these counters, you do know that right?”

“Oh, and what are you gonna do when I have to replace them? Sit at the tables where people probably stick gum under?”

“I'm gonna throw veal on your chef whites.”

“I'll send you the receipts for the dry-cleaners.”

“You are insufferable,“ Kaoru pouted and shoved a forkful of veal, carrot, and polenta it into his mouth.

Kojiro chuckled, reaching over for the Lafite to fill his own wine glass.

“So, you prepared to wipe the track with him?”

“Everything is going to be fine, Kouki. You don't have to worry so much.”

“I know, Raki. It's just...it's him you know.”

“You don't have to remind me again.”

Kojiro reached for a piece of bread, and Kaoru reached for his glass once more.

“Hey, Kouki?“ Kaoru called as he drained the last of his Lafite.

“Yeah?”

“After this beef with Adam. I...I have something I need to tell you.”

“Why can't you just tell me right now?”

“Because you-because...it just has to be after.”

“Is it something bad?”

“No, not bad per se, but it may be a bit shocking.”

“Hmm, are you secretly planning to elope to Canada with that Kurihara guy?”

“What?! Kojiro, that man was older than my sofu!”

“Really? Cause with the way he was coming onto you, you'd think he was at least in his fifties.”

“He was not coming onto me; he's just really passionate about the history of calligraphy. He was complementing my stroke work.”

“Oh yeah, I'm sure those were the “long lines and lustrous curves” he was talking about.”

“Oh my god, shut up!”

“Make me!”

--

As the last of the lights to Sia La Luce blinked off, the engine of his panel van came to life with a dissonant hum.

“Carla, please play Car Soundtrack 7.”

“Okay, Master. Playing Car Soundtrack 7.”

He started off. Darkened buildings waved him down the road; bakeries with dead ovens, other restaurants, flashy clothing stores, and the like drifted by as they were enveloped by the shadows trailing behind the vehicle.

It didn't take long before he was driving by his temp studio and storage as well. The cherry blossom tree out front was dancing, twirling this way and that like a stout ballerina, her hair fanning out against the brisk winds of the night, the street lamps her spotlights and the moon and stars her ever captive audience.

“Incoming message from “Mongoose”," Carla interrupted the soft tunes of the radio. “Don't stay up all night making out with Carla. It would be a shame if Sleeping Beauty lost the only two traits he was known for.”

“Carla, reply with a middle finger emoji.”

“Replying.”

For a few minutes, there was a back and forth of chimes between the two departed friends. Kojiro eventually sent his last goodbye and the song on the radio returned, the combined forces of Lafite and light piano chords lulling Kaoru into a meditative state.

Perhaps it was the calm night, perhaps it was the wine, perhaps it was the songs trilling through his mind, nevertheless, inadvertently, his mind wandered to the past.

"Are you going to break up with me?" the nineteen year old Kaoru asked.

His childhood room was both clean and messy in its own right, his own little haven of programming and engineering textbooks stacked up on the shelf closest to his desk, canvases and scrolls piled up in his closet, nearly spewing out the door, paints and inks and their smells clung heavily to the tatami mats and anything else that was laid out during the long sleepless nights of fights against anxiety attacks. That night, he'd laid in bed next to his second closest companion, the only light offered to them from his moon-shaped lamp on the left nightstand.

"Now, why would I do that?" Adam- no, Ainosuke- asked as he lazily flipped through the latest edition of his astronomy magazine. The blue-haired skater had always been somewhat interested in his little hobbies; it made him wonder if he didn't have his own stash of magazines at home.

Kaoru pursed his lips, his fingers curling around an errant string from his pillowcase. "You haven't wanted to come over like this in a while, and you haven't wanted to beef lately either; I was starting to think you'd gotten bored of me..." and immediately flushed when he looked up and caught a scarlet eye peeking over the edge of the magazine straight at his legs. He'd only been out of the bath for about five minutes when the signature tap tap tapping against his window meant that either his boyfriend or his best friend wanted entry and was in severe danger of falling from the cherry blossom tree's high branch that raked its fingers against the glass, so he'd hurriedly slipped on his bra, boxers, and a t-shirt to go let them in.

"My obasans have had me practicing for a violin recital," Ainosuke muttered as he set the magazine down next to the lamp. "I've been neglecting you. I'm sorry, darling."

"No, no!" Kaoru waved him off. "Family matters suck, I understand. For the past couple weeks my otoosan has been making me take tea with with a few of his business partners."

"Why?" Ainosuke raised a brow.

A sour looked came upon Kaoru's face. "He and my sofu have been "concerned" about my marriage prospects."

"Oh," the blue haired teen gave him an amused smirk. "And what are they like?"

"If you added yours, mine, and Kojiro's ages they still wouldn't be the same age as some of my "prospects"."

Ainosuke let out a loud, sharp laugh that filled the room and echoed down the hall. It was fine; Kaoru'd been the only resident in the house for the last couple of days anyway.

"Are you going to be the topic of those talk shows where people make fun of old men with young brides?" His eyes twinkled with mirth. "Or will you be on the front cover of a tabloid in a wedding dress?"

Kaoru snorted. "I'll jump off a bridge before I let anyone force me into a wedding dress."

Ainosuke huffed. "I think there's a better way to ruin your marriage prospects."

"How?"

In a flash of white, the other had thrown himself on top of him, his hands cradling either side of his head and a knee pressed between his legs. Kaoru's eyes widened a bit as he sunk down into freshly laundered cotten sheets.

"One thing I know all men hate," One hand had trailed inside his shirt to fiddle with the clasp of his bra. "is when they see something they want claimed by another man."

His bra was undone, and he gasped as that same hand slipped into his boxers. He reached up and started tugging on the other's jacket and turtleneck.

"You better not bite me too hard," "Kaoru grunted as his boyfriend leaned down to kiss his neck. "Kojiro called you a vampire last time he saw the mark you left."

"Maybe I am a vampire, and I'm claiming you as my mate."

"Oh, a creature of the night? And here I thought you were heaven-sent," Kaoru joked as he finally got the other's tops off and froze.

Both of Ainosuke's forearms were like a canvas, streaked with vibrant red strokes all the way up to his elbow. The last time he had seen them, they were a powdery pink, but these had been irritated, prodded, and scratched. Kaoru gently trailed his fingers along one of his forearms, and Ainosuke grew still.

The rosy-haired teen reached up to cradle his cheek. "One day, you have to promise to tell me about these, okay?"

In the dim lamplight of his bedroom, Ainosuke's eyes had always seemed brighter, like an ardent sun, fuller, like polished rubies. He stared down at him unblinking, and Kaoru stared back, unafraid and amorous.

"Fine."

Pulling him down, Kaoru pressed a gentle kiss against Ainosuke's lips. "Go on. Claim me."

The rest of their clothes were discarded on the floor as his boyfriend reached a hand under his mattress to retrieve a condom. Once more, they came together, hot and rough like asteroids, murmurs cool like comets sprang from their lips, with each thrust they became closer and closer.

"Ainosuke~"

"Look at me, darling. Don't focus on anything else. Not your family, not those old perverts, not even Joey. Just me. Keep all your attention on me."

After, they'd laid in his bed for a couple more hours, Ainosuke's head rested against his breasts, his breath even against his warm, sweat covered skin.

It'd be a sweet memory if he hadn't seen the man lead someone he'd called his Eve off a cliff just a week later.

It was a long thirty-five minute drive before he was moving by the larger atelier and driving into his garage. The radio shut down with a small chut; the engine shuttered before dying. He grabbed his bag, and when he climbed out of the driver's seat the estate greeted him as an old friend.

“Carla, what's the temperature for tomorrow?" Kaoru asked as he unlocked the door, the lights from the living room receiving him from the genkan.

“The temperature is estimated to be high 32*C (89*F) low 22*C (72*F) with a estimated 7% chance of rain. It is recommended to wear sunscreen along with your parasol.”

“And my schedule?" he said as he slipped off his zori, the sound of the television playing Akatsuki No Danuja went through his ears.

“You have a meeting at Kaede Cafe at 9:30am, you then slotted time between 10:45am and 12:45pm to grade your students' trimester projects, at 1:30pm you scheduled to meet with Yamamura Hayate to discuss payment on the march exhibition piece, and you then slotted time between 6:00pm and 8:00pm to work on commissions.”

“Thank you, Carla.”

“You're welcome, Master. Have a goodnight's rest. I will begin playing Melody 1.”

--

“Thank you for meeting with me here today, Yamamura-san.”

“No, please, the pleasure is all mine, sensei.”

Lunch time at Sia La Luce was a venue of golden rays, the evening sun shining through the windows to bask diners in its soft light. The air was filled with the sounds of guitars as waiters and waitresses danced and weaved through tables, their hands filled with streaming trays and cold drinks.

Two bowls of steaming cioppino sat on the table between the calligrapher and his client along with a basket of breadsticks. The smell of crab, scallops, shrimps, and other delicacies from the sea wafted up to their noses and made their mouths water.

“I was elated when you agreed to meet with me in person about the exhibition piece instead of doing an auction, “Hayate said as he spread a napkin across his lap. “You see, my wife just loved it and wanted to have it sent to our vacation home in Spain, and I couldn't say no to her.”

“It's truly no problem," Kaoru replied as he folded his hands atop one another, his fan buried beneath them. “Believe it or not I prefer to talk with buyers one on one rather than auction off my pieces. It means that someone loved my work enough that they were willing to take time out of their day for it, and it gives me a chance to speak with others who respect the art of calligraphy as much as I do.”

The two let off hearty chuckles.

“Well, I won't waste your time, sensei, and I wouldn't want to let this delectable meal grow cold, so I'll get straight to the point. I'm offering ¥1,500,000 for this piece with an additional ¥5,000 to have it shipped directly to the port for my men to receive." Hayate smiled.

“¥1,500,000? Oh my; that's certainly the highest offer someone's ever started with," Kaoru said with faux surprise. “Most people usually start at ¥10,000.”

“Those people don't usually frequent art museums," the business man countered. “I've been to enough to discern whether or not something is pure garbage with too many zeros behind it or a work of art such as yours.”

“You flatter me," Kaoru tapped his upper lip with his fan and fluttered his lashes.

“You flatter yourself, sensei. Honestly, Kida-sama was a genius to leave his legacy in your hands.“

At the sound of his master's name, Kaoru's smile became a bit real.

Hayate reached inside his blazer to retrieve his checkbook. “Now, sensei, do we have a deal?”

“Indeed we do. ¥1,505,000 is a very generous payment. Thank you, Yamamura-san," Kaoru beamed as the man scratched the numbers down.

“Honestly this amount almost feels paltry." Hayate smiled as he tore the check out and handed it across the table.

“Such a man with words, Yamamura-san," Kaoru chuckled. “Carla, please put a notice on my website that the march exhibition piece has been sold, and send a receipt for the amount of ¥1,505,000 to Yamamura-san's email.”

“Okay, Master," the purple bracelet responded.

“I've always been envious of your assistant," Hayate marveled at the slender device. “Dutiful and only speaks when she needs to.”

“Sometimes I feel like I'd be lost without Carla," Kaoru said with a smile towards his wrist.

Payment secured, the two dug into their meal, fish and scallops melting on their tongues along with the garlic and parsley of the bread. With their business concluded, the two shared a light conversation, of course, about the calligrapher's business.

“Have you ever thought about starting a museum, sensei?" Hayate asked as he dabbed at his mouth with a napkin.

“Museum? Why, no, I can't say that I have," Kaoru set down his spoon. “While I have visited and donated to a few, I can't ever say I've had the thought to put my works in one or create my own.”

“You should," the man's voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “AI Calligraphy after all is a way to bring the art and history of the skill to the modern age, into the minds of lower class children and other everyday people. You could start your own museum, mix together your technical know how and calligraphy to your heart's content.”

Kaoru giggled into his hand. “Are you sure you just don't want a chance to see my pieces whenever you wish, Yamamura-san?”

“Ahaha, I won't say no.” The business man grinned. “A museum would give more like minded people a chance to meet and chat.”

“Oh, have you ever met someone at my exhibitions that you wish to speak to again?”

“Plenty! Why, at the march exhibition I ran not only into a friend, but a few more people who I ended up business partners with.”

“Oh, what luck. I'm happy that you could meet them.”

“Yes, yes. Oh, and thinking of that exhibition, I have another question, sensei.”

“Ask away, Yamamura-san.”

“Right, well, for context, it was right as a friend and I were leaving the exhibition. It was the oddest coincidence; just as we were about reach my car, we ran into another man with the last name Sakurayashiki!”

Kaoru froze, his hands frozen in mid-air. “Is...that," he took a breath, dropping his limbs. “Is that so?”

“Yes, indeed," Hayate nodded. “He was a rather astute man. We ended up taking lunch with him and talking for a while about your works. He happened to know alot about you, almost intimately, and I couldn't help but wonder if you two were related in some way. Tell me, do you have a relative with the name Daishi?”

Under the table, Kaoru's hand gripped his thigh tightly. His heart, that had been relatively calm throughout this entire interaction, was starting to beat a bit faster.

'Damn it,' he thought. 'I didn't even see him that time around.'

“I do have a relative with that name," Kaoru painted a tight smile on his face. “Though I haven't spoken with him in almost a decade. If it was him, I'd honestly be surprised that he remembered much about me.”

Hayate nodded. “Understandable, I was just so curious since he seemed to know so much about your work. He has, it seems, been to every one of your exhibitions, and to every auction, and to every charity fundraiser you attended. I couldn't help but think he was a close relative.”

“What dedication!" Kaoru said through nearly gritted teeth. “Perhaps it is him, and he's trying to reconnect. Perhaps I should look up his number and give him a call.”

Hayate chuckled. “Indeed. Now sensei-, “the man was interrupted by a loud buzzing sound from his back pocket.

“Excuse me, sensei, that must be my son with this quarter's report. I will be right back.”

“There' s no problem. Take your time, Yamamura-san.”

As Hayate stepped out of the restaurant, Kaoru took his chance to remove his glasses, pinching the bridge of his nose in an attempt to stave off a headache.

'Fuck, 'he thought. 'Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

Giving up, Kaoru covered his face with his hands, taking a deep breath, but not allowing himself to let out the load groan he wanted to. The chatter of other tables in the vicinity and his reputation well on the forfront of his mind even now.

A tiny clink caused Kaoru to remove his hands. In front of him on a cute, little, flower-shaped serving dish laid a serving of vanilla panna cotta with a mixed berry coulis.

“You okay?" Kojiro asked as he handed him a dessert spoon. “Do you need to take a step in the back to breathe?”

Kaoru shook his head. “I...I'm fine. It's just....it's my otoosan.”

The chef's eyes narrowed. “He's still stalking you?”

“Apparently," Kaoru looked back to see if Hayate was still occupied. “I hadn't seen him in a few months. I thought he finally stopped.”

Ever since Kaoru had started living on his own, he'd made an effort not to think about his father. However, he quickly learned that his father was not so keen on forgetting or letting go of his child. Sakurayashiki Daishi was like a blot of stray ink on the well crafted art-piece that was Kaoru's career and adult life. It was small and hard to notice, but if he were to slip up even once it would smudge and reveal the imperfections not only in his work but in himself.

“You really need to consider getting a restraining order," Kojiro ran a hand through his forest green locks. “He can't keep harassing you like this.”

“He won't comply with a restraining order, and I can't risk him retaliating by outing me to some of my clients." The calligrapher grimaced. “You know he would.”

Kojiro rested his hands on the table, “Have you thought about hiring a security guard? They could be with you when you do your exhibitions.”

“Once or twice, but it seems like a waste of money to have a security guard just to have him looking out for one person." Kaoru placed a hand on his chest, breathing slowly to ease his heart.

'"'In two, three four,' Kaoru thought and exhaled, 'Out, two, three, four.'

“Your safety is always the most important thing. I can even get a uniform and be with you on those days if it would make you more comfortable.”

“My exhibitions are always during your work days, and you never take days off," Kaoru denied. “Plus, it would be during the lunch rush, and you need all hands on deck for that.”

“I can hire another line cook," Kojiro replied flippantly.

“Can you even afford another line cook?" Kaoru let out a deep breath.

“I'm back- Oh, hello," at the sound of Hayate's voice both men straightened up.

“Welcome back, Yamamura-san," Kaoru said easily. “This is Sia La Luce's owner, Nanjo Kojiro.”

“Hello, Yamamura-san," Kojiro grinned and took the man's hand to shake it. “I hope you've had an enjoyable time.”

“Hello, Nanjo-san, I have indeed. A fine establishment you have here." Hayate nodded. “Wonderful food, wonderful music, and just the right company." He smiled at Kaoru.

“Still with the flattery, Yamamura-san," Kaoru opened his fan to hide and fix his deteriorating smile.

“Well, I'm happy you've enjoyed yourself. I'll leave you two to your dessert," Kojiro easily shifted the man's attention to the dining table. “Please, let me know if you need anything else," he said while staring directly at Kaoru.

“Thank you, Nanjo-san, “Hayate eagerly sat down for the treat.

“Have you ever had panna cotta before, Yamamura-san?" Kaoru asked as he scooped a bit of the gelatinous cream.

“I have not. This surely looks delectable!”

“Well let's not dawdle, we wouldn't want this to get warm would we?”

“No indeed. Let's dig in, sensei.”

--

“You got this, Papaya!”

“Keep it up, Hawk! You're almost there!”

The air was thick with the salty taste of sweat, the cloying smoke of nicotine, and the burning tinge of rust. Leaves from the surrounding woods rustled off their branches, raining down on unsuspecting persons, giving them a very brief respite of cool nighttime air. Lane lights flickered and the swarming moths, nats, and other insects bzzzzed around the warmth of the yellow bulbs.

Not for the first time, and not even for the hundredth time, the mountain space had become a congregation of painted, flashy, dressed up, dripped out bodies. Longboards, streetboards, and cruisers filled nearly every hand, knocking against one another as their owners whooped and raved.

And everyone in attendance wouldn't have it any other way.

“Bzzzt!”

“Fuck yeah, Papaya!”

“No way; Hawk lost!?”

“I can't believe it!”

“Believe it, baby!”

A bit of a ways away from the megatron, along the jagged rocks of the mountain's sides, the top skaters of S watched languidly as the current beef came to its end. They had been there for a while now, and, having somewhat had their full of the ramps and bowls for the night, rested while the lower ranked skaters had their fun.

“Joe!" A blonde haired woman chirped excitedly as she ran up and grabbed a hold of one of the man's arms, resting her chin on his shoulder as she asked, “Joe, are you gonna skate tonight?”

“Yeah!" Another fan grinned as she took a hold of his other bicep. “Please, Joe, you haven't skated a beef since last week!”

These two women were a normal sight to see in the Muscle-Bound God of Skateboarding's arms. They were prominent members of the man's fan group, The Sunflowers, bearing his signature tattoo along their neck and right arm respectively. One was undoubtedly a skater, her orange sneakers dirty, soles caked with dirt, laces stained brown, and the lip bent, while other wore classy white heels with an embroidered sunflower on the sides.

“Sorry, ladies." The Six-Pack Skater smirked, wrapping a hand around both of their waists to pull them close. They sighed dreamily, pressing their breasts against him as he continued, “Cherry-sama has been so scared about his beef with Adam Saturday, I've been keeping him company so he doesn't chicken out.”

The women giggled, while, beside him, the AI Skater scoffed, crossing his arms. “Scared?”

Joe winked at the man, “It's okay cinnamon stick boy. Everybody here already knows you're as skinny as a twig, so it's no surprise that your scared Adam could throw you around with one arm.”

Cherry Blossom glared. “Throw me around? You wish. It's unlikely that he could even lift me.”

To be honest, it wasn't. Both of the skaters had a very distinct memory of their adolescence, of when their former friend picked up the pink haired man- albeit with both hands- and carried him in his arms all the way to the underpass where they frequented after the AI Skater's ankle had swollen up from a particularly nasty bail.

“Cherry-sama isn't afraid of Adam!" another voice chimed in.

“Yeah! There's no way he's gonna lose!" shouted one more.

Not too far away from the main group rested both Cherry Blossom's fan group, The Yozakuras, and the rest of The Sunflowers. Like the men they cheered and fawned over, the two groups had their own rivalry. It was somewhat for show; it wouldn't make much sense for two rival groups to be buddy buddy with one another while their star attractions were snarling in each other's faces, and their revelry often caused the S Gallery to stir, igniting beefs between lower ranked skaters who wanted to be up at the top with the three greats.

“You know, Cherry, it's fine to admit that Adam could lift you like a newborn baby.”

“You know, Joe, it's fine to admit that your brain is smaller than a fly's.”

The two went at each other, this particular row more for the pageantry than one of their genuine tiffs. Their fans chimed in every so often with their own color commentary, turning a few heads from the screens to the habitual verbal face off between the infamous AI and Six-Pack Skater.

“I'm telling you it's not possible. He can't lift me.”

“Nah, it's definitely possible. Let's ask your robot girlfriend. What do you think, Carla?" Joe looked down to the purple and black board.

The skateboard's LEDs flashed. “While Master weighs the same amount of pounds as Snow, who Adam threw around with ease, Master also has more experience in skating with Adam, therefore there is a 69% chance that Adam would not even be able to lay a hand on Master, let alone pick him up.”

“Carla, don't humor him," Cherry chided.

“My apologies, Master,“ Carla went dark.

“You should listen to your machine, Cherry. It only wants to keep you safe.”

“Carla is not a machine!”

Sitting on a small boulder just a couple feet away, Shadow watched as the two older men got louder and closer with one another, having abandoned their boards at their feet while fire sparked in their eyes.

“So, how much longer do you think they're gonna go at it?" he murmured to Miya.

“Until Cherry leaves for the night," Miya muttered back.

“You weigh as much as a bag of feathers!”

“And you weigh as much as a bag of rocks!”

“Grasshopper!”

“Imbecile!”

Rolling his eyes at their antics, Shadow looked back to the current beef. Tabby was losing horribly to the Red Helens, their tornado carousel technique having disoriented the other to the point of vomiting on their board in the middle of the race, slipping and falling flat on their face, and losing a lot of headway right in the beginning of the match. He didn't really feel sorry for them, seeing as not only did Tabby owe him money from their own beef, but they'd been antagonizing the Helens for a while now. They were getting their just desserts.

“So, still no Reki and Langa tonight?“ Looking up, Shadow watched as Joe waved away his fans and walked towards him and Miya, his routine argument with Cherry Blossom already over.

“No," Miya frowned from his spot crouched on the ground as he set down his switch. “Langa was busy, and Reki just said no,“ he grunted as he pulled out his phone to show the men.

“I tried calling him and he didn't pick up," Miya gave Joe a concerned look. “Do you know what's wrong with him?”

“I can't say I do," Joe shook his head before sighing, “I tried talking to him last week, but I haven't seen or heard from him since.”

“Langa's been really depressed lately too. He hasn't skated once since your beef," the thirteen year old replied.

“I haven't talked to Reki since before the tournament," Cherry sighed as he strode over. “Neither he nor Langa have ridden by my studio either. Troublesome children.”

“I'm sure they'll work it out," Joe gave Miya a reassuring smile, leaning back on the rocks, “All we have to do is be there when they need us.”

Cherry looked at Miya's phone, squinting, “As much as I would love to continue this conversation, it's about time I head out,“ only for his fans to moan in disappointment.

“Cherry-sama, please don't go!”

“Yeah, stay a little longer, please.”

“You never stay all night, Cherry-sama. At least run a beef before you leave!”

“Sorry, but no." The pink-haired ninja ran a hand through his ponytail to untangle a knot. “Goodnight," he said to his companions before strolling off.

Joe watched as the lithe man walked off, his board tightly grasped in one hand while he tapped away at his phone with the other. He stepped through a hole in the fencing and slipped into the woods. It wasn't long before he was disappearing into the foliage; not even the stark white of his hakama was able to be seen.

“Aww.” One of the AI Skater's fangirls stomped her foot. “I wish Cherry-sama wouldn't leave so early! He always goes around this time.”

“I know," another pouted. “It's not fair.”

“He's so mysterious the way he goes into the woods, like prince from a fantasy novel!" One squished her cheeks, a blush dusting her pale cheeks.

“I tried following him once and got lost," a third cried. “I had to message the capmen on the forums to come save me.”

“Oh no! Did you get in trouble?”

“No, but I did get them a carton of cigarettes, some tea, and dango as a thank you.”

“Oh, that's great!”

As The Yozakuras pondered on the destination of their resident heartthob, the Six-Pack Skater couldn't help but smile. When he and Cherry arrived at S that night, they had parked their motorcycles near one of the abandoned security offices they had found hidden amongst the overgrowth and trees in their youth. It was mostly a hideout that the AI Skater snuck away to when he would be hit with a sudden panic and didn't want to lose face in front of the Gallery, but it was also a space for them to have a bit of peace and quiet, even inside their mountain paradise. Even after nine years, it was still a well hidden secret; the only ones to know of its exact location were Cherry, Joe, and Adam, though that didn't mean that their fans didn't try their hardest to find it.

“It's so hard to believe that they used to be the watch dogs of this place," Shadow deadpanned as the men and women continued to wail to one another.

“Watchdogs?" Miya raised a brow at him.

Shadow shrugged. “It's more of a rumor, but I've heard more than a few of the older skaters say that The Yozakuras were the capmen before capmen were actually a thing.”

Miya shoved his switch and his phone is his pockets. “That doesn't make any sense, old man.”

Shadow gritted his teeth. “I'm twenty-four! And it's not like I came up with it, just something I hear every now and again.“ He turned to Joe. “Is it true?”

It was Joe's turn to shrug. “No idea. If it's true you'd have to ask Cherry next time you talk to him. He took charge of S after Adam left, and I was all the way on another continent. By the time I came back, the megatron was up and the capmen were tending to the track.”

“Huh," Miya immediately whipped his phone back out. “Gimme a minute.”

Shadow and Joe watched the teen type away. “I doubt he's gonna respond while he's driving home.”

“Yes he can; he has Carla," Miya shot back.

“True enough.”

After a while of tapping keys and notification bings, all of a sudden, Miya groaned, throwing his head back as he jumped to his feet.

“He's no help," he nearly pouted as he lifted his phone for the two to see.

“No help at all," Shadow shook his head. “I'm gonna go get a drink and a snack, be back.”

Shadow stalked off. Miya huffed as he put his phone away yet again, a small glower forming on his face.

“Meh, it's not that big of a deal," Joe said, patting his back. “Besides, it's not like the capmen are all that interesting.”

“Lies," Miya denied. “You don't think about how mysterious they are?”

“How so?" the Six-Pack Skater rested his hands on his hips,

“Maintaining the tracks is a full time job, so it would be hard for them to have a day job. Adam has to pay them, so that means they do taxes, but what do they put their job down as? If they have families, then what do they tell them they're going to work for?" the boy talked on.

Joe snickered. “Who knows? You can barely see their faces half the time. Maybe the capmen are all secretly androids that Adam paid Cherry to create.”

Miya sighed heavily. “You're no help either.”

Seeing the boy's dejected face, it was pretty obvious to the twenty-six-year-old that Miya wasn't all that beat up about S's mysterious maintenance workers. Instead, as he shoved his hands in his pockets, palming at his phone like he wanted to whip it out again, Joe guessed that his thoughts were focused on the absent redhead of their group.

Well, there was one thing that could cheer him up, if only a little.

“Say, Miya, how about you and I have a beef?" he kicked up his board as a show of challenge.

“You want to lose to a kid in front of everyone again?" Miya immediately mocked.

“Hey!”

--

-X-

As soon as his mother's room went dark and the sound of light snores echoed in the hall, he tip-toed his way out of his room and through the house, stopping to press two fingers to his father's picture, before slipping out into the night. There were still a few lights on within the apartment block, so he dipped and weaved to avoid being seen by the nosy neighbors who would certainly question his mother if they saw him sneaking out. Flies and other chittering insects greeted him as he made it to the street, throwing his board down to get on his way.

At this time of night, the path to Sia La Luce was a mostly quiet one, though it was sometimes disturbed by the screeching tires of motorists on their way home. All of the businesses down that way were either closed or closing, owners and employees readily awaiting the sweet embrace of their beds and pillows after a hard day's work.

On regular nights, he wouldn't be making this trek alone. No, normally, he'd be making ride with-

“Reki," Langa said to himself, his eyes downcast.

Even with the tournament having been put on pause for a week, Reki still hadn't made an appearance at S. He'd taken a longer leave from work, and none of his texts had received even a single reply.

Without his notice, Langa slowed down to a crawl, the force of his kicks not nearly as strong as they could be. It took him a quarter of an hour to reach his destination. The imminent sounds of an argument between the Six-Pack and AI Skater was the first thing Langa heard as he skated around the corner towards the Italian restaurant.

“Tell me again why you needed a soccer mom van for work?”

“I told you that I needed a large space to transfer my canvases and supplies.”

“I feel like you could've just bought a pick-up truck.”

“I will leave you on the side of the road.”

Sitting in the front seats of his panel van with the windows down, Joe and Cherry narrowed their eyes at one another.

“It's just canvases, brushes, and ink; it can't take up this much space. Seriously, this is just like when you got all those LEDs for that Carlacycle of yours.”

“Are you forgetting that I also used my purchases to tune up the rustbucket you call a motorcycle?”

“Hey, slime," Miya chimed in as the door to his right slid open and Langa jumped in to sit beside him, “What took you so long?”

“Sorry," Langa mumbled. “I lost track of time.”

“Lost track of time, aren't you excited?" Shadow called from the back. “We got a downright legendary beef in like an hour.”

Langa pondered Shadow's words for a moment. He once thought racing Adam- experiencing the heart pounding exhilaration that was the King of S- was what he wanted all along. However, the thought of just being at S as it was didn't even cause a flutter in his heart.

“I guess I'm a bit excited," he muttered, looking up at the front seats. “Good luck, Cherry.”

“Thank you," Cherry turned away from Joe. “Reki's still a no show?”

Hearing the other high schooler's name, Langa's heart felt gripped by a hand made of ice.

“I can try texting him again," he replied and swiftly pulled out his phone.

“We won't be able to wait for him, unfortunately," Cherry said as he twisted the keys in the ignition. “If we don't leave now, we'll be late.”

As the group headed down the road, a bit of chatter started between the three adults while Miya flipped up his hood, somewhat immersed in his game, though his eyes flickered to Langa's phone every so often. Langa himself was just as focused on the device, blocking everyone out.

“So, Cherry," Shadow said. “When was the last time you beefed Adam?”

“My last time? Hmm, I think it was almost eight years ago, a little while after the first ever tournament at S. He challenged me to race him down one of the now defunct tracks.”

“Really? You never told me about that." Joe raised a brow at his friend.

“You were at work that night, and he asked me to keep it a secret between us," Cherry replied, gripping the steering wheel tightly for a second.

“There are secret tracks at S?" Shadow questioned.

“There are a lot more tracks that aren't really used anymore," Joe replied. “Some were too dangerous. Others would take a lot more upkeep than the we ones we use now.”

The van came to a stop at one of the traffic lights.

“Huh," the Anti-hero of S leaned forward in his seat. “So, who won?”

“Adam won, but not by much, “Cherry said.

As Cherry talked about his prior loss, Joe looked to the back seat. Usually, the teens were especially nosy when it came to matters prior to their arrival to the mountain, so not hearing them talk once was a major surprise.

Miya was still playing his dungeon crawler, the sprite of a red-haired knight hacking away at a vampire feasting on the heart of an innocent maiden. Langa was still staring at his phone; his eyes were glistening just the slightest bit.

“Hey, Langa, you good?" looking up, the young Canadian's clear blue eyes crossed with Joe's burgundy ones.

“I'm...fine," Langa muttered.

“Reki?" Joe asked knowingly.

“...Yeah," the teen answered, a solemnly slid his phone into his shirt pocket.

“Is he coming tonight?" Miya looked up, pausing his game. “He's pretty much missed the whole tournament.”

“I don't think so," Langa shook his head. “The last time I talked to him about it, he said he didn't care. I thought I saw him when I raced Joe, but I couldn't find him.”

“Hmm, that so?" the Six-Pack Skater pondered. “I talked to Reki before our beef, told him to come by, but I never actually saw him. After Kaoru's beef, how about we ask the capmen at the gates whether they remember seeing him or not?”

“I doubt the capmen would remember a random red headed child," Cherry disagreed. “I'll have Carla scrape the video records tonight and text you all later.”

“Sounds good to me," Shadow shrugged. “Besides, even if he doesn't show up, we can give him the good news later that you knocked Adam off his high horse.”

“Oh, Carla could keep a video and we can show him later," Miya smiled. “Reki might come back if he sees Adam lose.”

“I don't know," Langa looked down at his chest. “I just want to talk to him.”

The rest of the ride to S was filled with minimal chatter and a few quips between Joe and Cherry. Every once in a while, Langa would pull out his phone and look at his screen as if the final message would change on its own.

It didn't take long before they were driving through the gates of paradise. Cherry got out early, throwing the van keys at Joe to hurry to the starting line while they found a place to park. With just five minutes until the beef, the four of them flagged down a capman to race them to the top.

“Langa-kun!" The Matador of Love waved excitedly from his spot at the starting line. “Have you come to cheer me on? Oh, I can feel your yearning for our union even from here!”

Everyone watched as the Matador emitted large flashing hearts of rose gold. He was so utterly focused on the boy before him it was entirely possible that someone could sneak up and steal his case of cigarettes from him, and he wouldn't even notice. Langa himself simply blinked at the man, wholely uninterested in his usual mannerisms and mind preoccupied on something more import.t.

“Don't you worry, my Eve. We'll have our chance to race again very soon! I pro-

“Are you ready or not?" Cherry interrupted, his lips downturned behind his mask. "Or do we all have to wait another week while you stand there and fawn?”

Adam abruptly paused, and then suddenly, all the energeticness he was exuding seemed to fade away.

He turned and gave Cherry a lackadaisical smile. "Oh, I forgot you were here.”

“You!" Clenching his fists, Cherry almost threw Carla to the ground.

“Let's get this over with," Adam said brusquely.

A blaring horn silenced everyone on the mountain. Both skaters leaned forward, eyes focused on the starting line.

Three...Two...One...

“Bzzzt!”

--

“Tell us again, Nanjo-san, what exactly is your relationship with Sakurayashiki-sensei?”

“He's my best friend. We...we grew up together.”

The bright, fluorescent lights were pulling on the ends of his nerves and kicking at the front of his skull. His legs felt like jelly, barely holding him up as he swayed back and forth on his aching feet. Kojiro braced himself against the cold wall of the waiting room; he could very clearly feel the continuous thump thump thumping of his heart against his ribcage.

“And you can confirm that you're his emergency contact?" the officer asked as he jotted down notes in his PDA.

“In his medical records, yeah. In his phone, maybe.”

The heavy cough of a nearby elderly man in a wheelchair made Kojiro jump a bit. He rubbed at his arm, nerves already frazzled beyond belief. He took a wary glace across the room, watching as one of the receptionists inputted information on the newest patient.

The chef had never hated hospitals as much as Kaoru did, but he was willing to come around to his way of thinking just this once.

“And remind us, how did he end up in his condition?" the second officer prodded.

Kojiro's breath almost hitched as the events of just a few hours ago waded through his mind. First astonishment, then pride, then the loss of hope, shock, a moment of pure anger and fear, racing down the track as fast as he could, dust flying into his eyes, gravel cracking under the wheels of his board. Ad- that man- standing over Kaoru as he bled out onto the ground.

He didn't remember much after getting into Shadow's car. Not leaving out of S's gates. Not the high-speed drive down the road. Not reentering the city. Not even making it into the hospital parking lot.

He did remember running in. “Somebody please help me!" he had screamed.

He remembered putting Kaoru down on a stretcher, the entire right half of his face covered in blood. His left leg was twisted, his foot flopping as a nurse tried to rest it in the middle of the bed.

“Oh god," he had said as a sudden body shift had Kaoru spitting blood onto the blue sheets of the gurney.

“Let's get him to imaging!" one of them shouted.

Hee tried following the entourage of health care workers in to the backrooms, but one of the receptionists started pushing against his chest.

“You can't go back there, sir!”

“But...Kaoru...he-he's”

A scream from the back, “Code Blue!”

Code Blue. What the hell did that even mean?

He vaguely remembered the security guard and Hiromi grabbing him by the shoulders.

“He's safe now, Kojiro." The Anti-hero of S held him tight. “He's safe; the doctors will take care of him. Come over here with me. Let's take a breather, okay?”

It was only through Hiromi's coaxings that he was able to answer the triage nurse's questions, as jumbled and stunted as they were. It wasn't too long after they were left to wait that law enforcement showed up.

“We were just on our way back from a costume party," Kojiro replied. “We were walking back to the car when a truck swerved around the corner and hit him.”

“And you didn't think to call 119?" the officer raised a brow, trying to catch him in a lie, while the first added, “The car didn't stop?”

“He was unconscious and bleeding so much. I just...I wanted to get him help alright. Get him to the hospital instead of just sitting there and waiting." His fists clenched and he took in a deep breath. “I wasn't thinking clearly at the time, alright? I just....I needed to get him some help. And no the car didn't stop.”

He didn't know exactly which of the hospital populous called the police. Maybe it was the triage nurse at check-in who recognized Kaoru immediately from his hair and was currently whispering into the landline to someone. Perhaps it was the security guard who saw the blood spread across Kojiro's chest, pants, and hands and assumed he was the cause of Kaoru's state. Maybe it was the father of three who was sitting in the waiting area with his children, his wife's condition currently unknown. It could've been anyone really, but it didn't really matter now did it?

What did matter was that Kaoru was a very well-off and acclaimed artist. He had enough money to pay every single bill of whoever was unfortunate enough to end up there that night, and then buy the hospital just for the hell of it. His name held enough prestige that businesses in the West tapped his talent for signs, cards, and other stationery no matter the shipping cost just to have the bragging right of “I did business with Sakurayashiki Kaoru.”

People like that usually had an array of doctors and healthcare providers at their beck and call. If those people couldn't be reached, then they went to a more affluent facility; one that didn't have chipped tiled floors, dingy white partitions, and fading blue waiting room chairs.

It was more than a little suspicious when someone of Kaoru's social standing ended up in an everyday man's hospital.

“Can you tell us what this car looked like?”

“It was red; I don't remember much else. Sorry, but I wasn't too focused on the car at the time. Maybe it was a Hyundai, maybe it was an Altima. And before you ask, no I didn't get the license plate.”

The officer gave him a suspicious glance, orange eyes sweeping over his tattoo for the longest of seconds, before he sighed, sliding his PDA into his pants pocket.

“We may have some more questions at a later date, Nanjo-san. Please make sure that we are able to reach you." The officer said before walking off, his partner not far behind him.

Kojiro simply waved his phone in their direction, eyeing them both relieved and embittered as he finally moved over to fall down into one of the waiting room chairs. He ran a hand through his wind-wrecked hair, uncaring if chips of dried blood got stuck in between the threads.

“You sure you don't want to wash up, might make you feel a bit better," the sound of Hiromi's boots clacked against the tiled floors.

“I'll wash up when they finally tell me how Kaoru's doing," Kojiro replied. “It's been hours, yet nobody's talked to us yet.”

“That's good in a way." Hiromi sat down beside him. “Means he's still alive and kicking.”

The smell of coffee wafted up Kojiro's nostrils. “I got you something to drink," Hiromi said, pressing the cup into Kojiro's still trembling hands. “Thought they'd never leave.”

“They didn't question you as long as they did me," Kojiro grunted, swirling the cup in his hands, the warmth doing little to calm his nerves.

“I'm not covered in blood. Nor do I have a visible tattoo. And I don't look like I could defeat Mike Tyson and The Rock in a 2 v.1," Hiromi joked as he stretched out.

Kojiro let out a weak chuckle. “No, but you do look like you could take a cinnamon stick boy." Then paused. “At least in appearance. Back in the day, Kaoru would take on eight guys at a time with just a baseball bat.”

“That sounds terrifying," Hiromi shuddered, his mouth gaping at just the thought.

“It was...for the people who pissed him off.”

“I can imagine. They did check the car. I managed to hide our boards under the boot, and they didn't ask too many questions about the blood in the backseat. They were a bit suspicious of the dirt on the tires though.”

“Did they take a sample?”

“No.”

“Then they'll live. Soon as the day starts good, go to a car wash.”

A silence encompassed them then. Kojiro's attention flipping back and forth between the black double doors of the emergency wing and the slowly cooling coffee in his hands. Hiromi sipped at his drink, tapping away at his phone.

“I got a hold of Langa; he took Miya home then went back to his place. Tried getting a hold of Reki, still no answer," Hiromi said after a while.

“That's good," Kojiro nodded. “I'm glad they're both safe. Least Reki didn't have to see tonight.”

“Wish none of them did," Hiromi grimaced. “I was gonna bring Miya with us, but the kid ran off. I didn't want to waste time going after him so I-”

“You don't have to explain it to me," Kojiro patted the other man on the leg. “Thank you, by the way.”

“No problem.”

Kojiro finally took a drink from his lukewarm coffee. The call of “Hashimoto-san” from the receptionist was one of the only little sounds in the waiting area aside from the ever-ticking clock and the barely above a whisper voices from the corner televisions.

“You know, Kaoru started skating a year after I did?" Kojiro started as he set his cup of coffee down near his feet.

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. His family...they were the strict sort of people and had pretty much planned Kaoru's entire life out for him, and it goes little to say that skateboarding wasn't a part of it. Between calligraphy and everything else he had going on the only time he got to even look at a board is when we had sleepovers.”

“Wow, would have thought you two started at the same time or something.”

“Yeah, I was so pissed when he learned how to rail grind quicker than I did. Held it over my head for weeks, the dick.”

“Like you probably didn't hold it over him when you learned to Madonna or something.”

Kojiro grinned. “It was actually a Grosman Grab.”

Hiromi was quick to lead Kojiro into a conversation of beginner and freestyle moves, a welcome distraction. While the constant talk of Ghetto Birds, Darkslides, and Rocket Airs could never take Kaoru off the twenty-six year old's mind, it did do the trick in getting his nerves to settle just the littlest bit.

“Wait, a Roastbeef Grab!" Hiromi exclaimed. “Isn't that more your style?”

“Kaoru would try anything back in the day," Kojiro snorted. “You should have seen him when he did a Benihana then went straight into a Daydream Flip. He even had Adam cheer.... “Kojiro grew quiet before he could finish his sentence.

His eyes found the doors once more. They were still, and not a bit of movement could be seen behind the opaque glass.

Kojiro bit his lip. Skateboarding had been such an important part of the duo's lives for almost two decades, and now there was a big possibility that Kaoru may never walk again, let alone skate.

“I'm going to kill him," Kojiro whispered, his hand coming up to cover his mouth. “I'm going to kill that son of a bitch.”

Hiromi squeezed the man's shoulder. “Gonna have to get in line after Cherry's fans," he said. “Some of those girls looked like they wanted blood.”

“They're the ones who are going to have to get in line.”

Adam had had a punch waiting for him for a very long time. Seven years of longing, hope, and anger all wrapped up into a gloved fist. When before it would have been on the shoulder or perhaps in the gut, now Kojiro could only imagine white, red, and gold mask fragments digging into alabaster skin.

Or perhaps, he could use another method? Adam was so very clever, coming up with new techniques on the fly. Maybe Kojiro should take his skateboard and give Adam a secondhand demonstration of just how effective his new move-

“Ahem, excuse me?" a hesitant voice broke through the man's seething thoughts.

Turning, Hiromi and Kojiro took note as a young woman stepped up to them.

“You are Nanjo Kojiro, right?" The woman stepped a bit closer. “Here for Sakurayashiki Kaoru?”

She was a woman of around average height. Her brown locks framed her oval-shaped face, her grey eyes a bit cautious. She was dressed in a white tee, a black and gold Mami Band jacket, blue jeans, and matching sneakers.

Kojiro found himself raising a brow. She'd used their real names, so she couldn't have been from S. And she obviously wasn't a doctor or nurse, dressed like that. Was she an undercover cop? Maybe they sent a pretty face to try and get a confession out of him.

“Uh, yeah," Kojiro did his best to put on his signature smile as he got up from his chair. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

The woman took a deep breath. “I'm Takahashi Kioko, Sakurayashiki-san's babysitter." The woman gave him a small bow. “I was instructed to find you or Nanjo Chiyoko in case of an emergency.”

Kojiro stood shocked still, confusion overcoming his buzzing nerves.

“Um," Hiromi stared at the woman, incredulous. “I'm sorry? Come again?”

“I'm Sakurayashiki-san's babysitter," Kioko repeated, as if it was the most normal sentence one could speak in this situation.

“A...a babysitter?!" Kojiro exclaimed. “Why in the world would he need a babysitter?”

“That's-

“Kioko-oneesan," a sleep-ridden voice grabbed the men's attention, drawing their eyes down from the woman's face to behind her.

Holding tight to her left leg and jacket was a little boy. He wasn't well put together, like his white t-shirt and denim overalls had been shuffled on in a hurry. His shoelaces were still untied, tripping hazard trailing behind his blue power ranger sneakers. His rose colored locks were mushed together like he'd just been woken up from a deep sleep. His scarlet eyes were brimming with tears.

The child stared at Kojiro and Hiromi, his wide eyes as he tugged hard against his caretaker's pants as if he was trying to drag her away. The boy whimpered, his bottom lip wobbling as he asked,

“Where's chichi?”

---

For Kaoru's and Kojiro's nicknames I decided on names that I think would fit the child versions of them. Kaoru = Raki with the characters meaning “comfort” and “rare”, and Kojiro = Kouki meaning “light” and “hope”. The nicknames were given to them by their mothers.

-

haha = mama okaasan = mother chichi = papa otoosan = father sofu = grandpa oneesan = elder sister/big sister obasan = aunt

-

Original Character List (so far, good god just what have I gotten myself into?)

Sakuaryashiki [Redacted]– Kaoru's son Takahashi Kioko – Kaoru's Babysitter Uehara Sayuri – Manager of Sia La Luce Fujimori Teijo – Sous Chef of Sia La Luce Miyamoto Miyoko – Sous Chef of Sia La Luce Kawasaki Jona – Cook at Sia La Luce Tagawa Rioto– Cook at Sia La Luce Oshiro Hirohito – Server at Sia La Luce Kurihara - A client of Kaoru's Hashimoto – Random Hospital Occupant Yamamura Hayate – A client of Kaoru's Kida [Redacted] – Kaoru's master/calligraphy teacher Nanjo Chiyoko - Kojiro's mother

Read the Next Chapter

[formulapisces]

the popcorn is by joe & seph's! I've had another flavour by them and now I want to try them all 😭😭 I picked up some cherry vanilla dr pepper and you know what? I don't know why I did it. every time I have something that isn't the original flavour it is always a total let down. this tastes like a watered down cherry coke, no vanilla :/

I am going to keep worrying though 🫂😭🥺🦇

noooo 😭 in my opinion its either just cherry or just vanilla, you cant really mix them. but going for the original it’s the safest bet, maybe a bit boring sure, but safe.

the popcorn is going on my foods to try list for sure, i feel like you have such good taste, i trust everything you recommended 😅

🥺 but seriously don’t worry :( i’ve had this happen before and i was fine so i can do it again. im sure i’ll be all good by the next gp and i’ll be back to posting all of my usual more fun things hopefully 🫂

[distortedataraxia]

Sk8 the infinity x reader (platonic)

When you first start skateboarding

Author note : Hi ! Sorry this is really small and rushed, i wanted to begin and try to post in this fandom with something simple, like i did for bsd, i hope this is enjoyable anyways ★

Reki ! ★

When you first start skateboarding, reki is really excited and motivated to help you learn, he'll be patient and will keep you motivated, giving you a lot of tips and making sure you're okay on the run.

Chances are, he's the one who's gotten you into skateboarding, or he kept harassing you to try it out, both are very possible.

Reki will make sure to congratulate you on every small steps of the way, if you don't feel confident or scared, reki will reassure you that it's okay.

He might aswell build you a personalized skateboard while he's at it.

Overall, he'll be supportive, bright , patient and kind.

Langa ! ★

Langa will be patient and considerate, if you're injured, he will forbid you from being reckless.

He'll also probably ask reki for advices when you're having troubles with something and he doesn't know how to help.

He'll get worried when you fall down but he'll also encourage you, he'll try to make you feel the fun and freedom feeling in his own ways.

And most certainly, Reki will be included 100% in one way or another, so you're probably going to have the duo supporting you all the way through this journey of skateboarding.

Joe ! ★

Joe. Joe... How do i say this.

He'll be supportive, sure, but he'll probably flex and use himself as an example very very often. Am i wrong?

Please bury me if i am.

I can imagine you two chatting about skateboarding tricks in a restaurant(most certainly his restaurant) in a very chill atmosphere.

He'll encourage you, that's for sure, and remind you to never isolate yourself and come to him or anyone else for advices or to hang around and have a good time.

He might look like a dad with his child.. unless-

Cherry ! ★

Cherry will be supportive, though he might not look that happy, he is happy about it.

He completely believes in you and encourage you to learn.

Looking at the way you stand on the board and skate when you're able to, he'll give you advices, a lot of advices, probably based on operations, degrees and all of that.. AM I LACKING ORIGINALITY?? I'M SO SORRY-

Overall, Cherry will be really sweet and will help you learn skateboarding in his own ways, if joe came across him teaching you though...

Well, guess you're having a break and a show to watch, yay! Where is the popcorn at now?

Shadow ! ★

Shadow.... uhm, shadow.. I.. Uh..

It depends on multiple factors, shadow can be a complete "antagonist" Or a real sweet guy, if he's on his "antagonist" mode, he won't be really supportive , as you know..

But if he's on his sweet side, then he'll be supportive and patient, he'll try to make sure you don't get too hurt...

Or he won't.

Maybe try to kidnap him through the garden store, he'll complain but uhm..

I guess it'll work out.

Shadow can be helpful though, i swear. I'm just too tired lazy to think furthermore.

Miya ! ★

Miya will be a tease, but he'll also be very supportive and caring, he'll make sure to give you advices and that you're okay, and will, once again, tease you a lot, but you'll surprise him caring a few times there and there.

He's very sweet, and he'll encourage you, he doesn't want you to leave him too, so, he'll be really considerate and all of that...

I uhm, this is too much for my heart plz imagine the rest i'm quitting my job bye

Adam ! ★

Adam.. He'll try and see if you're suitable to being his uhm... Eve..

If you are, then be ready because this is going to be something, if you're not, then he's completely disinterested.

I don't know what else to say, maybe he could give you a few advices like he did to miya?

[cinnabun-faerie]

SK8 Boys: You want to go to a haunted location

A/N: Alrighty, so this will be my first post ever for Sk8 characters! And what better time to write about them than Frightfest!

If you want to be added to the taglist for whenever I post, you can comment here on the original post !

Frightfest '22 Masterlist

Cherry/Kaoru

"Sure. But we'll have to find a location and get permission."

He'd be kind of responsible about it. He didn't want to just go to a location that you have no business being at. He'd rather not get caught trespassing. He had a reputation to uphold after all.

Joe/Kojiro

He's not going to pass this opportunity up. He likes you and wants to be there for you if you get scared. Yes, he just wants to use that as an excuse to hold you or your hand. But honestly, it would be kinda fun to go to a haunted location.

Langa

"Yeah, sure."

Langa probably wouldn't mind going with you. But if things start getting too scary (for either of you), you were going to leave. He didn't want to be somewhere that could put either of you at risk.

Miya

"If you get scared, we're not going to turn back."

He was sure that you wouldn't be able to handle a haunted location, but he'd play along. Honestly just hanging out with you would be fun. And if you were actually going to get a scare, then why not do a test of courage? He bet that he could last longer in there than you.

Reki

"Hard pass."

He's not very fond of ghosts or haunted locations. So even if you ask him to go with you, he will decline. There's no way you're going to convince him into going either. And that's okay. He'd be up for skating instead though!

[ao3feed-matchablossom]

If You Give a Chef a Kid You Get

by W3R1DC0R3_W3R1D0S Kojiro finds a kid at the back dumpster in Sia La Luca, so what does he do? Adopt it of course. Aka Matchablossom parents au (Gonna try and make a challenge for myself and post every other week/every month) Words: 1193, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English Fandoms: SK8 the Infinity (Anime) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Categories: Gen, M/M Characters: Higa Hiromi | Shadow, Nanjo Kojiro | Joe, Sakurayashiki Kaoru | Cherry Blossom, Kyan Reki, Chinen Miya, Hasegawa Langa, Original Characters, Original Trans Character(s), Eli Yuki Nanjo (OC), Ángel Marco Pérez (OC) Relationships: Nanjo Kojiro | Joe/Sakurayashiki Kaoru | Cherry Blossom, Hasegawa Langa/Kyan Reki, Nanjo Kojiro | Joe & OC, Sakurayashiki Kaoru | Cherry Blossom & OC, OC/OC Additional Tags: Might add Adam and his freak later, Original Character(s), Fluff, Angst, MatchaBlossom, Matchablossom but they’re parents, Hurt/Comfort, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Joe is a fantastic parent, Cherry is the “I don’t want a cat” type dad, renga, Renga is there eventually, Dont question the age difference between Eli and his parents, Adoption, but not legally, will add tags as I go along, Possibly OOC, Joe is bilingual because he went to Italy, No beta read we die like Eli’s mom source https://archiveofourown.org/works/64916971

[tommybaholland]

Hello, hope all is well! Could I possibly ask for some headcanons for the Sk8 boys? Their favourite place to kiss their S/O e.g. their cheek, forehead, lips etc. And where they liked to be kissed themselves, if that makes sense? Thank you, hope you have a nice day or night when you receive this ^o^

sk8 boys + where they like to kiss their s/o

this reminded me a lot of a similar writing i did for bnha over a year ago but a little more amped up since you asked for where the boys also liked to be kissed! always fun to write cute affectionate pieces like this. enjoy :)

reki likes to kiss your cute cheeks several times. if you’re having a bad day, he knows that hugging you tight and placing little kisses all over your cheeks surely will make you smile again. when he finds himself going in for more and more kisses, he’ll say something like, “why’re you so kissable?” he also is a fiend for some cheek kisses from you and will often turn his head towards you, silently signaling that he needs some affection. 

langa tries to get your lips or cheek but somehow his lips end up on your nose. when you shared your first kiss together, he didn’t turn his head and ended up bumping noses with you. you thought it was cute and so now he rubs his nose against yours before kissing the tip of it. he likes when you kiss him on the forehead or anywhere on his head really. he resembles a kitten when he leans his head into your hand, closing his eyes as he revels in the sensation of your fingers running through his hair. 

joe goes straight for your lips every time. maybe it’s greedy of him but he can’t help that you have sugar on your lips all the time, just waiting to be kissed by him. he’s guilty of often saying, “can i have a kiss?” or more forwardly, “gimme a kiss, baby.” you like to kiss him on his chin which he thought was strange at first. however, he prefers to be towering over you all the time which makes him realize that it’s logical for you to kiss him there. now he thinks it’s cute but will gladly lean down for more with his lips on top of yours. 

cherry places his kisses on your hands or wrists. his preferred display of affection is holding your hand, especially while in public so it’s only natural for him to occasionally bring your hand up to his lips for a soft kiss. he loves to see the soft grin on your face after he places a kiss on your hand as he will sometimes do it to get your attention. you like to kiss him on the cheek, which originally was used to get a rise out of him. despite his outward distaste of your chosen mode of affection, he really likes it on the inside as well as made obvious by the blush on his cheeks. 

tadashi finds that the best place for kisses is your forehead. he’s pretty tall so it’s really the best place for him to place kisses when you’re both standing at full height. he also likes to lean his head into yours when hugging you and so he figures he might as well place a chaste kiss there too. you find the corner of his eye, by his lone beauty mark, as your chosen area to kiss him. he used to be quite shy about receiving affection from you but over time he’s learned that you want to care for him too, which means showing through little acts of affection.

enjoying the spring season?? the inbox wants to hear your thoughts...

[teabights]

Ready To Make Some Magic?

Summary: You and Joseph kinda hate each other, but will a certain scene change that for you guys ?

Warning: SMUT 18+ MINORS DNI (dom!reader x sub!joseph quinn)

AN: this started out with a tiktok inspiration and apparently i just got too !!! While writing it so. If you dont like then sorry

You curse as you hold the cigarette in your mouth. You dig in your pockets, trying to find the lighter that wasn't there. You roll your eyes as you glance over at Joseph who was standing a few feet away, texting on his stupid phone, with a lit cigarette hanging out of his lips. You walk over to your co-star and stand in front of him.

"Quinn, can I bum a light?" You ask, taking the cigarette out of your lips.

"What? You brought a whole pack of cigarettes and no lighter? Left your head at home today?" His words are like fire to your ears.

"Listen, I am having a hard day. Can you stop being an ass and light my cigarette?" You ask him in one last attempt before you are ready to just go without a cigarette.

"Yeah, whatever." He says.

You put the cigarette back between your lips and instead of pulling out a lighter, Joe pulls his cigarette out from his lips, singeing the end of your cigarette with his own cherried cigarette. You inhale it and make it light. He pulls his cigarette back, placing it between his lips again. That pulls a weird turn in your stomach. It was awfully sensual for no reason.

"Are you going to be able to focus now?" He asks.

"Uh, yeah, cheers." You say as you feel a blush creep on your face, letting out a little smoke.

You walk back over to where you originally were, just to help hide your face from him.

"Oh, now that you got your light, you hate me again?" He jokes.

"I don't hate you, Quinn." You speak out the lie. You think you love him?

"That's news to me. When did you start liking me?" He raises an eyebrow at you.

"Uh, I think you've become more bearable to be around, not necessarily like you." You say.

"Ah, sure love." He says with a wink.

Joe finishes his cigarette, tossing the butt to the ground, and stomping it out. He walks across and gazes at you. You see him eyeing you up. Your cheek flush again as you focus on your cigarette. After your cigarette, you find your way back to the main set. Your eyes watching the scene going. Joseph is not missing a beat. His lines come flowing out of his lip so perfectly. You are so amazed that he was just that good. You sit in your little chair. He catches you staring at him, giving you a little wink, which makes your cheeks heat up yet again. He continues with the speech about love to the other character. Wait… does he feel the same way? The scene ends and they stay still in their spots. The director goes over the scene and dismisses them from the scene.

“Okay, y/n, get in there. You feeling better now?” the director asks.

“Yes, I am sorry.” You say as you get on the set.

You do your whole solo scene, not noticing that Joseph was watching the entire time. He was always amazed by your acting, just like you are of him. He thought you are one of the best actors that he’s ever worked with, even on your off day. You walk off of set after the director yells cut. They talk to you for a brief moment before dismissing you. You walk over to sit in your little chair again.

“You’re so brilliant.” Joseph says from his chair.

“What?” You ask.

“You are so good at this. You know how to capture people into the scene. I felt like I was right there with you, feeling everything you felt.” He responds to you.

“Uh, thank you. You are pretty good too. You make it look so easy.” You say as you pull your phone from the pouch on your chair.

“Thank you.” Joseph says. “Hey, there is a little club near my apartment, do you want to go tonight at like 9?”

“Uh… who else is going?” You ask.

“Probably some crew members…” He responds, lying to her.

“Okay, yeah, I’ll see how I feel.” You say.

“Cool.” He mumbles.

You send a quick text to your best friend about how things are going. You also send a text to your mom.

“Joseph, Y/N, it’s time.” The director says.

You notice the depletion of staff, only a select few were there. You also realize the bedroom scenery was set to a more romantic feeling. You forgot that the sex scene was today. Why of all days was it today?

“Joseph, you are stripping off your clothes in the scene. Y/N, you can strip down just to your underwear and get under the covers." The director says. “We’ll do a camera change after Joseph strips to his boxers and that is when Joseph will climb into the bed. We’ll leave you two up to make the magic happen.”

“Uh, can I keep my bra on?” You ask.

“We have pasties if that’ll help you feel more comfortable.” They say.

“Yeah, that’ll be fine.” You say.

A couple members of the crew open a partition so you can change, one of them holding pasties in their hands. You move to go behind it. You strip yourself down to just your underwear, thank God it was a cute lace black thong type of day. You help the crew member put the pasties on you. You grab the robe that they provide. You wrap yourself up in the robe. You walk over to the bed and the partition follows you, helping you climb into the bed, letting you adjust the blanket around you.

“Ready.” You say. The crew members carry the partition and the robe out off the set.

“Perfect.” The director says. “Joseph whenever you are ready.”

Joseph walks into the bedroom and that is when you feel your heart thump hard.

“Action.” The director calls.

You watch Joseph come over to the bed. You lean up on your elbows, letting the skin of where your breasts are connected to your torso show. He is supposed to be goofy as he strips down to his boxers which he is. It made you genuinely giggle. His big brown eyes give you a certain look when he is over you on the bed. You just nod your head.

“Cut! Okay Joseph under the sheets please. Y/N, you’re okay?” The director asks.

“Yes, I am.” You say as you keep your eyes on Joseph.

The director gives you a thumbs up. They get distracted by the camera shifting, trying to get it right. You watch Joseph climb under the cover, feeling his eyes on your body and you flush beet red. Joseph has to position himself between your legs to help sell the scene. He keeps his eyes respectfully on your face after.

“You really wore those today?” He asks in reference to your undergarment.

“Sorry, I totally forgot it was today. I literally just threw on whatever I grabbed last night. I can ask for more cover up if this is going to make it hard for you… not literally hard… figuratively hard.” You stumble over your own response.

“Shut up.” He says with a small eye roll, but his lips pull into a smile.

“These at least offer a little more cover up for my…” You comment.

“At least.” Joseph says.

“Ready to make some magic?” The director asks.

“Yes.” Joseph and you say urgently at the same time.

“Alright… 3…2…1…action.” The director says.

There is a moment where he leans down to kiss you. You kiss him back so softly. His lips move perfectly against yours as he starts to rock his hips. The feeling of the blankets moving, you part your lips from him and start with the fake moans. Soon the ‘thrusts’ coming from Joseph start to become more quicker, which makes you change up the moaning pattern. You are surprised that he thought that he would need to move quickly. You two start to make noises of two people who just came. His forehead drops to land on your forehead, capturing your lips in a kiss despite all the fake panting. The kiss was desperate. You can feel the slickness between your thighs and you can’t even close your legs with Joseph right there.

“Cut! Good job guys.” The director says and claps. Everyone starts to clap, knowing that it will help ease the awkwardness of filming a sex scene.

Joseph pulls away from your lips, almost seems like he didn’t want to stop and would had fucked you if that was allowed. He moves from between your legs, laying down next to you.

A crew member hands you your clothes then hands Joe his clothes. You two are quick to pull on your clothes. You might have to go hide in your trailer and take care of yourself. You notice Joseph standing up, his pants looking a bit tighter than they did at the beginning of the scene.

“We are going to end with that today. It’s emotionally tolling, so we are going to release early today.” The director informs you two.

“Okay, thanks.” You say, just pulling your shirt over your tits, leaving your bra off.

“Oh, they match.” Joe comments.

“Yeah, I am not a complete monster.” You say with a small chuckle. You get up off the bed. “I’ll see you tonight, Joe.”

Joseph’s lips pull into a smile. “Joe? Damn, who knew that all I needed to do was fake fuck you to make you call me by my name and not my last name.”

“Shut up. See you at 9.” You say as you walk off to go to your little chair, fishing your phone out. You immediately start texting your best friend about the scene and how you got wet from it. You also go off about his kisses and how soft his lips are. You walk to your trailer first to grab your bag. You get inside your trailer and grab your bag, shoving your bra inside. You hear a slight knock on the door. You move to the door and open it, seeing Joe there.

"Hey, uh.. " All his cocky attitude was gone. You look down at him.

"What's up Quinn?" You ask, trying to mask the excitement you feel when you see him.

"Was I too much with the scene?" His voice is nervous, you can hear it.

"It was fine. We have to sell the fact our characters are in love." You say with a shrug and go to close the door.

"But you were comfortable? I didn't weird you out by commenting on your underwear?" His voice catches you off guard. You hold the door open for a moment.

"Joseph, I was truly fine. I didn't care. I've done sex scenes with a whole lot worst. I am used to comments. I don't let it affect me and you don't have to feel bad, I promise." You say to him.

"You promise?" Joseph asks.

"I'll fucking pinky promise with you right now." You day to him.

"Okay… Well, I'll leave you alone now, y/l/n." Joseph comments, not budging.

You look at him. You know he had a small chub from fake fucking you. You take a moment to lean out of the trailer to grab him by his shirt collar and pull him into your trailer, more like he lets you pull him in. You lock the trailer door, press him against the door, and kiss him. He is quick to reciprocate the action. His hands resting on your waist. You guys hold the kiss until your head is spinning.

"Listen, this is going to be a one time thing… I am going to let you fuck me, mostly because I need to get off." You say.

"Oh, did I make you wet baby?" His words are smooth like butter.

You had no problem shoving your hand down his pants to grab at his cock through his boxers. "Did I make you hard?"

His knees buckle for a moment under your touch. "Maaaybe." His voice is a bit singsong.

Your hand finds its way down his boxers and you start to stroke his cock. "Mmm, I think I did.”

“You are wearing those fucking panties.” He mutters as his hips buckle a little bit into your hand.

You collect the precum that has leaked out. You move your hand out and give him a small slap on the face. "You didn't seem to mind."

He lets out a small gasp. You start to undress, which was easy because of already being so undressed earlier. You peel the pasties off and you can see Joseph licks his lips.

“God, your tits are perfect.” He mutters.

“Shut up.” You say with a small eye roll. You aren’t into being lovey dovey with him. “Fucking get naked and get on the couch.

"S-sorry." He says as he starts to strip off his clothes. He gets on the couch, his cock standing straight up.

You get your clothes off. You move to straddle his hips. "You're gorgeous." You mutter. You rub your slick onto his cock.

He whimpers out and moves his hand to grab his cock to try to slip it into you. You smack his hand away with a small eye roll.

"I am in charge here. You can fuck me when you beg for it." You say to him.

"Fuck, yes…" He says as his hips push himself against your folds. "Can I please… please fuck you?"

"Ha, no. That is the worst begging I have ever heard." You say.

"I've never…" He says, surprisingly turned on by your dominance.

"Beg." You speak.

"Fuck, please, please, please, fuck, can I please fuck you please." Joseph begs, it was like a song to your eyes.

"Awh maybe." You say.

"Please, please, please y/n." He begs more.

"Very good." You say as your hand moves to sink down on his cock. You moan softly. His hands scramble to grab your hips. "I am still in charge."

“Yes ma’am…” Joseph whines.

You start at a painfully slow pace, mostly to stretch yourself to him and to tease him. You can see his eyes clench close as little whines leave his throat when you would sink down and clench your walls around him. Your hands move to take his hands tightly. You start to move yourself quickly up and down his shaft. Moans and skin slapping fills up the room. You hate that his cock is one of the best cocks that you’ve had. You hated this man. You gasp loudly as your walls clench around him and you start to orgasm. His moans are weak and you could tell that he was close.

“Fuck - fuck - fuck -...” He says.

“Fucking cum in me already Quinn.” You demand.

“Yes ma’am… fuck…” His hips snap up to meet yours on the down stroke a couple of times before the symphony of moans and whines leaves his lips. His hips still for a moment before he goes limp under you.

“Good boy.” You lean down to kiss his forehead.

“You’re fucking rude.” He whispers between pants.

“You came didn’t ya? You should be so lucky I didn’t make you beg for it.” You say as you move off of his cock, letting the pool of his cum mixed with your own dribble onto his lower pelvic bone. You move quickly to the little bathroom to get a wet rag. You return with the rag and you wipe his pelvis and his cock clean. “Don’t let this get to your head, but your cock is impressive.”

“Yeah? Thank you.” Joseph’s cheeks flare up into a pink.

“Probably the best I’ve had in a while.” You mutter as you clean yourself up. You toss the rag on the table. You start to get dressed.

Joseph gets up after a minute and starts to get dressed himself. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a woman boss me around, it was nice.”

You pick up you bag again. “Alright, get the fuck out of here. I’ll see you tonight.”

“I’ll see you tonight.” He says with a chuckle as he walks to you.

“Don’t even think about it, out.” You say as you open the door.

“You just -... Fine.” His eyes roll a little bit, but his smile doesn’t fade.

He walks out of the trailer. You walk off after he does and lock the trailer up. You definitely were going to have to tell your best friend about this.

[theloveoftoms]

Can I request where the reader is like 24 and is dating Tom cruise and he gets her to watch the first top gun movie because she keeps saying that she wants to go see the new one even if she hasn’t seen the first

Movie Night - tom cruise x reader

Summary: Watching the original top gun with your boyfriend, tom cruise.

A/N: HELLO, this is chaotic as hell, but enjoy! I love writing age gaps for some reason, oh maybe its my thing for older men. Anywho, I am sorry this took SO LONG to finish, like I said, I was quite busy these last few days. Enjoy darling! xxx - mack :)

"What do you say we go to the cinema this weekend?" you asked, sliding your hand around your boyfriend, tom's waist.

Tom grinned, "I would like that very much."

As often as he could, tom had always tried to go to the cinema to see what was playing. A guilty pleasure of his was sneaking in any local theatre and watching movies just like the average Joe, hiding in the back row with his large bag of popcorn and cherry coke. Yes, at times (especially after a gruelling film schedule), tom enjoyed all of the fuss and feathers involved with a movie premiere, but he mostly did that for his fans. After all, it was their support that made him such the star he is today!

"What show do you want to watch? I was at the theatre for a western last week, and it wasn't the best, but if that's what you'd like to watch, we could go see it."

You shook your head, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, "Gosh no," you laughed, "I was thinking about seeing your new movie tom! Top Gun: Maverick."

Tom looked at you with his emerald eyes, god he had the most gorgeous eyes that you had ever seen, shaking his head. "But you haven't seen the original yet!"

You rolled your eyes, "All I know, is that I want to support you in your latest movie tom! It looks so so good, and you look hot in it!"

That last comment made tom laugh, lashing you one of his famous grins.

Due to scheduling conflicts, and a busy week at university, you were unable to attend the month-long global premiere for top gun: maverick. You hated that you had left tom to go himself without you as a date, but your studies at university were important to you, and you had lots of work that needed to be done before the end of the spring semester.

"Alright," tom said, walking over to the living room couch, "If we're going to go see it this week, then we have to watch the original!"

You nodded, sitting down on the grey sofa beside your boyfriend, "You've got a deal!"

While tom and you searched for the movie on the tv, one of his assistants was busy helping the main chef prepare a movie snack tray. Anthony, a young twenty-something year old that was close to your age - tom's newest assistant - was the one who delivered the tray of snacks onto the coffee table in front of the two of you.

The brown wooden board was filled with all of your favourite fruits, chocolates, and miniature packs of sweets that tom had the kitchen staff keep on hand at all times. In the centre of the tray, there were each two cokes in the vintage glass mugs that tom liked and a big bowl of airy popcorn for the two of you to share. "Here you are mr. cruise, " Anthony said, giving your boyfriend a subtle nod, "Miss. y/l/n," he offered, greeting you.

"Thanks Anthony," tom said, shaking his assistants hand, "Help yourself to anything in the fridge if you'd like, and take the evening off, we've got everything we need right here," tom said that last bit, looking at you, his emerald eyes meeting yours.

Anthony nodded, "thank you mr. cruise. I hope the two of you enjoy the film!"

Anthony was a bit of a suck up at times, but he seemed to like working for tom, and didn't mind doing any of the tasks he needed to be done that day, he was also kind to you, unlike some of the staff when you first came home with tom.

There was this one woman, vera, a lady in her late thirties, who told you straight off what she thought of you. "In it for the money eh?" she asked you, gritting her teeth, "you young women, I don't know why tom bothers with you."

You had looked at vera, who was dusting the main bookshelf at the time, her lips drawn up into a sneer, her eyes cutting through you like blades of glass.

"What did you say?" you had asked, mouth agape.

"You heard me," she said, "You're not good enough for tom." Just as Vera said that last bit, Tom, your boyfriend of five months had walked in, looking at the two of us. "What did you say to y/n?" he asked.

Vera smiled viciously, "Oh Tom! I was just complementing your new lady on her looks. Such voluminous hair!"

Tom had looked at you, then back at vera, knowing instantly by your eyes that vera had lied. "Vera," he had said, walking over to you and taking your hand in his, "You can head home."

Vera grinned, "Thank you tom. You are so kind!"

Tom shook his head, "Don't return tomorrow. I don't want you to work for me if that is how you treat my dates."

Begin substantially younger than you boyfriend had its disadvantages at times. Like when people assumed you were his daughter, or when they called you names; "gold digger," one man hissed in your ear on the subway. But worst of all, was when the press had their comments about your age gap. You are 24, and tom is nearly 60, which to some is slightly alarming. Hell, at first even you doubted that you would be fulfilled with an older man, but tom respected you and was everything you had ever wanted in a relationship. Now, almost two years later, the two of you are happy together, living your lives from your joint penthouse.

...

You wished Anthony a good night, and then watched in the distance as he grabbed a protein bar from the kitchen and took the elevator out of the building. "Finally," you sighed, leaning into tom, "were all alone."

Tom grinned a warm smile and pulled you close, his arm wrapping around your shoulder, "All ready to begin y/n?" he asked you.

You nodded, pressing play on the remote, the opening title card playing across the screen as the music you had heard so often played through the tv's speakers. When you saw tom's name, in that blocky white font, you mumbled, "Woah, tom cruise? I heard he's pretty talented!"

Tom chuckled, "really?"

After the other names of the stars, the iconic title card, the one showing audiences the sole purpose of the film flashed on screen, "On March 3, 1969 the United States Navy established an elite school for the top one precent of its pilots. Its purpose was to teach the lost art of areal combat and to insure that the handful of men who graduated were the best fighter pilots in the world. They succeeded. Today , the Navy call it Fighter Weapons school. The flyers call it:"

"Top gun," tom and you read together. The movie was officially beginning.

Scenes of people walking in mist with the yellow and orange sunset shining through from behind played through as the rest of the cast was introduced, fighter jets moving slowly in the background. The colours were really aesthetic.

When tom's character, pete "maverick" mitchell popped on screen, you gave your boyfriend a nudge and a wink.

Tom rolled his eyes at you and got back to the movie, helping himself to the bowl of popcorn that Anthony had brought you.

As the movie played on, the daylight outside began to blur into night, and tom and you laid closer on the couch, his hands in your hair, your hands resting on his chest. The two of you hummed along to the music, some songs you knew from hearing them on the local radio stations.

A tear rolled down your cheek when goose fell unconscious into the water, and tom was there to wipe it away. To cheer you up as the heartfelt music continued to play, tom told you stories of life on set. "And this one night me and val went down to Mexico, it was crazy fun."

At the end of the movie, the end credits rolling on the screen, tom turned to you, his eyes looking over yours, "What did you think y/n?"

You smiled contently, "It was really good tom. I really liked it!"

"So you think you're ready for Top Gun: Maverick then?"

"Defiantly!" you replied, giving tom a kiss on the cheek, "I can't wait to watch it with you.