#no sugar no bread are the only definites so far

[vanilladove]

hiii hello vani<3 may i request smt angsty with dazai and reader in which he’s acting neglectful/unfaithful as a partner and you just deal with it? but you don’t hate him or anything you’re just really sad about it hehe tysm ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

☾⋆.ೃ࿔* ghostin

gif creds fybugoustraydogs | divider creds benkeibear

₊ ⊹☁ pairing: dazai x gn!reader

₊ ⊹☁ genre: angst :,)

₊ ⊹☁ content warnings: distant/neglectful relationships; canon mentions of double suicide bc dazai lol...i couldn't bring myself to write a cheating dazai i'm sorry T~T inspired by ghostin + better off by ariana grande!

₊ ⊹☁ word count: 1.9k

You shivered under the cold sheets when your alarm had woken you up. The space next to you was empty, your lover nowhere to be found.

It had been like this for months now, but it was nothing new due to the nature of his job. Dazai always became distant right before handling a new enemy for the Armed Detective Agency. He only disclosed vague details to you, explaining that withdrawing himself was a way to protect you since he didn’t want enemies knowing about you. Before leaving, he’d muttered something about keeping you away from “the demon”.

But you had to admit, the feeling of being 'safe' from a far away, unknown enemy didn't compare to being wrapped in your lover's arms, the soft kisses on your forehead, gently running your hands through his brown fluffy hair, and whispering sweet nothings to eachother. You missed his corny jokes and the nights you two would have together after drinking too much sake, giggling on the floor and watching the stars on your open balcony—Dazai always pointing out the constellations and telling you the stories and lore behind each one.

He had been staying at a secret location far from your shared apartment, so the sheets didn’t smell like his musky, warm cologne anymore. The space felt ghostly now, and hanging out with your friends barely helped. Stirring a sugar cube and cream into your morning coffee, the things they said repeated in your head.

“Just break up with him..."

"You don’t deserve someone who ignores you—especially if he puts work above you…”

"He's definitely cheating on you with all the travel he's always away on..."

Your friends didn’t understand though. They didn’t understand the depth of your relationship or how Dazai loved you. He was a reserved man; he didn't let anyone into his heart, always putting on a flamboyant front to mask his true self. Even becoming his partner and finally moving in with him was a feat in itself and was something he'd hesitantly accepted. You knew he had a traumatic upbringing and that the ones he cared for eventually left his life, often in a tragic way; the last thing his broken heart could take was losing you.

Which was why you put up with the cold sheets in the morning, the single serving meals, and all the sad movie nights alone—because deep down, you knew he cared about you. Your lonely conscious couldn't handle any other explanation.

You tiredly shaped the triangular onigiri filled with snow crab and placed it in the wooden bento box, along with some tamagoyaki and salad, savoring the momentary heat in your hands. It was Dazai's favorite lunch—something you used to pack for him everyday. You forcibly dragged yourself out of bed to make it for him after receiving a text—from an unknown number, of course—that he was stopping by the apartment to grab something. You knew it was futile waking up early; it wouldn't stop him from leaving with no explanation, from not being targeted by the port mafia, the hunting dogs, or "the demon". How silly and lovesick you were.

Closing the lid, you put the dishes in the sink and placed a piece of bread into the toaster, staring intently as you waited for it to finish, which seemed like forever. You took a sip from your mug, cringing when the lukewarm liquid touched your tongue. Shit, your coffee had gone cold. That never happened when he was still there.

The lock clicking snapped you out of your somber thoughts, and you turned your head around to face the self-inviting visitor. Gaze softening, you admired the tall man in front of you, wrapped in a tan trench coat, which you instinctively slipped off from behind him, his tense shoulders relaxing under your fingertips as you draped the coat on a nearby chair. Wordlessly, you both exchanged melancholic glances before Dazai made the first move, stepping forward to close the space between you two. His slender fingers slowly came up to caress your face, the foreign touch making your cheeks heat up. Leaning forward, he closed his eyes and placed a soft kiss on your cold lips, "Hi, bella."

Forcing yourself to open your lids again and not overindulge in the much needed contact, you smiled at your lover, but it didn't quite connect back to your eyes, "Welcome hom—errr—back...You needed something from here, right?" You replied, choosing your words carefully so he couldn't hear your evident desperation.

Dazai blinked carefully, "Yeah, a flash drive. It's in one of the kitchen cabinets. Is it fine if I look around for a bit?" You nodded, looking down at the tiled floor and smiling at nothing. Dazai was always like that, hiding important things in the most impractical places as a precaution. As he fished through the cabinet, he turned his head briefly to look down at the abandoned mug sitting on the counter, "Is that for me?"

You wiped the nostalgic grin off your face, reaching for your coffee, which you'd made in Dazai's usual mug, "A-Ah, no. It's mine, sorry," Dazai raised an eyebrow at you, "I made it earlier this morning, but it's cold now. I'll make you some more." You offered, trying to brush off his suspicions and the strange looks he was giving you.

He sighed, stroking your hair lightly, "It's fine, darling, brew yourself a new cup, and I'll drink this one." He gave you one last reassuring pat before picking up the mug and slipping away into your shared room to look for something else, giving you no time to protest. What seemed like a sweet gesture really had a double meaning: I'm not staying long enough for a new batch of coffee, so I'll just take the cold cup.

A pit formed in your stomach as you dumped out the used coffee filter and reached for a new one. Your vision started to blur, stopping you before you could open the lid of the coffee grounds. Wet drops falling on the back of your hands made you realize you were crying. Instinctively, you brought your hands up to cover your mouth and block any sobs from Dazai, who was still next door in your bedroom.

Stop it.

You tried to coerce yourself, but you couldn't help it. The despair was too agonizing; to have the one you needed most close to you but not being able to tell them to stay, to hold you, especially since you knew how precious you were to him—if you asked, he'd drop everything to stay the night with you. Everyone at the ADA was aware of that, which was why they'd sat you down and conveyed that you couldn't dote too much on Dazai. You understood that and had stayed by his side anyways, knowing that being with him sometimes was better than never. Even if it broke your heart in the process. Even if it meant crying silently in the kitchen while your lover was in the next room, oblivious to the tears wetting your sleeves.

Deep down, you wished he would notice the pain you were in. You wished he would text and call you more or at least take you out to dinner and do special things when he'd finally come back, but he always resumed your daily routines almost like he'd never left. It made your heart ache, feeling like he disregarded his long leaves and their effects on you. You sniffled quietly and quickly wiped your tears away upon hearing rustling from the bedroom doorway signaling that Dazai was almost done grabbing what he needed.

Inhaling deeply, you breathed in and out slowly to calm your frantic heart and turned to the side to face the counter as your partner walked back into the kitchen.

"Found what you were looking for?" You asked, trying to cover your face with your hair and sneakily wipe away any residual tears.

Dazai swiftly passed by you, going towards the chair to slip his trench coat back on and grab the lunch you'd made him. "Yeah, I found it. Thanks for the bento and coffee by the wa—" Your eyes widened as he trailed off mid-sentence, all of a sudden feeling his presence next to you. He bent down to peer over at your face, evidently still swollen and a bit red from crying.

He rotated your body towards him and pushed the stay hairs from your face, intently observing your features. "Bella, have you been crying?" He stroked your cheeks delicately, "And your eyebags are so dark...have you been getting enough sleep?" He looked genuinely worried, peering into your eyes for any sort of insights, but it was too hard to maintain eye contact with him.

"I'm fine...I—" You muttered, words trapped in your throat.

Tell him you miss him. That you don't want him to leave you again.

No, don't! Let him walk out as usual. Your sadness isn't worth letting a countless number of innocent people get harmed or killed.

Thoughts conflicting and wearing your tired soul out, you only mustered a weak smile, placing your cold hands on top of Dazai's. "If I died now, would you still die with me?"

"What?"

"You promised we'd commit a double suicide together. Would you still—" Dazai's arms wrapped around you, pulling you into him, his warmth and comforting scent making tears fall again, not knowing the next time he would be back. You cursed yourself internally for breaking down in front of him, but you couldn't hold your emotions in any longer. He only held you silently, running his hands through your hair as you sobbed into his chest. You felt lightheaded, crying for several minutes, the only condoling things being the scent of Dazai's cologne and the way he held you to remind you he was still with you.

You looked up from his chest, gazing into his chocolate brown eyes, which were swirling with uncertainty. A pained expression was on his face, no doubt from your actions. "I'm sorry, my love. I'm so sorry..." He lifted your face up to kiss your lips gently and kiss away your salty tears before pulling you back into his chest. "I was selfish to think you wouldn't be hurt by me always being away. I tried to turn a blind eye to focus on work, but..." He exhaled shakily, "...somehow I always hurt the people closest to me...even the one I love the most."

Dazai squeezed you tighter in his arms, "I love you, and I know we'll get past this, darling. I don't expect you to forgive me, but please, please don't think of resorting to that." He cradled your face, forcing you to look up at his broken eyes.

This was the power you had over him. Prison, criminals, and even the mafia couldn't break him anymore, but your tears could melt his gaudy, confident facade instantaneously and bring him to his knees. Exactly what everyone warned you about.

You nodded slowly, the last of your cry session being wiped away by Dazai's thumbs. You hugged him back, listening as his rampant heartbeat went back to normal, staring off to the side.

"Listen, bella, I'm going to be gone for a few months. I suspect I'm going to be arrested and sent to a high-security prison...probably somewhere overseas. We won't—we won't be together for a while." You heaved, holding your breath, "But," He turned your head to face him, "I'm going to stay here for a couple of days until then. Is that okay?"

Before you could think, you crashed your lips on his, and Dazai only happily kissed back, smiling, grateful to have cheered up his love again.

"Y-Yeah, that's fine. I love you, Osamu." You sniffled back. He could stay forever if he wanted to, but you'd take a few days.

"I love you, too, bella. I always will, even when I'm not with you. Enough for the both of us."

[mobbu-min]

☆ grandma's best friend ☆

summary: in which you’re tasked with picking up your grandma after her knitting club and can’t help but fall in love with the handsome man sat right beside her.

a/n had this in the wip hell for forever. i was going to add azul but.... i have the hardest time writing him, so maybe he'll appear in another piece. also this takes place after they have graduated from nrc!

characters trey clover, deuce spade, jack howl, silver & lilia vanrouge

tw cursing

 Despite living in the same house with your grandma since the day you were born, there were still plenty of things you didn’t know about her. And truthfully you weren't one to pry into her, what you considered, pretty mundane life. Early morning walks, baking a mountain of cookies and breads and watching soap operas weren’t really your things. 

 So not once, never in your life, did you expect that you’d be stopped dead in your tracks the moment you entered through the glass doors of your grandma’s friend's sunroom. It was supposed to be a knitting class for older women, right?

 Well, apparently your grandma decided to be super mean and not tell you about the absolute hunk that came every week. 

 You watched from the entry as he laughed along with your grandma. It was like you could hear church bells in the distance. You instantly could tell with the way your grandma and the other ladies flocked to him and talked so sweetly to him that they were absolutely smitten with him. 

 As if sensing your rising temperature, your grandma turned her head around and waved you over. “What are you doing all the way over there? Come here, sweetie.”

 You suddenly felt so shy and quickly averted your gaze. Your stomach doing backflips the closer you got. Why did you feel like you were going to explode?

 As your grandma introduced you, you peaked up at him only to freeze in place the moment your gaze caught his. And the moment his lips stretched into the prettiest, most dazzling smile you’ve ever seen, you knew you were down bad. 

 Like really bad.

Trey Clover <3

⋆ Trey Clover, the baker’s son. Everyone knew him as a kind and gentle soul. You’ve known him since you were young, going to the same elementary school as him and his feline friend, however that all you were. Simply classmates and your desire to know him outside of that was zero to none.

⋆ So safe to say, you haven’t seen him since he was a preteen and suddenly the image of a lanky, nerdy looking boy with a shy smile dispersed when you saw him.

⋆ Tall, strong and handsome, not to mention a fine looking ass. He’s definitely changed since you last saw him. And suddenly, all the older women talking about trying to hook up their daughters with the baker’s son suddenly made a lot more sense. He was the definition of husband material.

⋆ And you were determined to make him yours.

☆☆☆

“Hopefully you remember my granddaughter, I know she can blend into the crowds easily.” You grandma laughed joyfully and despite her fraile statue, the heaviness of her hands persisted causing you to stumble forwards.

Chuckling awkwardly, you smiled crookedly at Trey who smiled easily at your grandma’s antics, seemingly used to it. Placing a large, yet comforting, hand on your shoulder he steady you, “Don’t worry, Mrs. (l/n), I have a pretty strong memory.”

“Hmpf, and hopefully you keep it then, lest you end up like your grandmother over there.” Your grandma jabbed playfully at the chubby woman who glared softly in her direction.

And yet despite your best attempt to listen to the both of them bicker back and forth, the warmth sweeping through your thin sweater was enough to keep your attention on the young man. Catching your gaze, Trey’s honey eyes twinkled with curiosity, “Hey, (y/n), it’s been awhile.”

Like water hitting oil, your heart exploded into thousands of little sparks the second your name rolled off his tongue. How can one person sound so sweet? Like sugar and sprinkles and everything sweet? It was not far!

“Hehe, yeahhh.” You drawled out, your cheeks ablaze and hot to the touch. Doing your best to reign in your heart eyes, you coughed into your fist and smiled sweetly at him, “H-how have you been? Last I checked you were in dentistry school, right?”

Scratching his nape, Trey hummed, “I was, but after my dad hurt his back I came back to help with the bakery. It didn’t feel right to leave my mom to take care of the bakery, my dad and siblings all by herself.”

Ah, a family man, how nice, you cooed internally. Now, you haven’t thought of settling down anytime soon, but for him? Your ass is sat.

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Trey. That sounds horrible.” You said with full sincerity, your heart aching for him. “Have you thought about going back though?”

“I’ve thought about it, but…” His gaze roamed around the room filled with elderly ladies laughing and joking around, to them greeting their partners with warm welcomes and honey eyes, until settling back to you. Mirth swam through his pretty eyes, “I kinda like it here.”

Your heart, the romantic thing it was, was set zooming into the sky and exploding into fireworks. While you knew it was merely coincidence that you just happened to be here and asked that particular question, it was all you needed to decide that whatever future Trey wanted was one you were going to be a part of.

The world can call you whatever, a romantic, a simp, you didn’t care.

Tilting your head, you smiled sweetly at him, “Yeah, I do too.”

This was going to be your happily ever after.

Deuce Spade <3

⋆ It took you a second to recognize the boy that struggled to untangle the yarn on his lap, but the moment his wide blue eyes scanned the room to see how far behind he was, you knew.

⋆ Deuce Spade, the former bad boy turned honorary magical student.

⋆ You wouldn’t say that you didn't like him, more like you don’t know him. Your paths never really crossed, with him always skipping school and all. Though you did always have a soft spot for him, afterall he would consistently turn a blind eye every time you snuck out of p.e.

⋆ And you couldn’t deny the tiny crush you had on him either. Something about his bad boy behavior that made your young nerdy heart swoon.

⋆ So who could blame you for blushing the moment he laid eyes on you.

☆☆☆

 Pretty, was the first thought that crossed your mind. Also, that he looked a lot like his mom, who you’ve tried to get with multiple times before hand. Sadly your homemade lunches and pathetic attempts at flirting did nothing to convince her to give you a chance. However it did convince her not to bill you every time she had to fix up your old beaten up car. 

 He looked a lot older too. His big bright blue eyes, a little narrower yet still glowing like the sun shining down on the sea. His soft cheeks were gone, a lot more slender and mature, yet he still maintained that youthful pink hue to the apple of his cheeks. And if you looked closely enough you could see the black ink of tattoos peeking out of his cerulean sweater. 

 You could feel your cheeks blossom into the all too familiar hue of the cherry blossoms that grew outside the windows. You hoped your makeup would mask the heat radiating off your cheeks. Clutching onto the straps of your bag, you shuffled towards your grandma, who stared at you with knowing eyes. Curses, I should have never left my diary where she could see it. 

 Just as you opened your mouth to greet your grandma, your breath hitched. It was like you were staring into the ocean, the glimmers in his eyes like clear waters. You were in awe at how a simple look from a guy you haven’t seen in ages could leave you so breathless. 

 A sharp jab to your ribs quickly ripped you out of whatever shoujo-esque moment you were having. Crumbling over, you gingerly held your side and wheezed. Your grandma, the blunt old lady she is, paid your suffering no mind and was quick to chastise you. “Goodness (y/n), have I not taught you nothing? It’s rude to stare.”

 Like a knight you’ve read about in plenty of romance novels back in your preteens and teens (even now honestly), he came to your rescue. 

 “It’s alright, I don’t mind Mrs. (l/n).” You could hear your grandma huff and turn away, probably to gossip with the other ladies. Despite her old age, her strength has yet to fail her and her elbows were, unfortunately, sharp. Yet, all that pain disappeared with a gentle touch to your shoulder. “Hey, are you okay?”

 Raising your head, your eyes widened at the closeness between you both. You were sure at this point your makeup did nothing to help the ever darkening color of your face. If anything it was probably being wiped off with how much you were sweating. 

 Laughing nervously, you shook your head and smiled, “Y-yeah, I’m good. It’s nothing I’m not used to.”

 Amusement danced in his eyes. Rubbing at his own side, he nodded along, “Tell me about it, she sure packs a punch.” Familiarity sparkled across his features, “(y/n), right? You were a grade above me?”

 “Yup, it’s been awhile, Deuce.” Sitting in your grandma’s spot, you took one of the sweet strawberry jam cookies and popped it in your mouth.”What have you been up to lately?”

 Sitting down, Deuce hummed, “You know, uni and stuff. Studying isn’t really my forte, but I’m trying hard.”

 “Making your mom proud?” You teased softly. With how often you were over at her house, you heard plenty of stories of his recent endeavors. Not to mention, you could never get over how fondly she spoke of her only son. The type of love and proudness that was totally unique to her. 

 Sighing, Deuce ran a hand through his hair, “I sure hope so…”

 Punching his shoulders, you scoffed, “Oh, c’mon Deuce, give yourself more credit. You're practically the light of her life. No matter what happens, she’ll always be proud of you.”

 Warmth flooded his gaze at your words. Despite knowing that, it was always nice to hear it said out loud. Playing with the loose threads of his sweater, he easily turned the conversation around, “Uh, but what about you? My mom says you're at the house every week to get your car fixed.”

 “Oh, yeah…haha…” You laughed bashfully, praying to the Sevens that she didn’t mention your flirting. Placing a finger on your chin, you stared up at the ceiling, “I’ve been good. I work at the local tattoo shop as a receptionist. I’m hoping that Mr. Stevens will finally accept my portfolio, but from the looks of things…I think I’m better off trying to get an apprenticeship in the city.”

 Nodding along, Deuce grinned, “I remember you always doodling on everything. I’m surprised you didn’t try…um…professional painting? Is that a thing? Like galleries and stuff?”

 “I wanted to, but it was too expensive. Tattooing though? Pretty accessible money wise, it’s just a pain in the ass to get someone to take you under their wing.” You sighed tiredly. Shrugging your shoulders, you turned your gaze to Deuce and grinned, “I guess we’ve both been busy trying to make something of ourselves huh?”

 “Yeah, I guess we are.”

 Hearing your grandma call out your name, you knew your conversation had to come to its end. Rising up, you fixed your bag and offered Deuce a soft smile. 

 “It was nice talking to you again. I’m kinda sad it was cut short.”

 Scratching his cheek, he averted his eyes, “Well…it doesn't have too.”

 Tilting your head, you looked at him in confusion. Something warm and electric blooming in your chest. 

 Reaching into his pocket, he took out his phone and offered it to you. Smiling nervously, he stuttered, “L-let’s exchange numbers and if you aren’t too busy, let’s get some drinks sometime this week.”

 It was like thousands of angels came down from heaven at his proposal. This was everything your little preteen heart had ever wanted, and who were you to deny her?

 “That sounds like fun!”

Jack Howl <3

(reader is a wolf beastmen too!)

⋆ Muscles….

⋆ So many muscles…

⋆ You could feel your knees quiver and threaten to crumble under your weight. You’ve seen plenty of muscular people in your life, but never one with such a gentle touch as him. The way he held the croquet needle was as if he was afraid he’d break it with his full force.

⋆ To the gentle sway of his fluffy snow white tail told you everything you needed to know about him.

☆☆☆

You considered taping your own tail against your leg with how fast it wagged behind you. Don’t be fooled, you loved who you were, but you didn’t love how easy it was for others to decipher your emotions through the simple beat of your tail. And it appears that, no matter how hard you try to feign a cool and mysterious persona, everyone could see how much of a dork you were by simply looking behind you.

Your grandma stifled her own chuckles behind a wrinkled hand, “Jack, this is my granddaughter, (y/n). I hope you can both get along.”

Both of your ears perked up the moment your eyes caught his, golden like the sun surrounded by fluffy white clouds. Again, your grandma giggled and busied herself with other matters. Deciding to let fate take charge.

Nodding your head, you smiled shyly, “It’s nice to meet you, Jack. It’s not often I meet other wolf beastmen here.”

You liked to think that's why you were so excited, and certainly not because he was practically your dream guy. Oh Sevens, it felt like you were in a dream. You wished you wouldn’t wake up.

Jack nodded, his expression stoic, but much like yourself, his curiosity was clearly shown by the twitch of his ear and wag of his fluffy tail. You instantly realized he wasn’t much for talking. Typically with anyone else, you’d find it awkward, but with Jack, you found yourself at ease.

Leaning against the window frame, you gestured to his green and brick brown coasters, “I like your coasters, they're so pretty. Are they for anyone in particular?”

Shaking his head, he moved besides you, “No, it’s actually for me. I thought it would look nice underneath my cactuses.”

His voice was deep, but not too deep that made you shudder, deep and smooth like you were floating through a river. A steady beat unlike your heart. From your spot you could smell his cologne, a light sandalwood fragrance that mixed well with his natural woodsy scent.

Humming softly, you pulled your tail to your lap to prevent it from hitting him and gently ran your fingers through the soft fur, “Cactuses, huh? You must take very good care of them.”

“I do. They seem easy to care for, but they need a strict schedule to make sure they grow strong.” Jack said proudly. A smirk that sent your heart into cardiac arrest present on his clear brown skin. And then as if he suddenly remembered something, he looked down almost bashfully, “And well, some are also for my family.”

Ugh, he just keeps on getting more and more perfect! You internally squealed. Calming yourself, you asked, “That’s nice of you. Handmade things from the heart is always the best. Is that why you’re taking these classes? I typically don’t see guys like you willingly hanging out in a place like this.”

Leaning his head back, Jack thought, “I thought this would broaden my horizons. Knitting and crocheting requires patience and discipline. So in turn that would help me out when I work out.”

“Training the mind, while training the body!”

“Mh-hm.” Glancing down at you, he grinned, “I’m glad you understand. The guys in my work out group were jerks about it.”

Grinning, you gently nudged him with your elbow, “They sound like a bunch of airheads then.”

Jack chuckled under his breath. They type of laugh that would have every head turning. The type of laugh that you would hear rarely, like a special treat. The type of laugh you knew you wanted for yourself.

Right then and there, you decided you were going to do your hardest to make him yours.

Silver <3

⋆ Beautiful, stunning, angelic, you could go on.

⋆ The boy in front of you was straight out of a romance novel. The knight perhaps, judging by his build. But his face totally screams prince.

⋆ You could feel your heart racing in your chest that it was almost painful.

⋆ And dear sevens, he just smiled.

⋆ Yeah, you were screwed.

☆☆☆

“I am so sorry!” You apologized profusely, hastily taking out napkins from your bag to dap onto his soft pastel blue sweater. Searing heat painted your face. Pure embarrassment piercing your chest.

“It’s fine, don’t worry about it.” He said softly, gently prying your shaking hands away. “Things like this happen, no need to get so worked up about it.”

If this was any other instance where you weren’t fighting your demons, you would be swooning and thinking to yourself that your dreams of becoming the main character of a shoujo anime finally came true. But no, the world hates you. So you were having a difficult time not feeling bad, especially when his sweaters looked so…

Expensive… you sighed internally, trying your best not to eye the large weird shaped blob staining his chest. “Still, I am incredibly sorry. Maybe I can pay for dry cleaning?”

A smile, soft and so, so, so pretty, formed on his face. A gentle shake of head caused his silky silver hair to fall delicately across his clear glasslike skin, you weren’t sure if you were feeling awe or envy at this point. With an amused tone that held no annoyance, he reassured, “I told you it was okay, didn’t I? I’m not mad at all, so you shouldn’t feel bad.”

Then his smile fell. Looking crestfallen, he sighed, “If anything, I should apologize. Your coffee is all gone now.”

Immediately alarm bells began to ring all throughout your head. A boy as pretty and nice as him should never be sad, it said. Fix it, it demanded.

Holding up your empty cup, you laughed nervously, hoping to ease his imaginary burden. “No, no! I have so much left! See!” A sad single drop touched your lip. You wanted to end it all.

Despite your pure hatred for the world right now, the boy in front of you found it funny. Or maybe he was pitying you. Either way you’re taking it as a win.

Covering your mouth with your hand, you laughed alongside him, “Maybe if I was an ant, then maybe that would have been enough.”

Clearing his throat, he gazed softly at you and held out his hand, “I’m Silver.”

Without missing a beat, you shook his hand, “(y/n). It’s nice to meet you, Silver.”

“Likewise.” Leaning against the wall, he asked, “What brings you here?”

Perking up, you swayed back and forth on the balls of your heels, “I’m here to pick up by grandma. Though she’s typically not this late.”

You spared your phone a glance. She was twenty minutes late. You would have gone in to see, but last time she scolded you big time. You weren’t really in the mood to deal with her nasty temper.

Silver nodded. “Me too. I came to get my father, but it seems like the class is running longer then expected. -sigh- I shouldn’t have fallen asleep earlier.”

“You feel asleep?” You asked with a light laugh.

Pink dusted his face and his auroral eyes stared up at the sky, “Yes. It’s a bad habit I’ve had for a long time. Anyways, I was supposed to attend today, but well…”

His bashful expression made your heart swoon. Was it possible for a angel to look any more angelic? Apparently yes, judging by the way the sun perfectly hit his features and the sudden appearances of birds and little critters.

“It happens. I was supposed to come too, but I spent too much time getting ready that my grandma left without me. Something about her having to get there early.” She has been acting so strange lately, you hoped she wasn’t getting sick.

“Odd, my father had to get here early too.” Silver hummed, remembering the way his father buzzed in excitement.

A few seconds passed by in silence. Mulling over each other words, you both began to piece together the reasons for their odd behaviors. Looking up at Silver, you gasped.

“You don’t think…”

“Perhaps…”

As if answering your questions, the doors to your grandmother’s friends sunroom burst opened. Followed by her friend’s exasperated yells and two gleeful gigglings. Spinning around the both of your gasped.

“I told you both! Next time I catch you guys kissing in my sunroom, I’m kicking you out!” She huffed.

“Ehehe, Mrs. Eliza no need to get so pent up! We were merely getting acquainted!” The small, youthful looking fae giggled. Hugging your grandmother from behind.

“Acquainted! In my sunroom?!” She gasped indignantly. Her face was hot in anger.

“You’re just mad I’m getting more action than you have in the past 30 years!” Your grandmother cackled, kissing the fae’s cheeks lovingly.

Before the older lady could lift her broom up to wack your grandmother, Silver stepped fowards with an apologetic smile, “Ms, I’m so sorry for my father’s behavior.”

Instantly her anger died down at the angelic boy. Her frown turning into a sweet smile. “Oh, you sweet boy. No need to apologize for your father. Goodness, how did that thing even raise such a sweet boy like yourself.”

Despite Silver's smile, you noticed the way his fist clenched at his side. You rose a brow at him. Ignorant to his quiet anger, she waved the two older figures off. “Just get out of here.”

Once she was outta sight, they both burst out in laughter. Holding each other up as their lungs expelled any air left. All of your grandma’s odd behavior suddenly made sense.

“What the heck?” You finally said, earning their attention. Pointing to the mischievous looking fae, you asked, “This is why you’ve been getting home late? Because you were getting…getting…”

“My freak on.” Your grandma giggled. You suddenly regretted setting up her tik tok account.

Placing at hand on Silver’s shoulder, you gagged, “Oh god, I’m going to puke.”

“Oh please, no need for your theatrics dear.” Your grandma hushed, already making her way to your car. Over her shoulder, she jabbed, “Unless your jealous that I got a boyfriend before you!”

You gasped so loud that it made Silver jump. “Grandma!”

The fae, floated towards your grandma and kissed her cheek. Rubbing her shoulders, he grinned, “Now dear, don’t be so harsh on the youngin’s. I fear it’s a common issue among them all.”

Silver bristled next to you. His cheeks heated up at his father’s remark. Romance has never been his top priority.

“Do you hear them, Silver! They’re mocking us!” You hissed, your face hot with embarrassment.

“I hear them loud and clear.” He sighed. Looking at the fae, Silver asked, “Father, I never expected to find out you were seeing someone. Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

His magenta eye widened at the hurt in his son’s voice. You and your grandma looked at him quizzically. Placing a hand on Silver’s arm, you rubbed it reassuringly. And definitely not because you could feel his toned and defined muscles.

“Ah, well your old man is entitled to his secrets.” Pointing to your grandma, he added, “Like my dearest!”

“I never kept it a secret. She just never asked, Lilia.” Your grandma retorted.

All three pairs of eyes fell on you. Suddenly finding your shoes the most interesting thing in the world, you chuckled stiffly, “Well…she's not wrong…”

Shaking her head, your grandma offered joyfully, “How about a nice cup of tea and muffins to settle things out!” Then nudging, who you now know as, Lilia, she winked, “We might not be the only one’s in a relationship soon enough.”

Catching her drift, he eyed the both of you playfully, “Ohoho! Oh lovely. I’ve always wanted grandchildren.”

Confusion fluttered through your features. Looking at each other, you were suddenly very much aware of the lack of space between you both. Jumping back, you both stared at each other bashfully. Your grandma and Silver’s father’s laughter floating in the distance. Your heart drumming against your rib cage at Silver’s shy face.

Sevens, I think I’m going to die!

[okaylikeschaewon]

Chapter 7: Paris

le sserafim smut, ~6k words, chaewon, kazuha, male reader

“This is so cute!”

“I heard you wanted to go on a date in Paris,” you chuckled. “You like it?”

“Like it? I love it!” Kazuha gushed. “How did you set this up so quickly?”

“I had to pull a few strings,” you smiled at her as you pulled her chair back.

“Wow, you must really like me,” Kazuha teased while taking a seat. “Oh my God!”

The excitement on her face as she looked at the variety of breads on the table was enough to make this whole endeavor worth it. Maybe it was your history dating idols, but you were definitely spoiled by their intense reactions.

“I think they call that bread.” you chuckled, taking a seat across from her.

“Why are there so many?”

“Because you deserve all the breads!” you laughed as you watched Kazuha gawked at the table.

“When are you going to take me to the real City of Love?”

“I think I’d get in trouble if I stole you and flew away in the middle of promo week.”

“I’d let you steal me,” she said slyly as she began buttering up a roll.

“How is it?” you asked, already knowing the answer as Kazuha physically leaned back into her chair, looking up at the roof in a state of utter satisfaction.

“It’s so good,” she moaned, her voice wavering as if she was about to spill tears over a simple bite of bread.

“Save some room, there’s a whole meal to come,” you laughed, overflowing with happiness at Kazuha’s antics.

Before you knew it, the appetizer, main course, and dessert had been served. Dinner was a mostly silent affair as Kazuha was far too busy with the food, only sparing enough time to drop a flirty one-liner here and there as she worked on finishing every bite from dishes she couldn’t even pronounce.

“Wow!” Kazuha gasped, even making the waiter smile through her excitement as they torched the sugar in front of her.

“Have you had it before?” you asked, tapping the top of your own little cup with the back of your spoon.

She shook her head excitedly before breaking the sugar layer with her spoon and giving it a taste. As usual, her reaction was excruciatingly cute as she alternated between a flurry of astonishment, shock, and content. She admired the little white ramekin with a bliss-filled expression on her face for a moment before looking up at you with wide eyes.

“How is it?” you smiled.

“There’s only one thing at this table I’d rather eat,” she moaned.

“Huh? What would you… oh,” you facepalmed, disappointed that you fell for her cheesiness.

“Have you brought Chaewon here before?” Kazuha asked with a smile, proud of herself as she took another bite.

“Not yet,” you answered, thinking back to the time when you brought Sakura here.

“I think she’d like it.”

“Yeah, maybe I’ll bring her next time.”

“Or you can just bring me again,” Kazuha giggled, scraping her spoon around the bottom of the dish.

“Are you asking me out?”

“Depends, will you take me out?”

“After tonight? Always.”

“Then let’s talk about where you’re taking me while you drive me home,” Kazuha smiled, wiping her lips with her napkin and standing up.

Despite her suggestion, you drove her back to the dorm in silence. Suddenly, Kazuha seemed to be a bit nervous, you even noticed her leg shaking slightly, but you decided not to comment on it. Once you got to the dorm, you contemplated whether or not you should come in, but your decision was made when Kazuha stopped walking two steps away from your car and looked over her shoulder expectantly.

Still, without saying any words, you walked Kazuha all the way to her room. All the other members were nowhere to be seen, the house was mostly silent. As you got to Kazuha’s door, she turned around and looked at you with slightly blushed cheeks.

“Tonight was fun,” she said softly.

“Yeah, it was,” you replied, trying to figure out what she wanted.

“Do you…” she began before stopping.

“Do I?”

Kazuha leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on your mouth before leaning back.

“Goodnight!” she shouted before hurrying into her room, closing the door behind her.

“Goodnight…”

—

“Still awake?”

She answered by cheerily patting the bed next to where she was sitting with a tablet in her lap.

“Whose fancam are you…” you began asking as you sat down and looked at the screen. “You’re watching your own fancam.”

“Yah! Stop judging me, I like to monitor myself, so what,” Chaewon complained as she turned off the screen and leaned over to place the device on her side table, the blanket lifting off her as she bent over, flashing you her bright pink underwear. “Did you have fun with Zuha?” she asked as she leaned back, cuddling into your arms.

“I did,” you mumbled as you ran your fingers through Chaewon’s short hair. “Kazuha’s great.”

“I know,” Chaewon laughed into your chest, laying her face on you. “Where is she now?”

“In her bed, I think.”

“Wow, didn’t you guys just get home? Guess you had some stamina issues tonight,” Chaewon teased. “Not that I blame you, Zuha is a hottie.”

“We didn’t.”

Chaewon lifted herself up and looked you in the face.

“I’m starting to think you don’t want to sleep with her.”

“Of course I want to,” you replied. “You said it yourself, she’s a hottie.”

“Do you not believe me when I say it’s fine?” Chaewon asked, face full of confusion. “I don’t understand.”

“No, I do,” you said, rubbing your hand against her back. “I literally just told you I want to sleep with her, would I do that if I didn’t believe you?”

“Probably,” Chaewon smirked. “You tend to gush over her a lot.”

“That’s true,” you smiled back. “She’s just so… precious.”

“Wanna give it another try tomorrow?” she asked nonchalantly while spinning in the bed and reaching for her phone.

“Why does it seem like you really want me to sleep with Kazuha?” you questioned while placing both hands on her ass, pressing into the pink panties.

“You don’t get jealous when I fool around with Kkura and Yunjin, why should I get jealous if you fool around with Zuha?” she answered without turning back around, flipping through her phone.

“So, what about that surprise?” you asked slyly as your hands squeezed and played with her supple ass. “Do you still wanna get all sore?”

“The condition for the surprise was that you actually slept with her,” Chaewon tutted, rolling onto her stomach and taking her shirt off.

“What an odd reality,” you said while climbing over her legs, straddling her lower body. “It really feels like my girlfriend is begging me to sleep with one of her friends.”

“I have… my reasons…” Chaewon grunted as you pressed down into her body.

“How’s the comeback stuff going?” you asked while working on the knots in her shoulders.

“It’s… good… busy…” she moaned, tossing her phone to the side and leaning her face into her pillow. “Lower please.”

“Not too much though, I hope?” you continued down her body, reaching around her chest to give her tits a quick grope before working her middle back.

“I can handle it,” she said before releasing a drawn out breath through her teeth. “Oh yes…”

“I know you can handle it,” you said, moving farther down her spine, pressing into her lower back.

“Ah fuck,” she cried out, arching her back slightly.

“Sorry.”

“No,” she moaned. “More.”

“So,” you continued, sliding lower on her body and working her lower back. “Why are you so fixated on me and Kazuha?”

“She’s being shy,” Chaewon grunted as your fingers explored her muscles. “I just want her to open up.”

“Open up…” you repeated, rubbing your thumbs in small circles, pressing harder.

“Yeah,” Chaewon continued. “She’s never gone all the way with me, I want her…”

Your hands paused the massage. She turned her head just a little into the pillow and tried to get you to keep going by reaching behind her. You jerked your arm away and slapped her ass, secretly admiring the jiggle while she whined until you started your massage again.

“It’s not like that,” Chaewon said, clearly smiling despite hiding her face in the pillow.

“I feel used.”

“Oh boo hoo you have to sleep with a gorgeous girl,” Chaewon laughed, turning around under you so that she was laying on her back. “What ever will you do.”

“I didn’t know this was how you actually felt,” you sighed, exaggerating your disappointment as you cupped her tits in your hands. “Turns out I’m just a tool for you to get what you want.”

“You’re not actually upset, are you?” Chaewon asked, propping herself up on her elbows slightly.

“I can’t even look at you the same way anymore,” you monologued dramatically, sliding your fingers down from her tits and rubbing her abs.

“Sweetie.”

“Even as I touch these abs, I don’t even feel Chaewon anymore, all I can think about is Kazuha.”

“Hey!” Chaewon pouted. “That’s mean.”

You leaned forward and kissed her tummy before sitting back up and smiling at her.

“Sorry, too far?”

She fell onto her back, crossing her arms, lips still pouted.

“I was just kidding,” you pleaded, leaning forward and wrapping your arms around her. “Sweetheart, no mad.”

She didn’t stop pouting until you kissed her on the lips.

“I love your body,” you whispered into her mouth before kissing her again. “It’s perfect.”

“Tomorrow,” Chaewon replied, kissing you back. “She has to - stay late - surprise - her,” she breathed between kisses.

“I better be invited when Kazuha ‘opens up’ to you,” you smirked, laying next to her.

“Alright, the truth is she asked me directly,” Chaewon confessed, turning on her side to face you.

“Asked you what?” you implored. “I know you said she found me cute, but…”

“Yes,” Chaewon answered. “I know she wants to go all the way with you, because she straight up told me.”

“Then why does she keep…” you thought aloud. “Ah, okay I think I get it.”

“See what I mean about her being shy now?” Chaewon added. “I love both of you so much, I really don’t mind if it happens as long as it stays physical.”

What if it doesn’t stay physical you thought silently.

“Also, if things work out well, it’s better for me,” Chaewon continued.

“How so?”

Her lips curled up slyly as she slipped her hand between your legs.

“Zuha and I made a deal.”

“What kind of deal?” you asked as Chaewon slipped her hand into your pants.

“I’ll tell you after you help me fulfill my end.”

“Some encouragement would help,” you suggested as she lowered your pants to your knees and began sliding under the sheets.

“What do you think I’m doing?”

“Sweetheart I’m joking, you don’t have to,” you said as she ignored you, disappearing beneath the sheets. “I know you’re tired.”

Still, she didn’t speak, her mouth instead planted itself on your cock. A symphony of sensations unfolded, amplified by the fact that you couldn’t even see her, only feel. Her warm lips enveloped your cock, gentle, tantalizing suction dancing along your sensitivity.

The wetness of her tongue created a blissful contrast of feelings as it explored every ridge and contour. The skilled caresses of Chaewon’s tongue around your cock felt divine - she knew what you liked. The pressure and rhythm of her lips were perfect, invoking a deeper sense of desire within you.

“Oh Chaewon baby that feels…” you moaned out softly. “Oh fuck…”

Her tongue, the perfect instrument to your pleasure, invoked a myriad of sensations through your body. Her talent as a dancer, the body control, the skill, it all condensed into her tongue as she expertly sent shivers up your spine. Her tongue managed to stay nimble and agile despite her lips plunging up and down your length.

“Baby…”

Waves of pleasure coursed through you, heightening the sensitivity in your cock. The gentle flicks and swirls, the occasional press against your shaft and your tip, she managed to do it all while keeping her head bobbing up and down.

Not being able to see her working her magic turned out to be the greatest travesty - one you could not accept any longer even though it enhanced the feel. You flung the sheets off the bed, revealing Chaewon’s perfect topless body. She looked up at you, never losing pace, her eyes full of pride and confidence, her mouth stretched over your cock.

It was almost embarrassing to admit you were already feeling your orgasm creeping up. All that subtle foreplay was catching up with you, and seeing Chaewon with her lips wrapped around your cock was the impetus for your climax.

“Chae chae, I’m close…” you moaned softly, earning a seductive wink from her, the nonverbal permission.

Your arousal built up, reaching the peak, turning your body into a vessel of sensations. Waves of pleasure surged through you, spreading like an electric current. The muscles in your thighs contracted, tense, stressed by the anticipation of your cock being moments away from coating the inside of Chaewon’s pretty little mouth.

Your heart began to race, breaths rapid, and your mind quickly became overwhelmed with euphoria. The pleasure suddenly culminated, focused directly into Chaewon’s mouth as that first blast of cum launched itself down her throat.

It was as if the universe paused itself for you, converging into that single, exquisite moment. Your body convulsed, pulsating as you filled her mouth with your cum. Pure bliss, ecstasy, filled your mind as the contractions flowed through you like waves.

The pleasure left you breathless, completely unable to do anything but lay there and let Chaewon suck up the final donations leaking out of your cock. It was too much, even with her licks being as delicate as possible, you shivered each time her tongue rubbed against you.

“I fucking love you,” you moaned, shutting your eyes tight, hearing one last giggle before fading to darkness.

—

The next day, after the other four members had already left the offices, you took Chaewon’s advice. You walked through the halls until you found Kazuha by herself in a small lounge, reading something on the wall while pouring herself some water.

“You’re here late,” you said as you walked up, pretending as if it was a coincidence.

Her face lit up as she turned to see you.

“Oh, hey cutie,” she purred, leaning backwards against the small countertop. “Chaewon already went back to the dorms.”

“I’m not here for Chaewon,” you said, wrapping your arms around her waist.

“So who are you here for,” she smirked, leaning closer to you.

“Uh, have you seen Sakura around?” you asked, pretending to look around.

Kazuha was visibly irked at your joke, unable to hide her annoyance.

“She’s also at the dorm,” Kazuha replied, her irritation simmering just beneath the surface.

You smirked, loving the not-so-subtle jealousy she was displaying. It felt nice flipping the tables on her from time to time, becoming the one who does the teasing for a change.

“Cool, but I’m not looking for her either,” you moved even closer. “I can’t move much closer,” you whispered, lips practically touching hers at this point.

“Say you want me,” Kazuha moaned quietly, gripping the counter until her knuckles turned white.

“I. Want. You.”

She lunged forward before the last syllable even finished leaving your mouth. You almost fell over with how much passion was behind the kiss, grabbing onto her fit body for support.

“Holy shit Kazuha,” you gasped as she held herself in front of you with the prettiest smile you could imagine. “How about we go somewhere more private before you get in trouble?”

“Yeah,” she turned around, picking her jacket up off the counter. “You can’t just be kissing me at work like that, you should know better.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you,” she said, looking back over her shoulder. “It’s like you don’t care about the rules at all.”

“I’m pretty sure-” you froze mid sentence, jaw dropping to the floor as Kazuha pulled her pants down, flashing her ass at you. “Kazuha!”

“Come on, you can drive me,” she giggled, quickly pulling her pants back up and grabbing your hand.

This girl was something else, you thought to yourself.

—

“The dorm will be so packed right now.”

“My place is empty,” you suggested. “If you’re comfortable with that.”

“You’re taking me back to your place? Isn’t that inappropriate?” Kazuha asked in her classic playfully teasing tone.

“It’s only inappropriate if you make it inappropriate.”

“I can do that,” she purred, leaning over the gear shift, looking up at you while hovering over your lap.

“That’s not exactly what I meant,” you laughed, trying to focus on the road.

“Come on,” she whined. “You still haven’t shown me that cock that Chaewon keeps talking about.”

Kazuha sat up straight, smile on her face, as a car blaring its horn flew past you.

“You’re going to get us into an accident,” you sighed, locking both hands onto the steering wheel.

“Oh I’m sorry,” she cooed. “Maybe you need to punish me.”

Focusing was impossible, Kazuha was in too much of a mood this afternoon. You tried to ignore it, but the involuntary glances you shot at her just made it so much more difficult to focus. She had her arms up over her head, tying her hair back in a ponytail, the hair tie in her mouth as she fumbled around. Her sleeveless top flaunting her bare arms without any care, her toned muscles flexing as her fingers worked around, and the smallest little bit of cleavage peeking over the low-cut neck.

“Why do you keep looking at me?” Kazuha asked nonchalantly as she took the tie out of her mouth. “Do you like what you see?”

“Yeah, love it,” you stuttered, not realizing how obvious you were being.

Kazuha reached over and slowly pulled one of your hands off the steering wheel, dragging it over to her chest. You tried to keep your eyes focused on the road, ignoring her games despite how difficult it was. As you pulled up to a red light, Kazuha moved your hand lower, placing it between her legs.

“Can you feel how wet I am?” she moaned softly.

There was a smirk plastered across her lips, one you could only see in your periphery as you started driving again. She began rubbing your hand around, using you like a toy to get herself off. Then she moved your hand towards her waistband, threatening to slide it into her pants.

“Stop stop stop, we’re here,” you yanked your hand away as you pulled up into your parking garage. “You know these windows aren’t tinted, right?”

“Yeah, and the office is full of cameras, what’s your point?”

“Holy shit you’re right,” you gasped as you put the car in park. “What got into you today?”

“Hopefully you, soon,” she answered provocatively.

“I don’t know, Chaewon was extra touchy today, and then you came and started kissing me,” she said casually while getting out of the car. “Also, relax, there weren’t any cameras there.”

She basically skipped to the elevators as you followed closely behind. At times Kazuha would remind you a lot of how Chaewon would act around you; She was just so happy and excited.

“I want to do it,” Kazuha stated as the two of you entered the elevator.

“Aren’t you a bit old to ask to push the button,” you smirked as you pressed the button to your floor.

“Not that,” she whined cutely. “Take off your pants.”

You couldn’t even respond to her audacity because the door opened right after and two other people entered the elevator. For the next few floors, Kazuha wouldn’t stop giggling, right up until they both left.

“Oh my God Kazuha,” you laughed as the elevator reached your floor.

“Which one’s yours?” she asked joyfully, running ahead of you.

“Left side, third door.”

She ran up to it and turned around, watching you walk towards her. She raised one leg up towards the roof, pressing it against the wall, showing off her flexibility as she was basically performing a standing splits.

“What are you doing?” you laughed as you inserted your key.

“Stretching,” Kazuha answered, rushing into your apartment as soon as you opened the door. She ran in, kicked her shoes off, and jumped onto your couch. “Wow, why doesn’t Chaewon just move into here, it’s so nice!”

“I’ve offered, but she likes living with you guys,” you replied as you took off your jacket and shoes. “Sorry for the mess, I haven’t really been sleeping here that much lately.”

“What mess?” Kazuha responded carelessly as she ripped her shirt off, tossing it to the floor.

“Zuha, what are you doing?”

“Huh? Nothing,” she said, faking innocence as she pulled off her sweatpants. “It’s just kinda warm in here, you don’t mind, right?”

“Right,” you said carefully, trying not to stare too much as she stripped all the way down to her underwear.

“Hey, do you mind helping me?”

“How so?” you inquired, taking a seat next to her on the couch.

“I’m cold, can you warm me up?” she asked.

“What the-”

“Please!” she whined, with that cute pout as she stretched her arms out wide.

With a shake of your head, you succumbed to her games and lay down on the couch with her, unable to contain your smile as she happily held onto you. She nestled her cheek against yours, the floral tones of her shampoo filling your senses.

The impromptu hug turned into an exploration of Kazuha’s body as she started rubbing herself all over you, making you feel around. She guided your hands around her back while she wrapped her legs around your hips, sensually grinding on you.

She began yanking at your shirt until she got what she wanted, leaving you topless on top of her. Now it was her turn to explore, her hands having fun sliding around your bare torso, wrapping around and feeling your back. She slipped them lower, starting to unbuckle your pants.

“Hold on,” you stopped her. “Are you sure?”

“I want to see you,” she whispered.

Her expression was soft, for a second it felt like she was your girlfriend. You stood up from the couch and pulled over a chair, sitting in front of her after removing your pants.

“You sure you wanna keep going?” you asked as she also sat up on the couch, facing you, both of you only wearing your underwear now.

Kazuha reached behind her back, unstrapped her bra, and let it fall into her lap before nodding at you. As she spread her legs slightly, you could see a very noticeable wet patch on her crotch, staining her gray underwear. You stuck your hips out forward slightly, leaning back in the chair, and gestured downwards.

She slid off the couch onto her knees, crawled the two steps forward and reached up with both hands. You lifted your hips, making it easier for her, and she slowly lowered your underwear. Her face was full of anticipation, finally getting her wish. Your cock sprung to life, already mostly erect, in front of the topless girl.

“I…” Kazuha choked, gazed locked on your cock.

You grabbed her by her arms and pulled her up, forcing her to look at you before you kissed her softly on the lips.

“Say you want me,” you whispered to her.

There was a brief moment of hesitation, contemplation maybe, but you were in no rush. If she was ready, then you were ready, the choice was hers.

“I want you,” she whispered back.

Her words rang through your ears over and over as you slid your hands down her body and pulled her panties down to her ankles. She stood there, her shining pussy right in front of your face, until you leaned forward in the chair and pressed your lips to it.

The wetness immediately coated your lips, satisfying the taste buds in your mouth. With how wet she was, it was clear she was ready, you were simply getting your own fix as you licked her freely. Her hands ran through your hair, quiet whimpers escaping her lips while you worked her pussy with your mouth.

Once you were satisfied and thought she was ready, you leaned back and took hold of her hands. You looked into her eyes, her flushed face a warm red as you pulled her closer until she was standing right above you, her legs straddling you. You softly tugged at her hands, encouraging her to lower herself until her wet pussy made contact with your cock.

Then you stopped. You focused on her, made sure she was actually ready, made sure she wanted this. After giving her hand a squeeze, one which she reciprocated, you simply held yourself there, waiting for her to make the next move.

Kazuha bit her lower lip, and after a few moments of just holding herself there, she lowered her body. A sharp gasp left her mouth as your tip began stretching her pussy. It took a second to adjust, but there was absolutely no rush. When she was ready to continue, she lowered herself some more, gritting her teeth as your cock filled her pussy up.

For you, the warmth of her pussy created the most exquisite pressure around your cock. A soft, pliable mold, shaped just for you as Kazuha’s intimate embrace filled your mind with sensation. A gentle gripping feeling as her pussy flipped between contracting and relaxing, even without thrusting into her, it felt phenomenal.

She lowered herself some more, taking even more of your cock, building up the excitement of her first time, her face full of vulnerability. You let her move at her own pace, you wanted this to be as comfortable as possible for her.

Every time she moved lower, a cascade of pleasure ran through your body, the intimacy and desire coursing through your veins.

“It’s tight,” she moaned, voice full of strain.

“Breath,” you whispered back, keeping the pressure up on her limp fingers. “Take your time.”

Kazuha closed her eyes and started breathing through her mouth, her breath hitting your face. The way her breath hit your skin could put a masseuse to shame, and she didn't even know it. She had no idea how much she turned you on - or maybe she did.

“You’re doing great,” you encouraged her.

Her face was still scrunched up, adjusting to the new sensation, but a hint of pride snuck through. Slowly, she made that last little push, sitting on your thighs, taking your entire cock. Her lifeless fingers regained strength, and she began squeezing your hands painfully hard.

That wasn’t an issue for you, the tightness of her grip was still nothing compared to the tightness of her pussy around your cock. The warmth, the wetness, she was perfect. After a few seconds, she began to slowly move up and down, getting truly accustomed to your size.

“Ah,” she moaned softly as she bounced slowly. “Yes…”

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” you moaned back, your words encouraging her to move faster.

She rode your cock for a bit longer, eventually picking up the pace quite a bit. Her pussy was stretching out, getting extremely comfortable on your cock. She even began to build up a slight sweat, her shining little tits bouncing up and down in front of your face.

The two of you felt like you had a connection. Some sort of bond, as if you were both born specifically to fuck each other one day. All that sexual tension released, flooding out of your bodies as you finally got to fuck Kazuha’s tight pussy - something you’ve thought about for a long time.

Her hands released yours, and she placed them on your shoulders for support as she fucked herself on you. It felt so good, her body felt as amazing as it looked. Her breathing began to elevate, and her hips started moving in different directions.

Maybe it was her experience as a dancer, but a girl as pretty as Kazuha had no right knowing how to move like this during her first time. Why did it feel like she just had everything? A true natural talent. It made no sense, was this girl just perfect in every sense? All her teasing, all her flirting, everything that led up to this one moment suddenly flooded through your body.

“Please, fuck me,” she cried out, voice cracking, pitch higher than either of you expected.

Who were you to deny such a request? You grabbed onto her hips, her own hands pressing slightly harder into your shoulders as she stopped moving up and down, bracing for what was to come. With her body in your grip, you started to thrust your hips upwards.

You started to really fuck Kazuha.

Apparently that did it for her as the slapping noises filled your living room, she began to shout profanities of pleasure, even switching to Japanese halfway through her slurry of moans. It didn’t matter that you had no idea what the words meant, you knew exactly what she was saying. Your cock couldn’t handle it much longer, this was the first time you’ve fucked someone to the point of reverting them to their native tongue, and it felt better than you could have ever anticipated.

The girl who didn’t sweat was glistening. You couldn’t control your hands as they explored every inch of Kazuha’s skin that they could reach: Her back, her ass, her hips, anything you could touch, you touched. Without ever letting up, your hips kept pumping away, her moans very clearly screaming how much she loved your cock inside her as you pulled her into your body.

“You’re so fucking hot,” you groaned into her neck, licking up a few beads of sweat. Your tongue roamed all over her soft and tender body. “I’m going to fucking cum,” you whispered into her sternum before moving your mouth lower. “You’re going to make me cum.”

For just a second, you paused your thrusting to give yourself the chance to keep going - you didn’t want this to end yet. Kazuha’s body, however, didn’t get any break. With your cock still balls deep in her pussy as it trembled, you forcefully cupped one of her tits in your hand before shoving it into your mouth.

“Ah!” she moaned as your lips made contact with her nipple. “Keep going.”

Your body complied - your hips began to thrust again. This time you started up slowly, feeling sharp waves fly through your body each time your cock pumped into her. Each thrust felt like it could be the last, the one that pushes you over the edge, yet by some miracle you were holding on.

Why you couldn’t keep going slowly, you had no idea, but your hips had a mind of their own. Kazuha’s pussy refused to be gently taken - realistically it was your cock that was being uncooperative. It didn’t matter. What did matter was Kazuha’s pleasure becoming your pleasure. Her moans, her cries, they fueled you.

“Don’t stop,” she moaned out quietly as if it was a great struggle to speak. One of her hands found the back of your head, enticing you to keep your mouth pressed to her chest. “Don’t stop.”

There was no desire to stop, none at all. Literally none. You wanted to fuck Kazuha’s pussy all night if you could, if she would let you, if your body would let you, but you knew your time was coming soon. An impossible dilemma that you simply could not solve. You released her nipple and ran your tongue across her chest, trying to distract yourself, but that salty tang of her skin just brought you that much closer.

Your best efforts were nowhere near enough. Kazuha’s body, that perfectly sculpted body of a goddess, took over. It was too intense, the sharp fire coursing through the nerves in your cock, half of your body shaking as you fucked her with the last little bit of whatever you had left in you.

“Oh fuck!” Kazuha screamed directly into your ear.

Her loudest of the evening, and it was just as soon as your cock began unloading. Could she feel it? You certainly could feel every drop of warmth fly up into her body. Filling her pussy, fighting against gravity until it failed and spilled out of her tight little pussy. The warmth began spilling onto your thighs, the wet combination of Kazuha and your cum was the last thing you felt before your mind blanked out entirely.

It was a mess (mess mess mess), yet you refused to let go of her. You needed her body, you were holding onto her for dear life, and she was holding back just as hard. Warm and covered in sweat, her body was still trembling, you could feel waves flowing through her. She must have finished at the same time as you, a rare coincidence that you failed to even notice in the moment.

The only sounds in the entire room were Kazuha’s deep breaths and the kisses you were planting all over her tits. You were just filled with affection for this girl, all of a sudden she became that much more special to you. All the wait, all the delays, none of that mattered anymore. Your relationship with Kazuha would never be the same after this night, and you didn’t care.

“That was…” Kazuha sighed, her grip on your body relaxing but not letting go.

“Yeah,” you quickly replied before continuing the barrage of kisses on her chest.

“Don’t,” she protested, her voice cuter than normal. “I’m all sweaty.”

You kissed her one last time before looking up at her. Her face was completely flushed, slightly dewy from sweat, her lips pursed, her beautifully healthy hair sticking to her forehead. You ignored her embarrassment, she had nothing to be shy about, and started moving towards her mouth. Right before your lips connected, she licked her lips.

This one was special. The more you kissed her, the more she kissed you, it was completely balanced. Aggressive, maybe, but still incredibly tender. Your hands slid up and down her hips, fingers rubbing against the greatest abs in the industry, while her hands remained fixed on your face as she held you.

Time didn’t exist anymore, the two of you kissed for far too long, but neither of you wanted to stop. Eventually your hands made their way down to her ass, gently massaging it, squeezing the firm yet soft cheeks. How was her body so perfect? It was all you could think about.

Whenever you tried to pull back to stop the kiss, she pushed forward harder, refusing to let you go. It was easier to just let it happen, kiss her forever, as long as she wanted. Just when it felt like the kiss would actually last forever, the two of you slowly separated.

With your help, she carefully stood up off your lap. As she pulled herself off your cock, clearly still extremely sensitive, a rush of cum spilled out, adding to the mess on your thighs. She stood in front of you, letting it drip out of her, using your shoulders for support to keep herself upright.

With one hand, using the utmost care, you slowly began rubbing her between her legs. The sharp inhale through her teeth, the hard - subconscious - squeeze of your shoulder, she couldn’t hide how sensitive her body was.

“Are you alright?” you whispered as you lightly brushed your fingers against her most sensitive area.

“It’s…” she moaned, looking at you with her brows furrowed.

You reached forward and picked her up from her thighs, being as gentle as possible as you carried her over to your bed and placed her down. She looked so unbelievably adorable, laying there completely nude, her hair splayed across the bed.

“Can I stay?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course you can, I’ll drop you off in the morning.”

A single nod, as if she was still embarrassed, is all she answered with. You couldn’t leave her now, not after that, so you lay down next to her on the bed, not caring about the sheets being soiled by the aftermath of your session.

Kazuha turned to her side, her arm going straight up towards the head of the bed with the side of her face resting against her bicep, and stared lovingly into your eyes.“Thanks for tonight,” she whispered, a light smile blessing her face.

---

A/N:

Finally, it's here, I'm sorry for dangling this in front of your faces for so long. I really really really hope it lived up to the expectations, I didn't mean to hype it up so much!

Just a quick life update, I'm going to be incredibly busy going forward. No, I'm not quitting, I'll still write in my free time. I just wanted to let you guys know there might be some longer breaks between my uploads. This also means there might be more typos/small mistakes, I'll try to catch them all, but please be understanding!

Regarding the story, please do let me know if you guys are still enjoying it! I'll be honest, I quite enjoyed this chapter myself, it was a fun write. I don't know if I quite did it justice, but there's plenty of time for improvement; This is only Chapter 7!

[the-kr8tor]

Autumn Shopping

Pairing: Hobie Brown x fem! Reader/ Spider-Punk x fem! Reader

Summary: A late afternoon shopping with Hobie.

Word count: 1.2k

Tags: No use of Y/N, no specific physical description of the reader (Hobie is taller than r), CW food mentions, reader loves autumn, BF! Hobie, FLUFF.

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Octobie 🎸

You both prefer to shop at the local grocer that has been passed down through generations. It's cozy and homely without all the harsh white fluorescent lights that whir, and the god awful brutalist corporate designs. Instead, the place smells of freshly baked cinnamon bread, and the interior feels like it's been well loved and taken care of through the years.

Hobie comes here ever since he was a kid, he practically grew up in the place and even worked in it when he was younger. And so far, you've made it your home too. Everyone knows you by name, and you know everyone. But every time you accompany him to the store, he needs to corral you away from buying things that are definitely not in the list. Mostly its sweets, or a glass cleaner that looks awfully like pink lemonade. He lets you indulge of course, who could say no to you whenever you flash those puppy dog eyes at him? But this time, there's no winning the battle nor the war with all the autumn themed merchandise on display.

He knows the moment you step into the double doors that you'll be whisked away towards the decorations in front like some old timey cartoon character who floats in the air with hearts in their eyes when a pie is near.

His hand holds your own in an attempt to guide you away from the soft orange and browns of the display, but there's no winning when there's a free taste stand right next to it.

“Hobie!” You tug him towards Cynthia, who's wearing an orange apron with a pumpkin on it. She immediately smiles and waves you over, gloved hand already procuring a sample of whatever cinnamon smelled sweet she has. “They brought it back for the season!”

“It's not goin’ anywhere, love.” He can't help but chuckle at your determined face as you continue to practically drag him on the floor. His boots add weight, you know.

“They might run out of them!” You sniff at the tray full of sweetened tiny pieces of said pastry. It's still warm, and the melting sugar on top makes your mouth water. “They look so good.” You gasp, hand still holding Hobie's.

“Remember, love, we only came for toothpaste and bread.”

“This is bread, Hobie.” You smirk, and Hobie sighs in endearment at your excitement. “Besides, it's free! Right, Cynthia?”

“Absolutely, if you like it gramps is baking a new batch right now and it'll be finished in just a few.” She answers, already giving you a couple of samples to share with Hobie. “Hey, kid, how's the band going?” She addresses Him with a bright smile.

“They’re good, Ned wants to say thanks for the tip with the mechanic.”

“No worries.” Cynthia waves him off while you munch on the pastry. Hobie eyes how you eat both samples with gusto. “Flash is a dick anyway, he needed a reality check with his prices— careful, sweetheart, you might choke.” Chuckling, she hands you a napkin and you promptly wipe your lips free of sugar and crumbs.

“‘Hanks!” You mumble while still chewing. Turning to face Hobie, swallowing, you smile at his amused grin. “We need a box of these right now or I'll eat the whole tray.”

Wiping cinnamon dust off the corner of your lips with his thumb, Hobie rubs it on your shirt collar teasingly. “That's for eatin’ my sample.”

You shake your head with a lopsided grin, “Wasted opportunity, Hobs.” Hobie raises his brow questioningly. But before he could ask what you meant, you're already thanking Cynthia while you whisk him away towards the whole aisle that contains all the autumn and Halloween decorations.

Hobie pulls you mid stride, your trainers squeak against the tiles, and your back meets his chest. “What did you mean by that, hm?” He whispers in your ear as you hobble towards the aisle with his warm arms around you.

“Nothing.” You say in a sing-song tone.

“Nothin'?” He nudges your temple with his nose, and you ignore him as you take a pumpkin shaped pillow, squeezing it in your hands. He snatches the pillow from you and places it on the top shelf where you can't reach it. “Nothin' isn't just nothin’ with you, lovie.”

“Hey!” Huffing, you tilt your head back, facing him as he looks at you with softness akin to the pillow you were just holding. You look at him through your lashes, smile getting wider every time his eyes narrow at you accusingly. “I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Tell me and I'll let you buy one thing in this aisle.” He jokes with a ghost of a smile.

“Let me?!” You scoff, twisting around to face him properly. With your palms on his chest you pat him to the rhythm of the pop song that's playing in the speakers. “You know damn well that I will buy this entire aisle just to spite you.”

He chuckles as he cups your cheeks. “You'll go bankrupt.” He got the right reaction from you.

“I don't care, I'm supporting a family business.” You raise your nose at him, and he squeezes your nose in between his fingers.

He bets that if he kisses you right now he'll be able to taste the cinnamon on your lips. “C’mon, what did I waste?”

You grab his wrist to pull his hand away from your nose, giggling at his stubbornness. “You really want to know?”

“No, I don't.” He says sarcastically.

“Fine,” you mimic his tone. “What I meant back there was that, you should've tried the frosting when you wiped it from my lip.”

Hobie's smile widens, and he guffaws so loudly that it echoes around the whole store. There might not be a lot of people shopping right now but you still put your palm on his mouth to quiet his laughter even though you love his laugh to bits. You practically did it against your will so you two don't get kicked out like what happened a year ago. You still cringe whenever you remember it.

“Stop laughing!” You say while giggling. His laughter is muffled under your hand. Arms wrap around your waist, and he leads you towards the autumn scented candles further down the aisle. “Where are you taking me?” Looking over your shoulder, you smile affectionately at his wordless gesture.

“Or you could've fed me my share of the sample instead of eatin’ it all.” Hobie moves his head back to remove your hand away from his mouth all without taking his hands off of your waist. “You read too many romance novels, love.” He teases, he loves it when you read it to him whenever he wants to fill the silence.

“Apparently not a lot.” You lean closer to peck his jaw chastely. “It got you weak in the knees though, right?”

He can't deny how his heartbeat quickened ten fold when you suggested it. He'll tuck that idea you gave him in his mind and maybe he'll do it when you least expect it. “Go sniff your bloody candles.”

“Such a romantic.” You pat his cheek before you turn towards the glass candles. As you sniff at a pinkish candle, you hear shuffling from behind you. “You know that I have to get that pillow, right?”

Something soft and orange hits the side of your face, “and we still need toothpaste or we'll start brushing our teeth with your candles.” He says as you squeal and cuddle the pumpkin throw pillow all the while wanting to kiss him right in the middle of the aisle.

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[luvr-bunnyy]

fresh bread and the living dead

CARMEN BERZATTO x GN!READER

word count: 1.4k

© luvr-bunnyy pls don't use my headers or writing without permission

warnings: none really, mainly fluff. no use of (y/n), carm calls reader ‘baby’ and ‘sweetheart’ and one mention of blood

[a/n: alrighty…so, i’ve had such a shit year so far and i’ve also had terrible writer’s block…so i decided a good way to get out of it was to pick random characters and put them into like one of those spin the wheel things online, so yeah…here we go! ALSO !! huge ginormous thank you to @scealaiscoite , they’re halloween prompt list was a huge inspiration for this one and helped me out of my writing funk :( thank you my love 🫶🏼 anyways, enjoy !!]

The beginning of October brought a crisp chill to Chicago. Gloomy skies, roaring wind, a chill that seeps into your bones in the most exciting way possible, and it also brought one other thing. Something that you had been extremely fond of. 

Halloween. 

The best holiday ever. And no, that is not just an opinion. It is an irrevocable fact. 

And so, on one of your rare days off from The Bear, you woke up at 7am. Carefully slinking out of bed to not wake your boyfriend- sorry, fiance. He had a tendency to not want to sleep in on his days off but because you just wanted him to rest, you unlocked his phone and shut off his alarm. Leaving him to rest with a kiss at his temple. 

With a yawn and stretch, you shuffled into the kitchen and started to pull ingredients from your cupboards. Flour, yeast, sugar, etc. There was only one way to start the fall season off the right way. Pumpkin Conchas. Marcus had mentioned them during prep one day and you just hadn’t been able to get them off your mind, you had immediately drafted up a recipe and the both of you had worked on perfecting it. 

So as you kneaded the dough, all you could focus on was the light and airy feeling of surprising Carm with the warm and delectable bread first thing in the morning. 

Your biceps and forearms ached the slightest bit as you placed a tea towel over the bowl that held your dough and with a satisfied sigh, you made your way back to the room to change. 

Quickly and carefully stepping into some jeans and a beige waffle knit thermal, topping off the simple outfit with boots and Carmy’s checkered wool jacket. The faint smell of his cologne made your cheeks redden, heart squeezing with adoration and love. 

And after a quick trip to Target, you returned with a few bags full of goodies and a dirty chai topped with a deliciously thick pumpkin cold foam. 

When Carmen woke up, the delicious smell of baked goods hit his nose. It had definitely offset the disappointment of figuring out that you had sabotaged his early morning alarm but he could never really be angry with you, especially not when he felt so relaxed and rested.

Sluggishly, he climbed out of bed and made his way to the kitchen where the sound of a pan moving against the stove top caught his attention. His shuffled footsteps caught your attention and a fond smile pulled at your lips. “Morning, bear.” He just hummed and wrapped his arms around your waist and pulled you into him, your arms wrapping around his shoulders on instinct. “You’re just in time. I made you breakfast.” 

“Smells great, thanks baby.” He placed a soft, chaste kiss against your lips. “Busy mornin’?” He asked somewhat rhetorically, noticing the oven timer still going and the grocery bag with a very familiar red logo on the front. 

“Oh well, uh yeah…just-just a few essentials we needed.” You shrugged, leaving him standing by the stove with a guilty smile. 

“Oh man…” He laughed to himself, expecting to be met with something ridiculous. 

And boy was he right. The second he stepped into the open dining/living area, he was met with an interesting sight. 

There were soft orange colored string lights hanging from the top edges of the wall. The decorative pillows he was familiar with had been replaced by pillows with the fluffy shape of ghosts and jack-o-lanterns embroidered on the front, a plush plaid throw blanket with a printed pumpkin pattern was slung over the arm of the couch.

 The basket tray on the coffee table had a cheesy looking halloween candy bowl filled to the brim with his and your favorite sweet treats and a new set of coasters. A cute little ceramic ghost sat on the glass surface of said coffee table, alongside a lit candle that was something along the lines of caramel and pumpkin. 

He could never understand your obsession with the holiday but you looked so happy, he would never do anything to jeopardize your joy. So, he grinned and gave a simple, “Looks great in here,” before sitting and enjoying the omelette and sausage you prepared for him. 

As he took his first bite, you pressed play to resume the movie you had been watching and the sound of a blood curdling scream, followed by the image of gushing blood made Carmen jump. You, however, seemed unaffected as you continued to hang another set of lights around the window. 

“Sweetheart…” He called out to you, a worried frown etching onto your face. His wavering tone leading you to believe something was wrong. 

“Yeah? Is it the omellette? Is it not good? I asked Syd for advice since I’m shit at cooking anything with eggs. Dammit.” Your dejected tone tugged at his heart. 

“No, no, no. It’s not the omelette. Promise. It’s actually really good. You did-you did great. No, it’s just-” He took a deep breath. “I uh-I really appreciate that you’re getting into the uh, the halloween spirit or-or whatever but it’s ten in the morning baby. Could we turn off the slasher movie for a sec, please? At least until I’m done eating?” 

The silence that followed made him nervous that he upset you but he was relieved when a quiet laugh left your throat. “Oh! Yeah, yeah. Of course.” Relief flooded your chest. “I’m glad the omelette’s good.” You grabbed the remote and paused the movie once more. Carm watched as you left the app and went back to the homescreen. 

“Thank you, you can go back to it when I’m done eating. I’ll uh, I’ll help you with the rest of your-your decorating.” 

“Aww thanks bear.” 

His focus returned to his breakfast until the familiar notes of ‘This is Halloween’ met his ears and he sighed but the sound of you ecstatically singing along with the animated ghouls on the screen had any protest he had dying on the tip of his tongue. The promise that followed the ding of the oven was more than enough consolation for having to have seen this film for the thousandth time this month. 

[fortheloveofnutrition]

I like to re post this every now and again because it's good advice I frequently forget.

Also I post it in part because I'm laying in bed with Covid (for the first time) at the moment and eating as much fruit as I can to expedite recovery. I grabbed a banana and orange, ate the banana and asked myself if this was a good combo or not. Glad I checked, because it was not. The last thing I need is indigestion.

But because it's me, my main focus has been doubling down on nutrition and observing my own results. I was eating plant based before, but sometimes I went a little too hard on the peanut butter trail mix, breads, or other sweet treats.

My doctor said rest and hydrate, but I took it a step further and since testing positive have cut out wheat, sugar, and any kind of dairy or processed foods. I figure nothing that could make inflammation worse. I've been consuming tons of herbs like cinnamon, ginger, echinacea, and turmeric while eating fresh citrus fruits like lemon, orange, strawberry, and pineapple daily.

Now I did a bit of tooling about the internet to see if any studies had been done over the last four years regarding a plant based diet and it's effects on Covid. The results were hopeful.

I found one study that said,

"Merino et al revealed that healthy plant-based foods could decrease the risk and severity of COVID-19.21 In this large survey, it was shown that as the quality of the diet rises, the risk of disease COVID-19 (HR 0.91) and severe COVID-19 (HR 0.59) diminishes.

Which gave me hope so I kept digging.

Another one stated, "Compared with an omnivorous Western diet, plant-based diets containing mostly fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, with restricted amounts of foods of animal origin, are associated with reduced risk and severity of COVID-19. "

And I can tell you that has been my experience thus far. I developed a fever that went away after 24 hours and didn't go over 100.4. My only other symptom has been a stuffy nose with sinus pressure. Im definitely tired and need to limit activity but I can still taste and smell, breathe through my nose a decent amount of the time, and I'm not coughing. I'm lucky in that I have time off from work and for that I am grateful, as rest is another key component.

And why would a plant based diet be so beneficial for mitigating Covid symptoms? Because, "plant-based dietary patterns are rich in antioxidants, phytosterols and polyphenols which positively affect several cell types implicated in immune function and exhibit direct antiviral properties."

The full study can be found if you pop this into Google::

Acosta-Navarro JC, Dias, LF, de Gouveia LAG et al. Vegetarian and plant based diets associated with lower incidence of COVID-19. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2024:e000629. doi:10.1136/bmjnph-2023-000629

I was really scared at first and this information helped me feel more empowered in my health and recovery. It's not a substitute for any medical attention or prevention like vaccines, hand washing, and mask wearing- all things I was doing regularly prior to getting sick which may have also been variables in keeping my symptoms down. A little help goes a long way.

Has any other plant based person had a similar experience? Let me know.

[calissarowan]

Do you think the wizards have any favorite foods?

Ooh, that is an amazing question! Thanks so much for sending it in! I love getting headcanon asks! I’m just gonna go ahead and ramble a bit if nobody minds.

Hmm, favourite foods… Well, first off, Duman will eat absolutely anything. I think the foods he likes change depending on the form he’s in. I don’t think Duman specifically has favourite foods, he just likes food. But I think he has a definite sweet tooth, with a particular love of chocolate. I’m almost certain he’s turned into a dog before and tried to eat chocolate, and Gantlos has had to take it away from him, because no way does that end well. Also, the amount of sugar Duman can have probably has to be controlled, because excitable shapeshifter on a sugar rush? We all know how that ends. Actually, we don’t, and that’s what makes it so scary.

Anagan really likes spicy food. I don’t know why, he just does. The spicier the better, and it’s a constant argument with Ogron, because Ogron cannot handle even mild spice, so he says Anagan’s food should qualify as a biohazard, Anagan says it’s called flavour, and maybe Ogron should try it sometime, and it just generally progresses from there while Duman and Gantlos watch with mild amusement and Duman quietly swaps Ogron and Anagan’s meals because he thinks their reactions will be funny. (Ogron does not think it’s at all funny, but Duman is in hysterics for minutes.) I’ve always thought that Anagan has a particular love of Thai food, again, I don’t know why, but he really likes it. Also, same as Duman, Anagan has a sweet tooth for sure. He needs the energy for his magic, so it’s pretty hard to get him to sugar rush stage, since he burns the energy so fast.

For Ogron, it’s not technically a food, but his favourite thing to consume? Coffee. Hands down coffee. He practically runs on it, and he’s a definite caffeine addict. The others have tried to reduce his coffee problems, to no avail. And he drinks it black, because he’s not having anything dilute the caffeine hit.

In terms of actual foods, anything with coffee is good as far as he’s concerned, but I feel like Ogron likes to eat things he thinks make him seem cultured. He likes to have an image, so he’ll eat things that keep that up. He’s probably eaten snails so he can be dismissive and blasé if Duman says that sounds kinda gross, like, ‘Duman, you have no culture.’ (Though Ogron actually hated snails, but he cares a lot more about being right and slightly pretentious.) I think he actually has a real love of salted caramel anything, and quiche. (I don’t know why, but quiche just inexplicably came to mind.)

Gantlos is really more of a ‘food is fuel’ person, so what it is isn’t really a big deal for him, but he doesn’t like food to be too complicated. Twenty ingredients is far too much for something that’s just going to get digested. Also really, really doesn’t have a sweet tooth. Can only handle a bit of sugar before he’s just done with it. Likes things like stew, where it’s warm and filling, and feels like home. There’s this twisted bread I had once with pesto, and for some reason I think he’d really like that.

Thank you for the ask; I hope I answered it well!

[wuxiaphoenix]

BBQ Sauce Experiment

Long story short: There are people who are gluten-sensitive, there are people who have an actual hives-from-skin-contact wheat allergy, and there are some who not only check the box for All of the Above, they get to check the additional box of And Various Other Things Because My Immune System Is A Maniac.

...Yeah. For years now, onions and me have been an unmixy thing. And I used to absolutely love munching green onions raw. I can still take garlic in moderation, but onions have to be gone. This becomes a problem when you want to use recipe ingredients like ketchup, chili sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or anything that says “spices” without defining them further because said spices may include onion powder.

Most barbeque sauces at least are up-front about that. Yep! Onions! Right here! Come ‘n get ‘em!

Gluten-free bread, I can make; at least one recipe that comes off as an excellent flatbread. But how do you do a proper BBQ sandwich without the sauce?

Here’s the recipe I made on the 26th, adapted from a couple different BBQ and ketchup recipes on the internet.  

BBQ Sauce

1 ½ cups ketchup. (I substituted a tomato sauce and tomato paste combo; mostly sauce, with enough paste stirred in to make it ketchup-thick. Also a dash of clove powder.)

1 cup brown sugar.

¼ cup maple syrup. (Roughly. Used the dregs in a bottle of syrup, rinsed out with the next two ingredients.)

¼ cup apple cider vinegar.

¼ cup water.

2 ½ tsp dry mustard powder.

2 tsp paprika.

½ tsp garlic powder.

1 ½ tsp salt.

½ tsp cayenne.

Combine all ingredients in a pot. I mixed all the wet ones plus sugar first, then all the dry spices in a measuring cup and dumped them in. Stir, bring slowly to a boil over a medium heat, turn down and simmer until the sauce is dark, thick, and richly flavored, about 10-15 minutes. Since my recipe used tomato sauce instead of already-cooked-down ketchup, I ended up going 15 or a little more.

End result: Sweet and spicy sauce. Not too sweet, no more so than regular ketchup or chili sauce, and not hot hot. More of a spiciness to the tongue and a lingering warmth to the throat and back of the tongue. It’s supposed to last months in the fridge, too.

Looking forward to trying it out!

...Okay, result so far is yes, definitely BBQ sauce, but not the best on pork. Live and learn. I think it has the right spice blend for poultry; I’ll have to try it on the next bit of chicken I get. 

[evieaxx]

Tbh I would also go crazy if the games I invented had ties to my ex and the friend I betrayed.

Suzanne Collins is a genius or I am going insane. I spent to much time researching these books. Anyways I digress

In MockingJay, Plutarch says this to Katniss to describe the capital and by association Snow himself.

"Thirteen was used to hardship, whereas in the Capitol, all they've known is Panem et Circenses."

"What's that?" | recognize Panem, of course, but the rest is nonsense.

"It's a saying from thousands of years ago, written in a language called Latin about a place called Rome," he explains. "Panem et Circenses translates into 'Bread and Circuses.' The writer was saying that in return for full bellies and entertainment, his people had given up their political responsibilities and therefore their power.""

Snow sacrifices two people in his rush for power. Those two people are Sejanus Plinth and Lucy gray Baird.

One of Lucy grey Baird's first descriptions in the books is clearly linked to the circus.

“She’s like a circus performer,” one of the girls remarked. The other mentors made sounds of agreement.

That was it. Coriolanus reached back into his memory to the circuses of his early childhood. Jugglers and acrobats, clowns and dancing girls in puffy dresses twirling around while his brain grew giddy with spun sugar."

One of the more interesting aspects of Sejanus character is the customs he brings back from living in district 2.

“He’s putting bread crumbs on the body,” said Ma. “So Marcus has food on his journey.”

“His journey where?” asked the Grandma’am. “He’s dead!”

“Back to wherever he came from,” said Ma. “It’s what we do, back home. When someone dies.”

Lucy Gray Baird and Sejanus fate's are not forgotten within the games themselves. Cornelius snow's empire is built on the death of Sejanus along with his customs and respect of the dead. Lucy grey Baird is a temporary sweetness that turns to poison in his grasp. They are the bread and circus respectively and are both consumed by the capitals ideals.

This symbolism goes even deeper when you read the original source material which is Juvenal's Satire X. The fact that it is satire is very prevalent in the hunger games series.

"What indeed do we wish for or fear that is Rational? How often is what we conceive so far from wrong-headed. That we don’t regret both the effort, and the fulfilment of our desire?"

Cornelius's fatal flaw is seen in the first part of the satire. His fear of love led to his desire for money, both destroying him in the end.

"Would you like to be greeted as Sejanus, possess all that he Possessed, be the one to grant highest office to some, appoint Others to military posts, be seen as the Emperor’s guardian,"

The second part is about Sejanus who at the very least inspired the book. It is about a death caused by a letter written because of the underlying envy of his wealth. Then the eventual climb to power is definitely comparable to snow using his death to climb up the social ladder.

"Yet both orators died for their eloquence, a rich overflowing Stream of talent was what sent both of them to their deaths."

This part can be viewed as Lucy Grey's fate. her words and spectacle are only viewed as good when snow controls them. her leaving him and the sound of her music haunting him is her revenge.

This phrase exemplifies Snow's downfall and eventual death

"Few kings go down to Ceres’ son-in-law, Dis, free from

Blood and carnage, few tyrants achieve a tranquil death.  "

[zukoromantic]

Dietry aspects that help you if you suffer from thyroid issues, specifically hashimoto's disease:

Avoid gluten. It sucks, yeah, but every source i found so far agrees on this. People with thyroid issues are more likely to be straight up gluten intolerant! If that isn't the case, you absolutely don't need to cut gluten out of your life. However, you should try to reduce the intake regardless. But not to worry! You can find brands that have pasta, bread mixes, pizza dough, even little snacks as gluten free! Alternatives are also always rice or corn for a lot of things. If you like to snack on crunchy things like cookies i can really recommend rice waffles. They even come with chocolate and other flavors a lot of the time. And as for the bread mixes don't worry, at least the german brand i get has the lowest effort kinda stuff. As in, put water, stirr, form on tray, oven, done (and i found one that is SO delicious to me even!)

Avoid pork. Also got this one from multiple sources. Like with gluten, it can be a problem if you're out a lot, BUT there is usually plenty of other meat. My go to is chicken or turkey. Beef is great too, but naturally it's more expensive than chicken etc. You don't need to cut out stuff like salami either because these days there's a lot of alternatives to pork in those regards

Veggies, veggies, veggies! I mean, who doesn't this apply to?! Vegetables are great and have so many vitamins. I try to eat a salad a day and have some veggies in my lunch. There is so many different vegetables, there's sure to be SOMETHING for you! In my salad for example i put grated carrots even though i don't like them apart from that. I also put apple to make it more sweet and delicious! (Note: for salad you should put some oil, otherwise your body can't absorb the nutrients that well. I love pumpkin sees oil bc i'm picky and don't like olive oil. But there's more you might like too!) Potatoes count as well for your vitamins. Put anything with some meat or in a stew or with rice, it doesn't really matter how you make them

Fruit is less helpful than veggies, but it's still great! Especially berries, apples, oranges, peaches, plums and more are helpful. That's because they have less sugar that for example pineapple, banana, grapes, or mango

Seeds and nuts. They can help you as well. I usually put sunflower seeds in my salad, but you can also put something in cereal or yoghurt or your lunch! They're nice and crunchy and can be great additions to some food

Less (cow) milk. Milk is fineee, but you shouldn't overdo it. Especialy with things with a lot of fat, like cream

Most fish. Most fish is great, salmon and tuna for example. In general, fish is really healthy. I don't like it but i know many do! So definitely keep eating it! :)

Eggs. Eggs are always good, get your protein! Many lovely ways to make eggs. Just make sure you don't always eat them with too much fat, so be careful with your fried or scrambled egg

Those are things i was told by a doctor or things i found from different sources on the internet. Some is obvious like you should just so in general get protein and vegebtables!

But for example, i've had hashimoto's disease for over six years now and only THIS YEAR i was told by a doctor that i should avoid gluten

So i wanted to make a little post for me and for others to have a quick check list regarding one's diet with thyroid issues! If you know/think of anything else, please share! It'll be much appreciated!

[autisticempathydaemon]

could I please get a match up?? 💗

What song are you fixated on at the moment? What lyric or verse, and why?

Wanderlust by Eloise and my favorite line is “How I’m with you is beyond me” bc I just feel really lucky to be with my partner 

What is your Enneagram type?

Peacemaker

Do you love gargantuan Youtube video essays, and if so, which is your favorite and why?

I don’t really watch essays, but I like cake-decorating tutorials and I watch them a lot

Tell me about your childhood imaginary friend. 

I didn’t really have an imaginary friend, but I used to dress my poor baby kitten up in doll clothes and make him sit through tea parties

What is your go-to way to fall asleep?

I read and journal for a little bit and then put on my sleep sound machine

If you had to change your name, what would it be, and why? (In tandem, if you have changed your name, why did you pick that one?)

I would want something really unique and go with no last name. Just Echevaria

What is your favorite of Redacted’s audios, and why?

I think Caelum is really cute and there is more to him than anyone realizes. I miss him 🥺

What Redacted boy holds no appeal to you, and why? Like, not the one you hate but the one who you don’t get the hype for. (I won’t judge, I promise.)

David. I do understand why people like him, but he’s just too much for me. I think if someone talked to me like that I would cry.

Tell me about that one book/movie/tv show you know all the words to.

I can recite Goodnight Moon from memory. I did a lot of babysitting.

Which Redacted boy are you platonically attracted to? Like- forget dating, which dude do you want to be your best friend?

Lasko and I have a lot in common

Do you have a go-to thing you ramble about when you’re tired, and if so, what is it? 

Baking again. Especially weird combinations. I hardly ever make up my own recipes but when I do it’s because I’m not all there

What’s your guilty pleasure media, and why?

Redacted is my guilty pleasure omg if anyone knew…

Ahh, a fellow Type Nine baker who relates to Lasko, my kinfolk. This may be a little biased then, but hand to heart, it’s gotta be Huxley for you.

Peacemakers tend to be diplomatic and thoughtful- sometimes to a fault, putting the needs of others ahead of their own. Huxley is a good match for you because he would never let that go too far, the king of taking care of his loved ones and being their rock. I also like that, if you don’t like kids, you’re definitely good with kids, and Huxley would love that in a partner and would just melt if he saw you reciting Goodnight Moon to a child from memory.

Huxley would be such a sweet partner to a baker. He raves about absolutely everything you make, calms you down when something goes awry as they inevitably do, goes out to the store when you had way less sugar than you thought you did, just an absolute treasure. Huxley constantly shares the leftovers with the DAMN-ily and his team, raving about you and your skills whenever he can. Also, he loves the story about the time you dressed your cat up for a tea party. As someone who definitely had a loving childhood with his moms, he’d love to hear about similar stories from yours and sharing his, revealing the parts of each other that existed before you two met, you know?

Song:

Such a cozy room, the windows are illuminated/ By the evening sunshine through them/ Fiery gems for you, only for you/ Our house, is a very, very, very fine house/ With two cats in the yard/ Life used to be so hard/ Now everything is easy 'cause of you

I love the idea that Huxley listens to old-school music- like, that’s what his moms played while he was growing up, so that’s what he listens to. I also love this song’s vibes for you, because it’s so cozy, warm, and happy, perfect for the two of you hanging out, resting on the couch, and waiting for bread to proof.

Runner-ups:

Geordi is a runner-up because I also think of him as a baker (a la @romirola and her gorgeous fics), and who doesn’t love a team and power couple? Anton is a cute runner-up because I think he sucks at baking, which makes no sense, but he does, which makes him love and admire your skill all the more.

note: thank you for your entry, I hope you like it!

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

[rottingcheng]

The people wish to inquire how you started on the journey of making your own ginger ale and distilling your own lavender essence.

PALLAS this took me forever to answer bc I wanted to do it right. I was gonna take pictures of my process but I fear I'd never get it done. To make ginger ale you need to first make a ginger bug, which is to ginger what yeast is to bread. If you're a visual learner you might prefer this youtube video. Otherwise here are my steps: (I am a very lazy and thrifty person so I rarely go out of my way to buy fancy equipment. Don't feel pressured to buy fancy things! Just use what you have!)

You will need: a bottle¹, nice generous knob of ginger, sugar², AND THAT'S IT!

wash the bottle. boiling is optional if you can be bothered but the ginger bug is so resilient i have tortured it muchly and yet it persists.

wash and chop up the ginger. it doesn't matter what size. i julienne them so they fit into the bottle easily. the skin has the most good bacteria + yeast so don't peel it!³

add about half the ginger to bottle along with roughly same weight in sugar. i never measure but i'd say 8 tablespoons.⁴

add water about 3 quarters of the way. shake it up! then either cover with a cloth or close only slightly to let ginger bug breathe. refrigerate leftover ginger. keep the bottle in a dark place at room temp.⁵

once a day, add 2 tablespoons of chopped ginger and 2 tablespoons of sugar to your bottle and shake.

after 2-5 days you will have a carbonated ginger bug! congrats!!!!!!! you've fostered life and your ginger bug loves you!!!! and i love you!!! yay!!!!

(many recipes dictate you ought to do some boiling but i don't. if you want to be safe with hygiene, bring the mixture just under a boil before pouring into bottle)

what to do now that you've created life

keep your ginger bug closed and refrigerated. 'burp' it at least once a day (open the lid to let air out) to avoid it overflowing.

making ginger ale

you can drink your ginger bug as is, diluted with water, with a shot of coffee, whatever you like! i like to keep my 'mother' ginger bug and create bottles of ginger ale from that source. when my ginger bug gets low, i top her up with water and 2tbsp sugar a day, letting her ferment in a dark place (can be closed or unclosed) for a few days until i notice carbonation return to desired level.

to make a ginger ale, all you need is another bottle filled 1/3rd with your ginger bug. you can top it up with juice or any flavoured tea, as long as there is sugar. i like to muddle fresh fruit with sugar over the stove and add water. when it comes to boil i cut the heat and let it cool before straining into the bottle. i let it ferment in a dark place, closed or unclosed, and add 2tbsp sugar and shake once a day. 2-3 days is good enough.⁷

flavour ideas: earl grey tea, strawberry, mango, anything you like!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH IF YOU'VE READ THIS FAR! I have truly gained a reputation as the person obsessed with their ginger bug. Me when I personify my ginger bug like it is my precious child and giggle whenever she fizzes happily in response to sugar. It's truly so easy and rewarding, and SUCH an excellent and cheap gift for friends and family. It is also a probiotic so it's good for tums. Though it is very sugary...a good gingery alternative for the sugar-conscious is switchel. And I haven't even gotten started on distilling lavender oil so lemme get to that after!

HAPPY FIZZING!!!!

preferably a flip-top, but i started out with an old twist-top pomegranate juice bottle i got from work. i graduated to flip-top when i found one left behind by previous tenant of my room. flip-top is definitely more convenient and safer but you can just use a twist-top and be careful.

you can use any sugar! this is your baby's food. can also use honey or maple syrup but the flavour won't come thru bc the sugar is being eaten by the bacteria + yeast so it's kind of a waste. you cannot use sweetener.

if you want to be the coolest person ever, keep the skin when you peel your ginger for other uses and feed them to your ginger bug. your ginger bug will love you so much.

add too little? that's okay, just add more if you notice low carbonation. add too much? there will be a lot of carbonation...open over a sink <3 i do get so much delight out of an overflowing bottle. it means your ginger bug is so well fed and happy!

depending on your ginger bug's enthusiasm, i would place something under the bottle in case it spills/leaks a bit.

i've had my ginger bug refrigerated for weeks and continue living, i've also forgotten to burp her for days or weeks at a time and things are fine. don't stress it!

i really am not strict with this. i'm terrible at future planning so oftentimes i bring a bottle that's only fermented one day to a picnic and it's just as delicious. the sugar is being eaten by the bug over time, so over time in the fridge it will become less sweet (i think). less sugar = less carbonation. also you don't necessarily have to strain out the fruits but the fruits will become gross over time.

[pseudowho]

Haitchhhh, I hope you’re having a great day so far <33

I have me some questions~

1) if you were to somehow turn into a child for a day, much like this fic you wrote a while back, how do you think Mr. Haitch would react to it?

2) Are you a sweet breakfast person or a savory breakfast person? Or no breakfast person?

3) If you and Mr. Haitch had each other’s personalities, do you think you both have still clicked?

4) Do you go to the gym as well? What is your most preferred way of exercising?

5) If you were to eat only one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?

6) Last one, I prommy lol, Recipe for your favorite dessert?

Thank you in advance for entertaining my questions…much love ^^

Honestly, exactly like Kento in the fic, only with more experience in childrearing.

I definitely eat breakfast, and I'm not fussy. I love toast but bread doesn't like me, so I tend to go for boring old person cereals because they're ✨good for me✨

No-- he hates men like me, because he thinks that toxic masculinity makes the traits that he finds extremely attractive on a woman (bravery, boldness, fightiness), brash and arrogant on a man. His film and TV crushes when he was younger were always the bolshy, brash woman; Rukia from Bleach, Sarah Connor from Terminator, etc.

I prefer swimming and cycling. I have limited mobility in the big toe joint in my left foot after an extensive pins and plates repair a few years ago, so anything high impact isn't good for me. I was a competitive swimmer as a kid, and a very good swimmer now. There's a swimming pool five minutes' walk from us.

Assuming that nutritionally I would be fine whatever I chose...bread.

In the UK, there's a dessert called "crumble". It's a baked fruit compote (usually apple and blackberry, but you can do anything really), with a crumbly brown sugar, flour and butter mixture on top. You bake it in the oven. I then have it with cream. It's fucking delicious. I crave it as soon as I think of it.

You are very, very welcome.

Love, as always,

-- Haitch xxx

[librosamarillos]

passed down like folk songs

chapter 19: in waves

Maegor Targaryen x OC

Also on Ao3

chapter index

Tags: hurt/comfort, friends to lovers, angst, mature themes, targaryen incest, violence, Maegor is a red flag himself, characters are ooc probably, MINORS DNI

I'm back and alive! Sorry for the long hiatus babes, hope you enjoy <3

Grief came to Visenya in waves. Some days, she’d wake up from dreaming about fighting with Aegon, screaming and crying at him for abandoning her just when she finally felt some normalcy and happiness, because he ran to Rhaenys in the afterlife. Those days she’d have to keep herself beyond busy, her anger was like wildfire, unpredictable and explosive, everyone knew not to bother her. She couldn’t be alone those days, for she would then be forced to be alone with her thoughts, and that was a scary place to be. Other days, Visenya would wake up with the phantom feeling of Aegon’s arms around her, his breath on her neck and the warm feeling that everything was alright. Those days were the days when it was hardest to get out of bed. 

Today was one of those days. She dragged herself out of the warm comfort of her bed, and got ready for the day. Sometimes Visenya didn’t feel like she was all there, like she was in her head about Aegon’s death, part of her wishing to wake up in his arms and realise it was just some nightmare. She had work to do today, and she was definitely not in the mood, but she could not trust Aenys with making such big decisions without her council. 

Upon entering her solar, she was relieved to see that Rowan was there, having prepared everything for the meeting, and now, preparing a small breakfast for her to eat. Visenya smiled at the girl, and also the routine they had developed these days. She looked at the plate of food, some bread, cheese, jam, fruit, something light for her to eat. Visenya had lost her appetite quite a bit since Aegon’s death, and Rowan was gently urging her to eat. She appreciated the offer.  

“Good morning, I see you have everything prepared.” Visenya smiled, accepting the plate and sitting down to eat. Rowan smiled as well, looking quite relaxed. The meeting was with her father after all. Duncan was a very wise ally to have, especially in the matters that were plaguing her. Perhaps she couldn’t admit it out loud, but Visenya needed her old friend. Duncan was always there to listen, and now, he completely understood her. 

“All is ready, your grace. My father will arrive shortly.” Rowan’s voice was soft and calm, as she approached Visenya with a pitcher of water, pouring some in her cup. “Shall I get something else for you from the kitchens?” she asked. 

“No, no. This is more than enough, Rowan, thank you.” Visenya smiled, glad for the cooling and refreshing sensation of the water. She studied the young woman in front of her. Rowan seemed to be far more at ease now that Maegor was back. She was never one to doubt Maegor, but of course, as a young woman who had never seen battle, it was only normal for her to worry. It was her childhood friend after all. Well, things between them seemed to be going back to normal. It would be a good thing for everyone involved.

Duncan arrived right on time, if not a bit early, as he always did. It was crazy that it had been two whole decades that she knew the man, and he had never changed. Always punctual, soft spoken and practical. And most importantly, he never lied or sugar coated things for Visenya. An admirable ally indeed. Rowan took her place next to Visenya, preparing all the notes she was asked to, and opening her notepad to write important things down. He must be so proud of her.

Visenya never would admit it, but she really envied the closeness that Rowan had with her father. It was as if the two were perfectly in tune. Aerion Targaryen was never that sweet or patient or interested in her. With time, he did grow to dote on Rhaenys, who acted more like the proper lady he expected her to be. It was a strange dynamic they had, where he didn’t treat her like a beloved daughter, but allowed her to train with the sword and fight, but still didn’t give her the respect he gave to Aegon as his son. She could never approach her father with her troubles or questions, not the way Rowan could with Duncan. Perhaps that was why she seemed to be so fond of Duncan, because he was the devoted father she wished she had, and she admired that.

“Good morning, your grace. I trust all is well?” he asked as he took his seat across from her, like he always did. Visenya set aside her place, wiping her mouth with a napkin, before taking a look at her notes.

“Good morning, Duncan, things are as well as they could be with the rebellion. Let us not waste any time, I have some things I’d like your opinion on.” she said with a small sigh. She had hoped things would be peaceful, but then again, when had her hopes ever come to be? “Harrenhal. I’ve convinced Aenys to send five hundred men to accompany my son, but I’m having some doubts. If this Red Harren managed to take and hold Harrenhal with only a few hundred men, perhaps we should send more.” her voice held a bit of doubt, something she never allowed anyone else to see or hear. 

“You can call for Lord Tully to raise his banners, to send five hundred more men to join Prince Maegor. With Balerion, I highly doubt they’ll be needed at all, but we’re better safe than sorry. It’ll be a show of strength for the crown, to show anyone thinking to rebel that all great houses follow the King’s orders loyally and faithfully.” Duncan spoke. He had clearly given the topic much thought, thinking about all possible opportunities. Visenya gave a small smile.

“Yes, Balerion is a great advantage to have, but you know Maegor better than that. He wishes to fight the rebels himself, to show them that they have more than our dragons to fear.” she almost laughed, as if Maegor was still her little boy playing with the wooden swords she had made for him. It didn’t escape her that Rowan tensed up after hearing this. Of course she’d worry over him, she always did. “I have been in correspondence with Lord Tully, he will provide us with his soldiers, all we need is the King’s order…” she sighed.

“Do you doubt the King will give the order?” Duncan asked, but knew the answer. Duncan shared her worries about Aenys, she didn’t feel the need to hide or hold back her words.

“You know how he can be. His squeamishness, I’ll never understand, hells, I find myself wondering what he even inherited from Aegon. The more he hesitates, the worse these rebels will be. They can sense the weakness from miles away.” she said, her brows furrowing more with each word, before she pinched the bridge of her nose. “But it doesn't matter. If I cannot convince him, Maegor will. He’ll listen to his hand, I hope.”

Duncan nodded.

“Have you given any thought as to who will be granted Harrenhal afterward? House Qoherys has been wiped clean as of last week.” he explained. In truth, Visenya hadn’t given it much thought yet, since technically, it was the job of the King to think over such matters, but she knew better than to trust Aenys with this. He’d just do what appeased the majority of his court and council.

“I haven’t given it much thought, in truth. I’ve been thinking of House Towers, but I’m not sure. Did you have someone in mind? Ah- Which Houses are in that area again?” she turned her head to Rowan.

“There’s lots of smaller Houses, your grace. The most prominent ones are House Towers, Butterwell, Harroway and Darry.” Rowan explained, and Visenya nodded.

“Well then, we’ll see which of these lords proves himself worthy of the honour. We’ll pick the one who’s most useful to us.” Visenya concluded.

The meeting went over a few more technicalities, details and doubts, but the conclusion had been reached. Maegor would march to the Riverlands with five hundred men and meet up with the other five hundred Tully men, along with Balerion. Visenya was certain her son would prevail once more. She had no doubt about that. He would show the world the true blood of the dragon, what it truly means to be a King- unlike her pathetic excuse of a nephew. She’d still have to convince him to send word to lord Tully, hoping that he wouldn’t deny it for some imaginary fear. 

She looked over Rowan’s neat notes, the calendar she had asked her to make for the day. She’d meet up with her nephew before lunch, and convince him this was the best course of action. She could also ask Maegor to join her in this, but it could appear that they were ganging up on him, which couldn’t end well, should Aenys finally decide to grow a spine. 

Visenya turned her attention to Rowan, who was tidying up all the used dishes and cups to send to the kitchens, while also handing her a fresh goblet of water. Dutiful as always. They were now alone again in the room, as Duncan took his leave.

“He was very fond of that pin, you know?” Visenya said, taking a sip of water. Rowan seemed completely caught off guard and if Visenya were any crueller, she would have laughed.

“I- your grace- I only wished to-”

“Breathe, my girl. I’m not condemning you!” she couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Aenys noticed it and thought Ceryse was the one who made it. Maegor told him that I was the one who made it instead.” she laughed at the absurdity of the idea, that she’d ever participate in anything of the faith, but also in the fact that Aenys believed it. Rowan, however, looked incredibly guilty. Perhaps it was the reminder of Ceryse’s name. Visenya smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t dwell on any guilt. She doesn’t care for him, and neither does he care about her.” she explained what she knew was obvious to everyone.

“Still… it was…” Rowan trailed, lightly picking at her hands nervously.

“It was sweet.” Visenya concluded, patting her shoulder comfortingly. 

Things would’ve been a whole lot easier if the two didn’t hold such strong feelings for each other, but Visenya had hopes that with Lord Tybolt’s interest, at the very least Rowan could move on. It would be easier on her heart. If her and Maegor’s plans were to succeed, if he indeed ascended the throne and Aenys gave up the crown, she didn’t know how far Maegor would go to keep her close. He could barely keep it together as a Prince, she didn’t wish to know how far he’d go as KIng. If he knew she had moved on and had a family of her own, he could also move on. All he needed was an heir with Ceryse and he could surround himself with all the whores in King’s Landing for all Visenya cared. An heir was necessary for their plans to work. An heir, a spare and it would be enough for Maegor’s claim to be secured. 

To say that Maegor was gloating would be an understatement. He had managed to convince his brother of his mother’s plans for Harrenhal, and now he stood in front of her, basking in her praise. Visenya was difficult to please and he was fully enjoying every second of his mother’s affection. 

“It wasn’t that hard to get him to write to Lord Tully. Even though he claims that brute force is not the way.” Maegor explained as he took a sip of wine. He’d be leaving in the morning to fly to Lord Tully, who had already been preparing his men weeks ago, from Visenya’s request. He was eager for battle and blood.

“Brute force is the only way to deal with rebels. It’s the only way these fools will learn. You’ll need to know when it’s wise to use diplomacy and when to rain fire on them. A King must know these things.” Visenya stated, as if it were the clearest thing in the world. They were alone in the solar, she didn’t feel the need to hide her truth. Maegor almost gave a faint smirk, enjoying every second of his gloating. 

“A King…” Maegor trailed, as if enjoying the taste of the words in his mouth. King. What he had wanted to be since he was a boy. He had a lot to prove to make himself the obvious choice. He’d be lying if he didn’t smirk when he heard the whispers in court or in the city, saying that he was most fit for the role.

“Yes, Maegor. Everyone sees it, everyone knows. Even Aenys. He himself admitted it when he gave you Blackfyre and when he made you his hand. Every mess, he relies on you to fix because he cannot. You already have a lot of support, Harrenhal could be a turning point. You’ll be King in all but name, Aenys will have no choice but to admit it. By then giving up the crown will be appealing to him, when he fully realises he cannot do this. Now all you need to secure your claim is an heir.” his mother explained.

“I know, I’m trying.” Maegor frowned. She was right, as always, but he highly doubted he was the one at fault for his lack of heir. He had been visiting Ceryse’s room nightly, like a chore they both hated, for the sake of a child, with nothing to show for it. Perhaps it was all Ceryse’s fault. She was older than him, not by too much, but still older. She still had her moonblood, which meant she should’ve gotten pregnant by now. Gods, this was fucking frustrating. He was growing resentful, even though he knew it was unfair and he knew Ceryse and Rowan were right, but he couldn’t let go of this blame he wanted to throw her way. 

“I know you are. All in due time. Now your focus should be Harrenhal. The rest will fall in line soon, I know it.” she said, patting his cheek, like she always did when he was a boy and she’d give him praise. He sighed and nodded.

He left his mother’s solar as the sun was nearing its set. He made his way for a “spontaneous” walk in the gardens, even though it was entirely purposeful, to catch a glimpse of his beloved. These times, she’d either be walking around with her father or with Ceryse and Lana, and sometimes, if he was truly lucky, she’d be alone, strolling the flowers and getting lost in thought. His violet eyes were scanning his surroundings, and he almost smirked as people got out of his way in fear. 

He caught a glimpse of her auburn curls near a bench. He stood almost behind a pillar, just to admire her beauty as she looked on to the city in thought. He wanted to embrace her and reassure her of any worries she might've had, but he knew he couldn’t do such a thing.

His eyes went from soft and loving, to angry and suspicious when he saw that damn Lannister approaching her. Rowan seemed surprised to see him, knowing he were to begin his journey to the Riverlands in the morning. Maegor was going to make sure to give him the most taxing and difficult tasks. Maegor frowned as he heard the two exchange pleasantries, and even more so at how close Tybolt stood to Rowan.

“I’ll be leaving with the rest of the knights in the morning. You know, I’ll be more than eager to return to you, my lady.” Tybolt’s stupid voice was soft and smooth like silk, and Maegor heard her pause. Her innocent green eyes were wide in surprise and Maegor wanted to strangle him right there and then.

“I- Lord Tybolt- I do not know what to say…” she spoke, her voice startled and unsure. He heard her speak like that before, when his aunt Rhaenys was still alive, she had asked Rowan to accompany her in the city. Rowan’s voice was unsure and startled then, because he knew she didn’t want to do it, but was in a position where she couldn’t say no. 

“Then do not say a thing, my lady. You do not have to. I am merely expressing my appreciation for your presence. I can only wish to be in your presence more when I return to you from battle.” Tybolt smiled an easy smile, placing a kiss on Rowan’s hand. It made Maegor’s blood boil. He wanted to rip off his arms for daring to stand so close to her- let alone press a kiss on her hand.

“I’m very flattered, my lord.” Rowan replied in a soft, quiet voice. She seemed flustered at the attention. She then wished him well in the upcoming battle and turned to leave, before she accidentally dropped the notepad she was carrying. Tybolt was quick to help her gather the fallen objects.

“Oh! My lady, let me help you!”

“Please, it’s really nothing, I-” Rowan quickly gathered most of her things, but Tybolt still knelt to help. She seemed panicked, and it made Maegor raise a brow. He was ready to step out of the shadows and scare him off, but Tybolt’s voice stopped him. 

“My, my…what’s this?” Tybolt held up something that Maegor couldn’t quite make out. He squinted a bit, before he felt his heart pound in his chest. It was a pin. A pin just like the one Rowan had made for him before he left for the Vale. “I didn’t know you had your heart set on someone, a daring knight that has beaten me in the race for your affections? Who has defeated me, if I may ask?” Tybolt’s eyes were now staring right into Rowan’s, and she seemed like she was about to faint.

“I-... I made it for you, my lord…I was just unsure if it was proper to give it to you.” Rowan’s voice was shaky, in a way that someone who didn’t know her would assume she was being shy. But Maegor knew her. She was lying. She was always such a bad liar, her eyes always betraying her true emotions, but it seemed like Tybolt didn’t see right through her. No, the bastard was beaming.

“Lady Rowan, how happy you have made me! I shall cherish this forever, and I swear it that I shall return to you from this battle safe and sound, for your kind prayers shall keep me safe.” Tybolt grinned his stupid grin as he pressed another kiss on Rowan’s hand, one that lasted far too long for Maegor’s liking. 

The scene was almost picturesque, the charming knight accepting the gift of protection from the beautiful lady, all in front of this sunset in the palace gardens. It made Maegor want to scream and rage, especially since he knew that the pin was meant for him and him alone. Tybolt at some point finally left the gardens, gloating and grinning, while Rowan stood there frozen. She eventually sighed, her face betraying complete defeat, when she finally began to make her way back to her room. As she walked toward Maegor, their eyes met.

His piercing gaze immediately softened as he looked at her, her eyes wide as she realised that he witnessed the whole interaction. Her eyes were now apologetic, as if she had anything to apologise for. Still, Maegor couldn’t help but feel frustrated with her. He knew it was completely misplaced, but he wanted so badly to argue with her about why she ever even considered to grace that blond fool with her presence, let alone hand him such an intimate and personal gift. One that he knew was meant for him. The love he had for her was turning animalistic and primal, as he wanted to kill that man off for even daring to look at her.

Maegor was still frowning as he gestured with his eyes to his mother’s solar, silently telling her to meet him there. Rowan followed suit, under the guise of her obligations to the dowager Queen. The room was empty, silent and tense. Rowan placed the notepad on its usual spot on the table, while her green eyes looked into his violet ones apologetically.

“Why?” Maegor was the first to break the silence. His voice was heavy, almost angry. “Why did you give it to him? Why did you tell him it was for him?” he asked, trying his hardest to not make it sound like it was an accusation, but failing, as Rowan read him like an open book. She furrowed her brows at this.

“I didn’t mean to- I didn’t know what to say! I couldn’t tell him the truth, and I couldn’t think of anyone else to say the name of- I felt like it would just make things more complicated. I couldn’t think of anything else.” Rowan explained, clearly pained by what just happened.

“So now this fool is walking around, thinking you just promised him your hand?” Maegor frowned even more if that were even possible. Rowan stood silent for a moment, looking down at the floor with shame. He hated this. He only wanted to scoop her in his arms and tell her he’d get rid of him, but he knew it wasn’t something he could do.

“I… I suppose…” she trailed. “I didn’t think he’d take it so eagerly, nor that he’d imply courtship-”

“He plans to court you?” his eyes widened at how calm she seemed to be. “And you’re alright with this?” he almost laughed, feeling the anger he tried to push away return in full force. Rowan seemed puzzled for a moment.

“I don’t know if he plans to- are you angry with me?” she asked, abandoning the notepad she had been fumbling with this whole time.

“I know it’s not your fault, but I cannot help but feel frustrated. If you had never entertained his foolish attempts, he’d be off annoying someone else. But now he’s gloating to everyone willing to listen, I am sure.” Maegor spat out, his hands finding the corner of the table to fumble with.

“Maegor, I never wanted him to find the pin! I felt awkward with how forward he was being, I didn’t mean to drop it, let alone for him to see it! I meant to give it to you! You know this!” she stepped closer to him, but still too far for Maegor’s liking. “Believe me, I am frustrated with myself too for not being more careful, for not coming up with a better lie- but I cannot sit here and pretend I did anything inappropriate.” she protested.

“You didn’t. Technically you didn’t. But you’re okay with that man courting you? You’d entertain the idea of being his wife? Of going off to Casterly Rock forever, away from me?” he argued back, his voice heavy but his eyes pleading.

“I don’t know!” she raised her voice, frustration clear in it. “I don’t know, Maegor! You know what I’ve always wished for, you know what I’ve always yearned for, but you also know that can never come to be. I can’t- I can’t stay here forever. I cannot bear to stand by and watch you have a family- I cannot bear it. I didn’t mean for him to find it, but I cannot deny that he’d make a good match one day. I- everything just happened way too fast, I couldn’t think.” her voice was shaking. 

Maegor was so torn. He wanted to run to her, to hold her and kiss her and comfort her and take her away from this place and everyone that held them apart. But another part of him seethed in anger at hearing her admit that she was considering Tybolt as a worthy match. Just the thought made him want to take blackfyre and leave the Lannister boy in pieces, along with his pathetic house.

“I shall take my leave then. I have to prepare for battle tomorrow, I’d hate to interrupt your new dreams of becoming Lady Lannister.” he said through gritted teeth. 

He heard Rowan protest as he left the solar, but he didn’t return, he couldn’t. He knew his anger was violent and ruthless, he wanted to shield her from it. He already regretted what he said, he knew if he turned back he might say something even worse. Rowan, his sweet girl, she didn’t deserve to be around him when he was like this. He was practically blowing steam through his nose as he stomped through the halls. He made his way to his wife’s room, and turned all this frustration into something that could at least bring him closer to his goals.

He didn’t look for her the next day. He couldn’t bear to look at her, feeling so ashamed at his own anger, he couldn’t face her. He’d crumble when he looked into her eyes, and he couldn’t bring himself to do so. Especially not when he had a battle to focus on. He still wore the previous pin she had made for him under his armour, refusing to let anyone see it this time.

This battle was far too important for him to not be focused. This battle could bring him even closer to the throne and crown. This battle could be life changing. He gripped the reigns of Balerion as he took off, his anger turning into a dangerous and calm focus. It was supposedly a dangerous man they were heading to fight, it would sure be a shame if Tybolt Lannister never returned. He smirked dangerously as he landed Balerion near the entrance of House Tully’s seat, before getting down to meet with the Lord of the house.

taglist:@heartstalked@stupidocupido@discowizard88@slytherisstuff

[wonderlandleighleigh]

Some Schneiders of Stars Hollow in the morning.

Ethan Maisel likes that his mother is semi-retired.

Honestly, she’s been busting her ass in show business since the sixties, and at almost seventy, she’s earned a break.

And sure, Stars Hollow is a weird place, filled with strange people and a festival a week, and…that Kirk guy, but Ethan thinks it’s nice that his mother and stepfather are so happy here.

And besides, the food at Luke’s Diner is pretty great, all things considered, and that’s coming from someone who grew up on traditional New York deli food.

He steps inside and sheds his coat, shaking some snow out of his hair and then nodding towards the owner behind the counter. “Hey, Luke.”

Luke gives him a friendly grin. “Ethan, hey. Meetin’ your mom?”

“Yeah, though she’s late, even though I made sure to be late, too,” Ethan chuckles.

“That’s Midge. Coffee?”

“God, yeah, thanks.”

He sits at one of the tables and glances through the menu, and, like a tornado, his mother rushes in from the cold.

“I know I’m late!” she cries as she slips out of her fashionable rose-colored coat. She’s still petite, still a very pretty woman, though these days she no longer tries to dye her hair, instead sporting her same-as-ever haircut, only mostly silver, and Ethan is grateful that she’s accepted aging as apart of life. He knows it’s not easy to be in show business as an older woman, but he’d hate for his talented mother to try and cling to fading youth when she’s always been more than a pretty face.

“Yes, you are,” Ethan chuckles as he gets up and allows himself to be kissed on the cheek and hugs her with one arm. “But that’s nothing new.”

“Yikes, already with the roasts, what did I do now?” Midge asks as she takes a seat.

Luke settles two coffees at their table with some cream and sugar, and Midge pats his arm.

“Thanks, Sweetie. You’re a lifesaver, it’s cold out there!”

“No problem. Any thoughts on food yet?” Luke asks, pulling out his order pad.

“Can you make that sandwich with all the veggies and Munster cheese and Russian dressing?” Midge requests. “It was so good last time when you toasted the bread just right.”

“You got it,” Luke nods. “Ethan?”

“Soups today?”

“Maryland Crab, Matzoh Ball, Chicken Noodle and Navy Bean.”

“Navy bean, and half a turkey sandwich with spicy mustard?” Ethan requests.

“Comin’ up!”

Midge smiles at Ethan brightly. “So? Coming all this way to have lunch when you’ve got such a busy schedule? What’s up?”

Ethan sighs softly. “Well…it’s Noah.”

Her smile falls. “What? What about Noah, what’s wrong with Noah?”

“Nothing’s really wrong, he’s just-“ Ethan pauses and sips his coffee. “He came home for winter break, and he announced that he…hates MIT.”

“He hates MIT?” Midge asks, confused. “MIT is all he’s talked about since he was six years old. He’s been dreaming of going there nearly his whole life, and now he hates it?”

“You know he doesn’t hate it,” Ethan tells her. “He hates that he’s so far away from all of us. He doesn’t get to come home for family dinners, and he misses birthdays and even some holidays.”

“But I thought he was doing well, making friends!”

“He was, but he’s not happy,” Ethan tells her. “So he’s looking at the other schools he got into.”

“That’s seven other schools,” Midge points out. “He’s considering the other seven schools that he considered his backups if MIT somehow lost their mind and didn’t want to admit one of the brightest young science majors in the world?”

“Ma…”

She takes a breath, composing herself. “Okay. So. What’s he thinking?”

“He’s considering Columbia, although he still remembers Gramma Rose telling him Columbia was cursed when he was little,” Ethan says.

“Mama certainly had a way with words, didn’t she?” Midge smiles sadly.

“She definitely did,” Ethan agrees, patting her hand gently. “He’s also heavily considering Yale.”

She blinks, tilting her head with interest. “Is he really?”

“Yes, he is. He’d be very close by.”

“Yes, he would.”

Ethan grins at his mother, amused, as he watches the wheels turn in her head. “Ma…”

“It’d be nice to have him so close!” she defends. “And Rory goes to Yale, and they’re the same age, and Ella pops by from time to time, but everyone else is always on the run, and I’m no good at running anymore.”

“If Noah chooses Yale, you have to be cool about it,” Ethan tells her.

“I can be cool! Look at the man I married; a picture of his face is next to the definition of ‘cool’ in the dictionary.”

“You can’t show up on campus without warning,” Ethan says. “And you can’t set him up on dates without telling him.”

“I was never the matchmaker in our family,” Midge reminds him.

“You know what I mean.”

She huffs out an exasperated breath. “Okay, okay, I get it, no meddling.”

Ethan chuckles and leans over, kissing her cheek. “Thanks, Ma.”

“So where is wonder boy now?” Midge asks.

“He and Julia are touring Princeton today,” Ethan says.

“Feh. Princeton.”

“What’s wrong with Princeton?”

“It’s in New Jersey! I don’t want my grandson to come home smelling like New Jersey.”

Ethan laughs. “Ma.”

She crosses her arms.

“It’s just a tour. They’re doing the Yale tour tomorrow.”

“And then you’re coming here for dinner,” Midge tells him.

“Yes,” Ethan agrees. “We will come back to Stars Hollow for dinner, and you can try to talk my son into doing what you want.”

“Thank you.”

[rhythmic-idealist]

sorry if this is unwelcome but i saw your food post and wanted to share some of the foods that works for me. i have to eat a protein heavy diet, which is something else you might find helps you?

my favorite thing to do is to cook up a kg or two of chicken and then have 200 or so grams for my first meal of the day. this is about 350 calories and 60 grams of protein, which is my daily goal!

things like cheese strings, schneider turkey / pepperoni bites, cottage cheese (mixed with chocolate protein), those cups of minute rice mixed with an egg and chopped up green onion, tomatoes and spinach are really tasty too!

a slice of protein rich bread (i like country harvest's protein plus bread) with two eggs that have some cottage cheese mixed in is a great breakfast

and a great snack is tofu chia pudding! not only is it great for protein but it really satisfies that snacky craving while also being really filling. easiest is one block silken tofu with about 3 tablespoons chia seeds and your choice of sweetener & flavoring

Thank you so much! This is definitely welcome.

In the future this type of post will be blacklist tagged “#food talk.” Update your blacklists accordingly.

So yeah! Thank you, this is definitely welcome. Weirdly, one of my theories (just on impact, without having crunched the numbers yet) is that sometimes I have recently focused too much on protein?

And then I wind up feeling physically full after each meal, and knowing I’ve eaten enough grams of protein to gain muscle… and so not quite knowing why I have a headache or my stomach feels bad.

In a much more casual way, I’ve been known to forget carbohydrates exist. I’ll accidentally get through a day without eating any and then go “why the hell am I craving so much sugar again?” …..Because I work a physically demanding job, and my body is craving carbohydrates………….. hell, this used to make me feel ill some days even when my lifestyle was a lot more sedentary.

For now, I’m counting my calories (with the goal of bringing my numbers UP, and without any concern for a ceiling). I know I have instincts for giving myself protein anyway, so I know I’ll still be reading protein counts on things and trying to hit my goals accordingly.

That said this is an EXTREMELY welcome ask, thank you very very much. I’m only describing my difference in experience (so far?) because it might be relevant to someone else too!

…..And with all that said. I think maybe I was just never actually reaching a remotely good protein goal. I never googled anything, I mostly just looked at what I thought was a normal amount of food to eat, and then picked within THAT for things that were protein dense. So maybe as I eat more food I also do in fact still need to focus harder on protein. This was not on my radar - I mostly knew my “neglecting carbs” problem. So thank you!

And what I AM gonna do is go home and google which things in your ask are the most calorie dense. Especially cottage cheese. I love cottage cheese.

For the most part I’m gonna spend at least a while concerning myself entirely with calories. No matter where they come from, what kind they are, how my body uses them. Just hitting that mark. I tried really hard today, and I haven’t hit it yet, but I think I can come within a couple hundred once I’m home.

Thank you so much 💗

a lot of us struggle with eating enough and I am definitely touched and happy to hear from people. This ask was a nice little way to reach out and hold hands w someone in a similar boat