#not sure if this count as readwr insert but close enough lah

[kangen-wanshi]

Devotion ft. Squirrel Fish: Nameless

The Nameless Food Soul has always been convinced that he brings nothing but death wherever he goes. But when the Master of Kongsang proves him wrong, it seems like his devotion slowly grows deeper than before..

Tags: Fluff, reader is referred to as 'the Master', he/him pronouns used

The hands that were made to wield a blade.. Now are tasked to wield a hoe..?

Those were the first honest thoughts that came to Squirrel Fish's mind when the master of Kongsang assigned him a role to guard over the farm's coop. As a Food Soul residing in the realm, he has no reason nor will to defy the Master's order, but this lifestyle, this peaceful intervals between his daily work in defeating Food Demons feels.. Overly too domestic for him.

Of course, despite this new unfamiliarity, he never protested nor went against such a peaceful idea of living. He even thought, when he first came to Kongsang, other Food Souls would look at him in the bad light due to his past, but such judgment never came.

Dumpling who is assigned to guard the pen next to him, has always greeted him with a smile and an offer of his medical assistance should he need it. Spring Roll and Mugwort Dumpling occasionally calls him brother - and even goes as far as asking him to play and walk with them. Even the outgoing and extroverted Oyster Omelet sometimes asks him to come down to the beach together. 

He enjoyed this type of life. A happy, peaceful life where he can serve as the Master's blade against any foe, all while still being able to receive the gift of domesticity in life with other Food Souls. His sins and crime from the past may haunt his bones still, but at least, he can seek some sort of redemption through this lifestyle.

That day was like any other day at the farm. Dumpling is tending to the animal stock by himself, while Mugwort Dumpling and Spring Roll are off collecting flowers on the outskirts of the farm, leaving mostly him to guard the area, as well Oyster Omelet who passed out nearly an hour ago.

Although today is a bit different. The Master of Kongsang visited the farm himself. Usually during a visit, he would assign an upgrade to one of the available facilities to improve quality and quantity of ingredients, but with the lack of files and equipment he carries, it seems like he has other plans today.

The Master smiled as he spotted the only available Food Soul in the farm with a wave of hand, he took a seat at the open balcony, tapping the empty space next to him, encouraging the nameless Food Soul to join him in a conversation. 

Squirrel Fish follows his order without hesitation. He have always been like so - free, yet obedient still until the very end as he took a careful approach next to the Master of Kongsang with a small bow and a nod, "Master," he calls out to the demi-god, "What brings you to the farm today? I thought we were holding a banquet at the restaurant?"

"Oh, that's already finished," the Master chuckled, waving his hand dismissively, "Hu-Geng, Clay and Buddha's Temptation helped a lot during today's banquet, so we managed to finish earlier than expected. The rest is still cleaning the kitchen right now."

"I see.." His head falls for a moment, "Forgive me that I couldn't be of assistance to you in serving the guests, Master. I.. May be diligent with the blade, but when it comes to serving food —"

Before he could proceed with his words of degradation upon himself, he stuttered, and stopped himself completely as he felt a weight on his lap.

In his attempt to stop the Food Soul from continuing to speak badly about himself, the Master of Kongsang had laid his head on his lap, carefully looking up to him from behind his bangs.

"Are you going to continue?" He simply asks, hand reaching over to brush a leaf off of Squirrel Fish's shoulder, before resting both of his hands on top of his stomach.

Squirrel Fish often degrade himself to such a degree. Saying that he's not worthy of staying in Kongsang due to the fact that he only brings death and not delight as a dish. And everytime, the Master of Kongsang kept proving him wrong. He kept convincing the nameless Food Soul that he's worth more than he is - and that he deserves the good that comes to him. Such as this very specific moment where he, yet again, is caught tongue-tied by the Master's action.

So he only shook his head quietly. Pink lavender eyes staring down at the Master's tired face with a gentleness no one thought he could possess. His hands are stiffly kept on his side, afraid that if he moves even an inch, he might disturb the Master's rest, or worse, makes him uncomfortable of his presence. 

Noticing his hesitation, the Master sighed before taking one of his gloved hands in his own, and placing it on top of his head, "You can touch me," he quietly chuckled, "It's not like you'll be given a death sentence just for playing with my hair."

Sometimes, he wonders what type of technique the Master possesses that he can do with no remorse or shame. He himself can barely commit to the action, stiffly and awkwardly patting the Master's head, earning a few light giggles and slight blush.

"Squirrel Fish," the Master calls out with a content hum as the Food Soul's movement slowly becomes more gentle and more comforting. Caressing the Master's hair, as well as his forehead and the bridge of his nose gently as his eyes slowly shut, drowsiness slowly taking over.

"Thank you for staying with us, here, in Kongsang," he chuckled, "I wouldn't know what I'd do without you."

Anything for you, Master.

I'll put my life on the line for you.

My memory of you may be gone, but a warrior's body will always remember. And this feeling,

Even if I forget it a thousand of times,

Even if a thousand lives will pass,

I'm sure, everytime we meet,

I'll always remember.

He didn't even get to say any of his thoughts as the Master drifted off to slumber under his touch and the gentle breeze of Kongsang. Light snores and gentle breathing, warm cheeks and slightly agape lips. He doesn't dare wake the Master up just to hear his selfish confession. 

So he stayed, and he kept the Master company and comfortable, just like how he always does, and how he always will.

Spring Roll and Mugwort Dumpling came back to decorate the Master's sleeping head with a flower crown, Buddha's Temptation was looking in envy from the kitchen, while it took everything from Harbin Fried Pork not to scold the Master for slacking off during cleaning duty.