#sake tokkuri

[kinsentokyo]

Japanese Sake bottle. Tea cups.

+SHOP+

[simard-pottery]

Potion sake pitchers

ポーション徳利

[threeochoko]

[paimonial-rage]

hypothesis - yae miko

[another random writing event] | requested by @andromeda-nova-writing

sequel to spark and unwillingly

There was a reason you did not prefer drinking alcohol. It wasn’t that you found the taste off-putting or the buzz bothersome. It was that, when put in the right situations, you became daring. Somehow it became easy to ignore things like propriety and decorum as curiosity made its way to the forefront. Out of all the foolish decisions you made recently, deciding to have a drink with the woman you previously swore to protect was the worst of all.

There she sat beside you upon the veranda, a tokkuri of sake and two glasses between you both. The moon highlighted the cherry blossom pink of her hair as her violet eyes were narrowed with irritation. Her petal soft lips were pursed into a pout as she told you about how the Yashiro rascal got in her way yet again today.

If you had to be honest, you were only half listening as she spoke. Though she would certainly become even more upset when she found out, you simply weren’t over it yet. Even just a couple years ago never did you think you would be able to sit with her like this under the light of the full moon. You were her guard and that’s all you were ever supposed to be. You were supposed to be beneath her as a filthy half-breed.

Then suddenly you were free of that.

With a simple diary found by the Traveler, the truth was revealed. Lady Saiguu, the woman that took you in all those years ago, never intended a life of servitude for you. She didn’t view you as lesser due to your half-human heritage. She wished for you to be a companion to little Yae. If it weren’t for the interference of the sky kitsune elders, that was the road you would have traveled. And now after five hundred years, you were back on it.

What you found the most surprising, though, was how Yae refused to give up on you. Though you coldly rejected her, throwing your younger years of friendship away, she still kept you by her side. You were content to keep serving as her guard with that wall between you both, but she never stopped attempting to tear those walls down.

And now?

Though you still found it difficult to open up to her after holding back for centuries, you slowly found yourself opening up more and more. But there was still a wall you kept. You never came close, always opting to uphold a polite distance. You didn’t tease her as you did in the past. You often found it difficult to smile.

But…

Just for now, what if you didn’t? You were feeling daring, after all. What if you finally let yourself act in the way you had been wishing for centuries? Of course, you wouldn’t go all out. You weren’t brave enough for that yet. But still, what if a lesser amount? How would she react? How would she respond?

“Are you listening, First? Yes, I understand that I am quite the sight, but that’s hardly any reason to stare,” came the voice of your companion, no doubt irritated with your lack of response over the past few minutes.

Were you staring? Perhaps. The alcohol made it so you didn’t mind. Nor did her words embarrass you like how they normally would. Going by that, perhaps it would not be so bad to go a little farther, even if you would regret it come morning.

“You know you’ve always been the only person I’ve seen, Yae. Don’t fault me for that,” you said, your voice taking the soft pleading tone you used to use when you irritated her as children.

You wanted to laugh at the surprised expression that took hold of her face soon after, so you did. How long had it been since you last called her by her name and only that? Half a millenia, no doubt. She turned away.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed,” you followed up with a teasing smile.

Her form went rigid at that. Turning to you with a glare, she reached up and flicked your forehead. Hard.

“Just who do you think you are saying such honeyed words under the guise of alcohol? You don’t think I can’t see through you?”

And as you clutched your forehead bowled over from the pain, letting her rant and rave over your cheeky audacity, you thought it perhaps was a good idea that, as daring as you were, you weren’t so much so so as to mention the flush sitting cutely upon her cheeks.

[meowzfordayz]

as if

Shinazugawa Sanemi x Reader

Word Count: ~600

CW: alcohol

Emergency Request Fulfilled: This year, especially this summer has been really rough and the past few days, it's kind of caught up and I've been feeling very down  and lost kind of neglected. I was wondering if you could write a drabble or something for demon slayer with a reader that has been feeling that way and with some agnst and comfort with Giyuu, Sanemi or Tengen and (if you write for him, idr if you do 😅) Ubuyashiki. Preferably romantic but platonic is fine too.

“Feeling low?”

His voice catches you off guard; an almost lyrical inflection coated by familiar gruffness, the cold bite of winter numbing his intended concern to a flat tone.

“Yeah,” you mutter, refusing to meet his lilac stare, “Something like that.”

He strides closer, bodily presence impossible to ignore. You’re certain if you glanced up that his shirt would be undone — despite the chill in the sparsely crowded tavern.

“Y’know, it isn’t healthy to mull over death alone.”

“So how do you spend your time in between missions, Shinazugawa-san?” you retort softly, waving an uninterested hand in his direction, “By all means, enlighten me.”

Laughing coolly, Sanemi drags out the chair beside you, sitting lazy and spread in its wooden seat, hazy threads of burnt jasmine and damp earth wafting toward you.

“I train. I bathe. I check in on my fellow slayers.”

Snorting lightly, you finally fix a dithering expression on his earnest gaze, nearly swallowing your quip at the faint glow in his eyes, “Ah, well, good to know you care about your personal hygiene.”

Blinking slowly, his brow furrows, arms crossing over the bareness of his chest, “You believe me?”

“Believe what?” you scoff amusedly, “I’ve never known you to justify yourself to anyone.”

Scowling, his arms cross tighter, skin aching with fatigue, “Your approval doesn’t matter to me.”

You shrug, “Okay.”

You return to your tokkuri, sake still warm as you pour yourself another cup, its sharp scent stinging your nose when you take a slow, pointed sip.

Thud.

A matching cup slams ungracefully onto the counter, taunting air thickening around you as you glare at the scarred fingers beckoning slyly. With a long exhale, you fill his cup.

“Just making small talk,” he murmurs, saccharine and smug, “I appreciate your generosity.”

“You’re terrible,” you huff, hastily downing another cup, noting the abrupt loss of weight in the tokkuri with dismay, “Shinazugawa-san, I didn’t think you drank.”

Cup pinched between his thumb and index fingertips, Sanemi sniffs carefully, face scrunching at the clean tang of fermentation. He sets the cup aside, humming in agreement.

You snap, mouth twisting frustrated and impatient, voice hushed and scathing, “Why harass me into sharing with you if you’re not even going to try it?”

“Someone died,” he replies blandly, cup lifted and tilted, alcohol gone in a single, smooth movement, “On my watch.”

Unimpressed, you resist the urge to kick the leg of his chair, knowing he’d likely block and consequently injure you instead, “So you sought out the nearest slayer to console yourself?”

“I’m not the consoling type.”

And then he touches your wrist.

It’s a fleeting, mindless gesture, and yet it extends on for forever, overflowing with consideration and contemplation, never thoughtless because it’s him. It’s Shinazugawa-san—unapproachable, distant, angry—Shinazugawa Sanemi. He doesn’t acknowledge his proximity, bumping demandingly against the back of your hand, this time reaching for the tokkuri.

“Distract?” you squeak, overly conscious of how clear your quickening pulse must sound.

“Mhm,” he nods, hoping you’re fixated enough on your own nerves to miss how delicately his are fraying too.

“You can be pretty cruel,” you sniff, dizzying chewiness in your head making it harder and harder to forget the calloused graze of his clammy heat, “Buy me a drink?”

“Whatever.”

He laughs—an abrupt, staccato laugh—nonchalantly ordering another round of your sake, all too aware of the tenderness melting the stiffness from your attention. Of the discomforting pressure in his sternum when you grin triumphantly. As if I didn’t let you win.

As if you could ever lose.

[odditycircus-2002]

Saudade

featuring MK11 Medusa!Reader

Saudade: Meaning (n.). A nostalgic longing to be near again to something or someone that is distant, or that has been loved and then lost; "the love that remains"

A/N: This takes place before the events of Mortal Kombat 1, in a timeline where you, the reader, gained power over the Hourglass. Shang Tsung isn't a fellow Titan or holds a similar position since you're still bitter that Kronika crafted your ENTIRE existence to act as a tool. A tool specifically made to keep Shang Tsung in line and assist in his task for Kronika. If you want to know, read more about this storyline and master list, here.

/

Within the grand Kolosseum, a sea of Outworld onlookers watch as the Emissary of Outworld and Shinnok's Right-Hand Man, Quan-chi, fight desperately against Prince Goro of the Shokan. Observing from the highest vantage point on her gilded throne, positioned with a perfect view of the arena, is a woman dressed in a flowing xuihefu dress made by the finest designers in all of creation. Upon her head, she wore a finely crafted Dian Zi, where her snakes rested behind, save for two that hung by either side of her head; the centerpiece is a sleek silver crown that glowed a ghostly green. On her face, she wore an expertly crafted mask made of gold, carved with a neutral expression. Standing on either side of her, as her dutiful bodyguards, were the demi-gods Raiden and his brother, Fujin. All which is befitting an Empress of Creation and Time.

Yet, the Keeper of Time watches the fight with her face leaning against her fist, her boredom evident despite the neutral mask. Y/N has always appreciated a marvelous performance, whether the shrieks of pain, the resounding snapping of bones echoing in the air, or the squelching of flesh as it's stripped from the body. Most originated from watching the Shokan Prince tearing his opponents/victims into a paste. Y/N smiles to themselves beneath the mask, recalling the past timeline when you would observe similar matches with Shang Tsung, such as one where Goro picked up an opponent with his lower arms before pummeling them within an inch of their life with his free arms, then finishing them by piledriving their head into the ground, hard enough that their entire head exploded like a crunchy watermelon.

"I do love to watch Prince Goro in Kombat."

"I concur; his variety keeps the matches from being too dull."

Shang Tsung looks at his wife from the corner of his eyes before looking back at the unfortunate Earthrealm Champion as his skull is shattered against the courtyard's stone floor, his grin evident behind his beard.

"One could almost feel pity for the fate of Earthrealm, as they're just four more losses away from merging with Outworld."

Y/N turns her head with a tilt of her head, which her snakes mimic.

"Don't tell me you actually feel sympathy for them."

"Of course not; it's just amusing to think about."

Shang Tsung chuckles in amusement at your expression, further deepening his crow's feet and smile lines. A look that you mirrored behind your mask with a matching smug grin.

"You are absolutely horrible!"

"Is that not why you agreed to be my wife?"

Shang Tsung teases, shifting his hand over yours as you continue to gaze at one another with eternal devotion.

... It was all so marvelous.

Y/N holds out her free hand to conjure a polished jade orb that fits perfectly in her hand. She pulls her attention away from the match to look into the orb, which shows her a clear Shang Tsung scene. In the timeline Y/N made, she and Shang Tsung have never married, much less crossed paths. Still, she finds herself watching the man- who just happens to be the current Emperor of China- celebrating some occasion while surrounded by his Imperial court. Y/N notes the familiar smug smile on his wisened face as he raises a tokkuri full of sake for a toast, appearing to be having a better time than she currently is.

Y/n pockets their jade orb before rising to her feet, which immediately attracts the attention of everyone in attendance, including Goro—freshly drenched in blood. They all bow before her in awe and instinctual fear, no one daring to make a peep when she speaks.

"Prince Goro, you have performed well today."

"Thank you, My Empress. I hope my performance today pleased you."

The Shokan Prince respectfully replies. Y/N waves their hands dismissively, already done with the whole respectful spiel.

"Normally, you would have. But I grow tiresome of it all."

This causes the crowd to mutter to themselves about whatever the Empress could mean, as she always seemed to favor Goro. The latter appears to share in the crowd's incredulity, too caught up in his mind to notice Y/N taking off her mask. He looks up from his bowed posture to finally voice his inquiry.

"Whatever do you me--?"

Goro never finished his sentence as Y/N had turned him to stone from where he stood, surrounded by the pulpy remains of Quan-Chi. In that same instance, 3/4 of the crowd are turned to stone, frozen in surprise. The rest of the panicking crowd began to run for the exits, only to be blocked by the most dangerous beasts in Outworld with a snap of Y/N's fingers. The crowd began to trample onto one another as Kolloseum beasts descended upon them, tearing into their flesh and running the steps a bright red. Y/N grinned amusedly before speaking to Raiden and Fujin without glancing at them.

"I want you two to eliminate any survivors you come across, but save one of your choosing."

"Yes, My Empress."

Raiden answers for both himself and his brother. Meanwhile, you sit back on your throne and make yourself comfortable as you watch the pandemonium unfold before you.

/

[After Resetting the Timeline]

Y/N caresses the tube containing an Edenian and Tarkatan hybrid clone she's familiar with. A clone that happens to be one of many clones, all floating within their own tubes, that line the walls of the vast laboratory from top to bottom, in various stages of development. Currently trailing behind Y/N are Sindel and the former Khan, Shao, her obedient servants. Sindel clasps her hands together as she gives her report to the Keeper of Time.

"Despite a few regrettable losses due to incompetence, a good majority of the clones for Project Mileena are flourishing."

"Good, good, good, and what of those behind such incompetence?"

Shao's guttural voice answers.

"Disposed of. They currently fertilize your more plant-based experiments."

Y/N smirked under her veil as she thought of the other facilities she had made, all dedicated to creating hybrids other than Edenian and Tarkatan. The current Keeper of Time has always been fond of monsters and their natural capabilities; now, she can explore these capabilities even further and beyond with ALL living beings across the realms. After all, if life is to flourish at its peak, then its resistance and adaptability must be put to the test. Y/N clapped her hands together as a fanged smile crossed her face.

"Excellent! How goes Project Dragon?"

Sindel and Shao exchange anxious glances at the news they must report. Shao's clenched jaw and hesitation do not escape the Titan's attention.

"Onaga has almost escaped his chains again, your Majesty."

Y/N hums to herself as she raises a hand to her chin in thought.

"Mmmhhh... That is a problem. It would be such a waste if he escaped captivity before I could collect his genetic materials."

She then turns to her side as if to address another person.

"Do you think I should-"

Y/N catches herself before she can finish her sentence. The Titan recalls how she and her former husband spent sleepless nights working on Kitana's clone, exchanging ideas and theories about perfecting a stable clone. She was so caught up in her excitement among these clones that Shang Tsung's absence momentarily slipped her mind. Y/N digs her claws into her hands, deep enough to draw rivelets of blood.

Shao and Sindel tense at their Mistress's abrupt silence after seemingly talking to thin air. They have served under Y/N long enough to know how sporadic her moods can be and just how dangerous their consequences are. When their Empress turns, Shao and Sindel are barely able to contain their flinches.

“Give me the room, please.”

Shao and Sindel share a confused look before Y/N continues.

“Wait outside until I give explicit permission for you or anyone to enter.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

Both Shao and Sindel answer simultaneously, bowing before exiting the vast laboratory. Once the heavy metal doors slammed shut, did Y/N then conjure her jade ball. As always, her orb showed her Shang Tsung, who currently sits at a grand dining table splayed out with a feast befitting royalty. Keeping him company is Prince Goro, alive and well. The two currently appear to be conversing over something that Y/N couldn’t make out.

The polish jade begins to crack under Y/N’s claws, threatening to shatter from her strength. Ultimately, the Titan hurls the jade orb into the stone floor of her laboratory, scattering its shards on impact. Y/N pays the remains no mind, even as they let out residual wisps of magic, instead focusing on her work table placed within the center of the Laboratory. Circling the table are shelves and bulletin boards covered in schematics and sketches for the many beautiful abominations Y/N plans to unleash on to all the realms. She lifts one schematic of a Shokan and Tarkatan hybrid to remove a small ivory chest with a dagger inside.

Y/N then places the open chest on the table and takes the dagger in her hand. She raises her free hand, allowing her magic to flow into it, takes a deep calming breath, and begins to chant under her breath. Y/N then plunges the dagger into her sternum.

The sound of screams were nothing new within the Titan’s laboratory. Shao and Sindel didn’t flinch at the wounded animalistic noises, even as it continues for what seems like hours. Such screeching have become white noise for the two servants; for all they know, you were creating another monstrous construct from scratch.

Which is why when Y/N finally summoned them back into her lab, they aren’t surprised to find their Empress and the dagger she held, covered in scarlet blood. However, they are surprised when the Titan presented them with a locked chest, stained bright red, which seemed to be pulsing at the touch.

“Take this to Geras and have him hide it where no one, not even I would think to find it.”

“It shall be done, Your Majesty.”

Shao replies both he and Sindel bow respectively then go to carry out their task. Sindel glances at the shattered pieces of what looks like jade as she passes by it, but chooses to say nothing. When both representatives of Outworld finally leave, Y/N takes a deep breath; feeling their mind to be clearer than ever before. A sense of calm seems to wash over her, despite the physically sting from her healed wound. Y/N no longer felt that ache in her chest from the thought of Shang Tsung. In fact, she felt nothing at all in her chest.

…

It’s funny really, how Titans besides herself are so easily plied by their vanity, their greed, their fear. Y/N plucks one little string within their intricate web of fate, and they’re at each other’s throat. In this case, it’s very much literal.

Y/N floats midair far from the war unveiling before her, with Shao and Sindel on either side of her. Her fellow Titans tore into each other, bleeding out their life forces which mixed and mingled in the space around them. The Keeper of Time laughs to herself as she watches reality around her start to unravel at the seams.

”Can you believe they’re willing to destroy themselves over such petty reasons? It’s absurd!

Y/N wipes away imaginary tears of joy as entire stars blink in and out of existence. Often in brilliant bursts of light and color before nothing but never ending voids remain, slowly returning Time and Space to how it once was in the beginning. Sindel and Shao could only stand and watch besides their Empress, expressions unreadable and unable to comprehend the destruction around them. Shao is the first of the pair to speak.

“Agreed, your Majesty. It seems absurd.”

Sindel opens her mouth to speak, but whatever she was about to say is blocked out by a resounding THUD echoing across the entire battlefield, the realms, the universe. The origin of the sound sends back everyone on the battlefield, including Y/N, light years away from the impact. The Titan cackled in exhilaration from the powerful force, clapping at the spectacle.

“What a performance there! Wouldn’t you say?”

“I concur, Your majesty. Nothing like I’ve ever seen in my eons of life.”

Sindel replied as she stumbles in midair, trying to somehow find her center. Y/N shoots the Edenian a scowl before turning to watch the Heavens themselves burn away, revealing a new glistening world shining in through the tear. She smiles maniacally at the new world before her. A new world to influence and bend to her will.

“Glorious, is it not?”

“Indeed.”

Both Shao and Sindel answer at the same time. Whatever awe Y/N had in her eyes are snuffed out at the monotonous response. She gives a displeased hiss as she leans the side of her face against her hand. No longer did she feel any anticipation at the prospect of her finding new territory for her creations to expand and conquer, rather Y/N felt… dissatisfaction.

‘If he were here, he’d perhaps make this new discovery of expansion-‘

Y/N thoughts come to a halt. With a frustrated hiss and a resounding SNAP from both hands, time came to a complete stop. The Titans freeze mid-action of their war, as did all their weapons and their magic, capturing them all in a cosmic moment in time. Yet, Y/N didn’t pay any mind to the grand display or even the rip in Space Time; she became too caught up with her mad rambling, pacing in mid air with her snakes writhing and snapping at the air around her. She barely paid Shao or Sindel any mind, who could only watch.

“Why does this keep happening?!? Why can’t he ssssstay out of my head???? Moments of triumph and entertainment, interrupted by the intrussssive image of that man! The AUDACITY to remain within my mind, when I have sssssurpassed him! I have made this entire reality from SCRATCH, I have learned the intricacies of time manipulation, uncovered secretssss cannot EVER be shared, I had terraformed ALL the realms and filled them with my beautiful creations! I have made Titans tear at each other’s throats to the point that REALITY itself shredssss itself! ALL that I have made and have accomplished was becaussssse of ME, not HIM! So WHY-“

Y/N spins around to face Shao and Sindel, both taking a step back when their Empress’s snakes snap centimeters away from their face.

“Why? Why doessss he continue to haunt me?”

Without any warning, Y/N teleports them all before the Hourglass, paying no mind to its cracks. She waves a hand, instantly conjuring an image of Shang Tsung; who is offering a jade pendant to another woman, that’s noticeably NOT Y/N. The Titan hisses venomously as the rest of her snakes baring their fangs at the image of the other woman, appearing ready to strike at the interloper. In the midst of her rage, the floor of the Hourglass’s Keep begin sprout red fleshy vines with thorns that begin to cover the entire floor. Shao, knowing that letting those red weeds’ spikes touch him would mean instant paralysis, speaks.

“Your Majesty, if those Earthrealmers caused you such agony, then I offer that I travel to Earth realm to annihilate them both- GAHHH!!!”

Without any warning, the fleshy vines impale themselves through Shao’s deltoids and thighs. He gives out another cry of pain as the vines begin to wrap themselves around his limbs, their poison leaving him immobilized. Shao is then lifted so he’s face to face with his creator, whose gaze pierced him from behind her gilded mask and her wings flared from behind her. Y/N cups his cheek in her claws in a mockingly sweet gesture juxtaposing the position Shao’s in.

“You are to NEVER lay a ssssingle claw upon Shang Tsung. If you dare to even think you could, I will tear your body into piecessss to make better and more obedient mutts before DEVOURING your sssssoul to savor for ETERNITY!”

With each second pass, Y/N claws dig deeper into Shao’s thick skin to the point of drawing blood. She gives a mockingly sweet smile that Shao and Sindel could HEAR from behind the Titan’s mask.

“Blink twice if you understand.”

Shao complied and is released from him bondage, leaving him crumpled on the ground. Sindel, despite her reasonable fears, is the next to make her voice known.

“If I may speak freely, My Empress, I would like to make a suggestion for your plight.”

The former Empress of Outworld tenses as she readies herself for Y/N to lash out, only for the latter and her head of snakes to, instead, focus her attention on Sindel.

“Speak.”

Sindel only hesitates for a moment.

“What if you just miss this Shang Tsung?”

Y/N remains perfectly still on the spot for, what very well could’ve been, eternity with her gaze focused on Sindel. The Titan then walks and stops in front of Sindel, who keeps her eyes focused on the ground. The former Empress feels her heart race as Y/N raises a hand… only for the Titan to use it to tap a claw against the side of her mask.

“Mmmhhh… Thank you for your council, Sindel.”

Y/N waves her hands in Shao’s direction, manipulating time as to reverse the damage to his wounds and paralysis. Fully healed, Shao bows in thanks to his creator.

“Many thanks, Your Majesty.”

“If you truly want to show your gratitude for having me sssspare your life, then go to Earthrealm,”

Y/N and her snakes hisses as she points to the woman depicted in the Hourglass.

“And eliminate THAT woman.”

“It shall be done, your Majesty.”

Shao bows respectfully. Y/N nods in approval before dismissing him and Sindel.

“Good. That will be all.”

/

Y/N spins and weaves the sands of time, as she has done so many times before. Only, this time, the life she brings back costs more than just a little bit of her power, but by means not enough to weaken her. The life in question that emerges from the sands is a humanoid female with periwinkle skin, a crystal halo floating behind her head, and with flora acting as hair that fall to her shoulders.

While Y/N despises Cetrion for taking part in cursing her, she knew that the Elder God is her best and safest option. The current Keeper of Time wouldn’t dare revive Kronika, so it’s fortunate that the late Titan’s loyal daughter is likely to hold the answers she seeks. Unfortunately, it seems that Cetrion isn’t in a talkative mood as her first action when revived is to take a defensive stance and summon divine her divine energy to smite Y/N. Admittedly, while engaging Cetrion in combat, the Elder God did make the new Titan put in more effort than she has in eons. Their fight didn’t even last for half an hour; by the end of it, Y/N had Certrion’s neck under her foot.

“Did you revive me just to have me watch the destruction of our reality?”

Cetrion inquires in her dual-tone voice, however strained from having Y/N’s pressing against her wind pipes. The unraveling of matter down to its barest particles didn’t pass the Elder God’s notice.

“The thought of watching your despair as I undo everything Kronika strived for is an amusing thought, but mostly, no. It’ll be even sweeter if you continue to struggle, yet Nevermind that,”

Y/N waves her hand dismissively. Her tone becomes less playful and more severe.

“You’re breathing now because of a question I want answered.”

Cetrion’s brows furrow in confusion as she tries to read Y/N’s face from her position, attempting to guess what exactly the new Titan wants.

“You were there when your fellow Elder Gods cursed me, it can be reasonably assume you were also there when Kronika crafted my destiny. After all, Shang Tsung was integral to your plans for the Crown’s creation and thus resetting the Timeline. What better way is there to make a treacherous man comply, than to hold the one person he values over him as you would with a donkey and carrot?”

Y/N then kneels to Cetrion’s level, replacing her foot with her knee with enough force to create cracks around the Elder God’s head and break her halo.

“I admire the ingenuity there, I would even praise your dearly departed mother for the idea if it did not infuriate me so. I suppose my question is, why even after rebuilding my ENTIRE being over and over again, carving out my heart sssso as to avoid the pain, I sssstill yearn for a man I’m no longer bound to in any way? He is now BENEATH my station and ssssomeone I never needed at all if it weren’t for Kronika’s interference!”

A beat of silence hangs over. Cetrion heaves before speaking.

“You do have some semblance of virtue.”

Y/N tilts her head in curiosity.

“Explain.”

Cetrion’s expression doesn’t change even with Y/N snakes flicking their tongues inquisitively at her.

“It is really quite simple, despite my Mother’s interference and your denial, your heart betrays your love for Shang Tsung. As unfathomable as it may sound to the likes of you.”

Y/N’s snakes stop mid-hiss and retract from Cetrion’s face. The new Titan rises to her feet and raises an index finger and thumb to her chin in deep thought. Cetrion takes the opportunity to take a deep desperate breath. She uses her floral tendrils to upright herself, just as Y/N gives a heavy sigh.

“I suppose there’s no harm in confirming this. Thank you for your advice, Cetrion.”

Cetrion opens her mouth to reply, only to find venom sprayed into her mouth and on her face. The Elder God feels her limbs become numb as the ground shifts underneath her, the sounds of reality disintegrating are nearly deafening. Cetrion could hear Y/N speaking to her, who may as well been underwater.

“To answer your question, I’ve given you a new brand of venom of my making, this one psychedelic.”

Cetrion rubs her eyes but it does nothing to improve her vision, as time seems to fast forward.

“You always talk of virtue and how others should pray to you for it. So,”

Cetrion feels something being placed in her hand. She holds it out in front of her, feeling the movement was both somehow too slow and too fast at the same time. In the Elder God’s hand was a shrapnel of her crystal halo with a particularly wicked edge.

“Why don’t you take that crystal to your face and show me how much virtue is inside of you?”

Cetrion, without any resistance, complied and takes the shard into her face to behind carving off large strips of her flesh. Y/N just watches, the inside of her chest now lighter.

[In Another Timeline]

Y/N watches from behind bamboo as a genuinely young Shang Tsung starts hiking down a trail, basket strapped to his back. The Titan had purposefully set up that he would walk down this trail as a “shortcut”; now she just had to enact the next step of her plan. Y/N summons her glamor to exactly how she looked before she was cursed. There’s no need for a mask, as she has long since learned to control her petrified stare. Y/N steps out from behind the bamboo and begins to walk parallel to Shang Tsung.

“Hello there, you seem interesting.”

[In another Timeline separate from Y/N’s]

Titan Shang Tsung looks over his vast Empire on his intricately carved balcony, the lights of the cities in the distance visible in the night. A smug smile settles on his face at the reminder of all he has conquered. His smug expression is replaced with one of confusion as daylight suddenly lights up the night sky. Shang Tsung shields his eyes with his hand as he's temporarily blinded by the intruding light.

It takes a moment for his vision to adjust; when it does, he's greeted by the sight of an upside-down Earthrealm. At least, what appears to be Earth Realm is that the landscape is covered in briar bushes, with twisted monstrosities roaming the land. As soon as this new reality appeared, its portals began to mend themselves until they completely disappeared, leaving no trace of its existence. Save for the few monstrosities resembling giant bats that flew through the portals to descend to the city below Shang Tsung. No doubt to feast on its residents if the cacophony of screams is anything to go by as citizens are swiped from the ground.

None of the unfolding chaos bothered the Sorcerer, who stared up at the night sky that, not so long ago, had patches of daylight streaming in. Shang Tsung taps his armored claws against the marble banister in thought.

"Interesting... Perhaps I shall pay my new neighbor a visit."

Playlist While Writing This:

“Lone Digger” by Caravan Palace

“Davy Jones” ver RafScrap ft. @LaceySings18

“Dream Sweet in Sea Major” by Miracle Music

“Always on My Mind” feat Mary Elizabeth McGlynn

[soldan56]

Il gioco Konpira Fune Fune è un tradizionale gioco giapponese giocato principalmente da Geiko (Geisha) e Maiko con i loro ospiti. Si gioca al ritmo di una canzone chiamata "Konpira Fune Fune," che è anche il nome del gioco. Ecco come funziona: Entrambi i giocatori siedono uno di fronte all'altro con un tokkuri (una piccola bottiglia di sake) o un altro oggetto al centro. Al ritmo della canzone, uno dei giocatori tocca l'oggetto con la mano. Se il giocatore opposto tocca l'oggetto allo stesso momento, entrambi cambiano il modo in cui toccano l'oggetto. Se uno dei giocatori solleva l'oggetto, l'altro deve toccare il centro del tavolo con il pugno chiuso invece di toccare l'oggetto. Questo può essere fatto solo tre volte di fila. Man mano che il ritmo della canzone aumenta, diventa più difficile e confuso seguire le regole, il che rende il gioco più divertente. L'obiettivo è mantenere il ritmo e non sbagliare nei movimenti. È un gioco di riflessi e ritmo che può diventare molto competitivo e divertente.

[eustasscapitankid]

Eustass Kid x Roronora Zoro Challenge: Kikitober 2024 "Night" Rating: Teen & Up Warnings: None Tags: Alchohol, Competition, Drinking Contest, Lowkey Rivals to Lovers Summary: There's more than one way to fight. Word Count: 777

"More violent, more violent, all consuming."

After battle, the silence is deafening. Celebrations numb the feeling, keeping it at bay until you find yourself alone. Or passed out. Everyone else was, in fact, already passed out. Except for two.

The creaking of wood and metal fill the air. A full moon provides the only light on the beach. Waves lap at the underside of three boats docked together. An uncomfortable peace hangs in the atmosphere. The kind only found in the empty space after war.

Zoro raises his tokkuri to his lips. The last swill of sake fills his mouth with it’s sweet taste that turns bitter, realizing it’s now empty. Lifting himself from his seat, he meanders toward the gangway. Surely there’s gotta be more alcohol around here somewhere. Trudging to the beach, empty flask in hand, he ticks his head. A thrum in the distance tells him that someone’s awake.

If they’re awake and playing music...maybe they have tome liquor to spare. Whoever it was. He shuffles along the beach toward the beats. As he approaches the Victoria Punk the sounds clear, the distinct grind of rock meets his ears. The swordsman contemplates for a moment before deciding to board the ship. A large, red-haired man sits alone on the deck. Eustass Kid. Not his choice in usual company. Not that any of the Kid Pirates were—but he was on a mission.

“Hey—!”

“What are you doing on my ship Roronora?!”

“Relax, I was just looking for some alcohol,” he says shaking the empty tokkuri above his head, “I’m all out. I just happened to hear someone up here and thought maybe they wouldn’t mind sharing.”

“And why would I share my brew with a Straw Hat?”

“Oh? Afraid I’ll drink you under the table Jaggy?” he says teasingly, taunting him further by using Luffy’s nickname for the large man in front of him.

“Tch!” Kid scoffs as he shoves a drink in his hands. This man can in fact, not resist a challenge.

Unyielding, the two men drink heartily. Unwilling to be out done by the other. Throwing jabs at each other and talking shit, the tension only escalates. Unsurprisingly this results in a brawl. Zoro insisting he doesn’t need his swords to beat the hot head. Kid convinced not only does he not need his devil fruit abilities—but he only requires a single arm.

The fight continues to escalate in a flurry of fists. Each landing and avoiding hits respectively as they perform this dance. Even Kid seems almost graceful when he’s fighting like this...in his own way. That is until Wire emerges from his cabin, climbing up to the deck in search of his captain to berate him for being too noisy again (this is a constant occurrence). Drunk and distracted by the towering man, Eustass makes a misstep—falling on top of Zoro in the process who, had a hard time predicting the sudden break in confident movement displayed by the pirate he had been fighting.

“Can you two be any louder?” he remarks, more a warning than a question. He turns on his heels and ducks back into the ship.

Kid and Zoro turn back to each other simultaneously a grin spreading upon Eustass’ face as he realizes his position, still pinning him to the ground. “Does this mean I’ve won?”

The swordsman eye’s narrow, “Get off me.”

“Not until you’ve admit I won,” kid taunts.

“As if,” Roronora mutters in return as his muscles tense under the weight of Kid’s body, grabbing at his arm and shoulder in an attempt to shove him off again. One of his wrists are quickly grabbed, ripping his grip from the red-head’s shoulder and pinning it the ground above his head. In an instant, the tension shifts. Their faces suddenly even closer than they were moments before. That ringing silence only found after a battle returns. Their heart beats pound in their chests, drowning out the music playing on the Victoria Punk. Green Eyes locked onto amber beads, the argument now twisting into something else entirely. Neither dare to move. Both find themselves unable to speak. A certain rarity for Kid.

Without thinking, Zoro closes the distance. Shifting his hand to lace through crimson locks he pulls the man on top of him into a bruising kiss. A fight of lips and tongues. Panting and out of breath, they pull away from each other—lips swollen and faces flush.

“You call that fighting Roronora?”

Zoro grins up at the hulking man still pinning him to the ground beneath his body and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, “Shut up and do it again.”

[recurring-polynya]

Izakaya Kamenoya, part 3

It's been so long, and I kept getting busy with stuff, but rest assured, I have not stopped thinking about every shinigami's favorite watering hole, Izakaya Kamenoya, for even one second of that time, and today I am going to talk about what's really important: what kind of booze can you get there.

The multiplicity of drink options is honestly the thing I really love about Kamenoya. On a meta level, someone has to draw all this stuff, like, with their hands. I have no idea, actually, if the animators consider this sort of thing a break from all the powering up and sword fights and rolling across cave floors, or if they consider a Trip to the Bar to be really tedious. My point is, they very well could have just always drawn people drinking out of the same cups, except they didn't, they drew a series of loving close ups of sake-pouring and a variety of drinkware styles. On a more Watsonian level, I just like the idea that, like Alice's Restaurant, you can get anything you want at Izakaya Kamenoya. So let's get into it!

I think the thing that really made me notice this was this scene from the Amagai Arc, where you see Kira doing mokkiri, or overpouring his sake. (At least I think that's what he's doing. The articles I read sounded more like the server is supposed to do it, which emphasizes the establishment's generosity, so maybe Kira is just being a messy drunk. I'm pretty sure you're also not supposed to pour yourself sake, you're supposed to do it for your tablemates)

Often, mokkiri is done into a masu, which is a small square box that was used as a standard measure for rice. You can see Nanao drinking out of one here!

What kind of cup to drink your sake out of is a huge topic, but basically, it depends on the flavor and characteristics of the sake. The fact that Kira and the Lads are drinking out of clear glasses might imply that they're drinking chilled, summer-style sake (or possibly trying to appreciate the clarity of the vintage, as if this is what you call up Iba and Renji to go to the pub for).

I am not an expert, so I'm not going to attempt to identify exactly what these different cups would be classified as, but you can see a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.

I found less information on different shapes of tokkuri (that's the slightly bigger bottle that you serve from), but those come in a variety, as well. Mostly, they have either the large, oval-shaped jugs you can see in the first picture, or the more slender white ones in the second. I am really fond of these tall boys that Kira and Hisagi have, which seem to have straighter sides than the other kind, kind of like a milk bottle.

While we're looking at that picture, there's an ad on the wall for beer. Beer!

In modern times, beer is actually the most popular alcoholic beverage in Japan, which Wikipedia tells me came about after WWII because of restrictions on the use of rice. They've had beer since the Edo era, though, and many of today's major breweries got started in the late 1800s. I love the idea that beer is a thing you can get in Soul Society, but it's clear that it has not overcome sake in popularity the way it did in the World of the Living--which makes sense, because of they never had those restrictions. (In other words, throw this in the bucket of stuff like tattoos and attitudes toward homosexuality that I think diverged from the Living World because of weird quirks of history).

In fact, Kamenoya apparently imports beer from the World of Living (maybe it also has local brews as well).

Look how lovingly that bottle of Kirin is drawn. 😂 The fact that it's shown in a glass mug in the ad, but served in a Pilsner glass here supports the idea that there are multiple kinds of beer available. Now, I believe that Kirin Zero is non-alcoholic. It's surprisingly hard to do research on beer labels from 20 years ago. I couldn't find a label that looked exactly like that, and Kirin's non-alcoholic offering seems to be called Kirin Free now (Kirin Zero is now zero-carb and I couldn't figure out if it's alcoholic or not). In any case, I am choosing in my heart to believe that this is because of weird TV censorship and in no way implies that Rukia is not one of the champion drinkers of the Gotei-13.

Don't get me wrong! I love a bar that offers non-alcoholic options! You can also get tea at Kamenoya, which you can see Tobiume and Okyō drinking below; Momo has some as well (they also have a discussion about it)

earlier posts in this series: (part 1) (part 2)

[cartographers-office]

Pikmin 4: The Cannon Beetle Mix-Up

As the person who made an entire phylogenetic tree of Pikmin creatures (soon to be updated!), it should come as no surprise that I have a lot of love for this series. With Pikmin 4 introducing a whole new group of critters, while also bringing back many classic ones, I would like to shine a light on one of my favorite enemies: The mighty Horned Cannon Beetle. While this enemy might seem like it caused some confusion regarding its relation to previous enemies, it actually cleared up a few mistakes and inconsistencies from almost two decades ago!

Between Japanese and English languages, each Pikmin enemy gets four different names. This might sound complicated, but I'll try my best to juggle them all and explain their confusing history.

Pikmin 1 introduced the enemy then known as the Armored Cannon Beetle, or Granitus chukkulinae. According to the Enemy Reel:

This migratory lithopod has developed a stronger carapace than its relatives.

Hold on to that information, it will be relevant later. Pikmin 2 then introduced the Armored Cannon Larva, which shares both its name and scientific name with the Armored Cannon Beetle. This is because both enemies share a Japanese nickname (that being (フタクチドックリ, Two-Mouth Tokkuri). However, their Japanese technical name (the equivalent to their English scientific name) makes it clear they are different species.

It's unclear why both enemies share the same Japanese nickname (maybe due to similar designs/mechanics), but it probably led to the mistranslation of the Armored Cannon Larva's scientific name. Their Piklopedia entry states:

This expedition was unable to confirm the existence of any mature lithopods, leading to concerns that the species was extinct on this planet, but the discovery of the creature in larval form eased such concerns.

And for almost two decades, both enemies were generally considered being the same species, which seemed logical at the time, without analyzing their Japanese technical name. Once Pikmin 4 rolled around, it "introduced" the Horned Cannon Beetle. This creature's JP technical name is the exact same as the original Armored Cannon Beetle (Black Iron Giant Stone Wrapper), meaning they are supposed to be one and the same. Their Piklopedia entry states:

[...] this species is actually a naturalized non-native species that migrated here from another continent. [...] Furthermore, it exhibits aggressive territorial behavior, sometimes launching boulders at young Armored Cannon Beetles, which has driven the latter species to the verge of extinction.

This corroborates perfectly with the Armored Cannon Beetle's and Armored Cannon Larva's entries shown previously! So why the name change?

Well I suspect that, when the localizers realized that two separate species had the same name and scientific name, they opted to retcon the older one instead of the most used one. They even added a tongue-in-cheek reference to this retcon by mentioning they were "once mistaken for adult Armored Cannon Beetles".

And that's why the original Pikmin 1 enemy then-known as the Armored Cannon Beetle (Granitus chukkulinae) has been retconned into being a Horned Cannon Beetle (Granitus ferrous).

One image speaks more than a thousand words, so I will end this post with a neat graphic detailing all four different names each creature has. I added the other two mainline Cannon Beetle species for completion's sake. See you guys next time!

[shit-enmu-says]

Phantasmagoria: Chapter 8

CW for manipulation, unhealthy relationships, love bombing, blood/gore/death, and drug/alcohol use, neglect

Muzan (alias Shingetsu) continues his manipulation of Enmu and discovers another deeply buried secret. Meanwhile Enmu’s mental state deteriorates with each passing day.

It had been weeks since Enmu’s initial meeting with Shingetsu in the library. Since then, they met almost every night to the point he was scarcely home at all.

Shingetsu was a perplexing individual to say the least. In spite of his proclaimed fondness of Enmu, it seemed at times as if he wished to push him away. During the quiet hours of early morning, he’d pull Enmu close to him. Yet if Enmu got too comfortable, he made some excuse to get up or leave.

His demeanor could change in the blink of an eye. At times he was warm and engaging, speaking animatedly with him over anything from their research to their eventual escape. At others, he ignored Enmu entirely. It seemed this nothing he did, be it trying to engage him in conversation, taking better care of his appearance, or fetching him scroll after scroll from the endless shelves that lined the walls could get his attention.

Things had been that way for a couple of nights. Enmu stared down at his notes despondently. It brought him back to the days when he was young, doing anything he could think of to impress his Ayumu. Ayumu, who treated him at times as if he didn’t exist at all, particularly when he was younger. It seemed as if he only acknowledged Enmu’s presence to tell him off.

“Why does he ignore me all the time?” Enmu had asked his father on a rare day off, “He’s so cold to me. It’s like he hates me.” “Ayumu? Hate you? Nonsense,” his father had said, “He just doesn’t understand you. Sometimes I don’t understand you myself and that’s my own failing. Whatever inner demons you’re battling, it’s been hard on all of us, not just you.”

“You’ve been unusually quiet,” came a deep voice from behind him. Enmu turned around to see Shingetsu leaning over his shoulder. “How long have you been standing there?” Enmu asked, alarmed.

“Long enough. Something’s eating at you. Care to enlighten me or are you just going to stare at the ceiling all night?”

“So you see things that aren’t there?” Shingetsu asked, “That explains a lot.” Their notes lay forgotten on the other end of the table. A small cup filled with sake replaced the notebook Enmu had been holding.

He wasn’t sure why he agreed to this. He never cared much for alcohol. He disliked the taste of anything but plum wine and didn’t have much of a tolerance for the stuff. Still, it seemed impolite to decline Shingetsu’s offer.

Enmu knew he would regret this later. It was getting harder to think clearly already. He should really be more guarded around this man. Whatever they were, he didn’t know Shingetsu all that well. He felt compelled to open up to him but wasn’t sure why.

“Not just see,” Enmu said, rubbing his temples, “Sometimes I hear things. Or smell things.” “You smell things that aren’t there?” Shingetsu asked. “Sometimes,” Enmu mumbled, “Speaking of which have you seen any rats upstairs?”

“Rats? No. Why do you ask?”

“Sometimes when I go up to sweep the halls it smells like rotting flesh,” Enmu said, “I wondered if one had gotten trapped in the walls and died.”

Shingetsu stared at him. “No, I’ve never smelled anything of the sort,” he said, “Your cup’s empty. Let me pour you more.”

“Thank you, but I don’t think I can drink anymore,” Enmu said, putting his hand in front of the raised tokkuri. He didn’t have much of a tolerance for the stuff as it was. If he continued drinking he’d have a migraine tomorrow. He eyed Shingetsu, frowning slightly. There was a cup in his own hands. He’d brought it to his lips a few times but it didn’t seem any less full. Perhaps he wasn’t thinking clearly.

Shingetsu placed his hand over Enmu’s, pushing it down until it was flat against the table. “Please,” Shingetsu said as he filled his cup once more, “I insist.”

Enmu’s pulse quickened as a chill went down his spine. He shivered, staring up at Shingetsu wide eyed. He could have sworn for a moment that as Shingetsu’s lips parted in a smile that he saw fangs. Enmu glanced down at the ground. Blood was spattered all over the table, the floor, and all over him.

“You dozed off again,” Shingetsu said. Enmu gasped, blinking furiously as he downed the contents of his cup in one gulp. It burned going down, but the pain helped him regain his focus.

“Ah, sorry,” Enmu said, rubbing his eyes, “I suppose I’ve just been tired lately.” Whatever he’d seen moments ago was gone. Shingetsu looked perfectly normal now. There was no blood on him or anywhere else, just the warm, flickering glow of candle light. Comfortable, safe, and mundane.

“You seem to do that a lot,” Shingetsu said. “Do what?” “Pass out.”

“Oh…that,” Enmu said feebly, “That’s another problem I have. Sometimes I have dreams so vivid I can’t tell if they’re real or not.” “That must make for a very interesting life,” Shingetsu replied. “That’s not the word I’d use,” Enmu sighed, “It just makes everything more difficult.”

“Is that so?” Shingetsu said, leaning forward. “It’s gotten me into trouble,” Enmu said, “My family used to live in a bigger house before our clinic had so many competitors. We were wealthier in those days. I dreamed we still lived there and wandered in. Scared the family who lived there now half to death.”

Enmu leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The room was spinning. How could he possibly walk home in this condition? He had to go home this morning at least so Ayumu wouldn’t grow suspicious. “It’s caused other problems, too. Sometimes I’ll forget a patient’s appointment because I’ll dream I’ve already seen them.”

“It’s impressive you’re even able to work in this state,” Shingetsu said. “Ah, this is nothing,” Enmu replied, “Things aren’t nearly as bad as they used to be when I was younger.” To his surprise he found himself wishing for more sake. Perhaps one more cup would help purge those unpleasant images from his mind and allow him to sleep. Without even having to ask, Shingetsu poured him another cup.

“Thank you,” he said softly. “You don’t have to worry about me telling,” Shingetsu reassured him, “You seem to be holding this place together even with everything else going on.”

“Damn!” Shingetsu said, sitting up ramrod straight. He gathered his things, glancing around the room. “What’s the rush?” Enmu slurred, “I thought you were going to stay a while.”

“Can’t. Morning,” Shingetsu said as he buttoned his coat and put his hat on, “I have to leave now. I trust you’ll clean up down here.” “How can you tell it’s morning?” Enmu asked, swaying as he gripped the table’s edge to steady himself, “There aren’t any windows down here.”

Shingetsu’s back was to him. “I can feel it in my bones,” he said. “I’m sorry…what?” Enmu asked as he stumbled forward. “Never you mind,” Shingetsu said, as he made his way to the door.

As his pale hand gripped the door handle he glanced over his shoulder. “And Enmu?”

“Y-yes?” Enmu asked, face flushing. He wasn’t sure if it was the sake or the shock of Shingetsu calling him by his first name. To him he was always Doctor Tamio if he was addressed directly at all, nothing else.

“Don’t go upstairs today. Do you understand?”

[kinsentokyo]

Japanese Sake Bottle

+SHOP+

[thecoffeelovingfreak]

don't ever wonder

Pairing: Akiko Yosano x gn!Reader

Writing Genre: drabble

Genre(s): romance

Word count: 611

Warnings: alcohol & its consumption, me trying to write a first date having never been on a date before

Notes: I've been wanting to write a fic w/Yosano, and I figured that this was the perfect opportunity! And yes, this fic is titled after Ascension by Maxwell ;)

Bouquet Meaning: red roses - love & romance; sunflowers - adoration, loyalty, hope, peace; monarch butterfly - rebirth/starting something new

for the 'New Beginnings' collab by @venexus

Read it on ao3!

~~~

The crisp, natural scent of the bouquet in your hands momentarily eased your nerves as you thanked and paid the florist. Red roses and sunflowers formed the delicate shape of heart, and a bright monarch butterfly rested on top.

Is this too forward? No, Yosano is direct, if anything this is perfect… right?

You snuck another sniff from the bouquet to quell your pestering anxiety. The hum of the car’s engine was soon overshadowed by a soft song playing on the radio as you drove along the familiar route to your coworker’s apartment.

—

The gentle knock you rapped on Yosano’s door echoed the beating of your heart as she opened it. An off-the-shoulder dress crafted in red silk was the first thing to greet your vision – a large slit over her right leg drew your attention next. By far the most beautiful, however, was her dazzling smile encased in red. Her dark hair held a light curl, and her stunning magenta eyes were decorated with small, black wings.

“You look enchanting tonight, Akiko.”

“Thank you, Y/n.”

“I have a gift for you.”

Revealing the bouquet from its hiding place behind your back, you watched excitement bloom in Yosano’s eyes.

“Oh, wow, I love flowers!”

"I see a new arrangement on your desk every week, and I figured that you might."

"So, you've been watching me?" she queried, setting the bouquet down on her entry table.

"How could I not?" you replied, lifting up your hand for her to take as she finished locking the door.

"You're quite the charmer this evening, Y/n." she spoke, slipping her fingers through yours.

"Think of it as your effect on me." you smiled coyly, leading her to the car.

—

The dim light from glittering chandeliers highlighted Yosano’s golden jewelry – your eyes transfixed by her graceful movements as she finished her choko of sake. Her eyes twinkled as her fuchsine gaze fell over your features. Slender fingers traced over yours as she tilted her head, seemingly analyzing the emotions in your eyes. She hummed with a light chuckle, appearing to be both pleased and amused at what she found.

The waiter brought the check a moment later, and you slid your card in between the leather. Together you finished the tokkuri, feeling the hot sake warm up your body as it went down. The waiter brought back your check and card, and you thanked him before signing it.

Standing up, you grasped Yosano's hand and left the classy establishment.

"Thank you for the lovely dinner." she spoke.

"You're welcome, but the night's not over yet." you voiced with slight mischief.

She looked at you with curiosity and miniscule suspicion as you led her down the street, nearing a melodious park.

The trees were wrapped in little glittering lights, and bright delphiniums grew from the soil with diverse shades of snapdragons and primroses. A small orchestra stood off to the side of the cobblestone center – a smooth, slow, and romantic composition blossoming from their instruments.

"Did you do this?" she asked, still observing the dazzled environment.

"Of course! Why else would I have left the office early?" you replied.

"This is beautiful, Y/n, thank you." she smiled sincerely.

"It's my pleasure." you said softly, taking her right hand in yours, as her left slid to your shoulder, and your right moved to her hip.

Together you swayed gently, basking in comfort and an ever-growing feeling of love – one that had been blooming since you first met five years ago. This chilled night under the stars would become the first of many with Yosano, and mark the beginning of the next chapter in your lives.

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

taglist: @kunikinnie @valonava @nakaharaswife @chuuyasboots @livingforteaandorange @exo-lllllll @hnnnnnnnm

[threeochoko]

[senjutsunade]

The crimson of the lacquered nails stood out prominently against the paleness of the fingers that were clenched around the tokkuri as if it were the only thing keeping her linked to reality anymore, though paradoxical the idea was. Why the frail substance had not broken under her grip would have been a mystery were it not for the exhaustion that reeked off the hunched-up form, the idea only adding to the pathetic picture her misery created.

How she hated them…

Always trying to protect her as if she were weak. Like she didn’t know how to decide for herself. From that very first mission gone wrong, where one had shielded her while the other went for the kill. Why could they not accept that she didn’t need them?

With strained effort, weakened hands raised the ceramic bottle before it was tipped and the bitter liquid was poured past the barrier of trembling lips, yet her senses barely registered the taste, only interested in seeking the spark of warmth that blossomed within her, relishing the ever-fleeting moment. Soon, she was left as cold as a corpse again, shivers racking through her defeated silhouette. Bitterness no longer mattered, for her very soul was bathed in it.

It should have been her…

How dearly she wished it had been her. Why them and not her? She needed them now…then why were they not here? They never were when she needed them. They got to choose. They made the decision on how to protect her, and that made her sick.

Grip slackening, the now empty bottle was simply dropped to the wooden surface of the low table, a flickering candle—the only source of light in the darkness—illuminating its journey as it rolled off the rough surface stained with spilled sake and tears before reaching the edge and falling off with a muffled clatter, lost and forgotten like the last of the Sannin. Yet more stains were surely to taint the wood before the night was done, for a trembling hand was already reaching for another bottle, her only solace in the face of reality.

Barely a sip had slipped down her throat before the bottle was hurled away into the darkness with an anguished cry, and the darkness stood witness as she broke down once again, despair apparent in every forced breath she took. The nearly burned-out candle stood lone vigil to her pained whimpers as the blonde once again faced the truth of how she was the only living member of the once legendary three. Why her when she had been the one to crave death the most?

Even as their last act, they had only reminded her how she was weak…unworthy of even death. Mocked her, and in the twisted way only the three could understand, proven that they were still protecting her. After all, who else but those two could leave her in the state she was at present, whimpering like a frightened genin?

But Tsunade was beyond the point of caring. She felt betrayed, angry, but most of all, alone. A failure. She had failed once again to protect those she cared for. She had been the team medic. That had been all she had devoted her life to do: keep them safe. And as was tradition, she hadn’t. No wonder those two had always felt like it was their job to protect her…she always failed.

The lone flame struggled to stay lit for a moment before dying, leaving the grieving female shrouded in darkness, a half-filled ochoko sitting at the edge of the table, long since forgotten.

Why couldn’t…for once…death seek her out instead?

[monterraverde]

@earth-master | X

[txt:] You got it.

The bottle is plucked from the shelf and gingerly cradled in her hands as she meanders around the store, pausing to look over a few sets of sake glasses. There was so many different ways to serve the drink that it overwhelmed her a bit, but she figured it best to go simpler.

She finds a set with a tokkuri and a couple ochoko painted with what looked like a wood block style painting of a Persian, eagerly picking that up as well and hurrying on her way.

She’d arrive at his apartment a short while later, leading with the box containing the glasses soon as he opens the door.

“Sorry that took me so long, these caught my eye. Know your birthdays not until tomorrow, but, figured you might be busy with family.”