#so i made some softer than usual food for myself

[nights-at-crystarium]

Weary heroes and an incessant chatterbox.

[mangochii]

The Crow and The Butterfly 🦋

(Holm Kranom x Half-foot!reader)

Fine then, I'll make one myself 🥹 Sorry for any grammar mistakes and misspellings in advance, I'm writing this during a flood and blackout. Might as well write while our 1st floor is flooded LOL.

Also some art too in the end.

I stared intently at his hands, the way it moved and swayed as he spoke. Marillier floated blissfully, seeming to enjoy her time being fed with mana, the sweet undine dripped little droplets on the ground as she ate.

"Spirit care is quite simple, really..."

His voice tickled my ear, he had always been a bit soft-spoken. Every syllable that fell out of his mouth I consume with much fervor, I nod every now and then. The small tug at the corners of his lips did not go unnoticed by me, his face always lights up ever so slightly as he talks about spirits.

"Though, gnomes like me usually have an easier time to gain a spirit's trust. Being more attuned to nature, of course."

"I see..." I mumbled, as if I could even befriend a spirit like Marillier, I'm not attuned to anything but probably myself. My eyes met with his, and I can't help but get lost in it. It's like he carved his initials onto every gemstone in existence, and made it his eyes. It glints as he opened his mouth, a beautiful melody filled my ears with every word he spoke.

I am a crow, and intrigued I was with a sparkling treasure, his eyes, a pretty shiny.

"Pretty..."

"Hm? What was that?"

I closed my eyes, hopefully not noticing my expressions. "Pretty interesting, I said. Can you tell me more?" I want to hear more of you, more of your voice.

I am a crow.

"Of course."

And I am smart enough to know that you're out of my reach. The shimmering gem fell into a hole, too deep for my beak to reach.

Why he keeps on indulging me is beyond me, but I fell into the same trap every time. Hoping he'd feel the same.

"Teach me more, Prof." My lips tugged upwards, my eyes closed. "I'd like to know more of the things you love."

I saw him smile softly, a smile softer than the moonlight in the winter. "You never fail to amuse me." With a chuckle he turned to fully face me, Marillier by his side.

"What do you want to know?"

"Everything." I breathed, voice barely heard. I saw his eyes widened slightly, I hear his heartbeat racing, his breathing hitched, and muscles tensed.

"Okay." He whispered back, pink lightly dusted the apples of his cheeks and to the tips of his ears.

For once, I felt like that shiny gemstone is within reach. It's so wrong, so selfish of me. But I can't help it.

Holm stared at the fire, he felt the eyes of his party members bore through him. "So Holm, you never really opened up about your love life to us." Daya hummed, her finger pointed at him.

"Well, I don't think Holm's the type to have a partner, y'know?" Mouth filled with meat, Mickbell shrugged, with Kuro nodding in agreement. "I've crashed by his place few times already, it's maidenless."

"No..." Kabru, the ever so perceptive man, spoke. His hand covered his mouth as he began to mutter. "I've seen him talk with a half-foot lady everytime we go back up from the dungeon, she looks like an adventurer too... Maybe a newbie? No, she looks a bit experienced... Hmm..."

Holm's breath hitched, he dare not to look away from the fire. A futile attempt to delay the inevitable, in the back of his weary mind, he thinks that it's already a bit too late.

"A half-foot lady with Holm? Oh!" Mickbell eyes lightened in recognition, "I know her, she bought me and Kuro free food when she accidentally spilled grape punch on me."

"Meat yummy."

"You're so right, Kuro! Gods, I wish I can eat there again... Anyway, I heard that she's with that dwarf, Namari, for a bit... I didn't think she'd be into gnomes though, most half-foot ladies nowadays prefer to be with dwarves, because they look muscular than us half-foot men."

"They're right, you look like a noodle." Rin added, eyeing Mickbell's form up and down, with Daya giggling in tow.

"Oi!"

"A good noodle in our eyes, Mick." Kabru sneaked in.

"That doesn't make it any better!"

Holm flinched as Mickbell stood and pointed at him, "This is about Holm's love life! Not my physique!" He huffed and sat back down, arms crossed. His brows were furrowed together so hard that it might leave a crease in-between.

"There wasn't anything really... She was just curious about Marillier and gnomish magic." Lies. The way she tries to listen intently to his explaination was adorable, her smile every time she met his eyes filled his heart with such a comforting warmth, the way she asks questions to clarify some of his points, the way she bites her lip when he talks a bit too fast, everything.

She was Holm's everything, but they're just... Nothing. There's nothing between them at all, despite the two of them knowing they both want to be something, anything but what they both currently have. There was nothing.

A series of groans came from the rest of the party, disappointed. But Holm couldn't help but sweat at the way Kabru looked at him, sapphire eyes stare at him knowingly. He swallowed hard and looked away.

To love her was selfish, and cruel for himself. She could've fallen for any other half-foot, but chose him. What happens to him once you pass? Look for another? Or spend every waking moment of his life grieving til' he too, passes away? Surely she had thought the same, settling for ghostly touches and lingering smiles.

He knows and feels her hesitance, how her fingers twitched when she tried reaching out. But they both feel too far from each other.

No, she knows this is unfair to him. Unfair to the both of them.

But gods, why does she look at him so fondly like that? Why? Her eyes shine brighter than any jewel in the world every time he spoke. Why?

"I love you, Holm." With a sad smile, my voice hushed and sung a broken melody, I finally spoke my heart out. I've mulled it over day and night, and I've concluded that my happiness is worth less than his.

"But I can't. I can't have you. It's too cruel for you."

His eyes widened, mouth opening and closing. Words failed to get past his throat, so he stood there, frozen. As he'd always do.

"I'll spare you the decades worth of pain. The years worth of you grieving my inevitable death." I said as softly as I could, reaching for his cheek. "Thank you... For indulging me." I rubbed tender circles on his skin, before pressing my lips on his own, his lips were dry and a bit chapped, he tasted like sweet fruit. For mere seconds, that's how long the kiss lasted, but I was for sure thought it lasted for minutes.

I am a greedy, greedy crow. And you are a butterfly.

As I pulled away, his hands crept up to the back of my neck. Slowly, delicately pulling me back closer to him. "No." He breathed, shakily. I hear his heart hammer on his chest, his eyes glimmer amidst the tears that began to pool.

"I want to love you, I want to hold you more like this. I want... I want to love you in every library, by the fountain when we first met, on the sidewalk, at that one restaurant that you said you liked, at the storage room that I found you stuck in,

Under the, the tree by the hill,

In the dungeon,

Everywhere.

Let me love you."

Little butterfly placed delicate kisses on my beak, your wings were more beautiful than any shiny that a crow like me could ever find.

His kisses was chaste, delicate, and thorough. Tenderly engraving his name in my soul. "I don't care if I have a decade or two or whatever years left to be with you."

His fingers guided themselves to my waist, he held me so desperately, as if I'd disappear had he let go of his tight hold. "I'll cherish those years like a family heirloom."

In his eyes, I'm neither crow nor butterfly. But a little flower, your crystalline jewels stare at my petals, as I guard the spinning nectar that you can't help but consume.

I guess you're no better than me. You drink and drink, an endless parchment of my love.

My body relaxed as he kissed me once more, the sweet honey of my soul pours fresh unto his heart and tongue. His heartbeat is my beautiful orchestra, and his eyes is the forest that I don't mind getting lost in.

"I love you." He whispered to my ear like a silent prayer.

I couldn't help but smile, red flooding my face. "I love you too." Your voice is the sweetest symphony.

___

YAY ART 🥰

[e-dubbc11]

Can you do: “your lover gets clingy when sick so now you've to deal with their adorable, bubbly but sick, half dozing version. you love them, so no complaints,” for Billy, please? 🥰

Thank you so much for sending in this prompt, I hope you like it! ❤️

A Day of Rest?

Pairing: Billy Russo x F! Reader

Warnings: couple of swear words, Billy being a big baby, fluff

Word Count: 1.6k-ish

A/N: I had a lot of fun writing this one, I made myself giggle. Also I’m not editing these as much as I usually do because I’m trying to finish all of these before we all get gray hair so if there are mistakes, I sorry.

Finally. A planned day off with nothing to do or whatever you wanted to do, it was your day. Billy left for work around 8, you were still curled up in bed when he came in to say goodbye.

He gently moved your hair away so he could kiss you on the neck, his lips were warm and soft. They were almost a little too warm though, and he looked a little pale.

“Hey, handsome. You ok? You look a little pale.” You asked in a concerned tone.

“I’m fine, sweet girl. Go back to sleep, enjoy your day off and I’ll call you at lunch. I love you.” He said as he kissed the top of your head.

“I love you too, Billy. Have a good day.” You said with a warm smile.

He stopped before walking out of the bedroom to smile and wink at you. The front door closed behind him, he was off to work and you were finally alone for the day.

You weren’t sure what you were going to do but you knew it involved, comfortable clothes, some junk food, and the couch but for now you’d start with a cup of coffee.

You had been alone for maybe a few hours when you thought you heard a sneeze and keys in the door. That can’t be right, Billy was at work.

Another sneeze outside the door echoed down the hallway as he opened the door and slowly walked inside, he looked terrible. His normally perfect hair was slightly tousled, there were tiny beads of sweat on his forehead, and he appeared a little delirious.

“Oh my god, Billy?! You look awful.” You said.

Billy shrugged his jacket off to rest it on the dining room chair, he couldn’t get his scarf off quick enough, and he could barely get his shoes untied without falling over.

“Thank you, my love.” Sarcasm dripping from his voice, eyes half open and even paler than he was earlier that morning. “I am so sorry to ruin your free day, I was just going to sleep in my office but Frankie made me go home.”

“Well I’m glad he did—come on, let’s get you to bed.” You said trying to usher him towards the bedroom.

He stopped walking. “Can I just stay out here? Please?”

You rolled your eyes, only because he couldn’t see you. “Alright, just go change your clothes so you’re more comfortable. You need to rest, Billy.”

Billy was very clingy when he was sick. Your rough and tough Marine turned into the biggest baby when he didn’t feel well, he didn’t want to be in a room if you weren’t there with him. He just felt better if you were close by which was kind of sweet but you knew you were in for a long day of nursing.

After Billy emerged from the bedroom in his sweats and a t-shirt, he stumbled towards the couch and basically fell face first onto the cushions (Billy could also be slightly dramatic when he was sick.) He rolled over onto his back so you could touch his forehead and his cheeks, he was very warm but goosebumps erupted on to his exposed skin.

“You’re very warm, baby.” You said.

He started to shiver. “Yeah well I’m fuckin’ freezing!” He said.

You went to the bedroom and came back with a blanket.

“Can I have one of your blankets y/n? Yours are so much softer than mine. Please?”

He wants to be particular now. At least he was polite about it.

You gave him your blanket that you had been relaxing with before he came home and you couldn’t blame him for wanting to use it. It was very soft and warm.

“Thank you, sweet girl.” He tried to smile but he was too tired.

Picking up your book, you started towards the bedroom when Billy stopped you.

“Baby, where are you going?” He asked.

“I was just gonna go read in the bedroom for a while, I don’t want to disturb you. You need to rest.” You told him.

He didn’t want you to go. “Stay here with me, I would feel better knowing you’re right next to me.”

You narrowed your eyes at him. “Does Frank know you’re a big baby when you’re sick? He always says ‘Ah Bill is the toughest guy I know.’ I think he’d take it all back if he found out you’re VERY needy when you don’t feel well.” You said with a slight chuckle.

“No, he doesn’t know and YOU’RE not going to tell him either, my love.” He started to cough a little.

“Ok, ok. At ease, soldier. I won’t tell him but you owe me, Mr. Russo.” You said.

“Well I’ll buy you a pony then.” He said sarcastically.

You returned the sarcastic comment. “I want a white one so I can dress it up like a unicorn.”

“Fine, I’ll get you a white one.” He rolled his eyes as he said it but he was laughing now too. “You always have somethin’ smart ass to say, don’t you princess.”

“I speak fluent sarcasm, Billy. The sass contest belongs to this girl.” You said while trying to keep from laughing. Your playful banter was one of the reasons why you loved Billy so much. You understood each other’s humor and tried to see who would crack a smile first.

Before sitting down on one of the side chairs, you sat down on the edge of the couch, leaned over and kissed him on the forehead. “Now get some rest, handsome. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Billy had a nice long nap on the couch while you read your book, trying to not make any noise. It would be a lot easier to make tea if he was asleep in the bedroom, so you tried to be as quiet as possible.

You offered him peppermint tea to help settle his stomach but he didn’t want it, he wanted lemon tea so you made that for him instead.

He asked for an extra blanket and a pillow, which apparently wasn’t fluffy enough so he wanted yours too. He also didn’t want the soup you made unless there were oyster crackers to go with it.

“We don’t have any oyster crackers, Billy. You really should try and eat something, at least get the broth down.” You said. “We have regular saltine crackers.”

“But I like oyster crackers, y/n.” He said with his perfect smile.

You made a low growling noise under your breath. “You are VERY lucky I love you so much Billy Russo because you are exasperating!”

After running down to the corner store, in your sweats and no makeup, you came back with a box of oyster crackers only to find Billy asleep again, his soup cold and still untouched. You may kill him before the day is over. Although it was hard to be mad at him when he looked so adorable asleep on the couch.

He stayed asleep for a while this time, not moving much. His body really must have been tired to need that much rest. You even fell asleep for a little bit. When you woke up, your book was on the floor, it was dark out and Billy was still asleep. You flicked the lamp on and just gazed at him for a minute while he slept.

Watching his chest rise and fall, you remembered the times Billy took care of you when you were sick, making sure you had fluids, making sure you were resting and not on your phone and he would drop everything he was doing to come home and make sure you were alright. You loved him for that, so you were happy to do the same for him even if he was a pain in the ass about it.

You moved his soup from the living room to the kitchen and started to clean up a little. While you were washing dishes, a pair of long arms snaked around your waist, his body had you pinned against the kitchen counter, and a pair of lips pressed to your temple for a little kiss. His lips felt cooler than earlier.

Slowly, you closed your eyes and let out a soft moan. “Hmmmmm…..hello handsome. You feel any better?” You asked.

“Because of you, I do. Thank you, my love.” He answered with another kiss to your temple.

You turned around to face him and wrapped your hands around his neck. “You’re welcome, Billy.” You pointed a finger at his chest. “But you still owe me a pony.” A wide smile spread across your face.

He inched his face closer to yours, his obsidian like eyes staring at you as he leaned in and softly pressed his lips to yours like you were made of glass and he didn’t want to break you.

“I will buy you whatever you want, sweet girl.” He said with a smirk. “I know I was a pain today and I’m sorry but thank you for taking care of me and not killing me.”

You pressed up onto your toes to kiss him again. “If I killed you, I wouldn’t get my pony now would I, Mr. Russo. Now go sit down, I’ll reheat your soup.”

A smile tugged at the corners of Billy’s mouth and he let out a little laugh.

“With oyster crackers?” He asked with a wink.

You brushed his beard with your thumbs and scraped his scalp with your fingers, he drove you absolutely crazy but you were crazy in love with him and would do it all again when he needed you to.

“Yes, handsome…with oyster crackers.”

Tag List: @mindidjarin @saintmurd0ck @wheresthesunshinesblog @idaoftheburningmind @rafaelakelley @snowkestrel @xdervyxccgh @mattmurdocksscars @fakehappy27 @music-indie-tv @fictional-hooman @kayhi808 @munsonownsmyass @gijos @celestialams

If you’d like to be added to (or removed from) my tag list for the ever so handsome Billy Russo, just let me know and thank you again for reading! 💕💕💕

[onegianthotmess]

Ikemen Vampire Rants:

💃If the Suitors Turned Into Women💃

If you haven’t seen part One of this rant, I suggest you read it for more of an explication on how this multi-part rant is formatted.

This is part three, which means the next three suitors in this rant are Dazai, Isaac, and Jean! And I’m very sorry this part took so long, it just got pushed to the back due to a couple of other things!

Also, I will be using myself (Amelia; looks like Uraraka from MHA but with peach colored eyes, fluffy and curvy figure, and is between 5’9-5’10 in height) as an insert for the MC and as the one who helps the suitors through their strange experience.

Faust needed a few test subjects for his new experimental elixir, and naturally he first moved to put it into Charles’s and Vlad’s dinner. But, by some inexplicable reason, a few vials of the elixir somehow made their way to le Comte’s mansion and ended up in the residents’s dinner. Let’s see how this plays out, shall we???

Dazai Osamu

Dazai woke up feeling more or less the same

He got up and went to get his clothes for the day and-

Oh.

He had breasts and shoulder length hair now

. . .

Meh, it’s not that big a deal!

Dazai simply got dressed in his usual attire before making his way to Amelia’s room for help with his hair since he didn’t have anything to help him untangle long hair

And Amelia screamed when a now woman Dazai climbed into her room through the window as she was about to leave to go and help Sebastian with breakfast

“Toshiko-san! Would you be so kind as to help me with untangling my hair, please?”

Amelia stared at the author before sighing and telling Dazai to sit down at her vanity, which he did after giving her a smile and a “thank you”

And after Amelia brushed out Dazai’s hair, which was somehow softer than silk, she grabbed the author by the wrist and made him use the door to her room to leave because she was still shaken from him breaking into her room

And the rest of the day went on

Dazai gave zero explanation to anyone’s questions and just talked with Arthur and teased Isaac all through breakfast

Nothing really happened throughout the day and everyone was just going with it because Dazai wouldn’t give a straight answer anyway

When Dazai woke up the next day, he climbed into Amelia’s room through the window, thanked her for helping him yesterday, and climbed back out of the window leaving a very sleepy and confused Amelia behind

Isaac Newton

Isaac woke up and immediately went back to tinkering with a little gadget he was dissecting last night, not even noticing his longer hair or body

Since this was a somewhat regular occurrence, Amelia brought him his breakfast along with a small bottle of Rouge for him and only noticed what had happened to Isaac when she sat the try of food down

His body and face were now that of a woman’s, with a petite hourglass shape and a soft baby face that made him look even cuter than before

And his hair was now down to his chin in a sort of “bob” haircut

Pretty much, Isaac was the cutest woman Amelia had ever seen in her life

Feeling eyes on him, Isaac looked up to see Amelia staring at him

“Do you need somethi-”

Isaac stopped mid sentence when he actually listened to the sound of his voice

It was softer and lighter than normal, and much sweeter sounding than it had ever been

Amelia had to hold back a squeal from just how cute Isaac was as he now noticed his hair and body had changed overnight

And when Isaac was turning red and beginning to panic, Amelia quickly told him that she’d be right back with a few things to help him

And seeing no other options, the professor just nodded and sat in his room uncomfortably stiff and nervous due to his new body

After a few minutes, Amelia returned with a bag and began to help Isaac

The top undergarment had to be improvised due to the difference in chest size, but once that was done it was just simply a matter of getting Isaac’s pants to fit nicely around his slightly slimmer waist

He stayed more or less the same size, if a little smaller than before, so his clothes were just the tiniest bit loose on him

And after Amelia helped him, Isaac asked to just stay in his room the entire day and Amelia said she’d bring him food and a few books if he’d like

And so Isaac stayed in his room, tinkering away at dissected gadgets with Amelia bringing him his meals and chasing off Dazai and Arthur away from the awkward man’s room

At one point, Isaac actually heard both Arthur and Dazai being chased of by Amelia beating them both with a broom…

When Isaac woke up back to normal the next day, he awkwardly thanked Amelia in private, which Arthur walked in on and he began teasing Isaac, which made Amelia chase him off with a broom because she’s Isaac’s overprotective older sister/mom friend

Jean d’Arc

Oh, our poor Christian boy…

He looks away from Amelia when she has the tiniest bit of her collarbone showing, so he’d be going insane with embarrassment if he woke up and had a woman’s body

Jean woke up with a slight ache in his back and a heavy feeling on his chest

When he looked down to find he now had breasts, he almost screamed

Well, he started to but then he slapped a hand over his mouth when he heard how feminine his voice now sounded

In short, he was fucking terrified and wondered if what he was seeing was considered a sin or not because it was womanly parts, but it was his body

He was having an internal mental breakdown so bad that he didn’t even notice Amelia come into the room with Rouge and Blanc for him until she asked him what happened

When Jean spoke out of the instinct to immediately respond, he slapped his hand over his mouth again at the sound of his voice

The poor boy’s brain still needs to process what is happening-

Jean was still freaking out and barely registered Amelia speaking before she left and quickly returned to his room with a bag

Essentially, Amelia had to dress Jean as he just sat there blankly as his mind slowly processed and came to terms with what had happened to him

So it was just Jean sitting there blankly while Amelia cursed under her breath as she laced up one of her corsets around Jean’s now feminine body

And it wasn’t until Amelia started to brush through Jean’s now waist length hair that Jean slowly started to come out of his processing of the current situation he was in and he actually started talking with Amelia as she put up his hair in a simple ponytail

Jean was very confused at the entire situation, but he was especially confused at the new proportions and feelings of his body

Did all women have a bit of plush around their hips and thighs? Did all women have back pains from their breasts? Did he get shorter? How did he get shorter? How could people live at such small heights as he’d seen in town?

He’d have been in his head all day if Amelia didn’t ask him if he wanted to go to breakfast

Jean said he wouldn’t mind going to breakfast, since he’d planned on going and spending his day with Cherie since Amelia told him that he couldn’t spend every moment of his free time studying or sparing with Napoleon

So Jean went down to breakfast with Amelia and witnessed a variety of reactions

Mozart was semi-freaking out, Vincent complimented Jean and said he looked very beautiful, Arthur tried to get flirty but that was put down by a sword to his throat, Dazai attempted to tease Jean but was met with his usual adorable denseness, Comte also complimented Jean but was ignored, Sebastian almost called Jean “Joan” which was funny, and everyone else was either silently confused or didn’t really care

After breakfast, Jean went outside to spend his time with Cherie

He played with her and fed her and eventually ended up spending a good chunk of his afternoon with Napoleon, who was also outside with his pet eagle, Jupiter

Jean actually ended up taking a nap with Cherie outside and Vincent and Amelia saw this while they were looking for a place to set up Vincent’s painting supplies

So Vincent decided to paint Jean napping with Cherie, until both Jean and Cherie woke up that is

Jean felt a bit uncomfortable, so he picked up Cherie and said a polite goodbye before leaving

And then the rest of his day was spent in his room after he put Cherie back in her pen outside with some food and headpats

The next day when Jean woke up normal, he was very relieved

He didn’t want to live another day as a woman because one, it felt strange and like it went against specific moral principles he had, and two, having breasts meant big back pains

Later during the day, Jean thanked Amelia for her helped and became genuinely concerned for her back now that he knew having breasts meant back pains

All he got was a hug from Amelia because he was being “adorable” in her words

And about a week later, Vincent gave Jean the finished painting of Jean as a woman taking a nap with Cherie

And Jean hung it above his bed because it was a very beautiful painting and he didn’t have any pictures of his beloved tiger yet

Someone draw woman!Jean napping with Cherie, I BEG YOU-!!!

And that’s part three done! Again, I apologize for how long this took, it just got pushed to the back with other projects! I hope you enjoyed and that you’re looking forward to the fourth part, which will be Will, Comte, and Sebastian!

[red-hibiscus]

So I went to a Thai sweets cafe and here are my thoughts

Context: My area has no Thai restaurants and I've only has Thai food twice in my life. So I really know nothing. I asked the staff to give me recs and info. Also our lovely Perth Nakhun has a video on Thai sweets on his YouTube. UMWA edition (bc of course) which covers leum kluen and khanom tom/kho which I ate.

Golden Thread Pandan Cake

Recommended by staff. Golden thread is made out of egg and I was a bit skeptical bc I don't always like egg. But I actually really liked it. The cake tastes like a kind of sponge cake or a pound cake? It doesn't really have a strong taste. Like eating it by itself is kind of plain (not in a bad way), but mixed with the golden thread that has a slightly stronger taste was very nice. Good combo.

Khanom tom

At least I think it's khanom tom. Pretty sure. Could be khanom kho. They're very similar. Staff described them as kinda dumpling balls?

Google says there's a version that's rolled in coconut flakes. Personally I quite liked the warm coconut cream. It was very nice. I was surprised by how warm it was. I think I expected it to be room temp or cooler, but it was very warm like a warm glass of milk.

While I like coconut, I sometimes get tired of the taste depending on how it's done. But I was surprised by how much I liked the cream with the dumplings that had coconut inside. It's a glutinous rice ball (essentially mochi, same concept). So very chewy. Then there's the coconut filling which is nice. The coconut milk adds a bit of extra depth to it I think.

Khanom Chan

(Steamed layered coconut cake)

Chewy coconut jelly. Really liked this one. Possibly my favorite idk. I like jelly and they're very pretty. I'm biased. Not as chewy as the khanom chan, but you know... usual jelly texture. The jelly is pretty thick. Thicker than the little jello containers i usually eat. Which I liked. Portion size is very good bc it does seem like Thai sweets can be on the filling side of things. As opposed to idk... a chocolate bar.

The jelly isn't sweet. On the savory side. I was also told this was best eaten warm, though it could be eaten at room temperature.

Leum Kluen

Forget to swallow

Left is what they're supposed to look like, right is a picture I took on the train home after I ate one. The coconut on top spilled a bit, but it's fine

This was definitely the lightest of the sweets I got. A quick 1-2 bites and it's gone. I think I had 3 or 4. It's a cute little dessert. It's also a bit chewy, but far less so than the others. There's a softer texture. I think it's a bit sweeter? But not by much. I quite liked this one too. Because it's not as heavy it's easier to eat more of them and I can see this being served in larger amounts are parties.

This is also the only dessert I remembered from UMWA that I watched years ago lmao and I get why they wanted it.

Other thoughts and info

I told the staff that I didn't really know anything about Thai food/desserts and that's why I was there. I saw ads for it on IG and decided to stop by (also it was burning outside & I wanted Thai milk tea to revive myself). They just opened & the cafe is only 6 months old, so the person was able to give me recommendations and explanations to the general idea of thai desserts.

Coconut and pandan are very important and that definitely came across. If you want Thai food you must accept the coconut. Luckily I like coconut when served with in/with other foods (though rarely raw by itself). Pandan I've never tried before, but it's not bad.

Thai desserts tend to be very delicate. Gotta make it look good for events and elders they joked. It's also not very sweet. Which is true. I wouldn't call anything I ate sweet, which is probably why I liked them so much. I'm not really a fan of sweet things. But the Thai sweets I had were at a good level where they definitely tasted like a dessert, but didn't overwhelm me with sweetness.

My main knowledge of Thai culture is from media (some rock bands, bl), some acquaintances, and the one time I took a linguistics field research course that happened to be on Thai (was actually one of my fav classes). So I know a bit but it was nice to see more into the cuisine. Especially since I live far from a wider variety of foods in general.

They were a bit different to the sweets I usually eat (if any). So I thought I'd share my thoughts

[imjustabeanie]

uhh i may have to organize this or else im gonna ramble lol-

can i have a matchup for hazbin hotel and helluva boss pls :>

pronouns: she/her

sexuality: demisexual/demiromantic

Star sign (if that helps-): Leo

Personality type: INFP

Ambivert

I use emoticons a lot as you'll see :>

Favorite colors: Purple and black especially since they work so well together

Very much a night owl :)

Personality: I'm a kind of a fun and laid back person but I do like do cause chaos every now and then. I tend to hyperfixate a lot on random things that i tend to find. At first im very quiet but can get more chaotic as time goes on. I can tend to get hot headed at times or be somewhat irrational every now and then and it takes time for me to calm down. Other times im very hyper. Also i have a slight caffeine addiction so that might be why :D

Moral alignment: true nuetral

Aesthetic: Dark academia-ish along with some glitch core because i just really like the look of both

Hobbies: I play the violin, read, write, draw, and i love listening to music a lot. Probably one of my favorite things to do honestly. I also love chilling and watching tv and binge watching stuff. I also have a habit of just analyzing shit for the fun of it because why not. I also really like learning about greek mythology and i like a few musicals. I also watch horror quite a bit and mysteries because I just think that they're fun. I'm also learning spanish as of currently-

Pet peeves: people who cant take a hint... like at all, or they take the hint and just dont care. it annoys the shit out of me. also really stuck up people who think theyre better than everyone else, like we get it youre a child who never grew up. move on. mouth noises are also just the most annoying thing ever.

Appearance: tan skin with dark brown eyes and hair. i wear glasses sometimes but dont usually because theyre not fit properly and i keep trying to get them fir but it never works so ive just given up-. honestly i mostly wear softer clothing such as sweatpants, leggings, or sweaters/sweatshirts. but sometimes i wear jeans and actually style myself although i usually just keep it casual.

Hi! Thank you for your patience I am sorry for being so slow to answer to this trade. I was very sick last week.

Without further wait...your Helluva match is...Stolas!

Stolas was a pretty obvious choice for you to be honest. Your interests and aesthetics click and just like you he’s chill but then pulls out the most chaotic actions out of nowhere.

You two met at night at one of those libraries you only see on pinterest. He honestly just came in cuz he was bored and wished to seek a recent human astronomy book. He found you peacefully reading a mythology book in the corner and was gonna leave you alone till he couldn’t help himself but comment on it. You were so laidback and easy going that you two had a nice conversation where he taught you a few things about mythology (given his age and position he does have an interest in those subjects). It was nice and you two decided to do it every month, then every two weeks and you see where it is going. Stolas just likes coming to you to cool off with no repercussions. It’s what made him fall for you. He confessed after inviting you to watch the stars or a movie he thinks you’d like (high chance you already watched it before but shhh). He confess and also tell you real quick about his marriage situation in case you want out.

Stolas is a caring and passionate lover. His love language is mostly affection and quality time but I believe he’ll wait till you’re ready if you catch my drift. He LOVES spoiling you with numerous gifts and dates. He’d be pretty upset (pouty) if he’s not your go to contact when you need help. He wants to be someone you can rely on, a safe space for you just like you are for him. His gifts range from cinema/concert tickets and your favorite snacks (he doesn’t consider any food as a gift) to actual mythological pieces and priceless violons. Sometimes they even come from his personal collection.

Stolas lives for your chaotic moments! He highly encourages them which results in weekly trouble for both of you (you’re always safe dw but he did get you two banned from a few places). When your hot headed side comes out he’s here to calm you down or get angrier on your behalf. There is no in between cuz your couple is pretty much in sinc. It means you either calm the other down or join them.

Despite his extraverted self, Stolas enjoys some home time. Especially with you. He actually purchases a house in the human world and spends most of his time there now. He wants (begs) you to move in with him. This house has a huge library, two studies, a music room and a very much needed coffee corner. Yeah with those machines you see on tiktok with all the material. Stolas isn’t a morning person at all so he needs his daily coffee and only accepts premium quality. He invested in a home cinema and loves binge watching with you. Those are all things he didn’t get to do often so discovering them with you is a priceless experience in his eyes. Horror doesn’t bother him at all and he can show you much better horror tbh. Stolas also likes analyzing things with you (he listens and chimes in) and actually keeps up with your fixations really well. His favorite thing to do at home is to stay glued to your side.

Stolas often drags you to dance with him in the music room. He is attentive to your tastes and shows you his favorite pieces too! In general he is an attentive lover who adapts to your needs without being overbearing. If you accept his flaws your relation will be…stellar.

Your hazbin match is...Husk!

I did hesitate between a few characters (mainly Vaggie) but in the end Husk won. He’s chill but knows how to have fun. And he’s loyal.

You were at the hotel when you got to know Husk. He was being his usual snarky self but after a few nights (and talks) he slowly became friendlier. He even cracked jokes with you! Music definitely got the two of you to bond. You became someone he felt at ease with. The moment Husk considered sharing some of his problems with you he knew he fell, and fell hard. He started being more attentive to your needs and lost in your voice during your conversations. Everyone knew he was in love so one night they somehow managed to leave the two alone for the night. That’s when he confessed, knowing he couldn’t hold it in any longer.

As mentioned beforehand, Husk is a very attentive boyfriend. His love language is mostly acts of service and some quality time. He makes you your favorite drinks and will even learn the ways of a coffee barista for you. He’s proud of the way he makes you smile and feel loved as well as being your shoulder to vent to. Husk knows he has a way with words and people to make them feel at ease, he’d say it’s a positive trait of his that’s why he wants you to be included in it. Plus he gives good advices for someone with so many bad decisions. Husk likes going on weekly dates with you (besides dinner together every night that he cooks) to watch new movies. He’s mostly a domestic guy so going out in public is something he’d only do for you.

Husk calm demeanor is really helpful when you start getting irrational. He always help you keep a head on your shoulders and is the rational voice. Doesn’t mean he won’t encourage you to go ape shit when someone deserves it. While he prefers the calm, Husk still enjoys your occasional chaotic moments. He knows you try to lessen them for him but isn’t fully opposed to them as long as you’re safe. Low chance he’ll join you but some nagging will work. People are surprised that he’s with someone way more energetic than him but he just shoots some lovey dovey comment and they shut it. Angel is probably your biggest cheerleader in the relationship, he gives a lot of (sometimes helpful) advices to Husk.

While your hobbies differ greatly, I can see Husk appreciating them a lot. Especially your artistic side that he fully encouraged. He’s always there when you practice, even when you get frustrated or have an art block. Husk will become your hype man and do his best to motivate you. He probably got the binge watching habit from you much to Alastor dismay and he actually gets into soap operas….it’s funny to watch. Husk likes listening to you analyze or talk about greek mythology. He’s not great at that but tries to participate (he likes listening to your voice).

Husk will lessen his drinking habits with you. He wants to be the best version of himself for you just like you are for him. He’s really trying and it’s commendable. His gambling is another issue and he needs another fixation for him to stop. I guess with you it could become watching tv as it takes up a lot of his time (not saying that in a negative way but you see what I mean). Aesthetically talking, you two also fit together if we judge by clothing type and your personal aesthetic. Overall he might not be the best guy but he’s willing to change for his love.

[awkwardgtace]

In The Crystarium

Ok here is my ff14 fanfic. There is a nonzero chance I write more of this one day I just lost myself to endwalker pretty much after I finished this. Honestly I did have more ideas for ff14 gt fanfic after this soo who knows.

Do Not Read This If You Have Not Completed Shadowbringer and intend to play the game

Taglist: @giant-tinygoodtimes

In The Crystarium

I don’t remember when I fell asleep or how, but I woke up and the big beings were gone. I was able to get to my tunnels without a problem, so much of the design in this weird tower helped me. I started off looking for home, it was exactly how I left it. Something about that felt strange, the only thing gone were my food stores. I gripped the strap of my bag and heaved a sigh.

I started looking for the beings that were always here working. It was quiet, I never liked the quiet. That was how I wound up here, following the noisy beings. I couldn’t hear a single sound. There wasn’t even the hum of technology. I went straight to the center of the tower.

I poked my head out by their weird image display. The room was mostly empty except for a new statue. It was sitting in the corner with an arm made of crystal. I made my way close to the statue. It seemed too alive, parts of it were modeled to look eerily close to skin. As I neared the feet of it I realized it was wearing clothing. It wasn’t part of the model. I grabbed a bit of the fabric in awe.

“This is softer than they usually wear,” I murmured. I reached into my bag and pulled out the only sharp tool I owned. I started to cut some free from below the visible portion. “They won’t notice this is gone.”

I finished cutting out the portions I knew wouldn’t be noticed. I had grown used to talking to myself living here. The beings were always noisy enough that I could. I stuffed the soft cloth in my bag and started towards the strange crystal hand. It looked too real, like something those beings would have made me make if they found me. I shuddered at the thought, a number of my friends had been found by them.

I touched one of the crystal fingers, it felt warm. I looked up at the face that had a hood covering it. It had a bunch of golden decorations on the hood, it was tempting to climb up and grab some. The warmth left me reluctant. I closed my eyes and leaned on the hand, it was nice. I hadn’t been near anyone else since I started living here.

I knew I shouldn’t, but I climbed onto the palm. It was warm and reminded me of people I would never see again. I closed my eyes. It was the safest I’d felt in a long time. The silence made sure I’d hear if any of those beings came into the room. My eyes felt heavier than I expected after just waking up. I started to fall asleep in the palm of the statue.

A loud noise made me wake up. I heard footsteps clacking on the floor nearby. I rushed out of the palm, shivering once away from the heat. As the door opened I made my way into the walls. A person with bunny ears ran in, I’d never seen someone like that before. 

“My lord?” the bunny person asked. I ran through my tunnels to get away. It’s better not to stick around when those beings are around. “There you are.”

It was a few weeks before I made my way back to that central room. There were more strange beings that had shown up. Ones with more features of tigers than just cats. I heard a voice a few times, people calling them my lord, but never saw a single person. The strange statue was still there, a bit of a relief. I made my way to it again.

“Guess those new beings don’t care enough to move you,” I smiled. I patted the hand I was near. The weird warmth was still there. I climbed in the palm and relaxed. “Hope you don’t mind. I’m just going to rest here for a bit.”

I pressed my back against the curled up fingers. I thought I felt them tense, but I knew this was a statue. It felt nice though, like a hug. I had snuck out of the building one day, but the world was filled with a bright light I didn’t recognize. I wasn’t sure there was anyone else like me around. A few tears started to slip out. I didn’t catch them before they landed on the crystal palm. I froze when I thought I heard a gasp.

After a few hours I climbed off the palm. I didn’t hear anything similar to a giant again. It was nice to feel like someone was close to me again. I ran my hands over the fingers near me. I never got to see the fingers of giants closely and safely. It was similar to mine in so many ways, just made out of crystal. It was pretty amazing how real the parts that weren’t crystal felt.

“Hope you don’t mind if I grab some more fabric, it was really useful the last time,” I whispered. I made some new pillows out of it. I just needed some for clothes now. I hadn’t made any in a long time. I cut some free, the spots from last time were still there. I shoved more in my bag than the last time. “Thanks for all of this.”

I ran off once I was done cutting fabric. Over the next few weeks I would slip back in once people were gone to visit the statue. It was always in the same spot and pose, I knew it wasn’t alive. A part of me almost wanted it to be. I heard them talking sometimes now, about the ancient people who made this tower. The Crystal Tower they called it. It seemed like I was asleep for a long time somehow. 

One night I had nightmares of those old giants. They were hunting me down, breaking through the walls. I needed to get away, to be safe. Suddenly one of those hands was around me and I woke up screaming. I ran through the tunnels, desperate for a feeling of safety. The statue was where it always was. I tripped over my own feet as I ran.

I was panting as I reached the warm crystal hand. Tears streamed down my face, the fear of being found brought too far forward. I kept thinking of the times I’d lost people. The times I was almost captured from one wrong choice. I ran to the edge of the clothes, laughing when I found the same missing sections. I fell to my knees.

“You’re just a statue, I don’t have to be scared,” I said. I climbed to my feet shakily and made my way to the palm I’d been visiting. I climbed up, curling into a ball in the shadow of the massive fingers. “I thought the giants found me. The creatures from when I was living here before. They were awful… I don’t know why I keep talking to you, you aren’t even real. They made you, I shouldn’t trust you. It’s just… Your hand is so warm it feels like you’re alive.”

I curled up as much as I could. Pressing my back against those still fingers my body shook as I breathed in and out. I started sobbing again. I hadn’t felt this scared when there was noise all the time. It was probably because I was able to pretend back then. I could act like I was safe and if I was found I knew what was in store for me. I don’t know how long I cried until I finally started to feel tired again.

“It was easier when I knew what would happen, but these giants are different. I haven’t even found that lord they keep talking about. Crystal Exarch or something,” I sobbed.

A part of me wanted the fingers to curl over me. A bit of comfort in this new place. I knew I wouldn’t ever have that. If a giant’s fingers found me I would be dead or used like the others. I let my heavy eyes close with those thoughts plaguing my mind. After some rest I wouldn’t think like this anymore. I would be able to go back to the life I usually live.

I woke up when something behind me moved. My eyes snapped open once I remembered where I had fallen asleep. All my fears were realized as those crystal fingers curled over me. I was trapped in darkness as they clinked on the palm in front of me. I started to push against them, but nothing was working. A new wave of tears burned in my eyes.

“No, no, no,” I whispered. The hand holding me began to move. It was all some trap this whole time. A statue to grab my kind and it finally triggered. I was shaking as I banged against the fingers.

“Quiet, my friend,” a voice said. I froze, it sounded familiar. It almost seemed like the Exarch person.

“My lord,” the rabbit person said. I was almost positive her name was Lyna. “I’ve asked you before to use your bed. If anyone in the Crystarium saw you like this they would worry.”

“Pray forgive me Lyna. I had been distracted watching how events were unfolding elsewhere. I will avoid the floor next time.” 

The laugh and voice were too close to me. My mind blanked when the statue holding me moved again. I felt my stomach drop as I was lifted with the statue as it stood. I was begging for a malfunction before it handed me over. Instead I was moved lower, the fingers tightened slightly. I could just barely see the floor through a little bit of space in between the crystal fingers.

“Of course my lord. The guard took out a few sin eaters nearby again, but nothing to worry about yet. There were a few more arrivals from Ahm Aerang today,” Lyna said. The hand holding me loosened a bit, I almost screamed as the space increased.

“Very good, help them get settled then. I’m sure they’ll be helpful with crafters. They were miners, yes?” the lord asked. It had to be the Crystal Exarch. The statue had to stay silent until both of them left.

“Yes, I’ll make sure they check there.”

I heard the clacking of footsteps on the crystal floor. I waited for another set to follow, but they didn’t. Instead the hand holding me tightened its grip again. It moved as my stomach dropped and brought itself to a stop. I started to shake again as the palm flattened beneath me. Slowly the fingers around me uncurled until I was looking up to the hooded face I’d started to feel solace around. I couldn’t stop shaking.

“I apologize for the deception my friend, I assumed you wouldn’t like Lyna to find you. I admit I had hoped you’d stay asleep until I’d returned to my usual spot,” the statue said. The statue wasn’t a statue, it was the Exarch. The title he lived with made sense now as I sat in his warm crystal hand. I was captured and it was my own fault. So many years and I’m finally in a giant’s palm.

I knew the giant was playing with me. I wasn’t going to talk anymore, or offer anything else about myself. I had made my mistakes and this was enough. I wanted to go back to when I first saw this giant and assumed he was a statue. The crystal fingers around me curled over, but I wouldn’t give him the pleasure of my reactions. He started to move his hand again, I hated it. He brought me right up to his face.

“Pray tell me how you arrived here. I don’t believe I’ve met anyone else like you in the Crystarium,” he said. 

I heard wonder in his voice and it made me shiver. Slowly I climbed to my feet, the crystal made it easy to stand. I stared up at the hooded giant’s face, I couldn’t see his eyes. I took a deep breath and dashed to the side, jumping from his hand. I wouldn’t be used like the others had been. I wouldn’t become some part of an experiment or tool. I closed my eyes as I accepted my fate.

My body froze in the air. I snapped my eyes open and stared at the ground that was so close to me. Slowly turning my head, I saw the light from the staff I hadn’t realized was on the Exarch’s back. He wasn’t just a giant, he was a mage of some kind. I struggled in the invisible hold, I had to get away. I hadn’t met mages myself, but I’d been told they were some of the most dangerous. Too studious to truly consider us equal. I had to shake away the images of their experiments.

I heard the shifting of fabric before I saw the giant move. I stared in fear as the massive being kneeled next to me. He brought the hand that wasn’t crystal below me. I saw bits of my tears hit the fingers as they approached. He froze, but it didn’t matter. I knew he could find me. The hand started to move again and wrapped his fingers around me. I didn’t bother fighting this time.

“Be at peace friend, you’re in no danger from me. Usually I wouldn’t permit someone to live within the tower walls, but I won’t force you from your home,” he murmured. I closed my eyes and curled up in a ball.

“I’m no fool. You’ll just let someone else use me. All of you giants are like that, even back when the tower hummed,” I spat the words. The normal fingers around me tensed before I was brought up to the man’s chest. I struggled for a moment before going limp again.

I listened as his footsteps clicked against the floor. I heard the sound of a door unlocking and the creak of it opening. I moved my hands to cover my eyes, I didn’t want to let him see me like this. A part of me still wanted that kindness I dreamt up when I spent my days with the statue. That hand was always so warm, maybe this was better. If he hadn’t seen anyone like me there may not be anyone left.

The door creaked as it closed. I flinched when it slammed. I felt a finger rub my back, it was probably meant to be calming. I just pulled away as best I could. There was less clicking of footsteps in this room. When he finally stopped I wasn’t sure what to expect. The hand started to move again, it was slower this time. It came to a stop and I sighed. I opened my own eyes slowly.

I watched curled fingers pull away. I was left on a flat palm in the open air. I didn’t expect that much trust again, but he could stop me. I didn’t get to try and stand, his hand tilted sliding me off. I fell onto a table that seemed to be up to his chest. He crouched so I was staring directly into the darkness of his hood.

“My friend… Perhaps I shouldn’t be calling you that. It seems I am the only one who feels that way. Were you alive during the time of Allag?” he asked. Honestly I had no idea, I shrugged my shoulders. His mouth thinned to a line and I tensed again. “Pray tell me how you arrived at the tower.”

“I…” I sighed, hiding didn’t matter anymore. “I was running, someone had almost found me. The merchant I hid with came here. It was loud with tons of people, I had the easiest time to hide… until now.”

“You were here while the tower was active?” I watched as he raised his hands up. I knew it, I was just going to become a living tool now. I looked away, but the hands passed by me. He grabbed the edges of his hood. Slowly he pulled it back until I saw ruby eyes staring at me. I remembered the ones with those eyes, the leaders that ordered for them to hunt us.

I screamed and backed away. He was going to keep me, he was going to do the worst things. The twitch of ears on his head, cat ears that the others didn’t have, didn’t help. I scrambled to my feet and tried to run. His hands surrounded me before I made much progress. I just wanted to live my life, I never should have stayed here after I woke up.

His hands covered me, but I reached in my bag for my knife. The only thing I could use to escape. I veered towards the hand with skin and slashed with all my might. He hissed just like a cat, it sent my heart racing. He didn’t move his hand though, he still blocked me. I fell to my knees all the fight leaving me. His crystal hand closed in and I waited for the pain. Instead I just felt one of those fingers on my back.

“Calm my friend, you’re safe here. I am a descendant of Allag yes, but I mean you no harm. I won’t be keeping you here. My name is G’raha Tia. I am afraid we’re both very far from home, a world away really. Come to me if there’s anything you need, but outside of this room I implore you to refer to me as Exarch. I pray you will see me as a friend one day,”  he smiled. 

The way he spoke sounded sad. I looked at him a bit differently. His hands were pulled away from me and I was left on my own. He stood back to his full height and started to walk away. I saw now the clicking of footsteps stopped because of a rug in the room. He stopped near the door and pulled his hood back up. He stopped with a hand on it, the crystal one holding his staff.

“Before I forget, I am the only one allowed in this room. Use it as you will,” he smiled and left.

I watched him leave. I was sitting alone, he didn’t even complain about my stealing some fabric from his clothes. I grabbed my knife and set it back in my bag before running to the edge of the table. I found a way down just as he came back in.

“My friend,” his voice was quiet. “I realized I left you rather high, can you get down on your own safely?”

I was out of sight, I knew I was. A part of me knew I should keep going. I didn’t need to do this, I didn’t need to let him know about me. I heard the door shut and poked my head around the thing hiding me. He stood in the room, I couldn’t tell if he was searching for me. I knew about those cat people, but not enough. I barely knew the names of any of the giant races.

I stepped out in the open. The hood made it hard to know if he found me. I heard a small gasp and saw a bit of shock on what I could see of his face. He switched to a soft smile and walked towards me. He left his hood up, but I couldn’t blame him. There was no reason to take it off around me. He stopped more than one of his arm’s lengths away and reached up to his hood. He pulled it off and crouched a bit.

“I suppose I hadn’t thought my leaving through all the way, shall I help you?” he asked. There was that strange sound of hope in his voice again.

“I… I can normally get down on my own, but I didn’t take more than my bag when I ran out earlier… Safest would be getting help,” I said. It wasn’t entirely a lie. I would be safer having someone help me down. His face lit up and my heart raced. I didn’t expect him to look so excited at me accepting help. He came close quickly and started to wrap his fingers around me. I closed my eyes and tensed, but the feeling of warmth around me disappeared. I opened my eyes to the crystal palm set at the edge of the table.

“I don’t suppose you enjoy being grabbed. I apologize for that. Pray climb on my palm and I’ll help you down.”

I nodded and started a stiff walk forward. I just had to think of his palm as a statue still. The red eyes, moving red ears, and red hair that ended in white were not important. I was a bit curious about his tail, they always had one with those ears. I set one foot on the palm, it was still hard like crystal and warm. I took a few steps and then stood staring up at those eyes. I nodded to signal I was ready, his face lit up again. Slowly he lowered his hand, just slow enough I could stay standing.

Almost at the ground I hopped off and bolted. He didn’t reach out for me, didn’t even call out. Once I was hidden I turned back to watch him. He continued to move slowly, standing up and pulling his hood over his head again. He walked out and the door slammed again. I knew he didn’t make it slam, all the doors here did. I made my way home and just collapsed. 

I stayed hidden for a few days, but there was a commotion. Someone snuck in and there was some kind of an attack. The wall with my home suffered damage, things I’d had were lost. I was lost once I saw the aftermath. If I hadn’t gone to see where the Exarch was I would have been there. He was the only one to survey the damages. I didn’t stay to watch him wave it all away. I had seen him fix other things, my home was gone for good. I found a secluded area and started working on a new one.

I heard the clacking of footsteps back and forth while working. I had to stop each time they came through. It was getting annoying. I was almost tempted to go to that chamber the Exarch showed me. I knew I couldn’t do that, if he found out my home was gone I’d be trapped. He’d keep me trapped for my ‘safety’.

“My friend,” the Exarch called. I shivered, there was no way he knew I was here. “Are you here? Pray give me a sign.”

I set my things down and snuck down to an opening on the floor. The building was smooth in most places, but the larger beings rarely checked this low. I saw the Exarch without his hood looking around frantically. I stepped out to watch him, he looked worn out. His gaze flew past me, but he quickly realized I was there. His ruby eyes locked on me and made me shiver.

I watched the flick of his ears as he realized I wasn’t running. He stepped forward, knocking me off my feet. He frowned, but stepped closer again. He kneeled down in front of me. I hadn’t been on the ground this close to one of the giants before. It felt like he’d become my entire world. He brought his hands down to surround me. He stopped just before his fingers touched me.

“My friend, I am filled with relief to see you again,” he whispered. I started shaking, the way he looked at me felt wrong. It felt like he was relieved to find a possession. He didn’t move his hands any closer, but did hang his head. I jumped at the tears that fell from him. “I apologize, this is quite unbecoming of me. I had feared you died when I found what I assume to be your home destroyed. We had yet to truly become acquainted, but I had hoped to be able to protect you while myself and the tower remain.”

“Why…” I mumbled. I couldn’t even understand the idea behind his words. Protecting me didn’t matter. He sighed, the gust of wind reminding me of our differences.

“Pray accompany me to the Umbilicus where we can talk more freely.” I stared at his hands, the way to accompany him would be in those. I had spent so much time in the crystal one. He’d never bothered to hurt me, there wasn’t anyone I was protecting by hiding anymore.

“...I will.” His ears perked up once I answered. He set his crystal hand down beside me. I knew I was still shaking, but the fact he decided against grabbing me gave me a little hope.

“Pray, take your time. I have no trouble waiting for you to accompany me comfortably. Would you rather make your way on your own? I assume you have a way to traverse the Crystal Tower.”

“You trust I’d show up?” I knew how stupid it was to ask that question. It opened his mind to the fact I might not. The red ears on his head drooped.

“I… am aware that you have little reason to trust me. I did deceive you for quite some time. I merely hope to give you aid however I can. The things you would most likely wish to hear I unfortunately must say in a place of complete privacy. Should you choose not to return with me then I shall only hope to protect you as I am able while you remain out of sight.”

I nodded, I wished I believed him. I took a deep breath before climbing into the crystal palm. It had felt so comforting, now it was foreboding. I just wanted to survive this. Nothing was how I knew it to be. There were races that didn’t make sense and words I’d never heard. At least this would be normal, a giant keeping me captive because I made a mistake.

I sat on the palm just waiting for it to move. Slowly I curled up into a ball. The crystal fingers I once wished would cover me slowly did just that. I thought he mumbled something, but I didn’t care. One day I’d come to accept all of this. My life how this giant would make it. Some of them sounded nice, maybe it would just be that I'm a pet. I heard from others that it was a better option out of the ones available. Especially with mages.

“Don’t cry my friend, I promise you will remain free as long as I am in this tower,” he whispered. I listened to the footsteps clacking on the floor. I wished I could believe him. I heard another one running somewhere nearby. I started to shake, it had probably been a trick that he was searching alone.

“My lord, this is where you’ve been,” Lyna said. I panicked as the crystal hand moved. This is where the lies fell apart. “Did you find something concerning the attacker? I can alert the guard.”

“Do not worry Lyna. I didn’t find anything worth worrying over. Merely a piece of the tower I must take care of. Was there something you needed?” I heard her sigh, stiffening at the suspicion in her voice.

“I know better than to question your secrets. I had come to report no one had seen the intruder around the Crystarium. It was as if they appeared from thin air.”

“I see. Thank you for the report Lyna. I will continue looking into this. Please ensure everyone that I’m fine as is the tower. There is nothing to fret over.”

“Understood, my lord.”

The footsteps ran off before the hand moved again. The crystal fingers continued to hold me firmly. When the hand stopped I wasn’t sure what to expect. Tilting and holding me against soft fabric certainly wasn’t it. The warmth below the fabric mixed with the warmth of the hand felt nice. I almost wanted to accept this, if I’d get this nice feeling. At least he kept me hidden.

I didn’t know how long I was left in his hold. It felt like hours, but I wasn’t particularly bothered. Now and then he’d stop and I felt something strange come over me. I heard giants talking when he did this, but they didn’t stop to speak with him. When I heard a door open I was a little upset, the daydream that I was safe was about to end. The doors closed, but nothing else changed. 

“My friend, are you awake?” Exarch asked. I fidgeted, the idea of falling asleep in this hand while I knew it was alive sounded insane. I felt him chuckle around me. “I fear I had hoped for too much then. I believe we have much to discuss, if you would do me the honor of trusting me.”

“I’m here,” I murmured. 

Exarch made a noise of agreement. His hand was pulled from against the soft cloth at his chest. I was kept wrapped in crystal fingers, unable to see the world around me. I resigned myself to the cage I’d be dropped in. Slowly the hand lowered until my feet reached a solid surface. The fingers around me uncurled letting me see my surroundings. The giant hand was pulled away, but I couldn’t stop from looking around.

“This isn’t a cage,” I said. The exarch made a shocked noise that drew my attention to him. He had his hands up to pull down his hood, but the part of his face I could see looked pained.

“My small friend, I would never trap you. Had I known that was a fear of yours I would have tried to assuage that the best I am able,” he said. I looked up at him, he slowly pulled his hood off. I couldn’t remember the last time someone looked at me like that.

“What did you want me here for?” I couldn’t just trust him blindly, even with eyes that seemed to see me like an equal. He looked older than I first thought as he settled into a chair in front of me. He pulled some things from somewhere I hadn’t noticed, food that he was sharing with me.

“I wanted to tell you how we’ve come to this world. One far from home for both of us, and the tragedy that befell our world.”

I sat down, grabbing a bit of food and motioned for him to talk. He went into a long story about wars and death. His role to try and save the world we came from. He called our world the source and the one we were in the first. He told me about the flood, a horrible event of destruction. He told me about black rose and the disarray of the world. It was horrifying.

“I am here to prevent that. I can not guarantee you will stay here once I have changed the past. I do know I have no intent to leave the tower behind. Would you allow me to aid you in finding a new home?” he finished. I just sat there and tried to take it all in. Our world was a mess, we were in the past, and good chance I’d disappear once we saved this place. He didn’t push me, just let me think.

“Can I help?” I asked. The giant face above me went from shock to awe to excitement. The glimmer in the ruby eyes made me blush.

“I would welcome any aid you would provide. It has been admittedly lonely on this journey. You are the only one who I have been able to reveal my goals to since I arrived.” I stood up and held out a hand, his ears twitched before a giant hand came forward. He pinched my hand between two fingers and moved it up and down. I smiled at him, maybe this giant wasn’t so bad.

I spent the next few years helping him. I would make my way into parts of the tower that seemed locked, finding secret ways to open it. I learned I had some skill with magicks as well. It seemed the tower knew me, my kind at least. It was amazing to experience not having to hide. He continued to protect me, never once mentioning my existence to the other giants. He told me the names of each kind too, although he said they were different in the first.

It wasn’t long before the Exarch said it was time to summon the hero. It was what we’d been preparing for, finding all the solutions possible. I wasn’t quite ready to lose my freedom here, but I had agreed to this. I started to remove my things from the Umbilicus, most of my things stayed there while we worked on preparing for the warrior of light. The Exarch had been busy recently, I would miss the time we spent together. I didn’t want to bother him as I returned to the walls. It was best to stay hidden when more people would start wandering the tower.

I was in the middle of moving my things from a shelf the Exarch had cleared out for me when the doors opened. I dove behind some books stacked on the desk. I heard a sigh that I had grown used to, the Exarch was back. I nodded to myself as I started back out in the open. He was probably just checking a book, one to make sure he grabs the hero from the right time.

“Oh no…” he whispered. I tensed, that couldn’t be good. I felt his steps through the desk as he rushed over to me. I had almost forgotten the way he could feel to me when he didn’t care. I heard the crash of things, the proximity meant it was my things. I covered my mouth to hide a yelp when the heavy things were moved with ease. “My friend, pray reveal yourself. Were you hurt? Did something happen?”

I didn’t move, I was terrified to see what he’d do if he found me. He sounded almost angry. It was years where I proved how useful I was here. He could easily have decided to keep me now. I jumped as a new tremor came through the desk. I snuck forward, looking out from my hiding place. If he wanted to find me he could look.

“I suppose I deserve this, I’ve been too distracted. I pray you have gone to safety my friend, I’d hoped to see this through with you,” he mumbled. I watched as a single tear fell from him. I felt foolish, rushing out to see the Exarch as he turned away. His hood had fallen off as he moved, his ears were pressed against his head.

“I was moving my things!” I called out. His ears perked up before he turned. The glimmer in his eyes gave me that feeling of being seen again. He was in front of me, crouching so I was even with his eyes. I almost felt guilty for hiding. “I… I thought it best I had my things gone before you summoned the hero. So you wouldn’t have to keep them from this room.”

His hands came around me, a silent question. I nodded and they surrounded me until I fell into his palm. He always kept me in his crystal palm. He stared at me in a way I almost wanted to run from. He brought me close to his face, pressing his nose into me. The ruby eyes went cross to stare at me. I laughed, the strange face managed to make me laugh each time.

“My friend, I had hoped we could see this through. We have wandered the Crystarium together, the summoning should be no different. The warrior of light will not be entering here unless I have failed in my duties. At that point I hope you would aid them where I failed.” He pulled me away to smile down at me.

“How could I help one of you giants? Besides, trusting you is hard enough.” 

“Then at least trust me my friend. This is your home, as long as I’m alive you shall be free. Your home here in the Umbilicus or the walls shall remain your own. You shall be free.”

“How long until you summon them…”

“A few days.”

“We’ll see once you’re prepared to start then…”

He nodded, it was a solemn movement. Over the next few days I went back and forth a lot still. I stayed out of sight, focusing on my own work. I would leave my mark if this went south. I fixed all my tunnels that had gone out of use. I worked on leaving warnings and notes for others of my kind. If I truly joined him in this, I would have no choice. I wouldn’t be returning to a quiet life and I wouldn’t be able to remove the tower like he planned.

It was finally time, he’d been staring at that weird portal for hours. I slipped out of the walls and started towards him. I haven’t been on the ground near him since that day he told me of the past I didn’t know. The Exarch sighed and started to turn. I expected to stay undetected. He saw me, he always seemed to be looking for me. Without a pause he crouched offering a hand to me. I ran up climbing on it, it was the crystal palm like always. 

He curled those fingers up around me. The motion was always stiff on this palm. One day I’d see what his other hand felt like, but I wasn’t ready for that. Even after years with him. He held me up to his face, a smile played on his lips. One of hope. I saw the question he wanted to ask. I held up a hand to stop him. I stood on the palm and pointed towards his shoulder. The smile grew.

He moved his hand to his shoulder. I jumped off and climbed under the hood. He’d let me add a spot to hide in a long time ago. I climbed in, making sure I could still see out. I could feel him relax with me there. I was happy he felt calm with me.

“Are you ready my friend?”  he asked. I ran down my mental checklist. I’d done everything, there was no one waiting for me other than Exarch. I was happy to be here, to be part of something important.

“As I’ll ever be,” I answered.

[amive2567]

I just finished reading your other match ups and oh my gosh i love your style so much! my names Rachael (she/her) straight, and I'd like MHA please:) i love collecting books and being alone when it doesn't feel lonely. I'm an introvert, love cozy foods and being warm like sunbathing or warm blankets. I work out way too much and tend to over work and over think and I'm always in my head. I'm about 5'8 and have long brown hair and light brown almost orange eyes. I'm so excited I've never done this

A/n: Actually the match ups were already closed, but because of your nice message i couldn't bring myself not to do your match up. Have a nice day/evening/night <3

P.s: I haven't re-read it so maybe they are some errors.

Why?:

You both help each other when one is overthinking

He will cook you your comfort food every time you need it

Even if he's an extrovert himself, he understands why you need to be alone from time to time but never lets you feel lonely

Your small story:

The sweat was dripping down your forehead, and your muscles began to ache long ago, but you couldn't get yourself to stop. "Oi, brat, stop overworking yourself," called Katsuki from the kitchen. You couldn't hear him because of your loud music. "Brat?" he shouted once again. Still no answer. He stood up and walked towards the living room. There you were, still continuing your workout. Without warning, he took off your headphones. You turned around, startled by his action. "What are you doing? I was completely focused." you pouted and made grabby hands, to get your headphones back. "You are enough focused. Working out for an hour and a half won't help you. It's enough." Your eyes widened. "Is it that late already?" you questioned, more yourself than him. "Yes, go take a quick shower, your food will get cold."

You cleaned up your sports mat and stowed away your handles. As fast as you could you cleaned up your sweating and hurting body. After quickly drying your hair and throwing on some new pair of clothes you walked down the hallway into the dining room. "Alright, I am ready. Sorry for forgetting the time," you said as you entered the room. "Don't be," he mumbled and you took the seat in front of him. "Is something on your mind lately? You've been so obsessed with working out, that you always forget about important stuff." He picked up his chopsticks and mumbled a quick "Itadakimasu" YOu grew silent now, all the energy was drained from you as you thought about all the stress from work you've been hiding from. The feeling of not being enough crosses your mind multiple times. "It's just a bit stressful at work," you confessed, more hesitantly than usual. Katsuki quirked up an eyebrow and looked at you in disbelief. He slurped his noodles, and as he was finished he simply shook his head. "Tell me the truth. You are overthinking again, aren't you?"

After a while of thinking if you should tell him you nodded your head. "I won't push you to say anything that is on your mind, but remember the voices inside your head aren't the most reliable source. You will be okay, and these problems will disappear. Remember it will be alright." His demeanor turned softer as he said those words. They melted your heart. "Thank you, I needed to hear that." you sniffed and also began to slurp your noodles. You knew you could always count on him, even if it sometimes didn't seem like it.

Your special surprise:

A short playlist: Your relationship with Katsuki Bakugou

[waveblazer]

ship meme: al/todd or hank/bones??

Sorry but I don't have many thoughts on Hank/Bones but I surprised myself on how much I had to say on Al/Todd.

AlTodd

General:

Rate the Ship -  Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs

How long will they last? - hmmmm, I don’t see them being endgame but I think they could have a meaningful little relationship around the end of their JL tenure before things went to shit for Todd. Both of them exploring their sexuality together in a healthy and supportive environment. But then Todd pulled away and we all know what happened next.

How quickly did/will they fall in love? - Okay so for both it started as friendship, but Todd started falling for Al post-infinity inc after they started spending more time together one on one now that the team dispersed. Al was completely oblivious to his feelings until Todd told him about his feelings and then that made him self reflect. Hard to say when it happened exactly though.

How was their first kiss? - tentative and awkward but also very sweet. Lots of asking if it’s okay beforehand.

Wedding:

I don’t see them getting married but I’ll still fill this part out because why not lol.

Who proposed? - Both, they both got rings, but I guess technically Al probably worked up the nerve first.

Who is the bridesmaid(s)/groomsmen? - Everyone from Infinity Inc still around, they do a non traditional thing where everyone is together rather than picking a side. 

Who did the most planning? - I honestly don’t know but we’ve got a devout Jewish boy and a devout Catholic so there was definitely a lot of planning involved to navigate the blending of traditions.

Who stressed the most? - Todd

How fancy was the ceremony? - Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 | Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.

Again, faith is very important to both of them so I imagine they’d have to get creative with the ceremony so I have no idea how “fancy” this would end up being. 

Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? - honestly no idea.

Sex:

Who is on top? - usually Al

Who is the one to instigate things? - it varies 

How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now

How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head

Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? - Al definitely does. 

How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it.

How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.

Children:

Again don’t see them at this level but will still answer.

How many children will they have naturally? - mainly see them adopting

How many children will they adopt? - 2-3

Who gets stuck with the most diapers? - Al

Who is the stricter parent? - Todd

Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? - Todd

Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? - Al

Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings? Al

Who cried the most at graduation? - Todd

Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? - Al

Cooking: 

Who does the most cooking? - Todd

Who is the most picky in their food choice? - Todd but not by much

Who does the grocery shopping? - Todd

How often do they bake desserts? - Idk maybe once a month

Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? - Al is definitely a meat and potatoes boy

Who is more likely to suggest going out? - Al

Who is more likely to burn the house down accidently while cooking? - Al

Chores: 

sorry don’t have many thoughts about this for them.

Misc:

Who takes the longer showers/baths? - Al

Who takes the dog out for a walk? - Both

How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? - Again both value faith highly so they’d have to celebrate both Catholic and Jewish holidays in their house, so if any call for decor, they will decorate accordingly.

Who is most likely to sleep till noon? - Todd is nocturnal 

Who plays the most pranks? - I guess Al, but neither really

[adculinary24]

Research: Steak Butchery

Week 2

MENU

Amuse Bouche: Steak Tartare                        Appetizer: Meatballs                                Entrée:  Steak dishes - 1. Beef (Filet Mignon) or 2. Veal (Rack), Vegetables, Potato, Sauces: Compound Butter, Bearnaise, Au Poivre

Part 1 Introductions

Method of cooking/technique to discuss:

Sear Vs Char Grill

Tartare

Learning Objectives:

Compare and contrast different dry heat methods for cooking beef tenderloin steaks and veal

Produce a variety of advanced sauces - compound butter, bearnaise, and pan sauce

Prior Knowledge:

Primary Ingredient of the week:

Veal, in particular Veal Rack

Beef Tenderloin

I have cut some beef tenderloin before, but I need more experience before I would be willing to hack into one myself unsupervised. The filet mignon is the round cut at the softer end of the tenderloin. 

When I worked as a garde manger at Acre I made a lot of steak tartare. Their dish uses the scrap from the steaks, it has the yolk mixed in, and it is topped with fried capers and thinly sliced radishes. The black round bowl is frozen with a smear of blue cheese sauce on about a third of the rim and the tartare is shaped inside a ring. The rest of the recipe is pretty similar to the one provided.

Veal is something I have not prepared before. Veal is usually the meat from a young male dairy cow (no good for dairy). I am familiar with breading and pan frying. Veal is very $$$$

Part 2 Background Information

Method:

The USDA recommends cooking whole muscle veal cuts like veal steaks, roasts and chops to 145 degrees F (medium rare), 160 degrees F (medium), or 170 degrees F (well done). Since this meat is so expensive, compromising on ingredients or making a mistake in the cooking process is a bad idea. Tenderizing the meat with a mallet and removing stringy connective tissue will make the veal softer in texture.

Searing- “The Maillard reaction is an interaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that browns food and gives it that roasty, toasty flavor. This process is essential to cooking, not only because it lends color, but because it creates hundreds of ester molecules that give rise to an array of aromas and flavors.” 

Meyer, J. (2018, July 27). Science of searing: How to Pan Sear Proteins. Hestan Cue. https://hestancue.com/blogs/blog-recipes/the-science-of-searing.

Char Grilling- The difference between searing and grilling is that searing is direct heat while grilling is indirect. Char grilling is where the heated metal chars or burns the outside of the food leaving dark lines from the contact points with the grill surface.

Primary Ingredient:

Filet Mignon is often the most tender and lean cut. It is also pretty expensive because it is in a limited quantity on the cow. Filet mignon often has a milder flavor than other cuts of meat and as such is often garnished with a sauce like we are doing in our lab with the Bearnaise or Au Poivre.

https://www.angus.org/pub/beefchart.pdf

Veal is the meat from young cows, 3 to 14 weeks old. The meat is lean and has a bit of white fat on the outside. It is desirable for it to have a gray color. To do this, the farmers will sometimes deprive the animals of their natural sources of iron to give the meat a gray color. In Europe, it is cooked rare while in the US it is cooked more fully. The veal cutlet can be pan fried with breadcrumbs to make a veal schnitzel. 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/veal

Part 3 Recipe R&D

Chosen Recipes:

Panko Breaded Veal Rack- This recipe I intend to mostly follow. It is “Chef Thomas Keller’s Wiener Schnitzel Recipe” found on the website Masterclass. The recipe asks for veal top round which I do not have, however I watched a video demonstration of someone pan frying some veal rack; he just tenderized it with a mallet to get it to a lesser thickness. As long as we remove the sinew and connective tissue it should be tender. I chose it of course because the chef is a famously good chef and the recipe seemed easy to follow with the resources available.

Chef Thomas Keller’s Wiener Schnitzel Recipe - 2024. MasterClass. (n.d.). https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-wiener-schnitzel-recipe#2snWmni7k0EQ40Ue0QgGWS

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/chef-thomas-kellers-wiener-schnitzel-recipe#2snWmni7k0EQ40Ue0QgGWS

Vegetables- Roasted Asparagus and German Potato Salad- Well the asparagus will go great with the bearnaise and we would love to get some char flavor on it since there will not be that same flavor in the breaded veal. The potato salad was linked with the veal schnitzel recipe and since they are both German recipes and suggested to be together. 

Compound Butter- Take some softened good quality butter, chop some herbs, roll them together into a log that can then be sliced. I got the flavor combinations from the blog Love and Lemons. I chose it because the photography was elegant and looked modern.

Provided Recipes:

Steak Tartare- The instructions say to get the meat colder so it's easier to cut. From there it is blending up some punchy flavors like shallot and mustard as well as some umami. The fat comes from the egg yolk on top and I guess most people know they should mix it in for the best effect. Capers add a burst of salty and sour for a nice surprise. Personally I would like the texture to be dippable on the bread so I would prefer the dice to be tiny, maybe a knife to spread it. 

https://www.wineenthusiast.com/recipe/make-beef-tartare-home-recipe/

Meatballs- Chef Eric Rivera’s personal recipe that he loves. No intended modifications. I see that the meat and the bread crumbs do not get blended together and that they are instead combined by hand probably for a less homogenous texture.

Au Poivre- This is a French sauce not super common in the US but popular in Europe. The sauce is made in the pan after searing the steak so you can deglaze the meat browning and flavors. DAMN that looks tasty

https://www.sipandfeast.com/steak-au-poivre/

Bearnaise- The recipe involves egg yolks which have a thickening power, however they are temperamental and will curdle if too hot, and loosen if not heated up to 185F due to the enzymes that break it down still being active up to that temp. This temp thankfully coincides with the nappe texture for the most part so you do not need a thermometer. Good on top of meat and in our case asparagus.

Part 4 Recipes

Provided Recipes:

Au Poivre

Bearnaise Sauce

Meatballs

Steak Tartare

Recipes Researched

Breaded Veal- Chef Thomas Keller’s Wiener Schnitzel Recipe

Vegetables- grilled asparagus Potatoes- Chef Thomas Keller’s Recipe for German Potato Salad

Compound Butter-

https://www.loveandlemons.com/herb-compound-butter/

Plan of Work

Start 1pm, demos until 1:20-1:30, no ingredients requests after 2 Get the butter to room temp Trim the meats, need for meatballs and tartare Watch meatball demo, work tartare all the way Boil the taters Mix dressing for the taters and finish that salad let sit room temp, Meanwhile compound butter Au poivre can work any time, keep warm and reduce Set up dredging station for veal Boil water for double boiler (bearnaise) Finals steps: Fry veal, grill asparagus, bearnaise

Plate up at 5. discussion and out by 5:50

[takahashits]

Midnight, Periwinkle & Peach

THANKS SO MUCH FOR SENDING AN ASK !! (sorry this response is DAYS late, i’ve been so busy!)

MIDNIGHT • What makes your f/o so admirable? What makes you so admirable to them?

honestly, ryuji’s sense of humor was the first thing i admired from him. he doesn’t even TRY to be funny, he just naturally knows how to make me laugh even if i’m already sobbing for the past hour.

there’s also his determination, which is the most admirable trait he has. if he needs/wants something, he WILL get it one way or another — especially when one of his loved ones are in danger.

what makes me so admirable to him? UM….. i have absolutely NO concrete idea of what he sees in me. perhaps it’s the way i always have a plan in hand no matter how bad the situation gets, or my perseverance in doing everything to achieve my goals in life.

PERIWINKLE • In what ways have you helped one another grow or open up to each other? (warning: really long one)

ryuji was (understandably) hesitant to open up to me at first. he wasn’t the type to easily do so because his feelings were not taken seriously or were always brushed off to the side, so it took some time for him to adjust to the fact that he had to be emotionally vulnerable one way or another if the relationship was starting to get serious.

for me, i’ve opened up to a few of my friends before, but always in text and never in person, so in any case we were kind of in the same level of inexperience when it comes to those types of stuff.

i was the first one to open up to him in person — when it comes to comforting me, usually it’s through physical touch than words of affirmation, & i kind of realized that actions do speak louder than words when it comes to him. if i needed lots of comfort, he’d just go to my house (sometimes with a couple of things like some food to cheer me up) and do the comforting there ‘cause he believes it’s the more effective way LOL

i’m not very good with words either, so when ryuji decided to open up (and break down) in front of me the very first time, i did my best to comfort him through touch and reassurance.

now, we feel more comfortable in sharing vulnerable moments w/ each other :] the one thing that really made me appreciate his company more during my darkest times is that he never makes me feel like i’m overreacting when i’m ranting to him. in return, i do my best to reassure him that everything he feels is valid

for the growing part: as somebody who’s been an academic achiever all her life, i never really learned to TAKE IT SLOW. i’m always feeling sort of rushed or stressed out. ryuji’s more laidback on all things academics, so he constantly reminds me that i have all the time in the world and that there is no need to put pressure on myself. he has also pushed me to do the things i want to do, despite my fears of being judged or something. he’s quite the human epitome of “if you can’t beat the fear, just do it scared.” the best part? he’s always beside me in everything i do, i did, and been wanting to do.

according to him, i’ve helped him grow to be comfortable with his feelings, and for a more light-hearted response, to take his studies more seriously LMFAO. it’s not his forte so i do frequently help him study and i do my best to lift his spirits up about it!! he’s also learned to embrace his softer side. he’s known to have a pretty tough exterior but you and i both know he’s not gonna be like that to ME 😘😘

PEACH • Do you have any sentimental items you've received from each other?

YES!! ryuji gave me a necklace with a pixel heart pendant for my birthday this year, before we started dating. he gave it to me because apparently i “love gaming, necklaces, and cute things, so one plus one plus one equals three” and he got it for me. his birthday is still in july and i am still thinking of what to gift to him <3

[fuehlemichnichts]

i am reaching my ugw!! idc abt anything else im so tired of feeling gross. i’ve been softer on myself lately w working a lot i think it’s made me feel like i’m hungrier than i usually am but any time i let up and eat i just feel worse about myself and like i’m getting further from who i rlly wanna be. i feel like i look so fat next to my friends it’s crazy. i don’t think there’s anything wrong w being fat at all but my brain is just stuck feeling terrible. i’m so close rlly but i just need to find that focus again, the motivation i had to lose those first few lbs. i know how gross i look when i eat and greasy/ carb-y food just makes me break out too which adds to how awful i look and feel. i’ll try and update my tumblr a lot more so i feel a bit more accountable again.

today:

- 30g pringles (158 cals)

- 2 tablespoons biscoff spread (176 cals)

- some orange juice (200 cals)

total: 534 cals

i’ve walked a lot today too so hopefully my net cals are lower than that. i want to try and stick under 500 in future and work from there.

[aayakashii]

I'm gonna do this just because I want to hehe ₍ ⋅֊⋅ ₎⸝ all my answers are under the cut so I won't clog the dashboard

1. What song makes you feel better?

This one right here:

2. What is your go to comfort show?

Natsume Yuujinchou and Mushishi <3 fun fact, I chose the name Aya as my internet alias because I used to use ayakashi everywhere as my username and people began calling me Aya and it stuck lol

3. Reading or writing? Why?

Recently, writing because I like the feeling of putting my ideas onto paper and having other people add to them!!!

4. Whats your favorite feeling?

Lying down in my bed after showering right after I changed sheets, so everything smells clean and feels softer- ̗̀( ˶'ᵕ'˶) ̖́-

5. How do you like to take care of yourself?

By allowing myself to rest when I need it, even if I feel guilty about it. I would say eating treats too, but the guilt afterwards is too big for me to actually feel comfortable later 💀

6. What's your favorite candle scent?

I'm actually not sure because we don't really have scented candle culture here in Brazil... I do know that my fave incense is lavender though!

7. Who do you feel most like yourself around?

My real, actual friends (and most of them I've met online)

8. Whats a fabric/texture that's nostalgic for you?

Duvet!! When I was little I loved snuggling under duvets when the air conditioner was blasting

9. Best childhood moment?

Playing in a plastic pool in my backyard with my childhood dog while my parents listened to music and made barbecue :3

10. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? (or just felt really good afterwards)

Everytime I have a discord call with my best friend :D

11. Do you have a comfort item? Tell us about it!

My plushies, all of them are my comfort items!!

12. What calms you down?

My dog, she always manages to make me laugh and focus on her :')

13. Bath or shower to relax?

Shower because I don't have a choice, I don't have a bath 😭

14. Whats something upcoming that you're excited for?

I'm excited to get new lolita dresses soon!

15. Comfort food?

As for snacks: cookies. As for meal: sushi.

16. What's something you want to create soon?

All the fanfic wips on my drafts 😭 I mainly want to write for characters I usually dont write, like Ritsu, Luca and Kaito because I feel like I have neglected them lol but I might write a Lyca fic first since I'm dire need of some comforting 💀 I also want to write the next chapters of a few fics I got going on

17. How do you feel best loved?

When someone takes the time to watch or read or listen to something I like just because I like it. I think there's no bigger proof of love to me than actively getting involved with the things someone likes, just to know them better.

18. What age in life do you think you'll feel most yourself at?

I think I'm myself now and will keep being myself as I grow older.

19. Have you ever written or received a love letter?

Oh brother I've written plenty 💀 received none

20. Tell us about a memory you hold close to your heart.

Ummmm... my primary school's library at the early hours of the morning, like 6AM. The windows were open, it was still a big foggy due to the morning dew evaporating, the air was crisp, the birds were very loud and the room smelled like old books. I still didn't need to drown my thoughts with music at every single moment, so I just sat in silence and flipped through the pages of a few comics until everyone arrived.

21. Tea, Coffee, or hot cocoa?

COFFEE

22. Name of your favorite playlist?

tarot cards and iridescent crystals

23. Have you ever received flowers?

Naur

24. Who is your bestfriend?

A girl I met on twt who lives in another state and who's been my closest friend for 7 years now

25. If your soul was a color, what would it be?

I hope it's lavender! Just because it's my favorite color

26. If you could live anywhere with anyone you want, where would it be and who would you bring?

Maybe Ireland, or Scotland, or Australia, or Japan lmao I'd bring everyone I love obviously

27. Do you like to garden? Have you ever grown something?

I LOVE gardens but I'm awful with plants :( my dad is a great gardener though

28. What are you proudest of?

I think my whole family would like me to say I'm proud of being a physician, but if I'm being honest, I'm proud of being able to connect with people through what I write. I mean, yeah, I truly like being able to treat people, but nothing makes me happier than seeing people read my stuff and actually like it. It's something I've always wanted and I finally found the little niche I want to write for.

29. Are you a kind person?

Well I guess some people would disagree to this, but I try to be hahaha

30. What do your hobbies look like?

I like writing and doing embroidery (although it's been months since I last embroidered something...). I collect a lot of stuff too and I like building mini legos!

✨soft asks✨

What song makes you feel better?

What is your go to comfort show?

Reading or writing? Why?

Whats your favorite feeling?

How do you like to take care of yourself?

What’s your favorite candle scent?

Who do you feel most like yourself around?

Whats a fabric/texture that’s nostalgic for you?

Best childhood moment?

When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? (or just felt really good afterwards)

Do you have a comfort item? Tell us about it!

What calms you down?

Bath or shower to relax?

Whats something upcoming that you’re excited for?

Comfort food?

What’s something you want to create soon?

How do you feel best loved?

What age in life do you think you’ll feel most yourself at?

Have you ever written or received a love letter?

Tell us about a memory you hold close to your heart.

Tea, Coffee, or hot cocoa?

Name of your favorite playlist?

Have you ever received flowers?

Who is your bestfriend?

If your soul was a color, what would it be?

If you could live anywhere with anyone you want, where would it be and who would you bring?

Do you like to garden? Have you ever grown something?

What are you proudest of?

Are you a kind person?

What do your hobbies look like?

[erodasfishtacos]

could u please do like a harry x youtuber/influencer!reader and like lots of fluff🥺

Hi bubbie! Here you go :)))

Word Count: 4k

Warnings: Language

Harry was panicking. His mum and sister were going to be here in less than two hours and he’s burnt the eggplant parmigiana he had worked tediously on. 

He grabbed what he had left in his fridge - ground beef, shredded cheddar cheese, and a little bit of bacon. 

It was the type of foods he usually strayed away from so sometimes when his shopper would bring this stuff home - he’d avoid it and admittedly sometimes it would go bad sitting in the fridge.

The singer pulls up YouTube onto his phone - hoping something would come up when he typed in the ingredients on the search bar.

He clicks on the first video by cookingwithnofucks. A chuckle at the name as an advertisement plays.

A cute, bubbly girl appears on screen in a beautiful modern kitchen. She has a shirt on that says ‘fuck the patriarchy and eat pizza’. A high ponytail and minimal makeup.

“Okay - today we’re making a cheeseburger casserole,” the girl chirps, “It’s a heart attack in a dish but it’s so fucking good.”

Harry finds himself smiling as he crinkles his nose - it sounds absolutely disgusting but he’s intrigued more by the girl on the screen.

“Shit, I forgot to introduce myself. Hiii, if you’re new - I’m Y/N and I do cooking shit. Subscribe to my channel and all that jazz,” she titters while cutting open her beef package.

Harry follows along step-by-step, shaking his head as she doesn’t describe the instructions nearly well enough and is generally all over the place.

It’s a fucking cooking channel and at one point the meat starts burning. She just laughs and says, “s’just a little crispy!” 

The casserole turns out looking even better than Y/N’s to be honest. It’s done in just the right amount of time for him to shower before his family arrives.

He makes sure to subscribe to her channel - eyebrows raising when he sees that she has 16 million subscribers.

Harry wanted to spend longer, looking at her social media but there was a fixed time so he locked his phone and went to get ready.

**

Anne - always the sweetheart just tells Harry that the casserole is delicious even as a bit of grease runs down her fork from the fatty meats.

Gemma wasn’t as kind, grimacing at the casserole and remarking, “You truly are turning into an American, huh?”

**

Laying in bed that night, Harry swipes back onto YouTube. Going back to the page he just subscribed to - under a pseudonym. He clicks on another video.

“Uh, okay. So I’m cooking...fuck, it’s called unicorn bark. It looks like a magical animal puke but it looks delicious so we’re going to try it.”

Harry realizes he’s been watching this girl cook for nearly an hour. Different videos from desserts to dinners.

She curses like a sailor, fucks up almost every recipe, and makes a mess everywhere. But she’s smiling and talkative which makes him quite memorized by her.

**

“I hate editing,” Y/N groans, letting her head fall dramatically against the desktop. Her best friend and dog looked at her oddly.

“I keep saying you need to hire someone, you stubborn bitch,” Laney retorts, clicking through her Instagram feed.

“Fuck off,” she tells her friend with no real heat. The video was almost fully edited - how to make spicy as fuck jalapeño poppers.

There is a calm silence for a while until Laney gasps, “Holy shit.”

“What is it?” Y/N asks, not really caring as she clicks her mouse to trim a segment.

“Harry fucking Styles just followed you on Instagram and Twitter!” Laney shouts, her dog - Rufus popping his head up in confusion.

Y/N looks at her friend to see if she’s really serious and sees no signs of deception. “Oh my god,” Y/N replies. She loved Harry Styles in One Direction and as a solo artist - a fangirl if you will.

Y/N was a well-known influencer and has run in the circles of many celebrities. She’s even met Liam Payne but she’s never been able to bump into Harry.

Her alerts tell her it to be true, she swallows as she looks back up at Laney, “He dm’ed me.”

“Open it! What did he say?” She squeals, squeezing herself on the chair next to her, peering over her shoulder at the phone.

Y/N is a bit nervous, trying not to have a mini aneurysm as she opens the message thread.

HarryStyles: Hello. Just wanted to let you know that your cheeseburger casserole recipe saved my ass last night. Cheers x

“He’s totally coming onto you,” Her friend states instantly, bouncing excitedly - she also had a bit of a crush on the singer.

It takes the two of them a minute to cool their shit before Y/N manages a reply.

Y/N/LN: Well I guess it’s only fair. Your songs have made a few of my nights much better. I’m a bit of a slut for Fine Line.

Harry laughs behind his screen at the cheeky reply he gets back. He’s usually never this forward - especially on social media where he likes to fly under the radar.

HarryStyles: Well if you fancy my music that much, I totally love for you to come to a show. I’m performing in New York City in two weeks.

“This has to be a joke, right?” Y/N sputters to her friend, eyes wide at the invite to a concert she already had tickets to.

Y/N/LN: I’m not going to lie, I already have tickets to the show. However, I don’t have any backstage passes to meet the man of the hour. Do you know someone who can hook me up?

It does wonders for Harry’s narcissism to know that she already had tickets for his concert. Was he really going to do this? He hasn’t met up with some like this since his One Direction days.

He had to remind himself - she may just be friendly and take this as a totally casual interaction. Which would be normal, Harry really shouldn’t be so infatuated with someone he’s watched cook on social media.

HarryStyles: I think I can arrange that. Shoot me your number? I’ll have them sent digitally to you with instructions on how to get backstage.

Y/N is a bit dumbfounded at how fast they agreed to meet up. A harmless backstage tour - he could just be a fan of hers and totally not interested, right?

**

Over the next few weeks, they never really stop texting. Harry sends her pictures of the recipes he copies off her channel - that usually always look better than the original. He sends her clips of him goofing around during tour rehearsal. FaceTimes her when he’s finally home for the night.  

She sends him videos of her watching Harry Styles Best Moment Part Five. A few photos she snaps throughout the city of him on billboards and buildings, in Times Square. YN facetimes him when she’s frustrated with filming or watched a sad movie.

It didn’t make sense to either of them how seamlessly they’d clicked - especially without meeting. They were a perfect balance for each other. Harry - laidback, organized, level-headed. Y/N - eccentric, all over the place, adventurous. 

Jeff had told him that he’s been gaining media attention from his social media interactions with Y/N. They like each other’s photos, begin following each other’s friends, and comment goofy things on their posts.

“Listen, I have a great idea,” Y/N begins - which Harry learned is never good. “You should film a video with me sometime.”

Y/N knew she was going out on a limb and instantly regretted the questions she’d been building the courage to ask for days when it’s quiet on his end. There’s static for a moment and Y/N needs to fill the silence.

“It was - I was just, uh, I know you’re probably too busy. I was -“ She stutters, embarrassment flooding her.

Harry cuts her off, “I’d love to.”

“Yo-you would?” She asks timidly. Was she really going to have Harry Styles in her apartment? If so, should she take down her poster?

He laughs sweetly, “Why do you sound so surprised? I can’t wait to come to New York, love.”

Y/N giggles, “Not the fact that you’re performing in front of a sold out crowd at MSG? I don’t think seeing me will top that.”

“I’ve been looking forward to meetin’ you in person since I came across your channel. You so lovely,” Harry replies, his voice a little softer but more serious.

“I’m nervous,” Y/N admits, picking at a thread in her jeans.

“Me too,” Harry murmurs, despite not wanting to admit it - he wanted her to know this was new territory for both of them. He didn’t want her to think that this was something that he did often. But a little too prideful to admit it’s the first time he’s ever done something quite like this.

“What if you don’t like me?” Y/N whispers, she...well she didn’t compare to the models he’s been seen with before. She’s regretfully fell into the rabbit hole of looking up his past flings and relationships.

Harry barks out a disbelieving laugh, “You can’t be serious, darling. I’ve been gone for you since I saw you burn that ground beef.”

**

Harry was having a bad day - scratch that. An awful one. He tried to go get coffee at eight in the morning and got bombarded by fans, he left the shop without even ordering. They followed him back to his car and it took him fifteen minutes to pull out.

His favorite Mickey Mouse Gucci suitcase he was bringing along on tour had busted. The zipper unraveling and the trim falling off as a result. It was a one-of-a-kind.

Then he’d been stuck on a Skype meeting about tour merchandise with a group of business partners for the last three hours - all he wanted was a fucking nap.

When Y/N’s contact vibrated across his screen, he’s itching to answer but declines as he needs to give these people his attention.

When she calls again, Harry feels a prickle of annoyance. It’s not even at her - to be quite honest. It’s just the shitty day and everything’s piling up.

He always got like this before he kicked off a tour - stress level maxed out and his ability to handle minor incidents nearly shot.

I’m busy

Okay! Sorry, just have a super exciting surprise for you, bub! 

I really do not feeling like talking. I’d rather be left alone.

Oh, alright. Hope everything’s okay! Do you still want to facetime later?

Harry leaves her on read because he doesn’t want to slip up and take out his frustration on her. He’d been known to do that and he didn’t want her to think he was anything but besotted with her.

**

Y/N feels a little hesitant as she begins the uploading process to her channel. The red loading bar told her it’d be twenty-minutes before it’s going to be posted to her 16 million subscribers - one of them being Harry himself. 

Twenty-minutes for her to back out and cancel the upload. She starts having doubts about it when Harry never replies to her text which is unlike him. 

She takes Rufus out to avoid staring at the loading screen with unnecessary anxiety and uneasiness.

**

Harry is just getting home from a business dinner with the touring company’s management team. The tension and anxiety from today piling up on his shoulders and he just wants to call Y/N and crash in bed. 

He tosses his keys in the little bowl in the entry and kicks off his dingy white vans to the side. His phone dings with an alert from Gemma.

You two are the literal cutest ever. It’s quite gross.

Harry slides onto a stool in his kitchen, confused by the text message before she’s sending the link to him.

Fine Line Inspired Cupcakes!

Harry isn’t quite sure why his heart starts pounding furiously in his chest. A sinking feeling in his stomach when he realizes that this was probably the surprise she was excited about.

He clicks on the thumbnail.

“Hiiii, it’s Y/N. Okay, well today we are going to bake some Fine Line inspired cupcakes. And if you haven’t listened to the album - get your ass out from rock you’re living under and stream it on Spotify!”

She has her hair down in long, waves and a loose cropped shirt that says TPWK in rainbow embroidery.

Harrys mouth is dry and he can’t take his fucking eyes away from the screen. 

“Soo, I was thinking the first batch would be cherry flavored? ‘Cause he has a song titled ‘Cherry’. Let’s start there. First - I need to find my measuring cups.”

In true Y/N fashion, she scours her kitchen - cussing and yanking stuff out of her neatly organized cabinets before huffing and storming off to the side.

She comes back into view, a little frazzled but smiling when she holds up the ring of plastic measuring spoons, visible bite marks notched into the material.

“My asshole of a dog had a little snack,” Y/N shows the camera before shrugging, “Let’s get this shit started. Okay, you’re going to need one cup of sugar - no wait, two? I can’t read my fucking handwriting.”

Harry’s absolutely enamored by this scatter-brained, giggly girl who manages to produce cute blue and pink cupcakes that very vaguely resembled his album cover. His heart felt a million times too big for his chest.

He was enraptured for the entirety of the thirty minute video without taking his eyes away once.

To be honest, he hadn’t felt this way since his last relationship which was over a year ago at this point.

It’s not even a thought as he’s requesting a FaceTime with Y/N. 

She answers after a few rings. She has a green face mask painted on her nose, chin, and forehead with gold eye masks under each eye. She is so fucking ridiculous it’s not even funny. 

What is even more ridiculous is how gone Harry is realizing he is for her. She was quirky, unfiltered, carefree. If he was honest - he hadn’t met a girl like that in a very long time - especially a well-known influencer.

“Hi! How was your day, grumpy?” Y/N asks brightly, making a goofy face as the mask begins to tighten and crack on her skin. Not holding the earlier conversation against him and deciding to just move forward. She understood how stressful it can be.

“M’sorry. I was a bit grumpy,” He admits, “I loved your new video, darling. Did you make those just f’me?”

He can tell she’d be blushing if her face wasn’t covered, a bit bashful as she mutters, “You already know I did it for you.”

“You’re too sweet to me, only six days until we meet,” Harry replies, voice taking on a slow, lazy drawl. 

“Six days,” Y/N repeats, eyes crinkling as she smiles with excitement.

**

“Is this outfit too much?” Y/N panics. Even though there’s literally nothing she can do about it - they’re already walking towards the backstage entrance of the massive arena. It’s still about two hours until the show starts but Harry requested her to come earlier.

Laney sighs, “For the millionth time, you look fucking sexy and Harry’s going to want to rail you right when he sees you.”

Y/N shoves her lightly with a faux annoyance as they meet up with a burly man who’s blocking the entrance to the backstage hallway and rooms.

She gives him their names and pulls up the passes on her phone before he’s nodding with any expression and letting them pass.

They’re not quite sure where to go from here so they begin to wander down the long hallway toward what looks to be the main area that people are milling about.

Y/N is nearly on the ground when someone rounds the corner without looking and walks right into her. Both of them let out huffs of air as they collide and attempt to stabilize themselves.

But there are large hands grasping her arms and holding her steady. In typical Y/N fashion she’s already cursing, “fuckin like a brick wall, look out next time.”

Then she’s looking up to Harry staring back down at her with an amused expression. He doesn’t let go of her and instead tugs her against his bare chest. He’s warm and a bit sweaty - like he’d just worked out. He was only in a pair of thin, running shorts, nike tennis shoes, and a little clip holding his hair off of his face.

Y/N can’t help but wrap her arms around his waist, returning the embrace and amazed by how right it feels to be in his arms. Her face tucks right against his collarbone and it’s like they’d known each other for years.

Pictures and videos don’t do this man justice. He’s gorgeous - sharp edges and dark inked skin. Tall and muscular but dimples that are carved in his cheeks. 

“Nice to meet you, m’Harry,” Harry rumbles, removing one hand from Y/N’s shoulder to reach out his hand to her friend.

Laney shakes his hand before asking, “Laney. I’ll leave you two lovebirds be. Where’s the food?”

Harry chuckles against Y/N’s wavy hair, “Down the hall to the left.”

Laney’s trailing off without another glance, she was very food motivated despite her skinny frame. Also not wanting to intrude of the very personal first moments of their meeting.

The popstar pulls back to look down at the girl he’s fallen for in mere weeks. She’s as beautiful as he thought she'd be - if not more. He can’t help himself, “Would it be too forward to kiss you?”

Y/N smiles widely, running a hand along his jawline, “I’ve wanted you to kiss me since you stayed up on FaceTime with me until two in the morning as I cried after watching The Notebook - despite me seeing it a million times.”

Harry ducks forward to press his lips softly to her, large hands come to cup the side of her face as they connect. He’s so gentle as he moves his mouth against hers. In true Y/N fashion, she’s bold and has no hesitation slipping her tongue into his mouth.

He’s so fucking in love with her. It doesn’t make much sense - it’s definitely not logical but he’s realizing that’s okay.

“Oii, get a room!” Someone shouts from down the hallway teasingly.

Harry flips them the middle finger and pulls back, pink lips swollen and puffy, dimples on full display, “Let me take you out to dinner after the show, darling.”

“You going to wine and dine me, Styles?” Y/N giggles, unable to contain the pleasant warmness he’s spreading through her body. 

“Mmm, have t’make sure you’ll want to keep me,” Harry murmurs happily against her lips once again, pressing kiss after kiss to her to make sure she’s real, “Definitely want to keep you.”

Y/N bites teasingly at his bottom lip, hand planted on the soft but firm skin of his stomach, “You’re never getting rid of me, hope you know that.”

“Was hoping you’d say that, now let me introduce you to my band.”

                                  -- ---- ---- -- 1 year later - -- --- --- --

“Hi bitches! Today is a super special day. We have the one, the only Harry Styles filming with us. I know that’s not really that special since he’s on here all the time with me. But we’re celebrating our one year anniversary!” Y/N smiles, bumping hips with Harry who stands dutifully next to her. 

Anyone viewing can see the absolute heart-eyes and adoration he has for the girl standing next to him. He’s still as lovestruck and gone for her as he was the first time they met. Harry’s fans were thrilled - for the first time in years, he’d opened up again.

They weren’t very public on social media beside’s tagging each other in memes and posting the occasional picture. Y/N was constantly uploading cooking videos from wherever in the world she was with Harry on his tour, she’d also begin making vlogs about different foods she’s been experiencing.

---

“Okay, so here in Peru - they’re known to have this really fucking spicy beef with noddles. So obviously, I’m going to make Harry try it first,” Y/N laughs as she props the camera up on the side of the table on a napkin holder.

Harry - who has a concert in a few hours - frowns at the steaming dish in front of him, “Darling, I don’t want to try it first. It’s going to burn my mouth. Not gonna be able to sing.”

“You’re sucha baby sometimes,” Y/N rolls her eyes, slurping up the noodles with her fork while making a silly face at her boyfriend. She pulls back, straight-faced, “It’s not hot at all. Tastes amazing, though.”

Harry takes that as an initiative to shovel a spoonful into his mouth. It only takes half a moment until his taste buds erupt in fiery flames from the spices, “You bloody little brat, y’tricked me! It’s so fuckin’ hot!”

Y/N smiles widely, laughing much too loudly in the restaurant when Harry chugs the glass of water next to the plate while glaring at his love. “I’m sorry, s’just to easy with you, lovie,” She replies, leaning over the table to press a kiss to his lips. 

He’s a sucker for her and kisses her right back despite his mouth being an inferno. His heart was on fire for her and that burned much more intensely.

---

“No, love. The instructions say baking soda, not baking powder. They’re not the same thing,” Harry sighs, attempting to read her scribbled, sloppy handwriting. She’d already spilled milk on half of the paper.

“S’interchangeable, right?” Y/N hums, cracking an egg into the bowl and Harry automatically knows to look to fish out the eggshells that’d she’d let slip in because she sucks at cracking eggs but always wants to do it.

Harry reaches over her, grabbing the vanilla extract and a teaspoon, “It’s not, baby. Lemme do this real quick.”

“Will you make me a grilled cheese after this?” She asks, nuzzling into his side and wrapping her arms around his waist as he finishes adding the wet ingredients to their bowl. Harry stopped questioning her thought process a long time ago.

Harry swipes his finger into the mixture of icing off to the side and rubs it right onto her nose, cackling at her pout and squeaking when she pinches at the fleshy skin of his hips. She in turn dips her finger into the sugary cream and pops it right into her mouth.

Harry eyes darken, watching her lips purse as she sucks off the icing. It was a dirty move on Y/N’s part and she knows it. It has her boyfriend dragging an icing-covered thumb along her collarbone before leaning down to slowly lick up the sugary trail with his tongue.

When Y/N slides her fingers into his hair and lets out a pretty moan, Harry’s standing back up, trailing over to the tripod and saying into the camera, “We’ll be back after a little commercial break,” and is then turning off the record button.

It takes little to no time for Harry to have Y/N’s bum on the countertop, mouth on her neck, and hand in-between her thighs.

And when they finally posted a very edited final cut of the video - well there may be a couple of fans who notice the how flushed Y/N is halfway through and a lovely purple mark on Harry’s neck that wasn’t there in the beginning of the video.

[lunaastoir]

fluff/relationships w the liyue crew

characters included: xiao, childe, beidou, and zhongli

ik i forgot ningguang i promise i’ll include her in part 2, i just didn’t have time :(

all x a gn! reader 

my liyue babies :,) ft. ningguang in spirit

an: i was listening to my soft playlist (more like listening to cupid’s chokehold on repeat, no i am not basic 🔪) and i thought some fluff headcanons would be cute w these sweet people

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

xiao

ok so no surprise that he hates liyue harbor

he hates anything w a lot of people in it so he prefers to stay at wangshu inn tyvm

but by contrast, you love liyue harbor sm (it’s gorgeous i mean c’mON)

you go there often to retrieve your commissions in order to stay closer to xiao (liyue harbor is closer than mondstadt he argues but you’re well aware that they’re both equally far away)

so if anyone asked, xiao would absolutely refuse to go to the harbor like i hate people??? why would you even ask???

but,,,he’s so sOFT for you

if you asked??? he would agree in a heartbeat

but since he’s >:( angsty boy, he makes you think that he won’t go even when he’s already decided that he’s coming w you

he puts up the “if you so require, then i guess i will assist you with your travels in liyue harbor” but in reality he would definitely have said yes even without the almond tofu

while he hates the harbor, he thinks that with you anything is bearable :,) simp

you take him to see xinyan to vibe w her music and you can tell he really enjoys it

even tho he’s like 🕴 the entire time, you see the softer look on his face and the very slight smile on his lips as he listens to the music and watches the crowd

so so so cute very soft for him

i do see him as a subtly touchy person in public like brushing the hair off your face, swiping his thumb across your cheek, or gently pulling your hair back when you have a plate of food in your hands 

the type to link your pinkies together - he claims it’s so you don’t get lost but yk better 

after the concert is done you take him to that one waypoint near mt. tianheng and the both of you just watch the city lights and the way they reflect beautifully on the water surrounding the harbor 

personal headcanon that xiao absolutely loves stargazing since he believes the stars are the one true constant in his life especially since he’s experienced so much loss (basically they’ll never leave him god i hate myself why do i make everything SAD)

mini headcanon off of that - he doesn’t stargaze with people,,, like ever 

it’s something he loves to do alone so the fact that he lets you stargaze w him and even allows you to shift your head onto his lap while you watch the sky is a huge deal 

he loves it when you softly whisper abt how your day was or something you saw that made you laugh 

he just loves hearing your voice, it automatically calms the voices in his head 

you absolutely ADORE when he has flowers in his hair especially cecilias (cecillias? ceccillias? idfk) and you make a point whenever you go to mondstadt to pick a fresh batch of cecilias just for xiao while enlisting the help of your favorite bard  

these soft moments on the mountain are usually when you’ll sweetly tuck in a flower or two in his hair while laughing 

he’ll blush fiercely while looking away but will tuck the cecilias in securely as you’re unable to do so due to the position you’re in on his lap

all in all - this was not meant to come out as a date idea but we’re going w it 

this is so cute xiao pls let me put flowers in your hair sweet boy <3

childe

god, loml, my favorite war criminal after eren yeager 

there’s never a dull moment w this man - if you wanted peace and quiet, why the hell are you dating him bestie???

is the type of person to yell out “Y/N, i can’t believe i ran into you here!” if he sees you somewhere even tho you explicitly told him you were going to be here in the morning (ik you have a good memory ajax don’t lie to me 😐)

i don’t see him as being obnoxious w pda unlike someone else kaeya but he would definitely participate (think: handholding, cheek kisses, an arm around your shoulders)

loves it when he comes home and sees you in an apron cooking 

domesticity just makes his heart melt so you can be sure that your face will be peppered w a lot of kisses afterwards <3 

absolutely ADORES it when you trace his scars absentmindedly when you’re lying down or even when you’re having dinner in public  

he’s been far from his family for so long that small acts of mindless affection like this really make his heart happy 

you have him drunk on your love luv haha see what i did there 

he will let you put makeup on him. no i do not take criticism ⛄️

he already has on lowkey thick eyeliner,,, don’t be shy put some more bestie 

he will shamelessly go out in public w whatever you made him wear - doesn’t really give a shit even tho he has a reputation to maintain 

speaking of reputation,,, yk his mask? yeah that one - the red hair accessory that he has on his head

well on the mask, he attached a little charm the both of you got together on your first date during lantern rite 

it’s this adorable fox that we all shamelessly kill for meat and he placed it so it anchored to the side of his mask so when he fights it isn’t a nuisance or anything (does that make sense??? i hope it does) 

his subordinates notice and while they’re stoic around childe, behind closed doors they do whisper abt the mysterious person who’s captured his heart 

not so mysterious anymore when they literally see him cling onto you during his daily patrol around the harbor 💀

it’s ok tho he’s lucky he’s cute 

bestie,,, pls give him a neck massage 

i just KNOW he’s tense there idk something abt the way he carries himself just screams “my neck hurts so bad someone pls help me i would ask but my pride literally will not let me”

so give him a neck massage :) don’t worry tho he’ll definitely return the favor and then some

LOVES TICKLE FIGHTS 

he’s obsessed w them,,, it’s just the faces you make??? he can’t get enough 

he loves seeing the pure joy and the brief fear (he’s kind of a sadist) in your eyes before he attacks you w those damned hands 

it reminds him a lot of simpler times w his siblings and he’s happy he brings you joy and makes you forget your worries - at least for a little while 

all in all, he’s a good boy and no i will not tolerate childe slander 🔪 kaeya slander tho 😏

beidou

you pulled beidou??? wow everyone’s jealous (pulled as in literally from the banner and in this context but no i do not have beidou and no i definitely do not want to talk abt it)

god made beidou and zhongli just so all of us could have a sexuality crisis 

anyways, being w her is hard i will not lie 

not bc she isn’t a capable lover - no, quite the contrary 

she’s an amazing partner but the problem here lies in the fact that she’s almost never on land 

it’s hard working a long distance relationship but y’all love each other so it works out :,) 

when she is physically present however, expect to never be bored 

she’ll quietly fix the wrinkles on your shirt or fiddle with your fingers in her hands while she recounts her adventures out on sea 

she sometimes gets worried she bores you, however the way your eyes light up every time she tells a tale always reassures her otherwise

definitely the type to let you use her claymore if you want to learn 

she’ll provide useful tips as she tucks her hands into your sides gently, positioning you correctly so you don’t hurt yourself 

miss girl is an AMAZING cook 

i just know she cooks the best meals - i mean she’s friends w xiangling after all 

whenever she comes home from a voyage she’ll always insist on making something for you even if she’s abt to pass out 

pls tuck her into bed and promise her that she can make you something in the morning <3 the poor woman needs rest 

brings you back trinkets but they’re actually very practical 

she knows you won’t have much use for a simple charm (not that there’s anything wrong w that) but she believes you’ll like something practical more so she might get you a new engraved knife from the most recent place she’s been to 

definitely the type to surprise you when she docks 

i can imagine her anchoring her ship out a little ways from liyue harbor and rowing to the dock in order to make sure you aren’t alerted of her presence (i’m sorry the mental picture this made in my mind is SENDING ME INTO ORBIT but she means well i love you)

will take you to remote spots she’s found in her travels through liyue 

for example - the little heart shaped island and the island quest (?) that you had to use kaeya the bridge maker for in order to get to im sorry i’ll stop w the kaeya slander

she’ll get you seashell bracelets or necklaces idk why but she gives me those vIBES 

they’re super nice ones too, only the highest quality for you 

yes she’s a bruh girl but i also see her as someone who would enjoy intimate moments like watching the sunset or something 

“yo wanna catch the sunset, i heard it looks sick from the jade chamber” said before ahem it yk fell from the sky

kasdjksfashfjsahf yes ofc i would love to catch the sunset w you pls come home luv

anyways, she is a woman i would give the world for 

zhongli

ok gimme a sec i need to get my gentleman mode on 

this man,,, THIS MAN 

everything w him is so soft like your entire eXISTENCE w him could go in a museum it’s that beautiful 

in the morning when he visits you, he always brings you a cup of your favorite tea and a bouquet of glaze lilies he got from madame ping

holds the door for you, pushes the chair out for you, uses a napkin and brushes sauce off your lips when you’re eating - you name something sweet, he’s done it

secretly loves it when you fuss over him 

he doesn’t like to fight but say he encountered a group of hillichurls he couldn’t avoid and promptly defeated them but ended up tearing a part of his tux(?) (is it a tux? i could not tell you)

not that big of a deal, i mean it’s a scratch, he’s a 6,000 year old god, he’s dealt w much worse 

but seeing the worried crease in your brows as you usher him to sit at the table while quickly grabbing antiseptic to clean his wound

“it’s just a scratch, my dear. do not worry i’ve dealt with much worse.”

you quietly protest abt how “yes zhongli, i understand you’re an archon and have gotten worse injuries but i’m worried about infection just please let me take care of you ok? <3″ 

when you say that he feels weird emotions,,, wdym take care of him? 

he’s always taken care of himself or been expected to take care of others as the former ruling deity of liyue so having someone else genuinely worry abt his wellbeing creates a warm feeling in his chest 

he strikes me as the type to knit you something??? idk maybe it’s the grandpa vibes but i headcanon that he would knit you a scarf for the colder weather, it’s cute 

in the privacy of your home, he really likes picking you up

he loves it when you wrap your legs around his middle while he gets up to go do the dishes or smthg 

domesticity go brrrr

if you’re into making flower crowns, he would totally have you on his lap and wordlessly hand you a glaze lily whenever you expectantly hold your hand out while weaving the flowers together 

he expects you to make the crown for yourself but when you place the crown on his head and it fits perfectly while simultaneously tucking a glaze lily behind your ear, he looks at you dumbstruck 

his mouth parts open in awe and it’s quite literally the cutest thing

you’ve broken him 

thinks it’s the sweetest thing - will keep it on his head for the whole day 

he’ll even put it in water before he sleeps so it won’t wilt and he can wear it the next day <3 

scenic picnics!! scenic picnics!! 

the type to take you to the nicest spots in liyue to chat abt the history of the land w you over a cup of tea and your favorite food (whatever you like, he doesn’t mind)

recounts the people he’s met in his long life before finishing off by saying you’re by far the best person he’s met 

zhongli strangles lovingly come home soon 

thanks for reading! if you have any requests don’t hesitate to send them in <3 

[wri0thesley]

omg wait no hold on I just requested overhaul but then I remembered your overhaul thirst post about him pulling a "curing hysteria~" as an excuse and thought I'd request something along that vibe (no oun intended). I think that'd fall under orgasm control, overstim? (hope this is okay!)

hysteria antidote - overhaul x fem!reader (4k)

seeing nothing but the same four walls every day of your life is playing havoc with your brain. overhaul thinks perhaps you're suffering from hysteria. he has the perfect cure for that.

cw: not sfw/minors dni. dark content!!! dubious/non-consent. captive reader. talk of death, blood, etc. medical kink, gloves, fingering, overstimulation, orgasm control. misogyny. mentions of pregnancy/breeding. afab reader, fem pronouns.

[a/n: idk the internet said the 28th of may was his birthday so consider this both a birthday fic and a fic to celebrate 6k followers, sorry that i am gross and horrible but tbh im having a great time <3]

You really don’t think it’s unreasonable for you to be going out of your mind.

Since the Boss was taken ill, and Kai – Overhaul, you remind yourself, though he’s always just a little less sharp with you when you trip over the new name than he is with anyone else – took over leadership of the Shie Hassaikai, you’ve been pretty much stuck indoors.

Considering that you’re pretty sure he only has fond feelings towards maybe three people in the entire world, including you, you guess you ought to feel special about it – but all it actually does is make you feel like a trapped bird, caged and restless. It doesn’t help that all of the other members of the organisation have started being weird around you; people who you’ve known most of your adult life, people who you’ve worked beside and killed beside and done other horrible things beside (for the good of the organisation, of course)--

But now, they look at you like you might break at any moment. They treat you like an invalid. Their brows crease when they see you out and about, quietly murmuring; “Shouldn’t you still be in your room?”, avoiding touching you at all costs. There’s a kind of fear in their eyes, that they’re going to be told off for even speaking to you, that they’re afraid of being caught close to you.

And you know exactly who’s to blame for that.

You’d tried to speak to him about it, once; you’d thought that perhaps he might be amenable to your desire to do something to help the Shie Hassaikai. He’s always wanted to restore them to their former glory, after all! But after you’d let out your little impassioned tirade, his eyebrows had creased over the bird-mask.

“You don’t sound well,” he’d said to you. “Go back to your room. I’ll talk to you about it later.”

You had missed, at the time, that he hadn’t said ‘we’ll talk about it later’. He’d just said ‘I’ll’. When he had come, that is how it had been; the reassurance that he was keeping you safe. That he didn’t want you to be tainted. That he was keeping you well.

Your quirklessness has never been an issue before, but it certainly hasn’t been a boon. Still, for Kai--

“It’s disgusting,” he’d said, agitated by the discussion. You’d stared at his hands, thinking about the destructive power he himself wielded. “Quirks are a curse, and you not having one is just proof you’re not infected.” He’d looked up, golden eyes piercing directly into yours. “I’m going to keep you perfect.”

Overhaul is not a doctor, for all of his talk about illness and disease and plague. You think he could have used his quirk for something meaningful, once; but you also know that his burning curiousity, his disgust of anyone who deems tainted, his utter lack of morality . . . those are all things that would not have been welcomed in the medical profession. So instead, he deals in needles and pills and altering drugs in the underground labyrinth of the compound.

Sterile rooms, with examination tables and scalpels and impersonal, silver-grey equipment. Pill boxes that rattle when he passes them to you and tells you to take three of those a day, one of those, that one has to be taken to with food--

The idea that you won’t take them doesn’t enter his head, and though he has never . . . overhauled someone in front of you, you have walked past other members of the organisation mopping and disinfecting blood and gristle from sterile flooring.

It is better to go along with him, so you take the supplements and the pills and submit to the way he grabs your chin in gloved hands on the doctor’s chair, tipping your face up to shine a light into your eyes and watch your pupils dilate. But inside, you are screaming.

You’re not made to be locked in one room, occasionally allowed out to pace the hallways of the upstairs – never the underground ones, not any more – with restless footsteps and your muscles fizzing with desire to taste fresh air. You’re not made to stare at the same walls and breathe the purified air and think about how empty the compound is, now that Overhaul is in charge of everything--

(Too many knick-knacks attract dust. Pollen allergies act up, if there are too many plants, and he hates hearing people sneeze. Furniture should be easily movable and barren, to assist in the twice-daily cleanings of every room that people walk through.)

But it’s getting too much for you. Suffocating. You feel like you’re choking on air all of the time; you take the pills, because the thought of what he could do to you is terrifying, but sometimes you wonder if perhaps it would be better if you didn’t.

You’d woken up that morning to the sound of rain hitting the high windows in your bedroom, and you had longed to go outside in your thin nightwear and spread your arms and taste the air, smell the rain, feel it hit your body in fat droplets. Your entire being had ached. You’d tried to distract yourself, with what little there was in the barren prison cell that you called a bedroom – but when the door opened at four thirty exactly, and Kai had stood there with his face as impassive as ever, you had not been able to stop yourself.

Hand fastening around his upper arm (you shouldn’t touch him, you know you shouldn’t, but the same four walls are getting to you), you’d begged him;

“I want to go outside.”

If anyone else had touched him like that, they would already be splattered against the walls and floor. But all you get is a furrow of his eyebrows, careful fingers (gloved, of course; the latex against your skin always makes you shudder) pinching at your hand to get you to let go of him.

“No,” he says. “You’ll catch a cold.”

“I don’t care,” you’re petulant, you know, frustration bubbling up in every cell of your body. “If I stay in here for one more day, I will tear myself into pieces.”

“You’re being over-dramatic.”

“Kai—”

“Don’t call me that.” His rebuttal is sharp. “You know I’m doing this for your own good.”

Your face twists into something ugly. Overhaul hates it when you do that; hates the way your brow wrinkles, your mouth moves, your normally lovely face (one of very few he can bear to look at unmasked and not feel as though he is going to get sick from merely breathing the same air of you) marred.

“You’re not,” you hiss at him. “You’re doing this because you’re fucked up! Because you’ve got some weird fucking ideas about what’s clean and what’s unclean, because you’re on a power trip, because you don’t care about other people--” Your voice is pitching and modulating, all of the things that you usually try and keep balled up inside of you spilling out that the floodgates of how unhappy you are is open.

You’re breathing heavy as Overhaul, clearly irked by what you’re saying, tugs at the wrist of one of his surgical gloves. If he’s going to kill you, good – at least it will be better than this, you think, your breath coming in short sharp pants after the outburst.

He lets go. His hands fall to his sides. His golden gaze on you is very level.

“You’re hysterical,” he tells you. An exasperated laugh falls from your mouth.

“Yeah?” You ask him. “Of course I am. Do you know the last time I breathed fresh air?”

“Seven months, two weeks, three days.” He says it without blinking. Your shoulders tense. Has it really been that long? “You haven’t been ill once in that time. The world out there is filthy.”

“It’s normal to get sick,” you try and tell him, but Overhaul is moving forward; past the doorway, and into your room. The door clicks shut behind him, the sound of a lock ominous. You don’t think you’ve ever been alone with Kai in your bedroom.

In the medical examination rooms, sure. In his office. In common areas, back when he was just the boss’ troubled protege and not the boss himself--

His eyebrows twitch in disgust as he notices the dust on your bookshelves. You’d stopped letting any of the cleaners in here a month ago; you’d refused to clean in the mean time, taking whatever small victory against your captor that you could.

“You’ll give yourself respiratory issues,” he says.

“Good,” your voice is cold, but you realise you’ve backed away from him. For all of your attempts to stand up to him, you’re terrified. Everyone knows what he can do. “Better dead than here--”

Gloved fingers around your wrist, so tight you can practically feel them bruising.

“You don’t mean that,” he says. His voice has gotten softer, cajoling. You’re trembling in his grip. “I told you. You’re hysterical.”

“I know exactly what I’m saying,” you say, but your words feel like you’re spitting them out around a mouthful of gravel. “I—I’m calm--”

Your knees knock against your bed, but Overhaul is still clinging to you; still too close. Your heart is beating so fast that you can hear it pounding in your ears.

“You’re not. You’re hysterical.” He repeats it, calmly. The hand not on your wrist reaches up and cups your face, a gloved thumb stroking across your cheek as if you’re the most delicate thing he’s ever touched. The scent of the latex is overwhelming. “But that’s alright. It’s not your fault.” He clicks his tongue behind the mask. “It’s mine. All of this checking for the physical sickness, and I didn’t think about checking your head.”

You fall onto the bed as his knees knock against yours, your back hitting the wall. It’s just a plain, single bed; rumpled sheets, because you’d fought against any attempt for someone to come in and collect your laundry, too. Overhaul looks silly in your room, you think dimly; like a huge black crow in the nest of a small, frightened wren.

“If you fight,” he tells you, “I’ll disassemble you. I’d rather not. I don’t want to taint you by using my quirk. But . . .” He’s sinking to his knees in front of you, those same methodical hands pushing up the skirt of your dress. “If I did, I’d get a blank mind to work with. I won’t hesitate. But I’d still rather simply fix you without having to break you into pieces first.”

You know him too well to think that he’s bluffing.

After all of the vitriol you’ve spat at him, he’s unwilling to kill you. Would it be worse, to be mindless and brainless under Kai’s quirk? You’ve heard some of his failed experiments before; babbling, drooling, broken things. He’s killed them sometimes just to put them out of their misery.

What if he did that, and your mind remained perfectly capable – just utterly unable to communicate with your body? A prisoner in your own skin. Worse than even now. You swallow back the lump of fear.

“H-how are you going to do that?” You ask him.

You start at how cold the gloved fingers are on your bare thighs, as Overhaul pushes them apart. Cold fear prickles down your spine. You’re too scared to fight back, but everything he’s doing is making you want to run.

“Did you know,” Overhaul says, those same hands sliding higher, to tug at the waistband of your underwear. “In the past, there were rumours that doctors would cure hysteria by genital massage and stimulation?”

His words are very clinical, but there’s a thickness to his voice behind the mask that fills you with revulsion.

“It might be nonsense, of course,” he says. Your underwear is being tugged down, pulled around your thighs, your knees, your ankle. “They theorised that the best cure was regular intercourse, male semen, pregnancy and childbirth--”

“Kai—” Your voice is a soft whine, fear-filled. This time, he doesn’t snap at you for calling him by the name he’s left behind. He simply says;

“Spread your legs.”

You don’t want to. But you want to risk what he’s threatening you with even less, so you tearfully open them as wide as you can go. He shifts forward, and the tip of the beaked mask digs into your inner thigh as he studies you like you’re nothing more than a diagram, not a living, breathing person--

“Next time I’ll have lubricant ready,” he says, under his breath, and your heart seizes up at the implication that whatever he’s going to do to you, there’ll be a next time.

You start at the sensation of gloved fingers gently parting the lips of your sex, Overhaul’s golden eyes drinking in the sight of you spread open and bare. You’re shaking, but for some reason the way he’s looking at you – the utter concentration in his eyes – makes a curl of heat flare deep inside of you.

“Don’t,” you breathe, trying not to squirm. “Please--”

“I don’t want to have to,” he says. His tone remains calm, unbothered. “I’m doing it for your own good, you know that. Just helping you along.” One finger slides through the slit; the sensation of the gloves against your most intimate, heated parts makes the muscles in your thighs clench. It’s . . . not exactly unpleasant, but neither it is pleasant. “Do you think I’m getting any pleasure out of this?”

He doesn’t like getting his hands dirty. You know this; everyone knows this. If this particular thought was so unpleasant to him, you don’t doubt he’d have found somebody else to do it (the thought of one of the other members of the Shie Hassaikai doing this to you fills you with even more revulsion than the idea of Overhaul himself). But you can’t say that out loud. Not after what he’s threatened. So you press your lips together and shake your head, gasp dying in your throat as one of Overhaul’s latex-covered fingers prods gently around your opening.

“You’re getting wet,” he tells you, as if you can’t feel the shameful slick beginning to leak from you. “That will make this easier. Good.”

You hate that the praise makes another jolt of arousal go through you. You don’t want to like the feeling of his gloves, rubbing at your heated cunt; the sensation of a fingertip circling around your entrance, brushing the bud of your clit and making you want to clamp your thighs around his hand.

He sinks the tip of one finger inside of you and you jerk, your hips out of your control as you try and sink away from the intrusion. Overhaul clicks his tongue again in annoyance at you. The hand holding the lips of your cunt open moves, to land on your hip and pin you between the bed and the wall so you can’t squirm again.

“I’ll sedate you next time, if I have to,” he says. “I’m not getting anything out of this. I’d prefer not to have to do it at all--”

He’s lying. You know he is. But you can’t call him out for it, so you press your trembling lips together and try to stop tears spilling out from your lash line as the finger inside of you sinks further and further inside, past his first knuckle, right down to the base.

He crooks it inside of you and your hands curl into the bedsheets, nails digging into your palms through cotton. His touch is curious, exploratory; has he ever actually done this to anybody before? He slides over a rough patch inside of you with the latex-tipped finger and a moan escapes your mouth against your will, your head falling back against the wall. Narrowed golden eyes look up at you as he repeats the motion; taking in the gloss of your lips, the widening of your eyes, the way your shoulders are shaking up and down.

You can feel yourself pumping more slick out; helping the glide of his finger inside of you, as he begins to carefully thrust it in and out of you. His touch is made all the more impersonal by the mask obscuring everything but his eyes and eyebrows; you can’t even hear him breathing.

Your cunt is fluttering around him, pleasure swarming you in breathless waves as he withdraws his finger entirely. He lifts the glove to his eyeline, looking only vaguely interested in how the white latex glimmers with your arousal.

“I’m going to use two now,” he tells you – and that is all the warning you get before two fingers beside one another are opening you up, scissoring your tight channel apart with an ache that you feel up to your hips. You bite back the whimper, but you’re unable to stop the choked breaths that are falling from you as he fucks you with them in steady, constant thrusts.

A covered thumb brushes your clit; swollen, now. Sensitive. Standing to attention. Your hips attempt to jerk in his hold once more, a strangled noise that’s neither pleasured nor pain falling from your throat. You’ve touched yourself, of course you have – even recently, just to try and assuage some of the boredom that fills your exactly-the-same days – but Overhaul’s fingers and thumbs and touch on you are so entirely different from that.

He continues his assault over your clit, those same eyes watching you with that same detached, clinical disposition that he’s had most of the time. There’s a cast to them that suggests there’s something more, but whatever emotion – if, indeed, he’s still capable of that – he’s feeling about having you at his mercy in this way has been pushed to the back of his mind as his thumb rolls and pinches at the bud.

Your body goes all-over heat, Overhaul’s fingers still pumping in and out of you, the slick noises of your shaming wetness echoing around the prison of the four walls you’ve spent seven months in. You’re teetering on the edge of something, hot and needy and wanting – and as Overhaul’s thumb sweeps over your poor aching clit again, you tilt your hips forward for as much stimulation as you can--

And he pulls his fingers out of you.

The heat fades into nothingness as you let out a noise of disappointment. Overhaul’s head tilts to one side, considering.

“What do you want?” He asks you. “Say it.”

No. You don’t ‘want’. He’s wrong. You keep your mouth pressed tight now that the damning noise has fallen out of it; you have managed to not let the tears trembling in your eyes spill forth. Your gaze meets his, defiant and tired and afraid all at once.

“Alright,” he sighs. “If you’re going to carry on being difficult.”

He does it again; his fingers plunging into you, scissoring you apart, rubbing against your folds with a practised agility now that he’s done it for the first time. He has always been a fast learner; always been observant. His thumb is back on your clit with ceaseless assault, and all over again you feel heat begin to build up; tension that crawls into every crevice of your being and worms its way deep inside you despite how badly you don’t want this.

The hand holding your hip loosens somewhat, allowing you to messily thrust your hips into Overhaul’s stimulation. You’re torn; you shouldn’t want to hump against the gloved fingers stimulating you, you should be wriggling and squirming away. But it feels so good; even with the skin-tight covering of rubbery latex, Overhaul’s fingers seem to find every one of your weak points and exploit them.

There it is again, building up on you; a ball of tension in your stomach being gradually wound tighter and tighter, threatening to snap at any moment. Your hips flex against his hand, your fingers clenching and unclenching on the bedsheet--

He denies you the peak of your orgasm for the second time.

And a third.

And a fourth.

“Kai--!” You’re too far gone to even think, after the pleasure has been pulled from you so cruelly, over and over again. The tears spill over your cheeks., rolling down in fat, shaming droplets. Overhaul’s eyes narrow.

“No,” he says, vehement – more emotion in his voice than you’ve heard all day. “You know what to call me.”

You know what he wants you to call him. You know that he wants to leave his old name behind, start again, be someone who can drag the Shie Hassaikai out of the shadows and into light and power once again – and he thinks that the name will help. You gurgle out a sobbing, strangled noise;

“O-Overhaul, please--”

Three fingers are plunged as deep inside of you as they can go, crooked to rub against your sweet spot; as Overhaul murmurs, detached but soft;

“That wasn’t so hard, was it?”

They thrust into you, his thumb rubbing your clit with firm, certain strokes – and this time, as the orgasm rushes up on you all at once, he doesn’t stop. He fucks you with his fingers through it, his thumb not ceasing the circling. Pleasure washes over you, finally, in great waves and crests. You feel yourself gush on his fingers, soaking him in your wetness (his eyebrows furrow again, at how close your fluid comes to spilling over his bared wrist; but you are too relieved to think about anything other than finally getting what you need).

Your hips flex, gasps falling from your mouth with every thrust of them – and you expect Overhaul to pull his fingers out of you. To stop touching you. Perhaps to strip off his gloves and put on a new pair – you know he always carries spares – and sneer at you as he walks out of the room.

But Overhaul’s fingers do not move from inside of you. The fierce rhythm of his fucking and petting and rubbing does not stop, even as the final aftershocks of your orgasm clench loosely about him and his constant stimulation becomes more of an annoyance than anything else on heated, sensitive skin.

You squirm, trying to push your thighs together to get him to stop touching you – but the hand not fucking you forces your thighs to stay parted with the curl of fingers into supple flesh, leaving you helpless to do anything but let him carry on touching you. Carry on fucking you.

A short, sharp shock of an orgasm rips through you as he swirls his thumb over your clit just so, and you realise that you’re drooling down yourself as well as panting; helpless and sloppy, utterly unable to do anything except lie there and take it until Overhaul decides he’s had enough of touching you.

You come, what? Twice more? Thrice? Until the pulsing of your channel is painful, your skin feeling red raw, your whimpers into the ceiling dry and broken. Only then does he pull his fingers out of you with a lewd pop.

A gush of your fluid that his fingers were stoppering soaks your bedsheets, and you watch, dazed, as Overhaul stands up. He looks down at you for just one moment, that stretches unbearably long in the heat-and-sex soaked atmosphere of the room.

He strips his gloves off of his hands, eyebrows twitching in disgust as he leaves the crumpled latex on your bedside table. He’s sliding on another pair as he speaks;

“Feel better?”

No. No, you don’t. You feel worse. You feel disgusted and violated and aching, your body over-stimulated and exhausted, sweat and drool and bodily fluids clinging to your skin. But if you tell Overhaul that--

“Yes,” you say, voice very soft and small and weak. You cannot see his mouth, but you see the way his eyes flash happily, the overall sensation of him smiling.

Why does Overhaul’s smile make you so scared, when Kai’s smile used to just make you feel warm?

“We’ll need to do it a few more times,” he tells you, as your blood runs to ice in your veins. “Such maladies aren’t cured in a day, after all. But . . .” He turns, rearranging himself carefully, his mask readjusted. You can’t see him as he speaks the next words. “I’d like to try some of the other suggested remedies, too.”

You think of his earlier words.

‘They theorised that the best cure was regular intercourse, male semen, pregnancy and childbirth.’

You’re never going to escape, are you? You’re going to be trapped in this compound until the day you die, and Overhaul is going to think that he’s keeping you safe--

“Take a shower,” he says to you, as he opens the door. It is not a suggestion. “And stop not letting the maids come in here to clean. I’m not having you get sick.”

You think he might be the sick one.