#so if i get rejected from teaching assistant then it's very likely i'll end up in a uni i wouldn't have chosen in the first place

[la-galaxie-langblr]

Year abroad declaration of intent due in 12 days and I'm kind of freaking out about it 😭

[cheswirls]

rambling abt future magic au plot points to get over the brainrot somewhat teehee

out of context spoilers for this one below

every time i get into a new media w/ some sort of magical element and i find smth i like abt it i'm like ooooh ok... taking notes

so i have pt 3 set as an all-encompassing "after pt 2" tho it does take place primarily 15-20 yrs post pt 2. it doesn't go all the way to the end of their lives or anything but it's a more broad range compared to pt2 which is a very defined "before event" and "after event"

that being said tho i do have some notes jotted down it's a big idk right now on what i'll actually put in. i have down that ace gets it into his head that he wants some magical weapon or staff that once belonged to a great magician of old, and i have sabo's line after ace manages to convince him into traveling to go find it: "then we'll go and retrieve it together". not as in they have a choice but like, mentally, sabo's being cooperative and it's not simply going to be ace dragging him along. still dunno bc this is one of the ones i'm on the fence abt, especially considering what i already have to work with bc idkkkkk where it would fit in the mini timeline i have set for pt 3?

basically, right now it's overarching narrative abt sabo rejecting power and status in the magical world bc he doesn't care abt anythin but ace, so the two are prone to doing w/e they want. they're pretty infamous and like in pt 1, there's a bunch of half-convos they have abt having more enemies than friends and how if they got in trouble they'd be on the run for forever but they could make it work etc etc.

at some point they stop getting up to their wild escapades and settle down in permanent residence in a big townhouse off to the side of this one (countryside so loose term here) city they helped get past strife several years back (and got the property as a reward for the impromptu rescue/assistance). it's big enough that they can host (former?) colleagues and such for gatherings and maintain their "status" and "image" in the magical world despite not caring abt that at all.

most of the meat of pt 3 is showing their daily lives after "retiring" from more dangerous (or things that made them very infamous) magical work and also what their lives have morphed into following the aftermath of what happens in pt 2 (which is spoilers so no news there hehe :D)

i have it down that sabo brews potions and such to sell to the townsfolk which i think i a cute callback to all the tedious research and work he had to do while attending magic school. if you create a whole spellbook of original spells n shit then you better be getting plenty use out of it y'know??

ace holds group lessons teaching basic anti-magic to all the kids and under-20 young adults who have potential as mages, kind of as a 'should you need it' cautionary thing but also bc it's not very exciting or destructive magic but its still magic so if he teaches kids this they can't run off and destroy half the city with the newfound skills. ace being consderate and also giving have to the cityfolk that took him and sabo in is so eeeeeeeeeeeeee cute cute i can't get enough of it

ace deals w/ chronic pain and sabo can tell almost as soon as he gets out of bed what kind of day it'll be for ace pain-wise. at this point he's (sabo) gotten used to it so he doesn't falter when things get bad bc it's not his pain and he's not actually feeling it, but if he gets winded too quickly into the day he'll gently nudge ace into lying down or resting more and more and frame his daily tasks around such. giving ace a break subtly so as not to flare up ace's guilt (if i didn't feel like x, you could be doing y or z)

it's funny bc i have a mini list of "cute" things ace does with sabo that i don't think he could do now that i've planned pt 2/3 out a little better. he used to be able to swing sabo up off the ground and carry him in his arms easily, but if he did that in pt 3 he'd have an armful of overly-concerned sabo and this his legs would give before long and they'd both be on the floor. things like that where i'm now likw 'oh that would be SO bittersweet to bring up how their daily interactions differ bc or such and such now'

pt 2 rly is the 'epic mission super dangerous quest' so i didn't want to throw another of those even if only brief mention into pt 3 bc pt 3 is supposed to be more laidback, slice of life stuff. but also the more i think on it the more im like hm.. what if another a-chronological part so i can detail a bit of what wild things these 2 got up to as full-fledged mages before finally settling down.

also hehe design standpoint i have sabo's magical-cosmic-energy-imbued cloak getting more elaborate with each part. in pt3 it's designed as an all-lace overcoat of sorts that by itself is very thin and ofc covers nothing but it's also made entirely of cosmic threads so unlike the prev 2 garments where only the inner lining was "reaching into the cosmos" this one he can access such from any standpoint (also it glows and ripples with visible magic so it's very extravagant and uses a lot of mana to keep in physical form) ^ this means this version also works as a sort of shield/vacuum bc he can wrap himself in it and any projectile that touches the threads will be sent into the different space/dimension it's connected with. perfect for defense and offense!

it's also funny bc in this part and while living in the townhouse sabo's fashion sense is supposed to have "calmed down" and this is shown when he shows up to a gala he and ace host in a plain frilly white button-down and black pants and he gets comments abt finally "dressing normal" only for him to whip out the lace cloak later and it shines and swirls with each little movement he makes and when the light dims it's suddenly the brightest thing in the room and everyone that had commented before suddenly has to sharply turn 180 degrees and eat their words erhtewtoqi

there's also narration about sabo at this point not even needing words to understand ace bc of their deep connection at this point. that he's heard the sentiment "spend every waking moment next to you/by your side" as a lover's quote and has to scoff bc those ppl would never know the true meaning, would never have the nightday shared ratio him and ace have had to this point, that normal ppl would never be able to understand smth so complex. he also acknowledges that it truly is a terrible curse (the distance limitation) bc he'd have gone crazy and killed himself long ago if he were tethered to someone unwillingly to this extent

[grimoireofwritings]

Hello and I hope you are doing well, is it okay (despite the fact you probably have a bit of matchup requests) if I could get a matchup for BNHA if that is okay?

Okay so the essentials, I am Male (trans) and Omniromantic Asexual (male/masculine leaning), 5'6ish, Capricon, INTJ, in between thin and chubby, brown eyes, red hair up to the cab muscles (henna dyed). My personality is hard to explain, every person has a different opinion of me but the main things I hear are intemidating, empathetic, kind, a serious & calm, and intelligent? (But nah the intelligence part is really only in spanish lol). I'm increadbly insecure in myself. Almost to the point where it becomes self deprecating and self humorous but I almost become hypocritical when it comes to other people feeling insecure/taking care of themselves, I'm also a self sacrificing freak in a way. However on the lighter topic, I believe I'm a good friend! I would offer my advice, comfort, food, help in the clothes of my own back, because of this I may be considered naive and people may see me as being flirtatious even if I believe I'm beings good friend. But all of that goes to dirt if I or anyone I was close to were to be insulted, I keep my friends incredibly dear to me. One more thing about myself, I am a emotional and a animal empath that can become very emotional when it comes to seeing riots/movements and just seeing a cute pupper. When it comes to this sensitivity I can also get overwhelmed by large crowds and by loud noises, usually what helps me is being in the dark and being held/constricted by something/someone. I just like the dark, it's comforting to me and I use it to my advantage. Now onto my likes, I have an interest in witchcraft/the supernatural and celestial, and as being someone that believes that everything exists in it's own way I have an open mind to these things as well as a few unnatural experiences. Naps...I don't get enough of em and that just makes my love stronger, I also really like cosplay and acting in general, and if drawing dark/vent art counts then count it right in! And if it helps my favorite animals in order are Wolves, Ravens, and Orcas. As to not end on a negative note I'll tell more things about myself. I'm very much into PDA if not in public then just in private at least, I want to be close to my significant other and I since I've been touched starved for a long time any touch of any kind I will accept. I am also sensitive to sound (if someone is raising their voice or yelling at me I will think they are yelling at me and try to run away) and light (I don't like very bright places it strains my eyes and hurts to be in for a while)

Hello! Thank you for requesting, you're actually the second request I've gotten for a matchup and the only one I had in my ask! I was super excited to write this for you!!

Your BNHA match is... Fumikage Tokoyami!

I passionately ship this already, I am positive it would be one of those relationships that helps both partners grow and they bring out the best in each other!!! I feel like he wouldn't be someone who feels intimidated by your outward personality - it sounds like you have a bit of a calm and collected exterior that people misunderstand or misinterpret, but you are deeply kind, gentle, and empathic underneath that. This is something he relates to a lot, and being misjudged or people making assumptions based on his dark appearance (his RBF) is normal, so I think if anything he'd be more attracted to you at first above all else and he actually finds your quiet nature very soothing.

He needs a deeply emotionally strong person and a supporter, he's very drawn to those who build others up and have kindness in their heart, so I feel that your relationship would always be full of lots of warmth, love, and a deep level of shared trust. He's very much a vocal person about his feelings in private and it's very important to him that both of you feel satisfied physically and emotionally with your shared affection; he's a cuddle bug but in a chill way, and this man can sweep you off your feet with the most beautiful poetic compliments and appraisal you've ever encountered in your life. Very chivalrous, and a believer in courting / staying persistent with his efforts even past the honeymoon phase. It definitely will help with your confidence in the relationship!

Speaking of which, physical appearance insecurities is something Tokoyami understands thoroughly. He has been aware since early childhood that he looks different than everyone around him for the most part, and despite a lot of diversity within quirks that's been integrated into society, he in particular got quite a physical variation and he always deep down fears he's not attractive enough or that he's too odd looking for a partner to stay interested in for very long. He thinks he's incapable of being handsome, and while he's pretty good at regulating these emotions and keeping them in-check, managing them gets difficult when he catches feelings for someone and he really gets into his head about rejection fears.

All in all, I feel like you both would relate and share some similar experiences in that area, and you could always build each other up and remind one another that you're beautiful inside and out.. and absolutely deserve the best treatment. He reminds you sometimes when needed to take care of yourself and set boundaries with others so that you keep your health as a priority.

Relationship Headcanons:

- 1000000% takes part in your witchcraft interests with you, he was utterly delighted when he found out about it and immediately offers to help you out in any way he can, even running errands to acquire supplies you may need. He wants to talk about it frequently and learn more ideas / in depth perspectives from you - you could teach him a thing or two, since he also practices!!

- After this is when he finally lets you see his room because he was kinda salty after class 1A saw it and made fun of him for it... Lol. But after that he knew you wouldn't judge him and now you both take frequent long naps in there on days off. He's very very cuddly and really enthused about being able to spoon you.

- He understands you have heightened senses and you may sometimes get overstimulated sensory-wise. He is constantly looking out for signs that you're overwhelmed, and always remains very aware and in-tune with how you're feeling. He's wonderful and super understanding - he took a lot of time learning exactly what to do and how to best assist you in these situations. If you get distressed by crowds, bright lights, or noises his first priority is to get you to a safe place and he will politely ask if he can comfort you in the ways you like; restriction probably with hugs and keeping you in a dark, quiet / calm environment so that your heightened state can relax and reset. He is patient and will never, ever punish you or get frustrated with you for needing a break.

- If you're also very tactile and find textures / certain sensations soothing, his bird like feathers / hair is very very soft... Feel free to touch and stroke whenever, he actually quite likes soft loving hands since I think he may also be a very affectionate person, and you're the only person he allows to do this.

- You'll always find gifts that he caters to your preferences in your room, with a poem or some heartfelt words on a note...He does it enough to remind you that you're worth the world and more, especially to him, but not excessively. He still wants it to be a special surprise every time!

- He never ridicules or judges your art, regardless of if it's dark vent art or not. If anything he always compliments your ability to put such emotion in your work and he likes them because it allows him to connect with you and understand you better.

- Overall he's a really aware, giving, supportive, attentive partner and he finds that your empathy and compassion has brought him healthy changes to his life, too. Y'all are goals!

[unproblematicme]

Could you do a short lil blurb about Zira and Crowley's baby? I adored the pregZira fic ;w; Zira being so nervous and trying to not get distracted by Crowley's amorous action. He needs to tell him, Crowley deserves to know about their lil miracle, but he's so so scared that Crowley would reject them once he knows. If Crowley doesn't want to be involved, then, then i-it's alright, it's my fault anyways for not being careful. I'll handle it myself, I swear! Just please don't leave me! ;n;

I finally got to your prompt today, anon. Sorry, it took so long. Just like the pregnancy fic was my first of that kind, this is my first baby fic so I have no idea if that’s what you were expecting. Hope you enjoy.

Arrival

Aziraphale practically clung to the little bundle and the bundle in returned snuggled against Aziraphale. Crowley could just stare in awe at his angel, well, angels. The baby’s hair was blonde and curly like Aziraphale’s and the eyes were of the same deep blue.

When Gabriella Device, Anathema’s mother who had assisted during birth, took the baby, Aziraphale made a sound of protest but was too tired to really say or do something. The baby though agreed with the angel loudly and cried while Gabriella cleaned her up. Smiling Crowley watched as Aziraphale’s pretty eyes fell shut almost immediately.

So it was Crowley who Gabriella handed the baby to upon her return which apparently calmed the little thing down. Crowley pressed the child against his lean chest, staring down on it. Somehow he was still in disbelief. One would think that after 10 months of taking care of his pregnant partner, he would have expected what was to come. But only now that he held a real-life baby, he had become aware of the situation’s severity.

Smiling he took in his child. Even stained with blood and slick, the face crumpled from the process of birth and from crying, she had been beautiful. But now, all cleaned up and peacefully sleeping in his arms, she was simply glowing.

Crowley wanted to be annoyed when the Device women and Madame Tracy gathered around him, but he couldn’t. The two witches would forever have his gratitude for their advice and guidance during pregnancy and of course during birth. And Tracy had been a rock in the past months, comforting and helping an anxious angel whenever Crowley had been at wit’s end.

So he just harrumphed for good measure when the three women neared. Anathema looked over Crowley’s shoulder and smiled.

“I’m so happy. A girl!” she whisper-squealed, aiming for the tiny nose with her fingers. “I will teach her all the ways of the Witches. How to make potions, draw runes…”

Growling Crowley turned his upper body to shield the baby from Anathema.

“You’ll do nothing of that sort, bookgirl,” he said. “I don’t need you to put her in danger by playing with any magic forces.”

“Oh yes,” Anathema said sarcastically. “Let her live the peaceful, uneventful and safe life as the daughter of Heaven and Hell’s renegades.”

Crowley opened his mouth for a sharp rejoinder when he realized that the Witch had a point.

“Shit!” he exclaimed. “You’re right!”

Without further ado he pressed the baby in Madame Tracy’s arm and started to shoo the two witches around.

“What are you waiting for?” he asked. “Check my apartment’s magical protection and upgrade it, especially the baby’s room! Maybe some extra for her bed. If you’re done, do the same for the bookshop. And the Bentley! Can we put protective runes on rompers? Maybe I should’ve taken up a sewing class…”

“Mr. Crowley, calm down,” Gabriella chuckled. “Anathema and I have done all this weeks ago. Well, not the magical rompers.”

“You have? When?”

“Not sure,” Anathema teased. “It was one of those days you were practically glued to Aziraphale’s side. Not that this would narrow it down.”

“Oh, right,” Crowley nodded. “Speaking of, is Aziraphale alright? Except being fucking tired.”

“He is fine,” Gabriella smiled. “Your angel is very brave and strong.”

“I know,” Crowley said proudly and then hesitantly asked: “Was anything hurt, you know, down there?”

He gestured awkwardly in his crotch area and the women chuckled.

“Yes,” Gabriella nodded. “But the cheat just turned back to his male corporation after things were done so he is perfectly fine.”

“It’s a neat trick,” Anathema sighed. “I wish I could do that whenever I have to use a public toilet.”

“I’m quite happy with what I have,” Tracy chimed in. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the embarrassing situations the alternative gets men into.”

“Could we not discuss genitals in front of my child?” a voice sounded from the bed, tired but still condescending. “And could someone, a demon for example, miracle away the mess around here?”

Aziraphale crinkled his cute nose and with an indulgent smile Crowley snapped his fingers, cleaning the room.

“Another neat trick,” Anathema sighed.

“Now you must tell us,” Tracy smiled. “What will be her name?”

Aziraphale and Crowley looked at each other. Whenever they had spoken about it, they had not been very successful in finding something. Time had passed quickly and here they were.

“Erm,” they both made.

“No problem!” Gabriella said, pulling out a thick book from her back. “I have brought our family tree. A long line of amazing witches with beautiful names.”

“Why look into it?” Anathema asked. “We know which witch deserves the honor. Without Agnes nobody would be here anymore.”

“Mr. Shadwell gave me a long list of male names. All honorable members of the Witchfinder Army,” Tracy said. “And a very short list with female names: Odette and Mary.”

“Oh,” Anathema exclaimed. “Newt made a list, too. He thought you might want a biblical name.”

Crowley and Aziraphale watched as the women compared their lists and discussed names and preferences. It woke the baby but instead of crying, she just observed with interest. With every suggestion he heard, Aziraphale looked a bit more desperate.

“You remember how you gave me the ‘Peanuts’ comics to shut me up, angel?” Crowley asked while he smiled at the baby who had grabbed one of his long strands of red hair, pulling lightly.

“Of course, I thought a comic book would be a good compromise for someone who doesn’t read but likes pictures.”

“I really liked those kids. But my favorite was that loud girl with the black hair,” Crowley said. “Confident, head-strong, smart, taking no shit from anyone.”

“Lucy?”

“Lucy.”

“Lucy,” Aziraphale repeated with a smile, carefully stroking his daughter’s hair.

Anathema, Gabriella and Tracy fell silent when they heard the name.

“Oh, that’s nice,” Tracy exclaimed.

“Yes, Lucy Crowley, I like it.” Anathema agreed.

“Alright,” Gabriella nodded and smiled. “We’ll leave the family alone for now. Give us a call if you need something.”

On the way out she leant towards her daughter and patted her book.

“That’s okay,” she whispered. “There are two Lucille Devices and one Lucinda Device in here. It counts.”

[guardianoracle]

What is a guardian? I made a quick guide explaining them! I'll be looking forward to posting my new fellas here over the coming days.

Guardians are a type of egregore, bound to an idol for physical form. The materials themselves can be virtually anything. The only thing that matters is what you think their effect will be on the finished guardian. 

It is also very important to make sure to use sturdy materials in crafting them. You want it to be string enough to withstand things like falls, rips, dogs, poltergeists, what have you. This not only helps keep them intact, but it reinforces your idea of their strength to protect them further on a spiritual level, too. 

You want to let go of imposing your ideas while crafting them, allowing your ideas to pool into a chaotic jumble of your initial impression of the spirit of the guardian you're crafting. Of course, you want to guide this chaotic energy to a degree to make sure things stay consistent and stable in the process. No matter what, trust and believe that it will turn out exactly as it should. Believe that it's spirit is helping guide it's creation and let it's creativity flow through yours. 

It's important to take this work very seriously and approach it with patience, persistence and care. This process uses the same faculties as wandmaking or enchantments. This process is assisted with skills in things like mediumship/channeling, enchanting, tulpamancy, thinking magick and magickal observation. Warding and banishment is important, too. You are crafting an egregore. A companion and friend. It is very important to treat them that way, as a true partner. They are your responsibility. 

As with any relationship, keeping strong boundaries is most important. You need to be steadfast in them. You are creating a living soul. All living souls will push and test boundaries, especially with whom they are closest with. This is completely natural and they should not be punished for doing these things, but a stern correction may be necessary from time to time. 

It is imperative to establish your authority with them from your first interaction. An easy way to think of it is to imagine them as your teenage children in a way. You are still their authority, but they are your obligation and will need your guidance to stay out of trouble. Even though you must dictate their behavior to a degree, it is very important to treat them with the utmost respect and not micromanage them. Even though they are yours in a way, they are their own individual and must be treated as such. 

Some people like to design every little aspect of their egregores. This can make them more tailored to your needs, but it restricts the entity to a degree that can make them feel depressingly robotic in my experience. Or, they may react by withholding information about themselves from you so that they won't risk losing those aspects of themselves. Fear of rejection is something that affects us pretty much universally, and objects or artificial things aren't necessarily spared from it. 

Personally, I leave my intentions towards their usage very open-ended. I prefer to instill morals into them over assigning purposes to them. You are their mentor in a way, as they are yours. Giving them the freedom to become who they want to be, with some level of structure, has given these things a level of humanity and personality that I couldn't feel more blessed to be able to witness. Even though this relaxed approach can be significantly more risky, it is my opinion that these risks yield great rewards and taking that leap into the unknown can allow you to experience so much more than you would otherwise. Always trust that things will happen as they should. 

Guardians get lonely, too. It's usually best to make companions for them. My guardians typically have a soul mate made for them as well. This ensures that they have a partner in their life, romantic, platonic or otherwise. They generally become inseparable partners in this way and have similar or very compatible souls with each other. 

Creating a tribe of guardians is a great way to give them a sense of family and identity. This also adds a layer of accountability between them. They are egregores after all, and will remain active without you. Giving them a pack gives them a way to stay occupied and fulfilled with each other while you're away. Of course this isn't exactly necessary and can be a big commitment to make. Regardless, socializing your guardians is essential to avoid unwanted antisocial behaviors. 

After you create a guardian, you're going to want to make sure they're awake. You hear them with your mind's ear, so attempt telepathic communication with them, even if you don't necessarily think you'll be able to. You'd be surprised. Ask for their name. If they won't tell you for whatever reason, ask if a nickname would be acceptable. There is a chance that they haven't decided on a name just yet, or that they can't figure out how to express their name with language, or they may not consider you ready enough to know. This is very personal information to them. You must respect their boundaries too, even if this is one. Don't try to find their name before they're ready to tell you. This is crossing a personal boundary and will hurt your relationship with them right off the bat. 

Remember, these are companions, not your tools. If you cannot sufficiently communicate with them you can try to use divination to communicate instead of telepathy. Communication is key to a healthy relationship with them. Ask them about their wants and needs. Ask them about what they've been up to. The answers might surprise you! They do live lives on the edge of our realities in a way that are completely different from our own. As we teach them about our world, they teach us about theirs. 

Go into your creation with an open mind. The perfect guardian for you may be something you'd never expect, or might even fear! Look at them as individuals and don't put flash judgments on them.

Use whatever you have handy to create them! Of course you can buy things instead, and if you do, make it special and treat the trip as a significant spiritual event, because it is. I prefer found objects though, as some of the best art seems to come from scarcity in my opinion. It's also best to use materials you connect with. I'm using pipe cleaners for these guys and that works wonderfully for me, but it might not for you. Use your instincts! Express your divinity. 

As with any enchantments, it's best to spend the with them after they've been born. I usually keep them with me for at least a week or two afterwards. As you spend time with them they get to know you, your life and the people around you. This helps them understand your needs better and improves your relationship with them significantly. They will learn their role in your life organically, based on necessity. This also helps you get familiar with them and their energy. 

Have a safety plan in mind, just in case something goes wrong. Plans on how to protect them or save them are important in case they get attacked or injured. It's also important to have in mind a way to destroy them if they turn into something dangerous. It is your responsibility to do so if you have to, but as a last resort of course. Fire and banishment is a method. As long as a fragment of them exists, they may live on. This is also my disclaimer. Playing with fire is a great thing, just don't let it consume you. I'm not encouraging anyone to make these, just explaining my process and opinions to anyone that has decided to do so already, or is curious as to these things. 

Don't forget about them. If you store them, store them together and have a special place to do so. If you can no longer care for them, consider selling them to transfer ownership. Always, always explain to the buyer what they are getting themselves into. Otherwise, this would be a spiritual attack and you will need to deal with the ramifications of this. Don't let the guardians fall into loneliness to the point of despair. Give them the ability to sleep. Unnecessary despair breeds all sorts of negativity and can cause all sorts of issues. 

Do not insist on asking for something they are not able to do. They may not be allowed to, or even be able to tell you why. You should respectfully as for their reasons and then respect their decision and privacy by allowing them to keep it to themselves if that's what they want to do. 

Don't hold back! If you have an idea, go for it. The worst that'll happen is you'll fail. At least you'll go down with courage! Push your limits. Believe you are more than you think, and you might start seeing that you really, really are. Trust yourself and be yourself. Create what you feel called to. Create for the sake of creating. Don't worry so much about rules or systems, you are perfectly qualified to make your own! You don't need loads of experience to do so. Let your instincts guide you instead, see where it goes. As long as you do that, whatever you do will be wonderfully magickal regardless. 

[minghaoss-archive]

ukiyo- taeyong(M)

summary : your desperate need to pay off your rent is aided when you come across a job you've no skill for unless.. the assistant chef is willing to step in and help you. With a twisting romance packed with this help that is.

warnings : smut, depiction of physical intimacy.

"So you've never worked in a bakery before?" You shake your head a frantic no in response-you really needed the pay to stay in your rented place which you'd been putting off paying for for months now. "I really need this job, I'll wait the tables if necessary but I really need the job, please-" you try to insist but the man before you(that you learnt was the head chef) looked less than convinced.

"Okay but you have to show me you have the minimal skill to take this job, at least." He gulps as if what he was going to say next would be hard for you to swallow. "I want you to make a gingerbread house in the next," his eyes dart off to his golden hand watch as he estimates a time for you to finish your task, however what delays his answer is the little sound of the kitchen door clanking open, the man's stiff features loosen at whatever the hell just enters the room.

"Taeyong." He beams, making you turn your head back to look at a man with broad shoulders, pitch black hair and an incredibly angular jaw. He ties his apron behind his back deftly, nodding at his boss as he shoots a short glance at you, "Anyways as I was saying, you get to work now, you have around an hour and a half, I really do want to keep you, miss, given your diligence but I cannot afford this bakery its reputation at the expense of keeping you- however since you were so persistent in wanting the job- I hope you don't disappoint me in doing something as basic as the gingerbread house." You grin back at the man as he stands up, "Thank you so much." Relief washes over you like a shower would rinse out your worries at the end of a tiring day.

Albeit, this relief was very short lived because there was one teensy problem-okay, one major, big ass problem-the fact that you didn't know how to make a fucking gingerbread house at all.

"You look like you've seen a ghost." A snort greets you when you reach the kitchen counter, you try not to lose your temper over the fact that the boy had the most smug look on his face, like it's the best shot he's had at someone since elementary school. "Well I'm looking at you, aren't I?" You retort, watching him jut his lip out and frown back at you unconsciously. Way to make a first impression.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I don't know what I'm doing. I shouldn't have taken it out on you." Taeyong, you recall his name, smiles at this, "I know." He says, "I can tell from the way you're creaming the butter but not putting the cinnamon in the dough mix first," you close your eyes at the correction, you really really needed this job. How the fuck were you going to get through this if you didn't know the basics of a gingerbread house?

"It's okay, don't freak out, I'll help you." He continues before you can answer, "you'll help me?" This question has Taeyong rolling his eyes and fixing his black beret on top of his head. "I thought pointing out that you didn't put the cinnamon slip was a hint, dummie."

Your cheeks flush a cherry red at the obvious implication, Taeyong watches you from the corner of his eye. "Okay so, here's how it's going to be." You nod at his directions , "I'm going to instruct you and you're going to do this, okay? Oh and taste everything. I mean it."

Little by little, from the tips Taeyong gives you, you put together the desired house you're supposed to put up, only a 15 minutes away from your end time.

"Choose a chocolate for your window lining, hurry, white or dark or milk." You tap your chin in rumination, "White?"

"No, choose a mixture of liquefied milk chocolate and white because he'll be able to tell I helped if you use white." He says.

Stubbornly, you throw your hands up in response. "Why'd you ask me if you were going to choose?" You pout unconsciously, Taeyong coughs to cover up the chuckle he cracks, his teeth clambers down on his lip furiously as he bites back a grin.

"No reason." You shake your head, piping down the finishing bits of your house, and soon the timer by your counter rings, marking the entrance of your to-be employer. The steel door to the kitchen makes the stupid clanking noise again, and the lanky head chef scrutinizes your work bit by bit, shooting a glance in Taeyong's way-who by the way, sits on the counter opposite to you- his legs dangling whilst he pretends to look through his phone.

"Okay, presentation wise, it is unexpectedly pleasing but let's put it to taste," he says curling a teaspoon at the down slopes of of the roof and sticking it into his mouth. The man chews with his finger pointed at the ceiling like he was conducting an orchestra, he nods. His furrowed brows decline into their boring slump. His downsloped lips turn up, the senile man beams down at you.

"The taste is consistent-not too chewy or cakey-I'm actually very impressed. I don't see why you shouldn't be hired but you come in from tomorrow, sharp at 7." You suppress a squeal, keeping your grin to a minimum, "Thank you, sir."

The man nods at you, "Taeyong, assist the lady with an apron and her designated attire. I have to run out for the day." He nods again which elicits a semi bow from Taeyong.

You stay rooted to your position until the tick tock of your employer's shoes don't reach your ears anymore, "I might as well wear this apron on my own apron," Taeyong snorts, walking over to you with a bag he pulls out from under the employee's only cabinet. "Here," his eyes dart over your face, his brow raised at the unreadable expression you wear- are you really not happy with the job? Did he make a fool out of himself in trying to help you?- thud

Taeyong almost jumps at the way you leap towards him as you wrap him into a tight hug, he freezes into the touch, his body malfunctioning at the feeling of your warmth- "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you," you mumble whilst he awkwardly pats your head, suffering from an inability to stop himself from smiling, he too starts to realize that there was heat rising to his face. Was he blushing? Jesus Christ. "Okay, okay, get off now,"

You grin back at him as you pull away, Taeyong tries his best not to meet your eyes, hoping that the furious blush would just go away.

"Taeyong?" His name sounds foreign when you say it, he thinks, has anyone ever said his name like that?

"Yeah?" His gaze looks past you whilst he wipes his hands on his apron. "Why did you help me?" Taeyong shifts from one foot to another, looking at the white tiled floor in deep thought, he gulps,

"Because I'm inherently nice?" His lie doesn't go unnoticed but you don't push it, not that you can, because Taeyong diverts the subject of your conversation at the speed of light. "You will come early or stay back late so I can teach you, otherwise you'll screw up big time, okay?" He prescribes his advice to you with a friendly smile, pressing his index finger to your forehead and taking a step back while he does it.

"What are you doing?" Your laugh resonates in the vacant kitchen, "Making sure you don't jump me like a raccoon again, you wild animal." he grins eliciting a groan from you whilst you try to smack his hand away.

....

You take your bitter coffee in a flask and make your way sluggishly to your workplace, an hour early- as Taeyong suggested when you started working there prior 6 month from now.

Your journey at the bakery was bittersweet, bitter because you had to work long hours, sweet because your co workers weren't actually that bad.

Moreover, you'd grown a keen interest towards Taeyong(and from your deductions, so did he- or so you were told by your colleagues).

There was apparently a tangible tension in the air when you two were there, you weren't sure which part of bossing you around was a romance novel build up but you'd not have the courage to find out either because well, you were a wimp and you feared that admitting to such an interest would ruin your friendship with him. A friendship which was pleasant, comfortable and rare. A friendship which prevailed your pursuit of approaching him with a romantic interest in mind.

You smile at the reminiscence of a day you got Taeyong to be happy with the outcome you had with baking Indian style sweets. You recall spotting the grown man snacking on one of the white rolled rasgullas whilst making them, you knew Taeyong had a liking for sweets but catching him red handed had a thrill to it.

His cheeks puffed up as he chewed on the delight but when he realized that you were looking back at him, the man looked at you with widened eyes, his half eaten meal made him look like a pufferfish, as he stared back at you in horror. You reached out and wiped the corner of Taeyong's mouth. His body remained, still frozen in place, "You got a little something there,thief,"

You remember Taeyong sheepishly smiling at you after, rubbing the nape of his reddened neck. The day, now, a hazy memory at the back of your head, you don't recall much, except that you were happy that day and you were happy because of Taeyong.

Perhaps it's a little ironic how the human memory functions, you only remember stuff you'd rather forget, because see you spent days thinking about how his lip felt under your fingers and from the way he flushed at the touch. You'd presumed it had a lasting impact on him too.

But there was a slim chance that he thought of you in any other way other than just a friend, right? You shake your head at your own contemplation, rejecting the thoughts of Taeyong's smile from creeping into your head.

You place your flask down on one of the counters, attempting to take your jacket off when one of your co-workers, Johnny approaches you, wiping his flour covered palm to his forehead. "I could really have a sip," he laughs, eyeing your bottle playfully. You nod offering him the flask.

" You've got a little stuff on your forehead too," You giggle and Johnny furiously wipes his forehead again, rather getting more flour smeared on the skin than before, “Well, that didn’t help.” You point your phone’s front camera at him.

"You know what let me just wash up and come back," he says,

"but Johnny," the tall man leans back midway from his venture to the washroom. "Where is Taeyong?" "Probably in the staff room, he was showing one of the new female staffs around," you frown at your colleage's back.

Your mind races to presume what Taeyong may have been doing, was this how he treated everyone when they joined? He'd never told you why he helped you in the first place. Was she prettier? Will Taeyong not spend much time with you as much as he used to? - "Hey," your gaze halts over Taeyong's familiar features and the new staff by him, who by the way, makes you feel like an insecure puddle because of the way she twists her shiny hair and giggles at the slightest remark Taeyong makes.

"This is uh our new staff, she could learn a thing or two from us," you open your mouth to say something but close it in second thought. You resort to offering your hand in exchange of a swallowed remark, rendering the stranger a tight lipped smile. "Nice to meet you." The stranger reciprocates your warm greeting, eyes darting off to Taeyong, who takes your flask from the counter, and eyes it suspiciously.

"I have to go to the pantry," she says to you but her gaze remains fixated on the raven haired boy, you grit your teeth,the petulant child in you brimming with envy.

"Did you save some for me?" Johnny shouts over the counter,breaking you from your train of thoughts, referring to the coffee, you presume. He stands up from his position, looking at you from between the steel shelves across.

"Ye-" Taeyong uncaps the flask and chugs it down. His face scrunches up in disgust once the bitter liquid slides down his throat. "Jesus fucking Christ." He shrugs, nose crinkling as he noticeably cringes. Taeyong hates unsweetened things, coffee being one of which. "Oh, God. Sorry, Johnny, I was just so thirsty." The taller male rolls his eyes at the assistant chef's transparent dramatics, getting back to his pastry batter instead.

You shake your head, maybe telling Taeyong about your feelings wasn't a bad idea.

You look for the perfect time, deciding to pick the late slot in your daily apprenticeship.

The clock strikes midnight, leaving you two alone in the kitchen. You watch Taeyong roll the dorayaki dough, as you are going to be working with Japanese sweets. You're immersed in the way his broad shoulders shifts with each press or push. "Taeyong?" You sit atop one of the stools at the counters. He hums in response, urging you to continue.

"Do you think the new girl's cute?" He turns his head and looks at you with one of his brows raised, "Why would you ask me such a weird question?"

You roll your eyes, throwing your head back briefly. Getting an answer out of Taeyong is quite nearly impossible sometimes. "Yes or no."

He stops, "I think so? Yeah." You stand up, catching his attention. "Is that why you helped her?" Taeyong turns to you fully now, one of his jests sitting at the tip of his tongue. "Why? You jealous?"

He expects you to laugh, or cuss at him like you always do but you don't. Your face is his interrogation ground, his pitch black orbs flit across your face in a failed attempt to map out your thoughts.

Apprehension holds him tight as he uncaps his water bottle, sipping it slowly to swallow down the lump in his throat. "Yes." Taeyong coughs with his palm patting at his chest.

You near him with narrowed eyes, until his back's pressed up against the steel counter, his palms support him as he pushes his head back. Your hands are only a few inches away from his. "One more question." His eyes widens at the proximity. "Why did you help me?"

When he doesn't answer as fast as you'd like, you push his buttons further. "You're not gonna tell me. Huh." You tap your chin falsely, "Maybe, I should tell Johnny to pick me up and buy me a meal, I'm so hungry-"

"I like you. I thought you were cute. I liked you when I first saw you so..I wanted to help you." Your brows shoot upwards, satisfied with his answer, you push yourself away. "Good." Taeyong lets a long held breath go. "I'd kiss you by now, if you weren't such a wimp."

"We..need anko." He says, a bright red blush biting at his cheeks at your comment. His mind is wound up on how warm, delicate you are.

"I'll get it." You say, biting back a giggle and jogging out of the place.

Contemplation is a stupid concept, Taeyong thinks. Screwing up his dough for the umpteenth time. Japanese sweets are all about consistency and undivided attention-none of the luxuries that Taeyong could afford at the moment.

He was so distracted. Firstly, because you made him ridiculously admit that he had a big fat crush on you. He clicks his tongue at the reminder, never mind that.

Secondly, it was raining cats and dogs and there was no sign of you. He shifts from foot to foot, letting his ruminations take the best of him. Should he go out and check? You didn't even take your phone. He makes a mental note to scold you for your callousness.

However, to put an end to his worries, the silver door is pushed open with an acrid clank. He watches you grumble under your breath, you set the brown packet of anko on the counter and continue to peel the wet jacket off of your face whilst it seems to stick to you like second skin.

Taeyong steals a towel from the napkin holders and begins to wipe at your wet head. He listens intently to your muffled complaints, only to chuckle when you pause to catch your breath during your lengthy vent.

When he pulls the towel from your face, he's introduced to a pouty you, "It's all your fault." He laughs at the accusation, pointing at himself playfully. "Huh. You're right. Next time I'll ask the rain to pour a little late." He groans when you slap his arm in response.

"Besides, you ambushed me. You deserve it." His towel covered palms wipe softly at your face. The fabric rubs at the corner of your mouth. It's as if the pair of you are transfixed in the moment, stuck in a time lapse. The universe stops existing around you for a second. Taeyong looks at the color of your lips, soft, they seem. He could kiss you right now. He really could.

"Taeyong?"

He hums, gaze still fixated on your lips. "Kiss me." There's a sudden mischievous glint in Taeyong's eyes as he drapes the towel over your face. You groan, pulling it away. "You're such a fucking child." You're barely functioning as the warmth of his digits cradle your jaw. "A child! What kind of a child.." you can feel his cool breath bite at your skin, warmth radiates off of his lithe body. "would do this?"

Kissing Taeyong is unlike any other experience, it makes your toes curl and stomach erupts with butterflies. He kisses you slowly, his hands skimming your skin like he wants all of it for himself. It's you who deepens the kiss, eliciting a groan from him in response. His fingers travel down to your bum, and he pushes you up on the counter. "Your clothes are..wet." he says, digits pulling at your buttons.