#the joy she has from eating delicious food is so cute

[gl-saveme]

my favorite animal is lingling kwong when she's getting paid to eat food ☺️🍗

[raggedytiger]

ragatha/agatha and pomni/penny human hcs!

(r)agatha:

is an english teacher!

yes she still loves horses. she used to ride them, & she loves old western movies.

owns cowboy hat and boots.

analytical and loves long & winding conversations.

has a very happy cat named sandwich.

patches her own clothes, doesn't have kids but if she did she would embroider their names into their belongings.

she still plays cello, she loves music in general, probably sings like an angel.

can't do any mathematics.

can drive, but like a lunatic. somehow has never had an accident though, so it's fine.

probably has a cute little baby blue/yellow car now, but definitely had a beat up offroader truck at some point that got put to good use. or maybe she still does, i'm not the boss.

total lesbian, a bit of a heartbreaker but not intentionally (women just keep falling for her)

goes to town/neighbourhood/community meetings. likely is/was in a knitting circle

absurd number of quilts in her home

pomni/penny:

is an accountant as we know, and cannot cook for shit as we know.

no pets she can barely take herself for walks. is more similar to a cat, but had a dog growing up. would love a collie or a dalmatian probably.

would name the dog something stupid like Thermometer Johnson.

she can drive, but nervously.

really quick thinker, like impressively, unless she's under HUGE amounts of stress. is literally always thinking at 100mph.

no sense of interior decor or personal style. all practical, kind of butch. really does kill a suit.

very much lesbian but not fully to terms with it. probably had short-lived relationships with men in which she was 'content' but didn't really care for it. seeing agatha as agatha for the first time was probably a crazy punch to her little gay heart. not to mention the cowboy gear.

autistic

watches 90s anime to wind down

listens to every single genre of music. passes a lot of time with headphones in, slowly making her way thru the entire world's discography

owns no band merch or anything though she just listens

can't sleep without a fan on, thunderstorm 12hr audio, blackout curtains, weighted blanket, water nearby

does not sleep a lot

both of them (going to call them pomni and ragatha for convenience):

didn't immediately recognise one another. i havent got an exact idea of how they reunited after getting out, but there were tears.

bonded in a very rare and unique way - they got to revel in the newfound joys of real life again. they got to eat delicious food, go on long, unobstructed walks in the real sun, be warmed by it, chew on ice cubes and shiver at the pain, listen to each other's heartbeats, listen to real music, read real books, smell soaps and flowers and sauces. they went to the supermarket together and read all the labels, and bought one of each type of fruit to try between them, and smelled all the candles, and touched all the blankets. spent a lot of time holding hands and kissing and i'm sorry to say, probably having sex, because holy shit, i'm real, you're real, we're real

now live together in ragatha's apartment, after pomni moved out of her small and confusingly-furnished flat.

both of them feel inadequate from time to time. this is resolved by a stern-but-loving talking-to.

sandwich likes pomni very much. pomni doesn't really get cats, but loves sandwich a great deal, and enjoys letting her sleep on her lap.

ragatha is very pleased to see her girls getting along.

ragatha cooks, pomni chops the veg. she often doesn't fuck it up

pomni cleans a lot as a 'thank you for letting me live here, i love you'. she's very much acts of service, ragatha is words & physical touch <3

they watch a lot of movies together. depending on how long they've been stuck, they might have culture to catch up on

ragatha wants to have a house with a garden one day. pomni starts germinating seeds from their fruit & veg like a weird science experiment. ragatha is delighted when she is presented with a baby tomato plant.

clothes are shared. ragatha's are bigger, but most of pomni's are ill-fitting anyway so it can go both ways. ragatha likes to dress pomni up in different outfits and have her do a little fashion show. pomni pretends not to savour the confidence boost.

pomni starts sleeping more

[bedoballoons]

maybe like a character x mitsuri Kanroji like reader?

so basically misturi has pink and green hair, is very cheery and nice, has a HUGE appetite, she has almost inhuman strength a basically her muscle density is 9 times higher than the average human. And is extremely flexible hand a ribbon like katana. I think a pryo vision fits best.

I literally love your workkkkkkkk♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Awe thank you!!! <3 I had so much fun writing this!! I hope you like the characters I picked and I'll totally write others if you don't!! Sorry it took so long to finish!

─⊰⁠⊹ฺ✿𝔾𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕟 ℍ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕠𝕟𝕤⊰⁠⊹ฺ✿─

{༻~Misturi Kanjiro like reader!~༺}

CW: Fluff! Sweet moments! Pet names! (Belle by Lyney and Love by Kazuha!), confirmed relationships for most of them!

(Includes: Diluc, Lyney, Albedo, Kazuha, and Wanderer!)

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

𑁍༄Diluc:

Your stomach growled hungrily in excitement as you stepped into the kitchen, Dilucs long red hair tied back in a messy bun while he prepared breakfast, his hands busy chopping vegetables and cooking up your favourites, just because he loved spoiling you. "Are you making what I think you're making?!" You asked excitedly, hurrying to his side to take a peek and smiling widely as the smell of delicious food hit your nostrils, making your tummy growl again in response.

"But of course and I made extra so you could have leftovers for lunch." He leaned over placing a kiss on the top of your head as you cheered and wrapped you arms around him in a celebratory hug. "Thank you!"

𑁍༄Lyney:

You had a bounce in your step as you made your way through the crowd of people, your long pink green hair tied up in sweet pigtails as your eyes focused in on the center of attention, which was Lyney and of course his assistant Lynette, the magic duo of the century. Pure joy bubbled through you while you watched the two of them perform trick after trick and the audience clap after each one, things you swore couldn't happen, but somehow he made them happen.

Then to your surprise his eyes landed on you, a mischievous smile taking place on his lips, as he addressed the group of watchers once again, "For the next trick, I'd like to pick someone from the audience! Hmmm what about you Belle, could you do the honours?" He pointed to you, your face instantly blushing red as you walked towards him, his hand gently taking yours and leaving a rainbow rose in its wake. "Could you hold this for me?" He asked, his cheeks slightly pink which made you want to giggle, he was kinda cute..."Okay!"

"Now put your hands together, rainbow rose on the inside and make sure no one can see it." You followed his directions, closing your hands around the rainbow rose and making sure there were no ways to peep at it, your whole body tingled with excitement as he spoke the magic words. "And reveal!" You pulled your hands away and suddenly your singular rose had turned into a whole bouquet, growing right in front of your eyes and bursting with all the colours of the rainbow.

"WHAT!"

𑁍༄Albedo:

"No matter what tests I try...it seems I'm unable to come up with a explanation for your inhuman strength. You're a mystery to me...a sweet adorable mystery." Albedo said softly, his bright blue eyes meeting yours as a blush spread rapidly across your face, your heart pounding harshly in your chest when he stood up and made his way to you, his hand reaching out to help you up from your seat.

"I'm not the only mysterious one Mr. Chalk prince, speaking of which! Do chalk people eat cake?" You beamed up at him, his arms wrapping around you as he placed a kiss on your forehead, a small chuckle escaping him. "Im not sure chalk people is the appropriate term...but either way, yes I eat cake." You hugged him back lifting him up slightly as you cheered, "Yay!! I have some in my bag! Let's go!"

𑁍༄Kazuha:

Fire swirled around you in brilliant orange and yellow hues, shifting and whirling in every which way with the wind as its guide, it mesmerized you to the point you were almost speechless. "Kazuha...this is so beautiful!" Your hand squeezed his tighter, your visions glowing in harmony as he hummed in delight and placed a soft kiss on your cheek. "The way wind mixes with the elements is very calming, the colours that flow with every breeze and the way it can bring vision bearers together, letting them work in harmony. It's lovely.."

You nodded happily, your eyes trained on the incredible sight all around you...

𑁍༄Wanderer:

Wanderer flashed a smirk at you, his eyes wide with excitement as you readied your weapon, the ribbon like texture of the blade making him raise an eyebrow...what the hell were you going to do with a ribbon? "You sure you don't want to back down? I won't go easy on you, even if this is sparing." His voice rang in your ears as you smiled back at him, your katana glinting in the sunlight as you held it up in his direction, "I won't back down! Just you wait!"

He chuckled and with that the match begun, the two of you shooting forward at high speed, wind blades flying mere centimeters from your face as you delicately dodged. Your body spinning slightly as you got closer, your katana swirling like a protective shield around you and yet also being sharp enough to draw blood, which became clear when the two of you parted.

The dust parting and revealing a small cut on wanderers face, his eyes absolutely shining now as he laughed maniacally, "I shouldn't have underestimated you! This is going to be fun!"

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚Have a nice day*⁠.⁠✧

[kyojurismo]

Headcanons for Giyuu adopting a teenager and there baby sibling and is just like these are my children and introduce them to the pillars?

▸ ANSWERING. hello! i’m slowly catching up to the reqs since i’m starting feeling better (it’s been a whole week at this point, but whatever). hope you’ll enjoy it & thank u for sending a request <3

▸ FANDOM. kimetsu no yaiba

▸ CHARACTERS. giyu tomioka x teenager gn!reader + all the hashiras

▸ RATING. sfw

▸ WARNINGS. reader is 16 y/o while their sister and brother are around 5 and 7 y/o, soft giyu <3, not proofread you know the drill (:

giyu saved you and your two siblings from a demon who attacked your family

he found you holding your little sister and brother, trying to cover them from seeing your parents being eaten by the demon. the three of you were all crying and terribly shaking so at first giyu wasn’t really sure what to do

he asked you if there was someone who could take care of you, but you simply shook your head

in that moment he decided to take you with him, asked for permission to keep you all at his house

your little sister was the first to “move on” from what happened, but you couldn’t blame her since she was very young and you tried your best to hide the scenes from her

your brother on the other hand started being angry, acting completely different from what he used to be: kind, gentle and full of joy. but once again, you couldn’t blame him either

they noticed you were less present, always thinking about what happened and sometimes dwelling on your parents’ memories. giyu noticed you always cried during the first nights you spent at his house

he tried his best to take care of you. playing with your sister, helping your brother to deal with his emotions (he let him exercise to get rid of negative emotions) and gifting you stuff to get you distracted from your thoughts

you love when he comes back with delicious food or a book for you

anyway, giyu let you meet the other pillars after a week or so, because he wanted to be sure you all were feeling a bit better

let’s start, shall we?

shinobu was shocked

obanai spat a simple “impossible.”

sanemi stared at giyu, then glanced at you and your siblings, trying to process that he was taking care of random children

muichiro casually glanced at you and then looked back to the sky, muttering something about forgetting soon

gyomei felt sorry about your situation and started crying of course

kyojuro encouraged & praised giyu for his decision and complimented him

tengen was surprised but recognised it was a very flashy action, he was doing the right thing by taking care of you instead of abandoning you to your destiny

mitsuri was so excited she could feel her heart exploding (her eyes were literally shining). she offered her help since she has siblings and giyu appreciated it

of course, mitsuri ended up spending loads of time with you: playing, eating together, taking care of cute animals, etc

shinobu played an important role too because your sister easily got sick so going to the butterfly mansion became a sort of routine

your brother also enjoyed spending time with the flame hashira because he was funny and kind, while your sister used to share her food with the wind hashira

something you enjoyed was tengen giving you piggybacks, usually when you’re pretty tired after being out the whole day

giyu does the same sometimes but due to tengen being taller you find it funnier

he usually looks a bit sad because deep down he fears you guys will start hating spending time with him & seek the other pillars’ company

mitsuri comforts him, saying that everyone can see clearly how you all love him, you in the first place

you’re grateful for him taking all of you, providing for your needs, making sure you’re healthy and safe

“giyu-san, i am truly grateful for everything you do for me and for my siblings. i hope we will find a way to repay for everything in the future.”

here comes a big hug because he doesn’t care about it, he grew very fond of you all and would do anything to protect you

episode from the same “series” here !!

▸ BEFORE LEAVING. reblog and comments are super appreciated. i personally think that getting piggyback rides from tengen is amazing ): have a good day / night !!!

[multiversemaker169]

More monster/mythical creature au interactions

1.(Embarrassment is chilling with a herd of goats when he suddenly heard chewing. Embarrassment turned around to see Anger(wolf form) eating one of the goats).

Anger: Oh, hey, Embarrassment.

Embarrassment:(annoyed) Anger, could you please stop eating my friends?

Anger: Well, maybe you should stop making such delicious friends.

(Embarrassment rolls his eyes in annoyance).

2.Envy: So, Joy. As a fairy, you like nectar, right?

Joy: I don't like it, I love it.

Envy: Well, since honey is basically nectar, I decided to make honey cookies just for you.

(Envy brings out a tray of honey cookies for Joy).

Joy: Wow, thanks Envy.

Envy: You're welcome.

(Joy takes a bite out of a honey cookie and loves it).

Joy: Wow, this is amazing.

Envy: I'm glad you like it.

3.(Fear and Anxiety are outside, stargazing).

Fear: Anxiety?

Anxiety: Yeah?

Fear: Since we died before our wedding, do you think we should try to get married again?

Anxiety: I mean, we could,but who would chaperone a couple of reanimated corpses?

Fear: Actually, there's a bunch of witches and wizards who chaperone monster weddings for a living.

Anxiety: Really?

Fear: Yeah (shows a list of monster wedding chaperones).

Anxiety: Well, in that case, we should start making plans for our wedding.

Fear: Alright, I still have the rings we would've worn if we didn't die before our marriage.

4.Joy: Qui qui? Can I see your bat form?

Ennui: Non.

Joy: Please...

(Joy gives Ennui puppy eyes).

Ennui: Ugh, fine.

(Ennui transforms into a cute little bat and lands into Joy's hands).

Joy: Oh, my God. It's so cute!

Ennui:(flirting tone) You think I'm cute?

Joy: Oh, not that kind of cute, you tease.

(Joy hugs Ennui. Ennui changes back to her original form).

5.(Anger(wolf form) walks up to Ennui. This is after the two started getting along).

Anger: Ennui?

Ennui: Yes?

Anger: You said you've always wondered what Werewolf Blood tastes like, right?

Ennui: What are you insinuating?

Anger: I'm saying you can try some, so long as you don't tell anyone.

Ennui: Are you serious?

Anger: Yes(Revels neck), now just bite me before I change my mind!

Ennui: Of course. I'd never turn down an opportunity like this.

(Ennui bites Anger's neck and starts drinking his blood. Ennui was pleasantly surprised at how good werewolf blood tasted.)

Anger: Damn, were you really hungry or something!?

(Ennui kept drinking and savoring every drop until she had her fill).

Ennui: You're blood was si délicieux(so delicious)...

Anger: Really?

Ennui: Qui, I mean, nothing will top fairy blood, but werewolf blood is a very close second.

Anger: Well, thank you.

Ennui: Hey, how about you bite me next time?

Anger: Really, thanks, Ennui.

Ennui: No problem, Anger.

6.(Envy is planning on making a feast for everyone).

Envy: So, everyone, what's your favorite food?

Joy: I love honeysuckle nectar.

Sadness: Cod has to be my favorite food.

Embarrassment: I love berries.

Nostalgia: Brains, any type of brains. I'm not picky.

Ennui: Well, fairy blood is that common, but cow blood is the next best thing.

Fear: Although I no longer need to eat, I still like an occasional grilled vegetable salad.

Anxiety: And I still like to eat cheesecake every now and then.

Anger(wolf form): How can I pick just one? I think my favorite food is either venison or mutton, no wait, bison!

Envy: Alright, I'll get to preparing the feast.

(Envy made everyone's favorite food while baking some gingerbread men cookies for herself).

7.(Ennui, Anger(wolf form), and Sadness are in front of a butcher shop).

Anger: Alright, Ennui. You try to unlock both the butcher shop and the meat locker, while Sadness and I will be on the look out.

Ennui: Alright, here I go.

(Ennui transforms into a rat and gets in from the air vents. She gets to the meat locker, picks the lock, and opens the door for Anger and Sadness).

Ennui: We're in.

Anger and Sadness: Yes.

(The three sneak into the meat locker, where there was meat, fish, and buckets of blood as far as the eye could see).

Anger: Let's eat!

(The three begin their feast. Anger ripped and teared into a bunch of meat. Sadness snacks on as much fish as she could, and Ennui consumed every drop of blood she saw. The three leave the butcher shop, haven eaten almost everything in the meat locker. Disgust saw this and used her magic to replace everything that was eaten so they wouldn't get in trouble).

Digust: You guys are gonna have stomach aches in the morning from all that overeating.

Sadness: I didn't even think of that...

Ennui: I haven't had this good of a meal in a long time, so I wanted to make it count.

Anger: Stomach ache? That's future Anger's problem.

Disgust: It's okay, Sadness. But for the rest of you, don't say I didn't warn you.

(The next day, the three are having major stomach aches).

Ennui: It was worth it...

Sadness: No, it wasn't...

Anger(mortal form): I said it was future Anger's problem, but now I am future Anger...

Disgust: I warned you.

[yume4evere]

Yuuki Kuran Part 1

Personality: ~The joy of life and a pure heart~

She is the joy of living personified. She offers her dazzling smile to everyone she truly loves. Her pure heart is the source of her overflowing energ

"("She has a special smile when she sees Kaname" 

Hobbies, favorite food: ~She loves sweets and cute things~

At school, she often eats the famous "ginger menu", as sportswomen do, but she likes sweets, like all girls.

Sports: ~She loves sports! She is lively and in great shape!!~

She hates school but she loves sports!! You can admire his liveliness and flexibility in his everyday gestures.

Yuki 's bed : ~A sweet night in a cozy bed~

Her life is very hectic and because of her mission as "guardian", she doesn't sleep much. So sleeping deeply in a cozy bed, to recharge her batteries, is also part of his mission.

Yuki 's closet : ~An adorable and well-stocked wardrobe!~

Choosing and trying on clothes from her wardrobe with Sayori is also among the girls' happy moments.

The big mirror: ~Check her outfit in her big mirror~

At this age, girls are very sensitive about their clothes, their hair... So it's more than necessary for them to have this big mirror in their room,She looks at herself in her large mirror. It's time to get motivated to go to class!!

A look at Yuki 's private life :

Despite a very busy schedule, she still finds some precious moments to have fun, it's her character.

~She takes baths in the headmaster's bathroom.~

The dorm bathroom is closed early in the morning, so she has to use the manager's bathroom.

~Her most precious treasure and her friend Yori~

Her room conceals many hiding places for her little treasures... But her most precious jewel is her best friend Yori .

 All the things that make his heart beat!!

The wise Yuki likes to feel her heart ignite for someone or something.

Number 3: Scale of exaltation ♥30

~ Aido said some very daring things to him...~

Number 2:~Forbidden bites in the dance frenzy!!~

Bite into the dark as everyone prepares for the ball...when everyone is boiling and losing their minds.

Number 1: Scale of Exaltation ♥200

~When Kaname hugged her...!!~

The looks and feelings between Kaname and Sara Shirabuki , both so beautiful, were so intense that Yuki had given up on getting between them forever... when the unexpected happened and Kaname carried her to the sofa, heart had never beaten so fast!!

A few messages for Yuki:

~The testimonials of friendship from those she loves.~

From Kaname : You are always so beautiful Yuki ... Hee, hee, that's right, don't be shy. When you blush, you're even cuter. Your smile is my sunshine, never change...

From Takuma Ichijo : It's funny to see Kaname suddenly change when he sees Yuki . I love that.

From Zero Kiryu : Your height, your character,... You are an eternal child. Despite that, you still act like I'm your little brother or something. You still fascinate me so much.

From Kasumi Kageyama : Miss cross , I'm going to curse you if you still have bad results in your exams!!

From Akatsuki Kain : That's a hell of a job you're doing for school, hats off to you, you little disciplinarian.

From the director: My lovely daughter. I cooked some good things for you, why don't you eat with your little daddy?♥ 

From Hanabusa Aido : You look delicious Yuki ♥ Just kidding. Your only advantage is the taste of your blood!!

From Sayori Wakaba : I encourage you for your work as a disciplinary officer but I worry about you... You need sleep.

From Senri Shiki : What... The little girl in charge of discipline...? If I say that, the leader of the Moon Pavilion will come at me. She reminds me of this little rat that lived in my garden when I was a child.

"fanbook"

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Ikemen Prince - Keith Howell

I'm not an expert at this, so my translations are gonna be pretty janky. Expect mistakes.

Translation under the cut.

Jade's Valentine's Day, like Rhodolite's, is a day to show one's love in the form of sweets.

I myself have been thanking those who have been very kind to me by giving it to them.

Emma: "There are lots of fruits in it. The cream also has the right amount of sweetness."

Emma: "It's so good! This cake is so perfect. I can't stop eating it!"

Keith: "R-Really!?"

I almost jump for joy as I stare into her twinkling eyes.

This year is my first Valentine's Day with Emma.

After worrying about it for over a month, the chef and I baked a rose cake tailored to Emma's taste and liking.

(The taste was perfect, but whether she'd like it or not was another matter, so I was deeply relieved that she was happy.)

I'm so nervous I can't even taste the tea I'm drinking.

(Even so, she looks like a cute little animal when she eats.)

(Wait, I should stop staring at her. I don't want her to hate me.)

Emma: "If I'm guessing this right, Gentle Keith came up with the flavor, while Mean Keith chose the design."

Keith: "Bingo. You got it right."

Emma: "Of course."

The way she replied naturally made me smile.

(I'm sure "he" would be happy to hear that.)

Although she doesn't know this, "he" reacts in a way that is easy to understand when it comes to her.

Emma: "I'm next. Please take this!"

Keith: "Thank you, Emma."

I carefully accept the lovely box decorated with a deer and a leaf.

(It's like a dream come true to receive one from someone you love.)

Emma: "............."

(-----?)

I notice that Emma's expression has slightly gotten stiffer.

With doubts running through my head, I open the box and see a fluffy, baked mini muffin.

(Each one has a different design. I can't decide which one to eat.)

After much consideration, I pick one up and eat it.

Instantly, gentle sweetness spreads in my mouth, making me smile.

Keith: "Emma, it's so delicious! I could eat the whole thing in one sitting."

Emma: "Hehe, knowing you, you'd really eat it up. I'm glad you like it."

Keith: "Huh? There's something in it."

Emma: "Eh, what is it!?"

Keith: "Huh? Um, it's a star-shaped chocolate cookie."

Emma: "Star-shaped."

(It's Valentine's Day, so I guess she put it in there to make it look special. That's just like her.)

With a thud, I suddenly feel my body shake.

Keith: "Emma!?"

My heart starts racing as I look down and see Emma hugging me.

Keith: "Can I ask you to explain this?"

After a brief silence, she gently pulls her face away from me, her cheeks blushing faintly.

Emma: "You're loved by many, you're kind, and I'm pretty sure you've received a lot of gifts because of that."

Emma: "That's why I came up with the idea of putting cookies inside the muffins to leave a lasting impression and show my love for you."

She looks up from the hug and smiles a little shyly.

Emma: "It's my first Valentine's Day, so I was pretty excited about it."

Keith: "............"

(Wait, no.)

(Ah, geez. Emma, that's too cute!)

(But maybe this is why she seemed so restless?)

(Hold it. If I hug her back now, it will be too late for Valentine's Day.)

Keith: "Thank you. To receive your love along with this is too extravagant for Valentine's Day."

Emma: "Are you bothered by it?"

Keith: "No, I'm so happy. I don't want this day to end."

I smile at her as I always do.

Inwardly, I'm struggling to contain the bubbling passion that's rising inside me.

Keith: "Can I have a second one? Any recommendations?"

(This is a little embarrassing. It's like I'm asking her to hug me again.)

She thinks about it for a moment and points to one muffin.

Emma: "I highly recommend this chocolate muffin."

Keith: "Okay, I'll take it then. Thanks for the food."

(Oh, heart cookie. I can't wait to see what shape they come up with next.)

Emma: "Keith."

Keith: "What's wrong, Emm一"

The heat I feel at the edge of my lips blocks out my words.

For the second time today, Emma come up with something.

(This is一)

The heat leaves my lips, and I can hear the embarrassment in her voice.

Emma: "For the heart cookie, I decided to show my love with a kiss."

(She knows there's a heart cookie in there, so she chose that muffin.)

(...............)

No one can be level-headed when the woman they love does this to them.

(I can't hold back any longer.)

My rationality disappeared along with the muffins.

Keith: "Why don't you eat with me?"

Emma: "What?"

(Let's see. Which one of you has the same color as the one I ate earlier?)

I take one of the muffins and offer it to her.

Her eyes flicker slightly, but she eats it without hesitation.

Once the heart cookie appears, I kiss the edge of her lips.

Emma: "Keith."

Keith: "Would I embarrass you if I told you that I wanted to express my love to you with something other than sweets?"

Emma: "Nope. I want as much love from you as I can get."

(You always say things that make me happy.)

The nibbling kiss triggers me to push her down on the bed, disheveling her clothes.

Emma: "Ah...mnn..."

(Emma is so cute, she looks like she's having a good time.)

When I persistently caress her weak spots, her voice becomes even sweeter.

Emma: "Ah, wait一"

Keith: "Don't hide your face. Keep looking at me."

Emma: "Nn, ah...!"

The way she writhes under the onrushing stimulation and the trembling transmitted from deep inside her body is so lovely and unbearable.

When our eyes meet, she smiles and hugs me tightly to convey her feelings, causing my heart to grow hot it almost burns.

Keith: "I should be the one giving you love, but instead, I keep receiving it."

Emma: "That’s not true."

Emma: "I think one way to show our love is to receive it."

Emma: "Every time you receive my love, I receive so much more."

(I can't hold back if she keeps acting this way.)

(I never expected Valentine's Day could make me this happy.)

I'm already looking forward to what pastries Emma will make next Valentine's Day.

-END-

[rnm-magic-space-xsd]

🍰💭🧸 for the ask game!! :3

Aaa!! Thank you so much for asking and sorry it took me so long to answer 😖🫣🎶🪽🍬🎆💗. Had to wait for my creative and gushy inspiration to be set alight in my heart first! Thank you for waiting so patiently 💗🧸

I wrote it about Jumin (JujuBear) from Mystic Messenger and I!

🍰 - ! Recently I made Earl Grey and honey tea cupcakes infused with orange marmalade for JujuBear. He usually prefers coffee or wine but while taking his first bite of it, he smiled so cutely! So boyishly and innocent; so unlike his usual stoic yet shy expression 💗💗💗😆🎆! He told me he was able to taste the sweetness of my love for him through my baking. Aaaa!!! JujuBear is so sweet!!

Juju, well. When we first met, 7 years ago; he had a chef (Juju is a corporate business heir to a very rich and outstanding family) that would cook him anything he ever wanted but after meeting me and us falling in love with each other, me cooking for him the first time.. ( I must add that I love and adore Juju for his heart, personality, soul, mind and looks the most! riches aren’t my priority. I, actually have more than enough money in real life so ^^; )

He was touched by the warmth and love that he was able to feel deep in his soul through my cooking and was determined to be able to practice cooking the most delicious romantic dinner date meal in secret so it would be a surprise for me.

Haha, Juju is adorable like that x’). He cooked his childhood favorite schnitzel parmigiana for us and made my favorite mixed salad with some cooked sweet potato slices. It made me happy to visit his place one night on our half year anniversary and be surprised by his romantic and thoughtful expression of love and consideration for me 🌟💞. There was romantic classical music playing in the background and he handed me the most gorgeous flower bouquet upon my entrance! I hugged him so tightly that night, seeing him so shy and anxious, discreetly observing my reactions and passionately express his adoration TwT !! Bless my JujuBear!!! He was basically tackled by my leap hugs and fluttery kisses! Hugging him, I could feel how both of our hearts raced like a motor engine on drugs; only that our drug was blissful honeymoon lovestruck adoration for each other 😍😌🎆���🍯🥰🤗

For dessert he made us his signature strawberry syrup pancakes with banana slices and I couldn’t help but sit on JujuBear’s lap instead of sitting in front of him >x<. I just wanted to be as close to him as possible! He gave me a back hug (he’s really tall! Like, 183cm and I’m 159cm) and fed me his pancakes. It was such a drunkenly sweet night, I adore my time spent with my HanniBunnyJujuBear!

💭- Juju @Me : ‘My angel, she’s so cute! My heart is literally exploding just seeing her adorable face, munching on candy like a lil bunny! Her everything is just so heart-meltingly sweet. I know she gained a bit of weight and is a little insecure but I just love seeing her satisfied smile and lil dancey-sways of joy when she eats the food she loves.’

Me @Juju : ‘Aaaaa!!!!! JujuBear 😍!!! Juju may seem stoic and a bit too serious to most people but gosh, his smile! So beautiful and radiant like the moon! and his heart that used to be so dark, sorrowful and lonesome; has regained its’ vibrant colors of childhood since we met. I’m so glad I fell for Juju! He was finally able to face his repressed feelings towards his parents and the people around him who only wanted to use him for his money, looks and fame…the aching void of distrust and sorrowful loneliness he felt since Rika died and his only childhood friend and found family best friend distanced himself from him…I just can’t help but care and wish to be there for my HanniBunnyHubbyBear no matter what and be his strength and comfort!’

🧸- Oh :0 ! Juju and I have been married for like 5 years and are living together, so right now I’m his sleeping pillow plushie. But he knows I’m a big plushie hoarder (I’ve literally got 30+ plushies sleeping with me in my bed) so whenever we go to a festival and we find a plushie that he can see makes my eyes sparkle with delight and interest; he is set on winning it for me! My JujuBear is not the best at the festival nor arcade games and doesn’t always win the plushie but on the off case that he doesn’t; he makes a custom made order plushie of my dreams from that same plushie company in order to make up for if [because I fussingly wouldn’t let him bribe the booth owner. It doesn’t align with the festival gaming spirit. He was pouty at my objections but relented (with a secret plan to surprise me with an even better custom plushie for our next romantic holiday)] - JujuBear loves callin me his SnowBunny or BlushieHun [because my face, when I’m with him and my other lover f/os, is often as red as a sweet strawberry. and the ‘Hun’ is a play on Jumin’s last name ‘Han’. I’m Juju’s Hannie(Honey)]

[aajjks]

TC!JK “Good morning” she mumbles back.

She feels his lips connecting with her forehead as she slowly starts to wake up.

“Baby don’t worry we’re almost home..”

Thank goodness! She couldn't wait to go back.

“I know you’re so tired yn.. my poor baby.” He coos, still focusing on the road ahead of you both.

“I'm sure you're way more tired than I am. Look at you, haven't eaten anything for days and are still worrying about me.” she says pouting, they both are aware that she loves to be babied like this by him but worry still laces her words.

Later they reached the palace and the maids welcomed them at the main entrance all bowing deeply.

They both needed a bath which was already prepared so they both went to clean themselves separately.

Yn was in the bath with two maids there to help her. Her clothes that she stole from that unknown person were all dirty now.

The other maid left after taking her clothes and now there was only Yn and Jiwon, the lady in waiting, present in the bath.

Jiwon has been her waiting lady ever since Yn was chosen as the queen consort so they have developed quite a bit if a bond and they occasionally talked when they were alone.

“How was the visit to Yangsan? How is your friend and her sons?” she asked her.

Yn almost forgot that no one knew that she had run away. That information could easily cause some chaos and they couldn't risk it. All they knew was that the king and the queen went to Yangsan to meet her old friend who just gave birth.

“Oh yeah she is alright. Her twins came out really cute.”

“That's a relief. By the way, have you...told the King yet?”

She knew what she was referring to. She was going to tell him herself but he found out at the wrong time and all of this happened.

“Not yet.” she says looking down.

After she was done washing and putting on her clothes. They both went back to the Royal chamber and Jungkook was already there.

Jiwon bowed and left as she no longer had to be by Yn's side.

Yn went to the Royal kitchen straight and said to the cooks, “You all can rest for a while. I'll cook today.”

“Your Highness, we could get severely punished if you were to do anything like this.” the cooks tried to politely tell her as they knew that Jungkook would kill them if he got to know that his wife was working in the kitchen and they'll be even more fucked if even a single strand of her hair was damaged.

“Don't worry about that. I'll talk to him.” she smiled reassuringly at them and started to make him something.

She really wanted to do this for him. He would be so happy to eat the food shes cooking and this was one of her ways of thanking him for everything he did for her the past couple of days.

She said then told the maids to bring it to their chamber. Once she was there she sat down beside her husband who had a confused expression on his face as he wondered where she was.

The maids then settled the food in front of them and they started to dig in after they left.

“Open your mouth, precious.” she said holding up her chopsticks to feed him. He at first refused as he wanted her to eat first but she insisted so he ultimately had to give in.

“Look, I'm eating but i wanna feed you too.” she says as she takes a bite to show him.

“Here comes another bite.” she says as she feeds him some more.

He looks so cute with his cheeks full of food and his nose scrunching with joy. She feels full just by watching him eat.

“Mhmm oh fuck this is so delicious.” The food that he’s eating right now is so delicious and whoever made it will be rewarded.

Eating this delicious food after so many days feels like a blessing and it’s so delicious that he wants to devour it all, “oh yn whoever made this is going to be rewarded to which chef made it?”

He asks you as he stuffs his face full of food, and his eyes widen in surprise when he tell him that you made it. “Woah what?” He asks he just cannot believe that you make this much amount of food for him specifically.

“Yn my love you know that you didn’t need to.” He coos, kissing your cheeks, “excuse me? Why didn’t the stop and the head chef stop you” he huffs out

He doesn’t like it he works so hard for him but it kind of feels amazing because you care about him. You did this all for him and that makes him feel so special.

“I love you so much you know that right. Oh I love you.”

[thebluestbluewords]

"You didn't even throw up," Evie says, sticking her other leg up into a sort of v-shaped pose that makes her core muscles incredibly obvious. "Besides, we all know you've eaten worse before. A little cheese wax is practically food." 

"I had to EXPLAIN WHAT I WAS EATING. To JANE." 

Evie scoffs. "She's like, the best person who could've laughed at you. She has a crush, she thinks you're cute no matter what horrible non-food items you've accidentally eaten." 

Carlos shoves his tiny plastic pieces aside so that he can thump his head down on Evie's sewing table and allow himself to be fully consumed with cheese-related misery. "We don't need to talk about the fucked-up crackers." 

Mal cackles. It's not kind, but she's already evil, and the fucked-up cracker incident was so fucking funny that she's still pulling joy out of it weeks later. 

"I'm just baffled that you managed to eat half the bag before thinking, wow, maybe something is wrong with these!" 

"If you can buy chips! That taste like meat!" Carlos groans. "You should be able to buy crackers! That also taste like meat!"

"Ham chips are delicious." Mal agrees. "And you're still a dumbass for eating dog treats." 

"You're so mean.”

Jay pops his head up from the video game he's been engrossed in since Carlos un-fucked the thing. "Are we making fun of the dog treats thing again?" 

Carlos points a terrible finger at him. "You. No." 

Jay grins. "You're the one who didn't think--" 

“YOU LET ME EAT DOG TREATS.”

"How much cheese is too much cheese?" Mal asks idly to the room at large, waving her knife around in a little circle, just because she can. "Not that I think we're there yet, but just for academic purposes."

"Academics aren't real," Jay says immediately. "Break. No school. Shhhh."

"I think too much cheese is when you start wanting to eat things that aren't cheese," Evie says thoughtfully. She's lying on the floor of their room, in the middle of the rug that she bought from the non-wicked home shopping channel back when they had a TV in their room, before it got confiscated because they maybe, possibly didn't acquire it through the most legal and upstanding channels. "But maybe we could test this. Scientifically." 

They've eaten more cheese plate than real food, the last few days. It's a sort of delightfully cursed existence, because the cheese is delicious and they stole enough crackers to go with it, but they're also reaching the point where Mal's pores smell like cheese, and they don't have enough bread to make grilled sandwiches anymore. 

"Cheese is the antithesis of science," Carlos says, maybe in response to Evie. Mal doesn't know. She only knows the cheese in her mouth and the piece currently on her knife, and that's it, that's all she can remember. The world outside of stolen cheese has ceased to exist entirely. "We can't do any tests on it. It repels logic."

"You're just bitter because you tried to eat the wax." Evie points out gracefully, sticking one of her legs up in a beautifully dramatic pose. 

Carlos looks up from his new toy long enough to glare sort of vaguely at her. His eyes are a bit unfocused. "The wax shouldn't be shaped like food!" 

"You're supposed to look at things before you eat them," Evie continues, unbothered. "Touch, smell, all the usual food senses." 

"You're being meannnnn," Carlos whines. "Mal, she's being mean to me." 

Mal pops the cheese from her knife into her mouth. Mm, footy. "You ate four of them." 

"And I've suffered enough."

[smallestapplin]

Some cute stuff for Skyla and elesa, whatever scenario you want I just want some x reader for them 🥺

Yes! Absolutely you can! Oh I have just things!

-

-

⭐️Elesa⭐️

For once she had a day off and Elesa was going to abuse it. She’s still in bed despite it being almost noon, but you were still sleeping all cuddled up beside her.

And she refuses to wake you.

The model wants to spend this time with you in the most relaxing ways possible.

She’s already planning a day in, maybe you two can catch up on the tv show you were talking about, maybe rent a movie, order some take out, cuddle some more, maybe have a nice bath together, ooo she has been wanting to try out a new bath bomb!

Elesa just wants to shower you with her love and affection. She places a gentle kiss on you’re forehead as she don’t not want to wake you up.

She could lay here forever.

But in turn she did accidentally wake you up. You groan and lazily look at her.

“Good afternoon sunshine.” Elesa giggles and kisses the top of your nose, “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s already the afternoon?” You just curl into her chest trying to hide from the bright Like of the sun.

“It is, you’re so cute all peaceful like that.” Elesa coos, arms tightening around you.

“Sure, whatever you say starlight.” Your words muffled by your face in her chest.

You’re the light of her life, even now she wishes this moment will never end, teasing back and forth on such a lazy day.

“I love you.” Elesa blurts out.

You lift your head just a bit to kiss her neck.

“I love you too.”

She couldn’t be happier on this slow afternoon.

✈️Skyla✈️

“Come on! Hurry up!”

Skyla cheers excitedly, her hand locked with one of your own as he drags you towards the Ferris wheel.

You stumble behind her trying to keep up. The whole day was spent at the amusement park, riding all the fast rides, eating the delicious fair food, her determined to win you any prize she could get her sights on.

She had won you a few things, and you won her a big swoobat plushie, it quickly became her favorite thing.

“Skyla, there is no need to rush!” You laugh at how excited she is.

“But I really want to do this with you, and now is the perfect time!” The pilot drags you along.

Both making it to the Ferris wheel just before a line started to form, it’s dark out anyways so it’s the perfect time to get on it.

You keep giggling at your girlfriend as she bounces in place, her joy and smile are infectious. She squeals when it’s your turns to get on the gondola, pulling your along once more.

The second you two sit down she’s cuddling up to you, arms locking around yours and resting her head on your shoulder, looking out the windows with a bright smile.

You lay your head on hers and enjoy the moment.

For a few minutes you two stayed like that until Skyla quickly moves her head and kisses your cheek.

“Hey no fair.” You playfully pout. Cupping her cheeks you pull her in and start kissing every inch of her face.

Her face quickly matches her hair.

“H-hey! Now you’re playing dirty.” She whines trying to find a way to get the upper hand.

“Nope, just gotta show my girl how much I love her is all.” This time you tenderly kiss her lips.

Chuckling as she melts into it.

You pull away after a few seconds, taking in her flustered appearance.

“You’re so cute.”

She looks at you before looking away bashfully.

“I love you, you dork.” Skyla leans on you once more.

“I love you too, and I’m your dork.”

[pekotranslates]

Traces of Two Pasts pgs 122-149/208

Past the afternoon peak hours, Tifa switched stations with Uncle. She was lining up the dough for the steamed buns into the steamer pot when she detected the presence of a customer standing at the stall.

“I’d like twenty-two steamed buns. I’ll leave the fillings up to you.”

“Twenty-two?!”

It was rare for Uncle to sound so alarmed. Glancing over, she saw a young man with a round face and body, perhaps around the same age as her.

“Yeah, twenty-two. My friends are waiting over there.” The customer pointed to a man and a woman leaning against the fence by the railroad tracks, engulfed in conversation. They both had very distinct features—the kind of faces Tifa saw around Midgar—and seemed a bit older than her.

“They each get one, and I get twenty all to myself.” The customer seemed proud of himself for some reason. Tifa giggled.

When their eyes met, he stuck out his fist and gave her a thumbs up. Tifa silently bowed, and then positioned herself next to Uncle to assist him.

“Once you’re done, can you put them in here?”

The customer lifted a wicker basket up to his chest, and appeared to have it propped on his protruding belly.

“I heard the Sector 8 steamed buns were mouth-wateringly delicious, so I came to try them out.”

“That’s nice,” Uncle grumbled in gratitude.

“Rumor has it that the female stall assistant is cute too and, sure enough, they weren’t lying about that.”

“Thank you very much.” Tifa smiled out of habit. But when the customer desperately sniffed at the simmered minced meat, she couldn’t help laughing again.

“Wonder what meat is in it...”

“Meat? Well it’s—”

“Ooh!”—The customer frantically cut Uncle off as he was just about to answer.—“Don't tell me. I'll guess!”

“Suit yourself.” Uncle couldn’t suppress his smile.

Tifa held back laughter as she started to put together the steamed buns and placed each one into the customer’s basket. The customer immediately began to sniff the food with satisfaction, a dreamy look on his face. She wanted to meet his dining expectations, so even though she had been instructed to serve surplus ingredients for “chef recommendation” orders, she prepared for a scolding and filled them with her own recommendations instead.

Looking over, she noticed Uncle following suit, his hands moving swiftly as he picked up the ingredients off the plates. His hands crossed from plate to plate as if they were leaping, as if dancing. That caught the customer’s attention, and he watched in astonishment.

Tifa timed it so that she could reach over and grab the ingredients from the plates the moment Uncle finished. She imitated his movements. But for her, moving to the rhythm became more like a performance of kata from the Zangan-ryu than a dance. The image was so funny that she burst out laughing. She glanced over and saw the customer matching his neck movements to the same rhythm.

It was the first time she had had that much fun putting together steamed buns. In five minutes, twenty-two steamed buns were placed into the wicker basket, and the customer left in the direction of his companions, sniffing inside the basket along the way.

Perhaps unable to wait a moment longer, he stopped in his tracks, retrieved a bun from the basket and gave it a firm bite. His rounded jaw paused, and then started moving. He looked over to where they were, mid-chew, and gave a thumbs up. Tifa couldn’t help but return the same gesture. But what was even more surprising was catching Uncle also doing the same pose.

“Gotta take good care of customers like him.”

“Because he’ll give us good publicity?”

“That too. But, lessee, how do I put this? People like him remind us of the satisfaction and joy that comes with being in this line of work. Know what I mean?”

The three of them were thoroughly enjoying their steamed buns near the fence when the older man who had just finished eating a bun reached over to take another one from the wicker basket. The owner of the basket sensed this and rushed to stop him. Meanwhile, the woman thrust her hand into the basket and grabbed one, then turned her back on them and stuffed it into her mouth.

Uncle was right. She felt warm feelings growing inside her. It had been a long time since she felt this way.

“Come on, we need those buns steamed.”

Now that they were out twenty-two buns all at once, their supply chain needed to be replenished.

“I’m on it!” Tifa returned to the steamer pot to line up the dough for the steamed buns.

“Huh?” Tears began to fall from the corner of her eyes.

“Huh?”

She wiped them away and blinked repeatedly.

“How strange…”

She couldn’t pretend to be ignorant of the emotions concealed within her heart. She envied the three of them. They made her realize that she was all alone.

After work was over, she started walking in the direction of Container Alley. She had to go to work every day, but the Slums at night was still a scary place to be. Her body was tense from being on constant guard.

"Oh, hey!" A voice called out from behind.

Tifa ducked, and then turned around to find a young woman standing there. A beauty with a slender face and shapely nose.

"Aha! I knew it was you! The Sector 8 Steamed Bun lady!"

She was one of the people in that friendly group of three. Ever since the day they first ordered those twenty-two steamed buns, they would come back to purchase from her regularly. There were times they came together, while other times separately.

"Miss..."

"Call me Jessie. Jessie Rasberry," she introduced herself, placing her hand on her hips and posing with a bit of flare.

"I'm Tifa. Tifa Lockhart."

“Wow! Even your name is cute. How old are you—Seventeen?”

“Sixteen.”

“Off work today?”

“Yeah.”

“Um, do I make you nervous?”

“Not at all. Well… maybe.”

What she really wanted was to talk to her more—She even longed for it. But Tifa wasn’t quite sure how to express her feelings.

“I see. Sorry, sorry! Well, I'll see you in front of the station some time.”

Tifa murmured an apology, turned her back on Jessie, and immediately began walking away. After a short distance, she turned around and realized that Jessie was still watching her. She gave Tifa a tiny wave. Tifa slightly bowed her head, and then started walking again.

As she approached the alley where she was supposed to turn, a man who had the obvious appearance of a hoodlum was walking from the other side. He had on a flashy shirt and strutted with a swagger.

Marle had warned her to stay away from hoodlums. The man’s manner of walking was similar to the way Rakesh had walked when imitating one for her to see. Supposedly, Uncle used to be one back in the days, which was why he told her that if anyone were to ask, she just had to bring up that she was being “taken care of by Manson Group”, and then she’d be okay. If those magic words didn’t work, she was to take off running away at full speed.

The hoodlum was looking straight at her. Tifa averted her gaze and moved closer to the edge of the street. But he followed her.

“Hey there, City Beauty. Here's yer chance to get rich quick! You can apply with those pretty looks of yours! How’s about workin’ that pretty face to make some money?”

“I’m not interested.”

Tifa tried to escape past him, but the hoodlum’s footwork was surprisingly light and quick. He went around and cut her off.

“Hey! Hey! Look up. Lemme see that face.”

He reached out his hand and tried to grab her chin. Tifa swiftly pulled back, and the man's hand swiped in front of her and missed.

She didn’t neglect a single day reviewing the lessons from the Zangan-ryu. This hoodlum was full of openings. The chances of beating him were high, but she remembered Uncle‘s words: “These hoodlums are hard to shake off, so they’ll keep coming back until they beat ya. It’s better to avoid them at the start. Don’t forget the magic words.”

“Hey! What are you doing?!” It was a woman’s voice.

Turning around, she saw Jessie barrel towards them, propel herself upwards into a jump, before driving a toe kick smackdab into the side of the hoodlum’s face. The man groaned, his voice mangling, before he collapsed onto the ground.

“Let's go!” Jessie seized her hand and took off running, pulling Tifa along with her. They entered a nearby alleyway and turned several corners.

“Where do you live?”

Tifa described the general location based on the street, but she wasn’t sure how to get there from the alleyway they were currently at.

“You mean Container Alley?”

“Yes, that’s it.”

“That’s surprising. But I know where it’s at. I’ll take you there.”

Without waiting for her response, Jessie started walking. Along the way, she informed Tifa about the hoodlum that was taken down with a kick. He was a lackey of another lackey of another lackey working under Don Corneo, the man who had Wall Market in Sector 6 under his thumb. These hoodlums scouted women to work for Don Corneo’s shops. Though weak, they were trained to be persistent.

“And this is the most important thing: Stay away from Wall Market, and if Corneo’s name is mentioned, don't get involved. Got it?”

“Yeah.”

“Oops. I’m lecturing like I’m the experienced one here, but you probably know all this already, don’t you?”

“Just a little. In any case, I was told to stay away from Sector 6.”

“As you should.”

“Jessie, do you practice martial arts?”

“Huh? Oh, you mean that kick? Neat, wasn’t it? They had it on the action training program. But that was the first time I actually struck a person. I’m an actress, you see.”

“What?!”

“Business is temporarily closed now though.”

“I believe you.”

“Is it because you’re in such awe of my beauty that you’re convinced I'm an actress?”

“Yes.”

“Aww! That's so sweet of you to say!” Jessie gave a carefree laugh. Tifa found herself laughing along too.

“Hey, we’re almost at Container Alley, right?”

She wasn't sure how they got there or which route they took, but they managed to get back onto a familiar road. Tifa pulled ahead of Jessie and said, “I’ll be okay now that we’ve made it this far. Thanks for saving me.”

“You’re welcome. Oh, but I’ll walk you all the way home. We’re almost there, right?”

“Yeah…”

She didn’t want Jessie to see what kind of place she was living in. After being there for two years, she was aware that her living conditions were near poverty. She had considered moving, but needed to put it off until her debt was repaid.

“Come on, let’s go.”

Jessie started walking. Soon after, they approached the usual roadside spot where Gatekeeper sat. Noticing that it was Tifa, he mumbled a greeting and made way for her.

“Wow. You've got perfect security here.”

It wasn’t long before they arrived at Tifa’s container.

“This is it.”

Tifa removed the lock and unhooked the latch.

“Classic!” blurted out Jessie. She probably didn’t mean any harm, but Tifa felt embarrassed. “Hey, mind if I see inside? Sorry, I don’t mean to be pushy, but I’m dying to find out!”

“Be my guest.”

Jessie gleefully stepped inside. Tifa switched on the lights. The interior hadn’t changed much since she moved in aside from adding a bit more clothing to her wardrobe.

“You really live here?”

“Yes. For about two years. I plan on leaving someday, but until then, I’m fine being where I’m at.”

“By yourself? Where are your parents?”

“Yes, by myself. My parents are gone now.”

“I see…”

Jessie gave the room another glance around.

“So the shower and bathroom are outside? Makes sense. I mean, it’s a container after all. Hey, how much does it cost?”

“15 gil a day. But I do like showering, so that’s another 5 gil. About 600 gil a month. But, even in months that have more days, they only charge me 600 gil.”

Jessie crinkled her brows. “Tifa, did you run into some problems?”

Tifa felt that maybe it would be alright to open up to this person. Not because she wanted someone to rescue her. Just someone who could listen and show her a bit of sympathy and tell her, “I know it’s not easy.” That alone would make the days worth living, she thought.

“I need to pay back some money.”

“Huh…” Jessie kept on nodding. “Still a lot left to pay off?”

“About… four years left...”

“Yikes!” Jessie sat down on the bed and patted the seat next to her. “You can tell your big sister all about it.”

Tifa sat down on the bed as well. After some thought, she let her emotions take control and began to tell her story from the moment the Soldier lost his mind and set fire to her village until the present day. The more they talked, the more it stirred up feelings of regret. Shouldn't she try to find out the truth about that incident? And yet, she even felt like her debt was a form of escape. Once she got it all out, she wept.

“You’re working so hard. Yep. I don’t know a single soul in the slums who’s worked harder than Tifa Lockhart!”

Encouraged by Jessie’s words, Tifa sniffled.

“And you’re not running away. I’m pretty familiar with the incidents that occurred due to Shinra's doings, but I haven’t heard about Nibelheim. Which can only mean one of two things: Shinra hasn’t made it public or they’re trying to cover it up. You don’t stand a chance. No way you can handle them alone. Don’t be reckless.”

“Alright…”

“I'm sure you can avenge your father. I’ll help you. Not right away, though.”

She hadn't really thought that far ahead. But talking to Jesse inspired her. She gripped the leather bracelet around her wrist.

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Hmm, I wonder. Maybe I’m just nosy? You’re in trouble, aren’t you? Oh, but I don’t have any money, so don’t get your hopes up about that!”

Jessie encircled an arm around Tifa’s back and squeezed her shoulder in a hug. Depleted after the long talk, Tifa abandoned herself in the embrace.

“We can do anything. Even if it’s not possible on our own, we can make it happen if we join forces.”

Since that time, she would spend time with Jessie once or twice a week. Sometimes Wedge or Biggs would be with them. The glutton she met that first day was Wedge, and the other man, Biggs. Through these three, she formed other acquaintances who told her of safe places she could go to eat late at night.

An outfit was chosen for her based on Jessie’s selection, and Jessie was also the one who trained Tifa on proper posture and how to walk on stage. Until then (according to Biggs, at least) she was like a small animal on alert.

It was now her 17th birthday. After work finished, she returned the food cart to the warehouse, and went to turn in the proceeds to Rakesh. Once they completed their nightly protocol, Uncle went home as usual.

“Hey, Tifa.” Rakesh seemed unusually uneasy. He looked like he had something to say to her. She quickly braced herself. “About those people you befriended recently. They’re part of a group that doesn’t really have a good reputation, so…”

“You mean the Neighborhood Watch?” asked Tifa. Her tone came out harsher than she meant it to be.

“They’re with Avalanche.”

“Avalanche?”

She had heard about them. Avalanche was an anti-Shinra organization that disturbed peace and order, using violent methods and causing chaos everywhere they went. Elfé was their leader.

“Even if that’s true, they’re not bad people.”

“It doesn’t matter what you think of them. The problem is what does Shinra think? It's better to keep your distance. I’m worried that if they start hunting down Avalanche, you'll get dragged into their mess.��

As she walked down the lane to Container Alley, Gatekeeper informed her that she had guests. Who could they be? She grew anxious.

Approaching cautiously, she noticed Jessie, Biggs and Wedge waiting for her in front of the container.

“Welcome back.”

“Happy birthday!” Jessie hugged Tifa.

“Hey, Tifa. We know you work tomorrow, but are you available from now until 2 o'clock?” asked Biggs as if sounding her out.

“We can’t treat you to a meal, but there’ll be plenty of snacks!” said Wedge.

“There’s something we want to show you,” said Jessie, releasing her from her embrace.

“What could it be?”

“Hmm, what could it be?” spoke all three in unison, as if they had plotted something out together.

She couldn't imagine where they were going, but couldn't think of any reason why she should refuse their invitation. After walking for almost half an hour, they arrived at a decaying house in the vicinity of the Midgar outer wall. It was in the Scrapyard. The interior was more spacious than it looked like from the outside.

There were already eight guests there before them, but there was still plenty of room to fit more people. She recognized a few faces. Were they her food cart customers, or maybe people either Biggs or Jessie knew and introduced her to?

“Good afternoon, everyone!” Jessie raised a hand to gather their attention, and then led Tifa to the center of the room. “This is my friend, Tifa Lockhart. Today is her 17th birthday. Please wish her a happy birthday!”

Biggs applauded and then the others present followed suit. Birthday wishes flew back and forth. Wedge whistled with his fingers in his mouth, but someone told him off. Apparently they were not to make any loud noises.

“Thank you so much.” She turned to each and every person and thanked them over and over again.

“Alright, shall we begin?” said an older gentleman.

The room fell silent. People shifted in their seats to face a far wall which was painted white. Spaced out a bit further from this wall was a desk with a movie projector on top. The model was an older type that they had had back in Nibelheim too. Maybe they were about to show something?

Just as she thought, the lights were dimmed, and shortly after, images were projected onto the wall. The scenery was in black and white, of a barren wasteland. In this wasteland stood a young man.

“I am Yuuri Romana, a mentor in the studies of Planetology. I would like to speak to you about the relationship between us and the Planet and of the Planet’s life. I'm sure those of you who are watching this video already know all of this, but please bear with me. To tell the story of our Planet’s life in my own words is, I believe, the only way to pass on the study of Planetology to future generations under this oppression.”

In the video, Yuuri Romana spent thirty minutes talking about the relationship between Planet life and human life. When a person dies, their body decomposes and returns to the earth. But the spirit is absorbed, and becomes a source of life, circling within the Planet and enriching it. Thus, bringing new life into existence, and then returning to the earth’s surface. Life changes its form and dwells here and there, in everything. Life is eternal, and the Planet will be their eternal vehicle.

After the movie screening ended, the spectators quickly dispersed. At Jessie’s prompting, Tifa also headed home. On the way, they parted with Biggs and Wedge, and Tifa was alone with Jessie.

“So what’d you think?” asked Jessie.

“When people die, they disappear. Nothing is left. Since I always thought of it that way, I found the studies of Planetology fascinating.”

“Shinra Company’s the one who brought that up—That people disappear when they die. They've got it down to a science. Before them it was the Republic that taught us that when people die, God would condemn them to either Heaven or Hell. And way, way, way before them, the ideas from the study of Planetology were widely accepted.”

“Really?”

If that was what Jessie believed in, then she wanted to believe in it too. But something still didn’t feel right.

“In other words, what I’m trying to say is, your dad didn’t just disappear. His life force is with the Planet, and our hearts are connected with the Planet. If you have love for the Planet, then you’ll always be connected with your dad. I was just wondering if you might consider that.”

They stood in the silent darkness of Container Alley.

“Nibelheim is right here with you, and your dad is right here with you too.” Jessie cupped Tifa’s face in her hands. Her touch was warm. “You’re not alone.”

Tifa placed her hands on top of Jessie’s and said, “I haven't been alone since the day you first came here.”

Jessie’s eyes widened. Flustered, she broke away.

“Oh my god! That's so sweet of you to say!” She brought both of her hands up to her cheeks, looking extremely flattered. “Well, see ya!”

Jessie walked away, her cheeks still pressed in-between her hands.

Tifa realized that she had forgotten to check to see if Jessie was a member of Avalanche but felt strongly that it didn’t matter.

※

“I managed to go to a few more screenings after that. Films with mentors speaking. They were always getting harassed by Shinra, so the location would change every time. Eventually, I came to believe that the ideas of the study of Planetology would take some of the pressure off of me.”

“What do you mean?” asked Red XIII, his voice mixed with growls.

“I have to carry on my back [the weight of what happened] to my father, to the people of Nibelheim, and the truth about the Nibelheim Incident. I can’t ever forget. When I got so busy with my daily life that I did forget, or when I laughed out loud, I would suddenly feel guilty. That was the reason. But the answer is within the Planet. And when I thought about that… When I realized that I didn't have to face it alone, things got easier.”

“There are many differing interpretations of Planetology. Ideas that are different from mine.”

“Yeah. That's what I thought at the time. Because it made me feel better to think that way.”

※

As she was skimming out the scum from the simmered minced meat pot, Uncle said, “Did ya know about the explosion at the mako reactor in Corel?”

“Umm… Didn’t that happen a long time ago?”

“Yeah, there's been talk recently about it being the work of Avalanche. So, I heard Shinra’s gonna send out their troops to hunt them down in the slums. Well, it doesn't really matter what reason they have for it, they’ll find one. And if they can’t find one, they’ll make one up.”

She pretended not to be affected, but barely managed to skim out the scum.

“Don’t get yourself involved.”

Looking up she was met with a dead serious look in Uncle’s eyes.

She hadn't talked to Jessie and the others in almost a month. Since she’d gotten to know them, this was the first time that there had been such a long absence. They couldn’t get a hold of her, and she didn’t even know where they lived. Looking back, she realized she had constantly been misled.

Tifa was awakened by an unusual presence outside her door. She had a good hunch who it could be and jumped to her feet. Opening the door, just as expected, she was greeted by Jessie. Blood ran down her cheeks.

“Sorry. I’m really sorry.” Jessie was short of breath. “I wasn’t planning on turning to you for help.”

“You can turn to me anytime.” Tifa drew her inside the room. Apparently she had been running the whole time. Once inside, Jessie slumped down on the floor, resting her back against the bed.

Tifa waited until her labored breathing subsided and then asked, “Are you with Avalanche?”

“Yeah.”

“Biggs and Wedge, too?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that why you couldn’t tell me where you live?”

That made Tifa upset.

“It’s because they might’ve come after you. Like they did to us today.”

“Does this have something to do with the Corel mako reactor?”

“Wow. You know a lot more than you let on.”

“Don’t treat me like a child!”

“Ouch, ouch, ouch!” Jessie pressed down on the side of her torso and grimaced.

“Were you shot at?”

“No. I took a hard blow jumping down from the roof. I went, like, WHAM! Don’t think I got shot at...”

When Tifa tried to go out and fetch a doctor, Jessie stopped her. There was a high chance clinics and hospitals had been marked by Shinra troops in order to catch injured Avalanche members. Is that the way things go? Tifa thought.

She went outside so that she could draw some water for Jessie to take painkillers she had with her. The alley was quiet tonight as usual. She had a vague feeling that people who lived in this side town were in some kind of trouble. Even if they heard some disturbance outside, they probably wouldn’t open their doors to look. Nervous that there might be Shinra troops around, she drew water and returned to her room.

Jessie, who should have been sitting upright, had collapsed onto the floor. Frightened, Tifa checked her for signs of breathing.

“It’s okay. She’s alive.”

The next morning, although she was still in pain, Jessie was able to talk like her usual self, so Tifa left for work. After they had finished their morning peak hours, she feigned sickness, complaining about a stomach ache and asked Uncle to let her off work. It being her first time, he was taken aback. With a look that said it was a hard decision, he allowed her to retire for the day.

Leaving the food stall, she made her way to Damini’s clinic. Here, too, she had to put on another act. After being kept waiting for a while, she was called into the examination room.

Tifa complained about having a bad fall and banging into something, and feeling pain in a sizable area around her chest. The pain had somewhat lessened this morning from what it was last night, so Damini deemed it wasn't a fracture.

“I'll give you some painkillers. It's a strong drug, so only use it if the pain becomes unbearable. Observe for today and tomorrow. If the pain intensifies, or if the internal bleeding gets worse, then bring that person in to see me.”

“Huh?”

“There are no signs of physical bruising on your body. I would know; I’m a physician.”

Tifa cast her eyes downward, ashamed of herself. Cautiously raising her head, she noticed Damini watching her with a worried look on her face.

“The world is in turmoil. Don't get caught up in anything crazy.”

Thrown into confusion, Tifa fled from the hospital. She rushed back to Container Alley. The latch was still in place, but the lock was missing. She had a bad feeling. There was a letter left on the table next to her bedside.

Disappearing for a bit. Thanks. So sorry I left the door unlocked.

All the strength drained from her body.

“If you’re going to get me involved, then keep me involved!” Tifa shouted into the empty container. She kicked and punched blindly into the air. “Damn it!”

Before the evening peak hours, she returned to the food cart. Uncle, exhausted, welcomed her back with a big smile. There was a joy in being useful. She worked furiously until she had the cart cleaned up and wiped down.

When she was almost eighteen years old, she retuned from work at night to her home in Container Alley. There was a crowd of people at the entrance of the road. She got the impression that they were curious onlookers. Moving closer she heard someone’s voice shout, “These guys are harboring Avalanche!”

Tifa pushed her way past the crowd and entered the alleyway.

A woman cried out, “I don’t have a clue! Haven’t seen him in ten years!”

She recognized the voice right away. It was Shower Guard. Tifa squeezed herself through the crowd that had taken over the street. She was finally able to get to the front of the line, curses hailing on her left and right. Three Shinra troopers were there. They had their rifles thrust out at Shower Guard who was cowering against the wall. Gatekeeper was slumped on the ground just in front. She rushed over to check on him.

“Take care of Aisha for me,” he said in labored breaths.

She was momentarily baffled. Aisha? And then it dawned on her that Aisha must be Shower Guard’s real name. When she rose up, a Shinra trooper noticed her and aimed the muzzle in her direction.

“Halt! Hands up!”

There was a glint of light from the nightlight attached to his rifle. The weapon was small and black. If a bullet flew out and hit her, would it kill her? The hair on the back of her neck stood up. What the hell! Her knees trembled beneath her.

“She with you?”

“She’s got nothing to do with it! Nobody here does!” Shower Guard shouted.

The security officer re-holstered his rifle. Tifa’s fingertips quivered as she watched him. The Shinra trooper had a sick grin on his face.

“This way!” She heard a voice shouting in the background. “He’s at the Main Street!”

Reacting to those words, the trooper in front of Shower Guard struck her using the butt of his rifle. She groaned and collapsed to the ground. And then he and another officer with him slipped past Tifa and went back onto the road.

The last remaining officer shoved the nose of his rifle into the swelling of Tifa’s bosom. Humiliation and anger moved her. She kicked up and caught the trooper’s jaw with the tip of her foot. His head jerked back, and the helmet fell off, exposing his bare face. He was still a boy. Probably even younger than her.

Tifa recoiled from him, and then someone yanked her by the arm. She lost balance and fell down backwards. A figure jumped over her. It was Gatekeeper. He rose up in front of the trooper, who was just a mere boy, and his hand moved horizontally across the boy's throat. Blood spurted out from it. She saw the glinting of a knife in Gatekeeper’s hand.

Shrieks erupted among the curious onlookers, and then she fainted.

Tifa awoke to Rakesh watching over her. The bed was hers, and she was in her own room. She hurriedly got up.

"The Shinra boy?!"

"Gatekeeper carried him away somewhere. It’s his responsibility to dispose of the body.”

It would have been better if she hadn't asked.

"Where's Gatekeeper?"

"At my mom's. I don't think his injuries were too major."

"Thank goodness. I hope her son managed to get away."

"I heard he really is with Avalanche, but I doubt he’d actually come here tonight to begin with."

"But I heard someone shouting that he had escaped towards the street."

"That was my voice. I had to act quickly to try and get you out of trouble. It went surprisingly well and I was celebrating that, but then that had to happen… I was shocked.”

“Me too.” It suddenly occurred to Tifa. “I couldn’t suppress my emotions. No, it was like my body moved on its own.”

“I guess that's what it means to be strong.” That seemed to leave a deep impression on Rakesh.

“Master Zangan would not have approved.”

“That guy’s never around when you need him most. Hey, Tifa. Why don’t you go and take a shower?”

She didn’t want any arguments, so she got up from the bed. Her knees were still shaking, but not like how she felt when the trooper pointed his rifle at her. She couldn't support her legs with her mind still reeling from the gravity of the situation. Not wanting Rakesh to see her like that, she returned to the bed and covered her feet with the blanket.

“What’s it like outside?”

“There’s nobody out there. The onlookers disappeared, and I doubt the troopers will come back again. Manson probably talked it out with Shinra Company and put an end to the dispute.” And then he spat out, “Those Avalanche bastards! They put us through the wringer!”

Tifa clutched at her leather cord around her wrist, swallowing back her emotions.

“Hey, Rakesh?”

“What is it? You can tell me anything.”

“I want to be alone.”

Rakesh looked visibly upset. She wondered why. But, well, it didn’t matter anyway. She didn’t want to think about anything anymore.

※

“Learning martial arts, fighting, and how it can lead to a person's death. Things that were so obvious. Why didn’t I think things through?”

“You weren’t the one who killed him.”

“Yeah, I thought of it that way too. I tried to convince myself of that. But it's not like that. When we fight, we do so while staring at death in the face. Our opponent’s or our own. If we’re not prepared for that, we shouldn't be fighting. There must be something we want, something we wish to protect, even if it means taking a life. If we don’t have that, then, even after winning, the only thing left for us is regret. This is a price which is too great to pay for meager satisfaction.”

“Humans are troublesome creatures.”

“Yes, we are. Especially me.”

※

She didn’t miss a day of work. Only work was a solid assured reality. She wanted to maintain some sense of normalcy, or she would sink deeper into the darkness inside her heart.

But every day she passed by the place where the trooper—No, the boy—died, she couldn’t help but remember and think. She had to get out of here. She felt a strong sense of hope, different from the vague hope she had felt before.

“Hey, Rakesh?” She approached him for advice when she went in to receive her pay. “Do I have to live in that container forever?”

“No. Once you pay off your debt, you’re free to go anywhere you like.”

“Is that what Dr. Damini said?”

“No, it’s Manson. Manson’s rule.”

“What does Manson have to do with me? I mean, I’m really grateful to get work from him, but why would he do all this?”

“Because you couldn’t pay your medical expenses, my mom wasn’t able to pay off her own loan, so she went to borrow the money from Manson. You and I have been working at his cart to pay off the debt we racked up. According to Manson's rule, you can’t leave Container Alley or have the freedom to choose which job you do until you’ve repaid all your debt. The rules are pretty strict. Those who don’t abide by it get their blood spilled.”

Tifa was stunned.

“So the money I hand over to you gets handed over to Manson?”

“Yep. In the end.”

“I wish you told me…”

“The amount is about the same anyway. Besides, I didn’t think you were interested.”

“It’s not that I wasn’t interested. I just trusted you.”

Tifa clutched her leather bracelet.

“I’m pleased to hear that. I need your trust from now on too. It's going to be okay. If you maintain your current pace, you’ll be a free woman in less than three years.” Then Rakesh looked around, lowered his voice and said, “I think you can pay it off sooner by working at Wall Market. That's the thing, you see, you can't force it. But if you’re seriously thinking about it, let me know.”

Whatever trust she had in Rakesh was now gone.

She removed the bag that was hidden inside some clothes from the clothes bin. It was extremely heavy. Everything she had saved up since she had started working was in this bag. After checking to make sure the door was locked, she counted the money. With a pen and paper ready, she began her calculations, and started to see the possibility that it could be paid off in two years.

She didn't know where she was supposed to pay her debt—and, yes, the rules were absurd—but there was no point in making an issue now. She was the one who didn't check the details of her medical bills in the first place. She would come to terms with the things she did or didn't do, learn to accept them, and then show everyone how she was going to get out of this life. Two more years to get her life back on track.

For Tifa, that plan became her source of strength.

[lexa-griffins]

Do farm clexa sell anything from their farm like fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, etc? I'm just imagining they set up a small stand at their town's weekly farmers market where they sell their goods for some extra cash on the side.

How cute would it be if Madi were to help them as customers come and shop their produce and food 🥺 She hands out free samples of their fruit and veggies from their garden. She even tells them that she grew them all by herself and hopes they like it and buy some. How can any customer refuse when Madi looks at them with her adorable curls, freckles, and big smile 😁

She even helps Clarke with the cash register and ringing people's orders up. She also likes handing out the change but it takes her a while as she's still learning how to count but no one cares when they have the cutest cashier helping them ☺️

Also, Madi loves to walk around the farmers market holding her mommy's hand and look at all the cool stands and food and products that people are selling. Her favorite ones are the stands with the free food samples because she's always hungry and has a massive sweet tooth. All the regulars love her and always spoil her with larger sample sizes.

They do! They sell mainly produce and eggs as well as a few baked goods Lexa makes. They have a whole adorable set up with a flipped painted crate for Madi to stand on and hand drawn signs with the price made by Clarke.

🥺🥺🥺 shut up that's so fucking cute!! Madi is usually on vegetable duty since those are the ones she helps plant and the ones she knows better, people are always so enchanted by this tiny little girl counting out loud to herself as she puts their mushrooms one by one in the bag. And honestly she's the best little sales lady :'). She tells people mommy makes the best soups and salads with their carrots, they should really try it :D! And she helped them grow because now her mommy lets her be the one to plant and water them! I swear it's the hardest thing to resist, old ladies in particular seem to have a hard time no falling for little Madi's selling techniques, one look at those freckled rosy chubby cheeks with a smile that's so similar to Lexa's when she was little and they are buying things they already have at home and don't need. Her pride and joy tho is when she on cake duty, she helps Lexa bake a lot of the lemon bars and brownies they sell and it's something she adores doing with her mommy so when people by a slice and eat it right there showering them with compliments Madi gets so happy her and mommy's baking was as delicious to others as it was to her :')

Ah yes, Clarke's little helper! People joke that while Madi is an exact copy of Lexa looks wise all of her mannerisms are definitely Clarke's (which makes Clarke all proud). She always makes sure to show Clarke the change so she can confirm she's right, and a little down the road she's the one who confirms if her siblings are doing it correctly, big sister duties and all. And honestly her being there is a huge help when it's too hot for Lexa to be standing on her feet all morning while pregnant so she can sit in the van for a while knowing Clarke won't be too overwhelmed with things. She loves hearing her baby go "I'm almost finished here, I can help who's next!" in her little toddler voice while people gush about her to Clarke.

Even the ones without samples will give Madi samples 😅 her and her moms are such a staple at the market either buying or selling that the moment they see the two heads of dark curly hair they immediately get a little treat for her out. There's this homemade sweets stall that Lexa has taken to avoiding because they will fill her little girl with sugar via free samples (and Lexa herself tbh, she tries her best not to over indulge but always ends up with a bag of candy she bought and told Madi it was for Clarke but by the time they get back the bag if half empty). The market is small and once she's old enough Madi is allowed to go around it and buy something for herself as Lexa and Clarke finish packing their stuff. She usually comes back with a few things to eat and two flowers for her mommas 🥺

This is just so fucking cute, I cannot stop thinking about little Madi pushing her crate around their table as she grabs everything the clients ask for, carrying the money up to Clarke so she can give her change, going to Lexa with sleepy eyes "can I have a break mommy?" that Lexa always smiles and tells her of course, she can stop for the day even, so she just sits on the back of their truck with Fish and plays with her toys. Funnily enough, she usually ends up playing market with them 🥺

[fayeimara]

Miya Osamu || Little Delights | First Meeting

SUMMARY. Osamu can't help but be intrigued when his daughter starts bringing home delicious desserts prepared by her best friend's mother.

PAIRING. You x Miya Osamu

GENRE. Fluff <3

WARNINGS. Suggestive content

Haikyuu! Anthology Series | It's Fate When Your Kids Are Friends

OSAMU | First Meeting > Second Date > Third Time's The Charm > Four Is Our Family

Osamu's made it just in time, right as the bell tolls to signal the end of his daughter's second day in her new school year. Standing back as a swarm of kids rush out of the brick building and into the arms of their waiting parents, he takes a moment to breathe and relax. Juggling his burgeoning restaurant with being a single parent isn't an easy job, but he wouldn't trade it for anything.

He stands taller than many of the other adults around him and it's evident his little girl has no problem seeking him out as a black, red, and grey blur races towards him, a thrilled, "Papa!" reaching his ears and splitting his mouth into a wide, happy grin.

His arms are already open in a silent but enthusiastic response as he crouches down and then the bite-sized impact of his daughter is rocking him back on his heels, his reaction overly exaggerated as he pretends to almost fall over from the small force of nature that's all Miya Izumi.

Standing back up, Samu catches sight of another little girl who was trailing behind, wide eyes studying him before shifting to Zumi, his daughter turning back around to wave at her, proclaiming the girl as her 'bestest friend in the whole wide world'. The girl returns Zumi's enthusiastic wave with a quick raise of her small hand before her attention is caught by a pretty young woman, her own wide smile replacing her previously hesitant expression as she's warmly enveloped into welcoming arms with kisses peppered on her cheeks and forehead.

Her delighted giggles reach Osamu and his daughter as they turn around, hand in hand, to walk back to his car, small interaction soon forgotten as his little munchkin lists off the snacks she's looking forward to having on their return to his shop. She won't be able to finish half that list, he bets to himself with a quiet chuckle at his daughter's inherited exuberance for food as he securely buckles her into car.

It's not until they reach his second pride and joy, Onigiri Miya, that he finds the first little surprise tucked away in Izumi's not so empty lunchbox. When he inquires about the remarkably delicious looking set of biscuits he certainly didn't pack for her that morning, his daughter's response is that it's a thank you gift from her bestest friend, Reina, for the lunch she'd shared with the girl on her first day.

Well, a six year old certainly didn't bake these from the looks of it. It's only confirmed by his first taste, the texture and flavour beyond even most consistent home bakers, let alone a young child. Right? But a more pressing thought flags his attention, first.

"Did your friend not have her own lunch?"

"She did! We split because hers wasn't so good, even though her mama put so much love into it. But the treats were so much better so we decided to go halfsies and have best of both!" His daughter giggles with the oblivious sweet innocence of a child.

"And what about today?"

"Mhm. Same. But I liked the chocolate brownies yesterday much much better!"

Samu chuckles at her excitement and can't help but tease his precocious daughter, "Oh, and was it better than papa's food?"

Zumi's eyes widen as she contemplates the question with all the adorable seriousness she can muster, but loyalty must break free and run because her reply is, "Almost! So close, but I love papa's cooking more than anything in the whole wide world."

It seems the whole wide world is the current standard of measurement for first graders, but he appreciates the heartfelt sentiment behind her loving words.

After another moment of consideration, Osamu settles on the thought chewing at him and decides that tomorrow his daughter won't be giving up a portion of his food which she loves so much. No, she'll have double the amount to do with whatever she may please.

So briefly, that he doesn't even ponder on the sudden image, he's reminded of the warm reunion he witnessed between the little girl and the woman who he'd assumed was her nanny, but concludes is probably the girl's young mother. Based on the number of treats Zumi brought back, Samu's certain the woman had to have thoughtfully made extras of these baked goods for her daughter to have more than enough to share with friends and then some.

Well, it's definitely no skin off his back to make his daughter even the slightest bit happier by being able to help her share her savoury little delights with her new bestest friend.

It's on the third day of your daughter's return from her new school year that you're able to confirm that something is indeed amiss. The previous two days, the small portions of her lunch left uneaten were questionable, given her voracious appetite, however, when she returns with the lunch you made for her today still sitting wholly untouched in her cute little lunchbox, you finally sit her down to ask about it.

Her response is far from what you expected, "My friend's papa made extra lunch so we could both have something yummy to eat!"

You press your lips together to hide your amusement as you teasingly inquire, "Oh? Is that so? And I guess that means mama's food isn't so yummy after all."

Her eyes widen in dismay and mouth opens in an immediate denial that you know would be a lie to soothe your feelings. Even at such a young age, your beautiful baby girl is truly a kind and compassionate soul, she would dutifully eat anything you prepared no matter how lacking the meal might be and never utter a word to tell you the obvious truth.

Before she can manage to find the right words to faithfully express how much she loves your cooking, you lean in to kiss her on the forehead and pull back with a laugh, gathering her in your arms for a warm hug. "Oh baby, I'm so sorry I can't make you the food you deserve. But please don't ever feel the need to say otherwise to spare my feeling, okay? You should always be honest about what you like or don't like."

Her little arms find their way around you as she snuggles in, voice soft and words like a wise, old soul when she denies, "But your food is made with so much love mama. Zumi says some people are just better at other things. We both think you make the best yummies."

"The best yummies, hm?" You think about the various baked goods you add in to balance out for the healthy but tasteless lunches you're able to prepare.

They are indeed good, but baking has always been something that comes more naturally to you than cooking. An interesting distinction not many people might accept, but for you the former has always been an effortless science whereas the latter is more of a difficult art.

"Well I'm really glad you like those, but we do need to figure out what to do so you're not picking at your friends' food or going hungry."

She pulls back to send a serious look your way, exclaiming, "But I'm not picking at it, I promise. Zumi said her papa made extra just for me!"

You take a moment to consider her words. She made a similar implication in her earlier statement, that her friend's dad had made extra for them both. What does that mean? Did his daughter ask him to because she was sharing her food with Reina? Or did he somehow grasp the situation and is simply being generous?

A warm burn threatens your cheeks as you consider the awkwardness of accepting such a gesture from a complete stranger. While you appreciate the kindness of Reina's friend and her dad, it still somehow feels like a terrible imposition, as if you've burdened them somehow with your lack of skills to keep your child happily fed.

It's not like you can't cook good, healthy food. You're just painfully aware how bland the food you make can be, unless you spend three times the amount of time as anyone else would need to in order to prepare similar meals. But... studying the smile that's on your daughter's face, you can't help the twinge in your heart that reminds you how much more her happiness is worth than your pride.

You won't assume this will be a daily occurrence and you'll continue to make your daughters lunches so she never goes without, however, it'll be no extra trouble for you to make double the batch of baked goods than usual. After all, you usually account for the fact that she'll be sharing with friends and classmates anyways.

However, you're now determined there will be enough delicious snacks for Reina to share not only around at school, but also some treats for her sweet friend Izumi to take home for her generous parents. Perhaps, you think, it might be prudent to include a short message, thanking the man for his thoughtful effort.

Silent gratitude isn't very much to anyone ~ (So I hope you and your family will accept these.) Thank you for your kindness, Miya-san.

Osamu blinks, unaware of the small smile that curves his lips as he reads the delicate, handwritten note carefully wrapped around one of the cupcakes Izumi brought back home today. There are only three of the original twelve left, apparently, but the one he's just bitten into is as incredible as expected.

If he's correct in his assumption from the note addressed directly to him and included with today's delightful treats, then the little girl's mother has picked up on his small action and is returning the gesture to convey her thanks. The thought is confirmed by his daughter explaining that one of each of the three cupcakes is for their family.

Three for their family? Hm. Well, it's just him and Zumi, but he's sure his brother will be all over the remaining offering when he visits tonight. If there's any left for him that is. Probably won't be, it's really just that good and anyways, he doesn't need Atsumu nosing his way into this simple exchange as it is.

The following day, Friday morning, Samu pens back his own note, assuring the woman that no thanks is necessary. There's no reason for her to express her gratitude over what's really such a simple action for him.

That evening, he and Zumi enjoy some quality mochi delivered in a white, rectangular box with a pretty decently hand-drawn background scene at a spring festival on the cover. Two little girls, one that looks remarkably like his daughter and the other like her best friend, hold hands in the centre of the street dressed in traditional yukata and sharing a box of what he assumes is mochi.

As they much into the chewy treats, he watches and listens as his daughter points out the bright colours she and her friend chose to fill into what was apparently initially a blank canvas for them to colour on. Her delight at having a pink and grey yukata, even if only in a drawing, prompting him to make a mental note about looking into the clothing and any upcoming festivals.

Osamu makes a point of saving the box, childlike scribbles over the simple sketch leaving a warm feeling in his chest and a slightly wider smile gracing his mouth.

The response he receives the Monday evening (from his penned message the Friday before) is enough to prompt a full smirk that, this time, doesn't go unnoticed by him. The woman showed an interesting sense of humour and gracious acceptance with the first cupcake note. Then, a sweet and thoughtful disposition with the drawing included as part of the soft treat for the girls Friday.

But now, Samu sees a challenging firmness in her reply to his easy brush off of her thanks, delicate lines yet again adorning the small card carefully tucked into a pretty red ribbon that's tied around and decorating another white, rectangular box.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it ~ So please accept this gift without concern.

Sitting inside are four differently coloured, rounded treats that look familiar but he can't place off the top of his head. A quick search identifies the delicate confections as macarons, the colorful delights an absolute wonder as the airy crunch of the top and bottom shells simultaneously give way to a firm filling with the first bite, the sweet flavour almost dissolving on his tongue.

He and Zumi finish the box off in minutes, three of each flavour included to a total of four different flavours, so both he and his daughter each get seconds of their respective favourites.

The next morning, filled with anticipation at what new surprises you might include with the goods you send today, he's fully aware of the grin that stretches his face as he writes out a note of his own for you to receive later this evening.

The macarons were inspiring. Izumi and I definitely won't turn away any gifts you'd like to send our way. I wonder... what other surprises do you have up your sleeve? I sent a little something your way to inspire you too. - M. Osamu

The neatly written note returned, once again, on the back of the small rectangular card you'd last sent, brings a warm smile to your face. The various onigiri that came along with it, apparently with specific instructions communicated from Izumi to Reina that today's additional quantity is set aside for you specifically, stretches the amused curl of your lips into a delighted grin.

You split each of the four different types of rice balls with your daughter, listening to her input on the delicious food as she points out her order of most to least favourite. Although there's not a single one you wouldn't eat on any given day if given the choice, the food is simply divine.

Your note the following day is a compliment to the chef, with a cheeky inquiry as to what deities one must pray to in order to make food like that. His response is a swift rebuttal asking what cruel gods bless some with the skills to cook but others with the skills to bake, ironically echoing your own thoughts from the previous week.

So goes the back and forth for weeks, notes getting cuter, sassier, and more personal as jokes, challenges, and encouragements alike are enclosed among the lunches of two excited little girls, their own bond strengthening with this unique camaraderie between their parents, until you feel the peculiar sense that you know the man on the other end, without ever even having actually met him.

Then, one day, three weeks into the first exchange, you receive a note that makes your heart beat in your throat at the unspoken challenge which raises the stakes of the now familiar routine. It's a simple response to your unassuming request for the onigiri recipes you initially received as the first returned delight, a meal you and Reina have been craving since the first taste.

I can do one better and teach you. xxx-xxx-xxxx. - Osamu

There's no reason to be shy or hesitant, is there? After all, it's a kind offer that will only serve you and Reina well with your future attempts at her lunches. You can't count on Miya Osamu's kindness forever.

Fingers still shaking, you dial the number enclosed within and find the call picked up before the first ring even finishes.

"I wasn't sure ya'd actually call."

Oh, wow, that's a voice to melt hearts alright. You're still smiling as you immediately reply in beat, with the easy familiarity of your shared repartee over the last few weeks, "With an offer like that, how could I not?"

He's quiet for a second and you start to lose your smile, suddenly worrying that perhaps you've acted too familiarly with a man that's all but a stranger and offended him. But his next words, slowly expelled in a lazy but thoughtful drawl, have your heart beating fast for an entirely different reason, "I had a feeling ya'd sound as pretty as ya write."

Now you're the one that's silent but it's entirely because you're at a loss for words, this quietly charming man having stolen them right from the tip of your tongue.

A low chuckle breaks what you realized was actually somehow still a remarkably comfortable silence and then his delicious voice reaches you again, "I hope I didn't scare ya voice away. It'd be a shame now that I've only just heard it."

Okay so he's maybe much more of a flirt than the subtle hints you'd noticed over the notes, but then again, they were delivered through your daughters as messengers so it would be reasonable he would have toned it down. Then again, what kind of man flirts with a woman he's never met previously? He doesn't even know what you look like. Have you captured his interest solely through your mutual correspondence?

You almost snort, catching your thoughts and feeling like you're the main character to some historical romance. Maybe during a world war era. Mutual correspondence. Right. What are you even thinking? He's got you flustered already.

"Funny. I would never have imagined you would sound so pretty from the way you write." You're tempted to arch an eyebrow with your audible smirk but then you remember that it's not like he can see it.

"Ya think my voice is pretty, do ya?" His tone is full with soft satisfaction, "Maybe ya can tell me if it's better in person."

"And here I thought the offer on the table was for learning a delicious recipe."

You swear you hear the smile in his response, "Sounds like yer in either way."

"Sounds like I am." You concede in mock resignation but you're painfully aware that your words and following sigh sound more like a promise.

You and Reina find the charming storefront quite easily from Samu's instructions. It's finally the weekend, several days since your first call with him, and your handwritten notes have now upgraded into convenient, daily text messages.

He's definitely confident and teasing but not quite the overt flirt you briefly considered he might be from a few days ago. In fact, he's more calm and grounded, even if he can be a smooth talker, but you've quickly found that what came across as flirtatious was actually just him being honestly direct. Which is both exciting and flattering enough to make you nervous for this first real meeting today.

A soft chime sounds as you open the door to usher Reina through before following her in yourself. The first thing your eyes land on is a small girl running to your daughter like a heat seeking missile and the two collide in an adorably sweet hug, somehow understanding each other while seemingly talking simultaneously.

With a small smile on your face, you take a moment to survey your surroundings and find your bearings in this unfamiliar space. It's not an overly large area, focusing more on a cozy, comfortable atmosphere emphasized by the deliciously welcoming smell of various foods that make you feel right at home.

Your eyes run over the bar with stools lined against it before you do a double take, finally noticing the dark haired man that's leaning with his arms crossed against a door frame beyond it, watching as you examined his space.

He must be able to tell he's slightly startled you as an amused smile stretches his lips and he dips his head ever so slightly in greeting. "Welcome to Onigiri Miya."

"Thank you for inviting us, Miya-san." You bite your lip at your automatic formality, already certain what he's going to say next.

And he doesn't disappoint, eyebrow arching as he uncrosses his arms and, finally, steadily makes his way towards you, "I already told ya to call me Osamu. Or Samu."

Now you're smiling again because the situation is definitely out of the ordinary, the level of familiarity you feel with a man you're seeing for the first time can only be considered unusual. You take a moment to study him as he stops just before you, tall build with broad shoulders and a handsome face that looks like it belongs on a heartbreaker not a homemaker.

Your fingers itch to push back the locks of his hair peeking out from under his dark cap and falling over on side of his forehead, if only to have an excuse to run your hands through it. But that's definitely not appropriate no matter how comfortable you might already feel with this easygoing man.

"Right... Osamu, then. And of course, you can call me Y/n."

"Yer name and looks suit ya, just like yer voice and handwriting." He's got a small smile on his own face now and you're not sure if he's aware he basically just called you pretty. He doesn't really seem to do this on purpose, from what you've gathered.

You beam at him regardless and volley back, "Well, I can say the same for you too."

And for a brief second, that small smile splits into a quick grin that stutters the already erratic beat of your heart. Oh yes, this man is certifiably lethal in all the best ways.

"I'm happy to hear it. Now, let's sit ya down with the girls while I grab some things."

Izumi has already led Reina to a table by the window and Osamu gestures their way as he moves to lock the door behind where you came in and then moves off to the kitchen behind the bar again.

You notice with a little apprehension that the girls are sitting next to each other on one side of the booth still giddily talking together (although not over each other anymore) about friends and weekend plans and such, but you're not going to be the anxious oddball that separates them for seemingly no reason. Even if you're already sure of the overthinking you'll be doing at the thought of Samu sitting next to you in the booth.

He doesn't seem to think about it at all as he easily slides in, smoothly setting a plate and a tray with cups, glasses and a couple pitchers on the table just as you feel the left side of his body line up against your right. Okay, yeah, because this is totally normal for you. Not.

You hope neither he and especially not either of the kids can tell you're flustered, even as you feel the heat creep up your neck and flirt with your cheeks. Yup, normal day, normal day. Just a regular day with a new friend.

"Here ya go." You just hold yourself back from jumping when he hands you a cup from the tray and then leans over to pour what looks and smells like tea from one of the pitchers. If you're not going crazy, he's pressed even more against you for those long seconds, completely in your space even if it's not unwelcome.

He either knows exactly what he's doing or he's just one of those people that's never paid mind to polite social norms and rules of conduct that many prefer. While you're calming yourself down, he's already poured the girls juice from the second pitcher into their glasses and set out quarter plates in front of everyone.

You finally focus enough to take in the still steaming gyoza on the plate he'd placed down in the middle with confusion and ask, "I thought we would be making onigiri and eating it for lunch?"

"Of course, but I couldn't put ya to work on an empty stomach."

"Mhm." You give him a dubious look, you might have mentioned your early breakfast in one of your texts to him this morning, but you have a feeling that this is also an effort to make you and Reina feel comfortable in this space together instead of getting right into the cooking lessons planned for the day.

It's an incredibly thoughtful effort and that warm flush is threatening you again so you choose to tease him and deflect instead, "Somehow, I feel it's more about your empty stomach but okay, let's go with your version instead."

You lose the fight with the flush and flutters when he chuckles at your sassy retort, especially since you literally feel the vibrations melt from his body and into yours with the way he's still somewhat pressed into you. Does the man not have enough space in his own booth? Actually... you notice you can move closer to the window yourself since there's quite a bit of space on your side too but, then again, it would be a little obvious to shift now.

The girls pick up the fried dumplings by hand with happy exclamations as they bite right into theirs, you and Osamu following suit but not before placing another two on the plates in front of each of them and then splitting the remaining ones between you.

With a dip into the soy and vinegar sauce (chili excluded for the girls), you quickly bite into the first one and savour the sudden burst of flavour in your mouth. Oh wow, yes, this is exactly what your cooking is missing. This addictive, tasteful quality that makes you want multiple helpings of whatever's being served.

With a glance from the corner of your eye to the right, you meet Osamu's eyes studying your reaction and decide to ask the question on your mind, "You made these yourself right?"

"I did."

"Okay, they're hands down the best gyoza I've ever had." You compliment him genuinely before giving in to the urge to  tease him yet again because the flutters are back, if they ever even left, and you can't have him knowing just how much he affects you, "But who ever heard of serving gyoza in an onigiri shop?"

He must catch the light, teasing tone because he just smirks and throws right back, "Well if they're as good as ya say, maybe I should expand the menu."

"Oh no, don't do that!" You laugh with wide eyes, "Then Reina and I will never find space when we try to come back here during regular hours! Actually, I'm sure you're already always packed, hm?"

"Some days and times less than others, but there will always be space for the two of ya whenever ya want to visit again."

Oh yeah, it's a losing battle, the flutters are a full on tsunami of feelings now. Just push it away and chill. But then he adds, "And I can teach ya this recipe too. Anytime there's something ya like or want to try, just let me know. I'm sure we can make an amazing cook outta ya yet."

Your mouth drops open followed by your blurted question, "Why are you helping me so much? I'm sure this is a lot of time and effort for you too."

You hear the girls' conversation pause as they pick up on some subtle change in either your body language or demeanour, but Osamu's calm eyes just meet your wide ones, his lips sliding into a soft smile, as he simply answers, "Because I like ya."

You feel like you're back in grade school because you want to ask if he means that he 'like' likes you or just... likes you. But there's no way you're going to ask that question, not only because it feels a bit asinine but because that's not a conversation to start in front of both of your daughters.

You look over to the girls who are watching with beaming smiles, maybe happy their parents are good friends just like the two of them, and you return their wide grins with a reassuring one of your own before looking back into steady grey eyes. "Well, I really appreciate your help. Thank you, Osamu."

"I'd say no thanks needed, but I've been down that road before." Another quick, heart-stopping grin graces his face, this one almost as roguish as his tone is playful. He's definitely referring to your initial correspondence when you made a firm point against his initial brush off, as if his actions in making extra lunch for your daughter to enjoy wasn't incredibly thoughtful and certainly out of his way.

"Well you certainly catch on quick. Let's just hope I can say the same." Your playful smile turns into a grimace at the thought of how difficult it might be to actually improve your skills. Maybe it's just a question of talent? Maybe you're just never going to be able to reproduce food like him.

But he glances over to catch your frown just in time and reassures, "I know what I'm doing. Soon enough, you will too. Just say you'll keep supplying me and Zumi with yer baking every once in a while when ya don't need us anymore."

You know he's probably joking with the last part but you hadn't planned on stopping. You love to share the goodies you bake with the people in your and Reina's life, it makes the two of you pretty happy so you're sure Izumi and Osamu will be able continue enjoying your baked goods to their heart's content.

"Izumi will definitely get her share of sweets and snacks every day." You send a smile her way when she hears you and bounces excitedly in her seat but then you force yourself to drop it and face Osamu with a challenging look instead, "But you... well, I guess we'll have to wait and if you're as good as you say and maybe then you can get some too."

He places a closed hand to his chest as if he's been struck, the girls laughing at his overdramatic reaction, but his widening smile gives him away. You look at each other for a suspended moment, with shared amusement but also the teasing heat of something else reflected in his achromatic eyes, which makes you certain he picked up on the unintended double entendre in your words.

"Sounds like a promise." Then with an arched eyebrow at the empty plates and cups in front of everyone, Samu asks, "So shall we get started?"

You agree, helping him clean up the table and he takes the opportunity to help you and Reina familiarize yourselves with the kitchen. The rest of the afternoon is spent in an equally easy cadence as he does indeed walk you through the steps of making his recipes, flavours included.

He starts with the simplest option, yaki onigiri, which is just fried rice shaped in a triangle or oval, and then demonstrates how to make and add a few of your and Reina's favourite fillings in to change and enhance the flavour. The girls enjoy making their own mini rice balls alongside the two of you and the time flies until you're all back at the table and having the onigiri you've just made for lunch.

You can't deny there's an improvement already but your little rice balls are still nowhere near the level of skill and flavour of Osamu's, even though he and the girls all assure you that you've done a great job. You accept their compliments with a smile and the determination to keep at it on your own time until you improve even further because Reina deserves better than even this.

By the time you finish eating, the girls are unsurprisingly tired out and choose to stay at the table to watch a Disney movie with Izumi's iPad. You can't help but smile in amusement while watching Osamu grab the thing from behind the bar, tapping away on the clunky looking device which is perfect for Izumi with a thick, pink rubber cover protecting it from grade-schooler level damage.

After the movie's been set up for the two worn out little munchkins, you and Osamu head back into the kitchen for him to show you how to make the gyoza and the next hour slips away with more teasing jokes, increasingly heated looks, and slightly bolder touches.

You can close your eyes and now know the feel of Osamu's hands on yours, demonstrating how to properly fold and pleat the wrappers. You can still feel the heat of his chest brush your back from when he leaned around you to pick up an empty bowl to place in the sink, and you're pondering on what feels like a heated brand on your hip where he lightly curved one hand to shift you over.

You can't deny your attraction to the man, a slow fall that you should have seen coming from the excitement of receiving his words every day until you were eagerly expecting the notes, to this first meeting where he's everything you expected from reading between his lines and even more.

Since the girls are pretty much full, you and Osamu clean off the new batch of gyoza between the both of you - him more than you, which you tease him about again. All the while, you're panicking about this new realization of your feelings, given that you're seriously crushing on a man who might only mean to help as a newfound friend and maybe you're the one reading too much into his interactions.

It's not until you've helped him clean up, collected the girls, and are watching him lock up the shop that you get some semblance of an answer.

"Thank you again Osamu. This was not only very instructive but Reina and I had a great time today."

He's holding Izumi's small hand in his, similar to Reina's in yours, and his other hand stretches up to rub at the back of his head, his arm bent at the elbow. When he speaks, it's not a direct response to your gratitude but a question instead, sounding somewhat unsure himself for the first time today, "How about next time we have a date that's more fun than instructive?"

Your jaw almost drops in surprise but you quickly collect yourself because he's still looking a little worried, maybe because he thinks he's overstepping by calling this a date or maybe because he's not sure you'll want another one even if you do accept that.

Your smile is quick to light up your face and, with a light squeeze from Reina's hand to yours accompanied by her and Izumi's giggles, you happily reply, "Just let me know when and where, and it's a date."

He grins again, the third time today your heart stops at what you're sure is usually a rarer sight since bodies aren't always dropping to the ground around him (that you've heard of). "I think I might already have something in mind."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah, but let me look into it and get back to ya."

"Sounds like a promise."

With your final reply, a borrowed echo of his words to serve as a temporary goodbye, you and Reina split away from Izumi and Osamu. Heading for your car with once last look behind you, you're pleasantly unsurprised to find a flash of gunmetal grey also glancing back your way. Later that night, finished with your and Reina's joint skincare routine and having tucked her into bed, you find the expected message waiting for you.

A/N: Okay wow I had SO much fun with this one! I hope you all do too <3 It's not triple edited per usual so please do let me know if you catch any errors or issues. No promises but probably dropping Atsumu’s First Meeting next ;)

Taglist: @yatoatyourservice, @crayonwriting

© 2021 fayeimara. All rights reserved. Please do not repost, modify, or claim as yours.

[kyuuppi]

vegetable stew

Pairing: Kenma x Reader (f)

Contents: hurt/comfort; angst and fluff; body dysmorphia; eating disorder (negative thoughts, fat shaming, insecurity, mentions of starvation)

Word Count: 2.1k

Kenma has always been observant.

It was a large part of his success as a setter and even now his keen observational skills contribute to his career as a professional gamer. He tends to notice things others don’t and lately that means noticing how you’ve changed.

The more he thinks about it the more difficult it is to pinpoint the exact starting point of your behavior. Haven’t you always preferred baggy clothing?

He remembers the pretty blue sweater you used to treasure back in high school, wearing it every chance you got as soon as the weather report hinted at anything lower than 10°C. He loved that sweater too—not just because of the cute sweater paws it gave you or how it almost completely covered the shorts you wore beneath, offering an unobstructed view of your shapely thighs—but instead he relished in the way it seemed to make you feel. The confidence and joy in your expression was clear as day when you wore your favorite outfits and early on in your relationship he had quickly learned that somehow your happiness was synonymous to his own.

Hence Kenma’s current frustrations in seeing that spark of joy and self-confidence gradually diminishing in the past several weeks.

Although that particular sweater had long since left your wardrobe within the first few years of university, as well-loved and worn out as it was, the more recent favorites of yours have also seemed to have gone lately. It had been a while since you had worn the short yellow polka dot dress you had been so eager to show Kenma the first day you got back from the mall with your roommates. Every pair of shorts and colorful tennis skirts had also left your weekly rotation, leaving behind only dull sweatshirts with childhood cartoon characters and baggy joggers.

Objectively, Kenma hardly cared about what you wore. If fastening a potato sack around your form made you happy, Kenma wouldn’t bat an eye—the problem stemmed from the fact these clothes didn’t make you happy. Moreover, the bland clothing brought with them their own slew of behavioral changes.

You no longer wished to go out and you avoided taking pictures of yourself, your social media suffering from an obvious lack of cheeky selfies or “outfit of the day” posts as of late. However, the most concerning change of all was your refusal to eat.

Kenma had a habit of forgetting to eat himself. He rarely felt the mild twinges of hunger, his attention generally hyper-focused on something else whether it was a game, a video needing editing, or a class project he had pushed off for far too long. It was only when his own stomach growling would startle him or the hunger pains got unbearable that he would acknowledge the human requirement of sustenance (not that the instant ramen in his cabinets provided much nutrients anyhow).

You were much more in tune with your body and, unlike him, you looked forward to eating; scheduled your days around it, even.

Your mornings began with a balanced breakfast—a meal Kenma was rarely even awake in time for—followed by a generous lunch break in which you would intentionally put everything on pause. Regardless of how much work you had to do you always made time to put everything down and have a decent lunch. It was good for your soul, you would say. A time to live in the moment and relieve yourself of stress.

For dinner you often made it a point to eat with others, whether it was going to a rowdy Korean BBQ with some friends or a dinner date at home with just him, you enjoyed sharing a meal surrounded by the people you love. On top of it all, you frequently had snacks: small bags of crackers, slices of fruit, or a few cookies you made yourself.

You loved cooking almost as much as you loved eating; most of the times he invited you over you brought a large bag with you filled to the brim with ingredients he wouldn’t have a clue what to do with. You would chastise him about his awful eating habits, grimacing at the ramen and chip wrappers overflowing in the kitchen trash can before you diligently prepare a meal for you both, healthy and flavorful, full of the vegetables he hadn’t had since the last time he went home to visit his mom.

You made him look forward to meal times too, if only to see the way you light up when he compliments your cooking or the pure bliss when you take the first bite of your favorite side dish. Eating with you became one of his favorite parts of the day.

And so that last time you made him dinner—a steaming plate of curry with shrimp tempura—the normally delicious food suddenly turned sour on his tongue when he realized you had only made him dinner.

“I’m just not very hungry today,” you had assured him with a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

Foolishly, he hadn’t said anything at the time.

Maybe you had a large lunch, maybe you had a stomach ache, maybe you just didn’t want curry today—at that point in time he had no reason to think there was something seriously wrong. He had no reason to think you were starving yourself.

It wasn’t until weeks later when all the evidence stacked up, the many different signs piecing themselves together like a puzzle until it was impossible not to see the picture, even if a few were still missing.

Your baggy clothing, your refusal to eat anything, your off-handed comments about how the female characters in whatever fighting game he was playing had such nice figures—it became crystal clear what you were doing and it made him feel sick.

Kenma doesn’t generally care about others’ looks; he tends to worry more on how he is perceived than how he perceives others but he is confident that he rather likes your body as it is. He would rather die than admit how often he finds his gaze wandering when your legs are bare or how his eyes naturally trace the curve of your waist down to the width of your hips his fingers twitch to touch—he has had many thoughts about your body, none of which have ever been negative.

Even so, he doesn’t mind if you want to change yourself. He isn’t foolish enough to think he has the right to dictate how you decide to present yourself to this world, but he refuses to allow the reason for your change to be one that stems from low self-esteem or insecurity.

When you step into Kenma’s apartment, weary from a long day of classes and the extra hours spent at the gym, the last thing you expect is to be greeted by the scent of some type of stew, warm and hearty. Your stomach clenches longingly but you quickly reprimand yourself—you already reached your tiny caloric limit for the day.

You have hardly made it into the living room when Kenma comes out from the kitchen, dyed hair tied in a low bun but messy, several strands poking out and sticking across his sweaty forehead. A dark blue apron is tied around his waist and his right hand holds a ladle, the perfect image of a frazzled housewife. If you weren’t so shocked by the scene you would have laughed.

“Welcome back,” he greets softly.

“Are you...cooking something?”

Kenma looks slightly embarrassed by your incredulous tone but not offended. In all the years you have known Kenma you have never seen him in the kitchen for longer than the three minutes required to heat up a bowl of noodles. Him slaving away in front of the stove for a bowl of homemade soup is nearly unfathomable to you.

“Vegetable stew...it’s my mom’s recipe,” your boyfriend explains sheepishly.

The mental image of Kenma shyly FaceTiming his mother as she patiently walks him through chopping up carrots and mixing spices makes your lips twitch upwards and you make your way past him to curiously survey his work.

“You didn’t have to go through the effort, I could have cooked you something, y’know,” you comment as you lean over the large pot on the stove.

The contents are a rich brown color with hints of potatoes, carrots, and onions peaking out. You’re gifted another pang of hunger and you quickly step back as if it would prevent you from falling into temptation.

Kenma quietly slips into the kitchen directly behind you, his chest nearly brushing your arm as he speaks.

“It's okay, I wanted to cook for us this time.”

You freeze.

Immediately, you break into a cold sweat, the prospect of eating sending you into a state of anxiety. You can’t eat—you don’t deserve to eat. Not when your arms are so flabby, your waist so undefined, your inner thighs so close to each other—

“I appreciate it,” you start.

Your voice sounds unnaturally high even to your own ears.

“But I’m not hungry—I had a really big lunch.”

Turning, you try to offer him an apologetic smile but his face looks off. His lips are pulled into a slight frown and his eyes seem to be looking through you, as if he knows you’re lying.

“Y/n...I don’t like what you’re doing.”

You attempt to laugh but it comes out hollow.

“I’m not doing anything bad, just dieting a bit.”

“I think you’re being a little extreme.”

You huff, starting to feel defensive. You don’t want to have this conversation, not now, not ever.

“Kenma, I’m totally fine, I promise.”

“I’m worried about you,” he insists.

“I’m telling you there’s nothing to worry about, I’m being safe.”

“Skipping meals isn’t healthy.”

“Kenma, being this fat isn’t healthy!”

The words escape before you can think to stop them and you can already feel the shame pricking at your eyes as you turn away. You don’t want to see your boyfriend’s look of disgust once he realizes you’re right, once he realizes how fat and unattractive his girlfriend is. Kenma is skinny, he deserves a petite girlfriend who is just as tiny, a girl with slender legs that look cute in shorts and a stomach that lays flat regardless of the time of day. He deserves the sexy girls in his video games, in shape from years of training and perfected suited for tight leather bikini tops.

You don’t realize you’re shaking until Kenma wraps his arms around your shoulders, burying his face into the side of your neck. He lets out a shuttered sigh and if you didn’t know any better you’d think he’s crying as well.

“I love you,” he murmurs against your skin, “and I don’t like seeing you hurting yourself. If you want to lose weight, I’ll help you. We can make healthy foods together and eat them together and exercise together—just please stop skipping meals.”

Your throat feels like it's stuffed with cotton so you can only nod in agreement, raising one hand to weakly wipe at the hot tears staining your cheeks.

The two of you stand like that, huddled in the middle of the kitchen, for several long minutes until the last of your tears have gone before Kenma gently pushes you to sit down at the coffee table. He prepares two steaming bowls full of vegetable stew for you both and you silently eat as Kenma tells you how low calorie the broth is and how many nutrients his mom said were in the vegetables he used. He tells you about a new fitness game on the Nintendo Switch that you two can play together. By the time you finish your meals, Kenma has already promised to wake up early to go jogging around the neighborhood together even though you know he absolutely hates waking up early and exercising when he doesn’t have to.

Your chest aches with how much he loves you, how far he’s willing to go just if he thinks it will help you and make you happy.

A small part of your mind begs you not to listen. It insists you’ll be fat forever if you don’t starve yourself; no pain, no gain. But the more rational part of you gazes into those soft golden eyes, filled with concern and love as he rambles on about the best sources of protein—all stuff he had learned from his professional volleyball player friend Hinata—and you know your answer.

Kenma loves you, he would do anything to see you happy and healthy and you would do anything to please him.

You love him more than you hate yourself.

[mayaflowerxs]

STRAYKIDS AS PETS

(Hyung Line)

Pairing: skz x reader (gender neutral)

Warnings: fluff. Lots of cute moments.

Synopsis: How you and skz member meet and how it’s been going ever since. (Only dogs or cats as pets)

Chan:

Definitely a Golden retriever. You found Chan late at night, you and your ex boyfriend had gotten into a massive fight and you ran out the house to get a fresh breath of air. While you were walking, the sun had gone down and you ended up at the park. No longer feeling safe to stay out, you also didn’t want to go back to your ex’s place. As you bring your phone out to call your best friend, you kept looking around. Goosebumps trailing up your arm as the chilly wind blew by you. “Hey y/bsf/n, Me and him got in a fight again. I’m at the park and it’s really dark, come pick me up please?” While you were on the phone, you hadn’t realized the Golden dog start approaching you from behind. He had smelled you the second you stepped foot onto the premises. He’s been eating the scraps the kids leave by the tables. Seeing & smelling you intrigued him and he couldn’t help but want to get near you. “Thank you so much! Alright see you then.” As you hanged up, it had started to get pitched black, only the distant light of your neighborhood can be seen.

As you go to turn on the flash, it had flashed onto Chan. Squealing you fall off the bench and flat on your butt. Wincing as the sharp rocks scraped your palm. Chan immediately whines as he didn’t mean to hurt and scare you. With his nose, he nudged your palm for you to open it. Wanting to see how bad your injury was. “It’s alright buddy, see? No blood.” Chan breathes out, the sudden worry slowly dissolving. “You’re pretty cute.” You say as you go to pat his head. Chan couldn’t help but wag his tail, immediately feeling a strong connection between you and him. You knew you couldn’t leave Chan there and when there was no tag you knew you had to take him home. When your best friend came to pick you up, you guys went to the vet which was pretty hard since most of the ones near you were closed. No chip. Chan panicked when you put him back inside the car and started going to the route your best friend takes to get to her place. Not realizing that it was also the route the pound ends up at. Chan felt a strong wave of ptsd washing in and started whining. Barking and scratching the door. “What’s wrong buddy?” Howling as he nuzzled his nose in your neck, in a way begging you not to take him to the pound. That never happened. Now a year later you were in your small apartment with Chan. His bright blue diamond collar around him with his name shined brightly on it. Absolutely loves the time he has spent with you. Everyday is a blessing for him, he’s the comfort you always needed. When you wake up, he immediately gets up as well. When you go to work, he walks you to the door. Looking through the window until you drive out of your parking spot. Spotting you even when you guys are on the third floor. Making sure to park somewhere in his view, the last time you didn’t. You got a complaint about a barking dog 5 minutes after you drove off. When you’re sick, he uses his body heat to keep you warm. When you sleep he makes sure to not make as much noise to not wake you. 250/10 best boy.

Minho:

He’d be a Siamese cat. Now, now. Minho was actually a stray when you found him. His mother got killed by a coyote and his siblings were caught in a fire. He was the only one who survived and he was pretty traumatized, he was always wary with his surroundings and anyone really. Never trusted anyone or anything. When a pack of dogs started chasing him, usually he would fend for himself but given that he was outnumbered and had little to no energy. He used all that he had to run to the nearest house. Fitting himself through the small fence hole as the dogs barked at him. Baring their teeth at him, running inside the small vent the house had that led under the house. Staying there until he was sure no dogs were around. Feeling so tired, he had fallen asleep. He woke up when the slam of a car door was in his ear shot. Smelling the scent of chicken, he peaked his head out and saw you holding a bag of KFC, (if you don’t eat chicken or like KFC then imagine something else haha) His stomach grumbled as he licked his lips.

It’s been almost two days since the last time he had eaten. The rats he had caught had diseases and he really didn’t want to deal with infected rats much less, eat them. As you enter your house, you were engulfed by the hot heat pent up in your house. Opening the windows to let out the hot air and in the cool air, Minho slowly crawled out of his hideout. Peaking his head out to see inside your house. Instantly spotting the bag filled with the delicious chicken he craved dearly. He had a plan, while you were in the room. He’d go in, grab a wing and rush out. But it only backfired when he got in and got carried away by the great smell of the food. Not realizing you had closed the door and windows once cool air got in. Making your way over to the kitchen. Not even hearing your footsteps, he jumps when he hears your voice. Dropping the chicken in his mouth. “Uh...hi.” He hisses at you. Your guys first interaction was a mess. He hissed and threw his paw (with claws out & everything) at you. When you let him out, he quickly ran out. Running until he wasn’t near the house anymore. When he came to a stop, he felt this lonesome feeling in the pit of his stomach. The soft voice of yours ringing in his ear. He felt bad, you were being nothing but nice but he returned your niceness with hisses and scratches. By the next morning, you open your door to get your mail when you see him sleeping on your patio. After 5 months, he was officially named Minho. His grey collar around his neck with your address imprinted on it. Spending most of his time annoying the heck out of you. But you still love him. Sometimes his tree tower gets boring so he results in napping on your lap. When you’re not home he looks out the window. Smirking at the dogs who previously chased him. They’re the same stray dogs running around like wild animals while he had a home. He has amazing food, his water is always cleaned along with a litter box how cool is that?! And he has the best human to love him even when he was cold hearted to them at first. He really was glad that piece of chicken brought him a great home and human.

Changbin:

He’s a Rottweiler for sure. He met you at a dog park, his owner was a 7 year old girl. Terrible owner, she was in a family of seven. Four siblings who were very irresponsible and very ignorant. Poor parents, they were too nice which the kids took advantage of. While the youngest of the family was busy brushing Changbin’s thin fur very aggressively, he looked out to the other dogs. Wishing he was running around freely, ironic how they came to the dog park so he can run around freely and yet he still feels the same way as he always does when he’s back at home, encaged. Trapped. As he was looking at the other dogs, he saw one in particular walk in. Jumping in excitement as it’s tail wagged and looked up at its owner. When looking in the direction the dog was staring at. He froze in his spot. The most beautiful human stood there. As if an angel had appeared before him. Like his inner wild animal had just screamed, ‘MINE’ you really were one of a kind. He didn’t know what to do, but what he did know is that if anyone was going to keep wasting more of his time, it definitely would be you. The little girl got distracted when her mother had called her name. Using this distraction, he got up and jogged his way over. The male dog you came with had ran off in joy. As you were sat on the bench and smiling as Seungmin had joined his usually park pal, Felix. You didn’t realize Changbin had made his way over to you until he sat down in front of you.

“Oh! Hello there! Aren’t you a cutie?” You say as you scratch his chin. Changbin felt his heart flutter, getting up from his spot as he got closer to you. Nuzzling his head over your legs. He didn’t know what came over him, it was wrong. Especially when the human he felt so fondly of already had a pet. Changbin smelled the scent Seungmin left on you, he did all that he can to not growl at the thought of another dog scenting you. He knew that if Seungmin were to find out he would definitely not react nicely to a random dog scenting his human. But he couldn’t stop himself, he wanted you. He wanted to go home with you. Heck, he wanted to befriend Seungmin as well and become one big family. One could only imagine. But things did go for the better. Changbin spent most of his time with you and when you had to leave. You saw the family that pertained to Changbin. Seeing how annoyed the older kids looked and how much the parents weren’t doing anything to keep them from giving attitudes to the dogs that ran past them. You had enough when you saw the girl start tugging on Changbin’s collar practically choking him. Hearing his whines broke your heart. Walking over you got the attention of the parents. “That’s no way to let your daughter treat your dog like that. Don’t you see how much he’s hurting?” The parents already looked frustrated enough that their kids were being brats. The youngest started throwing a fit about how she can’t do anything right. Finally the father had enough and exploded. “You guys are all ungrateful! If this is how you guys are with him then you guys don’t deserve him.” Grabbing his lease and clipping it on his collar he walks over and hands it to you. “Keep him, please. He already looks happier with you, I know you’ll do a better job than we can ever do.” Walking off with his family. You stood there bewildered. Mouth agape, but to Changbin he was thrilled. Tail wagging as his mouth was wide, tongue out in content. Looking up at you with adoration. In the distance, Seungmin and Felix looked at the scene before them. A confused Min wondering what the hell had happened. Adjusting was a bit difficult for Changbin. Don’t get me wrong he loved every second with you but because he scented you over the scent Seungmin left on you. He didn’t exactly have a nice bond with Min. He couldn’t be in the same place as Min without him huffing and walking away. Over time, they had gotten closer. Getting used to the fact that they were now sharing their beloved human. Having the same interests, hobbies, and the number one common thing they shared of them all. The love they have for you. Very protective boy. Now when you guys go back to the dog park, he also befriended Felix. But after a while, he runs back to you and sits by your side. Glaring at any dog who dares get a bit too close to you. Nudging your leg when you scold him for being mean to the other dogs. Looking up at you with puppy eyes as a way for you to forgive him. You can’t resist his eyes and blow a kiss at him as you coo at his adorable self. ‘My human’ he thinks. The flutter in his heart still present.

Hyunjin:

He would be a Norwegian Forest Cat. In all honesty, Hyunjin hated your guts. He didn’t know why. Well actually he did. You see he was your grandmother’s baby boy. He was like her child and let’s just say he was SPOILED. You and your family are pretty wealthy. Most of your cousins grew up to be brats and think just because they have money they get to act however they wanted. Your mother although didn’t want anything to do with the family. Ashamed at how her siblings acted and how that affected their kids. The only family member she kept in touch was your grandmother who she loved dearly. Hyunjin had to face your cousins countless of times. They were either brats and hated his presence or wanted to break and shred his bubble and hug the daylights out of him. Either way, they never treated him properly. All the pampering the maids gave him each morning which was brush his hair, put him his nice outfit for the day. Give him a message and more, all went out the window once your cousins came to treat his relaxing day a living hell. So when you came to visit he only assumed you to be just like them. But your grandmother had fallen very ill. So he couldn’t worry too much about your presence, his only concern was his mama. That was until she passed away. He was devastated when he woke up and she didn’t. And if things couldn’t get worse, the day you visited was the day your grandmother had you promise to take care of her little Jinnie for her. You couldn’t say no to her.

But you were running out of ways to get Hyunjin to like you. Or to at least not to scratch the soul out of you. Not only was he grieving for your grandmother but he had to put up with what he thought was one of the many annoying bratty grand children. In the end, you gave up in making amends with him so you kept your distance. You couldn’t give him up and even if he hated you, you made a promise and you were going to stick to it. You tried to stay out of his way most of the time. Waking up early before he did, you cleaned his water and gave him his food. The fancy kind because your grandmother believed a ‘good’ boy like him deserved more than regular dry food. The money your grandmother had left, was given to you and a portion to Hyunjin as well. It was enough to not have you work for the rest of your life but that wasn’t you. You didn’t want to stop doing what you wanted to pursue simply because of money. You still wanted to go out and do what you loved. So yeah, you kept busy. And when you got a promotion, you had less time spent at home. Hyunjin should’ve been glad. Well, he was. That was until he heard you outside. Peaking through the window he saw you crouched down. Helping a stray cat who pretended to look very ill. Cooing at them, you fed them the last bit of your lunch. Rubbing their back as they purred. He couldn’t help but feel jealous. Why were you petting some random cat and not him? You were barely home and now that you are, all the attention is onto a damn cat that doesn’t live here. He knows it was wrong to think this way but he couldn’t help it. You weren’t the annoying brat he thought you were. You were this sweet angel that did nothing but try to make him feel as safe and comfortable as possible. When you entered the house, he felt himself frown when you completely ignored him standing by the door. You didn’t realize this but for the remainder of the day, wherever you went he sorta trailed behind you. Still keeping a distance. When you laid down on your bed, you heard his little meow just as he jumped on the bed. You stopped whatever you were doing and looked at him. Waiting for a hiss or bite about to strike at you. But it never came, instead he lend out a paw on your arm. No claws clawing your arm. Only the soft fur & pad touching your arm. Inching closer and closer, he climbed on top of you and laid there. You smiled softly at him. Hesitant, but pet his head softly. His tail wagging a bit as he took a nap on your chest. Maybe living with you wasn’t so bad. He still smelled the scent on that other cat so he didn’t forget in stretching so far out that every inch of your chest, stomach and neck got covered in his scent. That atta show that stray to stay away from his human.