#the little french bistro

[thepersonalwords]

Any man who loves a woman as she deserves to be loved is a magician.

Nina George, The Little French Bistro

[t-u-i-t-c]

Bistrot Jurer

13 → Favorite Location (Main Base) - Super Sentai

Bistro Jurer

A French bistro owned by Kogure, that is the base for the Lupinrangers. The bistro is used as a front for the Lupins while they search for pieces of the Lupin Collection. The Lupins also use their positions at the bistro to gain intel from the Patrangers, who frequent the bistro.

The Yard

A small area behind the bistro. The area is mainly utilized in two heavier scenes, in which Kairi's resolves are called into question. One point is to question his resolve regarding doing anything in order to retrieve a piece of the Lupin Collection even at Touma's expense. The other point is when Kairi shows how his relationship with Keiichiro is making it more difficult for him to keep a clear head and focus on his goal.

The Kitchen

Located off the main floor, in view of customers. The kitchen is basically Touma's space as he is the one tasked to do all the cooking.Touma was a chef at a top restaurant prior to the mass disappearances, and is shown to find joy in cooking, even though he claims otherwise.

Dressing Room

A room in the bistro where the Lupinrangers change into their Lupin outfits before following leads about the Lupin Collection.

Kairi’s Room

A nearly empty room upstairs. The room has few personal items, having only a photo of Kairi and his brother to indicate that it is his room. The lack of personal items aligns with Kairi not feeling that he has a home and shows how the Lupins must be ready to flee at any time.

Dining Area

Located on the main floor, this is the area seen most frequently. The Lupins serve their customers here and discuss their plans as Lupinrangers after closing. When open, Umika is in this area most, as Touma spends most of his time in the kitchen and Kairi sneaks out whenever he can.

The dining area is also where the Patrangers frequently interact with the Lupins unknowingly. It is due to the growing relations with the Patrangers at the bistro, and even expanding outside, that the Lupins struggle throughout the series and most memorably in the final arc. An important thing to note is that Umika and Touma are shown to think of the bistro as their home, while Kairi does not. In the end, Umika seems to have the strongest attachment to the bistro and the memories made there.

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

It's a Match! || poly!141 x Reader

[Chapter 23] || [Chapter 25]

Pairing: 141 x gn!Reader Words: 1.8K~ Summary: While overcoming recent heartbreak, you decide to join Tinder in search of a rebound. Your friends advise to just Swipe Right indiscriminately... What happens when 4 soldiers from the same squad match with you? a/n: just cute little moments w/ a lot of banter bc ofc

Chapter 24: Pokémon?

“So, yeah, now, even their Captain wants to…” You trail off awkwardly as you press your lips together, looking at the dropped jaws on the other side of the brunch table from you.

“Hun, I don’t- We might-” Leah starts as she stares at you, blinking away the surprise as she holds the utensils.

“Right?” Mia retorts as she stares at you. “The candle I lit for you worked too well, I reckon…”

“No, really, we girlbossed a bit too close to the sun… Manifested this too hard.” Leah adds, making Mia agree eagerly.

Your face warms up and you lower your head, taking a sip of your tea. You definitely shouldn’t be having this talk about your love and sex life inside this French bistro… but alas.

“Four? I mean… Four fwb would be understandable, you know?” Mia adds and Leah nods.

“But four boyfriends?” Leah adds. “And they’re all friends, and work together?”

“They’re not my boyfriends!” You retort as you say sharply, your face burning up a bit.

“Oh yeah? Are you seeing anyone else?” Leah retorts, ever the more logical of the three of you.

“No, but like, when would I have the time for that?” You retort and that earns chuckles from all three of you.

“Good point.” Leah concedes as she sips her own warm cappuccino.

“Regardless, they literally BEAT-” Mia lowers her voice when she realize she’s being too loud. “they beat Ethan’s arse for you.” She whisper shouts. “Fwbs don’t do that, boyfriends do!”

“Right!” Leah agrees and gestures at them. “They’re absolutely your boyfriends.” 

“I hate you both.” You retort and shake your head, amused, which causes all three of you to break into giggles.

“So, which one of them is, you know-” Mia asks in a mischievous tone just as you just ate a bit of omelette, causing your eyes to widen as you stare at her.

“I feel like I’m being mocked.” You quip.

Once again the two of them erupt with laughs. “I’m sorry, hun, but we’ve gotta live vicariously through you!” Leah says, Mia nodding in agreement.

“Nooo, you’re taking the piss out of me!” You reply with a chuckle.

“C’moooooon! Gossip with us! We barely see you nowadays!” Mia begs as she puts her hands together in pleading.

“Oh bloody hell…” You retort. “I don’t know-”

“Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease!” Mia begs.

“Alright! Gosh, I was going to say ‘I don’t know because I haven’t been with all of them yet’!” You reply.

“You haven’t?!” The girls say with a loud gasp that attracts loads of side-eye from the other patrons. You’re probably going to get kicked out soon.

“Will you shush?” You scold them, eyes widened and lips pressed together. “No, I haven’t.”

“You’ve got to!” Mia tells you.

“We’ll get there, we’re taking it slow.” You reply.

“Babes, they beat up your ex-” Leah tells you. “They’ve all slept over at some point, they pick you up from work every day, as long as they’re in town-” She continues to list, counting with her fingers.

“Right, you’re skipping through all the loops. There’s no ‘taking it slow’!” Mia adds. “Hop on those cocks, bloody hell!”

“MIA!” You scold her with a dropped jaw.

“Oh, don’t play coy now! You’ve got four boyfriends!” Leah retorts and narrows her eyes at you, sticking her tongue out now.

“Right, collecting them like trading cards.” Mia adds, causing the three of you to laugh again.

“They’re like Pokémon, you’ve just Gotta Catch’Em All!” Leah adds, causing you to cover your mouth to hide a snort of a laugh.

“Fuck you both, honestly!” You quip playfully. You missed them, missed the laughs they’ve provided you.

“No, but really now.” Leah says once you’ve all calmed down. “They make you really happy, we can see it.” She looks at you with a warm smile on her lips.

“They do.” You confirm with a sheepish nod and smile.

“I really hopes it works out between you and them.” Mia adds. “It’s so nice to see you smile this much!” Her tone is sincere and sweet.

“Thank you…” You say softly. “I hope so too.” You tell them.

“It better, or I’ll go after them with my pipe!” Mia warns, referencing an inside joke between the three of you, a piece of rusty pipe a repairman left behind at her flat after fixing her bathroom sink, which she now uses as her ‘signature weapon’.

“Right, you’re gonna pipe four soldiers?” You joke a bit, sarcastically.

“Oh no, hun, they’re the ones piping you!” Mia adds and you all lose it laughing again.

“So when are we going to meet them?” Leah teases.

-

You shouldn’t have been surprised that Kyle would answer your texts so quick.

You also shouldn’t have been surprised that he brought Johnny in tow.

And yet you were. 

You texted Kyle your location and in less than 20 minutes he was jogging up the pavement, Johnny hot on his heels. You could see them coming through the window.

“Bloody hell…” You mutter as you watch them turn to go through the front door of the café/bistro.

“What?” Leah asks and before you can say anything, they both turn to look at where you are, finding Kyle and Johnny strolling right in and in your direction, cute little smirks on their lips.

Your friends recognize them immediately, of course, you had shown plenty of pictures, especially when you had just matched them on Tinder… But seeing them in real life is always different.

Kyle’s pretty boy-ing as usual. White v-neck to show off his collar bones and defined chest, grey jeans, white Converse and a black denim jacket overtop of it. He has his cutest smile on, pretty lashes fluttering as he comes to stand by your side.

“Hi, lovie…” He greets you and leans down, kissing the top of your head, before turning to greet your friends. “Hey, I’m Kyle!” He says politely.

He barely has time to say anything else before Johnny, throws himself onto the free chair next to you, the last one at this table for four, his arms wrapping around your shoulders.

“Mo leannan, ye look so bonnie…” He says before gripping you around the jaw and stealing a direct, open-mouthed kiss from you. Your eyes widen the moment he does, causing you to carefully hold onto his beefy forearm, returning the kiss to the best of your (embarrassed) abilities.

Just as you’re pulling away, you can hear Kyle justifying the kiss to your flabbergasted friends. “Forgive ‘im, he was raised in a barn.” 

“Haud Yer Wheesht! I was not!” Johnny retorts as he turns to look at your friends. “Hi, I’m Johnny.” He adds as a greeting, a lopsided smirk on his face, as he reaches forward to… shake hands with your friends.

Johnny smells strongly of deodorant. That Lynx body spray shite he always sprays on himself. It’s not bad, but it’s strong… You’re only lucky the leather jacket he’s wearing conceals it a bit.

It’s an old thing, maybe a couple of decades’ old, the leather starting to wear out over the shoulders, and he’s paired it with a light blue hoodie, dark jeans and black combat boots.

“Was too.” Kyle retorts, a bit childishly as he comes to stand by your side, his hands caressing your bare arms in the t-shirt you’re wearing. “You three been having fun?” He asks you and your friends. Ever mature and considerate, he is.

Your friends are still just staring. Sure, they knew you haven’t been lying to them as you told them about your relationship with these men but it’s one thing to hear about it, the other to see it.

“Yep, we had fun, Gaz…” You say softly, catching the way Johnny’s just serving himself to the dessert you haven’t yet touched on your plate.

“You really were raised in a barn.” You tell him. “Don’t even ask permission to eat my food?” You scold him, which causes him to smirk again.

“Either I stuff my mouth with food or with you. And I’m still civilised enough to know the last one is frowned upon to do in public.” Johnny retorts, then his smile grows into an impish grin. “Unless you’re into some… kinky things.” He winks.

That causes you to sputter and look away, grumbling under your breath as his ever-present tendency to make dirty jokes.

“I like ‘im!” Mia announces suddenly as she stares at Johnny.

“I knew you would. You two think the same.” You tell her and shake your head. “Which is why I only asked Kyle to come.” You add and stare at Kyle with a cocked brow, as if questioning why he didn’t come along.

“He was on his knees begging to come. What was I supposed to do? Leave ‘im behind?” Kyle quips, a playful smirk on his lips.

“Was not!!!!” Johnny retorts. “I just figured out he was coming to see you and joined in!” He adds. “Plus, my feelings are hurt you didn’t want me to come!” He tells you with a fake pout.

“Oh, piss off, it’s not that I didn’t want you to come!” You say simply. “It’s just that you’re…”

“A dickhead.” Kyle finishes for you.

“NO!” You scold Kyle. “I was going to say ‘Intense’.”

“Intense? That feels like a euphemism for something bad, mo leannan!” The Scot tells you as he pops a macaron into his mouth.

“That’s ‘cause it is.” Kyle replies for you.

“It’s not- Kyle!”

“And your friends already like me, don’t ye?” Johnny turns his attention to the girls.

“Yes, we do!” Mia replies and nods. 

Leah still hasn’t shaken out of her stupor. “My God, there’s two of them.” She says as she looks back and forth between Mia and Johnny.

“I know… I know…” You soothe her in a playfully annoyed tone.

“So, Johnny, is it?” Mia quips and leans forward to whisper conspirationally. “Give it to us straight. How does it work?” She points vaguely at you and him and Kyle.

“Mia!” You scold her this time. “I thought we were past those topics?”

“‘Those’ topics?” Kyle asks as he lowers himself near you to listen in better. “And what topics would those be?” He adds, as if he’s not perfectly aware they mean you guys’ sex life.

“Oh my God, Kyle, not you too!” You whine as you look at him.

“Nae, it’s fine that they’re curious!” Johnny quips on the other side. “I’ll gladly tell ye all about it!”

“Johnny!” You scold him again, sounding ever the more exasperated.

“Oh, you wouldn’t have anythin’ to tell either way, you dickhead.” Kyle retorts. “I’m the only one that has all the tea to share.”

“KYLE!” You scold him too, your head going back and forth between the two men flanking you.

The banter continues, your friends seemingly absolutely engrossed in the two sergeants, the way they’re making you sweat, and almost begging for the side of the gossip you had swiftly evaded earlier in the brunch.

“God help me survive this-” You murmur to yourself, feeling crescently embarrassed as everyone on the table takes the piss out of you. “I hate you all… I should’ve just invited Simon…”

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

taglist (CLOSED! not adding anyone else, sorry!):

@daisychainsinknots , @bunnysdaydreams , @iite-cool , @lahniu , @pagesfalling , @tapioca-milktea1978 , @live-love-be-unique , @thelaisydazy , @littleghosthunter , @bossva , @emotion-no-hot-yes-hotel-trivago , @chamomiletealeaf , @ghosts-hoe , @kariiiel , @ltbarnes , @irregulardongyoung , @spacelia , @hayleybarnesx , @cod-z , @frescoisnotinthemilitary , @leeeenistop , @lucienbarkbark

@severenswife , @enarien, @agoodmoviekiss , @l0lziez , @whos-fran , @greatstormcat , @openup-yourmind , @neoarchipelago , @sodavrr , @cutiecusp , @lilliumrorum , @c-nstantine , @kneelforloki , @comeonatmebruh , @codsunshine , @waiting-so-long , @captainquake42 , @gazspookiebear , @mynameismisty , @reap3erslov3 , @reaper-chan666 , @poohkie90 , @kitwithnokat , @stick-the-dumbass , @mothsdrabbles , @justanerd1 , @thesinsoflust , @thriving-n-jiving , @blckbrrybasket

[just-a-lil-otter]

Why I think these two are related

(Click read more to see the theory because this is long)

One way I think they could be related is their similarities both physically and in how they behave

IE: very similar hair and skin color(and possibly eye color), both appearing rather skinny, similar fashion tastes, obsessing over one thing, manipulating people, acting in violence, and possibly anger issues

They also both are quiet and have trouble connecting with people and making friends, and though that doesn't necessarily mean two people are related, I just thought it was worth pointing out

I think they could either be cousins or siblings, long lost or otherwise. Cousins would be an easy answer, but they could very well be siblings!

Hypothetically, their parents could've gotten divorced shortly before or after whichever one is younger - which I'm gonna say is Vincent - was born and each took a kid with them, Bok-su ending up in Korea and Vincent in France

Perhaps their mother stayed in France while pregnant with Vince and their father left for Korea(possibly his home country) with Bok-su

As for them being cousins, it's very simple, their families just lived in different countries! Either way this means that Vincent possibly has some Korean decent and Bok-su has some French, which is kinda cool!

we can also see here that Vincent (possibly) was at the wedding, alongside (possibly) Rody!

This could mean Vincent knew Da-jeong, most likely from Bok-su, and knew her well enough to be invited! Rody could've possibly been a friend of the groom or some other relative

While Rody isn't at all involved in this theory as a whole, I just thought I'd point this out because this could mean Vincent and Rody had met before the events of dead plate and just didn't remember each other :3

Vincent also could be younger in the photo, so I wanna say this was before he got famous or at least a decent amount of years before dead plate/the bistro

This could possibly be while he was a teenager given how he looks in the photos, and given how Bok-su looks to be about her mid or late twenties, that could easily check out

Before anyone mentions the timeline, I did some research and women were aloud to start going to collage in Korea around 1948!

so with Dead Plate taking place in the 1960s and us having little idea when Married in Red takes place, this could easily mean that the game takes place sometime in the 50s when Vincent was a teenager or young adult as I believe he's in his mid or late twenties by the events of Dead Plate

That's basically the whole theory, let me know what you guys think! :3

[alexpilgrimblog]

Cozy Bitro Booth - Enabled for Restaurants!

I was building a French bistrot and was disappointed that the lovely booth that came with the kit was not enabled as a restaurant dining spot.

So I cloned it on one of the Dine Out booths, with all the swatches and tags from the original Cozy Bistro item. It requires Dine Out and will show up under the filter for that pack.

I'm also including a hider for the Cozy Bistro booth, so you don't need to have a duplicate object in your catalog.

DOWNLOAD COZY BISTRO BOOTH ENABLED FOR DINE OUT

DOWNLOAD COZY BISTRO BOOTH HIDER

(SFS, no ads)

Also sorry for the crappy screenshots, this was a a quick play-test. Aaand apparently one of our most beloved creators is apparently working on an add-on for this kit so we will be able to build the loveliest bistros ever! 😉

This might become obsolete if EA decides to fix the issue in the future, in the meantime hope you enjoy this little addition to your game.

[harpersessentials]

i really like britechester because it has that european-city vibe that takes me back home. i like to follow a certain style for the builds i use in britechester, usually influenced by french and british traditional-cities architecture.

i don't know if the same happens to you too, but i really struggle to find non-residential cc-free lots. so today, i bring you a list of community lots you could use in britechester. you can also check my other britechester builds suggestions post here (i won't repeat them in this list).

and because i really depend on lot sizes and maps to picture-build the world i wanna put my sims living in, i leave you a reference map with lot sizes legends so you can see which build fits where :)

50x40: 5 40x30: 1 30x20: 2 - 3 - 4 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 20x20: 6 20x15: 7 - 8 - 9

and finally, my suggestions of community lots by type:

arts center

britechester art center (20x15) by briciola2

bar

brewer's bistro & books (20x20) by @buildnbuy

britechester gibbs square (50x40) by crisldicril

britechester student pub (20x20) by yanalaayis

british pub "rooks" (20x20) by @moonlightowl-es

the nag's head pub (30x20) by @cowplantbebop

the pub of britechester (20x20) by @simnematographygj

the pub of britechester (20x20) by gordonjohnson

cafe

britechester cafe (20x20) by marmax92

cozy bristo cafe (20x20) by creations4sims

little corsican bistro (20x20) by @simpishly

commons (uni)

auditorium (30x20) by @mikkimur-sims

britechester commons (30x20) by @nusims

britechester commons (30x20) by lilredridingsim

britechester commons (30x20) by thecrimsonmage

darby's den reno (30x20) by @ss-sims

howard memorial library (30x20) by @moonlightowl-es

l'antre du dragon (20x30) by @simsontherope

university of britechester (50x40) by @lighthouseeee

library

britechester library (50x40) by kitkatten

french library and cafe (20x30) by creations4sims

hidden gardens (50x40) by @moonlightowl-es

montagu library (50x40) by @moonlightowl-es

park

britechester "shadows" park (20x15) by @asimtaiya

restaurant

britechester tavern (20x15) by flubber32c4

pepper's pizza pub (20x20) by bojana sims

verde (20x15) by @nastasimstuff

retail

britechester boutique (20x15) by flubs79

britechester shopping square (50x40) by sarahamina

student housing

britechester dormhouse (50x40) by @mychqqq-blog

britechester dorms (30x20) by wednesday sims

britechester housing (30x20) by asimsa04

britechester manor (30x20) by jubiesims

britechester oldtown dorm (30x20) by louloukiie

britechester student dorm (30x20) by crisldicrisl

darkwing house (30x20) by @mikkimur-sims

drake hall (30x20) by @kajda-sims

drake hall and wyvern hall (30x20) by @theseptembersim

landgraab hall (30x20) by @moonlightowl-es

student housing (20x15) by @asimsayt

the clockwork hall (30x20) by @moonlightowl-es

zeta kappa sorority () by @theseptembersim

wedding venue

peppers' 'ol church (20x20) by @inactivelizzy

other lots

britechester castle ruins shell (64x64) by @jade48sims

[makeitmingi]

The Cat and Dog Game [Chapter 37]

Genre: Romance, Fluff, Comedy

Pairing: Yunho x Reader (y/n)

Characters: Chef!Reader, RestaurantOwner!Yunho, MaitreD!Hongjoong, Waiter!Yeosang, Waiter!San, Waiter!Mingi, SousChef!Seonghwa, SousChef!Wooyoung, PrepChef!Jongho

Summary: Yunho's dream was to open and run his own restaurant. But he doesn't know anything when it comes to cooking. Until you came along and accepted the job, bringing with you a small crew. How will the black cat tame the energetic golden retriever?

Word count: 3.2K

Chapter warning(s): Reader has a little meltdown/ anxiety. Read at your own discretion!

"Mr and Mrs Jeong." You greeted Yunho's parents outside the restaurant.

"Ah, drop the formalities, sweetie! I already told you to call us abonim and omonim. You're practically family!" Mrs Jeong pointed to her husband then herself, holding your hands in hers. You nodded with head, feeling some heat in your cheeks. There was so much love in her smile as she stared at you.

"And you look so beautiful as always!" She pulled you in for a surprise hug. You recovered quickly from the surprise, lifting your arms to hug her back.

"Okay, omma. That's enough." Yunho cleared his throat and gently pulled you back to his side.

"Oh, don't be so possessive son." Mrs Jeong clicked her tongue in disapproval, seeing how Yunho was holding you.

"Our table is ready, let's go in." Gunho informed. You smiled and waved to Gunho, who waved back with a friendly smile that made him look like Yunho.

"No, she's mine." Yunho squinted his eyes at his younger brother, moving you to stand behind him.

"Yun, what are you talking about?" You chuckled.

"You called him cute the first time you saw him at the restaurant. No, even worse, you thought he was cuter than me!" Yunho argued, pointing to Gunho, who just blinked in confusion. You can't believe Yunho remembers that.

"And until now, you still haven't told me that I'm cuter and better than him." He pouted at you. Gunho scoffed at his older brother before heading into the restaurant.

"You're the cutest and bestest to me, alright?" You cooed. He nodded with a goofy smile and leaned down to give you a kiss.

"We better go in." You said and walked into the restaurant with Yunho. It was a cute French bistro.

"Have you been here before?" Yunho leaned over to ask you softly as the two of you sat down in your seats and were handed menus by the wait staff.

"Just because I'm a chef, doesn't mean I know every restaurant, Yun." You laughed as you scanned through the menu.

"They have boeuf bourguignon! I know what that is." Yunho pointed at the menu. That dish had a special place in yours and Yunho's hearts, it was the first time you invited him over to your house and cooked for him. And Yunho will always find endearing how you fell asleep on the couch.

"Are you getting that?" You asked.

"Nope. I'll forever only have the one you cook." Yunho shook his head. You pursed your lips at him.

"Yun, don't say that. And who knows, they may make it better." You shrugged but Yunho was stubborn, shaking his head and looking at the other menu items.

"Have you decided what you're having?" Yunho leaned over.

"I'm thinking between the bouillabaisse, which is a seafood stew, and coq au vin, the chicken mushroom red wine dish." You told him.

"That does sound good... Since I'm not having the beef dish, I'll order the coq au vin. You can order the seafood stew and we'll share it?" He suggested with much excitement.

"You don't have to, Yun..." You smiled softly.

"I'm not sacrificing anything by ordering that. I'm sure they're both good." He smiled. There was no arguing with him so you nodded in agreement. You didn't know that Yunho's parents were looking at the two of you endearingly.

After giving your orders to the waiter, Mr Jeong ordered a bottle of wine and offered you a glass. Yunho wasn't drinking since he drove but you felt bad for turning down a glass.

"Cheers." Mrs Jeong toasted and everyone clinked their glasses before taking sips of their wine, water for Yunho.

"Actually, Mr and Mrs Jeong. I wanted to apologise to you." You spoke, putting your glass down.

"Apologise to us? What for?" Mr Jeong asked, blinking. Mrs Jeong tilted her head in puzzlement and even Yunho gave you a curious look, having heard this the first time.

"The other time we met, I apologise for leaving the party aburptly without a proper goodbye." You explained.

"Oh! That. Don't be sorry, silly. It didn't even occur to us." Mrs Jeong said.

"Still, it was rude of me and-"

"We understand, dear. Really." She cut you off with a soft smile, one that only a mother can give. You nodded with a grateful smile of your own. A lot of people knew what your father and your relationship with him was like, it wasn't a surprise that you didn't get along, especially with your stepfather.

"It wasn't your fault." Yunho said to you with a small frown, holding your hand over his thigh. You sent him a soft smile, knowing he really hates your father. Who doesn't?

"So, (y/n), tell me what it's like dating my brother." Thankfully, Gunho changed the subject.

"Yah, Jeong Gunho..." Yunho gave his brother a threatening glance.

"It's been great, actually. Yunho treats me very well, he takes care of me and is very patient with me." You said with a giggle, feeling your cheeks heat up. You were not used to expressing yourself like this.

"That's good. He better be taking care of you." Mr Jeong raised an eyebrow at Yunho.

"He is, I'm very thankful." You smiled.

"See? You two raised me well, I know how to take care of my partner." Yunho scoffed but had a proud smile on his face, hearing you speak so highly of him.

"Sometimes he's an overgrown, excited puppy, isn't he?" Mrs Jeong asked you. You stifled a laugh, nodding in agreement.

"I thought I was the only one that saw his puppy-likeness. Right from the start." You said between your laughs. Yunho stared at you with a done look, knowing you were always trying to push his golden retriever agenda.

"You're not the only one. Don't worry, we know what you're talking about." She smiled.

"Him and Gunho have been puppy siblings from the start. Even the way they used to fight as kids or now too, they're like litter mates chewing on each other." Mr Jeong chuckled.

"Appa~" The two brothers whined in embarrassment.

When the food was all served, you all dug in, starting with the appetisers that were ordered then the main course.

"How is it?" You asked Yunho as he cut into the chicken. He melted against your shoulder, letting out little sounds of happiness at the taste of the dish.

"That's good." You laughed, breaking a small piece of bread to dip into the stew and offered it to him.

"Thank you." He leaned forward and ate the bread that you were holding out. He pointed at your dish and nodded in approval.

"This is all so good, I love it. I can't decide which is my favourite." Yunho said, making you and his parents laugh. Even though you fed Yunho, Mrs Jeong noticed that Yunho cut a small piece of chicken and let you use your own fork to pick it up for a taste, respecting how you found such PDA awkward.

"It's good, isn't it?" Yunho nudged you lightly as you covered your mouth to chew.

"It is, it's done very well. One of the better coq au vins I've had here." You said. Yunho smiled, happy to know you like the dish even if he wasn't the one that cooked it.

"You're smiling like you're the one that cooked it." Gunho joked.

"Yeah, well I ordered it so it counts." Yunho stuck his tongue out at his younger brother.

"After (y/n) recommended it." Mr Jeong piled on.

"You're all bullying me, I don't like this." Yunho sulked. You chuckled and patted his thigh, with a comforting smile. They moved on to talk about other things, making sure you were included always.

"Excuse me, I need to use the loo." You forced a smile and excused yourself with a bow of your head. You entered the individual toilet and locked the door behind you, leaning against the door and letting out a shaky breath.

It suddenly became overwhelming for you, you didn't know why. Seeing Yunho's happy family. When was the last time you sat down to eat with your family without fighting?

But this isn't about you and your pitiful life. This was you getting to know your boyfriend's loving family, being accepted by them and-

*KNOCK KNOCK*

"O-Occupied!" You stuttered out, standing straight.

"It's me." You heard Yunho's voice on the other side and unlocked the door. Before you could say anything, Yunho made his way in, making you step back.

"Yun, you shouldn't be in here. People may think we're up to no good." You tried to pass it off as a laugh or joke.

"Are you okay?" He stared down at you, a frown of worry on his face. You looked up at him and nodded your head. He tucked your hair behind your ear, he wasn't convinced by your answer.

"Seriously, I'm okay. Don't worry, we shouldn't worry your parents by being away for too long." You said, putting an assuring hand on his arm. You didn't want Yunho to feel the need to comfort you again, it's what he is always doing. And that just makes all the guilt and doubt creep up your throat.

"Stop." He grasped your wrist and tugged you to him, hugging you to his chest tightly. You closed your eyes, enjoying the warmth and security of his hug.

"I love your family. They're so nice, you're lucky to have them." You said, words muffled slightly by his hug as you clutched onto him.

"And they love you too. They're your family as much as they are mine, okay?" He whispered, rubbing your back.

"I swear, I'm not jealous or anything about your family, Yunho. I don't know what came over me, I'm sorry. I'm just petty and clinging onto what could have been..." You shook your head.

"Which you have every right to so don't apologise." He held your chin and tilted your head up.

"I love you." He spoke.

"I love you too." You replied with a soft smile, letting him lean down to give you a kiss. Yunho was too kind for his own good but you loved him and didn't want to let him go. When the both of you pulled away, you leaned against his chest.

"Sorry, I didn't think the first time I'll tell you I love you would be in the bathroom of a restaurant." Yunho chuckled.

"Don't worry about it, this isn't the first time." You replied with a giggle. Yunho pulled back to give a questioning look, not knowing what you were referring to.

"Yesterday in your drunken stupor, you told me you loved me. Then told me you loved the cake I made." You explained to him.

"I-I did?" He stuttered, his cheeks turning red as he facepalmed. You nodded your head.

"Oh god. Why didn't you mention this to me?" His head fell onto your shoulder. All you did was continue to laugh, wrapping your arms around his head.

"You were too cute. But we should really go." You said to him, stroking his cheek. He nodded and straightened up.

"Wait, before we go back..." He quickly stole another kiss before opening the door to let you through, making your eyes widen in shock. Yunho walked behind you as you headed back to the table. The first thing you did was bow and apologise to Yunho's family for disappearing for so long.

"No worries. Shall we get dessert?" Mrs Jeong asked, not making you feel embarrassed or anything, playing it off as a minor issue. You hummed and looked at the menu.

"So, what's good?" Yunho, once again, leaned over to ask you.

"I'm not telling you." You snickered and hid your face behind your menu, playfully leaning away from him.

"But (y/n)~ I wanna share with you." Yunho whined, continuing to lean into you until he was practically draped over you while you were laying on the couch of the booth.

"Yunho! Let the poor girl go before you squish her." Mrs Jeong scolded her son.

"What can I get you all for dessert?" The waiter came. Yunho cast a look over to you, waiting for you to order.

"We'll share a crêpes suzette and and a slice of tarte tartin." You ordered with a small chuckle, you gave in to Yunho too easily. The waiter nodded and took the other orders before leaving. Mr Jeong chuckled, shaking his head.

"Do you always give in to him so easily?" He raised an eyebrow. His smile indicated that he was joking.

"Can't help it... I guess we just give into each other a lot. Sometimes without knowing too." You smiled with a casual shrug. Yunho nodded in agreement.

When the desserts were served, all of you shared your desserts. Mr Jeong had a small glass of digestif orujo (Spanish after dinner drink of alcohol, most likely Spanish brandy, served in a shot)

"See? Trusting you chef taste is good." Yunho said happily, eating a piece of the crepe.

"Grand marnier, an orange liquor is poured over and lit up. This is one of Jongho's favourite desserts actually." You told him.

"Would you like a glass?" Mr Jeong offered.

"Oh, no. I'm good, abonim. Thank you for offering." You shook your head, not wanting to take anymore strong alcohol. You took a bite of tarte tartin that was served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream then pushed your plate closer to Yunho for him to take a scoop off your plate to try.

"Can you make this? I like it." Yunho pointed to your tarte tartin.

"Sure, Yunho. I'll make it next time you come over and you can use different fruits too, whatever is in season." You laughed. Yunho clapped his hands excitedly.

After all the desserts and conversations were done, Mr Jeong raised his hand to ask the waiter for the bill.

"Actually, Mr Jeong, if it's okay with you, I would like to pay for dinner." You offered. Yunho's parents looked at you with wide eyes.

"What? Nonsense, (y/n). We appreciate it but we can't let you pay! Ah... how about, next time, you cook dinner for us instead?" Mrs Jeong waved you off with a giggle.

"That's a promise." You smiled. Once the bill was paid, you all headed out.

"Thank you so much for tonight, it has been great. I had a great time and the food was amazing." You said to all of them.

"Aww, you're most welcome, (y/n). We have to do this again soon, okay? Don't stay away for too long." Mrs Jeong pulled you into a tight hug. You melted in her hold, closing your eyes as you savoured the feeling of a mother's hug.

"Any time you need anything, let us know." Mr Jeong gave you a fatherly smile and tucked you to his side for a brief hug, just like how Yunho always did.

"I will, thank you. Have a good night, omonim and abonim." You smiled. You waved to Gunho, who waved back with a bright grin.

"Bye, (y/n)~" Gunho sang as he waved. Yunho glared at his brother but still gave him a goodbye hug.

As you all parted ways for the night, you and Yunho decided to go for a short walk at a nearby park before heading home. The weather was nice to spend some quiet time with Yunho.

"So, what did you think of tonight? I know my family can be... enthusiastic..." Yunho asked.

"They're great, I love them and I'm glad I got to know them better, especially your mother." You said, taking a seaton the bench.

"Yeah, she's a little... excited... to have a daughter to hang out with and do girly things together. You don't have to give in." Yunho rubbed the back of his neck. You shook your head, you were happy to spend time with Yunho's mother, it would be like all the time you could have had with your own mother.

"Actually, I-"

*meow*

"What's wrong?" Yunho tilted his head when you stopped talking mid way. You turned your head, looking around for the source of the sound. It was faint but you could hear it.

"You didn't hear that? Like a 'meow' or something..." You frowned, having heard it again.

"No, I don't hear anything. Or is there only a wavelength cats can hear each other on?" Now it was Yunho's turn to tease you.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny, turning the tables on me." You scoffed. You stood up, walking to where you heard the sound. Yunho curiously followed behind you.

"(y/n), be careful." Yunho warned. You stooped in front of some bushes, pushing them aside. Behind them, there was a small cardboard box. But before you could open it, Yunho grasped your arm to stop you.

"It's fine, Yun." You laughed and opened the box. It was hard to see so you used the torch on your phone to see.

There, in the corner of the box, a black kitten was curled up. It looked up and stared back at you with big green eyes. Yunho, with longer limbs, reached in to help you bring the box out.

"Look at you, poor thing." You gently reached out to stroke the kitten's head.

"Should we take him or her... out of the box?" Yunho abruptly reached in to try and grab the kitten.

"Oww! It scratched me." Yunho recoiled with a hiss of pain, looking at the little lines that the kitten left on his hand. Thankfully, it wasn't deep enough to bleed.

"You can't just reach in and grab it, Yun. Be gentle, you probably spooked the poor thing." You said.

In the end, Yunho helped carry the entire box with the kitten in it to his car. But he didn't want you to have it on your lap since it was dirty from being on the floor for god knows how long. So you coaxed the the kitten out and wrapped it in your jacket. You sat in the passenger seat with it in your lap.

"So what do we do with the little guy?... Or girl..." Yunho asked, leaning on his steering wheel.

"Well, we can't just leave it out there. It's just a baby, it won't survive." You sighed. The kitten snuggled into the warmth of your jacket, closing its eyes.

"Let's get some cat food and bring it home for a bit to get it warm." Yunho suggested.

"Okay, you hold onto it. It seems to like you more." Yunho said. But before he could start the engine to drive, you let the kitten go over.

"See? It likes you too. Just don't be too abrupt when handling him." You giggled, seeing the kitten curiously sniff Yunho as it balanced on the middle console of the car.

"Just hold onto it! I can't drive with a kitten in my lap." Yunho burst out laughing, gently patting the head of the kitten.

"Come here, the big doggy man is too scary, huh?" You cooed to the kitten while Yunho rolled his eyes and began to drive to the nearest pet store that was still open. The kitten comfortably curled up in your jacket again.

"Don't worry, you won't be alone again." You smiled softly.

~

Series masterlist

[izvmimi]

cw: slight angst. engagement mention. implied backstory - reader has a cursed technique, reader went to jujutsu high.

When Yuuta enters the french-style bistro café and you wave at him excitedly with both hands, the first thing his eyes are drawn to is the catching of light on the facets of your new engagement ring.

You notice this, too, and the thought of it makes you almost sheepish. Yuuta looks somewhat exhausted as always, dark circles a natural feature of his visage much like Kento’s harsh cheekbones or Megumi’s frown, but he smiles when he sees you, approaching quickly and taking a seat across from you.

You lean in, grinning. “I was worried you were going to ghost me!”

Yuuta offers you a soft smile. “I’ve never ghosted you, I’m just busy. I figure you know what that’s like once in a while?” 

You frown, deciding that you’re not exactly a fan of the jab, although it’s something to expect in your catching up. You’re usually the one who starts the teasing, and it’s been in that arrangement since your days together at Jujutsu High, but over time as your relationship developed, Yuuta became far more adept at teasing you back, and you realized quickly that you’re not as great at accepting what you dished out.

“I can still be busy without fighting curses 24/7,” you whine. “You know I was never meant for this shit.”

Yuuta doesn’t reply, instead turning his attention to the waitress who now that you’re no longer effectively being stood up, comes by to provide glasses of water. Yuuta orders a coffee and a sandwich, and you splurge with a pasta dish. 

“In the meantime, I guess I’ll just take all your missions,” he says flatly. You jut your lip out at him again.

“You’d think you’d actually be nice to me considering you haven’t seen me in person in six months, Yuuta-kun.”

Yuuta pauses, then tilts his head. He’s not exactly sure why he’s giving you such a hard time, but he won’t pretend any longer he doesn’t know why you called him out specifically. His eyes flash to the ring again. Your lips are still sealed but he can see the excitement practically on the tip of your tongue. Maki’s already told him over a week ago.

“Congratulations on your engagement, ___.”

You beam and thank him, and Yuuta remembers how quickly and easily you express your emotions, how fast you cry, how loud you laugh, and how bright the light in your eyes grows when you think of Yuuji. 

“I didn’t expect it, actually,” you add. Yuuta laughs as warmth sets in your cheeks and you wrinkle your nose.

“Considering you threatened to kill me if I killed him back then, I’d hope that this would be the outcome.”

You blink, and the scene returns to your mind. Yuuta squashing the ladybug curse you’ve sent to spy on him; you in angry tears pleading for your new friend’s life, for the absolution of a kind boy who liked you just a little too earnestly from the very first glance. You’d told him that night that the higher ups would use Yuuta to execute not just Yuuji, but the three of you  - you, Yuuta, Yuuji - the children whose executions were staved off by the same man, in one fell swoop. You’d told him he’d die too, even if you never developed the strength to become his executioner in turn.

“I still wish you had told me the truth,” you murmur. You’d said more than was right that night, thinking endlessly of whether or not your technique could really seal Rika if it came down to it, thinking of what it would be like to miss one of your best friends, but bygones are bygones.

“Probably should have.” Yuuta replies. His sandwich arrives and he thanks the waitress politely. You sprinkle black pepper heavily on your pasta before turning it on your fork. He bites into his sandwich and you watch him, slurping up your own noodles. Yuuta is quiet by nature, but this silence is heavily pregnant and makes you uncomfortable. The distance between you has grown, whether you like it or not.

You swallow your noodles and finally break the silence.

“Do you think I’m making a mistake, Yuuta-kun?” you ask, finally. Your voice is small now as if someone were to overhear you, enough that he just barely catches as he looks into his coffee mug, his reflection just barely visible on the surface of the drink. He looks up at you and forces his dark blue eyes to soften.

“Of course not.”

You breathe through your nose as your eyes meet his. “Is that all you think?”

Yuuta chews and swallows and holds your gaze.

“He loves you,” he replies, simply. You try to find a lie, a flicker of something repressed in his features, but find nothing. You’re not sure what exactly you’re looking for, but your heart stirs.

“I know,” you reply. 

There’s another pause. Then your shoulders sink.  You sigh and it’s light but Yuuta can tell when you’re trying not to cry.

“I don’t think my heart is a good enough match,”  you finally admit. Yuuta knows exactly what you mean by this - he understands your penchant for negativity more than Yuuji does, he knows what it’s like to feel darkness, something Yuuji constantly fights against. Yuuta���s hand moves slowly and pats yours on the table. It’s gentle and kind, but not intimate. He’s lost that right by now, and probably for good reason. 

“You’re the best thing that will ever happen to him, ___,” Yuuta reassures you. 

After all, you’re one of the best people he’s ever known.

A tear makes it past your lash line and you laugh, embarrassed as you pull your hand back to wipe it away. Yuuta thinks about how your hand feels to hold for just a few moments longer. He hasn’t held your hand ever, he thinks, but he knows Yuuji has. Many times over.

“I can’t believe I dragged you out to complain about my engagement,” you shake your head and slurp up more pasta. “I’m not talking any more for the next ten minutes, so you better tell me everything about Fukuoka.”

“Kill count first or sightseeing?” Yuuta jokes, and it makes you laugh. He smiles too, and fiddles with the ring on his own finger. Rika’s ring, a binding vow.

He hopes Yuuji’s curse of love will be strong enough to protect you forever.

[hamsterclaw]

Aaaaah my chest 😩😩😩🤧 ex husband joon sounds so 😩😩😩ughhhhhhi want them to work out like TALK IT OUT GUYS!!!!

You know, I read this and immediately thought what this Namjoon would be like trying to talk it out.

Pairing: Namjoon x f!reader

Word count: 1.3k

Warnings: Sex, swearing, Namjoon's an asshole

Your husband, Kim Namjoon, is generally punctual, but he’s unfailingly, always late to your appointments with your marriage counsellor.

It’s a power play, he wants to show you that you can’t make him do anything he doesn’t want to do, even if it’s your marriage at stake.

Your husband, Kim Namjoon, is unfailingly, always an asshole.

It was hot when you were in college together, when he’d stroll in, thick thighs stretching out grey sweatpants, sit next to you and copy over your shoulder in politics class.

It was hot on your wedding day, when he got bored at the wedding dinner and dragged you into an alcove to shoot his cum down your throat whilst telling you to ‘swallow it down like a good girl, Mrs Kim.’

Honestly, it’s even sometimes hot now, when you’re pissed off at him for being late and he saunters in, manspreads on the couch and nudges your thigh none too subtly when your counsellor Mrs Lee says something he doesn’t agree with.

Namjoon embraces his feral side with a don’t give a fuck attitude you can’t help but admire even as you want to throttle him.

You’ve tried to throttle him a few times but he just laughs and pins your hands over your head and fucks the anger out of you.

You’re in the middle of telling Mrs Lee about your week when Namjoon enters the room. He apologises for being late, the good Korean boy in him coming to the fore just in time to charm her and prevent her from yellow carding him.

If this were a game of football, and you a referee, your husband would be banned for the season for his unsportsmanlike behaviour.

You try your best to hide your sour expression as he presents Mrs Lee with a small succulent for being so accommmodating with her time.

Namjoon excuses himself to make a telephone call, even though he’s just arrived at this counselling session, and you’re sorely tempted to stab him with Mrs Lee’s silver pen.

Your phone vibrates in your bag, and you’re reaching for it when Namjoon returns.

He sits next to you quietly, and to your surprise, the next 45 minutes are spent talking through the difference in the way you and he communicate with each other. He doesn’t so much as roll his eyes once.

As Mrs Lee sums up, you catch him eyeing your thigh where your skirt has ridden up slightly.

Ah, there he is, your familiar asshole. Hidden but never really gone.

Namjoon follows you out of Mrs Lee’s plush, soothingly neutral office, and into the car park.

‘Can you give me a ride?’ he asks.

‘To where?’

‘I have a date. It’s at the French bistro downtown.’

‘We’re still married, Namjoon, why are you going on a date?’

‘Keeping my options open?’ he suggests. The asshole has the audacity to smirk at you.

‘Nah. You can walk,’ you snap.

‘It’s not a date,’ he says, quickly. ‘I’m meeting Yoongi.’

You stare him down.

Finally you say, ‘OK. I’ll drop you off at the subway.’

You unlock the car, get in, and wait for Namjoon to fold his long frame into the passenger seat.

He gets in, pointedly adjusts the seat to accommodate his long legs, reclines the back.

‘C’mere,’ he says, voice low, husky.

He spreads his legs a little, lets the bulge in his crotch show against the thin material of his pants.

Your husband’s at least half-hard, and you’re angry with yourself for even contemplating helping him out.

Shit.

You’ve spent too much time thinking about it.

You can hear the smirk in his voice even without looking at him.

Namjoon says, ‘Look straight ahead, ok?’

His warm hand slips over your bare thigh, under your skirt.

‘I can see your bra,’ he tells you, conversational. ‘It’s that lacy one isn't it? Makes me want to bust a nut just looking at it.’

His other hand skims the front of your chest, tweaks your nipple.

You bite down on your lower lip as he caresses you over the thin material of your blouse.

‘If we weren’t here I’d be sucking on your tits now,’ he continues. ‘Getting your nipples nice and hard for me.’

He laughs softly. ‘Look at yourself, baby.’

Despite your better judgement, you drop your gaze to where your nipple is pressing against his thumb, peaked and so sensitive you could scream.

Namjoon flicks his thumb over your nipples, back and forth, only reluctantly dropping his hand when someone walks past on the way to their car.

Thank fuck you have an SUV.

Namjoon slides his hand under your skirt, fingers reaching straight for your core.

You can both hear how wet you are.

‘Fuck,’ Namjoon swears. His hand ghosts over his crotch, you can see the outline of his hardness so clearly now you know he’s almost fully erect.

You reach out to touch him, and he stops you.

‘Let me feel you first, ok?’

Namjoon pushes your legs apart, strokes his long fingers over you.

‘Look at this messy cunt,’ he grunts. He slips a finger into you, and you whimper at the invasion.

‘Joon!’

‘Use me,’ he murmurs. He slips another finger inside you, and the stretch is so good you’re moaning.

He rocks his thumb over your clit, leans over to mouth at your neck.

His tongue laps over your skin.

‘Wanna taste you,’ he groans.

His forearm flexes as his fingers move in and out of you, curving, hitting your sweet spot with the precision of a man who’s spent years learning what you like.

You come with a gush of wet that makes him groan again, loud.

‘Fuck,’ he pants, using his wet hand to stroke himself.

‘Wait, fuck,’ you cry, beyond caring that you’re pushing the boundaries of public indecency.

You lift your leg over and climb on top of him.

‘Fuck, baby,’ Namjoon grunts. His strong arms curl around you as you seat yourself onto his rigid cock.

He hisses. ‘Fuck, gonna come, fuck.’

He grinds you down into his lap, big hands either side of your hips. A moment later you can feel him twitching inside you.

Namjoon buries his face in the back of your neck.

In amongst the impassioned swearing he moans your name, like he can’t stop himself.

***

A baby wipe cleanup and several muttered curses on both your parts later, you find yourself dropping Namjoon off at the bistro.

‘Fuck, Yoongi’s going to be pissed, I’m so late,’ Namjoon says.

He makes no move to go, though, flashing a dimple at you, mischief in his eyes.

‘Should I just cancel on him and take you home instead?’

‘Don’t be an asshole,’ you tell him.

Namjoon laughs quietly.

‘Yeah.’

He gets out then, and just before he closes the door he says, ‘Hey. Ignore the texts I sent you earlier, ok?’

‘What texts?’

‘I didn’t really have a phone call to make at our counselling session earlier. I spent the time texting you instead,’ he confesses.

‘Kim Namjoon, if you sent me a bunch of dick pics I’ll block you,’ you threaten.

‘Yeah, it’s dick pics, I don’t mind if you save them,’ he says. He winks at you, slams the door closed and then he’s off, hurrying across the street.

***

You’re snuggling into bed when you remember you haven’t checked Namjoon’s messages.

Your husband has a beautiful dick, you’ve seen it plenty but you figure you could always use a visual reminder.

You click on the picture and freeze.

It’s a picture of you and Namjoon in college when you first started dating. He’s got his arm around you, most of his face obscured by a cap but you can see just enough to know he’s smiling. You’re tucked into his side, face bright with adoration.

You both look so young.

You both look so fucking happy.

A tear slides down your cheek.

Your vision blurs but you can see enough to read the next message.

I miss you.

You’re still thinking about him as you fall asleep.

©hamsterclaw 2023

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Beautiful 1914 Edwardian in Butte, Montana. (Look at that dome.) 3bds, 3ba, $450K.

The main entrance hall looks original and the tile fireplace surround looks beautifully redone.

Off the main hall French doors open to a sun room. I would love a room like this.

Large sitting room with a fireplace in the middle.

Then outside the kitchen is a dining room. Note that the kitchen door is the original swinging door to accommodate the serving staff.

Renovated kitchen in black & white.

They are using the small sunporch off the kitchen as an everyday dining space.

I love that this home has several lovely sun rooms. Here's another one.

The primary bedroom has a bump-out where you could fit a nice little sitting area or small bistro table for morning coffee.

They seem to have this bedroom into a whimsical dressing space with a makeup vanity, shoe storage, and a place to read.

One of the modernized baths.

This is an attic TV room.

There's one exposed stone wall in the basement and it's finished into an apt. Enter into the kitchen.

A hall leads to other rooms.

And, it also has a bedroom and shower room.

There's a good size yard on the 4,800 sq. ft. lot.

[youcouldmakealife]

SOTM: Luke/Andreas; bugging out

For the prompt: Anything Luke related, preferably with Andreas Andreas loving on Luke! Just seeing that big sweet lug getting the love he deserves!

Relearning someone is different than learning them, different from knowing. Andreas doesn’t know if it’s better or worse — he’s never experienced it before, knowing someone so intimately, and at the same time, having to relearn the most basic things about them.

There are things that haven’t changed a bit in over a decade. Many of them: Luke’s always been set in his ways. He’s been wearing the same brand of underwear for as long as Andreas has known him. Some of the shirts he refuses to stop wearing were already ragged when Andreas met him. Back then, Andreas wondered aloud why he didn’t throw them out — now he’s just impressed they haven’t disintegrated in the wash.

But of course, things have changed. The obvious physical things; Luke’s career has caught up to him, and he’s got the aches and pains of someone decades older, especially his knee, which can keep him up at night on bad days. No gray in his hair yet, but there’s some in his stubble, which is probably one of the reasons he shaves every day now, though Andreas is sure he’d argue that. He’s mellowed out, the way Andreas finds most people do over time, when they don’t do the exact opposite. Andreas would probably fall into the latter category, but Luke doesn’t seem to mind.

Luke isn’t sporting mysterious cuts and bruises all the time, which Andreas thinks is an improvement, and suspects Luke does too. He’s happier, and some of that, Andreas is sure, is the so-called honeymoon phase, even the second time 'round, but he doesn’t think that's all of it.

Luke was happy at the beginning of their relationship, but there was always an edge to it, something he wasn’t saying, something Andreas knew was there, but didn’t know how to ask about, or, maybe more accurately, wasn’t sure he wanted whatever the answer was. Now it’s been said. Now they’re decades from it instead of years, and it’s still there, but Luke isn’t haunted by it anymore.

But there are less obvious changes. Sometimes they’re a nice little surprise, like finding out Luke’s culinary skills significantly improved since he was in his thirties. He’s not a gourmet chef or anything, but he’s not slapping something with a bit of table salt and calling it seasoned anymore.

Sometimes they’re utterly neutral, and the most surprising thing is that Andreas still remembers well enough to clock the difference, like how Luke was a casual Vikings fan, but now he’s an equally casual Packers fan — Andreas is pretty sure that's a felony in the midwest —or that he's mostly switched from lagers to reds.

And then there’s one that Andreas sticks on. Luke never eats shellfish. That wouldn’t be strange — plenty of people don’t, for various reasons. Except when they were dating, Luke would inevitably order any shellfish dish on the menu, regardless of where they were. It was helpful, honestly — Andreas just had to check the menu for shrimp, or scallops, or lobster, and if it was there, Luke would be happy. But he hasn’t any of the times they’ve gone out, and the one time Andreas ordered a shrimp dish, offered to share, he was vigorous in his denial.

“Sea bugs,” he said with a shudder when Andreas asked, something that struck a vague chord with Andreas, tugging until, halfway to sleep, Luke pinning him to the bed with an arm and a leg, somehow always twice as heavy when he’s asleep — Andreas doesn’t know how the physics of that work, and he’s frankly curious — he remembers Luke, years ago, making faces at Andreas over an ostensibly romantic dinner at a French bistro with a six month waitlist because Andreas ordered escargot.

*

The restaurant is beautiful, the sort of place that seems transported from France a century ago, waiters in black tie and dim lighting, candles playing off everyone’s faces. They’re surrounded by couples, mostly middle-aged or older, here for milestone birthdays or anniversaries. It’s a special occasion sort of place. A place that turns a date night into an occasion in itself.

It would be more romantic if Luke wasn’t constantly looking around, checking if anyone’s paying attention to them. He’s not sure if Luke simply worries he’s sticking out — admittedly, he’d fit in better if he wasn't sporting a shiner from the game against the Lightning last week — or if he’s expecting to be recognized.

They’re in New York City. He plays for the Devils. On the third line. Andreas thinks he’s likely safe.

He says that — more diplomatically, of course — and Luke mumbles, “It looks like we’re on a date.”

“It could just be a business dinner,” Andreas says, rather than pointing out that they are, in fact, on a date, so it’s not like anyone would be getting the wrong impression. It’s not like Andreas would like that known either — he can imagine Dave’s face if he found out he was at a Michelin star restaurant with a client off the clock.

“Really?” Luke asks. “Here?”

The ambiance is admittedly romantic. Andreas doesn’t know why Luke suggested it. Maybe he didn’t know what it was like. More likely he didn’t think it through, thought it’d be nice at the time, in a particular mood, and regrets it now. That whim that makes him occasionally ask Andreas to move in, but never bring it up again outside of bed.

The whim that means that he dropped the gloves against Hicks even though he promised Andreas he’d try to avoid fighting at least long enough to let his nose properly heal. The good news is Hicks somehow avoided his nose, which was either good luck or good sportsmanship. Andreas has decided on the latter — Hicks is signed to their agency, and Andreas would prefer not to hold an irrational grudge against him. Especially considering Luke was the one who started it in the first place.

Their appetizers arrive — escargot for Andreas, scallops for Luke — and Luke blanches at Andreas’ plate.

“I thought snails was just some shit people ordered in movies,” Luke says. “You’re really going to eat that?”

“They’re delicious,” Andreas says.

“They’re bugs,” Luke says, for a moment looking like the most oversized toddler of all time. Andreas wouldn’t be surprised to hear the word ‘yucky’ come out of his mouth next.

“Snails are actually in the same family as shellfish,” Andreas says. “And you don’t seem to mind them.”

Luke looks down at his own appetizer, blanching, and Andreas coughs a laugh into his napkin.

“Maybe I’ll wait for my steak,” Luke says.

“Suit yourself,” Andreas says. “I’ll just be here with my delicious bugs.”

“Dre,” Luke whines.

The escargot is superb. As are Luke’s scallops, which he no longer has the stomach for.

*

“Did I ruin shellfish for you?” Andreas asks.

“What?” Luke says. “Andreas, what time is it?”

“Late,” Andreas says. “Was it the escargot?”

Luke squints at him, then sits up, and Andreas no longer crushed under his weight. He misses it a little, but that’s his own fault.

“I don’t want to ruin things for you,” Andreas says.

“You don’t,” Luke says.

“So it wasn’t the snails?” Andreas asks.

Luke makes the exact same face he did years ago, the one Andreas can only describe as ‘yucky’. Andreas was annoyed with it then, but now all he feels is affection. That and guilt.

“It was the snails,” Andreas says.

“More me reading way too much about shit after,” Luke says.

That’s still the snails.

“I’m sorry,” Andreas says.

“Nothing to be sorry for,” Luke yawns, lying back down. “I hadn’t thought of it in years.”

Perhaps he hasn’t, but Andreas still thinks ruining shellfish for a crustacean lover deserves some level of penance.

“Next time I’ll order the foie gras,” Andreas says.

Luke sits up again. “Did you know that foie gras—“

“Or not,” Andreas says, slinging his own leg over Luke’s, and Luke settles, enough that Andreas can wrap an arm around his chest, put his head on his shoulder. It’s comfortable. He can see why Luke likes it.

“You’re heavy,” Luke mumbles.

Andreas considers pointing out that Luke does this every night, and he’s a fair sight heavier than Andreas, but who knows what would happen? It might just make Luke stop doing it entirely, and Andreas would miss it.

“Do you want me to move?” Andreas asks.

“No,” Luke says, and Andreas presses a smile against his collarbone, closes his eyes.

[pure-ablution]

City guide: London?

London is the nearest major city to me for much of the year, and I’m there an awful lot for all kinds of meetings and appointments. I’ve made a point of trying to step away from the basic clubs and restaurants popular amongst the usual set in the capital, and instead finding a few different places that I think are genuinely worth their while, even if they’re not the places to see and be seen. This is my own little personal directory of my top 3 (not ranked in any kind of order) for each major category—prices range, but the experiences remain top-notch, in my book.

Restaurants and bars:

German Gymnasium

1 King’s Boulevard, N1C 4BU

This lovely German restaurant is right next door to St Pancras station, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve stepped off the Eurostar and sunk into a seat at the bar here. It’s a big place, so there’s no worrying about getting a table, but it still manages to feel private and not too open despite its being housed in a former gymnasium. The staff are very attentive, and the food is both excellent and plentiful—this isn’t nouvelle cuisine in any description! Be prepared for very hearty German dishes which, although perhaps not as authentic as one might find in Germany itself, are delicious and hearty.

Le Beaujolais

25 Litchfield Street, WC2H 9NJ

This is a gorgeous, cosy little bistro and one of my favourite places in London for late-night catch-ups with old friends. Its wine list is quite extensive (ask politely behind the bar for the hidden gem list!) and the sharing platters on offer are a refreshing change from French haute cuisine in the capital, instead serving much more rustic and traditional dishes. A luxurious experience this is not, but it’s very fun, and I always meet some new and interesting people every time I pay Le Beaujolais a visit.

Gordon’s Wine Bar

47 Villiers Street, WC2N 6NE

Gordon’s is the oldest wine bar in London, and I don’t think the décor has much changed since it first opened! There’s always a queue in the evenings, so I recommend booking ahead, but once you’re inside, it’s a lovely experience. The little plates of cheese and bread to go with the wines are always very fresh and tasty, and, of course, the wines themselves are amazing. This isn’t a place only for wine buffs, I see a lot of people on dates whenever I visit, but the staff and many of the patrons are extremely knowledgeable, and you can always have a great conversation with a fellow aficionado if you look out for one.

Museums and libraries:

Victoria & Albert Museum

Cromwell Road, SW7 2RL

This is my absolute favourite of the big London museums, and probably one of my favourite museums in the whole world. I love the V&A. It’s a gorgeous space, the permanent collections form a fascinating journey through the history of decorative arts and design, and the temporary exhibitions are always incredible. It’s the world’s biggest museum of applied arts, and houses 5,000 years’ worth of textiles, jewellery, furniture, prints, and much, much more. I could spend weeks at any given time in the V&A, I just adore it.

The London Library

14 St James’s Square, SW1Y 4LG

I like to have the name of a pretty, quiet little library for each city in the back of my mind, just in case I have a little work to do or a few hours to kill, and the London Library fills that slot for me in London. It’s not as extensive as the British Library, nor as beautiful as some of the university libraries in the capital, but it’s exactly what I like, in a very convenient location for me. I pay an annual membership fee, and it’s worth it to me for the peace and quiet, the excellent staff, the open access policy, and the surprisingly extensive collection of books housed here. It’s a real hidden gem and one that I’m very grateful for.

The Wallace Collection

Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN

I love a house museum, and I think that the Wallace Collection is an incredible example by which others ought to follow. It’s a large collection of fine and decorative arts, originally built by Sir Richard Wallace alongside the Marquesses of Hertford, in whose London townhouse the collection is held. The Wallace Collection houses one of the most important collections of 18th-century French decorative arts in the world, and puts on some extremely interesting temporary exhibitions programmes—even just browsing their exhibit archives is enough to inspire me!

Beauty and wellness:

Pied de Poule

67 Mortimer Street, W1W 7SE

One of the nice things about London is the comparatively vast selection of Slavic beauty salons and providers available, and Pied-de-Poule is my favourite spot to call upon if I’m in dire need of an instantaneous makeover. I trust the beauticians here with my hair, makeup, and nails, and—in true Eastern European fashion—they’re capable of deploying their staff to carry out multiple services simultaneously, which saves me a huge amount of time in a city that moves fast. Pied-de-Poule is a chain franchise with branches in Ukraine and Poland, and although I wouldn’t pick them over other options back home, they provide a very respectable service and I’m very happy to use and recommend them in London.

Jinny Beauty

71 Kingston Road, KT3 3PB

It’s not quite in London proper, but it’s definitely worth the trek out to New Malden to visit Jinny Beauty if you’re in search of a good facial. This Korean salon has been providing locals with glowing glass skin for over 20 years, and I love that I can go straight to Jinny and trust that I’ll receive an incredible massage combined with top-of-the-range equipment, including Hydrafacials, oxygen therapy, and ultrasonic treatments. If you’re looking for a proper, full-spectrum Korean aesthetic spa in England, Jinny is the best place for it, in my opinion, and the girls there are incredibly friendly, skilled, and knowledgeable about what they do.

New Docklands Steam Baths

30a Stephenson Street, E16 4SA

This place has recently had a bit of a makeover, but it’s still far from glamorous, so I’ll let you search up interior photos for yourself and just give you the exterior for now. New Docklands isn’t for people who are looking for a luxurious sauna experience, it’s in a grotty area, and intended for expats and immigrants who are desperate for a good steam, and that’s what it does well. The steam is great, the clientele is a mixed—but always entertaining—bag, and I’d say that this is something similar to the Russian Baths in NYC, only without the cult status. The staff are helpful, the facilities are very clean, and I’d recommend sticking to the women-only sessions on Wednesdays and leaving your fancy things at home.

Shopping:

Liberty

Regent Street, W1B 5AH

I’m not all that bothered about Harrods or Selfridge’s, but I’m a huge, huge fan of Liberty. It’s just a little bit more quirky compared to other department stores, and I always find something unusual wandering around the gorgeous mock-Tudor building. Liberty is the artistic choice, I think, and I love that it supports and champions emerging brands, artists, and designers, instead of sticking to the tried-and-tested. Their own range of fabrics, of course, are stunningly beautiful, and the staff exceptionally helpful without being overly attentive to the point of bothersome—something that often grates on me in other shops.

Sign Of The Times

5 Elystan Street, SW3 3NT

Sign of the Times began as a celebrity consignment store, and it still specialises in vintage designer and luxury brands. It’s generally my first stop if I’m struggling to find a specific piece from an old collection. The shop itself is very curated, and I’ve often found a lovely piece I didn’t even know existed just popping in during a free five minutes. Lorraine, the owner, is incredibly knowledgeable about fashion history, and she’s been able to advise me better than anyone else when it comes to more niche brands, items, and provenance. You pay for the experience and expertise, of course, but if you’re a collector or serious fashion enthusiast, then I recommend Sign of the Times wholeheartedly.

Sunbury Antiques Market

Kempton Park, TW16 5AQ

I’m not a big fan of the independent antiques scene in London, especially the markets, and I’d always recommend looking elsewhere to scratch your flea market itch—but Sunbury is pretty good, and the closest you’re probably going to get within Greater London. It’s a big, big market, and you’ll need to come prepared to scrape your knees kneeling on the floor, sift through piles of dust and rubbish, and haggle like your life depends on it, but I’ve always come away feeling triumphant at the end of it all. I recommend arriving early, before 8am if possible, having a clear idea of what you’re looking for (and what price you’re willing to pay), and wearing tough jeans and sneakers you don’t mind getting a bit filthy.

[those-late-night-feels]

Right Place, Right Time

Part 1

Summary: When Loki saves your daughter, the bond you start to form takes you both by surprise.

Warnings: Slow burn, near death experience.

A/N: Readers, your feedback is always appreciated. As a mother, I wanted to play around with how a relationship could develop in that scenario. More to come.

Dividers by @firefly-graphics

The first time your heart skipped a beat because of him, there was no warning. In fact, your heart had been pounding incessantly and the jolt you felt was like a heart attack. Distracted, running along the sidewalk chasing after a toddler who thought running away from mommy was a new game, even though you'd sat her down multiple times to explain that it was not a fun game for mommy. One minute you watched as she ran out of the playground, the next you had face planted, tripping over the broken sidewalk as she made her way closer and closer to the busy intersection.

"Someone help!" you yelled, pointing to your little girl. Startled, two men on the corner turned toward your cry, and then to the toddler next to them who had just stepped off the curb. It felt like your soul left your body as you watched the bus barrel down the road in slow motion, one man running in front of the child to stop the bus, the other clutching the little one just in time and bringing her over to you.

Sobbing and shaking, your eyes were only on her, your pride and joy, wiping your cheeks from tears you didn't know escaped.

"Sara, you gave mommy such a scare," you shakily said in between sniffs, arms out, taking your little girl from the man holding her as the other man approached. Your mind was clouded and when you turned to the blonde man to thank them both incessantly, you did a double take. “You’re…you’re…”

“Thor, and this is my brother Loki," he said with a smile, placing his hand on the other man's shoulder. "And we’re happy to have been of assistance. You certainly have your hands full.”

Adjusting the squirmy toddler in your arms, you directed your eyes up to the taller man. He prepared himself for a scream, for an angry shove, for any sort of reaction at all. But you took him by surprise, giving a nervous huff and grabbing his hand.

“It's nice to meet you both. And thank you.” Your eyebrows crinkled in earnestness as he nodded. It felt incredibly silly thinking how gorgeous he was after what you just went through, with other-worldly eyes and deep cheekbones, and his brother interrupted your thoughts. “We do need to get back, will you be ok?” You turned to Thor, shaking your head at your own silliness. Of course, they probably had incredibly important things to attend to.

“Oh yes, we'll be fine. Thank you, again.” Loki slipped his hand from yours, but not before squeezing it in return and giving you the briefest of an understanding look.

They disappeared, and you thought that would be the last time you ever saw the avenger and his alluring brother.

The second time he made your heart flutter, it had been months later and you hadn't thought about him for weeks. The fantasy of the mysterious god was exciting for a time, but the reality of a full-time job and single motherhood made you forget those frivolous thoughts. Weaving through the congested New York crowds, you'd almost passed by him without realizing it, but something in the back of your mind told you to look back.

"Loki?" He turned mid-stride, not placing you immediately, but when the recognition hit, it was evident on his face. "You're back."

He smiled warmly as you adjusted your shoulder bag. "I, uh, didn't get a chance to thank you properly for saving my daughter. Could I, um, buy you a coffee?"

He was quiet while studying your face. Did you have an ulterior motive? He didn't think so. And just when you thought he might not have heard you, he replied, "Yes, I'd like that."

The little cafe around the corner had French bistro chairs and softly played Pink Martini on repeat. Sitting at a table in the corner by the window, a latte for you and a black tea for him, you talked incessantly about yourself, your daughter, your job, while he sat there quietly listening, sipping his tea. A little embarrassed that you had just rambled on and on like a nervous teenager, you drew circles on the rim of your coffee cup. "You don't talk much, do you?"

He chuckled to himself, your words amusing him. "I like listening to you."

Your face turned pink as you looked at your hands, the remnants of your latte sitting at the bottom. "Are you staying here for a while? On earth?"

"For a while, yes."

Nodding, you quietly said, "Good."

He tilted his head upon hearing you. "You might be the only Midgardian to think that."

You shrugged your shoulders in response, not knowing what to say. You weren't dumb, you knew exactly who he was, what he had done, had watched in horror the aftermath of the destruction on TV. The glares, the whispers of others, they weren't subtle. But you also knew he was trying to make amends for his mistakes.

"It's getting late. I need to pick up Sara from daycare."

Adjusting your bag, the two of you walked toward the door. He held it open for you to pass by, taking in his intoxicatingly warm scent. Pausing on the busy sidewalk, you turned toward him. "Um, I know this is kind of silly, but Sara's birthday is next weekend and we're celebrating at that park. If…if you aren't busy…"

His smile was kind and genuine. Were you really asking Loki, god of mischief, to your child's birthday party? But he said thank you, and as you said goodbye you felt his fingertips brush against yours.

The third time your heart fluttered, you hadn't actually expected him to show up to your little girl's birthday party, but a small part of you had hoped, just maybe. Sara was full of smiles, playing on the jungle gym with neighbor kids and snacking on strawberries and pretzel sticks. The squeals of delight when she unwrapped a present and pulled out a mermaid Barbie warmed your heart, exactly what she had wanted. It was thrilling as a mother to hear those happy sounds, see her smiling face on her day and it was a good distraction from wondering if a certain someone would show up. But as you sang "Happy Birthday" and helped her blow out the few candles, the thought gnawing at the back of your mind was that he wasn't going to show. And while you felt the disappointment in the pit of your stomach, it was the nagging thought you had completely embarrassed yourself that truly bothered you. Why in the world had you invited Loki, an ancient god of the universe, the brother of Thor, to your daughter's birthday party? You groaned at the idiocy of it, imagining how he must have been so amused by you, a simple mortal in awe of the Asgardian god. Sighing, you cut slices of birthday cake, handing them out to guests. Holding a forkful of the frosted vanilla cake, you paused mid-bite as clouds rolled in and turned dark. The weather app hadn't mentioned a possible storm. First, there was rumbling thunder, and then the clouds opened up and hundreds of aliens flew out from the opening in the sky.

"Sara…" you called out in warning, picking her up from the picnic table and walking backwards from the activity in front of you. Lasers began to emit from them and your heart thumped in your chest. We need to get out of here. We need to hide.

You turned to run towards the entrance of the park, Sara covering her ears and starting to cry, when you heard your name. Looking up, you saw Loki dressed in a full green and black leather ensemble, running up to you. "What…what's going on?"

"Come with me," he said and grabbed your hand. Clutching on to Sara, the two of you weaved through panicked crowds. Don't let go of his hand!

He dodged falling objects, swerved through oncoming traffic, all while keeping you close. Your legs burned, your feet started to rub raw, but you kept with his pace.

“Only a little farther, darling,” he yelled over his shoulder. “You’re doing great.”

You couldn’t get a word in to reply, your lungs burned and your throat felt like sandpaper, but soon the massive Avengers Tower came into view among the smoke and debris. He took you through the lobby, into a back room, and you tried to catch your breath again while adjusting Sara in your arms. He spoke to a few security guards and then turned to you, never dropping your hand. “Alright, you’ll be safe here. They will take you to a room below and get you settled.”

You looked at him quizzically. “You’re not coming?”

He leaned over to look you in the eye, placing a hand on your shoulder. “Not until this invasion is stopped. I'll come check on you both soon."

The feeling of being left alone somewhere unknown was unsettling, but there was a reason Loki took you here, and that was reassuring. The security guards took you down an elevator to what you could only assume was a safety bunker. Sturdy walls, entertainment units, a full kitchen, and multiple bedrooms, but no windows. You chose a room, laying Sara down on the large mattress as she started to yawn once safely inside.

“Well bug, it's just you and me again.” You rubbed her head and sang soothing songs as she laid down to nap, heart palpitating with every loud blast outside, and soon laid down next to her, the adrenaline of the afternoon wearing off.

When you opened your eyes again, it wasn't from another resounding blast, but to gentle strokes of your hair. Eyelids fluttered as you took in your surroundings, then all at once as he came into focus in front of you, his touch delicate. Opening your mouth, he set a finger to his lips and motioned to your little girl, curled in a ball. He draped a blanket over her, then pulled you up to leave the room and allow her to nap in peace.

"You're hurt," you said when he quietly shut the door and reached up to brush your thumb under a cut on his cheek. "Do you need to have that looked at?"

A smile played on his lips as you looked at the wounds on his face. "I'll heal. Are you hungry?"

You nodded as he reached up to clasp your hand and his fingers latched on yours, pulling you into the kitchen. "Let's see what we can find."

Twenty minutes later, the two of you were eating from a big bowl of spaghetti. He told you about what had happened, how he learned about the coming invasion from Thor, and had instantly thought of you and Sara at that park.

"You've saved Sara twice now. It's like you're her guardian angel."

He smiled to himself, twirling the spaghetti with his fork. "You might be the only creature in the universe to compare me to an angelic being, y/n."

He focused more on the bowl of pasta than you. "I don't really care what people think," you said quietly, resting your hand on his.

He lifted his eyes to yours as you drew circles on his hand with your thumb. Your breath slowed and his jaw relaxed, but you broke contact first, stretching with a sigh. "I should probably get going, wake Sara up and get out of your guy's hair."

His mouth went slack jawed as he hastily got up from the chair. "I wouldn't advise that. You must stay." You paused as he rushed his words. "At least until tomorrow," he said quickly. "They could come back…and I'd be beside myself if I didn't know Sara was safe."

"Loki…thank you, but–" He cut you short, coming up to you and resting a hand on your arm.

"Please," he said softly, looking from one eye to the other. "Just so I know that you…and she…are safe."

His eyes were pleading and you swallowed the lump in your throat, pulse beating faster from his touch.

"I…" you stammered, words lost on you while drowning in his eyes.

"Mama!" You pulled your eyes away, his touch receding as you picked up the little girl running to your arms.

"Hey baby girl," you kissed her cheek and she snuggled into your embrace. "You have a good nap?"

She gave an exaggerated nod, looking around the bunker. "We go home now?"

You could almost swear you heard Loki hold his breath. Looking from her to him, you shook your head. "We're going to stay here tonight, like when we do sleepovers at Grandma's house. Does that sound like fun?"

Again, she gave an exaggerated nod, making curls in your hair with her fingers. "Where's mermaid girl?"

Your lips pressed into a line, remembering the Barbie that was left on the picnic table, along with all of her other birthday presents. "We'll have to get her later, sweet pea."

Sara stuck out her bottom lip. "Did I hear it was someone's birthday today?"

Sara turned her head quickly to Loki, an open mouth smile on her face.

"Watch," he whispered, and placed his hand out in front of her. When he opened his palm, tiny fireworks played among his fingertips. Sara giggled joyfully and clapped her hands. "Now close your eyes–you, too."

He looked at you expectantly, and you gave him a what-are-you-up-to look, but did as you were told. A few seconds passed, and then he said, "Alright, open them."

You heard the squeal of delight before you could open your eyes. "Mermaid girl!"

Before her was the blue and pink plastic mermaid, and she hugged it tightly, wiggling to crawl out of your arms and play with the doll.

"How did you even…" you whispered, but he only gave a smug little grin and watched the little girl explore the room with her new friend. He kept you company that afternoon, him a little more open as he told you stories of growing up on Asgard, the tricks he'd play on Thor, and of course, stories of his mother. Lounging on the couch with your legs tucked under you, you imagined him as the little prince, and how he grew into the man sitting in front of you, and the fluttering in your heart moved down lower to your core.

This new feeling was startling. Yes, you had found him wildly attractive, but it was like staring at a piece of priceless art. It was meant to be displayed in a museum to be marveled by all, not to hang in your living room next to a pile of laundry. You were lost in your own head as he talked, and then there was silence when he cocked his head. "Did I lose you?"

Eyes blinked rapidly as you returned to the present. "Why us?"

"Hmmm?"

"During the invasion today, why did you come back for us? You barely know me…"

He leaned forward and reached for your hand. "Y/n, you don't give yourself enough credit. You've shown me more kindness in the little amount of time I've known you than most of these Midgardians have since I've been here. If anyone deserves saving, it's you."

Your stomach tumbled, your eyes turned down, watching as his palm found yours, fingers slowly weaving together. He saw you and it was all so overwhelming. Feelings like these hadn't been present since Sara's father, and those had long since flown away. No one had truly occupied your mind but Sara for years… Sara…

You looked around the large room to find her playing under a table with her doll and a few items she had gathered while exploring the room. "It's getting late. I should give her a bath and put her to bed."

"Would you like me to go?"

Nibbling your lip, you shook your head, and as you turned to find your daughter, Loki smiled.

Sara was always an easy one to put to bed, like she was just as eager to go to sleep when you said it was time. She laid in bed after playing in the tub and listened as you made up a story about a young boy who lived in a far away land and was different from everyone else, giggling when you told about the tricks he would play on others, but really all he wanted was to be loved.

"I like it here," she whispered and you gave her little kisses on her nose and forehead and eyes, her breathing soon growing heavy with time.

Fifteen minutes later, you quietly shut her door, finding Loki lounging with a book in his hand. The massive hardcover book was propped open on his chest and you tilted your head to read the title.

"The whole world is divided for me into two parts: one is she, and there is all happiness, hope, light; the other is where she is not, and there is dejection and darkness…"

He paused, considered your words. "You are full of surprises. You know your Tolstoy."

You smiled, maybe a little proud that you could impress him. "I took some classes on Russian literature in college."

It turned your conversation into a new direction, on books and favorite authors. He pulled a book out of thin air, holding it out to you. A worn green cover and brilliant gold font, you took it, slowly cracking open the cover in your lap. "I think you'll enjoy this one."

You drew your finger over the beautiful script, the delicate pages.

The warmth of his hand met your cheek, drawing your eyes up to his. "Y/n," he paused, his body leaning in, your heart beating so hard you were sure he could hear it. "Can I kiss you?"

Lips parted, the answer on the tip of your tongue, and then the clobbering of footsteps down the hall, the bellowing of Loki's name, his hand sliding away from your face, the moment gone.

"Loki, there's been another invasion," his brother announced when he found the two of you. "We're needed in London."

Loki sighed, looking from his brother to you. "Please stay here tonight. I'll be back as soon as I can."

He left with a kiss to your hand and more questions swirling in your mind.

Part 2

Buy me a coffee

[r4cc0on-in-tr4shcan]

a lil thing thing thing thing thing-

(not proof read)

Tim and Pam are regulars at Bistro Huddy, been going there every week together for a year now. The staff all assume that the couple don't really show their love at all, they couldn't be more wrong

Tim is a southern gentleman, well at least to his lady. But Tim prefers to show his love in subtle ways, buying her little gifts, taking her out to Bistro Huddy every week, listening to her complain about what they did on HGTV, knowing about her HGTV marathons even though he sleeps hours before her because of his job. Tim isn't one for physical touch or PDA but he still gets jealous when Clint looks at her the wrong way, or Brad saying some French word to her, or if anyone sasses his wife. Pam acknowledges that physical touch isn't his love language and she respect that, so she tries not to be too touchy, but its Pam so sometimes Tim gets a little hug. And because it's Pam Tim will sometimes wrap an arm around her, or her waist.

Pam loves hugs, she gives the best ones. She always goes to Tim to complain about what they did on HGTV, or about how her day was, pr how his day was, or some new recipes, or some new hobbies she's picked up, anything really. Even though she's not as protective as Tim she still gets protective when "Nicky No No" talks a little too sultry for her liking. And even though Tim complains about some her her new hobbies, he'd never stop her from doing them, it makes her happy and that's what really matters. Pam always wears the jewelry Tim buys her, she used to wear a peal necklace he got her but she happened to lose it but since Tim didn't want her feeling bad he watched some HGTV with her on his day off and bought her a bracelet that she now wears whenever they go out to show off the fact that her man loves her and she loves her man

They both love each other to bits.

[mcktub]

𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 : viviènne anaëlle maizière . 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 : august 8th , 1990 . 𝐚𝐠𝐞 : 34 . 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 / 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 : nice, france . 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : garspard & giselle maizière . 𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 : oscar maizière . 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 : cis woman . 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬 : she + her . 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬 : blue . 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫 : blonde . 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 : 168cm / 5'6" ft . 𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 : white . 𝐦𝐛𝐭𝐢 : estp ( the entrepreneur ) . 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : heterosexual + heteromantic . 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬 : single . 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 : none . 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 : french, english, danish . 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 : executive chef at pearl's seafood bistro . 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 : diploma in culinary arts from le cordon bleu paris .

𝐁𝐈𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐘

every child when playing with their friends have that moment where they say they want to be this or that when they grow up. most of those ideas come from watching a show on tv or an adult they admire who does it for a living. and then they grow up to become anything but that. viviènne's younger self had claimed she'd become everything in the book, with each discovery of a possible new career path she'd change her mind. but the one constant about her was her love for food and making it. as a child she didn't consider it as a life path, just something she loved doing, but the more she grew up, the more she realised none of the other thousands of options she'd added to her list made as much sense as this one.

she'd had a fairly easy upbringing: the south of france is known as a luxurious destination but that's not all it is or has. her family doesn't come from money but they do not come from poverty either. in fact, if you google middle class, their picture might pop up. a stay at home mother, a car dealership owner for a father and a little brother she'd do anything for isn't anything out of the ordinary. they had a simple life. until her mother died and things started changing. her father couldn't handle the grief and all memories living in the same house he could no longer share with his wife and decided it would be better for them all to start fresh somewhere else. and that's when they moved to palmview and an eight-year-old viviènne had to restart.

unfortunately, the girl had a hard time adapting. she'd never really felt at home in the new life her father imposed upon her. everything was too different, too foreign, she didn't even speak english. but the main issue viviènne always had was her most characteristic personality trait: she's a giver. the kind of person who'll take her own shoes off and walk miles barefoot for someone who complained theirs weren't comfortable enough. a trait she'd gotten from her mother. so even though she'd felt out of place for the majority of her life, there wasn't a person in this world who'd ever hear about it. she grew up in town, learning to feel comfortable and be happy with what she had, growing into the dream of becoming a chef, building her own character. the beginning of the shift didn't happen until her third year of high school, where vivi met who she thought would be her forever.

most teenagers believe their high school sweetheart stories will be the one to break the cycle and actually last, this girl was no different. and she wasn't very wrong either. they'd dated for the last two years of high school and three more after that until a proposal came and she said yes. the dreams of going back home and becoming a famous chef shoved into a box in the corner of her mind. her fiancé would never want to leave palmview and she believed he was it. she could still do what she loved there, it was no issue. a few culinary courses here and there had landed her a good enough job to make her content with the life she was building for herself. until the soul crushing day she found out she was being cheated on.

nothing could've prepared the woman for the discovery or the absolute turn her life was about to take because of it. it was the first time ever she'd become reckless and act thinking solely about herself. viviènne decided to leave. at twenty-two she left her fiancé with nothing more than an engagement ring placed over the kitchen table, all of her belongings disappearing from the house while he was away, no clear breakup or explanation whatsoever of where or why she'd left and clear instructions for the only two people that knew where she'd gone ( her father and brother ) to not say a word to anyone in town about her whereabouts. she gave up her entire life in palmview; job, friends, family and relationship to go back to france and do what she'd always wanted to.

le cordon bleu had been her dream her entire life, not that anyone knew, but enrolling in it was the first step for her so called freedom. she got her degree and worked in it for the length of the programme and then did what she likes to call a learning tour: viviènne went back to nice first where she started working as a commis chef. the title didn't quite matter, her real goal there was doing what she loved in the one place she'd always longed for. after two years, she moved to london, working her way up to becoming a hors d'oeuvres chef and, a year later she'd move on to her dream job. vivi always told anyone with two listening ears that her goal was to one day travel to copenhagen just to dine at noma. and that was the only plan she had once landing in denmark, just eating there. but the opportunity was too good to pass and she took it to offer her services there while at it. and not long after she was there. starting slow, as a chef de partie, until she'd earned the title of sous chef at the restaurant crowned the best in the world countless times. and she lived her dream for six entire years until the restaurant closed. she tried to get the thrill again, staying in denmark at another three michelin stars restaurant, this time as chef de cuisine but it did not feel the same. that's when a call from her brother mentioning that the bistro he'd been working at was looking for an executive chef.

going back to palmview was an idea that never truly crossed her mind. any time she wanted to see her family, she'd fly them out or suggest they'd all visit their hometown. it could be the fear of facing what she'd left behind that kept viviènne from even considering visiting the city but she'd never in those twelve years done so. yet, for some reason, the idea of returning didn't make her shiver any longer. perhaps because enough time had passed that nobody would even remember her any more. or care about her if they did. she'd missed her family and had lived her dream already, it was time to start over and figure out a new one. it was just her luck that there was a spot available at the bistro, even if the position scared her: she'd never worked at an executive chef. even if her resumé listed the best culinary school in the world and two places that had been named the best restaurants in the world before, never had she been fully in charge of a restaurant. but she didn't shy from the challenge and took the job gladly. so she returned, in hopes that her past won't catch up to her any time soon.

𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐄

LE CORDON BLEU | PARIS : culinary programme / internship [ 2012 - 2014 ]

FLAVEUR | NICE : commis chef [ 2014 - 2016 ]

KITCHEN TABLE | LONDON : hors d'oeuvre chef [ 2016 - 2017 ]

NOMA | COPENHAGEN : hors d'oeuvre chef [ 2017 - 2019 ], sous chef de cuisine [ 2019 - 2023 ]

GERANIUM | COPENHAGEN : chef de cuisine [ 2024 ]

PEARL'S SEAFOOD BISTRO : chef executif [ current ]

[keybladeciel]

Day Three of @khoc-week and it is about connections.

Day 3: Connections

This is going to be a special case. It is going to be a blip from Ciel's own view from the aftermath of a canon event he broke. It involves Strelitzia.

I present you an excerpt from short story called Date Night at Twilight Town.

Content Warning: Contains mild language

The Twilight Town Bistro had been a hot spot for couples ever since it opened. While the only food was French cuisine from Remy's home world from Paris, France, he worked his tail off to gather the ingredients to create some of the tastiest dishes you can think of. Everyone in Twilight Town calls him 'Little Chef," but thanks to a spell by the Fairy Godmother, Strelitzia and I can understand him clearly, since he's a Norway Rat who tends to cook. You'd be surprised that a rat can make a damn good meal from what he does. Regardless on what I can say, I had to resist the urge to gush about this in my report so I can find a table for two. I haven't gone on a date with Strelitzia ever since the Datascape Apocalypse and I owed her a date night once we both got our crap together.

I waited for Strelitzia to show up at the table, reflecting on what I did to save her from that untimely end she would have faced if it wasn't for a chance encounter that the Book of Prophecies nor the Chronicler saw coming when I saved her from a fall in Daybreak Town centuries ago, despite it being two years for us. The memories were fond, ranging from the time she found me by chance during my trip to Wonderland (and subsequent speedrun to save Alice from an execution by the pettiest queen and tyrant I have ever seen, let alone had the pleasure of chewing out for some bullcrap despite risking the death penalty for pissing off the Queen of Hearts, not like I cared if it meant doing the right thing) to the ball in Castle of Dreams when we ensured Cinderella had the time of her life and even the Balamb Garden High School Homecoming Dance. Despite having dated before, we haven't gone on one in a while and she was the one who suggested it to me, hoping that it will cheer me up and give me a well needed break in my search for a means to save Celeste, who is probably off fighting for her life in Quadratum unless I use a portal to get there. For now, the rescue can wait as the Guardians of Light give Kairi some practice on the field and my achievements as the Rebel of Fate reap some good rewards.

Strelitzia arrived after me wearing a white dress that is familiar to me. I then realized it was similar to the dress she's worn during the Daybreak Town years, just more appropriate for someone entering her junior year in high school. She has her hair down rather in her usual twin tails style and she doesn't have the detached sleeves on. Her boots were replaced with heels similar to her footwear during the ball in the Castle. Fittingly, she seems to have known I would shave and straighten my messy hair up for the date night this time around, despite being a Miqo'te. We both sat down and ordered our food before discussing what we have done to get here.