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rodeoxqueen · 4 years ago

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草莓珍珠奶茶-Strawberry Pearl Milk Tea

Dante/Reader

Summary: You take Dante out for his first bubble tea experience.

Tags/Warnings: 18+, Suggestive/Sexual/Crude Humor, Fluff, Reader’s Gender Not Mentioned, Dante Does A Cuss

He’s always wondering what kind of beverage was in your hands, this giant plastic cup with a giant colored straw that you seemed rather fond of.

You showed up to his shop with one in tow ever since a store opened up in Redgrave. The sound of the straw being shanked into the lid was what let him know where you were in the office.

Eventually, he decided to ask when you sat on the side of his desk during the after hours of work.

“Hey, what are those? You drinking caviar or something?” He asks, tapping his knuckles against the cup.

“These aren’t eggs Dante. It’s tapioca.” You snort.

“Tappa what?” He tilts his head.

“Tapioca, it’s really good.” He goes to put his mouth on your straw and you push his face gently away from the prized possession. Dante pouted at his deferred attempt.

“I’ll take you there tomorrow, get your own.” He rolls his eyes.

“It’s no way better than strawberry ice cream.”

So the next thing he knows, it’s tomorrow and he drives you to the bubble tea store on his motorcycle.

You end up in line at this very minimalist and cute little cafe with animal decorations all over. Dante sticks out like a sore thumb, dressed in black and red leather. You hold his hand as you wait behind a rather long queue.

Dante’s attention span is short-circuiting. He taps his foot to the beat of some peppy J-pop song playing in the speakers.

Eventually, he starts audibly groaning his boredom.

“This is the second time they’ve played Plastic Love.”

“It’s cute, I don’t mind.” You say, doing a little dance number with your hand still intertwined with Dante’s.

“This is so boring, you actually wait for this? Could’ve gotten a pizza and a sundae by the time we made it to the front.”

“Dante…”

“How about you wait here and I’ll go get us something while we wait-”

He goes to pull his hand away from yours.

You grip his hand suddenly, glaring at him from the height difference. He looks down and chuckles.

“Dante, if you don’t wait in line and be patient, I swear to god-”

“Whoa whoa, just playing with you.” He teases. You’re basically a little puppy trying to be intimidating.

When it begins to near your turn to order, Dante finally decides to read the menu. He’s never heard of several things on the pink pastel posters.

“What do you usually get?” Dante asks, seeing these strange machines and topping trays behind the registers.

“I just get one of their specials,” You gesture to the third menu.

“Huh, they’ve got a lot of weird things here. What the fuck is grass jelly?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll get you something you would want.”

He gently bumps your hip with his. You do it back.

“God, why are you so thick?” You laugh as he smirks.

Before he can throw another one-liner, the cashier asks what you want. He tunes out this long series of questions you answer for your drinks.

He’s busy watching the machine that puts the plastic cover over the drinks, elevator music playing in his head.

Finally, two rather large drinks come to his field of vision, and you reach over to take them. He snaps out of his daze and takes the beverage from your hands, smirking at how much bigger his were compared to yours.

“You wanna take this outside?” You asked him, putting your wallet back in your pocket.

“Like to fight or to drink this?” He genuinely wondered, holding up his pink-colored cup.

“Which one do you think?”

The two of you opted to sit outside in the warm afternoon on a lone bench that was near the street.

“Pick a straw.” You hold out two red and white straws that were wide enough to stick his pinky through. Not that he did, although his intrusive thoughts told him to.

Obviously, he took the red one, looking at his pink slushy-like drink. For some reason, there were these weird lighter pink pearls at the bottom.

You stabbed the lid, relishing in the pop noise it made. Dante copied, jolting the cup.

“Cheers.” You clinked plastic with his and took your first sip. Dante did as well, hit with the familiar and refreshing taste of strawberries.

“Aw babe, you didn’t!” He smiled. It was as if you blended a sundae, and he helped himself to another sip.

You posed with your chin on your shoulder. He made a face at a boba pearl being in his mouth.

“Do I chew this or do I swallow this?” He asked, his incisor resting on the offending pearl.

“Bite it.” He did so, popping the membrane. The contents of a very syrupy strawberry-flavored popping boba greeted his tastebuds.

“Holy shit.” He kissed your forehead.

“You’re welcome-Hey!” You realized it was a trick so he could duck down and drink out of yours while you were distracted.

He took a sip, smirking at his trickery.

“Not as good as mine.” He commented, noting that your pearls didn’t pop.

An afternoon passed, sitting hand to hand with Dante. It was a well-deserved Saturday, getting to spend time together without worrying about anything for the time being.

The two of you had reached the bottom of your respective drinks, yours more quickly as Dante continued to help himself to yours and his own.

Dante relaxed in his seat, his arm around you as the sun turned more saturated in color with its slow descent.

“Hey, sweetums?” You looked up to the sound of him shaking the nearly empty drink.

“Hmm?” He gestured to the boba pearls at the bottom of his cup, a toothy grin on his face.

“Suck my balls?”

You practically cried as you curled up on the bench, raucously laughing. Dante slapped his knee and laughed with you, wiping tears from his face.

“Oh, that was so well-timed!” He wheezed and slid down the bench.

You were in a fetal position, in disbelief of what he just said. You limply held your drink in your hand, dangling it to the ground. To others, you two looked totally in the midst of a shared mental breakdown and thus steered away from the scene.

“Why? We were having such a romantic moment!”

“It was an important question!” He refuted, trying to catch his breath. Pedestrians tried their best to ignore your foolery. It wasn’t easy, the sounds of your laughter echoing through the streets.

These strawberry-flavored dates became a staple from now on.

#rodeo using her first language to title works?#more likely than you think #dante x reader #dante imagine #dante x male reader #dante sparda #dante headcanons #devil may cry imagines #devil may cry #devil may cry imagine #bubble tea date #gender neutral reader

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honestlyhufflepuff · 5 years ago

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Nesting and Resting

Jam Week Day 5: Home. Summary: Steven gets a little too into decorating Connie’s dorm. Word Count: 2203

Steven surveyed the dorm room, trying to figure out what it was missing. He was sitting on Connie’s loft bed, the highest vantage point of the space, trying to get a feel for the room’s flow. The first place his eyes were drawn to was the plush Papasan chair by the bay window- mostly because of who was in it. Connie lay curled up under a white faux fur throw, dust particles dancing around her in in the setting sun. The golden light illuminated the errant hairs of her thick ponytail to make a glowing crown. She looked like a small bird in a nest of wicker and cotton.

The chair took up far too much floor space in the modest room, but Steven insisted they could make it work by raising the bed to make room for her desk underneath it. He said he just wanted to be sure she felt comfortable.

Connie kicked out her legs, dangling them over the edge of the giant chair’s cushion, and looked up at Steven.

“It looks great,” she said with a tired smile, “We’ve done enough decorating for today. I don’t think it could feel any more like home.”

He sighed, tearing his gaze away from her to scan the room once more “I know, there’s just something I’m forgetting.”

She groaned and threw the blanket off her.

“I know you’re tired,” he cooed from his perch on her bed, “Take a nap. I’ll be quiet.”

“No, I’m hungry,” she popped out of the chair, “Let’s go check out the restaurants near campus! I saw a really good looking boba tea place on our way in.”

“I’m really not hungry yet, and I want to finish some stuff in here. Why don’t you grab some stuff from the kitchen, and we can go out to Boba afterwards?”

She sighed, looking like she wanted to say something about his decorating obsession, but thought better of bringing it up when she was getting hangry.

“Fine,” she said, “but we are getting boba afterwards. Promise?”

He nodded and reached out to squeeze her hand, “Promise.”

He sat still as she left, and he could hear the indistinct chatter she was having with one of her new suite mates.

The room was lush and bursting with stimuli that elicited comfort. Connie had kindly endured months of dorm inspo videos on TubeTube as Steven picked her brain for what she would like the most. A Pothos Ivy and a succulent of green pearls were cradled in macramé that hung from the ceiling by the window. The new plants looked so small and fragile in the pots at the nursery, but one kiss each from Steven sent streams of emerald growth almost down to the floor. He wished growth in humans was as easy as that.

The bay window was easily the best feature of the room and looked out on a courtyard filled with crisp fall leaves and bustling new freshman. The sunlight filtering into the room was softened by gauzy white curtains, that faintly glowed with twinkle lights. Not many dorms were lucky to have so much natural light, but Gale was an old, uppity university with a certain standard of living expected by the students. Even with Connie’s mom being a doctor, they could not have afforded it easily had Connie not gotten a full ride scholarship. She was the Valedictorian of her high school, an ethnic minority, a classically trained violinist, and a woman going into STEM. Apparently, all those things meant she practically had colleges fighting over her, and she was a shrewd bargainer. Gale was her dream school, but she acted aloof until they offered her a single unit dorm, a bunch of sweet collegiate merch, and meal vouchers to try nearly every restaurant around campus at least twice.

No colleges were fighting over Steven. He sat on top of a blue and white striped comforter with the college’s regal crest emblazoned on it. Connie’s drawers and wardrobe were filled with blue, a way for Gale to mark her as theirs. Even Steven wore a blue hoodie from her with the school’s name stamped to his chest, but he was not theirs. He was hers. All this blue crowding him was from a new phase of her life, one that involved him being two states away.

Throughout the room, the blue warred with the pink- with remnants from the past. On top of the Gale comforter was a throw pillow made from one of Steven’s old pink t-shirts. The gold star in the middle was more faded than he remembered when contrasted next to all the vibrant, new, blue items around it, including the stuffed poodle that rested on top of it.

Steven thought a poodle was a stupid mascot, and carefully rearranged the pillows on the bed so that the star was more prominent.

He looked for other pink things in the room. Connie’s sword was mounted above her bed, ready to grab at a moment’s notice, although she would probably never need to. He ran his hand along the artfully crafted hilt, a surge of confusing nostalgia settling in his chest, and felt pained when his fingers came away with dust on them. Was it normal to miss a time of war when people were constantly trying to abduct or kill you?

A massive pink shag rug covered most of the hard wood floor. Connie loved it the moment she saw it in the store because it reminded her of Lion’s mane.

Steven climbed down the ladder at the foot of the bed and wiggled his toes in the rug’s fibers. He wandered around, brushing the tops of the items that composed Connie’s small, new home with his fingertips. There was the noisemaker he got her for when the old pipes and creaky floors in the colonial dorm building were too creepy at night. He turned it on and found the sound of the ocean, hoping that one was her favorite.

There was the bar cart in the corner stashed with tea, mugs, and snacks. There were the tiny potted succulents and air plants in corners where more energy flow was needed. There was a hanging stack of organization cubes filled with linens, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. Then there was her desk, under the bed. That was the part of the room she wouldn’t let Steven touch, as she was more particular about her study area than anywhere else. The entire upper half of the wall under the bed was covered in cork board, which was scattered with pictures from their childhood pressed in by little star thumb-tacs, and interspersed by Connie’s fanart drawings, photos with her family, and with friends from school. Next to the picture board was a dry erase calendar, blank and crisp before being filled with responsibilities. By her desk there was a short bookshelf filled with all the fantasy novels she gushed over with him as a child, as well as new titles that were too technical for him to understand.

He was looking at some old, silly pictures of them when his eyes were drawn to the desk. Amongst the lamp, the laptop, and the new textbooks already tabbed and highlighted before the semester started, there was a mug of writing utensils with a familiar bracelet looped around a portion of them.

He lifted the small loop of pink plastic, held it under the lamp, and cupped it to his face, shielding out the light to try and make it glow once again. He knew the glowing properties had left it long ago, but for some reason he felt compelled to try, just as Connie had felt compelled to keep it even when its designed purpose was over with.

Steven had been doing a lot of work on himself the past few years, trying to not constantly feel aimless or abandoned, but as tears began to well up in his eyes, he couldn’t help but think he was backsliding. It was normal, his therapist had said, to feel sad about his best friend leaving for college. Was crying over an old glow bracelet normal, though? Was it one step away from spiraling out of control again like what happened back when he would glow pink at the slightest exacerbation of his insecurities?

Just the thought of going back to that stage of his life sent a jolt of anxiety through him, and he clutched the bracelet to his chest as he plopped in Connie’s desk chair with his knees pulled up under his chin.

“Steven?” Connie stood in the doorway, two bowls of steaming ramen noodles in her hands and worry on her face.

He must have been quite a sight, he thought to himself, tearing up and huddled in the corner over an old glow bracelet with calming ocean noises playing.

“Hey, Connie!” He wiped his face quickly before he looked up at her, “You didn’t have to make me anything!”

“It’s the least I could do for you making my room look like it belongs on a Mumblr aesthetic blog or whatever.”

She placed the bowls on her bar cart and trailed her hand down Steven’s arm until she was grasping the hand that held the bracelet. He was sure she’d noticed the red and the wetness in his eyes, but she didn’t mention it.

“You said you wanted to finish stuff in here. What were you working on?”

“Nothing,” he sighed, “It’s perfect. I guess I was just looking for something wrong with it so I could have something to fix. Sorry- you know that’s a thing I do.”

“I know,” she said, and booped his nose, “but at least you’re aware you were doing it. Now eat your ramen.”

Steven obediently took his bowl and slurped up the warm, wavy noodles. “You sure you can feel like this place is home?”

“You mean a place away from you?”

He nodded.

“Well, I know the twin bed is a little small, but you could always sleep in the Papasan. Just live here and we won’t tell anyone.”

“What if your dorm police find out?”

“Again, Steven, they’re called Resident Assistants. And if they come by you could just shapeshift into a cute emotional support cat or something.”

“Nope!”

“What?”

“I don’t do cat shapeshifting. No way.”

Connie laughed and slurped up another noodle so fast it splashed broth in between her eyes. It was second nature for Steven to wipe it off with his thumb without either of them missing a beat in the conversation.

“Ok, so the place is a little cramped for you to live in my dorm, but you could always live here in Blue Haven. If you wanted to.”

“What? And just leave everything back in Beach City?”

“I understand if you don’t want to, but all the coolest things you’re doing in Beach City you could also do here.”

She hid her face in her bowl and came back up with her cheeks red as she looked at him again.

Steven did have a lot going for him, even if college might not be his thing. He had a successful vlogging TubeTube channel. It was an eclectic mix of space adventures with Lars, pranks with Amethyst, original music and covers from animes, reaction videos, cooking tutorials, and music tutorials. He had no idea how he got almost 9 million subscribers, but it was enough to support himself easily without his dad’s help.

He was giving music lessons, which was a rewarding way to help people.

He even made emergency calls to the hospital when Dr. Maheswaran needed a spit healing, but they’d found out the hard way he couldn’t overdo that, and it wasn’t exactly a board-approved practice.

He couldn’t think of any reason he couldn’t do those things in the same town as Connie. Being in such a culturally vibrant college town could be good for connecting with other content creators.

“Also,” piped up Connie again, “you’re a space prince with a magic Lion who could easily warp you back for a visit once a week- or more if you got the right treats for him.”

“That’s true,” Steven said, “Lion only shows up when he wants to, though.”

“Well, I guess if you really need to you can just take your car like the rest of us lowly humans.” She winked at him.

“Heh, yeah. So, do you want me to move here?”

“I want you-” she stood up with her empty bowl and bent down to kiss his forehead, “-to do what you want to do. We’ll make it work either way. I’m sure this place will feel like home after a while, when I make some friends and get to know the campus.”

“Maybe,” he smiled at the idea, and plopped the rest of his ramen into his mouth, savoring the salty flavor.

“There’s no time to decide now about moving now,” said Connie, “because there’s something more important we have to do.”

“Hmm?”

“Boba?” She raised one eyebrow at him.

“Boba,” he agreed.

They strode out of the dorm, leaving Connie’s sword, instead ready to take on the world armed with bubble tea.

#jamweek #connverse #i did way too much research on yale #just so i could make up a college named gale #steven universe fanfic

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lunchcase · 4 years ago

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Matcha Mix Boba and Raisins Milk Tea

23.11.2020 8:05pm

Location: Foody Mart

Price: $3 for 2 (they were doing a promotion for them because the lot were close to expiring. The second time I went, it was down to $0.99 for one. And now that I’ve had it, I understand why)

I had to literally unearth the instructions of how to make it. I know it’s straightforward in theory; just put everything, add hot water, and stir, but mom said maybe the raisins go on top, and she was wrong, which goes to show maybe don’t put your supermarket foreign import promotion sticker on top of the instructions. In the end, I was right, and you just pour everything in with hot water and stir. At first I was tempted to leave the raisins out because I can’t imagine how it’ll mix well, but in the end I put it in for that exact reason. Adventurous drinker, me, even if this blog is literal evidence to the contrary and I end up drinking the same things all the time.

Immediately after opening the matcha packet, a waft of green tea sweetness careened towards me, which was unexpected. Not that the existence of a smell itself is surprising, but how it smelled. It’s so sweet. None of that matcha hint of bitterness, and it makes me think it was processed a lot with, if I had to guess (I’m not reading the ingredients), sugar and milk powder. The tapioca came out in a huge gloop stuck together, which y’know. Figures. And the raisins smelled clearly of raisins. I’m excited to know how it’ll taste in matcha milk tea.

I also immediately broke the straw, I think, upon opening, because if this isn’t broken then it requires some high level reconstructive surgery little baby unskilled Casey is not qualified for. Thankfully, I had a bubble tea straw left over from yesterday’s drinks, and there’s even a green one to match! It’s the little things.

There’s a cold option, an iced option to drink this that is just. Add ice after you stir, but given that I take hours to drink anything anyway (I tend to savour) I think temperature will not be an issue for me. Also I don’t want to dilute it. Yeah. That’s the reason. I’m a tea purist. Oh! And there’s a flap on the side of the cup that reveals a QR code for a prize. But this seems to be a china drink and I’m not in the china right now, so. I don’t know who that guy on the cup is. He looks like every other boy idol.

It smells. I guess pretty good? I get that it’s matcha. But like. Really. Uh. I guess it’s clear it came from something processed? Mixed with the strong scent of dried raisins. I poured a little evaporated milk in it, as a firm believer that most drinks would benefit from a little bit of evap milky.

I’m going to forego the straw for this first sip to just get a sense of the matcha tea itself, and also not to scald my tongue. Oh god, it’s sweet. And for all the green you see, the matcha taste itself is surprisingly lacking. It’s just. Sweet milk with a tinge of residue matcha flavour. Nowhere is the bittersweet, earthy scent of matcha. Maybe it’ll work with the tapioca and raisins? Nope. Not really. It feels less harmonic convergence (ha) and more I plopped some raisins into a drink and sometimes it comes up and I have to bite and chew it and by the time I’m done the drink is gone. It’s not the soft, mochi consistency of tapioca either, which works with bubble tea because it is itself sweet, and chewy, the texture smooth and seamless with tea. This is clearly just two distinct properties refusing to mix. I guess if you like the individual taste of matcha tea and raisin, and want to eat them together without sacrificing either taste or texture of both, this is it? For some reason the tapiocas aren’t coming up the straw, or maybe it is and they just also taste like raisins now. I haven’t been this confused over a drink since I had London Fog for the first time (Side note: mom just yelled at my brother for disturbing her, causing her to lose the fish she was catching on animal crossing new horizons). I’m almost done with the drink at this point and still can’t tell if I had tapiocas yet. Oh! I’ve realised why! The tapiocas are still in one giant conglomerate mass at the bottom of the cup, resisting the hot water’s attempt to separate! That’s not going to go well now that I’ve finished most of the drink! How fun! Okay, I poked at chunks of it with my straw, but it’s being evasive, so I fished out a chunk and just popped it in my mouth. It tastes... bad. Largely plain, with the raisin flavour contaminating it, I think - I hope - making it also a bit sour, and not that it was always sour. Not chewy enough. Reminiscent of wet cardboard. It’s blandly sour, texture very average, overall disappointing mouthfeel and taste. I’m no tapioca expert, but from experience, tapioca is supposed to be sweet, and chewy, and enjoyable. This is sad. I’m sad. One upside though: drinking the tea after that debacle is a whole palette cleanser. The pearls are so defected (ha) it’s making the sub par drink desirable. Maybe next time (I have one left, not me going out during a pandemic to buy another one of these) I’ll skip out on the raisins. Perhaps the plan was that, the sourness of the raisins would heighten the sweetness of the drink? But the drink is so sweet already (it does, however, mellow out at the bottom) it just feels like a clash of titans. Where’s the compromise? Why we gotta fight all the time?

By physically scooping it in my mouth, I managed to taste all three elements at once, as I suspect it’s supposed to be drunk. It’s... not good. Hahahaha

Is this why they offer a prize for drinking this? Consolation?

I’m going to give up on the toppings. I’m not going to try to eat them. I don’t know what’s happening

I’ve been periodically staring into the void processing these flavours. I don’t know what’s happening

I am actively barring the raisins and tapioca from entering the straw. They are banned. No mercy, only justice.

The delicate art of incorporating raisins into drinks well still eludes us. I do not know when the day will come, or if the day will even be welcome. But I do know one thing: when we finally work out how to mix raisins well in bubble tea, humanity will be closer to the stars, if not among them. The enlightenment will be at hand.

Matcha Mix Boba and Raisins Round 2 - Raisin The Bar

25.11.2020 2.07pm

I’m not putting the raisins in this time. Also, after more carefully excavating the straw out of its plastic embalmment, I can now confirm that I had broke it last time by ripping it out too hard and detached the two parts. I think this time the tapioca should be more dissolved.

It is so much better. Uninterrupted sweetness.

Kathy: You can put fruits in milk tea, but I think what’s weird, is that raisins are dehydrated, and now you’re putting them back in liquid

#matcha mix boba and raisins #matcha #matcha milk tea #bubble tea #raisins #tapioca #milk tea #tea #drinks #2020 #canada #text #kath #23.11.2020 #8:05pm #25.11.2020 #2:07pm #foody mart

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redrobinfection · 5 years ago

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Coffee, Coffee Everywhere: Extra

<< Previous (Part 21: Epilogue)

AN: Thanks to Seshat_Writting on ao3 for reminding me in a comment about this series and this extra little scene I’ve had rattling around in my brain the past couple months. Steph/Cass is a thing in this ficlet and past Tim/Steph is mentioned. Enjoy!

---

"Aww, man, you guys started the face masks without me!" Steph groans teasingly, toeing the door shut as she steps into the the small studio apartment. The door locks behind her automatically and she rolls her eyes - of course it does, this being one of Tim's places - but admits it's handy as she juggles her keys, purse and one overflowing grocery bag.

Tim pauses in daubing a bit pale purple mask across Cass' chin. They both look up at her from the floor with twin stares of utter innocence. Steph isn't buying it for a minute.

"We didn't realize you wanted us to wait," Tim replies as he scoops another glob of mask out of a small jar. Steph catches a hint of lavender and smirks.

"You better be saving some of that for me," she comments, turning away to kick off her shoes. She turns back to a stare she assumes is Cass' way of expressing "bitch please" while Tim shakes his head at her foolishness.

"Cass bought two extra jars, just in case. Not that we'll need them," Tim replies, sweeping a glance over Steph. "Not unless you're planning to do a full body mask tonight."

Cass wiggles her eyebrows suggestively and Steph punts one of her shoes at the former Batgirl. "Serves you right if I do!"

She might, just to spite them. It's not like she has a lot to hide from her ex-boyfriend and her current girlfriend. Although, she might have to spread those remaining two and three-quarters jars pretty thin if she wants to do her whole body. Hmmm. Maybe she'll just do her face, neck, and chest tonight - just to tease them.

She breezes past them, headed into the little kitchen, and begins unloading groceries onto the counter. "I picked up three bags of limes for the homemade margaritas,” she calls out. Tim gives a thumbs up and Cass does a little happy dance. “I dunno why the pre-made mix isn't good enough for you," she adds in a mutter.

"Fresh is better," Cass responds primly. Tim has finished applying her mask and Cass is unscrewing the lid to an opaque black container, presumably to apply Tim's. Steph wonders which mask Cass picked out for him this time.

"I also made sure to pick up the anti-tequila for you, nerd wonder, for whatever lime-flavored abomination it is that you like to make," Steph continues, pulling out a bottle of gin with a grimace. "Oh, and some more of that metallic red nail polish you liked so much last time."

Tim beams as Cass begins smearing a dark, thickly-textured mask across his cheek. "It's called a 'Gin Rickey'[1] and it's so good! I swear it will convert you to gin drinks if you give it a chance," he tells her.

"Nope," Steph replies, popping the 'p', as she finishes fishing out chips, dip, hummus and veggies. All the best snacks for spa night. Or as Steph likes to call it: Bat-Girl's Night. Plus Tim, naturally. (She figures that if she could be an all-but-honorary Robin for a few months, then Tim could be an all-but-honorary Batgirl from now on and that would make his presence admissible. Babs approved and they've been nice and haven't made him wear the suit yet, the lucky duck.)

"I am good with tequila thank you very- Wait." Steph stares at the mask Cass is currently rubbing across Tim's forehead. "Is that…?"

She stomps across the room and swipes the container out of Cass's lap. "Oh my god it is." She glares disapprovingly at Cass. "A coffee face mask? Really? We just got him off his addiction!"

Tim grins sheepishly. "Well, I mean, I'm not exactly drinking it and it's not like it has any caffeine-"

"It literally says it contains caffeine right here," Steph counters, pointing to the tub. "Why the hell does your skin need caffeine anyway?!"

"Firming," Cass explains, nodding sagely.

"'Wakes up the skin'?" Steph reads. "What the hell? What a load of bullshit!"

Cass ignores her and continues swiping the dark paste of sugar, clay and coarsely ground coffee - real fucking coffee! - across Tim's forehead as he grimaces apologetically.

"Oops, well…at least I'm not drinking it?" he tries again weakly.

Steph pins him with a flat look, then raps her girlfriend lightly on the head. "This was your idea, wasn't it?"

"Yes. It's fine. He's been good. Deserves it," Cass replies without hesitation, reaching out a hand for the tub. Steph sighs dramatically then hands it back.

"I guess..." she concedes, then grins wickedly. "I guess as long as it's his giant, tired-ass eye bags drinking up the caffeine, then it’s all good."

"Hey! They're not that bad!" Tim exclaims.

Cass plops a large glop of paste onto one such eye bag and nods grimly. "Yes, they are."

Tim deflates a little and goes quiet while Cass finishes smearing the dark paste evenly across his face. She sits back with a smile. "All done." She turns to Steph. "Next!"

Contrary to her words, Cass and Tim both rise and wash up before helping Steph apply her mask. On their way back, they stop by the fridge and pull out plastic cups of milky colored liquid with dark blobs at the bottoms. Cass takes a large slurp from hers and Steph perks up.

"Are those boba tea?"

Cass turns around with a shit eating grin and shakes a pinkish-purple one at her. "Yes. Do I win back points?"

"Is that taro?" Steph immediately asks, jumping up to accept the offering of sweet, irresistible nectar.

"Yep."

"Oh, babe, you're the best," Steph replies, stealing a jasmine-tinged kiss off of Cass' lips before punching the proffered straw through the lid and sucking down her own liquid bliss. The tapioca pearls add a pleasant chewy, sweet dimension to the earthy-sweet flavor of the powdered taro root. Steph is almost too distracted to notice Tim creeping away with his own cup, the milky liquid in such tinged just a little too brown for it to be simple black tea mixed into milk.

"Tim. What is that?"

He freezes and turns only his head to stare at her with wide eyes. "Boba tea."

"Yeah, but is it actually tea?" Steph interrogates, expression skeptical.

"Maaaaaaaaybe?"

Cass darts out of the way of the ensuing tussle, which ends, inevitably, with Steph snatching away Tim's cup to steal a sip. She nearly throws her own cup at him when she tastes it.

"I can't believe this! You actually got coffee in your boba tea! There probably isn't any tea in this, is there? Utter travesty!"

Cass chooses this moment to step between them, pass the drink back to Tim, and lay a hand on Steph's shoulder. "Decaf. Mostly milk. Extra boba. Extra ice. He is fine."

Steph's eyes narrow, shifting from Cass who is nodding soberly, to Tim who is sipping warily, and then back again. "This was your idea," she accuses Cass. Again.

The sound of the front door closing shatters the tension. "No, it was my idea," Babs explains as she wheels herself into the apartment. She grins when Cass bounds over, hugs her, then hands her what looks like yet another sacrilegious coffee boba 'tea'. "Cass was just my delivery person."

"Babs, why?! We only just got him off of his coffee addiction!"

"He's been really good about it lately, so I thought he deserved a reward in the form of a compromise. Besides, there's barely any caffeine in that anyway," Babs dismisses, rolling away toward the kitchen.

Steph rounds on Tim. He takes a step back instinctively. She slowly reaches out a hand and smiles gently. "Okay, Tim. I know that you know that that is the gateway coffee to many more coffee mishaps, so just hand it over nice and easy before you end up doing something that you’ll regret."

He clutches it to his chest like and pouts like a three-year-old. "No."

Her expression and tone harden. "Tim. Put the cup down, back away slowly, and no one gets hurt."

He shakes his head and vaults over the couch. Steph leaps to follow. Cass and Babs slurp their boba tea placidly while they watch from the kitchen. Tim streaks into the bathroom and locks the door. Steph rattles the knob and curses that she didn't think to carry any picks on her tonight. It's a simple “pop-in, pop-out” lock so if she can just find a toothpick or a skewer…

She dashes into the kitchen, nearly bowling over Cass in the process.

"He's gonna chug it," Babs predicts in a bland tone as Steph rattles around in drawers..

Cass nods. "Yes." She cups her mouth to carry over the racket Steph is making behind them. "Remember: tapioca, little brother! Don't choke!"

Steph fist pumps when she finds a single toothpick, then vaults the counter. Right as she pops the lock, Tim appears in the doorway, expression triumphant.

"Tim, no!" Steph wails when he raises the empty cup.

He rattles it and grins. "Tim, yes!"

#my writing #christmasriverswrites #tim drake #batfamily #cassandra cain #tim and cass #tim and steph #stephcass #past timsteph #barbara gordon #batgirls #if you're of legal drinking age in your country (*wink*wink*nod*nod*) the gin rickey will convert you to gin #i converted so many of my college friends to gin via the rickey; it's so light and refreshing #the coffee face mask is also a real thing; there are several well known retailers that offer them but the one that inspired this story #...begins with an ''L'' (as in lake) and rhymes with ''hush" ;)#and yes there is real coffee in the face mask and they claim it gives ''your skin a boost of caffiene''#long text post #edits 2020.01.26

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changarroo · 6 years ago

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Honey Bee Records // Felix AU

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LITTLE AUSSIE FELIX! You and I (admin Solo) we been through a lot together. You were my first bias in the group and I will always have a special place in my hear for you! You make me smile whenever I see you playing with a bubble wand, your so pure and you care so much about your members! Happy 18th Birthday!!

The final bell rang and classes were over for the day. You were so excited cause that means you can go to your favorite music shop Honey Bee Records.

It was your go-to play listen to the newest tracks.

Plus there was an amazing boba shop right next door so it’s a win-win.

“Hey Y/N, I didn’t expect you to be here so soon,” said Joey.

Joey was the owner of the shop. He was in his mid-twenty be he still has a soul of a teenager. He started Honey Bee Records because he felt that the town was lacking the old fashion record shop. But he put a twist on it and his girlfriend Amanda turned it into a modern “Instagram worthy” record shop.

“Wow Joe that’s stings a bit, do you need any help with anything?” you asked walking over to the counter.

You didn’t have an official job at the shop but you felt like you work there. It was almost like a second home to you.

“Not really Y/N. I actually hired a few a couple of students to help handle the shop and I was wondering if you can help me train them?”.

“How many guys do I have to train?”

“Well they’re three new employees but since you have other commitment I’ll let you train only one”.

“Okay I can handle just one,” you said looking through the rock records.

“That’s great Y/N because they are starting today,” Joey said pointing to the doors.

You look and show three boys standing outside of the shop. One of them seems to be the same age as Joey so he probably hired him to run the shop when Joey can’t. The other two look your age so they probably will work part-time.

“Hey Chan, Jisung, Felix welcome to the hive,” he said walking over to them This is Y/N she doesn’t officially work her but she comes in often and helps.

You waved to all of them. It was certainly weird seeing new faces in the shop.

“So Y/N how about you start Felix training and I’ll show Chan and Jisung to the storage room.” Joey walked to the back of the shop followed by the one who looked about Joey’s age and a blonde haired boy.

You were left in the main part of the shop with Felix, he was about your height and has golden blonde hair.

“Hey I’m Y/N” you reached your hand out for a handshake.

“Felix” he shook your hand.

You were shocked at his deep voice for the way that he looks you had no idea he was capable of making a sound that deep.

“So I basically your job is to greet the first customer who enters the shop, restock the records that are low, to the general check out stuff. All the basics”.

“Sounds simple enough,” Felix said crossing his arms with confidence

“Okay, let’s test you,” you said walking out of the shop.

You walked back in acting like a regular customer.

“Hey! Welcome to Honey Bee Records,” Felix said with a grin on his face “Is there anything I can help you with?”.

“Hey, I’m looking for any Coldplay albums that you may have in the shop?”.

“What holds up pause, you listen to Coldplay?”

“Felix focus! You can’t do that on the job,” you said hitting his arm.

“Ouch, okay okay fine. Yeah, I believe we do have some follow me”.

He guided you to the correct section and find all of the Coldplay records.

“We should have most of the older albums and then some of the new ones. But they will be located right here.” he flipped through the pile of records.

”Nicely done Felix. Not too bad” you said crossing your arms.

“Thank you I try” he jokingly flipped his hair back which cause you to laugh.

“Hey Y/N it’s 3:45 you can go soon if you're almost finished,” Joey said from the counter.

“You don’t work here?” Felix asked.

“Nope I have too much on my plate to work here but I’m close friends with Joey and his girlfriend so I help out when I can,” you said grabbing your bag from behind the counter.

“Will you come back and visit?” he asked with puppy dog eyes.

“We will see,” you said with a large grin on your face before walking out of the shop.

A couple of days had passed since you helped in the shop.

“Welcome to Honey Bee Rec- YOUR BACK Y/N,” Felix said from behind the counter.

“Haha yeah, I had some time today to help”.

“Well glad to have you here!” Felix said throwing you a rag “now the windows need cleaning”.

You rolled your eyes before throwing the rag back at Felix.

“In your dreams Felix”.

The afternoon went on and the shop was fairly busy. When it wasn’t you and Felix joked around or suggested music to each other.

Soon his shift was over and you were about to head home as well.

“Hey Y/N wanna go get something to eat?” he asked grabbing his stuff from the back.

“Sure, have you been to the boba shop next door?”.

“No, not yet, I haven't had the time. Is it good?”.

“Good? They have the best boba in town”.

“Well then let go,” Felix said grabbing your hand and dragging you next door.

“Welcome to Young Boba.” said a mid-twenties man its young k. “What can I get for the two of you today?”.

“Can I get a strawberry lemon green tea with regular boba pearls.” you said to the barista.

“Okay got it,” he said writing your order on the cup. “And for you sir?”.

“Can I get an orange blend with regular boba pearl” Felix said to the barista.

“You got it, that will be 8803.23 wons.” the young barista said ringing up the orders.

You started to look in your bag for your wallet went Felix held out cash to pay for the drinks.

“Don’t worry I got it,” he said smiling out you “Let’s go find a place to sit.”.

“What about over here.” you pointed to a table that was next to a giant oak tree with fairy lights string in the branches.

“Perfect,” he said grabbing your arm and guiding you to the table.

Some time had passed and you both finally got your boba.

��Wait we should poke the straws in together,” Felix said grabbing your hand.

“Okay,” you said. Once he held your hand you felt butterflies in your stomach. You never felt this way before.

“One”

“Two”

“Three,” you both said at the same time poking the straws into your boba.

Some time had passed since you entered the shop and it was night time when you left.

“I can’t believe it’s already 21:00,” Felix said exiting the boba shop.

“Yeah we were there for like eight hours straight,” you said still holding onto his hand.

“I had fun tonight Y/N”

“I did too, ”Felix said as he leaned in and kissed you on the cheek

#stray kids #jyp stray kids #jyp entertainment #stray kids au #straykids #sk writersnet #district4419 #kpopinc #kpop writting #stray kids felix #lee felix #stray kids lee felix #happy birthday felix!#stray kids writing #stray kids masterlist

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lena-in-a-red-dress · 6 years ago

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Vancouver, Day 6: Kitsilano Part 2

I was totally going to skip breakfast today, thinking I’d just waste time at the hostel doing writing things before hitting up 720 Sweets on my way back downtown, but then I found out about a Viennese-style bakery in Kitsilano, and if you know anything about me by now then you know I cannot resist a single sweet temptation.

Thomas Haas, located on W. Broadway in Kits, is small and delightful. Because you walk in and see this:

And then you look a little further to the left and see THIS:

At this point I’ve died and gone to heaven. Because I’ve been to Vienna and I’ve tried the real thing and I know what’s coming. But, as a responsible adult setting a good example for all my non-adults, I got some protein in me first.

This is a Moroccan chicken panini that had apples and watercress and Gruyere. Pretty much like any sandwich you’d get from any coffee shop, but with more intricate flavors. And I know, I know, that’s not a great shot of dessert. Don’t worry. I gotchu.

Ohhhh, yeah. The Manjari chocolate cake: manjari chocolate mousse, manjari chocolate cake, and manjari rum creme brulee. I had no idea what manjari was, so I googled it, and apparently it’s a special Madagascan chocolate. It was divine. The creme brulee added some crackle for texture, the cake and mousse complemented nicely, and it felt very light.

I also got some Aztec hot chocolate for the road, because I totally forgot to order it as part of my meal. ...and I also got some macarons, because they looked pretty.

My bed last night was not very comfortable, so I woke up with all sorts of odd twinges and aches, so I opted out of any major exploring. My destination of choice? Where else...

Folks, I cannot express how much I love walking into a new city and finding where the books live. No one looks at you weird for lugging your suitcase in with you, the seats are always comfy, and no one complains that you’re taking up table space. Want to feel like a local? Go to the fucking library. I spent a least three hours writing there today and loved every second of it.

Eventually, it was time to leave though. As promised, I walked back to 720 Sweets. This time I tried one of their floats, which is a cross between a sundae and a bubble tea.

(Gratuitous semi-selfie for both scale and shamelessly showing off my NCU sweater. So far no one has commented on it. I’m very disappointed.)

The soft serve was a roasted milk tea flavor, and sat on a giant cup of actual roasted milk tea. The floaties congregating in the middle of the cup are a mix of boba, caramel pearls, and grass jelly. Yesterday when I asked what grass jelly was, the girl behind the counter could only tell me that it was black jello, and that it didn’t taste like much. She was right.

Again, not very sweet, but the drink ended up being a study in texture. I wasn’t disappointed at all. It gave me a little extra boost before I hopped a bus to downtown, without feeling too heavy. I cannot say the same about dinner.

As far as I’m concerned, there is only one place to get poutine in Vancouver, and that’s Mean Poutine on Granville Street. It’s conveniently (or dangerously, depending on your point of view) located just around the corner from my hostel, and is open until 4am. The fries are cooked per order, and they have a whole selection of toppings to choose from. I always start with the classic.

Fries, curds, gravy. Simple. Uncomplicated. And yet so easy to get wrong. There’s another poutine place on the same block that advertises the best poutine in Vancouver and they’re a bunch of lying liars. Their gravy is too runny and their fries aren’t crisp and they don’t ask before putting scallions on. Mean Poutine doesn’t do that, because Mean Poutine cares.

Be warned: do not eat this poutine and plan to do anything else the rest of the day. This is the thanksgiving meal of poutine. Once you’ve forked up every last gravy-soaked fry, you’ll need to pop the button on your pants and take a nap. Seriously. I’m not joking. In fact, I recommend skipping lunch and making it an early dinner. Otherwise, you might barf. I still might.

But it is so, so worth it. I dream of this poutine. I get it every time I come to Vancouver. Also, you should know that there is no store-front. It’s literally a whole in the wall, with a narrow bit of counter space on the sidewalk to eat at if you’re desperate. I prefer to retreat to hostel and eat in private, thank you very much (plus, if you close the flaps on the take out container, the walk gives the steam time to make the curds a little melty).

Score: 10/10 - on all counts. The entire day was filled with winners, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Spend a day in Kits if you ever get the chance. You won’t be disappointed.

#personal #travel adventures: vancouver #kitsilano #sweets #poutine #food #slow but good #got lots of writing done #everyone is happy

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wreathedinscales · 3 years ago

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little bit of naga din mixed with boba and fennec as the best babysitters ever

()

"You what."

Fennec's gloves creak around her rifle. "You weren't watching either."

"I was negotiating," Boba replies tightly.

"You can multitask!"

"So can you."

They stare each other down, coming to the same conclusion: they are both idiots. Grogu is Din Djarin's Foundling. They should've known he'd learned how to escape notorious bounty hunters and sharp-eyed snipers.

"Should we search the palace first?" Fennec asks.

Boba heads to the ready room door. "On the way to Djarin's ship. Even that little womp rat shouldn't be able to open the hatch."

()

He can very much open the hatch.

Next to Slave I, The Razor Crest II is unlocked, with little sandy footprints trailing up her ramp. Fennec's already stormy expression darkens. Boba's positive that if he took off his helmet, every being besides her would cower.

Djarin doesn't ask for much for himself. The one time he does, and Boba and Fennec screw it up.

The one silver lining is the ship sounds quiet. It's thin, since Grogu undoubtedly has found his father. No saving the situation. Best Boba and Fennec can do is retrieve the child and hope Djarin's personal time off hasn't been too disrupted.

Crest II is pre-Empire like her predecessor, but big enough for quarters that actually allow space for an adult human male. The plan is to head there first, since Djarin had said "personal reasons" not "repairs" when he asked Boba and Fennec to watch Grogu for three weeks.

They don't find anything except unmade sheets, and Djarin's armor on a stand. Helmet included.

"Really personal, huh?" Fennec mutters.

"Split up," Boba replies as they turn around, "I'll take the galley. Knock on every door."

Fennec breaks off for the cockpit's ladder.

It doesn't take long to reach the galley. Boba knocks loudly, turning his helmet sensors up. He doesn't touch thermal vision, feeling as if that alone would be a gross invasion of Djarin's Creed.

Audio doesn't pick up anything. Looks like Boba's free to search for the kid.

He opens the door to a giant snake.

The tail is reptilian, at least, scales glimmering silver with black spots that shine like mother-of-pearl even in the dim light. Two levels of coils curl in the center of the room, with easily ten extra feet of length woven haphazardly around the bolted down furniture and equipment, almost comically squished in some areas. The flesh itself is almost as thick as Boba's shoulders and utterly still.

Boba keeps his breathing steady, even when he sees Grogu peek out from behind the tail's end.

"Kid," Boba says carefully, "Let's go."

With a big smile, Grogu ignores him completely. Boba doesn't waste his breath, timing his steps as the child climbs over the tail and waddles towards the coils. If the creature hasn't woken yet, their luck might hold until Boba can get them out and find Djarin. It'd be very helpful, then, if Grogu doesn't look like he's about to touch the thing again.

"Kid," Boba says. Grogu looks over, claws hovering. "Don't."

Closer.

"Grogu."

Closer.

"Stop that!" Boba hisses.

Grogu smacks the bottom coil.

The entire tail shudders, but Boba doesn't spring forward because the voice that grunts with it is familiar.

Grogu smack-smack-smacks. The tail's end drags sluggishly, slowly unwinding from around the table until it gets to him. Grogu makes a woo sound as it wraps gently around him and lifts.

A human hand, bare and slightly scarred, makes a few uncoordinated attempts at grabbing the kid. It succeeds on the fourth try only because the tail nearly brings it directly in Grogu's face. Grogu disappears in the scale pile, and Djarin sighs back to sleep.

Boba counts to five before turning around.

()

Grogu comes back for food midway through Boba's next meeting. Fennec intercepts the moment she sees his tiny shadow on the stairwell.

"So your dad's a giant snake-man, huh?" she mumbles as she carries him to the kitchens, "Explains how slithery you are."

While Grogu eats, Fennec hooks a fiber cord to the back of his collar. Once he's had his fill, she watches with vindictive glee as he reaches the cord's limit and is yanked back with a loud BAH!

"Yeah," she drawls, "Try again."

()

He tries again, and again, throws three deafening tantrums, and tries one more time. He gets the message that he's dealing with people who have dealt with many a cry for mercy.

Grogu pouts at Fennec's feet, ears drooped and everything. After some strange glances from visitors, he's completely ignored.

The day ends with only a couple executions and a satisfying fistfight. Boba rolls his shoulders among his groaning opponents and waves for his subordinates to take the bodies out.

He stops halfway to his throne.

With growing irritation, Fennec slowly follows his helmet's tilt.

The fiber cord has nothing attached.

"Dank farrik."

()

Fennec and Boba stand in the galley doorway, considering their options.

Djarin doesn't seem aware of his surroundings outside of direct touch. Theoretically, they could just scoop Grogu up and leave. But there's also the glaring fact that Djarin's helmet is in his quarters.

Finally, Boba withdraws his gaffi stick and says, "Cover your eyes."

Fennec raises an eyebrow but obeys. Helmet under his free arm, Boba pokes Djarin's tail. Hard.

Shudder, grunt, just like before. The tail swishes a little.

Boba pokes again.

The grunt is louder, more irritated.

Boba swings like he's hitting a gong. He covers his eyes just as Djarin rears up with a beastly hiss.

"Your kid's slippery," Fennec says dryly.

The hissing is replaced with a half-awake "What?"

Grogu finally feels like being helpful, saying, "Patu."

After a moment, Djarin says, "Damn it." His voice is odd without the modulator, but definitely not unpleasant. "Sorry. I should've warned you."

"We should have known," Boba replies, "He's your Foundling."

"...he is." An awkward pause. "I was—"

"Fett looks like old leather, I'm mostly metal, and we're both experienced bounty hunters," Fennec says, "Don't flatter yourself. We've seen much stranger things."

Rustling. "You can look now."

The room is as it was before, except for Grogu being held out in Djarin's tail.

Fennec takes him. "We'll keep a better eye out."

"He can come see me if he wants," Djarin says. "He just gets bored. Can't feed him either." His voice starts to slur. "Too tired."

Boba replaces his helmet. "We got this."

"Th'nk'you."

The tail falls still again.

()

"Old leather?"

Fennec smirks. "Ancient."

()

Fennec puts Grogu on her shoulder. The illusion of being tall pleases him.

Fennec can feel every little wiggle. This does not please him.

Tough. They have a schedule and he will follow it.

It takes most of Djarin's three weeks for Grogu's full cooperation. After first meal, Fennec takes him to Crest II for five minutes. He takes his afternoon nap with Djarin. At first moonrise, Grogu gets ten minutes, spending the night at the palace. He seems to mind less if he has to sleep with Boba, but only if Boba has full armor on. Boba's slept in worse conditions.

In return for Grogu's obedience, Grogu thinks it a fair trade for Boba to let him on the throne.

Boba watches with an indifferent helmet as the child tries to climb up his leg. If he can do it, Boba supposes he can stay. His father often allowed him the same opportunity on Slave I's pilot seat.

One of the delegates laughs. Boba's head snaps to them, which shuts them up quick. It doesn't take the amusement from their four eyes. Not surprising, but fixable.

As Boba considers which weapon to use, the delegate starts choking.

Boba lets alarm spread before looking at Grogu. A very familiar sight greets him: hand outstretched, fingers curling.

Boba places his hand over Grogu's. "I can fight my own battles."

The shame in Grogu's eyes is more relieving than the lack of hatred. Boba doesn't want to see another child grow up like Vader, no matter how useful the abilities.

"Besides," he says, projecting his voice, "If they lose to a child, they have no business here."

He puts Grogu on his knee.

()

Din arrives at the throne room to his Foundling sitting on Fett's throne. Fett himself is walking slowly back and forth, considering three kneeling prisoners, the pit's crate stark between them. Fennec leans against the throne as if Fett were sitting there. The crowd watches the tableau as if nothing has changed.

After the overdue rest, Din had woken refreshed. Now he's possibly more muddled than three weeks ago.

"What do you think?" Fennec asks. She's looking at Grogu, of all beings.

Grogu blinks up at her, then back at the prisoners. "Meh," he says.

"I agree," she replies. "Boss?"

Boba grunts. "Why not?"

He shoots the middle one and sends the other two to the pit with the corpse.

"I thought the creature was gone," Din says faintly.

"There are worse things in prison," Boba replies darkly. He nods to Din. "Welcome back."

The crowd parts for Din. He keeps his eyes ahead. "Thanks. I owe you."

"I won't accept debts for caring for a Foundling."

"Even if he usurped you?"

Boba snorts and grabs Grogu by the back of his collar. "You've got a power-hungry one, Mandalorian."

Din takes Grogu, who pats his helmet excitedly. "Looks that way." He nods to the crate, where screams for revenge have started. "We'll leave you to it."

"If you wish. We'll await your return."

"...latest I'll be is next planet year." Din tries not to make it sound like a question.

Fennec's mouth quirks. "Try not to let the little one hijack your ship."

Din wonders if this is what the other Foundlings meant by best friends.

#the mandalorian #ecriture #naga din djarin #please give us fennec/boba/din friendship

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jae-bummer · 7 years ago

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Something Real

Request: Hi hello! For your prompts can I ask for exo Sehun #17 fluff please? D.o is my bias but Sehun is currently bias wrecking me but in a good way I guess.

17) Your bias hires you to be their significant other

Member: EXO’s Sehun x Y/N x (ft. Kyungsoo/Chanyeol)

Type: Fluff

“Money is no object.”

“I heard you the first twelve times, Sehun,” you muttered, not even bothering to glance over your paperwork to make proper eye contact with him.

“Then I’m not understanding the issue,” he huffed, plopping down in the guest chair in front of your desk.

“The issue is we -”

“Work for the same company, blah, blah, blah,” he grumbled, crossing his arms. You could feel his glare through the thin sheet of paper you were strategically holding over your face. “I have a point to prove.”

“What point exactly?” you sighed.

“So Chanyeol bet me a year’s supply of bubble tea-”

“Nope, nuhuh,” you hissed, finally setting down the documents you were looking at to give Sehun a disapproving look. “I refuse to hear anymore of this. I will not eliminate my plausible deniability.”

“I’m not even sure what that means,” he said slowly, furrowing his brows. “But Chanyeol bet me that I couldn’t get you to go on a date with me-”

“And he was right,” you nodded. “Listen to your friend.”

“He’s not my friend, he’s a giant preying mantis who has become a permanent pain in my ass,” he muttered. “I’ve learned to love him though. It was that or move to China, but that’s a topic for another day.”

“If he bet you,” you sighed, “Wouldn’t paying me to go on a date with you negate the whole point of winning a bet? You’re still losing money.”

“But winning the bet,” he nodded. “I will pay any price to prove someone wrong.”

“You’re ridiculous,” you muttered.

“And you’re playing hard to get,” he grinned. “Would you just agree to enter a fake relationship with me so we can call this a day?”

“Whoa, whoa,” you groaned. “Literally two minutes ago we were talking about going on a date. Now we’re talking fake relationships? Don’t you think this is a little...much?”

“Should I rewind to the part where I said, ‘I will pay any price to prove someone wrong?’ because I thought I made myself clear,” Sehun laughed. His expression was one of confidence and you knew he could bicker with you for hours.

“So what’s in it for me?” you sighed.

“I don’t know, a couple hundred dollars a week and the privilege of being able to say your dating Oh Sehun?”

“I’m going to go ahead and pretend like I didn’t hear the second half of that sentence,” you muttered. Reaching up, you ran a nervous hand through your hair. It was true that you worked in the supporting office for SM, completing various and random tasks for idol groups, but you could always use a little more money.

Glancing up, you bit your lip, and searched Sehun’s face. You were hoping to find any answer in the contours of his jaw and smooth plains of his cheeks. He lifted his brows as he noticed you survey him, a smirk beginning to tug at the corner of his plush lips. Admittedly, Sehun wouldn’t be your first pick for a member in EXO to build a fictional relationship with. It wasn’t that you weren’t attracted to him (cause like...have you SEEN him?) But he wasn’t exactly the person you shared the most common interests with.

“What do you say?” he whispered, leaning forward. “I can’t be all that bad, can I?”

“Considering you’re paying me to be your significant other in order to prove someone wrong,” you hummed. “I don’t see how this could possibly reflect on you as a person.”

“Good,” he grinned. “So you’re in?”

“Sehun,” you sighed. “Why me?”

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed,” Sehun said, a smile continuing to dominate his lips. “But you kind of run this place. You keep everything from falling apart. Overall, you’re a very put together person. Plus you’re crazy hot. For some reason, Chanyeol doesn’t think I can attract someone good looking AND smart.”

“Well, you aren’t notorious for parading through dates with common sense-”

“I do not parade anyone through,” he nodded. “I simply give them tours of my work place.”

“I’ve seen three girls this month, Sehun,” you grimaced. “And now that I think about it, a couple of gu-”

“And now you’ll see none,” he interrupted. “Well, besides yourself. But I guess you can’t really see yourself...except for like...in a mirror or the little camera on the front side of your iPhone.”

“If I agree to this, will you please stop talking,” you groaned.

“I don’t know if that’s a thing I can promise,” he grinned. “But I’m happy to have your cooperation.”

You took another spoonful of ice cream into your mouth and glanced down to Vivi, quietly enjoying his dog treat you had just slipped him.

Admittedly, it hadn’t been a bad couple of weeks.

Not like you had necessarily expected for it to be completely miserable, but you had your reservations.

Upon unofficially agreeing to date Sehun for the sake of his pride, you had a long discussion about rules and responsibilities in the situation. You would take no less than 450,000 won a week to be at Sehun’s complete disposal. You were to go on dates, show up to support at performances and recordings, and most importantly, appear at the dorms. Although Sehun insisted he had no interest in pursuing anyone else, you made him swear that you would be the only relationship he would be concerned with for the time being, fake or not. You would not be made a fool of.

Not even if this whole thing was fabricated.

Which it was. You would constantly have to remind yourself of that. As soon as this whole charade had began, you had to insist to yourself that every memory you were creating with Sehun was make believe. Every shared glance, every cuddle, every hand squeeze was a work of fiction.

“I’m surprised,” Sehun sighed, finally looking up from his boba.

“What about?” you asked, absently dropping your arm and running your hand over Viv’s head.

“That you’ve lasted this long,” Sehun smiled.

“Believe it or not, you aren’t nearly as terrible of a boyfriend as I thought you would be,” you chuckled.

Sehun leaned forward, placing his hand lightly over yours. “I wasn’t talking about you putting up with me.”

“Oh!” you gasped, shaking your head. “So you’re surprised that you’ve managed to grace me with your presence for the past month?”

“I’m joking,” he laughed. “I promise.”

“Such a punk,” you grumbled. You continued to pet his dog’s side and began to shake your head. “I don’t know how we put up with him, ViVi.”

“An immense amount of disposable cash is my guess,” Sehun chuckled.

“That helps,” you teased. Sehun’s face instantly grew dark at your statement. Looking down, he swished his bubble tea, becoming much too interested in the small tapioca flavored pearls in the bottom.

You cleared your throat, attempting to add some sort of noise to the awkward silence. “So, what’s the plan for today?”

“I think I’m going to go back to the dorm,” Sehun sighed. “Kyungsoo was talking about maybe working on some music with Chanyeol and I...I’m trying to get more involved.”

“Ah, shall ViVi and I tag along then?” you asked, tilting your head to the side. You attempted a smile, but immediately let it slide from your face as you saw Sehun’s expression.

“Will I have to pay you overtime for that?” he hummed. He shook his head at the end of his sentence, adding a sad smile in an attempt at keeping it light hearted. You knew his words cut much deeper than he had intended, but you weren’t sure how to address his feelings.

“Sehun,” you whispered. “Is there something you want to talk about?”

“No, of course not,” he grimaced.

“You know...this whole crazy thing was your idea. I just-”

“I said I don’t need to talk about anything, Y/N,” he nodded, keeping his words short.

“Oh...oh-okay,” you stuttered, attempting to shake off his curt words. “I uh...okay.”

“Come on, ViVi,” Sehun sighed, beginning to stand. He unwound the dog’s leash from your chair and gave it a gentle tug. “Time to go home.”

“Want me to come over later?” you asked, hopefully.

“I’ll be busy,” he nodded, biting his lip. “Don’t want to use up those hours I’m paying for on nothing, you know.”

“What the hell, Sehun?” you whined. You stood as well, allowing for your annoyance to bubble to the surface. “You know, I never asked for this.”

“Yeah,” he muttered, nodding his head. “Thanks for reminding me.”

You flopped over on your couch for what had to have been the dozenth time in a short hour. Chewing furiously on your lip, you locked and unlocked your phone again, waiting for any text to appear on your screen.

You would be lying if you said you weren’t most anticipating Sehun’s name to appear.

For as much as you liked to pretend that he was an inconvenience, he had seriously become a necessary part of your everyday life.

And as much as you didn’t want to admit it...you may have...possibly...maybe considered the fact...

that you were head over heels for the turd.

You flopped over again and sighed, burying your face deep within the aged cushions. You were. You were completely smitten by the man you had never intended to have any feelings for. When you begun your side job of dating Sehun, you told yourself you would treat it as that, simply a job. It would serve a purpose in your life that would not in anyway become romantic. After all, how could it? It was Oh Sehun.

Oh Sehun, the man you had never had a single thing in common with.

Oh Sehun, the man you had never gone a day without arguing with.

Oh Sehun, the man who was literally paying you in order to win a bet.

Oh Sehun, who loved his members, his dog, and bubble tea so passionately, that you couldn’t go on without hoping that he loved you with that much passion as well.

“And I’m going to do something about it,” you whispered to no one in particular. Pushing yourself up, you were quickly made aware of exactly how disheveled your wallowing on the couch had made you. You groaned as you attempted to shake the wrinkles from your clothes, but after a few moments decided to cut your losses and run to your closet to change.

After talking yourself out of, and into, the trip over to the SM building several times, you had finally made a solid decision. You had to go, if only for your sanity.

The SM building was a short walk from your own apartment, a facility in which most employees rented out of. The short walking commute was convenient when running late in the morning, or when attempting to meet your fake boyfriend in the evening to profess your very real feelings for him.

You pushed open the doors leading to the entertainment company’s lobby and nodded briefly at the receptionist stationed at her normal post. She nodded to you as well, knowing you worked somewhere in the building, but not caring enough to know exactly where. You slid your key card against an electronic lock near one of the employee elevators and boarded with little issue. Stabbing at the buttons with anxious fingers, you hit several floors you had no business going to and sighed. You needed to calm down.

But it wasn’t everyday you professed your affections to someone who probably had no idea you were even harboring them to begin with.

He thought you were all about the monetary gain...which you were in the beginning. But with time and lowered inhibitions, you had become interested in so much more.

You heaved a sigh as the elevator finally opened on the correct floor, leading to Kyungsoo’s most utilized studio space. You could already hear the light sound of piano keys being stroked as you continued down the hall.

“You can do this,” you whispered. “You have to.”

You couldn’t continue with Sehun’s subconsciously hurt feelings and pouty comments. You couldn’t wrap yourself in his arms without feeling anything anymore. Even seeing ViVi had become an emotional reminder that you had kissed a pair of lips that didn’t think there was a meaning behind their motions.

You knocked lightly on the studio door as soon as you had found it. The music went silent with your ask for entrance, causing you to swipe your key card once again. You cracked the door open and stuck your head in, holding your breath as you surveyed the room.

“Y/N!” Chanyeol called cheerfully. “I was expecting you! Whenever Sehun said he was coming by, you’re normally not too far behind.”

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” you hummed, your face growing hot with the attention you were receiving. You stretched your body, attempting to get a full look into the room, but still didn’t see Sehun.

“Hi, Y/N,” Kyungsoo sighed, resting his hands in his lap. “You’re interrupting, but it’s fine. Your presence is always appreciated.”

“Yeah, it may get Sehun back on track!” Chanyeol grinned. “His mind has been everywhere since he got here.”

“You didn’t have to come,” Sehun’s voice grumbled from behind the partially opened door. You heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing his voice, stepping into the small space to be able to see him properly.

“I wanted to,” you smiled. “Plus, we need to talk.”

Chanyeol and Kyungsoo exchanged wary glances as they both began to stand. Sehun rolled his eyes before waving them to sit down again. “Go ahead.”

“Don’t you two want to have a lover’s quarrel in private?” Kyungsoo muttered, clicking absently at his computer screen.

“You two are working and whatever needs to be said shouldn’t stop that,” Sehun muttered, cutting his eyes at you. “Now what’s so important that it couldn’t wait?”

You took a deep breath before nodding and taking a short step toward Sehun. “I think it’s time...we clarified some things...about us.”

“More terms and conditions?” he muttered, crossing his arms. It was apparent that he was still pouty from your exchange that afternoon.

“Sehun, that’s exactly it,” you whispered. He furrowed his brows as he looked up at your face, shocked that you would want to discuss the intricacies of your agreement. “I don’t want any terms and conditions anymore.”

“What do you mean?” he asked quietly.

“I mean, I don’t want the money,” you nodded. “I just want you.”

“Not to insert myself into your conversation,” Chanyeol said slowly. “But what do you mean by ‘I don’t want the money’? Is he like...helping you pay a traffic ticket or something?”

“I’ve been paying her, Chanyeol,” Sehun groaned. “I’ve been paying her to date me.”

“I KNEW IT!” Chanyeol gasped, jumping to his feet. “I knew she wasn’t going to date you voluntarily! I was buying you bubble tea for a month and-”

“I want to date him though,” you interrupted. “That’s....that’s why I’m here. It’s not a job for me anymore...I...I ended up growing feelings along the way.”

Chanyeol slowly eased back down into the chair he was sitting in, his mouth having fallen open. Sehun lifted his brows as he uncrossed his arms. “You...you did?”

“I did,” you nodded. “And look...I understand if you don’t feel the same...and this whole thing was just orchestrated to prove Chanyeol wrong. And I understand if you want me to leave...but I had to tell you. I couldn’t keep going on wondering if you had felt the same.”

“Well...this makes things complicated,” Chanyeol muttered to no one in particular. “Does this still count? I mean technically she wants to date him...but should that be a backfill for the bet? Should-”

Kyungsoo sent a silencing death glare toward Chanyeol who instantly closed his mouth, watching the scene before him with interest.

“You actually...have feelings for me?” Sehun asked slowly. He pulled himself up from his chair and took a few hesitant steps toward you.

“Shocker, I know,” you chuckled, taking a few steps forward as well.

“And you’re willing to do this...without me having to pay you anything?” he asked.

“Believe it or not, your companionship is enough,” you smiled.

“Pfft,” Chanyeol snorted. “Can you pay me to hang out with you then?”

Sehun ignored his member as he lifted his hand, letting it linger awkwardly in the air for a moment, before placing his palm on your cheek. “You actually...want me...for me?”

“You’re kind of a mess,” you whispered, nuzzling your face into his open hand. “But I’m into it.”

“Apparently,” he smiled, leaning down to place a light kiss on your lips. You and Sehun had shared a few kisses before, but none quite like this. Previously, there was an unspoken barrier placed between your lips. There was an understanding of the picture you had to portray to those watching. You had a facade to uphold. This kiss, this moment, was inevitably different. There was nothing separating you from each other. There was nothing keeping you apart from how you were both feeling. This was something real.

“Soooo,” Chanyeol hummed. “I’m guessing you like her too?”

Everyone in the room turned toward the man, evident exasperation on their faces.

“Well, he didn’t come out and say it!” Chanyeol gasped. “I’m following context clues here!”

“Yes, Chanyeol,” Sehun sighed. “I like her too. And I think I’ll kiss her again just to make sure.”

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wingedflowerarbiter-blog · 7 years ago

Text

GuiLin 桂林

July 14-16, 2017

The Guilin trip began after scrambling to finish our Friday exams, listening to a presentation for the next weekends trip and a crazy bus ride to the airport.

The bus we took to the airport is close, convenient and the cherry on top is that its only 20 RMB (about 4 USD). But our way to the airport was insane! About half way there it started down pouring outside and hailing! The hail was the size of quarters and I was sure we were not only going to miss our flight but was also convinced that the windows would shatter. After all the craziness we made it, and with plenty of time to spare! The storm delayed our flight a few hours. To pass the time we played “Heads Up” (another version of charades) and as a result provided entertainment for the other passengers patiently awaiting their flight.

Finally in the city and at our hostel we wandered up and down the streets until we found amazing anything and everything on a stick, the best boba tea in the world and ate in a small alley filled with locals playing games and celebrating... despite the fact it was around midnight.

Saturday morning, we scrambled out of bed and walked to the river to greet the rising sun. Locals were fishing, swimming in the river and out on early morning strolls. The picture doesn't do justice to the sunrise or the mountains that glowed off in the distance, but all in all it was breathtaking.

Snagging a bit more sleep and a quick breakfast, we loaded up the bus that would take us to a place to ride down the river. Mountains surrounded us on either side as we slowly made our way downstream.

After one of the most gratifying hours I had yet experienced in China, it was time to be shuttled back to the bus.

Next stop: water buffalo and cormorants. The really cool thing about cormorants is that they can be trained to fish! So even today in China people use the birds to fish for them!

Last but not least: the minority village! This minority group is known for its darker skin, rice wine, music, marriage customs and dancing. Our tour guide explained to us that in this minority group, unlike most chinese cultural norms, darker skin is prized. A woman with the darkest skin, longest hair and best dancer would be called the “Black Pearl” and would be considered the most beautiful. We enjoyed watching the traditional style dances from a boat on the river, and the “Black Pearl” waved at us, but if you ask me... she didn't look any darker than anyone else I had seen in China.

Once off the boat we all gifted a tiny vial of white rice wine, as those who drink the wine are supposed to live to be 100!

One of the most interesting customs of this minority group is that the women will make colorful woven balls: when they are of marrying age, the women will gather to watch the young men perform a ritual dance. If the man can dance well it means he will make a suitable husband. The woman will find a man she likes and throw him the ball that she has crafted, if he catches it he is agreeing to a trial year of “dating”. For a full year the man will not only do field work but also all the cooking and cleaning while the woman relaxes, at the end of the year if they would like to stay together they will get married!

Since it was a tourist place, we were soon swept up into a dance with the locals where we held hands and spun in circles, afterwards a woman on the balcony threw woven balls for the best dancers to catch!

Despite having already done so much, our day was hardly over. Our second hostel and the city we stayed in, was nestled into the mountains with a beautiful view of the river and horizon. Resting for only an hour or so: to enjoy the sunrise, we headed into the bustling city below to find dinner and a taxi. Because next up on our things to do was the Guilin light show!

The light show was designed by the same man who put on the show for the Beijing Olympics! It was beautiful and calming... which is probably why half of our group fell asleep haha! We saw boats paddled in sync across the water, mountains light up and beautiful dances, songs and various performances!

Despite our exhaustion: Alex, Melody and I weren’t quite done exploring! We wandered the now jammed packed streets of the city, ate tofu served up by a vendor and enjoyed all the bustle. Some of the highlights definitely include having fishies nibble at our toes and meeting the Chinese version of Jack Black!

We had our feet in the fish tanks for 20 minutes and we were laughing/screaming and wiggling for the whole time! I still crack up, just thinking about it. Its just so strange! You can feel the fish swarm your feet, it tickles and is terrifying all at the same time! After our foot spa with the fish, we heard reggae music pouring out of a bar across the street! The musicians were so good! There was lots of hair whipping, head bopping and foot stomping as they rocked the stage! It was all in Chinese but reminded me of music I would hear blasting out of a car back in the states!

And that. Finally. Is the end of Saturday, but then... theres still Sunday.

Time to tackle our last day in Guilin! We dragged ourselves out of bed, knowing that the sunrise would be worth it, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

The final plan for our trip was to rent bikes and bike throughout a 10 mile loop. On the way we saw rock climbing, hot air balloons, helicopter rides and of course beautiful views. We stopped for lunch at a hole in the wall restaurant to eat beer fish (a food this area is known for).

On the way back we went hiked to a giant natural arch that looked over the valley, but to get there we had to tackle a path with endless stairs and cope with a humidity so intense that I was convinced I was going to melt. But we made it, enjoyed the view then rushed back down to the valley floor to peddle ourselves as fast as we could back to the bike rental place.

^ had to sneak a picture of Alex on our way out because he refused to let us take pictures of him haha

Cutting it close, we made it back just in time to grab a hasty shower, throw our bags on our backs and chase down a taxi to the airport!

The trips we take keep getting better and better and surprising me in new ways, I can’t wait to see what lies ahead! The only downside was: the day after was Monday, which coincidentally also happened to be our final for semester one. So on the plane home there was plenty of stressed out studying to go around! Oops

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