#why do rice need instant

[indigo-brainspark]

OP have you had yellow rice? or sweet rice?? They're both v good.

2. What is instant white rice

how could you like the colour yellow

see a therapist immediately

I actually used to hate it! Like, actually despise it! Yellow was too bright, too loud, discordant, unruly, and clashed with everything. Nothing like what I wanted in my life, nothing I wanted to be.

When I first moved away from home, everything I owned was black. Jet back. As black as I could get. Smooth, cool, sleek, discrete, calm, unassuming. Flexible, cohesive, agreeable black. Fashionable black.

I had a really, really bad time. Unrelated to the decor. It was my first year out of a toxic place I'd grown used to my whole life, my first year acknowledging a mental illness I'd believed to be normal, my first year fending for myself with very little money or sleep or companionship.

I'd grown up on instant white rice and unseasoned ground beef. One day I realized that everything I'd been raised on tasted like cardboard. While out on an assignment, I passed a tent with a woman selling spices, and bought myself some turmeric. I went home and tried making curry with it. It was so yellow.

Another time, my professor took us out to a modern art gallery. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but when we got there, the whole building had been painted bright sunshine yellow.

The artist's theme was "happiness".

What it is. How we make it. How to share it.

All bright, lovely yellow.

The house I grew up in was beige. The walls were white. The appliances were post 9/11 stainless steel. My job was to be quiet, compliant, presentable and agreeable.

Black goes with everything. Black is neutral. Black is quiet, reserved, elegant and mysterious.

Yellow is warm. Yellow does what it wants. Yellow tastes sweet and spicy and hot and cool, like a summer breeze, like sunflower petals, powdery like dust on a long dirt road and soothing like well-worn linen.

I still like the look of black. I like the look of most colors. But I like the way that Yellow makes me feel.

Do you understand?

[heartfullofleeches]

Wish Granter Yan who has their snobby heart that despises humans for their greed stolen by a lower income Darling who still feels bad about taking things from others after all the hand outs they've been given over the years-

This is very on brand for Beau, my asshole-ish Unicorn Yan.

-

"Human...What is your first wish?"

Darling: u-um....Well, the light in my rice cooker went out the other night..It's kinda hard to tell when my rice is done because of that.... Could you fix it?

"A light? You aren't even going to wish for a new one? With my powers you could have endless fills of rice for the rest of your days."

Darling: Haha... That's way too much rice for me... Maybe my neighbors need some...

-

"Human- What would you like for dinner?"

Darling: Ah- Don't worry about me... I've still got some ramen in the pantry. I've still got some eggs in the fridge for protein!

"Instant noodles again? Would you prefer a nice steak? Seafood? Anything? A simple burger?"

Darling, visibly stressed: You don't have to do all that for me... S-some ham to go with my ramen, maybe?"

-

"This human....Is there something wrong with them? Why are they allowing me to live freely in their home without me having granting any of their desires? Why do I dread returning to my own home?...."

Darling: I-it's been really nice to have a guest over. It's given me a chance to try out this air mattress I got at a yard sale last week.... Is my bed comfortable enough for you?'

"You won't fool me with your tricks, human-"

-

Darling: What should I have for dinner tonight.... Wha- Hey!

[The unicorn picks Reader up and places them outside of the kitchen - tying an apron around their waist as they march over to the stove]

"If you will not use my magic, then I must take your nutrition into my own hands. Even I know humans cannot survive alone on starches and junk food."

[lcvclywon]

in sickness and in health

back to masterlist

synopsis After a long fight with Jay you find yourself giving him the silent treatment. Leaving you curled up alone sick in your room, with your only comfort being the instant tteokbokki you had microwaved for yourself earlier. However it seems Jay knew where to be and what to say at exactly the right times.

warnings: mentions of food, mentions of sickness, mentions of kissing, pet names (honey), slight angst, I made YN as the 6th member of lesserafim so that the whole same building thing made sense so...js roll with it pls 😁, also not proof read!, slight fighting

genre ⋅˚₊‧ ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ hurt to comfort

pairings: idol!jay x idol!reader, established relationship

wc ୭ ˚. ᵎᵎ around 1.14k

thoughts frm yuya 💭 i know i said i was gonna go on a hiatus but i needed a serotonin boost from writing after doing a horrendous maths paper.... so semi hiatus i guess ^^ anywaysss this drabble has been rotting in the back of my mind for a while soo here u are, i'm a huge huge HUGE sucker for hurt to comfort tropes so >,<

A week. It had been a week since you and Jay had a massive argument causing the two of you to give each other the silent treatment for god knows how long. However, as if the world was out to get you, the next morning after the fight you had been plagued with a sickness that you couldn’t quite pin down, all you knew was it left you bedridden until Friday. 

Due to said sickness, you obviously couldn’t join your group for schedules and barely entered the building for dance practice. You hoped Jay would at least notice your absence, send a message asking where you were or something. But to your dismay, radio silence.

“Who cares about some stupid guy anyways…” Grumbling under your breath you reached for your chopsticks to skewer another rice cake from your measly plate of instant tteokbokki and shovel it down your throat. Maybe excessive spice you couldn’t handle and soft pillowy rice cakes could solve all your problems. 

Ding dong! Weird, you didn’t think the members would be back this early? 

Begrudgingly ripping the covers off and placing your bowl back on your table, you went to the door. Hair still an oily mess from not showering properly and clothes stuck to your body from sweat, you clearly weren’t in pristine condition to be meeting anyone. Please don’t be a delivery man, please don’t be a delivery man.

However, after opening the door, you found yourself standing in front of the one person you’d been longing for the whole week. Park Jongseong. Your gaze softened slightly and a small smile crept onto your lips, but then you remembered that you were still mad at him. Fighting the urge to embrace him and cry out for his name, you plastered on a stoic expression of indifference. 

“What are you doing here.” 

“Chaewon told me you were sick,” he said before entering into your dorm, not bothering to wait for you to let him in.

Making his way over to the kitchen he placed a white takeaway bag onto the counter before emptying its contents onto the table: a warm bowl of your favourite porridge and a cup of tea from your favourite cafe. 

“What’s this?” positioning yourself in front of Jay, you scanned the table to see the numerous small boxes of side dishes sprawled across. 

“Porridge, it’s good for you when you’re sick.” he replied before shooting his head over to the remnants of your tteokbokki “Honey why are you eating tteokbokki, you’re sick you shouldn’t be eating instant food.” he scolded before reaching over throw your lukewarm leftovers in the trash.

“It’s not that bad…” you mumbled whilst picking at the side dishes “And why do you suddenly care, thought you weren’t talking to me” Scoffing you shot him a dirty glare. 

“Correction, you weren’t talking to me; I thought you needed some space, as you usually do after a fight.” well he wasn’t wrong, you did express to him that after arguments you wanted some time to cool down by yourself, “and also, I’m not ‘suddenly’ just caring YN. Who do you think Yunjin got all those drinks, medicines, and snacks from.” 

Oh… so she didn’t buy them herself. Your gaze reached his eyes as you felt your heart soften slightly, “Okay, well you could’ve sent me a text or something. You could’ve come here and given it to me yourself, why today out of all days do you decide to come huh?” meeting your glossy eyes, Jay could tell how hurt you were over his actions. He couldn’t deny that it pained him to see you this upset. 

“Okay look, I’m sorry. I wanted to come over, but Sakura said whatever you caught was contagious and that you isolated yourself to make sure you got nobody else sick. As I mentioned earlier, you told me you liked to have time to cool down after fighting, but it was stupid of me not to even try to text you. Today it all just-” Jay stopped his rambling, catching his breath before sighing out, “I just really missed you YN” 

That was all the confirmation you needed to run into his arms and hug him so tight he didn’t even think about leaving again. Jay was quick to reciprocate, arms wrapping around you to engulf you into his warm embrace, head buried into the crook of your neck whispering sweet nothings. 

Breaking away from the embrace and tilting your head up you were graced with a warm and familiar smile painted across Jay’s face; a smile you so badly missed the entire week. 

“Don’t ever do that again.” you said with a pout 

“Promise I won't honey,” his hands reached to cup your face before adding, “Only if you promise to stop eating that stuff when you’re sick.” 

“Hey, it’s yummy! I can’t help it that I can’t cook soup or anything, tteokbokki has never failed me.” 

“Guess I’ll have to keep bringing you food then.” he replied with a smirk

“Well, I could use a personal delivery man.” giggling you reached up to mirror his actions, cupping his face with your warm hands. 

“Oh really, would a delivery man do this?” and with that he pressed a playful peck onto your lips; soft and gentle, something you missed dearly. 

“Jay!” you exclaimed, “You can’t do that, you’ll get sick!” 

“So. What.” he said between pecks, peppering your face with kisses as you giggled and placed your hands on his chest to try and push him away. Pulling away he looked into your eyes with a warm and gentle gaze, smiling softly before leaning in to give you a proper kiss. Feeling the worry of your sickness transferring to him vanish, you melted into the kiss whilst wrapping your arms around his neck. In response, his hand found its way to the small of your back while the other reached up to cup the back of your neck. It always astonished you how easily he could pull you into his orbit, almost made you forget about the soreness of your body and the fever plaguing you. 

Retreating back he giggled at your pouting face. “I’d love to continue, but I wouldn’t want the food I bought you to get cold” intertwining your fingers with his, he led you over to a chair before sitting you down. “Let’s eat okay?” he muttered before taking his spot right next to yours, hand still intertwined with your fingers. His other hand however reached over to spoon you some porridge, moving the utensil closer to your mouth. 

You happily bent forward to enjoy the bite he crafted for you, an all too familiar sensation bubbling up within you—a warmth you could only describe as, home. Jay felt like home. And you hoped he would for the rest of your lives.

perm taglist ♡ (send an ask to be added!) @floweryang

[pochaccoups]

cw — sfw, fluff, mingi is sick and sulky, reader is smaller than mingi

It’s not entirely weird for Mingi to be waking up at 11:27 a.m. Sure, he’ll get up at seven or eight on a day full of schedules, but there’s also days where he sleeps until two, three, four p.m whether it’s from jet lag or after staying up late writing. What is weird is the fact that he’s been asleep since eight p.m. yesterday.

A text from your boyfriend is what lets you know he’s finally awake, and you’re up from the sitting room couch in an instant, darting to your shared bedroom.

He’s got the covers pulled halfway up his face with just his eyes poking out to stare at his phone screen and you wonder how a six-foot-something man can look so small.

“Morning, baby,” you say, slinking over to his side of the bed so you can sit on the edge next to him.

“Morning,” he replies, and if it weren’t for the fact that he was quite literally in front of you, you’d be convinced that someone had kidnapped your boyfriend and replaced him with a complete stranger—one with a voice so deep that it rumbles when he speaks.

Your eyes widen and you giggle, but you can’t say you’re surprised at how he sounds. His voice is notorious for dropping several octaves in the morning. Usually it’s sexy, but given that he’d spent the entire day before complaining about a sore throat, you can’t find it in you to feel anything but pity for the poor boy.

“So, I called your doctor and he said you need to stay home for the next four to five days at the least,” you tell him, reaching for his muss of silver hair to tangle your fingers through it softly.

“What-no, I’m really fine!” he whines, pushing himself up to sit against the headboard. “I have to practice for the comeback, I can’t take a break right now.”

“You’re not taking a break, Gi, you’re going on sick leave. You kept me up all night with your sneezing and coughing,” you say, crossing your arms over your chest, only to melt as soon as he gives you his big, round, puppy eyes.

“But it’s just a cold…”

“Well, the doctor ordered it. Besides, I’ve already called Hongjoong and your managers. And I took work off today and tomorrow so I can stay home with you.”

For a split second you swear his eyes well up with tears. “You did?”

“Of course,” you tell him. When Mingi is sick, he turns into a four week old puppy because he can’t be left alone, or a newborn baby who needs a pair of eyes on him at all times so that he doesn’t suffocate to death. So when you tell him you’ll go make him some food and tea, he wraps his excessively giant hands around your body and clings to you, like letting go of you would mean he’ll succumb to his illness.

“Gi, you need fluids. Please let me go,” you remind him, but he only holds you tighter and you know it’s partly out of spite and partly because he’s just like this—a velcro boyfriend.

“Mingi, I’ll be two minutes, then I’ll come right back, okay?” you tell him.

“No, you won’t, I know you,” he says, and you don’t have to look at him to know he’s pouting. It’s a permanent feature of his face by now.

“I will! Why else do you think I took work off, huh?”

He’s silent then, and a moment later his arms fall loose, and he lets you go, but you leave a kiss on his forehead as an act of promise to him and shuffle back out to your kitchen.

Spurred by your boyfriend’s neediness, you gather leftover rice from the fridge, chicken broth, and a handful of vegetables with haste and start to boil the concoction that your mother taught you how to make, the one that got you through not just fevers but through heartbreaks, losses, and cold winters.

“The most important ingredient,” she would say, “is a sprinkle of your heart”—though Mingi deserved more than just a sprinkle.

The kettle boils away and your stew bubbles with life in no time. It’s also no time before a giant, warm, sniffling body plasters itself to your back and buries his face into your neck, practically bending in half to do so.

You can’t say you don’t see it coming. Still, the spirit of your mother possesses you when you drag out his name to scold him.

“Why aren’t you in bed, dummy?” you question, though you’re careful not to have any real aggravation in your voice toward him. Admittedly, you adore the way his body heat wraps around you like a blanket, although you’re sure that’s just his fever.

“Missed you too much,” he mumbles, nuzzling his nose and lips against your shoulder.

“I told you I’d be two minutes,” you sigh.

“It’s been more than that already. You lied. I knew you’d lie.”

“It was hyperbole for ‘I’ll be super quick’.”

“Then you should have said that.”

You place your wooden spoon down on the counter, turning to face your boyfriend with a fond smile on your face.

He looks adorable. Unbelievably so. Mussed up white hair, a dusting of pink on the apples of his cheeks and the pointy tip of his nose, puffy eyes that still sparkle at the sight of you. You might be the luckiest human on the planet.

You bring your hands up to his face, grabbing at each of his cheeks and squishing them gently between your fingers.

“My poor, sick princess,” you coo, watching his dimples make an appearance when he gives you a goofy, content smile. “Do you wanna watch a movie? Or a show maybe?”

He nods his head, still smiling so sweetly.

“Go pick something and I’ll finish up your soup,” you offer.

“Can I have a kiss first?”

You stare at him, unamused, though you know this very well—Song Mingi cannot live without your kisses. It’s why he was crafted with the softest, prettiest, heart-shaped lips, so that you could kiss them over and over and over again until the end of time. There are exceptions, however.

“I’m not catching your virus! Is that what you want?”

“No, no, on my forehead again!” he clarifies, his features suddenly muddled with worry because he would suffer from this cold for the rest of his life if it meant you would be healthy for the rest of yours. You wonder, though, if he knows how badly you wish you could take his cold and suffer it for him.

“Oh, well then yeah, duh,” you say, standing on your tip toes and gently pulling Mingi’s face towards you so that you can plant an overly long kiss on his burning forehead and pull away with a “mwah!” that leaves him utterly beaming.

Finally satisfied, he shuffles off back to the room, leaving you to brew his tea and serve up the stew into two bowls.

You grab flu tablets from the medicine cabinet, noting that they’re almost all gone and you’ll need to go to the pharmacy to get more. For today you have enough, so you place them on the tray along with the stews and tea and make your way back to your bedroom.

Mingi is curled up under the covers again and it’s so cute that you hate to disturb him, but he unfurls himself and sits up as soon as he sees you with a tray in hand.

“What are we watching?” you ask, slowly settling on the bed next to him and laying the tray down on the mattress.

“I think Attack on Titan, if you want to,” he says, full of fondness as you hand him two tablets to take.

“Oh, right, you’ve been wanting to watch that! Of course I want to,” you tell him, because you could never pass up the opportunity to see Jean Kirschtein in action again. You’ve missed him dearly since the show ended, though you have no doubt of the sulking and pouting you’ll get from Mingi when he comes onscreen.

Your boyfriend’s eyes go comically wide when he tries your soup and you laugh because he almost chokes on it.

“Is it that good?” you chuckle.

���It’s really good,” he responds.

“Good, because I put all my love into it.”

He hums, his face glowing pink as he eats another spoonful. “I can tell. Thank you for making this. And thank you for taking care of me. And for putting up with me.”

“Anything for my princess,” you giggle. “But I’m not ‘putting up with you’, idiot. Is it hard to comprehend that someone cares about you, Mingi?”

He stares up at you with his shiny eyes as though you hand-crafted the very sun, moon, and stars and placed them in the sky yourself.

“I love you,” he says, a mere whisper. It’s three words he’s said to you a million times, but right now, with his walls down and him vulnerable, it’s worth a million times more.

“I love you too,” you reply, leaning over to smack your lips against his temple. “Now watch the show!”

And he tries, he really does—but your little hospital patient is fast asleep by the third episode.

[jesswritesthat]

Osamu Miya: Numbers

Fandom: Haikyuu!! — [ Masterlist ]

Summary: ~1.5k, fluff, slight angst

• When your work bestie gets a crush on Osamu, you start to realise that it might be too late for you.

Warnings: None

>>>>——————————>

In honesty setting up a work convention wasn’t where you’d expect to meet a potential partner, but it seemed your favourite confident colleague didn’t share that view.

"Woah..."

"Hm? What are you looking at?" You ceased your distraction task, scanning to match your colleagues’ line of sight.

"Mister tall dark and handsome over there."

"Who? Where?" Admittedly there was a hint of excitement bubbling inside you at the prospect but soon dispersed when Mai pointed him out.

"The guy fixing the stand, god what he could do with those hands. Who is that? He looks strong, I bet he's strong." Ramblings of an instant crush you noted, but since you knew said suspect personally you were obligated to shed some light (since you were also the one who called him here to help out in the first place).

"Oh? That's Miya Osamu, and yeah I guess he's strong. Lifting the bags of rice for his onigiri business helps I suppose."

With that, you went back to what you were doing - at least until Mai had giddily grabbed your arm filled with dire questions.

"Miya Osamu huh, is he single?"

"Um, yeah, he is."

"A business owner and he cooks too. What kind of lover does he like?"

"Ones who eat? I dunno, I'm not sure what Osamus' taste in people is." You were uninterested now, something churning deep within you, but apparently she hadn’t noticed.

"Maybe it'll be me, he's so hot though, I wouldn't know where to start."

"He has a brother!" Why did you say that?! It was the most left field tangent imaginable, a diversion almost.

"What?"

This feeling, a hint of embarrassment and a plummet in your stomach. Too late to stop now.

"Yeah, a twin brother who's more outgoing. He should be around here somewhere for you to meet." Where is Atsumu the one time you freaking need his annoying ass?

"But Osamu is—"

"—is not a famous athlete. No no, Miya Atsumu on the other hand - ooof, gorgeous specimen and... incredibly passionate too." You’d charismatically tried, as if becoming a wingman for him.

"Wow sounds like you've got a thing for him~"

That wasn't your intention, not that you're certain of the direction you were headed in the first place but convincing Mai you fancied Atsumu wasn't it.

"Hey lil' Jackal~ Ya talkin' bout me?" Speak of the devil and he shall appear, an arm slung over your shoulder in usual greeting.

"Sort of - also get off me Atsumu!"

"Ya never normally mind, is it 'cause yer all dressed up and incredibly stunnin'?"

"No I— you what? No—" Flicking between a smirking Mai and complimentary Atsumu you desperately attempted to get them to talk.

"I mean it, yer look really nice. M' sure 'Samu will agree. Have ya seen him yet?”

"Wait I want you to meet—" Too late, she’d began backing toward her desire, waving to you both with a wiggle of her eyebrows.

"I'll leave you two together, I'll catch you in a minute~"

"Mai— dammit."

"Did I miss somethin'? Seems like she's set us up and got an eye on my brother." The blonde overlooked how she’d floated over to Osamu, hand tenderly placed on his bicep to get his attention.

"It's that obvious? Do you think 'Samu will like her too?" You muttered with a hint of discomfort, eyeing the pair alongside the Setter.

"Ah, don't think so. I think his heart lies elsewhere..."

"You're right. Nothing stands in the way of Osamu and food." You confidently affirmed, Atsumu flicking to you baffled.

"Not what I was gettin' at considerin' yer the one he—"

"Especially delicious rice dishes.” You cut the blonde off with your addition, the man boredly rolling his eyes.

“Why do I even bother?”

“Don’t worry, I know your favourite food too Atsumu. It’s fatty tuna.”

“Wanna get some? This is making me sick.” Atsumu jutted his chin toward the scene of Mai flirting with his twin, and you found yourself wanting to rid the image from your mind (and heart) too.

“I second that.”

———

It was the following evening after work that you’d entered Onigiri Miya near closing time, Osamu brightening upon your arrival.

"Your usual?"

"Yeah, to go please."

Osamu paused momentarily due to this unforeseen change in routine, had he missed something? An event you'd mentioned that he'd forgotten about?

"Hey so I feel a little weird talking to you about this, but it's you and—"

"—and you've probably said worse."

"Yeah..." An embarrassed laugh and then you cleared your throat. "Anyway, Mai caught me yesterday, she's one of my colleagues from work."

"I know who she is." Clear and confident, of course he knew and you felt your tone lighten in pitch and speed. Were you nervous?

"Oh good, good. I guess that's because I saw you guys talking alone, and it looked pretty private so you probably found out then."

"Uh huh, where ya goin' with this?" Osamu raised a sceptical brow, slowing on preparing your order.

"She mentioned beforehand that you didn't y'know, make her want to throw up or whatever, so I figured that you two might've made date plans and that just feels kinda weird to me." That was putting it harshly, she’d spoken non-stop about how attractive he was all freaking day.

"Weird how?" Considering he was quite perceptive, you’d hoped he’d get what you were implying without so many questions but knowing him, this was for his own benefit.

"I mean if you did date, since I work with her, I'd hear things - and I don't know... I'd like my personal and work life not to crossover and ruin my perceptions of people."

He stared at you, awaiting whatever request you were trying to ask alongside these awkward descriptions.

"So if there's any way you could not date her, that would be really great."

"Y'got some nerve, 'm a grown man - ya can't tell me who to date."

"I'm not telling you who to date, I'm suggesting who not to date."

"Well ya can't tell me that either!" Was his adamant response, the atmosphere now bordering on defensive compared the one beforehand.

"I know I have no right but—"

"No you don't, and if you don't like what you might hear then don't listen." Osamu shot back as a proposal to your problem, leaving you to truly speak your subdued feelings in the matter - one’s he hadn’t thought you’d felt.

"I just thought that if something was going to affect our friendship, then you might care about it, because if the situation was reversed then I would care Osamu."

With that he diverted his attention solely toward your order with a hum, you on the other hand felt ridiculous. Maybe you were being petty, and just because the thought of constantly hearing how Osamu loves from Mai everyday would be heartbreaking, you could endure it if he was happy. You’d force yourself to, it might even help you get over this stupid romantic liking you’d recently discovered. In that case, you’ll have to brighten this damp mood.

"Okay you’re right. Go ahead then, date her, marry her, and make her Mrs Salmon Sushi Roll, live happily ever after for all I care. I hope you'll be delighted." You crossed your arms and turned away with a small huff escaping you once finishing your embellished claim whilst Miya blinked at you with mild bemusement.

It remained quiet for moment as he digested your words, soon enough breaking the lightened silence himself.

"By the way, I was telling Mai 'bout Volleyball serves. Dead romantic." It was spoken sarcastically, but also in a way to match your prior energy. "Said strong spike serves are harder to properly receive than floaters. Hot stuff I know, and then she asked for my number."

"That's so typical of you!" Came your slightly raised voice, spinning back to him with an accusing tone.

"What?"

"Everyone knows that jump floaters are far more effective at throwing off opponents because of their unpredictability. Everybody knows that 'Samu, everyone except you apparently, now goodbye." Knowing Mai had made her move was clarification enough - hence your volleyball tangent and strive toward the exit with your flourishing farewell.

"Yer food."

You fell still at the door after his victorious reminder, a few seconds passing as you thought about crawling back for the food or just abandoning it for the sake of pride.

"..."

Screw pride, you’re hungry.

But also you might’ve wanted to know one more thing, voice quietly asking for it once you’d reproached the counter and accepted the takeout bag he tauntingly held out for you to collect.

"Did you give her your number?"

"Yeah." Osamu smiled, one of relief and sincerity. "Seemed disappointed with the Onigiri Miya menu though."

You didn’t know if you’d managed to hide the brief feeling of melancholy well but you mirrored his smile all the same.

“Yeah, I would’ve been disappointed too.”

"Why? I make ya 'not want to throw up' too?" Came his mocking retort of your previous statement, leaving you to wittily respond as per usual.

"Shut up! I might gag, but otherwise no because you’re quite pretty. Besides I’ve had your number for years so I don’t need it."

“Knew ya liked me for more than my cooking, speaking of, there’s new menu items so take a look will ya?” Rolling his eyes with a scoff, he slid a menu over the counter which you gladly took and offered your goodbyes for the night.

—

After finishing your meal at home, your fingers lingered on the menu with mild curiosity, eyes skimming over it whilst hovering over the bin.

There were a few new appetiser additions, leading you to flip to the alternate side and almost drop it out of shock.

You traced the additional pen indentations with both your fingertips and eyes like precious scripture - a sentimental smile blooming at his charming stupidity.

Yer pretty too, call me later (Y/n),

(xxx-xxxx-xxxx)

<——————————<<<<

[ Masterlist ]

[asidian]

Set breakdown time! Next up: Niko's room.

As before, I've circled the points of interest and numbered them to make them easier to talk about. Cool? Cool. Let's do this!

1: Niko's mom's name! This part is her and Niko's surname. The kanji are 佐々木.

佐 – sa, meaning help or aid

々 – an iteration mark. When you see this, basically it means "exactly what the last one said, one more time." So another sa meaning help or aid

木 – ki, meaning tree

It's really neat that they picked a last name for her that doubles down on her role in the narrative. Just like Niko is there to support and help other characters in whatever way they seem to need, her surname hammers it home by including 佐 not once but twice.

2: Riza (リザ) Niko's mother's given name. Somewhat odd here is that it's written in katakana and not kanji. Without getting sidetracked too much (you can pop over here to read more if you're interested) most Japanese people write their names in kanji.

Katakana seems like a bit of a strange choice here, unless a) Niko for some reason doesn't know the kanji for her own mother's name (weird, given that she's in high school) b) her mother is a foreigner (a possibility; foreigners usually write their names in katakana) c) the set designer/whoever prepped the letters didn't know the appropriate kanji for "Riza" (seems unlikely, given how accurate all the rest of this is) or d) some sort of personal habit. An interesting side note is that her letter to Niko also puts Niko's name in katakana.

3: Cutesy stationery, used for marking your place in a document or book

4: A cute blue purse!

5: Watermelon! Judging by the shiny material and placement near the other bag, I'm going to guess this is another purse

6: Niko's clothes :>

7: Pink luggage

8: Lots of instant noodles

9: A rice cooker

10: Rice vinegar

11: This girl LOVES her some plants

12: Probably food items…? The one on the right looks like it might be a five-pound bag of rice, but I don't recognize the brand

13: Lots of unwashed dishes

14: A toaster oven

15: Chopsticks

16: A cute octopus pillow. I think I saw someone mention that it's from Ikea :>

17: She often leaves dirty dishes sitting on the bedside table

18: A painting of what seems to be a skyscape

19: Brightly colored pillows

20: Metal art in the shape of a moon

21: A decorative window hanging

22: More plants :)

23: Candles

24: Her tv

25: Cute pens with pompoms on the end

26: Regular tape

27: A cute cat statue

28: Marble Pop Ramune, strawberry flavor. Ramune is a type of soda that's a popular festival drink in Japan. It's sealed with a  glass marble and you have to pop the marble down into the little catch basin before you can drink it.

29: Anime wall décor

30: Fruit jelly cups. In Japan, small gelatin based snacks like this are popular. They're tiny, about an inch tall, and you eat them in just one or two bites.

31: Niko's laptop. She has stickers on it

32: Washi tape! It's decorative Japanese tape, often with bright colors and patterns, used for crafting.

33: A lot of cute magnets, including the bunny one, which serves double-duty as a kitchen timer

34: Niko's grocery list. The only thing on here that's here because she wants it is strawberry ice cream. The rest of the items, licorice tea, manuka honey, and Epsom salts, are all natural remedies. She's been trouble-shooting how to get rid of the effects of the sprites. She knows she's sick, but not why

35: Cutesy craft supplies! Sequins, glitter, and pompoms

36: More washi tape!

37: Niko's manga collection. She is that particular brand of organizational mess that does not put her numbered volumes in order. She has made an exception for the series that makes a complete picture when you line them up, though

38: More plants :)

39: Manga posters! Issho is one of the series that she has on her shelf

40: A decorative jar

41: Little metal bird sculptures

42: What seems to be the only framed picture in her room. The angle is wrong to see what the photo is, but it's interesting that they added just one in here. Maybe it's her family…?

[camellia-thea]

so @coprinellus-cluster sent me an ask about daniel and armand and why i find them so compelling. that turned into a 2000 word essay. this is very armand focused, but i promise i love daniel too.

anne rice initially wrote armand as an antagonist, and even went into writing qotd with him intended to be part of the antagonistic force, however she found while writing the devil's minion chapter that armand had become someone completely different. i love that. i love that a lot. i have sources for this somewhere but they're buried. i'll add 'em if i find them again.

i love how the chapter takes two characters who had very little identity beyond their interaction with louis and lestat. daniel was functionally exclusively a framing device in the first book. he didn't really have a character, and he literally was not named. armand was defined almost entirely by his relationships, and while his sections have always been my favourite parts of iwtv and tvl, i think there was a lack of depth there that gets discussed so much more in the devil's minion chapter.

armand is a character who has always defined himself by the people around him. from marius, to santino, to the children of darkness, to lestat, to the théâtre des vampires, to louis. each link ushers in a different aspect of himself, and the show deals with the amazingly well. the arun/amadeo/armand, the good nurse or the gremlin, it's phenomenal. daniel in the books is meant to be the next part of the transition. armand goes to both lestat and louis, show me how to live in this modern era.

"We cannot be Marius for you," I said, "or the dark lord, Santino[…]" "You have to suffer through this emptiness," I said, "and find what impels you to continue. If you come with us we will fail you and you will destroy us." "How suffer through it?" [Armand] looked up at me and his eyebrows came together in the most poignant frown. "How do I begin? You move like the right hand of God! But for me the world, the real world in which Marius lived, is beyond reach. I never lived in it. I push against the glass. But how do I get in?" "I can't tell you that," I said. "You have to study this age, " Gabrielle interrupted. Her voice was calm but commanding. He looked towards her as she spoke. "You have to understand the age, " she continued, "through its literature and its music and its art. You have come up out of the earth, as you yourself put it. Now live in the world. " [...] "And what better place is there than the center of things, the boulevard and the theater? " Gabrielle asked. He frowned, his head turning dismissively, but she pressed on. "Your gift is for leading the coven, and your coven is still there."

from the vampire lestat

this conversation you can see is what leads him to approach louis for the same thing.

["]It is through you that I can save myself from the despair which I’ve described to you as our death. It is through you that I must make my link with this nineteenth century and come to understand it in a way that will revitalize me, which I so desperately need. It is for you that I’ve been waiting at the Théâtre des Vampires. If I knew a mortal of that sensitivity, that pain, that focus, I would make him a vampire in an instant. But such can rarely be done. No, I’ve had to wait and watch for you. And now I’ll fight for you. Do you see how ruthless I am in love? Is this what you meant by love?["]

from interview with the vampire

(i do think the little "if i found a mortal with that sensitivity, that pain, that focus, i would make him a vampire in an instant", but that's not the point of this)

armand is a creature of habit, of cycles, and daniel is meant to be the next member of the loop. he uses daniel in the exact same fashion, to usher himself into the new era;

"You are my teacher," Armand told him. "You will tell me everything about this century. I am learning secrets already that have eluded me since the beginning. You'll sleep when the sun rises, if you wish, but the nights are mine."

from queen of the damned

but, something changes with daniel. and i think it is what is missing from louis; daniel has a passion for life and living that louis lacks. he's interviewing people to reveal their lives!

suddenly armand is not being ushered into the new era, he's living it. you get his excitement, his delight, his engagement. he is no longer detached from the world in the way that he is in the first two novels. he is bright and full of life.

daniel remarks a few times about how armand's laughter and delight makes him suddenly look mortal. i find it enthralling. how this one mortal, who's life purpose initially is revealing the lives of people around him to the world, brings the 500 year old vampire joy and delight and that joy stays.

i love that this mortal man could bring anne rice to completely change her perception of armand.

and on daniel's part, he is utterly fascinating. he falls in love with the monster chasing him, for his monstrosity.

Daniel stared hard at the creature before him, this thing that looked human and sounded human but was not. There was a horrid shift in his consciousness; he saw this being like a great insect, a monstrous evil predator who had devoured a million human lives. And yet he loved this thing. He loved its smooth white skin, its great dark brown eyes. He loved it not because it looked like a gentle, thoughtful young man, but because it was ghastly and awful and loathsome, and beautiful all at the same time. He loved it the way people love evil, because it thrills them to the core of their souls. Imagine, killing like that, just taking life any time you want it, just doing it, sinking your teeth into another and taking all that that person can possibly give. Look at the garments he wore. Blue cotton shirt, brass-buttoned denim jacket. Where had he gotten them? Off a victim, yes, like taking out his knife and skinning the kill while it was still warm? No wonder they reeked of salt and blood, though none was visible. And the hair trimmed just as if it weren't going to grow out within twenty-four hours to its regular shoulder length. This is evil. This is illusion. This is what I want to be, which is why I cannot stand to look at him. Armand's lips had moved in a soft, slightly concealed smile. And then his eyes had misted and closed. He had bent close to Daniel, pressed his lips to Daniel's neck.

from queen of the damned

this passage has lived in my mind since i first read queen of the damned. daniel loves armand in spite of his beauty, not because of it. it is the monstrosity that he loves. and it's exactly what armand needs. their relationship has such a push-pull dynamic as well. daniel up and leaving when they have fights, armand waiting him out before reappearing. armand and daniel’s relationship is a direct link to addiction, which i think is really interesting. daniel is quite literally addicted to armand and that’s something i think is really interesting when it comes to mortal relationships with vampires.

there’s also something in the power dynamics between them with armand exerting control over daniel through finances, but it’s really interesting because daniel is rich. he got a lot of money from publishing interview. armand gets him so many things, buys him houses and clothes and a fucking island, and daniel lets him. and i don’t necessarily think daniel has the capacity to really say no here, but it really does make their dynamic super interesting.

i think daniel gives armand the potential to be more than who he was made to be, the roles he was put into. the muse, the protégé, the cult leader, the coven member, he lingers in his own victimhood, and i think it’s a very interesting thing. daniel is an escape from that. daniel loves the vampire, loves the monster, and doesn’t necessarily want something from armand beyond being pulled into vampirism with him. and that is something that armand very distinctly has control to say no to. and i think that’s very important to armand.

"Tell me what you want, Daniel, and I'll get it for you. Why do you keep running away?" "Lies, you bastard. Say that you wanted me. You'll torment me forever, won't you, and then you'll watch me die, and you'll find I that interesting, won't you? It was true what Louis said. You watch them die, your mortal slaves, they mean nothing to you. You'll watch the colors change in my face as I die." "That's Louis's language," Armand said patiently. "Please don't quote that book to me. I'd rather die than see you die, Daniel." "Then give it to me! Damn you! Immortality that close, as close as your arms." "No, Daniel, because I'd rather die than do that, too."

from queen of the damned

this is another moment that lives in my head, i’d rather die than do that too. there is something so electric between them. how willing daniel is to give in to armand, and yet how willing he is to fight for it, for them. i don’t read daniel’s obsession with vampirism being entirely for himself by the end of the era. i truly think that there is an element of it so that he can remain with armand.

but there’s something else there too, that i don’t think the other relationships we see in the vampire chronicles really capture, and that is the mundanity that they relish in together. they go out together, to clubs, to performances, to museums and art galleries, to bars and to rock concerts, but they also experience life together in a way that lestat and louis don’t really convey when narrating their novels. daniel and armand have made a life together, and it’s weird and unconventional but it works. they have houses together, the little villa on night island, it’s just. genuine. it has all the trappings of the unhealthy, awful nature that a mortal and vampire relationship can be, and simultaneously they’ve managed to create something that is domestic. and i don’t think daniel leaving armand, and often the country they were in, necessarily negates it. they’re not good people, it’s not a good relationship, but it’s enough.

and armand does love daniel enough to turn him. that’s a significant part of it. when he is legitimately faced with daniel’s death, he cannot bear the idea of losing him.

and. there’s a bigger part too. daniel is what stops armand from wanting to die.

"Years ago," Armand interrupted, "it wouldn't have mattered to me, all this." "What do you mean?" "But I don't want it to end now. I don't want to continue unless you-" His face changed slightly. Faint look of surprise. "I don't want you to die."

from queen of the damned

daniel has fundamentally changed armand. armand does not want to die. and he does not want to live without daniel.

and it’s awful, and yet it’s enthralling. there was never going to be an outcome in which daniel did not die. it is the fate of any mortal, and most immortals as well. and i think they both knew that. and that’s the tragedy of it too, the beautiful, horrific nature of them both is that armand was always going to be the one who killed daniel, and the only question was whether daniel would remain afterwards.

and i think that armand was never going to let daniel go.

daniel and armand love each other, and i think rice did a disservice to them both by setting them aside in later books, but i won't go into that here.

[maineventbts]

The Boy Is Mine

pairing: jey uso x oc

word count: 2.1k

warnings: cursing , some innuendoes at the end , that’s pretty much it.

note: i haven’t written anything in a while , im just testing the waters. pls be kind <3

It was Monday, meaning you were walking into the arena for tonight's show. Typically, you enjoyed coming to work; you had the best job in the world. However, this was the last place you wanted to be today. Your silver suitcase was rolling behind you as your best friend power walked to keep up with your quick strides. Your goal was to reach your destination as quickly as possible, avoiding as much contact as you could. You greeted some staff and fellow coworkers before rushing into the female locker room. Holding the door open for your friend, as she gives you a side eye on her way into the room. "What is wrong with you? You need to slow the fuck down," Nia said with her hands on her hips, trying to catch her breath.

You refused to tell her the reason for your speed walking into the arena. In your mind, the reasoning made you sound like a high schooler, and you were grown as hell. You and your longtime friend, who happens to be Nia's cousin, were going through a rough patch. You and Josh were not just typical friends; you were practically in love with each other. You couldn't get enough of each other from the day you first met. Sitting together in catering, riding to shows together, even having him hold your purse sometimes. You two even shared many steamy moments in private. No one ever questioned your closeness until a new person was added to the mix. Newer talent, Nikita, the Bane of your existence. Because you and Josh were not an official item, he was fair game for anyone. However, you were ready to go to bat for that man, like he put a ring on your finger.

"Hello? Girl, you almost killed me; this better not be about Josh again." Nia shakes your shoulders, pulling you from your daze. You playfully smack her hands off of your body, "my bad, I'm just a little tired today." Not believing your excuse, Nia opens her mouth, preparing to remind you of your busy day. "And I know we have a tag match tonight, I'll be focused," you beat her to the punch.

After setting up your space in the locker room, you and some of the other women head to catering. You've only had a matcha latte today, and if you didn't eat anything soon, your body would give up. Thankfully, there is always a diverse spread of delicious food, so you never have to worry about going hungry. You grab a Gatorade and pack your plate with three tacos and rice. As soon as you sit down with Nia and Naomi, you notice Naomi's continuous glances at you. "Yes, Naomi," you say, already knowing what was about to come next.

"Why are you ignoring that man," referring to her brother-in-law, Josh. Unsurprisingly, he told his twin brother Jon, who definitely told Trinity. You poke at the food on your plate before looking up at the girls, "I'm not ignoring hi-," Trinity put her hand up, not wanting to hear whatever bullshit you were about to spew. "I literally watch you speed walk past him at every show. And he won't stop calling me and Jon to see what's wrong with you." It was obvious that Trinity wanted to help you both, but you wanted to avoid being lectured by your friends. "He out here entertaining other bitches, what am I supposed to do," your words came out in a whisper in an attempt to keep your fellow workers out of your business.

You’ve been talking about Josh too much because he comes around the corner like Beetlejuice. In an instant, your head is down, and you begin eating your food, praying that he'll ignore you. His eyes are on you instantly, but to your surprise, he doesn't approach you. Instead, he sits down with Xavier and Kofi, at the table beside you. Your back was toward him, but Nia's constant looks in his direction weren't helping your paranoia. "Stop looking over there," you mouth to her, causing her to look down at her plate.

Just as you thought things couldn't get any worse, Bane arrives here to ruin your day. "What up Nikita," you hear Xavier greet the girl, who takes a seat at their table. Your jaw tightens, and your grip on your fork is deadly. Her presence makes you want to flip every table in the room and slap the taste out of her mouth. "I'm liking the little blue in the back, Josh; did you just dye it?" just the sound of her voice raises your body temperature. Smoke is practically barreling out of your ears as you try to remain calm. His hair color is none of her business, and why didn't he tell you about it? Your mind is racing so fast that you don't notice Trinity and Nia's concerned facial expressions. If you didn't leave this table now, Nikita would be laid out on it. Gathering your trash and personal items, you get up from the table and get away from catering as quick as possible. Little did you know, Joshua was staring at you the entire time with puppy dog eyes, praying that you'd look his way.

Back in the locker room, you begin to prep for your match. Earbuds snug in your ears as you riffle through your suitcase, trying to find the best gear to wear. After a swift search, you pull out one of your strategically distressed t-shirts, trunks, and kickpads. You change in one of the stalls and throw on your black boots. "You want to look like me so bad," Nia lets out a laugh as you both come out of the stalls wearing the same colors. The show had already started, and it was time for you two to get in the makeup chair.

"Do you want to go with a neutral type of look tonight," Melinda, one of the makeup artist, always asked what you wanted before she worked her magic. You went with the neutrals, and so did Nia. You and the girls are enjoying small talk as she puts the finishing touches on your face. "Y/N," your body instantly tensed up, and you refused to look away from the girl in front of you. Nia instantly looked away and continued to chat with the other girls. "Girl, i know you did not," you mutter, shocked that she'd leave you to deal with this alone.

"Yes, Josh," you fight the urge to face him, trying to stay strong. If you looked that man in the eyes, you just might let everything go and fold. "Can we go somewhere and talk," he moves to stand before you, not allowing you to avoid him any longer. "I'm getting my makeup done," you quickly respond, hoping to excuse yourself from the situation. "Actually, you're all done now," Melinda pats your shoulder as she ushers you to get out of the chair. Your eyes widen as you've just been thrown to a wolf by your favorite makeup artist. You thank the woman, realizing that you can't hide anymore. "Come on," you tilt your head towards the far end of the hall, which happens to be empty.

"Why you ignoring me," Joshua jumps straight to the point, looking down on you. His body looks tense as he folds his hands in front of him. It was beyond evident that he was just as nervous as you were, if not more. "We been friends for years, you know you my girl," you could hear the hurt in his voice, and it completely shattered your heart. The last thing you wanted to do was hurt Josh, but you were hurting too. "If I'm your girl, why are you flirting with other bitches? It's supposed to be me and you, Joshua; this is not a group thing." You could hardly hold eye contact with him anymore; his eyes looked angry and apologetic, while you looked like you were about to burst into tears.

He cupped your jaw, forcing you to look at him. "Ain't nobody flirting with nobody. She just follows me and the guys around sometimes, you need to stop trippin-"you smack his hand away from your face. How dare he accuse you of being dramatic. "I need to stop trippin? You won't even let Dolph sit next to me anymore. Anybody gets friendly with me, and you get upset, but I can't be mad at you for getting fresh with someone that ain't me," no longer were you scared to look at him; you were practically fuming. Head cocked to the side with your arms crossed over your chest, "you're so fucking backwards, Josh. If you wanna flirt with other people, if you want to fuck with other people, go ahead!" The two of you sat in silence for a moment, unsure of what even happened. He clenched his jaw, as you tried your best to hold back the flood that was ready to fall from your eyes.

"Fuck you, Josh. I'm so fucking done with you," you turn away from him, not wanting to waste any more of your time on someone who wasn't truly committed to you. Head hanging low as you speed past everyone in the hall. Joshua watches you walk away from him, knowing that you need some time to cool off. Though you might not understand now, he loves you more than anything else in this world, and he wouldn't let you walk out of his life that easily.

The rest of your evening was bearable. You won your tag match with Nia but had to go up against the one person you wanted to strangle. Luckily for you, Josh was nowhere to be found; now it was time to get the hell out of there before he magically appeared again. You and Nia were outside, waiting for Saraya to bring the car around. Sitting on your suitcase with your earbuds in, this was the most peace you had gotten all day.

As Saraya pulls up in front of you, a hand drapes over your shoulder. You recognized that soft yet heavy hand anywhere. "What do you want Josh," your words come out very monotonous as you pull the earbuds from your ears. "You riding with me tonight," his words sounding more like a statement than a question. You shrug his hand off of your shoulder before rising from your seat. "No, I'm going with the girls to-” before you could finish your sentence, Joshua is holding your suitcase along with his, "you gon' stop running from me. You know just how much I love you, even though we haven't made anything official, I've made it more than clear that you my number one." Before you can get a word out, he continues, "I shouldn't have let her get that close to me; that's my fault entirely. But never once did I feed into her advances or little flirtatious behavior. I'm not checking for anybody that's not you, ma," with every word he says, you feel your face get hotter. You weren't sure what you were expecting, but you didn’t think that he’d profess his love for you outside the arena.

"I know we ain't made nothing official or anything, but I wanna change that. I don't want no one thinking they got a chance with you, and I know you don't want that either." Joshua advances towards you, letting go of the suitcase handles. Hands slowly wrapping around your waist and pulling you closer to his body, "be my girl, officially." You couldn’t resist it anymore, the last thing you wanted was to keep fighting with Josh. Your hand comes up to the back of his head, strands of his blue hair through your fingers, "I'd like that very much," your words come out softly as you feel your face burning. His eyes were scanning all over your body like this was the first time he’s ever seen you. You couldn’t lie, you did get some new braids in and did your makeup a bit different lately, hoping he would notice. He wasn’t the only one staring, you found yourself drooling over his tattooed arms and the shine from his grill. It’s been a minute since y’all got together and you needed him now.

"Kiss her! Be a man," you hear Saraya and Nia yelling from the car, you completely forgot that they were waiting on you. Leaning down, Joshua carefully places his lips against yours. Wasting no time, you parted your lips, allowing his tongue to slip into your mouth. Your nails are softly combing through his hair as his hands start to roam your body. You hear squeals in the background before slowly pulling away from his lips. Gloss slightly smudged on your face and on his lips. Your mouth curves into a smile before you turn your attention to your friends. "I'll see y'all in the next town," you raise your middle finger at the pair before gathering your items to leave with your new man.

"You gon' apologize for ignoring me all this time," he looks over at you, licking his lips as you help him load up the rental. Already knowing what kind of apology he wanted, you shake your head, "nah, I've been under so much emotional stress lately. I think you owe me an apology, maybe even two," you giggle as he closes the trunk. "I’ma give you whatever you want baby," he says, hand smacking your ass before you walk over to the passenger door.

[i-cant-sing]

Hi. So I found this

And you can’t tell me that it doesn’t scream Fushiguro Reader’s drip. She could be wearing the most expensive kimono for her birthday (courtesy of uncle Naoya) but what stood out the most was her footwear. People are supposed to be GUSHING over the kimono but they cant help stare at her sandals

Fushiguro reader is just slurping up her noodles, not caring for manners while everyone stares at her feet

And uncle Naoya is sharpening his blade cuz they being creeps for staring at his niece’s feet

And that was the only time Fushiguro reader didn’t cause her usual chaos because I feel like she loves her uncle enough that she’s willing to offer him some peace and mind on her special day because he became her mom AND her dad ☺️

Platonic Yandere Uncle Naoya x Fushiguro reader

Oh yesss 100%. I mean just imagine that its reader's birthday (who is either a teen/adult now) and Naoya already gifted her the kimono the day before her actual birthday, and by now reader knows that she has to wear it because its a tradition- every year, Naoya gives you a kimono for your birthday (which is the first of many gifts he has for you) and you have to wear it for the birthday portraits he has commisioned for and its followed by a big party at night at home, so yeah... its the same every year because according to him "this is how rich people celebrate their birthdays."

You only comply because he lets you do anything you want for the rest of the day before the big party, plus you do love your uncle. I mean, even if he's an ass sometimes, a misogynist to everyone else, a walking red flag... he still raised you like his own, provided you with all the luxuries and a comfortable life, even after you were "abandoned" by your father. In his own way, you know he loves you and only wants the best for you.

Anyways, its the morning of your birthday, the maids have just finished dressing you up and doing your hair and you go to the living room for your pictures, and as expected the rest of the clan is already there, smiling widely as they all gushed about how pretty you looked in traditional clothing and its a nice sight to see you out of your Hello Kitty shorts and a hoodie with Naoya's face edited on a cockroach. They all start coming towards you, wishing you a happy birthday and envelopes with wads of cash, the females kissing your cheeks and cooing how cute you looked, while the men stiffly patted your head.

After the portrait and family pictures are done, its time for you and Naoya to do stuff you want while the family prepares for your big party.

You're both sitting in the car as the driver takes you to your favourite place- 7/11. "Do you like your kimono?" Naoya asks, looking out his window.

You nod. "I do. Thanks. Its really comfortable."

Naoya turns to look at you. "It better be. Its Chanel."

"Its definitely better than the snakeskin Gucci kimono you got me last year."

"I thought you'd like to know how it feels." Before you could argue, your favourite convenience store came into place and you were already out the door before the car had even came to a full stop, making Naoya yell at the driver for not getting the child locks installed.

-

Naoya could only watch in disgust as you ate downed another bowl of instant ramen before moving onto another one, the noodles smacking against your cheek as you slurped hard.

"Ugh." Naoya cringed as he picked up a napkin to wipe the residues off your face. "Why must you eat so messily? Do I need to send you to table etiquette classes?"

You just shrugged. "Its fun this way." You picked up another onigiri before inhaling it.

"Oh my- can you stop eating like you dont know where your next meal is coming from?!"

"Can you stop screaming? This is a public place, and you're disturbing everyone with your screeching." "You brat-" "Buy me some instant rice. I need to add it to my soup."

As Naoya is walking towards the aisle, grumbling about how this chemical pumped liquid full of MSG that you kill "soup" is gonna kill you one day, he notices some people standing in the corner and just staring at you- or more specifically, your feet.

And thats when Naoya notices those pink monstrosity of sandals.

What's worse is that these people are just gawking so openly, hell they even have their phones out and taking pictures of your feet and its driving Naoya absolutely bonkers because what kind of feet fetish creeps are these guys (some of them are just old grandmas, but Naoya does not discriminate. Everyone's a creep.)

Besides, he doesnt know how long they've been standing there. For all he knows, they could've taken pictures of more than just your feet and Naoya doesn't remember giving them the permission to fucking look, let alone record you!

So, naturally, Naoya stomps over to you and tells you that you need to leave now. Upon inquiring, Naoya tells you about the "creeps" who have been recording you all this time and what not and you just shrug.

"I'm not leaving. Besides, it doesnt bother me."

"Y/n dont start-"

"Cant you take care of it? I thought you said youd let me do anything on my birthday." You take the rice from his hands and dump into in your soup. "This is all sounds like an excuse for either your jealousy because I'm the one who's taking the spotlight or your inability to protect me, hm?"

And Naoya knows- he KNOWS this is your unbothered ass doing reverse psychology on him, but it works.

Because now Naoya has taken their phones, smashed them to the ground until they were pieces and then immediately bought the whole store so that these creeps can be thrown out.

-

"See? I can take care of you. And you wish I was jealous of you."

"Mmhmm." You hummed as you ate your ice cream. The whole store was now empty, so you could eat as much as you wanted in peace.

Naoya narrowed his eyes. "Besides, those sandals were not a good decision. Who let you walk around like that?"

"Your hair is not a good decision. Who let you dye it that color? Does everyone in the hate you so much that they let you walk around like that?" You countered.

"You brat, you're lucky its your birthday."

"I'm also lucky I dont look like a bleached rat, unlike some people who thought that was the shade of blonde they wanted their hair to be."

[alicedash2]

The "Terrible Killer" YN, who join the Straw hat crew

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

ah...YN was so terrible, so feared, she wandered the seas alone, no one knew YN's true identity, what did they know? only that she was a fearsome killer, she had killed a Tenryuubito when they tried to kidnap her when she was younger, she killed him and impaled the body of the man who abused her in the various areas, so her value for her head was enormous, she made chaos wherever she went, she didn't need much to do what the whole Navy could do...

but really, she's just a young lass who wanted some friends or to be part of some crew, she really didn't want to be alone anymore

on a certain island, she wandered, until she came close to an ordinary neighborhood restaurant, she saw a young 19-year-old boy wearing a straw hat, she knew who he was, she stepped inside, some people knew that nothing would happen if nothing was done to her, she sat next to and looked at the young boy desperately eating a plate of meat with rice and peas

-...- she look at him

the boy, whose name was Luffy, looked at her, he stared at her as he ate, they stared at each other

-....you...- Luffy started talking

they looked at each other again...

- you're the person there who killed a Tenryuubito, aren't you? the terrible killer...-

Luffy ate while talking, YN was a little uncomfortable, but ignored.

-....Yes...-

- hmmm...-

he would go back to eating, still looking at them, the people around would be kind of scared, trying to calm down and ignore

-...Luffy...?-

YN called him, he swallowed the food and paid attention

-...I know it's sudden...but, if I buy a plate of food for you, any plate you want, I posso...me gather your crew?- she said calmly, as much as she was fearsome, she had a genuine heart

- really?! Deal!-

Luffy smiled, It warmed YN's heart a little

"so easy..."-YN thought, a little surprised, so Luffy chose the dish, after Luffy ate, YN still paid for the previous dishes Luffy had eaten, he would not miss

- you're so cool, YN! and they say you are worse than Doflamingo or Kaido himself!- Luffy said

- and-I'm not like that! YN blushed a little

- the world government and the Navy like to exaggerate! but good, so no one disturbs me! - YN smile slightly

- oooh...we're here!-

Luffy says, arriving at Sunny, where he is greeted by the other crewmen, Luffy climbs up first

- guys, I brought a new crew member!- Luffy smiles, YN coming right behind, when everyone looks at YN, they are shocked, Zoro draws his sheath from his sword ready to attack

- stay away from her, Luffy!-

Robin said, sweating with nervousness and fear

- why?!-

Luffy was shocked to see some of his friends ready to attack

- she's a killer! but she's not just any kind of killer! do you know the damage it can do?! it is equivalent to what the world government could do! stay away from her! - Nami said, almost motionless

-...what? but...- Luffy looked back, staring at YN who was looking at them with a deadly look, smiling

- m..but..-

Luffy was trying to find something to talk about, but YN just gave a silly giggle and tuned his voice a little, trying to appear harmless

- how silly they are! - YN said, gesturing with she's hand

- I'm not doing anything to you! as long as they don't do anything to me...- YN said sweetly

everyone let their guard down for an instant, Usopp was arriving, when he looked at YN, screamed and fainted

- Oh...I didn't want that to happen!-

YN said softly, yes, YN is extremely strong, with she's reward a little more than Luffy, but in fact, YN was sweeter than sugar and sticky than honey

- Why Is She here, Luffy?-

Robin asked, Luffy looked at her

- ...we made a deal, she bought me a plate of food and I let her join the gang! -

Luffy smiled, Nami slapped her own face with her hand

- you're an idiot...Luffy! - Nami advances on Luffy, slapping and pulling his hair, while Luffy apologizes and begs her to stop

a few minutes later, everyone was at the dining table in the kitchen, deciding whether YN should stay on the crew or not, even Sanji, was nervous and suspicious...

YN pouted, wanted to join the gang, everyone was quiet except Sanji, who was standing, smoking

- good... why did you decide to join the crew, YN? - Nami asked

- w-well...it's just that I don't have a crew, and...everyone who ever tried to get in, always ran away, I tried to create my own gang, but I could not... - YN said kind of nervous, shy too

- and why just ours? - Nami specified

- I just happened to meet Luffy, so I took advantage of it... -

- ...I don't think it's safe...- Nami said, until YN took a small wooden box and opened it, revealing jewels and diamonds

- please, miss Nami! I need a crew! - YN said with a whiny tone

- AAAH! yeah, you can stay, you're younger than Luffy, right? my little sister...- Nami hugged her and blushed

Zoro sighed, knowing that he now has a new member

- I'm not what they say, it's serious! yes, I have done many things, but it has never been for evil! - YN said, she was just an 18-year-old girl who wanted some friends

- SUPEEER all right, welcome to the crew!- Franky said, smiling as Brook approached

- excuse me, miss YN, will you...can I see your panties?-- Nami kicked him away

little by little they accepted YN the crew, some were suspicious, especially Robin

-there's no point in just giving jewelry, I still don't agree,- Robin said softly.

- but you did the same thing! - Usopp said

- trust me, miss Robin! YN supplicava

Robin sighed, accepting, YN blushed and smiled, finally in a crew

YN's presence was very helpful in scaring and intimidating other pirates and sailors, YN is also playful, liked to entertain Luffy and others, always gifting Nami with jewelry and gold, giving sake to Zoro, and hanging out with Robin behind unread books,

- YN!- Luffya was knocking on YN's bedroom door

- YN! he'd shout, YN open the door

- Luffy, what is it? - She asked

- let's play! it's raining and there's nothing to do - Luffy said

"go play with Usopp or Chopper," she'd say.

- they don't want to, and I've already tried with Franky, he doesn't want to either-Luffy said, he without hesitation, walked into YN's room, they both sat on the bed

- Oh... - YN sighed

- ooh, you have a different way to decorate your room! - Luffy said, YN just ignored him

- Hey...- Luffy called her, getting her attention

- yeah?-

- ...why do they think you're so bad? like...you're cool! "I don't know why almost everyone runs away from you." - Luffy

- Oh...good.... YN hesitava

- when I was younger...a few years ago, I was captured by a Tenryuubito...-

YN said, Luffy listened intently

- e...I was tortured in various ways...but I managed to escape, but I had to do something drastic...-

-what did you do?-

- ...I killed...I killed a Tenryuubito...and I impaled his body so it was a warning...but...anyway...after that, I escaped on some random pirate ship, I don't remember...but, I began to wander the seas alone, I destroyed a few islands here and there...I did other things too...but anyway...because of this, I was alone for a few years until I found you, all the things I did was out of pure defense, I never wanted to hurt anyone, I just wanted to defend myself...but the government made me a murderer, so everyone ran away or tried to kill me...- YN said, Luffy had a serious expression

reminds me a little of Robin...Nami too...- Luffy said softly, he smiles sweetly, warming YN's heart again

- but, me and the staff know that you are a good person! you have proven that you really are not someone bad! - Luffys said, making YN blush

- I'm happy...didn't want to focus alone anymore-YN smile back

- but, I have many stories to tell, some funny and even scary -

YN was up

- if I'm so bored, I can tell you! - YN said with the same determined smile

- oooh! yeah! - Luffy gets up, they both walk to the dining table, where Alice tells more about her story and adventures

°•°•°•°•°♪°•°•°°•°°••°•°•°•°•°•°•°

[hirayaaraw]

Of Taxes and Marriage

Tags: friends to lovers; marriage for convenience / fake marriage; pining

Next

It's Saturday and you were supposed to have to watch a movie downtown with your bestfriens Wonwoo but plans were changed. Here you are in his dining table with your laptop and cramming your tax file that is due on Monday.

"Why no one has taught this in college?" You complain while you were dizzy with the amount of payslips you got from your main job and side hustle. "I'm really sorry for cancelling our plans, Won."

"It's fine." Wonwoo said before sitting next to you and peek on your laptop. You can see his grimace on your peripheral view.

"Should I call my mom's secretary to fix your tax file so we can eat our dinner now?" You roll your eyes. Wonwoo, of course, the rich kid he is, knows and have anyone to fix your tax.

"I doubt you call them to fix yours."

"Well, right." And Wonwoo, the rich kid he is, doesn't like using his connection. He likes doing his stuff on his own. "I don't even want to call my mom right now because that means another blind date to arrange with another daughter of someone."

"Poor you." You said nonchalantly. You couldn't care less about his rich boy problem because when you saw the amount of tax you will be paying. "I'm doomed."

Wonwoo pulled your laptop as you try to process the fact that you owe the freaking government a huge amount of tax. "Woah. You made that much in your side hustle?"

"Made that much, gave away so much to my family, and now I need pay so much to this government." You stressed out as you comb your hair in frustration. You are thinking to delay the payment and paying the penalties. "Not to mention my monthly rent."

"You need some help?"

"No, I'm fine. I can handle this." You said and close your laptop. "What should we eat tonight?"

"Orange chicken?"

"That sounds nice. Do you the ingredients?" You stood up and went to his refrigerator.

"Yeah, I did some grocery when you said we gonna cancel the plan tonight." He said then start preparing the utensils that will be used.

This is how your weekends usually happen. Dinner with either of your apartments. Cooking together or if you both feeling lazy, you order pizza and do some movie marathon. This started during your college days as broke students and now you two are inseparable.

Once you are done cooking, you felt a bit better as you see Wonwoo become excited about the food. He prepared the table and pull you a chair.

"Thank you for the food." He said before closing his eyes to mutter a short prayer. "Finally a real food."

"If only you can stop being lazy about cooking."

"I told you I can't cook."

"Then what did we do earlier, Mister?"

"Well, I chop and you do your magic." Wonwoo said then ate a spoonful of rice. He continued explaining how shitty he is as a cook. You just agreed he is a bad cook and settled on cooking on weekends for him so he can stay alive or else he will live through instant noodles and canned goods.

Once you finish eating, you clear the table and he wash the dishes. He notice how your aura is still gloomy despite trying to make you laugh.

"You know I can help you if you tell me." He said while rinsing the plate.

"If the government can give tax break to corporations for doing charity, why can't they do it for single women who are breadwinners?" You whined at him. "If you happen to know who to contact to lower my tax bracket, then I will gladly ask for your help."

Wonwoo wipe the plates dry and put it on the cabinet. He bit his lower lip and turn to you.

"What? Do you know how?"

"Yeah" Wonwoo said in low voice. Unsure if he should say it.

"Really? You know how?" You said excitedly and you hugged him. Wonwoo gulped as he smelled your perfume. You pulled away from him and waited for this information.

"You need to marry someone to get a tax break." He said in a matter of fact tone. You groaned and slap his chest in annoyance.

"Where can I find a husband? I've been single since we graduated." You frowned at him while he smiled at you. He ruffled your hair to annoy you more.

"You can marry me."

You blink twice at him. It seems like your brain is playing at you. You scanned his face to see any sign if he is joking or what but Wonwoo is just smiling at you.

"What did you say?"

"I sad you can marry me." Wonwoo said in a very serious tone then gave you a small smile. You can feel your heart beat jumps.

"You shouldn't joke about marriage, asshole." You pushed him towards the sink and walk to his sofa. He followed you like a lost cat.

"Hey I'm serious." Wonwoo said when he caught your hand.

"Marriage for tax? Are you kidding me?" You looked at him with disbelief on how he came up with that idea. "Marriage should happen between two people who love each other."

"We love each other!" He said as if it is the easiest thing on the world.

"Platonically."You said and Wonwoo still holding your hand slowly kneeling on one knee.

"You get a lower tax bracket, my mom will stop pestering me about blind dates."

"Insane."

"You can pay me half of your monthly rent or even nothing if we get married."

"I can believe you are talking me through this and I am seriously considering it."

"Y/N, will you marry me? For the sake of taxes and everything that bothers us." He asked you with that endearing smile. How could you say no?

"You'll help me file my tax?"

"Gladly."

"I will shoo away your blind dates."

"I am literally on my knees so please."

"Half of my rent and I cook for you everyday."

"I will be forever grateful."

"When's our wedding?"

That's how you ended up Monday morning at the city hall in your white skirt, coat, and strapped on heels. Wonwoo arrived at your appartment with a bouquet yellow tulips and to add the wedding vibe according to him. He looks handsome in his black tuxedo and slick back hairstyle.

Now you both stand in front of a judge as he precided your wedding. You drag a janitor and a court clerk to be a witness to your wedding. Wonwoo held both of your hands. You listen to the judge intenly while he looks at you endearingly.

"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

You and Wonwoo's eyes widen in surprise. You forgot the part where you need to kiss each other. Wonwoo slowly remove the veil from your face.

He held your cheeks gently and you look at him before closing your eyes. This is not the first kiss you shared with him. However, this is is special as you are now his wife. He lowered his head and gave you a kiss. You can feel his smile against yours and you couldn't help but reach his face with your free hand.

"Congratulations, Mr. And Mrs. Jeon!" You pulled away and hugged him. Wonwoo laughed as he hugged you tighter.

Just two idiots who will never admit they love each other romantically.

2017 December

A day before you both leave the campus dorm to celebrate the holiday. You are sitting side by side in his tiny couch with a bowl of popcorn on your lap. Love, Rosie playing on the screen.

"Do you think we will be in love at each other like them?" You asked him out of the blue. Just pure curiousity.

"I don't know. Maybe? We don't what fate holds for us."

"But is that fine with you?"

"Fine with?"

"Falling in love with me in the future."

"Yeah there's not to love about you." Wonwoo said calmly as if it is a non brainer question. You put the popcorn on the coffee table.

You don't know what went on your mind. It is suddenly hazy. You turn to him while Wonwoo is watching Rosie confess.

"I want to know something."

"Shoot."

"Can I kiss you?"

"Okay." Wonwoo looked at you. Without anytime waster, you pulled him towards you and kiss him. It took few seconds for Wonwoo to respond. His hand grab your neck to deepen the kiss. You were never kissed like this before.

You pulled away to breathe. He rested his forehead to yours before giving you a peck.

"Was it that you want to know?" He asked you with breathy voice. You stood up before you were completely trap by the spell he puts you in.

"Oh look. It's late. I have a bus to catch on tomorrow morning." You pick up your phone and ran towards the door. "Merry Christmas, Wonwoo!"

Your curiousity is satisfied. You just learned that Wonwoo has the ability to make your heart go crazy and your heart is ridiculously beating for him.

But no, you don't need love as senior college student clinging on scholarship. You set aside the feelings and burried it the whole holiday season.

It was the first but certainly not the last kiss you shared with Wonwoo as friends.

2019 July

Drinks flowing as the campus celebrated the night before the graduation ceremony. Everyone is inebriated as well as you and Wonwoo.

Wonwoo never left your side and his free arm is stucked in either your waist or shoulder. Both of you were laughing like idiots at the corner of your batchmate's house, you legs resting on his lap and your head on his shoulder. The party music blaring in the whole house.

When the laughter between the two of you ensued, you both notice how there is almost no distance between the two of you. You can smell the beer and his musky perfume.

Wonwoo raised your chin and you can see the hesitation in his eyes. You held his hand and took this as a sign. He kissed you tenderly. A little bit sloppy but you can feel his yearning as if he is scared that he will be losing you.

Once you are both out of breath, you rested your head on his chest. Hands still intertwined.

"Y/N" Wonwoo called you. You hummed against his chest. He felt that he has the whole world. He is nervous but it feels like a now or never situation. "Have I told you that I love you?"

He waited for a response but nothing came out from you. Wonwoo looked down just to see you sleeping on him.

Present

If he told the 2019 Jeon Wonwoo that he will end up marrying you, his old self will never believe it. If he told his past self that you both spent the night of your wedding playing board games, his old self will laugh at him for being loser.

He is happy and content for what he has right now. His confession can wait.

Right now, you enjoy defeating Wonwoo in every scrabble round. Your heart beats like first time you both kissed. Just like the first time you kissed, you wanted to put aside your feelings and focus on the pressing matters at hand.

Next

[kittykat-25]

Not Alone- an S.Coups Story

Chapter 3

Pairing: Seungcheol x F. Reader

Genre: strangers x friends x lovers, Hurt x Comfort, found family, seventeen being the best friends and brothers.

Synopsis: After begging the famous K-pop sensation S.Coups for help in the Seoul street market your life completely flips upside down, bringing you true friendship and a chance at true love.

A/N:This story is purely fiction. It talks about harsh things such as domestic violence, suicide and anxiety. This in no way represents the artist or their families. It is all made up🫶🏻

*one week later*

Scoups woke up the sounds of screaming, jumping out of bed and stumbling over his own feet. His brain was still asleep, throwing open his door, the screams coming from your bedroom. His heart fracturing at each whimper that came out. The helpless moan of you begging someone to stop. He put his hand in the door handle, still locked. Sliding down the door he started calling your name, hoping to pull you out of the darkness that plagued you at night. You had been having nightmare since you moved in and each night he did his best to help you through the door. The footsteps of his brother Seungmin sounded up the stairs, “is she okay Cheol?” He grumbled sitting down next to him. “I don’t know how to help her.” Scoups said dropping his head in his hands, “what do I do?” He brother patted his back, “just be here for her, give her time to heal.” Scoups nodded. You had seemed more lively the last few days, your job interview had gone well and being offered the job boosted your hope of a future. He was just glad to see some light coming back into your eyes. Kkuma came trotting out of his room and laid in his lap. “Get some rest, check on her tomorrow.” Seungmin said as he walked back downstairs. He played it off but Cheol knew his brother would be up the remainder of the night in case you needed anything. He had taken an instant liking to you, gaining another little sibling though with you being born in 98 he babied you as much as you would let him. Cheol leaned his head back against the door, not wanting to leave in case you started screaming again. He couldn’t get to you but he’d do whatever he could to bring you comfort.

As you woke up, your throat dry and head pounding from the night terrors that constantly plagued you, throwing on some sweats and an oversized t shirt you walked towards the bedroom door, unlocking it and opening only to be greeting with Scoups falling backwards into your legs. “What are you doing?” You asked laughing, as the older man rubbed his head where it hit the floor. Kkuma barking at the noise they made. “Shhh kkuma don’t wake up Hyung.” You whispered reaching down to pet the dogs head. “I’m awake, don’t worry.” A voice yelled back, “and I made breakfast.” Cheol chuckled, “alright let’s go” he said sitting up. You reached a hand down to help him stand, he glanced at your out stretched hand then at your face, you raised an eyebrow as if silently asking if he was going to take it. Gripping your hand tenderly he pulled himself up, not even caring that you didn’t actually help. He squeezed your hand gently and gave a smile before leading you downstairs. His hand still in yours, Seungmin gave a look before placing fried rice down. You dropped Cheols hand to reach for the plate causing the older boy to pout at his brother who chuckled. “Smooth” he whispered as he passed. Cheol reached his foot out to kick him. Laughing, Seungmin followed you into the living room to eat, leaving a pouting Scoups in the kitchen.

After breakfast you head back upstairs, hearing footsteps you look back to see Scoups following you. “Good we can finish our conversation.” You said leaning against your door frame. “What conversation?” he said mirroring your stance. “Why were you asleep outside my door?” You questioned. Scoups was impressed, asking a question boldly was a big improvement for you. While you were clenching your hands to stop them from shaking while waiting for him to answer. “You were screaming, in your sleep. And I’m not going to come into your room but I wanted to be closer if you needed me.” He said quietly. “I was screaming? I thought it was only in the dreams.” You said picking at your nails, “I’m so sorry I woke you up.” Scoups wanted to pull you into a hug, to tell you to never apologize for the trauma you endured but he pressed his body firmly into the door frame, steadying himself. “It’s alright, I just hate that you are plagued with them nightly.” You gave a halfhearted smile, “you can’t fix everything Cheol.” He shrugged, “I can try. Just know me or Seungmin are here if you need us. At anytime, our doors are always open.” Nodding you said a thank you and slipped into your room. You looked at the key hanging beside your bed. Shaking the thoughts away you walked into your bathroom to get ready for the day.

The next few weeks flew by as you got used to the routine of your job and coming home to Cheol and sometimes Seungmin. Depending on his works schedule which changed often. Today after work, you and Cheol were going to the guys dorm to have dinner and you would be lying if you said you weren’t nervous. You had been around them in groups but never all 13 since that first dinner. Sitting in the passenger seat of Scoups car you picked at your nails. “Jeonghans door in the first on the left, if you need a minute.” He mentioned, never taking his eyes off the road. “He won’t mind, or you can stick by me.” His arm rested across the center console, you squeezed him arm, “thank you for always thinking these things out.” He gave you a grin, “DK or Mingyu will want to hug you, if you aren’t comfortable tell them. They are just lovers but will respect your boundaries.” He added as you nodded along. You knew of course, Dokyeom always looked like he was busting at the seams to hug you as soon as he saw you but he never did. Mingyu settling for thumbs up. “I know Cheol they’ve never done anything to make me uncomfortable before.” You chuckled, “maybe a hug would be nice, I haven’t had one in months” Scoups pulled into the parking garage and turned off the car, “respectfully y/n, if those two get a hug before I do I will be inconsolable and pout for days.” You laughed, opening your car door. “You do that anyways Cheol.” His signature pouty lips started to form, “I do not.” You have a pointed stare which had both of you laughing. “The Maknae leader at its finest.” You say as you walked towards the doors, the older man on your heels his lips still in a pout.

You could hear the music as soon as you stepped off the elevator, Cheol guiding you down the hallway, “I forget how loud you all are.” You mummbled, sticking close to him. He smiled, “it’s always been this way.” He threw open the door and was greeted by Hoshi and Seungkwan using the karaoke machine at full volume. “Scoups-ssi, y/n!!” DK yelled as you shut the door, you waved as Scoups pulled him into a hug, while you sat your water down and found Jeonghan curled up on the couch with Minghao and Wonwoo. “Y/n, come sit with us!” Minghao called, plopping down beside Jeonghan you leaned back. “You look better.” He stated, “no offense of course.” He added as you turned towards him. “I feel better, more awake, present I guess.” You said watching the guys try to beat their previous high score. “My bedroom is the first door on the left, bathroom is on the right. If you need a minute alone.” You chuckled, “Cheol said the same thing. Thank you for looking out for me.” He bowed slightly, “y/n come join us!” Dino yelled from the karaoke machine. “You reallly don’t want me too.” You called back shaking your head. “Pleaseeeee” Hoshi begged, “she said no, respect that Soonyong.” Scoups voice rang out from the kitchen. Hoshi said sorry and turned back around, Jeonghan was trying not to laugh beside you, “he’s prickly tonight.” Wonwoo said quietly. “He was fine in the car.” You whispered back before standing up to go find the leader. “Maybe later Hoshi.” You told the energetic man as you walked by making his face light back up.

You walked into the kitchen to Cheol laughing with Joshua, DK and Mingyu. “Hey Y/n!” Joshua called causing Cheol to turn around, “hey Joshua.” You replied leaning against the counter beside their leader. “Are you okay?” He said quietly. “Are you?” You retorted, “Hoshi didn’t deserve for you to snap at him.” Cheols eyes looked towards the living room, “you had said no. There was no need for him to pressure you.” You rolled your eyes laughing, “it’s no different than you pouting when Kkuma chooses to sit with me.” “That was one time, a lapse in judgement by her.” He said jutting his lip out. “I appreciate you stepping in but I don’t want you snapping at your members to do it. I can speak up for myself.” You said patting his back. Scoups leaned back slightly into your hand, “I’m always going to speak up for you, you’re not in this alone anymore y/n.” His eyes locked on yours. You heard a throat clear and both of looked towards the source to find the other three men trying to not stare at you. “How’s living with this one?” Joshua asked. “Good, he’s not this dramatic all the time if you could believe that.” Joshua’s eyes widen as he turned his face towards his friend, “really not the type to be over dramatic. Huh interesting.” You laughed as Scoups glared at Joshua. “Him and Seungmin hyung really are the best.” You added trying to defuse the situation. “You’re 98’ right? Would that makes Scoups-ssi a hyung to you as well?” Mingyu asked, eyes cutting towards his leader. DK trying to hold on his laugher. “I- uh have never even thought of calling you that.” You said looking at Cheol. “No disrespect but just doesn’t fit.” “Please don’t.” Was Scoups response. “Cheollie Oppa has a better ring to it” Joshua said, earning a kick from Scoups. You laughed, “Scoups-ssi Oppa, maybe. We’ll see.” You said as you walked out of the kitchen back towards Jeonghan, who had a smirk on his face. Scoups turned back towards his friends. “Your ears are so red.” Joshua stated poking his ear lobe. “Shut up Shua.” He grumbled watching you walk away. “Just ask her out Cheol.” He said watching his leader out after you. Cheol whips his head to his friend, “no, she’s not ready for that and I will never put that kind of pressure on her.” He said quietly. “What if she’s never ready?” DK asked quietly. “Then I’ll be her friend, as long as she is safe and taken care of. That’s all I want for her.” Scoups replied tearing his eyes from you as you laughed at something Jeonghan had said.

Scoups watched you sing horribly with DK and Hoshi at the karaoke machine, only looking away when Jeonghan sat down beside him. “She looks better. Has she been sleeping any better at night?” Scoups shook his head, “still nightmares but they don’t seem as intense. Her screaming has stopped, more so just threshing around.” Jeonghan glanced at his friend, the way his eyes never left you, “she’s going to be okay Cheol. Y/n’s a fighter and pulled herself out of that situation.” Scoups let out a sigh, “I know, I just want to make sure she has everything she needs to heal in her own time.” Jeonghan nodded, “she does, you and Seungmin hyung have made sure of that.” Your laugh broke through their conversation as the score of the song came up. Scoups face lit up seeing you smile with his brothers. Determined to keep that smile on your face as long as he could.

Walking towards the car hours later, you were humming the song DK and Seungkwan sang, “you looked like you were having fun tonight.” Cheol said as he opened your car door. “I did.” You said smiling, “I like being around them.” Cheol smiled at that, “they all adore you. I’m glad you are comfortable being there.” You leaned back against the seat, “I’ve never felt uncomfortable around them, but tonight being around all of you just brought a lot of peace.” Your eyes closed, you were unaware of the man starring at you with tears in his eyes. “We bring you peace?” He asked, trying to control the emotion in his voice. He pulled out into the road, “You make me feel safe Cheol.” You mumbled as you started falling asleep. “Y/n, if you fall asleep now you know you won’t sleep later.” He said gently. You mumbled something incoherent that made him chuckle. “Come on pretty girl, wake up.” He said with a soft smile, he hesitantly reached a hand out to brush your hair out of your eyes. You turned your head nuzzling against his hand. Cheol could feel his heart pounding in his chest. “Y/n” he whispered not wanting to alarm you. The last thing he wanted was for you to wake up and panic. “Cheollie” you mumbled making his heart race even more. “We’re almost home pretty girl.” He said stroking your cheek gently.

Pulling into the driveway he parked the car, “y/n we’re home.” You opened your eyes, and found Cheol looking at you with so much adoration. You blinked, “sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.” He opened his door as you stretched, coming around to open yours “it’s alright, I know you don’t get a lot of rest.” You shrugged as you followed him up the path, “I slept fine then.” He turned back towards you, “really? That’s good!” Opening the front door, “maybe that’s a sign tonight will be good.” You said walking up the stairs towards your room. “I hope so but I’ll be here if you need me.” He said walking to his door. “I know Cheol, you always are.” You said as you slipped into the room and bid him goodnight. Not letting yourself think about the words you just muttered or the words said in the car. Safe. You finally felt safe. You turned and walked toward the key hanging on your wall, taking another step towards fully healing.

A/N: sorry this is so late friends! The past few weeks have been a mess!! But I hope you enjoy🤍

TAGLIST:

@hi-cherry @hwasddeongbyeoli @btskzfav @ateez-atiny380 @butterfliesinthenightsky @nooniena @allisonleannn

[indecenthoney]

As Sweet as She Tastes

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

"You know... I never really understood why he had flashback when he ate the rat's pepperoni thing... What the fuck do you mean it's not pepperoni? You know... Ratatouille's dish? The thing he made... His name is not Ratatouille... Remy? Hey! Chill chill... I was watching I promise... Hahaha... But damn... You're telling me a shrimp, fried this rice? Hahaha... Okay okay, I'll stop... So what? You want another gummy? Or..."

It's been some time since me and friend hung out. Luckily, our schedules matched up giving us a couple of days to spend as we please. What better way to catch up and have than to get high and binge Disney movies? I've always been quite a lightweight. I could never seem to focus but every other sense was always heightened. It was a fun little experience. Sometimes I think about this day a lot. And what would've happened if I acted on my urges a little more.

"Hm... Good movie... Mm... Maybe 8/10... Well it's my opinion now, isn't it? C'mon, let's go take a little breather outside... We can watch another movie when we come back... By the way, did you make sure to hide my spare house key? You really gotta start telling me when you let yourself in here... You're always giving me heart attacks... Ugh fuck.. Alright, let's go... I need to stretch my legs ... I don't know how you girls do it sometimes... but I can't sit in place all day... Oh yeah? Stop being lazy... I will literally carry you outside if I have to... H-hey let go... Dude... Seriously... I'mma trip... Ow fuck... I told you... You okay?"

I'm not one for cliches but as fate would have it, I ended up tripping over her. Landing on top of her. Gazing into each other's eyes; completely silent. At that moment, I panicked and tried to pay attention to something other than the look she gave me. As I mentioned, every sense of mine was heightened while high. She smelled of strawberries. Lips coated in strawberry lip balm. Even her personality was as sweet as a strawberry. Despite treating her like one of the guys, she was still a lady. And within an instant, her arms coiled around my neck pulling me in for a kiss. That moment of awkwardness must have felt like an eternity to her. There was a sense of desperation as her lips interlocked with mine trying to seek some sort of reciprocation. My mind was all too hazy to process all of this and I pulled back.

"I... uhm... S-sorry I was... H-hey wait... Where are you going? We should... talk about this..."

Without a word, she rushed out the door with a pained look on her face. I felt deep regret and wondered where it would have gone if I had just been a little more greedy. A little more honest with what I wanted. My mind sometimes wanders back to that day every time I smell strawberries fills my head. Nothing really happened after that day, we never spoke of it either. She had acted like she always has with me. A jovial entity that let nothing ruin her day. Even if we did spend a lot of time together, it felt like I never really knew the real her. Always putting on that brave face; putting people first.

"Sorry? Did you say something? I was kind of blanking out... No, I am not high... I just had some things on my mind... What did you want to talk about? Yeah, dude... You can tell me anything... If it's bugging you then we should talk about it... Oh? Good news... That's good! What's up? You... got a boyfriend? Wait wait wait... since when? You didn't tell me you were talking to anybody... I... well... yeah... You don't exactly tell me everything... but... What? No, I am happy for you... Are things going to change between us? You know like... are we going to hang out less?"

She reassured me that nothing was going to change. I was relieved at the moment, but I started seeing less and less of her. Maybe, this was my punishment. Weeks and months went by without a word from her. I really was glad that she was happy. But I missed her. I thought it was high time to finally move on. See new people. Try new things. Forgive and forget. Or that was the plan. Until one random day, she called.

"Y-yo? It's been a while... No no no... No need to apologize I know you have things to do and you have your own life... How's uhm... the boyfriend? T-that's good... That's good... So what's up? You wanted to tell me something? You're what? No way... You're getting married? Isn't this a little too soon? I... no... I'm happy for you... Y-yeah I'll be there, of course... Are you going to have like a bachelorette party? Oh? My house... Just the two of us? S-sure... Consider it a wedding gift... I'll plan everything... It'll just be like old times... Yes yes, I'll grab your favorite snacks... Mhm... Yeah... I have class until 6 and should be home by 7... Mhm... See you then!"

I really am a disgusting person. I should be happy for her, right? That's what a best friend should feel, but why do I feel so lost? This felt more than just some hangout, it felt as if it'd be the last time I'd ever really see her. And that made me sad. I went about my day; dreading our hangout. I wasn't sure what to say. Or how to act. All I knew was I had to greet her with a smile and survive the night. I could feel myself slowly getting anxious as time went by. I knew I had to face her eventually. The tension increased as my class was cut short leaving me with no choice but to start heading home. I couldn't think straight and before I knew it I was at my front door. It was open. She must've let herself in again.

"Hey... I'm home... I got the snacks... That's weird... She usually rushes over to see me... Where is she? Hm... Probably watching TV... Hey are you-..."

No words escaped my lips. What I saw left me in complete shock. There she was. Touching herself with such desperation. Like she's never known the feeling of pleasure till now. To make things worse, her clothes were scattered all over my floor. Wearing nothing but my jacket which was too oversized for her. Her huffing and sniffing the remnants of my dirty clothing. A little goblin that felt as if she'd struck gold. This was so wrong. But she wasn't in the right either. She was getting married. Why? Unless. Something switched inside of me.

"Sorry... Am I interrupting something? Hey... Don't stop now... You were just getting started, yeah? Well, this is my room after all... Well, classes ended early today and I thought I would get some rest before we hung out... By the way, you have a really bad habit of walking in here... Tell me... Is this what you always do when I'm gone? What would your fiance think if I showed him this video? Of course, I took a video... How could I not? Dude... I'm not kidding... Sure... I can delete it... But I can always show him the mess you made on the bed while wearing my jacket... Hey... Woah there... and where do you think you're going... You think this is all a prank because we're friends but... What you did was a bit scandalous, don't you think? What do I care? No no no... You walked away... and you never gave me the chance to talk about it... And yes I didn't kiss you back then... and I regret it... But we're here now and nothing is going to change that... If you leave now... I really will show your little boyfriend how pretty you are fingering yourself on my bed... What do I want? Oh c'mon... You're a sick pervert, right? I'm sure you have a few ideas to shut me up..."

My cock stiffened. Not because she was on her knees. But because the same sweet scent hit me once again. It reminded me of that night. Her desperation. She left me wanting more. In a way, you could say I was addicted. But then again, I would be lying if I said seeing my best friend take the full length of my cock down her throat had no effect on me. In different circumstances, I would have wanted her to do this. Looking up at me with such love. But right now, she looked at me with such disdain. I couldn't help but push my cock down even deeper as punishment. Watching the little furrow in her brow fade away as her eyes roll back in pleasure. Hearing the quick schlicking of her cunt as she fingers herself silly in such a moment.

"What's with that look, huh? Do you really think you're in a position to show me attitude, sweetheart? I own you now... The sooner you learn that the better... Me? Disgusting? I'm not the one sniffing my best friend's clothes... Aw c'mon, don't be mad... You know you love me... Let's make up for lost time... It's okay... Don't be shy... I don't bite... Here... Lemme help you with that... That's it... That's a good girl... All the way to the back of your throat... Right right... As much as you pretend to hate this... Even now... you're still rubbing yourself stupid... Aren't ashamed of yourself? You really are fucking pervert... Does it feel good? Hm? Taking another man's cock in your mouth? Cheating like the filthy whore you are... While he's at home... smiling like an idiot... wondering how lucky he was to land a girl like you..."

I wanted to see a side of her that no one else did. She was loved by all. Something about this raging slut pumping my cock into her mouth with relent brought me euphoria. It was something only I could see. Did she not feel guilty? No. How could I blame her? Interrupting her like that. She must've been so close to a release. I bet she can barely think with how roughly she's fucking herself. I couldn't help but grab her hands. Forcing her to stop. Keeping her eager. Needy for more.

"And what do you think you're doing? I didn't give you permission to cum... But? But what? You're close? And you think I care? Bad... Bad girl... So needy... Does it hurt? Hm? Me stepping on you filthy cunt? Oh? Was that a fucking moan? Did you really get turned on by that? You really are sick... Aw, what's wrong? You wanna get off, don't you? I'm giving you my shoe... Be thankful... Go on... Hump it... That's it... Rub into my shoe... What a fucking slut... grinding and humping as you please... This is so embarrassing for you, isn't it..? A literal bitch in heat... Gonna cum? Yeah? Yeah? And stop... What? You really think I was going to let you cum on my shoe? I'm not a monster... Shhhh you'll get your release..."

Picking her up from the floor; guiding her onto my lap as I lay against the headboard. Instructing her to sit on my lap as her bare pussy pressed my cock. Quickly I grabbed her hips holding them in place to prevent any movement. Only the constant throb of my cock hitting her needy pussy. Leaving her a whimpery mess; mindless I pulled her by the chin giving her a kiss. Soon after her actions reflected mine. Sloppy wet yet gentle kisses; one after the other. Her hips gradually moving in anticipation. Not caring for the consequences to come.

"Needy little brat, aren't you? What? You don't care anymore as long as you get off? Tell me... You missing my kissing? Too dumb to think, huh..."

My mind flooded with her scent as we kissed. My cock reaching the peak of its hardness as her tongue coils mine. It was just like that night. She smelled of strawberries. Desperation. Her lips tasted as sweet as she was at that moment. If only stayed, I would have been the man marrying her. Those thoughts sent me into a spiral. I became greedy. Kissing her with a more intense rhythm. Licking and sucking her tongue. Plunging myself deeper into her moaning mouth. My fingers slowly creeping toward her ass; gently massaging her hole. Her body jerked up in surprise. I continue my assault to keep her busy as I loosened her ass with my middle finger. The tension slowly increasing as she knew my intent. Making the process easier by sliding my finger in her already wet pussy. And once again working on her rear. Her moans turned breathy leaning her head onto my shoulder as I play with her ass.

"Shhh... Shhh... It's okay... You're doing so good for me... Mhm... It's going to hurt a little, but I'll go slow... That's it... Relax... Such a good girl... Look at that... Taking it so well... Does it feel good? Yeah? Can you take another finger? If it hurts too much... You can bite down, alright? There we go... s-slowly... I'm right here, sweetie... It's okay just breathe... Why don't you lay down for me okay?"

Pulling her ass up into the air as I continually pump my fingers into her slutty hole. Spitting and slapping it. Biding my time. Prepping her for my swollen cock. Unholy sounds emanating from my bedroom. It gave me a certain high. Watching her give herself up for me. Rewarding her patience by running my thumb across her clit; sending shockwaves of pleasure I assault both her princess parts. When it was time, I pulled her over placing her onto my lap.

"You know what to do, princess... It's okay take your time... Slowly lower yourself for me... Fuck me... You're so tight... Almost there... Mhm... I won't move I promise... There's no need to cry... I know it hurts... It's over now... As I promised, I'll let you cum... There we go... Does that feel good? Hm? Me rubbing your clit like that?"

Passing the time by making her cum. A literal wave of pleasure soon flooding my lap staining me and my sheets. A smirk painted across my face as she jerked and twitched on my lap. I couldn't quite tell whether she was covering her face due to embarrassment or taking another whiff of my jacket. I wondered.

"Enjoying yourself? Here... Take it... It's my underwear from today... What? You like my scent, don't you? Here... Don't be shy... You look goofy as fuck with my underwear on your face... I'm sorry I'm sorry... Wait... Are you... actually enjoying this? You are, aren't you? I didn't think you could get any wetter but my scent does the trick, huh? God, you're disgusting..."

Pushing her down into the bed; grabbing my underwear to shove into her mouth. After all, we wouldn't want the neighbors hearing her scream as I fuck her ass. Tears ran down her face as I rammed into her. Her spirit slowly breaking with each thrust. I was nearing my climax until I slipped out. You wouldn't believe the little slut pulling her ass pussy apart to invite me in once again. Fucking relentlessly into the ass I trained. My personal anal slut. My mind went feral seeing my cum leak out of her. I used her over and over and over. Making sure to send a little wedding gift home to her boyfriend.

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

After the incident, she never really talked to me or called me. I guess it's a good thing. If she we ever in my vicinity, the scent of strawberries would probably get hard again. It's troubling enough trying to hide that in public. On my way home, thoughts of her lingered in my head. I was surprised to see her waiting outside my house. She looked a bit antsy or well, scared, as if she's seen a ghost.

"You... okay? Woah woah... It's okay... It's just me... What's up? Can you take a deep breath? I'm not going to fuck in the middle of the streets... What do you want? Your fiance... wants to have a gathering? And he invited me? What a nice guy... I'm starting to feel a little bad... Okay okay, that joke was in poor taste... You know what? You tell him... I'll even host it... Tomorrow... 6 PM to whatever time he wants... You guys can even crash at my place for the night... Alright... See you then..."

I kind of regret saying I'll host everything, but it'll be worth it in the end. I greeted our close friends and even met a couple of new people. By the time it was about to start, there they were the soon-to-married couple. It brought an ick to my stomach. But even then, I played the role of the host. Tending to people's needs. Even if I was busy, my eyes would always find its way back to her. Slowly one after the other people started leaving the party as the clock reached midnight. The fiance was already 8 drinks in and knocking down shot after shot. Luckily enough, I could handle my own when it comes to drinking. It pissed me off seeing him get mad at her for ruining his buzz. I held the temptation of cracking my mug over his head. She sat quietly as the two of us drank. His consciousness slowly fading away. I was tipsy, but not enough to knock me out.

"He's kind of lightweight, don't you think? Okay, I may have given him a drink or two... but I didn't make him guzzle it down... So... You gonna babysit him all night or do you wanna make out in my room?

She was reluctant. But trailed behind me as I gently guided her hand. As soon as the doors closed, I pulled her into me and leaned in for a kiss. This was what I was looking for. There was no hate or doubt. She wanted this as much as me. A kiss as sweet as she was. Not caring for her fiance or for the consequences of getting caught. Just appreciating each other's existence. She falls to her knees; kissing the tip whilst maintaining eye contact. The tip of my cock gently pressed against her lips. Guiding it slowly into her. Watching it disappear from sight. A perfect little mouth pussy to fuck to my heart's content. She quickly got up placing herself comfortably on my bed. Bring her ass up to the air as she's done before. Wriggling it and teasing me as she spreads her pussy apart. A devious little girl. To my surprise, she came prepared. Plugged and wet. Waiting for my cock. And who am I to keep a lady waiting?

"Oh? Well, look at you... Fuck me... Wet already? What? Don't tell me you were waiting for something like this to happen... Such a bad girl... Moaning already... It's just a couple of fingers... Whimper and cry all you want... But you've been dying for me to use this hole, huh? That's why you went ahead and plugged yourself? How sly... Alright... For your wedding gift, I'll fill you to the brim, yeah? Aw, what's wrong? That's just the tip, sweetheart... Any louder you'll wake your hubby up... Unless... that's what you want... You know what? That's a good idea... Why don't we show hubby how much of a fun time we're having without him, yeah?"

Carrying her off to the couch where we first left the husband. Still knocked out cold from the drinks. Moans filling the room. Wet and desperate as she hops carelessly on my cock. Moving her hips in a way that's only meant for her husband. An unholy communion of lustful souls. Load after load. Fucking it deeper and deeper into her without a care. She slowly loses her vigor; resting her poor head on my shoulder. Addicted to my scent. Her hips not giving in just yet for a couple more pleasurable strokes. A few shared kisses. The taste of strawberries lingers on my lips.

A grumble and a mumble as the fiance wakes up from his drunken nap. We've already cleaned up long before he was awake. She probed worryingly about his condition only to be met with a nasty reply. Lifting him by his collar I met his attitude with a punch to the face. I'm not one for violence, but if this was her way of treating her I'd gladly steal her away.

"If you ever hurt her... I'll make sure to cut your hands and legs off... Is that understood? Get the fuck outta here..."

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

The wedding never did happen. I was a bit of a home wrecker but anything to keep her safe. I haven't seen her much since then. It's just been school and work. As I entered my house, I found hands coiled around my neck pulling me into a kiss. She still has a habit of sneaking into my house.

Did I mention I didn't see her much? Woops. I just meant she went to deal with the remnants of her ruined engagement. But I've never seen her happier hogging all my jackets. I could happily tell you, that I can freely enjoy the taste of strawberries whenever I please from now on.

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

With love and lust,

Honey

[irllyroundballs]

Meeting genshin men at your local grocery store?!

Childe, Itto, Kaeya, Alhaitham, Ayato x Reader

To be honest, the job itself wasn’t too bad. Pretty normal actually. Aside from the few weirdos that have been walking in lately..

Inspired by @abyssruler’s 7/11 Diaries! (One again written in the depths of night, so I apologize for the errors and tbh it’s kinda bad 😰)

Childe:

You could do this! Self belief! Stay awake! Your shift was almost done, 2am on the clock and two more hours to go. Everything was pretty mundane, occasionally mopping the floor, checking the stock, handling the (basically unused) register— all mundane with the lack of people. But today a real odd ball walked in: ginger hair, roughed clothing, tussled hair, and oh- the massive nose bleed dripping down onto his clothes.

He walks through the store so calmly - it’s almost startlingly - he strolls through the isles putting random items, then walks up to the counter. He grins, "Well hello there, I didn’t know such a pretty thing would be working at a time like this." He says, all while blood is still dripping down his nose.

You blink once, you blink twice, you take the basket and start scanning, "It’s too early in the morning for this.." You mumble, tired eyes fumbling with the unreasonably items. The prices of each individual item would send you into cardiac arrest, but all in all? Fucking nuts. How does he even have money? Have you seen the economics state of the world?

Your words only make him laugh, as you look up at him your gaze fuses on his bloody nose, "You’re bleeding."

"I know." He smiles.

"O," You blink slowly once more. "Want a tissues or something?”

He raises a brow, "Ha! You’re pretty funny, you know! Most workers get scared!" He laughs, watching intently as you pack away his items handing them to him.

You look him in the eyes, "I don’t get paid enough."

From that day since he’d often come to the store chatting with you, all while buying odd products. At this point you were starting to think it’s all to speak with you, I mean— Instant rice and pickles? You raised a brow, almost like a mind reader he spoke,

"My friend dropped his phone in the toilet so we’re doing the rice method, and the pickles is for me, nice snack."

Isn’t the rice method supposed to be bad? “Why don’t you just go to a repair shop?"

"Hes quirky like that."

"Just leave."

At some point you started seeing him outside the shop, he also goes to the same university as you. Which did make sense seeing at though he looked your age, but what surprised you the most is that he’s pretty well know. So now you started to wonder how you hadn’t heard about him. Maybe it’s because you have no friends— that’s a problem. You’ll need some of those.. you guess. Now that you think about it, you never got his name. How odd.

Itto:

It was very much valid for you to assume that the man before you was drunk. He was awfully loud (so much so you could hear him from five blocks down), he talked funny, and so did he act the same.

As you tiredly rub your eyes you to try shake yourself awake, there was still so much time until work was over. And with the shouting going on outside it was actually quite easy, most would be worried of a murder being what’s taking place outside but it was awfully normal for such screams, also the sound of drunk laughter easily disproves the thought of murder. A man -easily 7ft tall, White hair, super buff, his hair oddly whisked - trudges in, panic written all over his face. "WHERE IS YOUR RICE?" He asked anxiously.

"Excuse me?"

"I NEED RICE FOR MY PHONE." He jumped around in place, you point him towards the section and he runs off, few of his friends snicker while some look worried.

You wait around at the counter, it takes him a few minutes to gather what he needs, next time he comeback he has at least four small bags of rice and bandages. As you ring him up you hear the man speak with his friends,

"Do you think it’ll work?" One of his friends ask.

"I think so! I got the premium rice, and I think the bandages will work too!" He smiles.

"For.. your phone?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Nothing.." his friends mumble, stifling a laugh.

You simply shake your head at such idiocy, but then again you can understand, repair shops are unbelievably expensive and half the time it gets even more broken. But your action seems to have caught the man’s attention, gawking he turns to his friends, “THEYRE SO HOT.”

From that day forward he constantly visited the shop, goofing around in the store in attempts to get your number.

"So, you like jazz?" He has this odd smirk on his face, almost as if that was his attempt to finesse you.

"Yes."

"Ah. You were supposed to say no."

"Sorry?"

Soon, Itto (his name, he had written it on a piece of paper and whilst paying for his newest purchase slipped it in) started being able to spot you on campus, following you around like a lost puppy. Perhaps you’ll slip in your number next time you give him change.. perhaps.

Kaeya:

To Kaeya you were hot, really fucking hot. Though you were kinda invisible that added to your charm, that or he just had a thing for total losers, he couldn’t tell. And for the most part you weren’t entire invisible, often seeing your name on the first board after grades come out, or even seeing you enrolled in competitions, or he’d see you studying in the library - looking so adorable- writing away at your notes. He thought you were utterly ethereal, and the need to get to know you was insatiable. His friends quite literally needing to hold him down from running up to you and scaring you away. So come to find out lovely ol’ you works at one of his favourite convince place he already had a plan brewing.

You drearily watch the clock, your body feeling as if it's numb. Your hands lazily drawing circles on the counter, starting to regret the fact you decided to work the graveyard shift. The ringing of the store bell waking you from your hazziness, a man dressed nicely came in: blue hair, blue eyes (odd combo, to be completely honest), dressed in what looked like ballroom clothing, his expression of.. smugness? Unyielding.

As you wait to ring him up you take out your phone and start scrolling through it, but soon you here light steps approaching placing your phone back in your pocket and take the items and start scanning. All as you do so the man watches you intently, and little too much.

”Can I help you with something, Sir?"

He raises a brow, "Sir? You don't think I'm that old, do you?!" He cried.

"No, Sir. I'm required to do this."

"So you think I look nice?"

"Sure."

"Would you go out with me?" Was that really his attempt at rizzing you up?

"Please just take your items and leave, Sir." (I'm saving you the embarrassment -and myjob-)

He couldn't stand it, no, he was determined-- he will rizz you up. You have to give him a chance! And so whenever you had a free moment you would see him walk up to you, it’s not that you minded his unbreaking tenacity, it was quite admirable actually.

"Hey!" He ran up to you, waving his hand. He stops in front of you weaving, "Trying to run away from me?"

"No. I’m hungry."

"Ah! The allow me to do the pleasure and buy you lunch."

"If you have money, sure.”

You were oh so happy, free food truly did taste the best. So while he got to know you you got full - and happy - tummy. Maybe you’ll actually let him take you out.

Al Haitham:

See, typically you were fine with customers, but this time you were utterly enthralled by this.. this asshole with a stick up his ass. You’d love to hop over the counter and give him a wack, but you refrain from doing so— he looked rich, and he was buff, you most definitely could not take him in a fight.

"It’s 14.55."

"I’m aware."

"I am in a rush, please let me pay already."

"Im sorry, Sir. I’m required to ring this all up."

"But I already told you, it’s 14.55." His eyes looked a bit agitated, his arms crossed.

"Sir, I am just doing my job."

"K."

To be honest, you didn’t really know what was coming out of his mouth after that, nor did you care, you simply nod, most of the “conversation” you looked at his.. uh, breast(s) pocket. You’d never see him again, what’s the harm?

You were wrong, so undeniably, unbelievably, wrong. Exactly 5 hours later you’d see him at the gym, staring at you, approaching you- wait, approaching you?? You look around the room, what do you do? How do you seem like you’re busy? Pull out you pho-?!

"Hey."

"Hello..? Do you need something?"

"Do you need help?"

"No."

"I’m helping you anyway."

"O."

And workout buddies you came to be, often meeting him during your workout sessions. You never really needed his help, but with his insistence you agreed. Sometimes even studying together.

"Are you stupid?"

"I think so, I’ve been talking with my doctor lately and-"

"I didn’t mean it literally."

"Ah."

With exams coming up you’ve been seeing each other a lot more, and the study areas have been a lot more.. romantic? Close, cool mood lighting, cold- sometimes even his own house. But then again, maybe it’s just you.

Ayato:

This was absolutely fucking nuts. This guy was decked out— SO BAD. The Ayato Kamisato, one of the richest bachelors was before you, you couldn’t help but be a bad bit taken back. But regardless you tried your best to scan all his odd items.

For a hot bachelor his grocery items were really weird, and so fucking expensive you felt your heart clench.. you’ll need a break after this, maybe even a smoke (you’ve never smoked in your life and if you were to you were pretty sure you’d have an asthma attack).

His gaze wondered you curiously, has you handed him his groceries he smiled, leaving a.. 100$ TIP?? WHAT THE FUCK. WHERE DOES HE GET THIS MONEY? I THOUGHT WE WERE IN A RESCISSION. WHAT. Your eyes were massive, looking back up at him, "Uhm, Sir. I think you misplaced this bill.." as much as you wanted to keep it, you had morals (sadly), holding yourself to high principle.

"Oh, that was no mistake. I appreciate the fact someone like you is working at such an hour. Have a lovely morning." He waved and left.. someone like me? Is that an insult? Does he think I’m poor?

As you pondered what he meant you started seeing him more, and more. Always leaving a massive tip, does god.. love me? Your reactions always brining a smile to his face, and conversations with you always left him with a swelling in his chest, you were awfully funny.

"Here, a tip."

"Am I.. in more debt?" You tilt your head, "Do you want something from me?" Your eyes widen, "Is this perhaps your way of buying me? Is that what rich people do..? That’s what’s I heard.." mumbling the last part you look into the floor, bringing your hand up to fumble with your lip- in deep concentration.

He was so weird, people said he was cool. From what you can tell all he is a weirdo. Who tips this much? Who buys this much weird stuff? Isn’t he rich? Why doesn't he just get someone to get him groceries? Why does he look at you weird? Honestly, if he kept giving you this much money you might as well become his sugar baby (not that you would mind).

[yandere-paramour]

A Long Day

It started with three different kinds of peppers, then the adobo and sazon. Of course, Vivien grew red bell peppers, and the cubanelles were a new but very welcome addition, but the ajices dulces were too specialized. He had to make an unscheduled pit stop at the Supermercado after work but it was worth it.

Vivien chopped, marinated, stirred, and seared. The broth had simmered all day in the Instant Pot and the depth of flavor made him shiver with pleasure. All he needed to do was cook the rice, add the peas, and check that the chicken was cooked through, and then everything would be ready when you got home. You would be able to come in and relax, have a nice hot meal, and spend the evening being showered with attention from your doting, attentive boyfriend. Vivien smiled as he tried a piece of chicken; it was tender and juicy and browned, everything it needed to be.

"My love!" Vivien cried as soon as he heard the door open, "I'm in the kitchen, dinner is almost-"

Vivien's voice trailed off when he caught sight of you. You were in tears, shirt covered in blood, looking miserable. His eyes widened, and after a cursory check to ensure the rice wasn't burning, he rushed to you.

"Darling, what happened? Are you okay?" Vivien worriedly ran his hands over your face and chest, looking for a wound, "Do we need to go to the hospital? Where's the insurance card?"

"I don't need the hospital," You say quietly, "I'm fine. I just had a nosebleed on the train and I didn't have any napkins or anything."

"But you're crying," Vivien said softly, his hands cupping your face, gentle thumbs wiping away your tears, "Something else is bothering you, what is it?"

"I don't want to talk about it... isn't the rice burning? I smell smoke."

Afraid that his perfectly planned dinner was ruined, Vivien shot across the room to see about the rice. It was fine, approaching done, but fine, and he quickly shut it off. The lingering heat would finish it. He had something more important to worry about.

Vivien rushed to the bedroom where he noticed you had snuck off to. You were stripping your blood-stained clothes off, ready to chuck them in the wash, but you knew they were probably ruined.

Vivien came up to you and gently took your hand, trying to get your attention, "Tell me what happened... I want to help, you know I hate seeing you upset."

You sigh, "Just some stupid asshole on the train was laughing at me. He had some fast food napkins but I saw him smirk and stuff them in his pockets so he could watch me suffer. A long fucking day and that was just the icing on the cake."

Incandescent rage burned in Vivien's chest, "That... that's terrible! Did you see what he looked like? Someone needs to teach this guy a lesson."

"Some corporate tech bro jerk. You know the type."

Vivien did know the type; they saw him as little more than the dog shit on their unexpectedly expensive loafers. He also knew they were all virtually indistinguishable to the untrained eye, which left little chance of him tracking the asshole down and making him learn a lesson about respect. Vivien grit his teeth, trying to turn his grimace into a smile. If he couldn't get revenge, the least he could do was make his darling partner feel better.

"I'm sorry, love, that's terrible. People like that are the worst. Tell you what," He pulled you slowly into his warm embrace, "I've still got a little bit to do with dinner so why don't you get a nice warm bath, and we can watch something silly while we eat. The SpyxFamily movie is on Crunchyroll now, that sounds good, right?"

You look into your boyfriend's sweet face, the dark roots starting to show underneath his bleached hair giving him a sort of Cruella de Vil look he thought was cool, and feel yourself tearing up again. You knew how angry he was, you could see the rage in his eyes when you talked about your mistreatment, and you didn't miss the way his hands shook. But there was nothing he could do, nothing but do what he was doing now. He was focusing on you, doing his best to quell the raging emotions in him for your sake, and you loved him all the more for it.

"I-I didn't mean to make you upset, if you want to pick the movie you can, I'm sor-" You cut him off with a kiss on the cheek, and he looked confused.

"No, it's okay. I'm okay now. What did you say dinner was again?"

He grinned, kissing your forehead in return, "Asopao de Pollo. It's one of my favorites."

"And sofrito?"

"Of course, my love."

"Sounds great."

[yearning-for-autumn]

Trauma-Verse -- Part II

Cassian

A/N - I really hurt my own feelings with this one. Cassian is so precious to me. If you have ever struggled with an eating disorder, especially bullemia or are sensitive to that sort of thing I would give this one a miss.

---

Summary - A young teenage Cassian struggles with eating after years of malnourishment. Az catches him in a vulnerable moment.

Warnings - Eating Disorders, Vomiting, Childhood trauma, angst.

Pairings - None

Word Count - 600

These days, Cassian had enough food to last him weeks. These days, Cassian could eat whatever he wanted from the pantry, and he knew it would be replaced the next day. These days, he was safe.

So why was it so hard for him to believe it?

There were rice cakes and crackers and hunks of bread in his wardrobe, just in case. He had pilfered sweets from Rhys’ room and hid them in his night stand drawer. All around his room, little hiding places for food were carefully kept secret. It was his food. No one else’s. If they couldn’t see it. They couldn’t take it.

For a growing boy, Cassian ate surprisingly little at dinner times. Rhys’ mother was as patient as ever. It’s not like he was the only one who struggled to sit at the High Lords table. He was a bastard born Illyrian. He could never belong there anyway. He picked at his food, pushing it around his plate with his fork, held awkwardly in his hands, more like a weapon than a delicate piece of silverware. He hated eating off of it. He hated eating in front of everyone, especially Rhys who ate off of his fork with all the poise of the Prince he was.

Later that night he would sneak down to the kitchen, where the leftovers were waiting in the fridge. Too much for one person, but he would eat it all. He would use his hands, much more fitting for someone like him.

The sheer amount of food was overwhelming, his stomach churned and rolled, but he kept eating, as if at any moment it would be snatched from his hands. It hurt. He felt light-headed, and dizzy, and only had a few seconds to make it to the sink before he threw it up.

“Cassian, what the fuck are you doing?” That was Azriel’s voice behind him. He was never asleep early. Cassian should have waited longer.

“I got hungry.” He said, as if the number of empty bowls on the kitchen counter didn’t give him away. Azriel sighed.

Newly un-bandaged hands came up to rub Cassian’s scalp. Cassian remembered when he had finally taken them off. How he and Rhys had gone pale at the sight of them. But they were Azriel’s hands. His brothers hands. They could never hurt him.

“Cassian, that was all the food for tomorrow.” He said, peering into the bowls, pushing the plates back from the edge. Azriel rarely showed how much he cared, but Cassian knew he did. When he heaved into the sink again, Azriel was by his side in an instant, rubbing just between his wings. Cassian couldn’t help the tears that fell, nor the embarrassing whimper he made when Azriel gathered him in his arms.

Azriel gave a withering sigh, but let Cassian sob onto his pyjama shirt anyway. He kept one hand on his back, the other reached over to turn the sink on, washing away the evidence of Cassian’s late night binge.

“You want to show me where you’ve hidden the rest?” Az asked. Cassian shook his head. By now the crackers and bread would be stale. But he needed them there. Just in case.

Just in case.

“Come sleep in my room, Cass.” Azriel said, already leading him up the stairs, one hand on his shoulder. Cassian brushed his teeth. Then got into Azriel’s bed, like they had done a hundred times before.

He didn’t worry about whether Az might have a nightmare. Whether he might wake up with the burning need to finish off the food downstairs. Because Azriel’s soft breathing was against his forehead, his scarred hands were gently rubbing his back. He was warm. He was comfortable.

He was safe.