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the-writing-trash-panda · 5 months

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An unedited snippet of a new Ninjago fic I’m working on. The title is Fractured Bonds.

Skylor sat in the passenger seat of the red sports car, her hair tousled by the wind. Closing her eyes, she finally was able to relax. Running a noodle restaurant was exhausting. Feeling Kai place a hand on her thigh she smiled moving her hand to hold his.

“Fare warning, because Nya’s pregnant my mom might pester you about having kids,” Kai laughed as he thought about how excentric his mother could get.

Skylor squeezed Kai’s hand reassuringly, a laugh escaping her lips, “I’ll be sure to prepare for that.” Honestly, she didn’t care if Maya asked about kids, any conversation with her mother-in-law was an enjoyable one for Skylor, not to mention that she had found out she was actually pregnant and was waiting until they made it to the Smith’s residences in Ignacia to tell anyone.

As the couple pulled into the small rice-farming village the sun had begun its descent behind the horizon. Pulling up to the blacksmith shop Skylor saw that Nya and Maya were already waiting outside.

Nya, with a noticeable baby bump, waved excitedly as Skylor and Kai parked the car. Maya, Kai's mother, beamed at them, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Skylor! Kai!" Nya called out, her voice filled with warmth. "So glad you could make it!"

Skylor and Kai stepped out of the car, the warm evening breeze gently playing with Skylor's hair once again. Kai put an arm around Skylor, and they walked towards Nya and Maya.

“Hey guys, it’s been a while. How’s everything at the restaurant?” Jay asked as he and Ray walked outside. Noticing his wife’s struggle to stand up Jay offered Nya a hand while Kai and Skylor embraced Maya.

“I mean other than the occasional shitty customer things have been going great,” Kai answered, walking over and giving Jay a fist bump. “What about you? CTO of Borg Industries, that’s pretty big.”

Jay grinned, reciprocating the fist bump. "Yeah, it's been a wild ride. But nothing beats the excitement of starting a family," he said, looking down at Nya, who had successfully stood up with his help.

Nya chuckled, placing a hand on her baby bump. "It's a whole new adventure for sure. I can't wait for our little ninja to join the team."

“Well why don’t you guys come on in, the soba is ready,” Ray said, ushering the rest of the Smith family inside.

As the family ate and laughed, Skylor couldn’t help but place a hand on her abdomen. Looking up when Maya addressed her, “So Skylor, have you and Kai given any more thought to having kids?”

Chuckling a bit, Skylor answered, “Funny you should mention that. We’re actually expecting.”

Maya's eyes widened with joy as she heard Skylor's announcement. She gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in delight. "Oh, Skylor! That's wonderful news! Kai, did you know about this?"

Kai grinned, shaking his head in amusement. “No, I’m assuming she wanted to tell everyone at the same time.”

Maya squealed with excitement, pulling Skylor into a tight hug. "I'm going to be a grandmother! This is amazing news! See Ray, I told you having the whole family get together for the holidays would be a good idea."

Ray chuckled, looking at Maya with a twinkle in his eye. "You always have a way of making things special, dear. Jay, you said your parents would be coming in tomorrow, correct?” Jay nodded, swallowing the dumpling he had shoved into his mouth so that he could talk.

"Yes, they're starting their drive tonight. I'm sure they'll be thrilled to hear the news," Jay replied, a big smile on his face.

Nya, still glowing with the excitement of impending motherhood, added, "It's going to be a full house for the holidays. I can't wait!"

Skylor smiled to herself as the warmth of the Smith house enveloped her. She couldn’t ask for a better family. Did she miss her dad, sure. But she would forever be grateful that Kai and the others helped her escape from the living hell that was Chen’s Island.

The evening continued with laughter, shared stories, and the comforting aroma of delicious food filling the Smith house. Skylor felt a deep sense of contentment as she sat among the people she now considered her family. The news of her pregnancy added an extra layer of joy to the gathering, and she couldn't have been happier to share the moment with Kai, Nya, and the rest of the Smiths.

As the night unfolded, the group gathered in the living room. Maya, beaming with pride, couldn't resist sharing anecdotes about Kai's childhood, much to his playful embarrassment. Skylor and Kai exchanged knowing glances, grateful for the warmth and love surrounding them.

In the midst of the festivities, the realization struck her: she had found a home, not just a place to live, but a family that welcomed her with open arms. The Smiths had become her anchors, providing love and support that she had never experienced before.

As the night wound down, Skylor and Kai found a quiet moment together. They stood on the porch, looking at the starry sky above the rice fields. The tranquility of the night mirrored the peace Skylor felt in her heart. Kai wrapped his arms around her, and together, they marveled at the journey that had brought them to this point.

As they gazed at the stars, Skylor whispered, "I'm grateful for everything, Kai. For you, for them," gesturing towards the lively house behind them.

Kai kissed her forehead, his voice soft, "And I'm grateful for you, Skylor. We've come a long way, haven't we?"

They stood there, hand in hand, embracing the moment and looking forward to the new chapter that awaited them. The future held uncertainties, but with the love of family and each other, Skylor and Kai felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Unbeknownst to them a storm was brewing in the distant horizon, clouds gathering in ominous formations. Yet, in that serene moment on the porch, Skylor and Kai remained blissfully unaware of the approaching tempest.

The next morning, before the sun had even finished its ascension, the quiet atmosphere was disrupted by the roar of an engine and the bright Christmas lights strung around the car.

“Hey mum and dad. How was your drive?” Jay asked groggily as he walked out to greet his parents.

“Oh, you know, same as always. Your father got us lost and one of the headlights went out but we made it,” Edna replied, stepping out of The Jalopy and embracing her son.

“Good morning Mr. And Mrs. Walker, glad you could make it,” Nya grinned, slowly walking over to the Walkers.

“Oh, Nya dear! You should be resting, not worrying about us,” Edna said, trying to push the water ninja back inside.

“I’m fine, really. I'm just excited to have everyone together for the holidays," Nya reassured, gently resisting Edna's attempt to usher her back inside.

“Well you two got here just in time, I just finished the coffee,” Ray said as he helped Ed lug the bags inside.

The day was full of festivities, the woman making cookies and decorating the house while the men went out to cut down a tree.

The evening culminated in a grand feast, where the extended family gathered around a table adorned with dishes that represented a fusion of cultures. The air was filled with gratitude, stories, and the clinking of glasses.

“Well the first day of the family gathering was a success!” Jay announced, his cheerful smile faltering when there was a panicked knock at the door.

“I’ll go get it,” Maya offered, pushing her chair away from the table and walking away to the entrance of the house.

Opening the door she let out a small gasp. In front of her stood an old friend. Her blonde hair was disheveled and her blue eyes were looking around frantically as if she was being followed.

Maya's expression shifted from surprise to concern as she recognized the distressed figure at the door. Without hesitation, she ushered her old friend inside, closing the door behind her.

“Ray, could you come here for a minute,” Maya called to her as she sat the other woman on the couch.

Walking into the living room Ray’s smile fell when he saw the other person, “Libber, what are you doing here? Didn’t you leave to Cancester Isles with the intention of never returning?”

Libber looked up at Ray, her eyes filled with a mix of desperation and regret. "Ray, I didn't plan on coming back, but things have changed. I need your help. It's about Chen and a threat that could affect everyone."

Ray's expression hardened, and he exchanged a serious glance with Maya. The festive atmosphere of the family gathering hung in the air, momentarily disrupted by the unexpected arrival and the weight of unresolved history.

“Hey, is everything okay in here,” Kai asked as the others walked in.

“Not exactly, but before I explain I believe introductions are in order.” The room was blanketed with a tense atmosphere, “Everyone this is Libber and Libber the only one you don’t know is Skylor.” Maya said, gesturing to the redhead.

Libber nodded at the introductions, her eyes scanning the faces in the room and quickly dropping when she saw Jay.

Jay, sensing the tension, spoke up, "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Libber. What brings you to Ignacia?"

Libber took a deep breath, her eyes avoiding Jay's gaze. "I never thought I'd return, but I discovered something that poses a threat to everyone here. It's about Chen returning, the possibility of Nerola still being alive and a dangerous plot. I need your help.”

Skylor’s heart started racing at the mention of her parents and the possibility of them no longer being dead.

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aggravatetheaxe · 1 year

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FINDERS KEEPERS - Chapter 6: Into Dust

Murderer. Monster. Serial killer. Abuser. Freak. These are words you would be well within your rights to use when describing Bo Sinclair. But when a trip to dispose of a body doesn’t end up quite as planned and a nameless waif enters the picture, he might have to add one more label to the list: protector. How long can Bo justify the presence of a child who so critically throws off the tenuous balance of life in Ambrose? How long can he stand it?

CW for this chapter: probably if you're this far into the fic you know what you're getting yourself into; mention of firearms; mention of drug use; mention of fire/explosion

This title is SAFE FOR WORK.

Taglist: @blackrose8425, @shirtlessfelix, @popsnapopera, @slasherblog, @toastysalt, @sweetbird-sinclair, @imbleedin-out, @pharmacykeys, @venusanatomica, @katerinabythesea95

Soundtrack: Into Dust, Ambience

Words: 4,525

Chapter 1

Chapter 5

Masterlist

***

The air in Ambrose grew colder with every passing day, and with it, Bo grew used to their new routine.

He liked routine. 'Course, he also liked for his routine to not be interrupted, but after a week and a half, he'd gotten accustomed to the change. Mornings were no longer just about him or him and Vince: he had to think about feeding the kid, washing the kid, making sure the kid's diaper got changed. Underwear. Socks. T-shirt. Ring. Bird's diaper. Bird's clothes. Socks. Food. Juice. Sprite can.

And then, on top of all that, he didn't have his bed to himself. He always had grand plans to tuck her in and sleep elsewhere, but every night, she convinced him to stay for just a minute, and he was out like a light.

Turned out, taking care of a toddler was exhausting.

And ... frustrating. The longer she stayed, the more comfortable she got; the more comfortable she got, the more she whined, demanded, and refused, and she could be a stubborn little thing. It was only when he got real angry and raised his voice that she fell back in line like a lamb.

No wonder Momma had shouted and hit so much—and Bird didn't even talk back. If Bo recalled, he'd had quite a mouth on him.

He hadn't hit Bird yet, though. The fear in her eyes when he shouted soured his soul enough, though he couldn't have said why. Seeing fear in peoples' eyes was one of his life's great pleasures; an unmatched thrill. It was different with her, and that bugged him. It was in those moments that he knew for sure Vincent was right: she had to leave as soon as possible.

Yet, as the days passed, subconsciously, he yearned less and less for his life before her sudden appearance. He got used to his new normal. But then, he'd always been adaptable when it was required of him.

It wasn't until one morning, sitting at the breakfast table, when Vincent put his spoon down and asked, "When are you going out for Thanksgiving stuff?" that Bo realized just how long she'd been with them.

He looked up from his hashbrowns and blinked. "Oh, shit. It's in a coupla days, i'nit?"

"Lester's going to expect the whole nine yards."

"Lester can kiss my ass," Bo scoffed. "I ain't basting no turkey. Not after last year." He shoved a forkful of eggs in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully. "I'll figure somethin' out." Hey, Birdy—you wanna help me plan Thanksgiving dinner, chickadee? You remember having a Thanksgiving, right?"

She sat politely at the head of the table, although "head" was relative when your table was circular. More like she, Bo, and Vincent each sat at one point of an equilateral triangle. Her eyes darted between the twins, no longer with the nervousness that had lingered in her gaze for weeks but with wholehearted curiosity, and though she didn't answer with words—she still hadn't spoken a word since she'd read her new name off his hat—she stared at Bo expectantly as she nibbled her toast.

"Turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, chicken 'n' dumplings, stuffing, cranberry salad ... you know, Thanksgiving. We'll buy a pre-roasted turkey from the supermarket and Les won't know the difference," he added with a wink.

He couldn't help but notice the very deliberate, cold silence Vincent held. It'd been the same damn thing for the past two weeks, but whenever Vince brought it up, Bo always had the same question: What do you want me to do?

Vincent never had an answer for that. Well, beyond Take her to the cops like you said you would—but both of them knew that unless they literally dumped her outside the police station and somehow evaded any witnesses, bringing her to the cops would only draw scrutiny. They'd kept her for too long at this point. Questions would be asked, and with them still not knowing what had happened to her folks, not to mention all the secrets the Sinclairs had to hide....

Bo willfully ignored Vincent's cold shoulder, considering Bird. "Cut's lookin' good," he said as he reached out to scrub his hand over her prickly head. The gnarly gash there was almost completely healed now, with just a little pink scrape left over. "What about your feet, how do they feel?"

Bird responded only with a noncommittal hum, but, well, she'd tell him if something was terribly wrong.

"Good. Can't have ya walkin' around on busted up tootsies."

With little more than a sigh, Vincent stood from the table, dumped the remainder of his cereal down the sink, and left the kitchen. Bo watched him go, little tendrils of anger poking at his heart. There was nothing in this world more a blessing and a curse than having a twin. They understood each other like no one else ever would; when they were on the same page about something, it felt like they could move mountains. On the other hand, when they stood in opposition, it was more than annoying. It was painful.

And Vincent in particular wasn't someone you wanted to argue with. He was as stubborn as Bo but with the added, finely honed talent of passive aggressive dismissal and condescension—something inherited straight from Trudy Sinclair.

People could die, but they never really left, did they? For better or worse.

The popping of Bird's Sprite can as she depressed the aluminum with her fingertips distracted Bo from his train of thought. Probably for the best. He always went to a real dark place if he thought for too long. He'd rather be here, not there.

"You done?" he asked, eyes falling to her mostly empty but not cleared plate. Another good sign, he reckoned: she'd been absolutely obsessed with food her first week there, like she was afraid someone would take it away. It was nice to see her behaving more natural with it. "Well, whaddaya say we get cleaned up 'n' start the day?"

Bird nodded in reply, pushing away from the table but not standing up. She preferred to wait for him to pick her up and place her on the floor, if she must be forced to stand at all. Once her feet touched the linoleum, however, she squeaked her little rain boots over to the sink without complaint, climbed onto the stool, and put her plate in the sink. Bo turned the tap and pumped a couple squirts of soap into her palm, then surveyed her, arms crossed, while she scrubbed her hands with little to no finesse.

As he handed her a towel, there was an unnecessarily exuberant knock on the door, followed immediately by the sound of it opening and Lester's twangy voice: "Hey, Bo! You here?"

"In the kitchen," Bo called back, unable to hide the edge of irritation in his voice. He leveled a sharp glare at his little brother as he entered the kitchen. "Can't you knock politely 'n' wait for me to answer the damn thing? Were you raised in a barn?"

"No, I was raised in a nice, big house!" Les replied, spreading his arms wide and making a beeline for Bird. Over the past couple weeks, the youngest Sinclair brother had managed to find a hundred and one excuses to drive up here and see the baby. "Heya, sweetpea! How ya doin'?"

Bird turned on the stool and reached out—basically the way she greeted all three of them at this point—and Lester obliged, grinning and lifting her into his wiry embrace.

"Oof, feels like you're puttin' on a li'l weight!"

"She is," Bo replied tightly. He got a weird feeling in his chest whenever Les interacted with the kid. He was so much better at it than Bo was, so much more natural, and it just ... didn't seem fair somehow. After all, Bo was the one who'd found her. He crossed his arms again, if only to suppress the urge to snatch Bird away from his brother. "What're you here for—or, guess I should say, what's your excuse for showin' up this time?"

Lester turned his attention from Bird, expression sobering. "Well ... you remember you told me ta keep an eye out for her parents?"

"Yes, Les, of course I fuckin' remember that. Am I stupid? Spit it out."

"Okay, okay!" He set her down and sauntered over to the fridge. "Well, I been askin' all over hell's half acre, and I think I got a lead."

Bo was silent, simply watching him open the fridge and peer inside. Whatever feeling was prickling up the back of his neck wasn't a pleasant one: something like suspicion, dread, defensiveness. He found himself ready and willing to dismiss whatever Lester had to say out of hand, like he didn't want to believe her folks could really be out there. But that wasn't such a good impulse if he wanted to wash his hands of her, was it?

Lester took his time pouring a small glass of orange juice, apparently weighing what to say next. "I, uh ... I think it'd be easier for me to show ya instead of tell ya."

"What d'ya mean? Who are her folks, where do they live?"

"Uh, nowhere now." He took a big gulp of juice. "You're just gonna have ta see it for yourself, Bo, I told ya."

"Fine," Bo said gruffly, picking Bird up and grabbing his keys off the sideboard. "Let's go."

When Lester didn't reply, Bo assumed it was because he was chugging the last of his juice, but a moment later, the little squirt followed him through the doorway, stumbling over some kind of warning: "Now— Now, Bo, I dunno if that's such a good idea, this might not being somethin' she—"

He turned abruptly, fixing Les with another glare. "What? Y'all wanted her gone so bad, but now it's time to hand her off and you're changin' your mind? Well come on, then, let's get her back to her white trash folks, for Christ's sake, so you 'n' Vince can get off my back."

He didn't realize how sharp his tone was until he felt Bird flinch against him.

Lester started to protest that actually he hadn't bugged Bo about giving her back, but he wisely shut his mouth and pulled his hat lower over his brow, mumbling something in the affirmative as he stomped out of the house. Bo paused to put Bird's coat on, made sure she had her Sprite can, then followed suit.

"Let's take my truck," Lester said with an edge of bitterness to his voice. "No reason ta bring more attention to ourselves."

"Two Chevys ain't really a ticker-tape parade, ding dong."

Nonetheless, Bo acquiesced, walking around his truck to the passenger's side of Lester's. Shame he didn't have more of an excuse to drive his own, 'cause Lester's smelled like shit. Literally, underneath all that blood and rot. He held his nose—not literally, unfortunately—and slid Bird into the middle of the bench seat, then climbed in after her. Immediately, she let her Sprite can fall to the cab floor and reached for the mummified deer foot hanging from the rearview mirror. She couldn't quite reach it, but Bo didn't mind watching her try.

"So where is this 'lead?'" he muttered as they turned around and headed down the hill toward Main Street.

"'Bout twenty minutes north of Edward. She sure did walk a helluva long way ta get ta Ambrose! Uh ... y'know, Bo, you don't sound too convinced."

Bo looked pointedly out the window. "S'just ... after all this time, you'd think someone woulda come lookin' for her. I can't imagine what kinda people her folks must be." He paused. "And— And what're we supposed to do if they're not fit parents, just leave her there?"

There was another pregnant pause. "Bo ... it's okay to admit ya'd like to keep 'er."

Bo whipped his head round to look at his younger brother. "What the hell are you talkin' about? You big dummy, I don't wanna keep her, I'm just sayin'—it's a shame, s'all. She's a good kid; she deserves people who give a damn about her." He shook his head bitterly, intending that to be the end of his rant, but not a minute had gone by before he started up again. "I mean, what the hell kind of person leaves a baby out in the wilderness 'n' doesn't go lookin' for it? They didn't even call the police. No one's been searchin', that's all I'm sayin'. Keep her. I don't wanna keep her. She's been a thorn in my side since the moment she came into town."

"Okay, okay, take it easy!" Lester raised one hand in surrender. "Yeesh. Anyway, I think you'll see that these people— If they're her family, they ain't in much position to go to the cops."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"I said it'd be easier to show rather'n tell." By now, they had transitioned from dirt road to pavement, and Lester peered out the front windshield, trying to find and read the street signs. "Does that say Osmund Road?"

"Jesus Christ, Les, you know you should wear your glasses," Bo said, squinting at the sign. "Yeah." Then, looking at their surroundings. "We're in the middle a' nowhere."

Something cold touched his arm, and he looked down to see Bird clutching his elbow. She was squeezing herself closer and sinking into the seat, like between him and the upholstery she might find a place to hide. Her dark eyes sparkled, and though he wasn't surprised to see her trademark wariness, he was surprised to see just how scared she seemed to be: her little chest rose and fell quicker, and she licked her lips.

"Hey," he mumbled, removing her claw and enfolding it in his large hand. "Don't be nervous, right? Come on now, you been such a big, brave girl the past week. Don't chicken out on me now."

It was obvious his words did nothing to soothe her—and the further they went down the dirt Osmund Road, the more nervous she seemed to get, until finally she stood up in her seat and threw her arms around Bo's stubbly neck. He kept trying to calm her down, but it was no use. By the time they pulled up to the only drive on the long, rural road, Bird was crying and stamping her feet. "Pcheewww," she whined. "Pcchewww, pchhhewww!"

"Bo," Lester began tentatively, "I really think we oughtta bring 'er back home. She's upset."

"Shh, shh, shh." She had tucked her face into the crook of Bo's neck, and while he rubbed her back in circles, he looked over her shoulder at Les. "Go up the driveway."

"But—"

"Move it!"

Lester pursed his lips tight, and a moment later, the Chevy jerked up the pitted drive, bone chimes jingling. Low-hanging boughs of untrimmed trees scraped the top of the cab. It felt eerily like the swamp had lured them in and was now swallowing them up. Anticipation and dread built in Bo's chest until it was physically painful, and soon, he found he was gripping Bird as much as she was gripping him.

Finally, the place came into view. Or, rather, the remnants of it.

It had been a trailer, he thought, though it was no more than a foundation and a few charred walls now. Trash and other debris lay strewn all across the lawn, including, notably, a crib and a kid's swing set. Realization dawned on Bo.

By now, Bird was screaming hysterically. With great effort, he disentangled himself from her embrace and passed her over to Lester, reaching for the door handle. "Bring 'er back to the road. I'm gonna look around."

Lester's eyes shone with concern. "Be careful, Bo."

Bo grunted and shut the passenger door behind him as quietly as he could—but it still upset the kid, and she threw herself to the window and pressed her little face against it. Her expression of abject fear tore his chest right open, but he waved, trying to reassure her everything would be perfectly fine despite his own trepidation in this creepy-ass place.

He waited until Lester was all the way back down the road and out of sight before he turned back to the wrecked mobile home.

His first suspicion was fire—and certainly there'd been some charring, though even in the winter the swamp was a pretty shitty place to start a flame—but as he waded closer through the debris, he noticed that some of the trees close to the foundation were scorched, too, and missing quite a few of their skinnier branches.

"Holy fuckin' shit," he muttered to himself, taking his hat off and carding his fingers through his hair. There'd been an explosion.

A gas line explosion, maybe? But no way a little four year old girl could have survived that. There was nothing left of the front steps, so Bo hoisted himself into the house to get a better look around. Everything was left behind, although most of it was destroyed: furniture, clothing, appliances ... he moved toward the decent-sized kitchen, sifting through trash with the toe of one boot as he went. It was mostly bottles and boxes of—

He stopped dead, a thrill running up his spine. A lot of boxes of cold medicine. Several different types, all with varying dosages of pseudoephedrine.

The further he searched with this in mind, the more signs he found: Pyrex, tubing, funnels, rubber gloves—to say nothing of that paint-y smell lingering on the furniture and what remained of the curtains.

"Of course it's a fuckin' meth lab," he whispered.

Bird's parents were tweakers. Or at least suppliers. Not very good ones, if this explosion was any indication.

Bo took a deep breath, replaced his hat, and looked up at the midday sun shining through the destroyed roof. That solved the mystery of who her family was, but something still didn't add up. Gas or meth, this had been a fiery explosion. If the kid's parents hadn't survived, how the hell had she?

He surveyed the rest of the house, then moved onto the cluttered yard. Besides the crib and a couple other necessities, there was no evidence a child had ever lived here—but Bird's reaction told him all he needed to know. This was where it had all gone down, whatever it could possibly be.

Maybe she was just the world's luckiest toddler.

Maybe one day she'll be able to tell me, said a little voice in the back of his mind.

He was about to leave—to accept that he might never know the whole story, that she was some miracle baby—when he tripped, nearly falling on his ass right there in the ash. Whatever he'd slipped on shot out from under the sole of his boot, bouncing and glinting into a bush. Weird. Seemed like nothing around this place should be shiny enough to glint.

He approached slowly, crouched, and squinted at the 9mm brass casing pinched between his thumb and forefinger. In the corner of his eye, something of a similar size and color glinted, and slowly, he followed a trail of casings back to the house.

What in the hell?

Bo bent to pick them up, but one was stuck in the remnants of a mud puddle, and nearby ... no fucking way. He dug a finger into the dirt and retrieved a flattened 12 gauge casing.

Two firearms at the scene, a handgun and a shotgun. One explosion. Had the crazy sons of bitches shot each other in some meth-fueled frenzy? It would explain how Bird had survived: if she'd run away from the gunshots, she could have been a decent distance away when the place blew sky-high.

Bo turned the shell casing over and over between his fingers and said softly, "Pchhhewww."

Oh, chickie...

Abruptly, an unsettling feeling gnawed at the center of his back—a feeling he wasn't too accustomed to, seeing as how he was usually the hunter and not the hunted. Was someone watching him?

He looked over both shoulders, turned around, scanned the treeline ... but as far as he could tell, he was the only human soul for a mile—and to be fair, the state of his immortal soul was pretty up in the air anyway.

It was just this place getting to him, he decided quickly. Too isolated and too quiet, with all this death and destruction around...

Ain't that hypocritical? Bo chuckled, shook his head, and left the ruins behind.

***

As soon as Olympia could be sure the man was gone, she emerged from the trees.

Her heart was beating so hard and fast, it was a wonder he hadn't heard it and noticed her. There had been a couple close calls there; she'd been so damn scared he was about to spot her at any second, darting between the trees, and then who knew what he'd do? If he was crazy enough to kidnap a little baby girl...

When she'd seen the truck driving through Edward and recognized him in the passenger seat, she almost couldn't believe it. That wasn't the Chevy she remembered, but there was no way she'd forget that man's face. No way in hell. Lucky she'd been out back on her break to catch him, but her manager hadn't exactly been thrilled when she'd abandoned her shift to follow him in her mom's beat-up SUV. If there was anyone in this town to replace her, she was sure she'd have been fired.

But honestly, even if she was, she couldn't bring herself to care. This was more important.

Carefully, she made her way closer to the burnt-down trailer, in awe of it. Why had he come here? More importantly, why had he brought the girl? Olympia hadn't gotten a good look at her, but she'd been able to hear her freaking out, poor thing.

At least the girl was still alive. It felt terrible to acknowledge, but that was a blessing.

Maybe this was where the kid had come from, Olympia thought, crouching to examine an overturned swing set. In that case, was the man trying to return her to her parents? It seemed highly unlikely after keeping her for, what, two weeks? Two weeks where Olympia had been totally unable to sleep, haunted by the man and girl who seemed to have disappeared without a trace. No ... she didn't trust him.

But what had happened here? The man had looked as confused as she felt, sifting through the rubble for clues.

Was that possible? Was it possible that he wasn't the bad guy but someone who was trying to help ... someone trying to put the puzzle pieces together just like she was?

...No. She didn't trust him.

"Morning."

That word, spoken in a pleasant Midwestern voice, hit her like a ton of bricks, shocking from her a shriek that echoed against the tree trunks surrounding the clearing. She turned to the stranger, at the same time shooting toward the treeline in a bid to escape—but she stopped when she saw his face.

She had no idea who this man was. He was a decade older than her, but he was handsome, with a shaved head, bright brown eyes, and a bemused smile. "Miss? I'm sorry ... didn't mean to sneak up on you like that. I thought for sure you heard me coming up behind."

Olympia raised her hands to her flushed cheeks, and though she didn't let her guard down just yet, she mustered a smile. "Oh, shoot, I— I thought you were someone else. You scared the bejeezus outta me..."

"Sorry," he said again. He extended his hand to shake, but he didn't come any closer, which she appreciated. "I'm Brice. Brice Starky."

"Olympia." She looked him up and down, noting his muscular frame, practical clothing, and the shotgun holstered at his back. "What are you doin', creepin' around here?"

Brice laughed good-naturedly, adjusting the wrap-around sunglasses resting on his forehead. "This is my property, so.... Me and my wife, we just bought a couple acres out here. Yup, she's from Baton Rouge originally, so she's always wanted to move back here."

"Oh," Olympia said, taking her hands from her pockets. "I'm so sorry, sir, I had no idea this was private property."

"It's alright. Not like there's much out here yet, besides this." He gestured to the ruins in front of them. "But, ah, the police are still investigating, and there's probably broken glass and stuff around, so I would stay out of the area if I were you. Wouldn't want you to get hurt, right? Then I'd be liable," he added with a laugh.

She giggled nervously in return. "Yeah, guess not..."

"What are you doing out here anyway?"

Olympia fought with herself briefly. Maybe she should tell someone, though no one had cared to listen to her theory about the kidnapper so far. Still, this guy was the property owner, so surely he'd be able to help in some way. Maybe he even knew who the little girl belonged to.

She intended to tell the truth. She swore she did. But for some reason, when she opened her mouth, she could only bring herself to say, "I was ... I was looking for someone." When Brice cocked a brow, she pivoted: "I-I mean, I thought I saw someone. I was drivin' down the 445 and I thought I saw a little girl wandering into the trees, so ... I decided to drive down the road and take a look."

Brice's eyes lit up. "A little girl? No kidding."

"Yeah..." She knew she should tell him more, but instead she said, "I thought maybe she was lost or somethin'."

"Did you see what she looked like?"

Of course, Olympia knew exactly what the girl looked like. She saw her face every time she closed her eyes. "Not ... not really. I, uh, I think she had brown hair."

Brice shifted and grabbed a small notebook and pen from the inner pocket of his jacket, jotting something down quickly. "If you see the girl again, can you call me?" he asked, offering a torn scrap of paper to her. "Or if you think of anything else you remember. Can you do that, Olympia?"

She scanned the phone number scrawled across the paper, then peered up at him. "Why? Are you related to her or somethin'?"

"Yes."

He didn't elaborate.

Olympia gnawed on her bottom lip, reading the number again and again. After a long paused, she dared, "You're not workin' with that other guy, are you?"

"What other guy?" Brice asked a little too eagerly.

His tone convinced her in her gut that he didn't know about the blue-eyed kidnapper ... but she didn't care for it, either.

"Nothing. Never mind." Olympia folded the scrap of paper and tucked it in her pocket, pasting a customer service smile on her face. "I'll call you the second I think of anything else, Mr. Starky."

#bo sinclair #vincent sinclair #lester sinclair #house of wax 2005 #sinclair brothers #how 2005 #slasher community #slasher fic #slasher fandom #bird sinclair #written #bo sinclair imagine

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amberfaber40 · 1 year

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The Best Meals in a Jar Recipes

DIY Instant Rice

48 Ultralight Backpacking Recipe Ideas for Your Next Adventure | Backcountry Foodie

It's crunch time for the Foodie! T-minus 37 days until go time. In this post, I share quick tips for speeding up the meal prep process.

17 Simple Backpacking Meal Recipes with 4 Ingredients or Less

A full list of 17 simple backpacking meal recipes. Fast and easy meals requiring only 4 ingredients or less. Some non-cook meals, others just need to add hot water. You can find most ingredients at your average grocery store on the Appalachian Trail. Feel free to mix and match any ingredients and flavors as well.

What to eat when on a thru hike!

Backpacking Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

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Backpacking Food Ideas | Tasty, easy, and lightweight!

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A Week of Lightweight, Nutritious Backpacking Food

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Backpacking Food Ideas: The Complete Guide on How to Plan Hiking Meals

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Meal planning can make or break a backpacking trip. Here are the best backpacking meals, broken down by stove type, to ensure you eat well.

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We’ve all been there, wandering through the dehydrated meal aisle in an outdoors store searching for something we’d actually want to eat on the trail. Why not try dehydrating your own backpacking meals? It might

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Learn how to make your own backpacking meals with these great recipes!

Alabama Style BBQ Spaghetti – Backpacking Meal or Tonight's Dinner

I'm getting ready guys. I'm just waiting for the weather to ease up a bit (it was 92 here yesterday and hot as the devil's balls), so I can head out in the woods for a week. While I'm waiting, I'm getting my food situation together. Nothing against store bought dehydrated meals. I'm a big fan of Heather's Choice for her delicious, nutritious meals. I love PackitGourmet - the chicken and dumplings and gumbo are seriously delicious. I'll even throw in a Mountain House meal every now and then. But it gets old. And unless it's Heather's Choice, after a few

Backpacking Fried Rice

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11 One Pot Backpacking Meals to Make Trailside Cooking Easy

Planning your next backpacking trip? You need these EASY and delicious one pot backpacking meals ideas! These recipes are easy to prep and clean up.

Meals in Jar recipes are the perfect way to use your dehydrated foods, along with pantry staples, to create long-term food storage meals for your family. They also make great kits for easy meals for those weeknights when you don't have time to prep.Those nights when you are on a tight schedule from kids' school activities or you've had a really rough day are the nights when you tend to reach for the phone for take-out pizza or a drive-thru.Like creating freezer meals, meals in a jar are handy prepared meals you have in your pantry that can be thrown into a pot of water to cook, and save you a ton of time from meal prep.Benefits of Meals in a JarQuick easy meals that are ready for camping or busy weeknight meals. Easy way to store meals for long-term food storage without the need to constantly prep a meal. Create 'instant' meals to your tastes and nutritional levels and philosophies. Many of the instant meals from long-term food storage companies are high in salt and carbs - you can adjust any of these to meet your needs. Make use of your long-term food storage. Whether you've invested in freeze-dried products, or dehydrate your own, or stock dry goods, you can put them to use in ready-made meals. Perfect for emergencies. Whether natural disasters, power outages, earthquakes, or personal situations where health situations prohibit you from meal prep, these meals require less water and energy to prepare as opposed to many traditional recipes. Help friends and family. Give the gift of food storage to those who may be in need. Elderly friends and relatives who can't prep foods, those suffering from illnesses, neighbors in need, new and expectant parents, and families suffering loss are all prime examples of those who may need quick meals that need little prepping for comfort and nutrition. If you would like an ad-free, e-version of this post to keep on your desktop, phone, tablet, etc., you can purchase it in my shop.Best Meals in a Jar RecipesFor these recipes, we're going to be sticking to meals in a jar and side accompaniments that are primarily self-contained. There will be a few that need a couple of extra ingredients to finish.We will be staying away from meals in a jar that require a ton of dairy or other fresh ingredients that cannot be replicated with freeze-dried or dehydrated alternatives. We'll also stay away from dessert or salad in a jar things that should stay fresh.We also want to keep these mixes shelf-stable for long-term as much as possible, so things like granola won't be included.My hope is to give you viable, good, shelf-stable options for meals in a jar recipes at every one of these vetted links to help you build your pantry with long-term pantry storage.TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTION:Many of these recipes may contain products that are from a specific freeze-dried company. You do not have to use that ingredient from that company. You can use your own dehydrated foods, or a freeze-dried company of your choice. Quantities are equal, but some dehydrated foods take up more volume or space. But quantities aren't written in stone. You can change the mixes up easily to your preference. Give yourself a little extra time in rehydrating/cooking when using dehydrated vs freeze dried. It may take a little longer. Use a thermos to rehydrate/cook in if you are on the go If you need a truly instant-meal, precook all of your ingredients before dehydrating. LEARN MORE: 200+ Dehydrating RecipesWhile I do promote both Augason Farms and Thrive Life Foods, there are quite a few other companies that do sell freeze-dried foods that you can use if you don't want to use your own dehydrated or freeze-dried foods you make.Also, some of these jars will make enough to fill a quart sized mason jar. Some will be enough to fill a pint or pint and a half-sized jar. The latter can be doubled or tripled to go into a larger jar if desired. The smaller recipes are great for backpacking or individual meal sizes.For some of the recipes, you may have to scroll down the page to get to it.Breakfast Meals in a JarBreakfast OmeletCamper's Eggy DelightCaryn's Cheesy Sausage FritattaCherry Chocolate PancakesCinnamon PancakesCranberry Buttermilk Pancake MixHashbrowns and EggsHearty Pancake MixOatmealSweet and Savory CrepesMain Course Meals in a JarABC Sloppy JoesBaked ZitiBeans and Rice CasseroleBeefy Philly CheesesteakBeefy Spanish RiceBurrito Bowl Meal in a JarCheesy Sloppy Joe HotdishChicken AlfredoChicken and RiceChicken Broccoli CheeseChicken Broccoli Stir FryChicken ChiliChicken Noodle Skillet MealChicken Salad in a JarChiliChili MacCous Cous with Chicken and Vegetables (serves 1 - pint jar)Creamy Chicken Veggie CasseroleCreamy Tomato Pasta PrimaveraCurry Rice with Chicken and Cashews (for long-term storage, omit cashews or add at the last minute since nuts are best stored in the freezer for long-term) (serves 1 - pint jar)Double Cheeseburger Sauce MixFiesta Rice with Corn (serves 1 - pint jar)Francesca's Unstuffed PeppersHamburger StewHawaiin Style Teriyaki BeefHearty Beef and Bean ChiliHearty ChiliInstant Chicken SaladJambalayaKansas City Chicken BBQKicked Up Mac n CheeseMac and CheesePotato Cheese Sausage CasseroleQuicheRosemary Chicken and RiceSausage FrittataSausage LasagnaSloppy JoesSpaghetti Sauce with MeatStroganoff SkilletStuffed Chicken and GravyTaco Beef and Cheese Thai Chicken in Spicy Peanut SauceThree Bean ChiliTurkey Noodle CasseroleSoup Meals in a JarAsparagus SoupBean SoupBeef Barley SoupBeefy Bean SoupBeef StewBeef and Bean StewBeef and Zucchini QuicheBuffalo Chicken and RiceCaryn's Chicken Noodle SoupChicken and Rice SoupChicken Noodle Soup in a Jar (add freeze-dried chicken to make a complete shelf-stable meal)Chipotle Corn ChowderCream Soup MixCreamy Tomato SoupCreamy Wild Rice Mushroom SoupCurried Lentil SoupFriendship SoupGood Luck SoupHam Sausage and Bean SoupInstant Cheese Soup Instant Creamy Asparagus SoupItalian Wedding SoupLentil and Rice SoupLoaded Baked Potato Soup (recipe is in the description box of the video)Love SoupMinestrone Soup Nancy's Chicken Noodle SoupNoodle Soup in a JarPainted Desert Chili in a JarPalouse SoupPotato Sausage SoupPotato SoupPrairie Garden Vegetable SoupSoup StartersSplit Pea SoupTaco Soup Texas Two-Step SoupTortilla SoupTurkey and StuffingVegetable Quinoa Soup with LentilsZombie Soup MixThe following recipe for Sauce or Soup mix is used with permission from the Utah State University Extension List. Typically it is against copyright laws to take someone else's recipe and share it in full like this, but they have given permission to publish widely. To see more uses for this recipe, alternatives, etc., you can find the information in this handy guide.Anything Cream Soup Mix:Ingredients2 cups powdered non-fat dry milk ¾ cup cornstarch (I prefer to use arrowroot powder) ¼ cup instant chicken bouillon (regular or low sodium) 2 tablespoon dried onion flakes 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) DirectionsCombine all ingredients, mixing well. Store in an airtight container for a year+ YieldEqual to 9 (10.5 oz) cans of cream soup.To substitute for 1 can of cream soupCombine ⅓ cup of dry mix with 1 ¼ cups of cold water. Whisk untilwell blended. Cook and stir on stove top or in microwave until thickened. Add thickened mixture to casseroles as you would a can of soup. (This is used with permission from the USU Extension office) Sides in a JarCurried Rice MixCranberry Orange RiceCreamy Herbed Rice MixHerbed Rice MixLemon Dill RiceMac and Cheese (add a little freeze-dried beef or sausage and taco seasoning, and you've got a cheesy chili mac)Pot Roast Gravy over Mashed PotatoesRefried Beans (this is basically just dehydrated refried beans, but when all you have to do is add water, it makes a quick and easy side or protein replacement!)Chicken Flavored Rice MixScalloped Potatoes Spanish RiceYellow Rice MixMeals in a Jar Recipe BooksThere are so many free meals in a jar recipes all over the internet apart from the ones listed above. But I know it's so convenient to have something handy to have that isn't attached to your computer or tablet!So here are some recommended recipe books for making your own meals in a jar for your long-term storage.Meals in a Jar: Quick and easy, Just-Add-Water, Homemade Recipes by Julie Languille The Meals in a Jar Handbook: Gourmet Food Storage Made Easy by Stephanie Petersen Dinner is in the Jar: Quick and Easy Dinner Mixes in Mason Jars or Mylar Bags by Kathy Clark Quick and Easy Dehydrated Meals in a Bag by Tammy Gangloff (of The Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook fame, which also has some meals in a bag options.) Ultimate Dehydrator Cookbook by Tammy Gangloff Not only is this a great technique book on how to dehdyrate those products that can build your meals in a jar, she includes a lot of "just add water" meals, too! Do It Yourself Prep N Store by Janice Paveglio Gunther (I have not read this one or cooked from it, but I looked through the beginning information that was available and it looked like she had solid information) Look to Backpacking Recipe books for other meals that you can also put into your storage. They may not be 'in the jar' and are usually geared more towards single or double serving meals in a bag, but they can be used easily translated to your family serving size.A caveat to these kinds of recipes is that they may often use oils/fats while cooking and meats. For long-term storage, omit the oils and fats (they aren't usually needed), and look to freeze-dried meats for more optimal storage.The Dehydrator Cookbook for Outdoor Adventurers: Healthy, Delicious Recipes for Backpacking and Beyond by Julie Mosier Recipes for Adventure: Healthy, Hearty and Homemade Backpacking Recipes by Chef Glenn McAllister Cooking a Meal in a Jar in a Solar Oven Cook your "Meal in a Thermos" while you hike How to Store Meals in a JarYou can store meals in a jar mixes in variety of ways:Canning jars (also known as mason jars) Any airtight container - spaghetti jars, queso jars, or other glass containers that are airtight. Hard sided plastic containers (not the more pliable) will also work Mylar bags - these are reusable and great for camping and can be sealed with a simple heat seal with an iron or vacuum sealer, or vacuum sealed with an O2 absorber Vacuum-sealed plastic storage bags as is used with many vacuum sealers Zip-top bags for short-term storage (less than a week). LEARN MORE: Quick Guide to Vacuum SealingMeals in a jar recipes will last easily last a year or two, and you may get even longer - 5+ years, but the quality and texture may begin to decline at that point.Certain foods like tomatoes don't have as long of a shelf-life as other foods, and meats are better used freeze-dried than dehydrated for longer shelf-life goals.Proper storage is also necessary. Cool, dark, dry places are best for storage. If you have proteins, storing them in the freezer is optimal, and they can be pulled out at any time for a backpacking/hiking trip with no issues.Using Oxygen AbsorbersThese can be used in your jars to help control the shelf life of your meal in a jar recipe. They are not necessary but can be helpful. You can learn all about how they work and if you really need them (you really don't) with this handy guide on storing dehydrated foodsHelpful Tips for Creating Meals in a JarUse Instant Rice or Instant Beans. For those ingredients that take longer to prepare, using dehydrated rice or dehydrated beans can cut your time down. Mark your packages: Mark your bags or attach a recipe sheet to your jars. Having the correct directions on how to prepare or what more needs to be added. Mylar can be written on with sharpie markers. You can write on the lid of a jar, tape a recipe card to the outside, etc. Never assume you'll remember! Interchange recipes. You'll often find recipes online that are built from freeze-dried foods only. While a little adjustment in the time to rehydrate may be different, you can easily replace freeze-dried with dehydrated foods. Using dehydrated foods - consider cooking your vegetables fully then dehydrating to make the end product a little quicker to reconstitute. Preparing Meals in a Jar RecipesUsually simmering in enough water to replace the original water is enough, though I suggest a little extra to make up for loss in simmering and the extra sometimes needed to rehydrate. But follow the above recipe suggestions for best results as all will vary.Tools for rehydrating meals in a jarSaucepans Fondue pots -surprisingly, these are excellent in emergency situations as they require nothing but a candle or other fuel source that is easy to store, and can be used to simmer smaller meal portions during power outages. Look for older non-electric fondue pots in thrift stores for less expensive options. Thermoses Other Helpful Resources for Meals in a Jar RecipesRainy Day Food StorageTips to convert recipes:Many recipes you already cooked can be made into a meal in a jar recipe. Some helpful tips to covert recipes you already love are:Stock: Replace 1 quart of stock with 1 ½ tablespoons bouillion. Then use 1 quart water to make soup Vegetables: Use ⅓ cup of dehydrated or freeze dried vegetables to replace 1 cup of fresh. Remember that dehydrated vegetables may need a little extra time to rehydrate and cook, so meals that allow simmering work best. Milk: Use ⅓ cup milk powder to replace 1 cup milk (and ⅔ cup water) Ground Beef: 2 Cups freeze-dried ground beef for 1 pound of beef Chicken: 2 ½ Cups freeze-dried chicken for 1 pound of beef Meals in a Jar Frequently Asked Questions:How long do meals in a jar last?Typically, most meals in a jar will last a year to three years by the safest standards of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.However, using the proper storage standards listed above, you may get 5 or more years out of them. Just remember, things like tomatoes have a shorter long-term life and may begin to degrade a little faster than the rest of your dehydrated goods, so be sure to rotate often!Meats should also be freeze-dried as opposed to dehydrated for best storage results.Can I use freeze-dried foods?Yes! In fact, I recommend using freeze-dried meats for all of my long-term storage of dried foods. They are prepared in a different way than dehydrating and can be shelf-stable for up to 25 years (unopened) and then longer than typical dehydrated meats on the shelf opened.My favorite places to purchase freeze-dried foods are Thrive Life and Augason Farms, depending on who is running the better sale.However, if you are concerned about storing meats long-term from a dehydrated or already opened, freeze-dried state, you can always keep your meat in the freezer and just add it as you put the meal on the stovetop to cook.Can I replace freeze-dried with dehydrated food?Yes, they are usually interchangeable in any meal. Just remember dehydrated foods may take a little longer to reconstitute. And if they were not dehydrated from a fully cooked state, they will also need time to cook.Can I store salads in a jar on the shelf?Unfortunately, salads in a jar type recipes are still meant for safe refrigerated storage but can help extend the life of your greens when vacuum sealed. They are not safe for shelf-stable storage, which is why they are not included in this list.Do I have to use a mason jar to store meals in a jar recipes?Use mylar bags with or without oxygen absorbers, food storage bags, airtight containers, and commercial glass jars with airtight seals. Zip top bags are to be used for very short-term storage only (think a week or so).Can I do any meal and put into a jar?Unfortunately, just any meal doesn't dry and qualify for shelf-stable meal in a jar storage. Many foods are high in fats/oils, or aren't considered shelf-stable.So while you can do a bulk load of spaghetti sauce and noodles with meat, drying it once cooked is easy, but the meat may not be shelf-stable because of the fat content, and any oil used in the sauce can also create an issue.This is why freeze-dried proteins and non-fat dairy are suggested for storage.However, these meals would be fine for short-term backcountry/hiking meals, or can be stored in the freezer until needed.Do items need to be kept separate?With some mixes, the soups need different cooking times. A vegetable quinoa soup might need the quinoa cooked separately. Or in the case of a mac and cheese meal, the sauce components are bagged separately, then inserted into the top of the jar. Each recipe should notate if this might be necessary.Can I make my own freeze-dried foods?Yes! You can freeze-dry single ingredients or whole meals using a freeze-dryer. They usually have a longer shelf-life than dehydrated foods making your meals in a jar last much longer.The Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is the premiere home freeze-dryer on the market (much like Excalibur was 15 years ago). It is an investment, but for those serious about long-term food storage and control of your own food, it might be an investment worth making rather than purchasing from various companies.Conclusion:There are so many resources for meals in a jar on the internet. Some are great for long-term storage, and some are made more for the effect of storing in a jar but might be better used for short-term gift giving.Either way - play, explore, make up your own recipes! You'll love the benefit of having shelf-stable meals ready for your family for easy meals, emergency meals, and opportunities to serve other people who may be in need of a hot meal that you can help them store.Do you have a favorite you'd love to share with us?▢ 2 ½ cups quick cook elbow macaroni ▢ ½ cup freeze dried protein (beef crumbles, sausage or diced chicken) ▢ ⅔ cup cheese powder ▢ 3 tablespoons instant non-fat dry milk ▢ ¼ cup taco seasoning mix ▢ 1.5 tablespoons butter powder ▢ ½ teaspoon salt ▢ ¼ teaspoon white pepper ▢ ½ cup vegetable powder (optional) ▢ 2 ½ cups water Use only 2 cups if omitting vegetable powder ▢ 3 cups water Store Place pasta and protein into the bottom of a quart jar or mylar bag Place dry ingredients into a zip top bag and place on top of pasta mix Close the jar or bag as desired (vacuum seal, use an O2 absorber or simply close) Store for 2 years easily, up to 5 years in most cases Vacuum seal or use an O2 absorber for best results See Notes To Prepare Heat 3 cups of water to rehydrate the pasta and protein. Allow pasta to soak while preparing the sauce Add 2.5 cups of water to dry ingredients Mix thoroughly and allow to sit an rehydrate while pasta rehydrates Mix with pasta and serve. Notes: If using regular pasta, cook it first (you can rehydrate the protein in the same water), drain, then go into the next steps. You can use some of that pasta water to mix the dry ingredients to form your sauce. For ease, you can cook all the ingredients together. The sauce may clump and it may take more time to mix together, but given time, the ingredients will mix properly. Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to two years in a dark, cool, dry place.Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 1034mg | Potassium: 433mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 1802IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2mgNutritional information is an estimation only. Nutrient information for dehydrated foods is based on fresh. Use ¼ of the servicing size for the same nutrient information. Thus 1 Cup of fresh fruit has the same sugars as ¼ dried. Tried this recipe?Mention @thepurposefulpantry or tag #thepurposefulpantry!©ThePurposefulPantry. Photographs and content are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe's link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

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bo-bo-bean · 2 years

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Boiling Love

Stiff… Musty… Heavy… There were the ingredients chosen to create the most dreadful day. But Mother Nature accidentally added an extra ingredient to the concoction; sweaty boyfriends.

“Auugh!” Vincent waddled in with no fight for a pout. Felix looked up from his game, gleaming from sweat. The prep didn’t realize he was dating a vampire, glowing in the sun and being pal, wearing a black tank and grey sweatpants.

He plopped onto the couch, taking off his wrapped pink jacket around his neck, revealing a white t-shirt with a stunning pink sunset on it. He also had pink cargo shorts, knee high white socks and pink converses, which he thrown to the wall from his feet as if they were nothing but bugs. “I thought the meeting would never end…”

“Another council meeting?” Felix wondered, pausing his game to listen to his boyfriend’s rant.

“You have no idea,” he huffed, turning to face the TV. “Ms. Fillmore wouldn’t stop talking about smallest things! The trash can being inconvinient for her own sake and how study periods were too loud without the whispering rules.”

“Thank god I’m not in her class,” Felix did his best to offer any acknowledgement that he was listening.

“You don’t even go to class!”

His mid pout was interrupted by Kevin coming in, puffing and wiping his forehead. His white tank top was now grey from his body sweat, wearing yellow shorts and his favorite sneakers, which were more worn than life itself. Adrian followed behind him, whining.

“Huwaaahhh~!” Adrian sighed out, going to the table and giving out a breath of satisfaction to the cool wood. However, he didn’t object much to the hot weather; afterall, Kevin’s abs were clearly traced by his wet shirt.

“Aww, was it too hot, dumpling?” Felix asked, getting up and going to the fridge. He took out a cold can of What a Lime Time soda, offering it to the tired nerd. He took one look at the precipitation dripping from the can as it was transferred to a whole different environment before grabbing it and greedily popping open the tab to guzz it down. “S-slow down, don’t choke!”

After a few monsterous gulps, the pastel boy sighed out again with a smile.

“Thank yooouuu!” he happily held Felix’s hands. Felix only blushed, but chuckled nonetheless as his boyfriend’s cute appreciation.

“Anything, red bean,” he tassled Adrian’s pastel green and yellow hair. “Maybe that outfit though wasn’t the best to wear for warm weather.”

Adrian sheepishly looked at his own attire, wearing a large oversized yellow hoodie covered in bunnies and strawberries, green short shorts, knee high yello socks and admittedly adorable green flats.

“Ahaha… M-maybe….!”

“Hey can I have a can?” Kevin interrupted the little chat. Felix nodded and got two cans out; Blasting Berry Power and Banana Strawberry Twist. After everyone had their collective sodas and sighs, Kevin decided to start the conversation. “Does anyone have anything planned tonight?”

“Thank GOD no…!” Vincent scoffed.

“Nu uh, I don’t think so,” Adrian shook his head in thought.

“Other than video games, nothing,” Felix offered a shrug.

“Well great!” Kevin clapped his hands. “Stay dressed then, ‘cause I’m thinking we could go for some ice cream!”

A series of gasps and sparkling eyes told Kevin all he needed.

“Ugh, wait I have to change!” Vincent pouted.

“My sweat ruined this blazer!”

“Aww no!” Adrian gasped.

“Ruined?” Felix laughed a little, holding Vincent’s chin up. “You give that shirt the name blaxer by just wearing it…~”

“A-ah n-no don’t…!” The blonde looked away, covering his face, which was already five different shades of red. “Why do you always have to embarrass me!?”

“Cause I’m your boyfriend? It’s my job?” Felix offered as an answer.

“Now now, let’s all start heading out and not get anymore heated…!”

And so, they were all outside, Vincent’s outfit changed despite any protests and he did convince Felix to get out of his pajamas. Vincent was now sporting a strawberry low v cut top tucked into a pair of high waist shorts with three golden buttons on the front, low white socks and his best pink shoes, also showing off a pair of pink sunglasses.

Felix was forced to wear a zip up black tank, dark purple leggings, and high buckled black boots. They got to a quaint ice cream shop, Adrian already obsessing about the decorations of cones and sprinkles.

“It’s so cute!” he tittered, glancing at everything. Inside, the cool air already put the gang at ease. Going up to the counter, they all looked at the menu.

“Oooh taikayi please!” the pastel nerd bounced up and down. “With strawberry ice cream!”

“Mm… Black berry milkshake with cherry,” Felix decided.

“Peanut butter and caramel mini sundae!” Kevin announced.

“Gimmie the Golden Leaf Chocolate Blast,” Vincent offered some bills. With the orders taken, they waited by a table near a window. “I hate the hot weather…” Vincent complained. “It’s hot and icky and gross and hot…!”

“I know, Butterbean,” Kevin pat his head. “Ice cream will make it all better, though.”

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, they finally got their ice creams, admiring them.

“So kawaiiiiii!” Adrian gasped. His taiyaki was a pink fish waffle cone with a pink and white swirl of ice cream, pink pocky, strawberry slices, white pearl sprinkles and it was oozing cherry glaze from the lips of the fish.

“Oh wow…!” Kevin mustered out, eager to dig in. The cup the ice cream was in was a blue cup with an ice cream logo on the front. Then inside was a yellow tan ice cream piled perfectly. On top was a swirl of generous caramel, salt, chocolate chunks embedded in the frozen treat, amd a cherry on top of a mini mountain of whipped cream with a blue spoon resting on the edge.

“Aaah perfect,” Felix said before taking his sip. A malt cup with a purple liquid with black specks and small red dots inside, indicating cherries. Whipped cream piled on top, another cherry, two blackberries on each side, a chocolate dipped wafer and an optional spoon next to the obvious choice of a straw, both baby blue.

“Oooh, I’ll say~!” Vincent applauded his frozen treat as if it did a trick for him. A large chocolate dipped waffle cone with deep rich chocolate scoops inside and a baked cookie resting to the side with two chocolate pocky. Then there were brownie pieces on the bed of creamy goodness along with a dark chocolate syrup and little pieces of edible gold leaf.

“Wait wait!” Adrian stopped them. “Let’s take a picture? Psweaase…?”

How could they object to that face? They posed for the photo, hunched in as Adrian took the picture, pleased with how it looked. When it was all said and done, they dug in happily.

Laughs were shared as Adrian’s face was covered with ice cream, not objecting to Felix cleaning his face. Vincent would pout how he’s not getting ‘face pats’, and Felix would wipe his clean face as well. Kevin boasted how basketball was won by one point from his team and although it wasn’t his play, it was one he admired and aspire to achieve. His boyfriends offered unconditional support for that. After a few more flirts, they finished up and got home when the sun set down, almost smiling as big as they all were. They had to do this again tomorrow.

#boyfriends webtoon #boyfriends felix #boyfriends adrian #boyfriends kevin #boyfriends vincent #refrainbow #poly relationship #polyamourous #fluff

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keilemlucent · 4 years

Text

boneless wings

(T!)

word count: ~1.6k

You’re feeling shitty and Keigo is more than willing to help you out.

just a short little thing. just tooth rotting fluff, soft keigo, very sweet, nice. nesting fic with avian hawks. enjoy a soft, feel good piece.

enjoy a feel good piece y’all ;^)

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Sometimes, you just have shitty days. It’s just a fact of living and breathing, somedays just fucking suck and it’s just how it is. You knew this. You were well aware.

And, you were having one.

The weird, gluey feeling in your chest didn’t go away, no matter what you did. You tried the kitschy self-care that those online magazines recommended. Yoga, face masks, drinking fucking water—

None of it worked, so you gave up, opting to nest in your living room. You padded it with pillows, blankets, and a few plushies. You didn’t much feel like eating, mouth dry despite the extra water you had chugged in desperation.

You resigned yourself to riding out your nastiness, ambiently watching TV with half-lidded eyes. The constant pattering of drizzling rain relaxed you, but the gray sky it brought with it was hardly welcome.

Your phone rang in the early evening, pulling you from your stupor.

You answered without checking the caller ID, “Hello?”

“Angel!” Keigo’s voice was like sunshine through the phone. “Have you eaten? I found a great street vendor that I want to take you to. You down?”

You sighed into the receiving, nestling in your blankets. You weren’t up for much moving.

“I’m sorry, Kei’,” You hated how weak your voice sounded. “I’m not feeling so hot. I think I’m staying in for the day.”

You could hear his frown through the phone, “Aww, babe! Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll bring you some soup! Maybe dumplings, if you’re feeling that.”

“No, love, it’s not that kind of sick,” You rubbed at your eyes.

Keigo had made it very clear early in your relationship that for all of the hoops and secrecy you had to jump through for him, he wanted to be more than there for you. He was insanely nice and supportive if you let him.

Especially on your shitty days, you struggled to tell him how rotten you were feeling.

“Dove,” His voice was so sweet from the phone, worming its way through your depressive haze. “You want me to come over? Snuggle you a little, order in some food you like? You know I’m here for you, (Y/N).”

You swallowed, rubbing at the wetness around your waterline, “I don’t wanna trouble you, ‘Kei, you know that.”

“Now I gotta come over, Dove. You’re never trouble. Guess I gotta show you.”

“Keigo—”

He hung up before you could argue.

Though, you did receive a text shortly after.

[heart eyes chicken wing]: i’ll be over in 30, okay?

[heart eyes chicken wing]: i’m gonna kiss u so much

[heart eyes chicken wing]: you want me to stay over? i’m the big spoon 4 u ALL NIGHT!!

[heart eyes chicken wing]: i love u so much dove!!!

You swallowed, rubbing at your tears. Sure, Keigo was a bit overbearing. He was actually pretty new to the whole ‘dating’ thing, but he really tried. And on your shitty days, it did feel better to have someone close.

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Keigo arrived a half an hour later, knocking on your balcony door.

You hauled yourself from your nest, quickly dodging to the bathroom to grab him a towel for his wings.

Padding to the door, you unlocked and slid it open, stepping aside for Keigo and only looking at the ground. You handed the towel to which he thanked you promptly. There was a bag in his hand that was dropped to the ground, a bit damp from the mist outside.

Standing next to him, you felt a little pathetic, to say the least. Standing in front of him in nothing but sweats and an oversized sweater, eyes scratchy with old tears, and a mess of unattended hair.

“Oh, baby,” Keigo’s voice was so empathetically sad, it made your own chest ache.

You finally looked up, just as Keigo cupped your face, leaning down the slightest bit to pepper your face with kisses.

“H-hey, stop that,” You stuttered, unable to stop the fluttery feeling cracking in your chest, a little ray of warmth through the rot. “You’re too nice.”

“Nope,” Keigo dropped a kiss on the tip of your nose, pulling him into you by your waist to hug you as tightly as he could. “I’m not nice enough. You deserve the world, you know.”

“So you tell me,” You mumble against his chest, locking your arms around his neck and settling against his neck for a moment.

Keigo let you rest against him, a birdlike cooing vibrating cutely from the back of his throat as he rubbed your lower back with his thumbs.

“Thanks for coming by, Kei’. I love you,” It was in a small voice, but it was something.

“I love you too.” Keigo nuzzled into the side of your head, pressing a wet kiss to your temple. “And, of course. Anytime. Also, I brought you a little treat.”

You pulled away a little, just to eye the bag he’d dropped when he’d arrived, “Dinner?”

“Hmmm, no, but we’ll get that too,” Keigo left the embrace, but slipped your palms together. “I thought it might be nice for your bad days. It’s kind of heavy, though.”

You cocked your head to the side as he passed you the bag, topped with pastel tissue paper. Pulling it away, your eyebrows rose.

Inside, was a blanket, heavy in the bag.

“It’s a weighted blanket! Rumi was talking about how helpful they are for Fuyumi when she gets anxious, and I figured it might help you too,” Keigo beamed at you as you looked in the bag.

You were very fragile that day, and small kindnesses hit a little harder than you wanted to admit.

Your arms wrapped around his neck again, blanket dropped to the ground as you hid your damp face in Keigo’s neck.

“Thank you,” You pressed into his neck as he rubbed at your sides. “A lot.”

He squeezed you, smothering your messy hair with kiss after kiss, “Of course, dove. Anything to help you out. Now, dinner? Anything. You name it.”

...

Keigo ordered in your favorite comfort food, more than happy to make the phone call to the place for delivery.

The moment he hung up, he was eyeing your ‘nest’ on the floor.

“Uh, babe, what’s all that?” He jerked his head towards the mass on the floor.

The embarrassment in your gut stung, “It’s... I guess a nest... It’s kind of dumb, I’m sorry.”

“Hey, silly,” Keigo was on you in an instant, kissing your forehead and dragging you into him. “Don’t apologize. One, it looks comfy as hell. Two, I’m bird adjacent, and the idea of you making a nest that I can now snuggle with you in makes me like, cuddle horny.”

You snorted a laugh out, the filthy feeling your gut dulling, “Nesting turns you on?”

“Like, in a cute way,” Keigo smiled down with his honeyed eyes. He dragged you over to the nest, falling into the piles of blankets and pillows. “Like, I want to wrap you up in my wings and kiss you until you fall asleep, kind of horny.”

“Ohhh, I see,” You smirk down as he cutely adjusted the softness around his feathers, a cluster of the downy ones from the base of his wings falling around the nest. “What are those doing?”

“Gotta claim it, bird stuff,” He huffed while papping his hands on a pillow. “Get down here, dove. This nest isn’t complete without you in it, you know.”

It was a little silly, Keigo’s avian doings, but it was also very endearing to see him like this. Both he and you were being particularly vulnerable, and though you felt pretty raw, it also felt nice. Very nice.

“Oh, wait!” Keigo piped up as you fell to your knees on a soft comforter.

One of his feathers shot off, then three more, bringing the new, weighted blanket over to you and Keigo’s nest. It fell into your lap.

You carefully unfurled it as Keigo idly told you about his day, knowing all too well how it was harder for you to talk when you weren’t feeling well. You appreciated the gesture, a bit of tension rolling from your shoulders as you fully unwrapped the blanket.

As you did, Keigo plopped into the perfect nest he made, wings perfectly poised behind him.

You followed his movement, scooted closer to him. Keigo wasted no time urging your back to his chest, wrapping you the two of you up in one of his wings. The warm scent of the oil he rubbed on them instantly lulled you, eye going half-lidded. Keigo giggled, watching your sleepy reaction. He knew how to get you boneless without a single touch (in more ways than one).

He stretched for the new blanket, pulling it over the two of you, sighing at its weight, “Oh, I get it now.”

The blanket weighed down on your body, thoroughly pleasantly. The pressure lulled you even more, Keigo’s heat and steady breath only adding to your increasingly lax state.

“Like it, dove?” Keigo asked, lightly laughing as he swept a bit hair from your face. He adjusted a pillow under your head, the arm thrown over your waist drifting chastely to under your sweater to rub circles on your hips.

“Mhm, it’s really nice,” You let your eyes shut. “I’m getting a little sleepy already.”

Keigo hummed, kissing the crown of your head, a happy chirp echoing his chest, “Good, I’m glad. Very glad. You rest if you need to, angel.”

You felt your eyes well with tears at his unabashed kindness. It was so earnest with him sometimes, it was overwhelming.

Turning, you pressed your front to him, nestling yourself against his neck, softening as light coos rolled from Keigo’s throat, just up against your ear.

You fell into a light, but calm sleep, happily. Keigo with his avian quirks, worn hands, and sweetest nothings, helped bear the burden of your bad day, happy to fall with you into your new nest.

(Keigo would have to convince you to make a permanent one, but with how easily you unwound and settled in this one, he didn’t think it would take much.)

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taglist: @sinclairsamess

#salem writes #drabble #ish??#u know i have the ll chapter to edit and its almost 4 am but enjoy some fluff #hawks x reader #hawks x y/n #takami keigo x reader #takami keigo x y/n #mha x reader #hawks fluff #takami keigo fluff #takami x reader #hawks x you

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alfredosauce50 · 3 years

Note

would you be down to do 2p china hc’s? im very curious on how you characterize him!

I’m down! I’m guessing you figured I had my own interpretation of the guy after I answered an ask saying I’d write for him. I really like 2p! China as a character, but I have to say, I haven’t properly written for him before. Nevertheless, I’ll give you my thoughts on him as a person!

2p! China Headcanons

Zao’s appearance doesn’t give away much of his personality. He’s got a bit of a baby face, and he has a sociable and pleasant demeanor for the most part. So if you didn’t know him well enough to see past those traits, you would be surprised at how shady he can be.

Appearance

Like his 1p counterpart, his dark brown hair goes past his shoulders and is tied back in a low ponytail. It’s pretty thin too, so it stays flat against his back. But that’s what makes it look so good. He isn’t the tallest guy out there, as he stands around 170cm or 5′7″. Doesn’t mean you can easily take him out in a fight, though. He’s quite slender, but he’s muscular and knows a few martial arts to boot.

He has a lot of tattoos, and he doesn’t try to hide them. He has dragons curling down his arms, as well as Chinese characters etched into his back. Most of the time, he wears traditional clothing, such as a sleeveless Tang suit, so his arms are exposed. It’s almost as if the colors black and red were made for him. And he knows it. So unless he’s having a bad day where he’ll go for a simple T-shirt, he likes to dress to impress. Not that he even needs to try.

He’s devilishly attractive, and the way he talks gets girls flocking to him.

Personality

Zao is very easy-going and open-minded. He’ll talk about anything with anyone. Everything is fascinating in a way, and nothing seems to faze him either. So he’s the type to question the most trivial things in life--or list drugs as casually as you would your favorite candy bars. It’s also difficult to shock him, or anger him. When life deals him a bad hand, or springs up inconveniences, he’ll go with the flow because that’s life. So unless something involves the person he likes, he keeps himself pretty level-headed.

With his willingness to talk about anything, comes his brutal honesty and bluntness. So sometimes, he’ll find himself offending people even if he never meant to. If he does this to women, they’ll slap him before storming off, leaving him in confusion at what he did wrong. But if he does this to men, he’ll have to be quick on his feet to escape a potential fight. Unlike a few other 2ps, he has a good temperament so he avoids violence, but he’ll resort to it if he absolutely has to.

Despite the careers he’s depicted to have, like being a drug-dealer, something in adult entertainment, night-life, or anything illegal, he has strong fraternal instincts. If somebody embodied the “big brother” trope, it would be him. He cares a lot for his younger siblings, and they look up to him as a role model. But he’ll always tell them, “Do as I say, not as I do!” As comfortable as he is in his own skin, his own identity, he wouldn’t want them taking after him.

He’s very flirtatious, and a huge tease. How he shows he likes you is through making you blush, or embarrassed. He’ll call you pet names. Shower you with compliments. Refer to you as if you and him are already an item. If you bumped into him at a grocery store, he’ll help you shop, then say, “So, is that all we need? I can’t wait for dinner tonight.” Zao is also unapologetically dirty-minded. He’s all about dirty jokes, conversations, and gestures. The bigger reaction he gets, the more addicting they are.

He doesn’t have any qualifications, not even a high school diploma, but he’s street-smart to make up for it. That’s how he makes so many connections and hustles his way up to the top in shady businesses. If you need something, anything, legal or illegal, expensive or cheap, you can ask him, and 99% of the time, he’ll say, “I know a guy.” If he likes you, all he wants in return is something perverted. A kiss, maybe. Or maybe your underwear.

Interests

He loves anything cute, and he doesn’t hide it. Sanrio is a must--he keeps a collection of their plushies, most of them being Hello Kitty, but he also likes other characters such as Cinnamoroll and Pompompurin. Sometimes, he can get a bit obsessive over whatever sells fast. So if he has to, he’ll stay up and keep refreshing the page selling whatever he has his eyes on. If he’s infamous for his connections that let him get pretty much anything he wants, surely he can get his hands on the limited-edition Hello Kitty-themed towel, right!? He isn’t against having other kinds of merchandise either, like household items, but he keeps it lowkey for functionality.

In his house, you’ll find a lot of imports from East-Asian countries. Not only is he used to using them when he was back in China, they’re better than what you can find in America. Or at least, in his opinion. This includes cosmetics, snacks, alcohol, and decorations.

Although he doesn’t have a lot of time to, he enjoys watching anime. That’s why he makes sure to get through the most popular and mainstream ones first.

Zao likes to keep connected with his culture. He doesn’t care to assimilate, and being ‘different’ doesn’t bother him at all--he thinks it’s what gives him a unique personality and background. Since he doesn’t have a lot of friends to speak Mandarin with, he’ll look for his neighbors who can, and strike up a conversation every now and then. As well as that, he’ll give his siblings red pockets for Chinese New Year so they can spend it on food, videogames or whatever they want.

He can’t cook for shit. Even then, he has strong opinions on food, especially Chinese. While he enjoys westernised take out like Panda express, he wishes people would stop assuming Chinese cuisine is just dumplings, fried rice, noodles and yum cha. They’re B-tier at best. For a country with that rich and long a history, there’s so much more to indulge in. Too bad he can’t make anything if he tried.

Psychology + romance

Zao is used to being a second choice. His cheerfulness and bluntness make other people think he’s creepy or weird, so he can’t quite wrap his head around somebody liking him to that degree--or getting particularly close to him. At least, emotionally. There are a lot of girls who want him for one-night stands. But this doesn’t stop him from flirting with someone he genuinely likes, even if he doesn’t expect anything in return. It’s fun because they get flustered, after all. But when they start returning the same energy, get persistent, or even make him suspect that they like him back, he will get nervous. He’s used to being the chaser, not the other way around. So if the tables turn and things start getting real, he will back away.

As confident as he is with his image, it’s difficult for him to get intimate with somebody romantically. He’s open, but can’t be vulnerable. He’d rather keep things casual, so when he really falls for someone, he’ll be conflicted between keeping things the way they are, or pursuing them.

Eventually, these feelings will deepen to the point being just friends becomes suffocating. That’s when Zao loses his cool and gets frustrated. It could happen due to a build-up of his emotions, or an event that makes him explode from jealousy. He’ll get desperate after so long of not doing anything and make it very clear he wants you. “Just date me already!”

When he finally gets together with you, prepare to be coddled. He’ll want to help you with anything the best way he can, and go to extreme lengths to do so. Nothing seems extreme when it’s for somebody he cares so much about. While he never holds it against you--how much he does for you--he may or may not guilt trip you into giving him more affection. But only subtly. Instead of him kissing you, he'll loiter around your presence until you kiss him. And when you do, he’ll smile like an idiot.

He never makes it explicit when he wants to take you out on a date. Zao will just ask you if you’re free, and take you out for the night. He doesn’t see a point in labelling it as a ‘date’, because he doesn’t just see quality time with you through a romantic and sexual lens. He values the friendship aspect of it as well, and you really appreciate him for it.

Zao loves to cuddle. He doesn’t hug you much throughout the day, but when you’re at home and about to sleep, he will hug you, a lot. He won’t let go while he talks to you, and will only loosen his coils when you fall asleep.

Acknowledgements

I was mainly inspired by the 2p! China in the story, “Dragon District”, written by xYourHero. So props to them. The fandom’s perception of him has definitely deepened because of it, and it’s great seeing underrated 2ps finally getting the attention they deserve! I’m one of the people who’s had my characterization of Zao take after hers, so I’ll also be crediting her for my headcanons.

You can find the story on DeviantArt, Archive of our own and Wattpad. I adored that fic back in the day. Such good memories. I wasn’t even writing back when I was reading it. Any who, let’s get right into it. I’ve divided the headcanons into subcategories, appearance, personality, interests, and psychology + romance.

(Look at this fanart is by Amphany on DeviantArt. It was drawn for xYourHero. I’m gonna put it here for reference. https://www.deviantart.com/amphany/art/Dragon-smoke-548426383)

#hetalia #hetalia headcanons #2ptalia #2p!china #2p china #2p china headcanons #2ptalia x reader #2pchina x reader #axis powers hetalia #Axis powers ヘタリア #hetalia fanfiction #hetalia fanfic #alfredosauce50 #ask

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murusagi · 3 years

Text

[Ambush Meal] A Collaboration with Lord Toma!? Love and Madness of Delicious Meal Ft. Cage Translation

This is a part of Otomate’s April Fool’s Special Event in which the cast of several of the company’s franchises turn into social media personalities.

Orlok: ...Bonjourno. [Pio House] Episode 1926. Today, we're going to film your favorite series, "Oruru's Ambush☆Delicious Meal Next Door".

In this series, I'm going to make a surprise visit to someone's home and enjoy a meal there.

Nicola: Orlok, can you hear me?

Orlok: Yes. The earphones are working perfectly.

Nicola: Great. I also can see you clearly through this camera.

Gilbert: We better explain the rules to the viewers.

[Rule No. 1: Oruru must obey any instructions given to him through the earphones.]

[Rule No. 2: Oruru must eat the given food without being picky.]

[The ones giving instructions in this episode.]

Orlok: I'll do my best.

Direttore: Nice answer. Now then, without further ado, let us ambush our target this time around! Please press the interphone in front of you.

Orlok: ...Clicks.

Ding Dong

Toma: Who is it--oh, if it isn't Orlok from [Pio House]! Did you come here by yourself? What a good boy.

Orlok: Y-Yes…

Dante: ...He's stroking his head.

Nicola: That's Orlok for you. He's quick at gaining someone's favor.

Orlok: Umm… I'm happy to be able to meet Toma from "Love and Madness of Animal Channel".

Toma: Me too. So, what brings you here? Do you want to hang out with me or what?

Orlok: No. Actually…

Toma: I see, so you want to have dinner here. Hmmm… let's see.

Orlok: Huh… A-Am I not allowed to?

Direttore: ...We already made an appointment, right?

Gilbert: Yeah, we should have made it…

Toma: You kind of remind me of Shin, Orlok.

Orlok: R-Really…?

Toma: Yeah. He's like a lil brother to me. ...Right. Can you try me calling me Onii-chan?

Orlok: What?

Toma: I'll let you in if you do. How?

Direttore: That's quite the painful request from someone whom you just met.

Nicola: I understand his feelings, though. "Onii-chan"... It has a nice ring to it.

Dante: I'll give it some thoughts if you want to be called that…?

Nicola: I don't know how to feel if you call me Onii-chan at this age… You think so, right, Direttore?

Direttore: Fufu… I will hate it, for sure. Well, I don't have little brothers? No need to worry about that?

Orlok: U-Umm, so what should I do?

Gilbert: Oops. M'bad. We stopped giving you instructions. ...Do as he said. We can't go on with the filming if he doesn't let us in.

Orlok: Okay.

...To-Toma Onii-chan.

Toma: Hm? Sorry, your voice is so small I couldn't hear it. Can you say it again?

Dante: He definitely heard it!

Nicola: Orlok, one more time!

Orlok: Toma Onii-chan…!

Toma: ...Nice. This feels satisfying for some reason. That guy will never call me that, after all. Alright, come in.

Orlok: I… I feel like I lost something important… In any case, I'm coming in.

Toma: I'm making dinner right now. Wait a bit, 'kay?

Orlok: Y-Yes.

Nicola: Orlok, how's the target doing?

Orlok: U-Uhh…

Toma: Bolognese with lots of minced meat~I feel like an Italian already~♪

Orlok: He's humming… some spells, I think? He's frying something while doing that… Looks very focused.

Dante: I see. It's time for our usual "House Tour" then.

Yang: Go to his closet.

Orlok: ...What!?

Nicola: Hm? You're up, Yang? Too bad. I wish you wouldn't wake up for eternity.

Yang: You sure are messing around with me, filming while I was sleeping. 5 billion women are crying right now.

Dante: 5 billion…!?

Yang: In any case, off you go to the closet, Orlok. Let's uncover the true nature of our targ--What are you all…?

Knocks.

Orlok: H-Huh? I can't hear you guys all of sudden...

Gilbert: ...Orlok, can you hear us?

Nicola: Don't mind us and just go on, Orlok. Yang is currently reflecting.

Orlok: O… Okay. So, I don't need to go to the closet?

Dante: Unfortunately, you must obey any instructions that have already been given to you. Let's head there while Toma is cooking.

Orlok: A-Alright.

***

Orlok: ...I found the closet.

Gilbert: Looks normal to me.

Nicola: Hey, Direttore? You've been quiet for a while. Come on, say something interesting.

Direttore: ...Ridiculous.

Dante: Where did all his tension from before go!?

Gilbert: H-Hey, you okay? Is your stomach hurt or something?

Direttore: ...I'm not interested in peeking into someone else's room.

Nicola: Hey, your real self is starting to show, you know? Be careful.

Direttore: ...Oops. I sincerely apologize for the mistake, letting out my honest opinions like that.

Orlok: ...I found the closet. It doesn't look suspicious.

Nicola: Where should we go next? He lives in a one-room apartment so there's nothing to look at.

Orlok: The balcony, maybe?

Gilbert: Nice idea. Let's take a look. Maybe he has a kitchen garden or something.

Orlok: Then, I'll open the curtain…

Opens.

Orlok: ...This is…

Dante: ...A cage.

Nicola: A cage.

Direttore: That's undoubtedly a cage.

Dante: This must be… the cage he uses for "Love and Madness of Animal Channel", right?

Orlok: To observe the animals…?

Gilbert: Y-Yea. Let's just think it that way.

Nicola: But any animals who could go into this cage… For example…

Direttore: Human beings.

All: …….

Nicola: ...Let's just pretend we do not see it.

Dante: I-I agree. My capo's intuition tells me this isn't something you can touch carelessly.

Orlok: Y-Yes. I'll close the curtain.

Closes.

Toma: …..

Orlok: !!?

Toma: ...Did you see?

Orlok: I-I didn't…

Toma: Really?

Orlok: (gulps)

Toma: Fine. Follow me, I just finished cooking.

Orlok: O-Okay.

Toma: I could only make this much.

Orlok: Whoa… Amazing.

Gilbert: How could he make this many in such a short amount of time!?

Dante: Now that I look at it again, what are those strange ingredients!?

Toma: You're in your growth period, right, Orlok? Eat a lot.

Orlok: Tha-Thank you. But is it really okay for me to eat this much…?

Toma: This is Latium's famous Volcano Bocca, a soup containing shrimps, shellfish and vegetables. You can warm up your body with this.

Direttore: Latium… I feel like I heard about it somewhere.

Orlok: I'm digging in...ugh!

Dante: A-Are you okay!? Did he put in poison or--!?

Orlok: S-Spicy… But it has such deep flavors…

Toma: These are steamed crab dumplings, dobin-mushi, and fried sesames. I used the vegetables from Kaga, queen crabs and barracuda stocks.

Orlok: T-These are great too! It tastes like something a pro chef makes.

Nicola: I get him. They look like the high-quality food you receive at the inns around Kanazawa.

Gilbert: That's an awfully detailed comment you have there.

Dante: Where is Kanazawa, anyway…?

Nicola: A place with the best onsen around.

Toma: I also have a cake. I heard your birthday is on April 23? Mine is on April 12. Since our birthdays fall on the same month, I made it for celebration.

Orlok: T-Thank you… Hehe… I'm happy…

Dante: …

Direttore: What is wrong, signore? Are you jealous he got sweets?

Dante: W-Why would I…!? I-I-I just think the appearance gets my taste buds tingling…!

Nicola: Endure it for a while. I'll buy you gelato after this.

Gilbert: Anyway, how come Toma knows Orlok's birthday?

Nicola: ...Now that you mention it…

Dante: …

Direttore: Let's put that aside. It's better to keep that a secret.

Orlok: (munch munch)

Toma: How? Is it tasty?

Orlok: Yeah. ...It makes me happy.

Dante: I don't know how to explain it but seeing Orlok eat makes me feel peaceful…

Nicola: I get you. Seeing Gilbert and Yang eat doesn't make me this happy. It's not heart-warming at all.

Gilbert: Yang aside, why do you have to connect it to me?

Yang: For crying out loud, don't put me and Redford on the same shoes.

Nicola: ...Oh? I'm sure I already locked you up. You broke out already?

Yang: Of course. After receiving such a warm welcome, I should give my thanks…

Gilbert: S-Stop it, Yang! Don't pull out your blade!

Dante: You too, Nicola! Put your gun away! We're still filming!

Direttore: Oh… What a scandalous dispute. It pains my heart.

[We are experiencing poor reception issues. Please enjoy this beautiful view of Sakura.]

Orlok: Thanks for the food.

Direttore: What a good boy. He ate them all without leaving anything.

Toma: Amazing, you ate them all by yourself. I was planning to put the leftovers into a container so you can share it with the others.

Gilbert: I wanted to try some after seeing so many interesting foods like those.

Orlok: So-Sorry. All of them were delicious so I just…

Dante: It's all right. Finishing them off is part of the rules so you didn't do anything wrong.

Nicola: Great job, Orlok. We have enough footage with this.

Orlok: Thanks for today, Toma. I'll be going now.

Toma: Ah, wait a minute. I actually have a request for you.

Orlok: ?

Toma: I still need more footage for my channel, can you help me with that?

Gilbert: Well, why not? He helped us wrap up the filming without any troubles.

Dante: We should return the favor.

Orlok: Okay. I'd like to help if there's anything I can do.

Toma: Great to hear that. Now--.

Can you get into the cage?

Orlok: ….Huh? ...What?

Toma: I've been keeping my eyes on you. Since you look like a small animal, it’s just perfect.

Gilbert: I see, so it's come to this…

Toma: I figured you'll be lonely so I put some plushies inside.

Orlok: T-That's not the problem here…

Toma: Now, now. You can't tell unless you try. Get in there.

Orlok: I don't want to--.

Toma: Only you can do this, Orlok. Please.

Orlok: ….

Toma: Can you look here? ...Yes, nice. It'll gain more viewers, I'm sure.

Orlok: Can I… get out of here already?

Toma: No, you just got in here. Oh, right. I have some chains. Can you put them on?

Dante: Even chains… This is abnormal…

Orlok: U-Uuuhhh… Guys, what should I do…?

Nicola: You'll be fine, Orlok. It surprisingly suits you.

Direttore: I agree. I'm sure there are people who are into this kind of thing.

Orlok: ...I'm not fine at all…

Toma: It's not as cute as hamster, but there's a huge demand for something like this. Do you mind if I turn it into a series if it gets good feedback?

Orlok: !!?

Toma: I think we were meant to meet. Shin would scold me again if he were here, though.

Orlok: I want to go home…

Toma: Hm? You want to meet him? He's off for another recording right now, so he probably won't return for a while.

Orlok: ….

...I realized something. I shouldn't trust others. The only one I could rely on is myself…

Toma: Haha. That's a nice expression you have there. With that said, it all depends on you guys whether I should make this a series or not. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel!

T/L Notes: Dobin-mushi: Food steam-boiled in an earthenware teapot

#piofiore #amnesia #toma #orlok #dante falzone #nicola francesca #yang #gilbert redford #Henri Lambert #otomate

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briandthemoon · 3 years

Text

I got tagged by the wonderful @deodorant-stick !

Rules: answer 28 questions and tag 20 blogs you are contractually obligated to know better.

Name/Nickname: Bri

Gender: My gender is [modem dial-up noises]

Star sign: Cancer!

Height: 6′2″

Time: .....4:54am

Birthday: 21st July

Favorite band/groups: I’d normally say Fall Out Boy, but I’ve been reliving my late primary, early highschool love of Busted. Though I like a bunch of bands tbh.

Favorite solo artist: Marina, I just have the biggest spot in my heart for her

Song stuck in my head: Bad Girl Online - Oktavia Ver., I don’t even know why

Last movie: Kingsman: The Golden Circle, and yes I am STILL upset, fuckin’ killing off two of my faves how dare-

Last show: Puella Madoka Magica, my friend @softanxiouspatton is watching it for the first time and I’m rewatching it again too ehehe

When did I create this blog: I have no idea, I can’t even remember what I had for breakfast. I DID make my main back during the OG mischapocalypse tho.

What do I post: Mostly Sanders Sides, but I do wanna do more art for other stuff I like, and i do have some art meme reqs for RWBY, ATLA, and even The Lumberjanes, so ye!!

The last thing I googled: "How long would it take to burn down an Olive Garden?” ..... I promise it’s for a fic, theres no Olive Gardens near me....

.....Anymore-

Other blogs: I have my main and my sanders side blog because if i reblogged every sanders sides thing to my main my followers would just be like “Bri pleASE-”

Do I get asks: Yeah!..... 36 of them. And still counting. For the art meme alone. ..... I never learn honestly.

When did I chose my URL: I had it in mind for a while, it was the first name in my mind when I decided to finally make my art blog.

Following: No idea

Followers: I just checked and .....1490, like dUDE HOW, WHY, HELLO-?! Looks like i need to get a 1.5K DTIYS ready holy hell.

Average hours of sleep: Sleep? Who’s she, never heard of her.....

Lucky number: 21 or 7

Instruments: piano/keyboard, but I can only really play one handed. I sing but idk if that counts

What am I wearing: black t shirt and black leggings.

Dream job: Honestly? I’m doing it, I’ll be real. I’ve only ever wanted to be an illustrator since I was a kid and that’s what I’m doing. I do wanna try making animatics and a webcomic someday though.

Dream trip: Hawaii and Japan, but I really wanna go to the US to see my friends. That and I really wanna see Iceland someday too, my friend Sandy from college always had great things to say about it and I would trust him with my credit card info so like, yeah.

Favorite food: my homemade pizza dumplings. <3

Nationality: Unyieldingly Scottish.

Top 3 universes I’d like to live in: Steven Universe, Gravity Falls, and honestly? Treasure Planet

Alrighty! Tag time, let’s see! @noyin @softanxiouspatton @accidental-sanders @galactic-magick @ewatsonia @whataboutcare @shortnfantastic @iggyalfi2319 @iwispkid @broadwaytheanimatedseries @polaris-andrew @voltsm (that reminds me I need to get your DTIYS done soon, congrats) @spooky-scary-virgil @iceandjunk and I can’t think of anyone else I see in my notifs a lot rn aaaAAA

#not art #I'm so nervous even now like #i always feel so awkward tagging people aaaAAA

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devendrasbeard · 3 years

Photo

Marry me Once, Marry Me twice, Marry Me Six Times

Prompt: Getting Engaged Relationships: Eskel/Jaskier Rating: M Content Warnings: Alcohol, Drunk Sex, Accidental Sugar Daddy Acquisition (through marriage xD) Summary: Five times Jaskier has proposed to Eskel (more or less as a joke) and the one time Eskel has proposed to Jaskier (for real). Coffee shop AU!

Also on ao3!

The first time Jaskier has proposed to Eskel was only a few days after he'd moved to Rivia all the way from Lettenhove.

He reached out to his old college friend, Geralt, who he knew lived in Rivia, and asked him for help with the move. Even though they haven't seen each other in almost ten years, Geralt was more than happy to provide help not only with bringing all of Jaskier's stuff to his new place, but he was also determined to make Jaskier's start in the new city go as smoothly as possible.

And so, he offered Jaskier a job in his coffee shop, so that he didn't have to worry about money right after having moved across the continent. When Jaskier would settle down and think of a plan for his next moves, he'd look for other job opportunities.

It was his third day in "Deja Brew", but Geralt was already convinced he'd made the right decision by hiring his old friend. Jaskier's outgoing personality and clever, witty comments already earned them much higher tips. Little to no customers could withstand Jaskier's charm when he described their cookies and special lattes with flowery words, so their order values also increased immensely.

It was close to lunchtime, so the coffee shop was almost empty. Jaskier was stacking up some paper cups and reorganizing the paper straws by color, with his back to the front door, when he heard the familiar ding of that tiny bell installed just above the door.

He turned around to greet the new customer but got tongue-tied after seeing the person who entered. It was a very tall man, taller even than Geralt, with shoulders ridiculously broad, gorgeous olive skin and longer dark hair. He was wearing a leather jacket over a red skin-tight t-shirt, and a pair of black jeans. What caught Jaskier's attention were the bits of tattoos poking out of the shirt's v-neck and a piercing on the bridge of the man's nose.

"Fuck me sideways..." Jaskier whispered a tad too loud as the man approached the counter.

"Hey, no swearing in front of the customers!" Geralt shouted from the storage room.

"No worries, I'm no customer," the man smiled softly and winked at Jaskier. "I assume Geralt's around?"

Jaskier pointed to the back door not saying a word, too busy biting his lip and ogling the gorgeous man in front of him.

"Oh, hey, Eskel," Geralt appeared next to Jaskier and greeted the man. "Did something happen? You usually don't come here after work."

"Nah, it's nothing. I left in a rush this morning and forgot my keys. If you could give me yours I'll make dinner tonight," he casually leaned over the counter and Jaskier couldn't help but stare at the chest hair poking out of the shirt and those goddamn tattoos.

"Yeah sure, I'll get them," Geralt replied and patted Jaskier on the shoulder. "By the way, this is my old friend Jaskier, you should remember him from my college stories. Jask, this is my brother Eskel."

Jaskier's eyes widened even more. "Brother?!" He shook his head. "You have a gorgeous, sex-on-legs brother and you never cared to tell me?"

Geralt chuckled. "Of course I told you, back in college. Baby Esk? Little brother did grow up a little in the past ten years."

Jaskier swallowed thickly and eyed Eskel, who was grinning at him with a mysterious spark in his eye. "Gods above," Jaskier sighed. "You're even more perfect than Geralt. I'm sorry, but will you marry me?"

Eskel laughed loudly, a low baritone sound, but so soft on the edges. He patted Jaskier on the shoulder and winked. "I like you, Jaskier. We'll need to get to know each other better if you'd like to marry me, so I'll see you around?"

Eskel left, leaving Jaskier feeling very fuzzy inside, knees wobbly, leaning on the counter to steady himself, and Geralt rolling his eyes at him and asking the gods if it really was a good idea to hire him.

*****

The second time Jaskier has proposed to Eskel was about a month later.

He stayed in "Deja Brew" for a while longer than he and Geralt had planned initially, but they both agreed that Jaskier just fit into that place perfectly. His new ideas for special drinks and clever names for desserts helped Geralt's place make a name for itself.

Jaskier's newest addition to the menu was the "Unicorn Fart" - a caramel cocoa drink with rainbow colored whipped cream and a ridiculous amount of sprinkles on top. Kids would buy that in bulk and parents would roll their eyes at Jaskier when he'd hand the drinks to the delighted kids while making farting noises.

Eskel was a cook in the vegan diner just across the street and he used to pop in every now and then after work or before his late afternoon shift, grabbing a coffee before he went back to his daily activities.

Jaskier would eye him very carefully and absolutely not as sneakily as he thought. It's been a really long while since Jaskier has been with anyone, and Geralt's brother sparked that long forgotten interest in him. Now and then Jaskier would ask Geralt casually about Eskel - how old he exactly was, what he liked to do in his free time - feeling more comfortable talking to his friend about him, than ask Eskel himself.

One evening Eskel came into the coffee shop right before closing time, carrying two takeaway bags and placing them on the counter. "You need to try this!" he said enthusiastically, crossing his arms on his chest. "I've finally managed to make the perfect dumplings."

Jaskier peeked into the bags with interest and took out two containers with wonton soup and a tray with some kind of stir fry. Eskel grinned at him, his face an example of sheer satisfaction.

Geralt emerged from the storage room and grabbed one soup from Jaskier. "It smells great," he smiled at his brother.

Jaskier eagerly grabbed one wonton with his chopsticks and ate the whole thing at once. It was delicious - hot, juicy, full of tasty vegetables - and his eyes rolled back into his skull as he hummed with contentment. He pointed his chopsticks at Eskel, mouth still full, and let out a few appreciative grunts. "This, my guy, is orgasm in the form of food."

Eskel laughed and scratched the back of his neck. Jaskier didn't miss the way his bicep bulged, his shirt almost bursting at the seams. "I'm glad you like it, I'm really proud of this."

"You should be!" Jaskier put away the soup and reached for the stir fry. "Gods, I would give you foot massages at every occasion if you promised to cook it for me everyday."

"You know where I work, Jaskier, you can come by whenever you like."

"I would much rather marry you and enjoy this orgasmic food in the privacy of our home," Jaskier said lightly, while looking Eskel deep in the eyes at the same time. "Could also use some different kind of orgasms you wouldn't be able to provide me with in your diner."

Geralt choked on his dumpling, looking daggers at Jaskier, while having a coughing fit. "For gods' sake! Can you try being less blunt with your flirting? It's my little brother."

"I don't see any flirting," Eskel laughed, sending Jaskier a wink. "I've only been proposed to twice, that's quite serious, my old guy, don't you think?"

Geralt huffed, rolled his eyes and left for the storage room, hugging the soup container to his chest. "I need to place some orders for tomorrow. Behave, you two."

Jaskier leaned casually on the counter, popping another dumpling in his mouth and grunting with pleasure again. "I've proposed twice, yet I haven't heard an answer from you, Esk."

"I like you, Jaskier, you're more than cute," Eskel winked at him and moved to the door. "Gotta do better than that to get a yes, though. See you around!"

*****

The third time Jaskier has proposed to Eskel was on the night of Belleteyn.

As a promotional stunt, Jaskier offered their coffee shop customers a pair of limited edition coffee drinks - one infused with rose and the other with lavender extract - along with a big heart-shaped cookie. When couples ordered the set he would also give them plastic flower crowns that he'd bought in bulk a few weeks earlier at a super cheap price.

Geralt was amazed at Jaskier's ideas and kept shooting him appreciative looks, as they both worked fast and agile to get all the incoming orders ready. He even gave in and let Jaskier put one of the flower crowns on his silver hair, "for promotional reasons only, of course."

When the last customers for the day left, carrying two coffee cups each and trying not to drop their flower crowns, Eskel walked into the place, his signature grin plastered on his face.

"Ready to get absolutely shitfaced tonight?" he asked, holding up a bottle of red wine. "I like how cute you both look," he smiled pointing at the now crooked flower crowns on their heads.

"You'll get one too," Jaskier chirped, reaching under the counter and placing the wreath on Eskel's head and pursing his lips. "Absolutely gorgeous!"

"Nice!" Eskel smiled. "Are we going to see the parade or do you guys want to get straight down to business?"

"And by 'business' you mean...?" Jaskier leaned forward on the counter, grinning at Eskel, completely disregarding Geralt's exasperated huff. Jaskier was like a horny, hyperactive little puppy that Geralt had absolutely no control over.

"It's up to you, Jaskier," Eskel smiled, absolutely unfazed by his friend's innuendos. "Geralt and I have seen the parade more than a dozen times, so if you'd rather hit the pubs already, then I'm game."

"Let's hit the pubs then," Jaskier commanded. "But the flower crowns stay on!"

A few hours and three visited pubs later, Geralt has called it a day and went home, leaving Jaskier and Eskel sitting alone at the bar, telling them to not do anything stupid while he's gone.

"Sigh, Eskel, you're really handsome," Jaskier whispered, propping his chin on his hands.

"Did you just say 'sigh' out loud instead of actually sighing?" Eskel chuckled.

"I might have," Jaskier tried for a seductive smile. "You're still handsome." He reached out to pat Eskel's cheek, but miscalculated the distance and launched forward, his hand landing on Eskel's thigh and his forehead on Eskel's chest.

"Okay, how shitfaced are we?" Eskel asked, helping Jaskier find his balance.

"Well, I'm pretty hammered for sure. Time to go home?"

"Can I walk you home?" Eskel asked, still holding Jaskier's arms in his grip.

"Only if you stay the night," Jaskier went for a wink but ended up closing both his eyes several times.

"You're absolutely not subtle while flirting," Eskel laughed, leaning forward and almost bumping their foreheads. "But you're incredibly cute and I'm terribly horny, so I'll take it."

"Talk about subtle," Jaskier snickered.

Before he could find another witty comeback in his alcohol-dazed mind, Eskel's lips were on his. They were soft and plush and very wet, and the kiss caught Jaskier off guard. He wrapped his hands around Eskel's neck and leaned into the kiss.

"Hey, no tongue wrestling at the bar!" the bartender swatted them with his towel. They laughed softly, muttering out apologies and left the pub, hips bumping against each other and legs wobbly.

They stumbled into Jaskier's apartment, Jaskier hugging Eskel's waist, Eskel's arm slumped over Jaskier's shoulder, laughing at something they have long forgotten about.

Jaskier pushed Eskel against the wall as soon as he closed the door behind them. "Okay, are we doing this because we're super drunk, super horny, or do you really really reallyyyyy fancy me?" he asked, propping his arm against the wall and looking up at Eskel's face.

"I like you Jaskier," Eskel said firmly, giving him a quick kiss. "And I'm also super horny, so I hope that's enough a reason for you?"

"Your hot-ass... ass is reason enough for me," Jaskier chuckled and pulled Eskel in for a kiss. Eskel was warm on his lips and his hot tongue in Jaskier's mouth was already driving him crazy.

"Bedroom," Eskel panted. "Quick, before we pass out from all the tequila shots we had tonight."

So Jaskier laid back comfortably on the bed, having already dropped his shirt and pants and he watched Eskel undress. Eskel didn't waste any time, pulling his shirt off in one swift motion and sliding his pants off together with his boxer shorts.

"What the fuck? What the... Shit, fuck, Eskel?!" Jaskier sat up on the bed, eyes wide with wonder.

"You okay, Jask?" Eskel turned to him, brows furrowed with worry.

"You walk around carrying this marvel of a dick in your pants and you didn't tell me?!" Jaskier gasped, his voice reaching incredibly high notes.

"When do you think would be the right time to tell you?" Eskel laughed, crawling up the bed and into Jaskier's arms. "'Yo, I'm Eskel, wanna see my marvelous cock?' This doesn't usually work out well."

"I usually don't propose to people immediately after seeing them, so I guess this could've actually worked," Jaskier replied with a seductive wink, his hands already roaming across Eskel's tattooed chest. His eyes, however, were fixed at Eskel's cock. "Gods, dick so bomb I will really have to marry you! I want to feel that between my legs every day for the rest of my life!"

"Watch out what you wish for," Eskel whispered in his ear, causing goosebumps on Jaskier's skin. "Or you might actually get it."

*****

The fourth time Jaskier has proposed to Eskel was when he caught a nasty cold in the middle of summer.

Jaskier was sitting on the couch, watching reruns of "The Great Cintran Bake Off", a cup of now cold tea in his hands. He scolded himself for having worn flip flops to work the other day - a heavy rain had caught him when he was going home in the night and he was soaking wet when he had finally reached his place. The next day he woke up with a throbbing headache and runny nose and had to call in sick.

There was a knock on the door, but Jaskier waved it off. If it was the postman, he'd leave the parcel or letter at the door, and Jaskier didn't expect anyone else.

A moment later there was another, louder knock, followed by Eskel's soft baritone voice. "Jaskier, are you home? It's me."

Jaskier slipped off the couch, wrapped a blanket around his shoulders and shuffled to the door to open it.

"Aww man, you look like shit," Eskel said when Jaskier let him in.

"Good to see you too, Eskel," Jaskier replied weakly and shuffled back to his living room to plop back on the couch.

"Geralt has told me you called in sick and asked me to come over and check up on you," Eskel followed him into the living room, placing takeaway bags on the table next to the couch. He put a hand on Jaskier's forehead, worrying his lip between his teeth. "Good thing I have the whole day off. Someone needs to take care of you."

"I'll be fine," Jaskier mumbled from under the blanket.

"What did you eat today?" Eskel asked, eyeing the half empty tea cup on the table.

"Some Aspirin. Butter toast."

"Yeah, thought so," Eskel shot him a condescending look and grabbed the takeout bags. "That's why I came prepared."

He pulled out a container of hot chicken soup and another one with gyoza dumplings. He helped Jaskier sit up and wrapped the blanket around Jaskier's shoulders, so that he could eat comfortably on the couch.

"The chicken soup is what my grandma used to make whenever we were sick. She taught me how to prepare it," Eskel said with a hint of pride. "Eat it hot, you'll feel better in no time."

Jaskier ate a few spoons of the hot broth - it was deliciously salty, with lots of carrots, onions and noodles. He felt a pleasurable warmth already spreading around his stomach and he hummed softly. "Thank you, it's delicious."

"Now, eat it all up and go to bed. You need sleep," Eskel rubbed his back and Jaskier leaned in to rest his head on Eskel's shoulder. "I'll look after you today."

"You don't have to," Jaskier looked up at him, eyes fogged. "I'll take a nap and will be fine. No need to stay around and waste your day off work on me."

Eskel cleared his throat before placing a quick kiss on Jaskier's forehead. "It's... It's not a waste of time to be around you." He lowered his gaze and fixed his eyes on the floor. "You're my friend."

"... with benefits," Jaskier chuckled, then got a coughing fit. "Sorry."

"Let's get you to bed," Eskel commanded with a light smile. "You need to sleep for the soup to work its wonders."

Jaskier slept for over four hours. He was woken up by a warm hand on his forehead - Eskel checking his temperature. He sat up with a groan, but he was relieved to find that his head didn't hurt anymore.

Eskel put a tray with a bowl of steamy hot dumplings in Jaskier's lap and sat next to him on the edge of the bed. "Time for lunch," he smiled. "I also made you some ginger tea with honey - it's much better for your health than that generic supermarket shit you had earlier."

"I don't know if I should thank you or feel fucking offended," Jaskier narrowed his eyes. He then tried one of the gyozas and let out an appreciative hum. "Okay, I've decided to thank you, cause these are fucking delicious! Did you made them yourself?"

Eskel nodded with a smile.

"Gods, I'm so lucky to have you," Jaskier whispered between bites. "Fucking handsome, so caring, great cook, dick so bomb it leaves me breathless... Eskel, I'm going to-"

"Yes, I know, you will ask me to marry you," Eskel cut him off, letting out a breathy laugh.

"I wanted to offer you a blowjob once I get better," Jaskier retorted with a grin. "But marrying you would come with the same benefits, so I guess I should actually ask you to marry me one day."

"Who knows," Eskel replied, eyes unfocused and looking at the wall with a soft smile. "Maybe one day I will actually accept your crazy proposal. Now finish your food and let me get you some more Aspirin."

*****

The fifth time Jaskier has proposed to Eskel was when Eskel saved his life.

It was a chilly night at the beginning of autumn. Geralt has left earlier to run some errands and Jaskier was closing up the coffee shop by himself. Having worked there for over half a year now, he knew exactly what to do and it didn't bother him to be left alone for the last hour of work every now and then. He closed the front door, swept the floors, counted the money and put it away into the little safe in their back room. He turned off all the lights and went out, closing the back door behind him.

"Your wallet and phone, pretty boy," he heard a hoarse voice behind his back.

He turned around to see a man, hiding his face under a big hood, both hands kept hidden in the hoodie's vast pockets. Jaskier shook himself out of the initial shock and looked closer at the person - it wasn't a man, more a teenager, sixteen years old at best. He was grinning awfully at Jaskier, eyes mad and darting, probably on drugs.

"Okay, let's take it easy," Jaskier held his hands up, shivering a little. "I don't think you want to do this."

"Shut the fuck up! Wallet." The guy moved closer to Jaskier pulling a small knife out of his pocket.

Jaskier instinctively scooted back, his back bumping painfully against the cold door of the coffee shop. This was getting serious and he was sure even his wit wouldn't help him get out of the situation. He looked at the knife's blade shining in the weak light of the few street lamps, took a quick glance at the guy's wild eyes and gritted teeth - he was definitely under some substance's influence, so Jaskier convinced himself that arguing with the guy or trying to talk some reason into him would make no sense. He exhaled slowly, trying not to shake too much while still eyeing the sharp blade in the guy's hand. He tried looking around without acting too obvious - but there was nobody in the street.

"Okay, I'm gonna reach into my pocket and take my wallet out," Jaskier said weakly, trying to sound as calm as possible. "No need to use the knife, okay?"

"Don't tell me what to do!" the guy shouted at him, waving the knife around.

Jaskier looked up and prayed silently to the gods. He hoped that as soon as he'd handed the guy his stuff, he'd be gone and leave him alone. All he heard was the annoying sound of his teeth clicking and his rushed heartbeat ringing in his ears.

"Leave him alone!" Jaskier heard a growl coming from the end of the alleyway. Before Jaskier could recognise Eskel in the dark figure, he rushed at the robber, knocking him down. The guy fell on his back, losing the knife and groaning painfully. He scrambled to his feet and launched at Eskel, clearly going for a fight. Jaskier watched him lose his balance and fall on his back again, after Eskel had punched him straight in the face. "Get the fuck out of here!" Eskel's voice was dark and threatening, nothing alike the soft baritone Jaskier was used to. Eskel kicked the guy once, before Jaskier grabbed his arm and pulled him away.

"It's okay, Esk," he said quietly. "I'm okay. It's okay."

"If I ever see you around here again, I swear to god..." Eskel started, teeth gritted and jaw clenched. He watched as the guy got up as quickly as he could and limped away, leaving him panting and with a very scared Jaskier clinging to his arm.

Jaskier let out a deep breath, steadying himself on Eskel's arm. Eskel turned to him and grabbed him in a tight embrace. "I'm okay, I'm okay," Jaskier kept repeating, even though his legs felt weak and his teeth were still clicking a little.

"Gods, I'm so glad nothing happened to you," Eskel breathed and kissed Jaskier's forehead. Then he kissed his cheeks and left a soft kiss on Jaskier's lips. He was shaking a little too. "If he'd hurt you, I swear to god..."

Jaskier put a finger on his lips to shut him up. "Thank you, Eskel. I'm so glad you were here."

Eskel huffed. "Good thing I came over... Wanted to ask you to go out and grab a beer with me, but now..." he gestured around, while giving Jaskier a worried look.

"Eskel," Jaskier hugged him, hiding his face in Eskel's broad chest. He felt the stress leave him, as Eskel's strong hands rubbed circles on his back. He let out another deep breath, held back the tears prickling at his eyes, smiled faintly. "You saved my life, quite literally. So, since I now owe you my life, will you marry me?"

"Ahh, there it is," Eskel let out a breathy laugh, placing another kiss on Jaskier's forehead. "I will take you out tonight first."

*****

And then Eskel has proposed to Jaskier.

"Hey, Jaskier," Geralt looked up from the delivery boxes and greeted him when he entered their coffee shop. "Before you change into your work clothes, can you go over to Eskel's diner and pick up a parcel for me? He said he grabbed it for me this morning."

"Sure thing," Jaskier replied, putting his jacket back on. "Be back in ten."

"Yeah," Geralt nodded towards him with a soft smile tugging at his lips. "No rush."

When Jaskier entered the diner, Eskel greeted him at the door and took his work apron off, throwing it to a coworker. "Good to see you, Jaskier," he said eagerly.

"Hi, Geralt said I was supposed to pick something from you for him?"

"Uh yeah... I don't have it," Eskel grinned with an apologetic look on his face, rubbing the back of his neck. "But you can come with me, I have something to show you."

"How long is it gonna take?" Jaskier hesitated at the door. "Told Geralt I'll be back in a minute."

"You don't really have to," Eskel smiled at him. "Asked Geralt for a day off for you today, he's already got someone to cover today's shift for you."

Jaskier propped his hands on his hips and eyed Eskel suspiciously. "Okay, what is going on?"

"Can't tell ya," Eskel reached out and grabbed Jaskier's hand. "Come with me."

They strolled slowly through the city's streets. Eskel was holding Jaskier's hand all the time, rubbing small circles on it with his thumb every now and then. Jaskier looked down at their intertwined fingers and smiled. Eskel's hand was strong and warm, his olive skin soft under Jaskier's touch.

"How come your skin and your hair are so much darker than Geralt's?" he wondered aloud.

"Geralt's a weirdo," Eskel blurted out without thinking, causing Jaskier to chuckle. "Also, he's old."

"Mind you, I'm the same age as him," Jaskier stuck his tongue out.

"Technically, yes. But you're different," Eskel smiled. "When I'm around you, I feel like you're more my age, while Geralt is already like our dad."

"I'm really glad he doesn't hear us now," Jaskier laughed, squeezing Eskel's hand tightly. "Okay, where are you taking me and what is going on?"

"Ah, we're here," Eskel stopped them. "You'll find everything out soon enough."

Jaskier took a look at the heavy steel gate they found themselves in front of. Botanical garden. Jaskier has always wanted to go there but never found the time to do so. He smiled fondly at Eskel and squeezed his hand. So it was a surprise date, a nice walk through the narrow paths between colorful flowerbeds. There were little to no people, since it was a weekday before noon - everyone was either at work or in school and they could enjoy their time together in privacy. A fuzzy heat spread through his chest and he gave Eskel a wide smile. "Thank you for bringing me here, I love it."

"You ain't seen nothing yet," Eskel grinned, grabbed Jaskier's hand and led him inside.

After a while of walking around, Eskel sat Jaskier on a secluded bench in front of a weeping willow tree. On both sides of the bench were flowerbeds of blooming autumn flowers - cyclamens, russian sage, and marigolds. Jaskier turned his face to the sun, letting it warm his skin, and inhaled the mix of strong flowery scents. "It's beautiful," he sighed. "But what's the occasion? It's neither my birthday nor yours... So what's the deal here?"

In reply, Eskel grabbed Jaskier's face and pulled him into a passionate kiss. His lips were warm and plush and so soft on Jaskier's and Jaskier immediately sunk into the sensation, slumping in Eskel's arms. Eskel was holding Jaskier's face firmly, kissing Jaskier so deeply, hungrily, as if he was afraid Jaskier would never want to kiss him again. But Jaskier leaned into the kiss, pressing his body flush to Eskel's, wrapping his arms around his broad shoulders, opening his mouth to welcome him.

"Jaskier, listen," Eskel grabbed his hand and exhaled deeply, when they parted their lips. "I know we're not technically together, like we never put the 'boyfriends' label on ourselves, but I feel that we have a strong connection going on between us anyway. And I know that you're much older than me, but I don't really mind, and if you don't mind, then..." He stopped for a moment, worrying his lip between his teeth, trying to find the right words.

Jaskier stared at him with interest and a hint of worry, looking between their intertwined fingers and Eskel's face.

"I've never met anyone like you, Jaskier," Eskel continued, squeezing Jaskier's hand between his strong fingers. "You're funny and smart, you're like sunshine embodied. You're so beautiful and so confident in who you are and I admire you and... I love you."

Jaskier felt tears already brimming at the corners of his eyes and he exhaled deeply, trying not to burst out crying at the very moment. But then Eskel slid down from the bench and got on one knee, causing Jaskier to gasp loudly.

"Marry me, Jaskier," Eskel said, expression serious but eyes hopeful. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small dark blue box, and pressed it into Jaskier's hands. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You might think I'm crazy but I've really thought it through and if you're ready to take that leap of faith with me, then I'll be the happiest person in the world."

"You mean it." Jaskier's voice was as quiet as a whisper, as he looked at the little box in his hands and then at Eskel's face. "You really want this?"

Eskel nodded, his throat too tight to speak. He squeezed Jaskier's hands between his a little bit tighter.

Jaskier opened the box. He found a small simple ring in white gold inside, holding a tiny aquamarine at the top. He let out a whimper, before pulling the ring out and placing it on his finger. He pulled Eskel up from his knees and into a kiss. "I knew from day one we're gonna end up like this!"

-----

@witcher-rarepair-summer-bingo

#witcher rarepair summer bingo #jaskel #jaskier x eskel #eskel x jaskier #the witcher fic #jaskier #eskel #*borat voice* i hope you like

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btsandvmin · 3 years

Text

Ask: Reply - 2021.03.18

I don’t know what might be the best way to go about asks, but for now I’ll try to answer asks as they come and when I can/want to I’ll collect them together in a post instead of answering indivudually. I’ve seen other Vminie blogs with similar formats and have done a few collection posts like this before, and it really seems to be the easiest way to digest your questions.

Let’s go through what you’ve sent me today as I finally opened up this blog for asks again. :)

Topics:

Ask 1 - Vmin’s emotional connection vs ship moments Ask 2 - KTH1 and creative control Ask 3 - What makes a ship big? Ask 4 - Thoughts on Tae/kook’s relationship (+ edit on other post) Ask 5 - When did they first mention the dumpling fight? Ask 6 - A little about me and my big analysis Ask 7-9 - Thank yous and nice things

Thank you all for waiting. <3 Read more under the cut.

Ask 1 - Vmin’s emotional connection vs ship moments

I agree with you. I might not look at other ships as focused as I do with Vmin, but I would guess no other ship comes close to how much Vmin have shown their emotional intimacy in many ways over the years. Not to mention how many times even BTS themselves point out Vmin’s bond as special. Not to mention to begin with we shouldn’t be insecure about their bond based on their interactions with others. We should judge Vmin based on how they interact with each other.

All members have skinship (though some more than others), but both Jimin and Tae are super comfortable with touching, sometimes even with strangers. Looking at moments you can ship all ships, and there are even those that believe their ship to be real for almost all ships in BTS at this point. Why? Well because if you focus on your ship and put emphasis on the moments between them as bigger or more important, you can find “proof” for anything. Because that’s just how close and shipworthy all of the dynamics in BTS are. They all love each other, and shippers can find their own preferred love amongst them.

I think we also need to remember all the things Vmin has CONFIRMED that other shippers try to prove with their own ships. How is tae/kook hugging or ji/kook cuddling supposed to make me feel insecure about Vmin when they have that too AND call each other soulmates in a song that made one of their procucers cry and other things like Namjoon getting goosebumps thinking about their bond? Taehyung cried reading his letter to Jimin and Jimin said no other member would likely truly understand why he cried. Taehyung has called Jimin the warmest person he knows and his one and only best friend. AND AGAIN, SOULMATE. The years of material we have show us again and again how important they are to each other and how they grow and work hard together to make their bond even stronger.

Vminies, please appriciate what we have because we are spoiled.

Ask 2 - KTH1 and creative control

Honestly this is a difficult one. The thing is that we know that likely to some degree Big Hit will always be involved with what the boys do and release. But I also think their freedom to express themselves is better than most idol companies, and BTS whole brand is to be as genuine as possible. As for what Tae would be asked to tone down is hard to say exactly, but we do know that Yoongi and Namjoon (and other members) have been pretty dark and honest in their lyrics. I know from a Vmin perspective it could be something either LGBT+ or even directly Vmin related, but there isn’t enough to go on for me to make a good guess. We literally just know that he was told to tone it down. It doesn’t even have to be about the subjects or lyrics, even though that does seem the most likely. But we do know that Taehyung wants to release something that reflect him and that he can be proud of, so I am sure no matter what we get they will be his honest feelings. I am very excited and a bit scared thinking about Tae’s mixtape if I am being honest.

That being said, I think there could be lines that they should be careful not to cross. I think it’s possible with Taehyung’s personality who “doesn’t beat around the bush” that he might want to express more than what might be appropriate. Not just from Big Hit’s perspective but for his own sake. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying Tae is an idiot who doesn’t know what’s good for him. I just think at times he might be rebellious against his own better judement because it is something so important to him. For me talking about the Christmas song is partly such a moment, but I still think he was careful and ambiguous enough about it, even though he allowed himself to complain. Still, I am sure if it is about sexuality or even a relationship he knows the risks of being too open about it and would likely understand the need to be careful, or tone things down, if that was the case. A mixtape/album is not something done rashly or in the moment, so no matter what we get I am sure it will have been checked and considered by Tae and by Big Hit.

So basically I suppose the delay could be about creative control but mostly I really think it’s about Taehyung wanting to do well and writing when he feels like it without pressure. Which I feel is a very healthy approach by him honestly. We know mixtapes takes time and we know how Hobi felt about his first one, so I really think we should just give him time and I am sure we will get something amazing.

Ask 3 - What makes a ship big?

Aaaaaaw~! Thank you so much for your love and compliments. I feel like am very lacking in many areas still, but regardless I am glad my posts are appriciated. If I can bring a smile to anyones’ face that is an acomplishment to be proud of. Thank you. <3

As for what makes a ship big or not is of course quite subjective. For me at this point I would say ALL BTS ships are big ships. Not comparing them to each other but just by the huge amount of fans they all have. (I hope you don’t have to learn the pain or liking a rare-pair from a small fandom T-T). Almost all the ships in BTS even have analysis and people who believe in them, and I think that is partly an effect of size as well. That being said I think the bigger a ship is the easier it is for it to grow more. Which is why it is no surprise a lot of BTS ships that were popular right at the start are still the biggest ones now. But with more material and more fans there comes communities focused on their own ship, and they all grow as they get more moments. Vmin too have had a few times when they blow up for a while and gather new curious shippers. Friends is clearly a great example of this. Even Sweet Night seem to be something of a turning point for some to start shipping Vmin. All ships will grown in size with each passing year as we are always given new material. Even if a ship doesn’t get a lot, it will likely get enough to keep fans engaged.

For me I would say the loudest and the most agressive are often the biggest (more bad apples the bigger the basket you know) and I think we can see some size indications by what ships trend more often etc. Ships can also be big in different ways and in different forums... Like how ji/kookers have taken tumblr as their platform while tae/kookers seem to be on youtube comments a lot.

All in all I don’t think size matters much though. Especially not with BTS where all ships get a lot of material and has their own fans who create for, share and dicuss about their pair. Popularity to me is not really something I think too much about, and honestly I think the way only the most popular pairs seem to get attention in the form of “worry” etc. is very telling. If JK and Hobi share a bed and cuddle and celebrate JK’s BD together, or Hobi post them having a picknick outside their house at night no one bats an eye... But if it was JK with one of Vmin? Confirmed to be dating and all other shippers get worried.

Going into detail why ships gets big is a different conversation though. :P I hope I understood your ask correctly. Basically I consider all BTS ships as more or less big (perhaps with the exception of 2seok).

Ask 4 - Thoughts on Tae/kook’s relationship

So I got two Tae/kook asks today, seemingly because Tae/kook has had a lot of moments recently. I deleted the first one, but this one I feel is safe enough to share. I’ve talked about tae/kook before... (HERE for example) and I stand by that now too. I don’t have to dismiss other ships to feel confident about Vmin’s love for each other.

Tae/kook has always had a very physical and playful dynamic. Even when Tae changed and toned down this side of him we got moments where he played with JK or they hugged or cuddled close. I do see a little change now after ITS but mostly in that Tae seems to initiate more, not that it looks different in nature. I think when Tae changed his dynamic with JK lost a lot of it’s “main focus” as Tae wasn’t as playful. Look at JK with Jin as a comparison and I think JK in general is drawn to hang with people who are happy and fun to tease.

Anyways, about their bond I do think tae/kook are close but as grown men they don’t have the same relationship that they used to when they were younger. They simply grew up and their dynamics changed. They haven’t had a lot of more serious conversations, but I think now that distance have become a little shorter after ITS. I think Tae/kook has a great bond that is underrated by many in the fandom but overrated greatly by their shippers. They clearly love each other and have fun with each other and can be very comfortable physically.

But are they as close as Vmin? Personally I really doubt it. And even if Tae/kook would be real why should that have any impact on Vmin? Surely you wouldn’t think they are together but cheating or something drastic like that. I am also not sure why you would be particularly worried about tae/kook based on physical interactions alone though... I mean, both Hope/kook, Tae/jin, Ji/kook and Vmin also have a loooot of very intimate looking moments if you ask me.

You don’t have to worry about Vmin. If Tae has gushed about Jimin being special to him from 2013 to 2020 I don’t see why 2021 would be any different.

I also got a reply to this post where I mentioned the tae/kook ask I deleted. I must first say that it was my mistake to write JK’s lips and not his lip mole. I have edited the post to make clear he talked about the mole and not the lips.

Either way, thank you anon for giving perspective and adding your thoughts to the moments. Not to mention moments like this happen for all members and I don’t think we can draw any strong conclusions from them saying another members is sexy or something similar. But yeah, people pick and choose what they will remember, and often focusing on the negative will leave a bigger impact than the positive.

Ask 5 - When did they first mention the dumpling fight?

Hi and don’t worry. I honestly think a lot of Vminies don’t know about this because the first time was such a small moment not many would pay attention and remember it. We knew about it since 2016 where Tae offhandedly mentioned him and Jimin fighting about dumplings once.

I don’t even have the actual source for the first time Tae mentioned it, but it was all the way back in July 2016 in an interview with @star1 magazine, so we know it happened before that.

Then Tae got asked about it on a post it during a BST era fansign as well. Also, did you know the reason they fought was 💜?

Yeah.... Let’s just say I am not surprised at all to hear their dumpling fight having more meaning than first let on. As with most things brought up in the lyrics of Friends it’s something we already knew about since before. I also talked about this in my post Vmin analysis - “Friends”. (Though at that point we hadn’t heard them speak much about it and didn’t know how big of a deal it seemed to be.) It makes me wonder if the other things they talk about in the lyrics might also have more meaning than we know.

Personally I think the reason we even got them talking about the dumpling incident so much is thanks to JK in the carpool karaoke. When asked what Vmin would fight about he was the one who mentioned dumplings and likely brought more attention to it than if it would simply have remained as one of the many lyrical anecdotes in the song. I am glad we got to know more, because honestly the dumpling incident seems to have been a pivotal moment in Vmin’s relationship.

Ask 6 - A little about me and my big analysis

Hi and thank you so much for the lovely compliments. Trying to consider all kinds of possibilities I feel should be obvious if you truly want to analyse something, but sadly I think when it comes to observing real people and being invested emotionally that becomes really difficult. Me too have to hold myself back a lot, because in the end there is always going to be room for error. And if I am wrong, who will be hurt? Likely all of you who listen to me and take my words into consideration. So I rather be upfront about the risk of being wrong than to speak too confidently and accidentally ending up misleading someone. I am really so happy and proud over Vminies who can stand back and not become delusional despite everything we actually have (this includes myself, because it’s not always easy to not get caught up in theories).

As for who I am it’s of course ok to ask. I am from Sweden and is 30 years old. (English isn’t my native language so I hope you forgive my mistakes, I know I have a lot of them in my posts). I’ve been a BTS fan since 2016 and Vmin fan almost since the start. I have been a fan of other groups long before BTS too and was pretty deep into the Japanese idol culture before fell for K-pop. For some additional info I also work with marketing and project managing and have a degree in conflict resolution. Thanks for being curious about me. :)

About my big analysis I am working on it still, and of course I hope to post it as soon as I can. I am a bit hesistant in bringing attention to some things though, as I have seen some of my previous theories and speculations be regarded as fact. I don’t want Vminies to run with my interpretations in a way that make them confident in Vmin being real. So yeah, I do want to post it, but I am also a bit worried what reactions it might get. I try very hard to remind you all that my theories are only speculations and we won’t know anything for sure (unless it would be confirmed). It still isn’t finished yet though, but I’ll keep working hard.

Ask 7 - Thank you for the fic rec

Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it. I haven’t had too much time to catch up on reading and just added a lot from my bookmarks, but good thing it was so appriciated by you all. Vmin writers truly are amazing aren’t they? :)

(And don’t worry about me getting bad asks. I think I would have quit a long time ago if I let them bother me too much.)

Ask 8 - Just a very sweet anon

Thank you! I’m ok. Not great, but ok. Life goes on, you know? But I feel like I finally have the energy to blog again, and honestly that feels pretty great. It feels like I’ve been gone forever, but I hope you will still enjoy my musings and thoughts as you send me questions and I write new posts. :3

Ask 9 - The whole world is different from yesterday~ Just with your joy~

Omg what a sweet thing to say, thank you so much, you are putting a big smile on my face right now. I am glad you enjoy and understand my thoughts so much. I know many of you have missed my thoughts and even asked me when I would open my asks again, and so much always happen with Vmin too... (There is literally enough material to write books about them.) Thank you for waiting and being so understanding. I am happy to be back too. <3

Thank you everyone for you asks and I hope you liked this new format. :) I’ll try to keep it up and if you have any thoughts and opinions feel free to share them.

#vmin #btsandvmin #Btsandvmin ask #Btsandvmin answer #ask collection #vmin thoughts #BTS shipping #the dumpling incident #my post #ask: reply

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sweetestlamb · 3 years

Text

Chapter 8- epilogue

Cut Scene

Author's note: In case anyone doesn't know in my mind I am a kdrama writer and with this story especially I find myself thinking about the scenes as if they are playing out on a screen, it's just my jam. I think of characters interactions and hope that affects the pacing and drive of the story and I try to imagine how the scenes would love, it makes it that much more fun to me! So without further ado, I give you the epilogue.

"So why are you sitting out here?" She asks him, feeling warm from their prolonged embrace. She'd only offered it because she saw it on a drama, "Sometimes words aren't enough and a hug, a really good hug will do," the main character had softly declared before wrapping the crying girl up in his huge arms, their height difference was stark, the girls head barely reaching his shoulder.

She hadn't known what to say in the face of Seojun's tangible sadness, she'd never witnessed it before thinking that he was someone incapable of such an tiring emotion. Guilt riddles as she recalls her illogical thoughts about his disappearance, she hadn't given him the benefit of the doubt; thinking the worst from the beginning.

It seemed she still had a long way to go, with trust.

She didn't know how long exactly they were supposed to hug, but once the arm rest started to dig into her side uncomfortably she had attempted to shift away, thinking he too would be feeling discomfort. But she could feel the cords of his arms flexing, immobilizing her. He was stronger than he appeared.

"Not yet." He'd said, voice barely a whisper as if he was scared to be heard but couldn't contain the words.

She froze. He sounded so needy. It made her heart squeeze.

This was meant to be his comfort after all, he should decide when it ended. It only seemed right.

Her arms went numb, the pinprick tingles shooting up and down the limbs like sparks of tiny lightning, even sitting he was taller than her and she had to reach up to return his hug. She stayed silent letting him hold her and hiding a smile when he released the softest puff of air and burrowed into her shoulder, he was so large but he felt infinitely tiny in her arms.

After what felt like an eternity he started to draw away, his jaw was clenched tight she watched a vein twitch as he slowly leaned away from her, until only their fingers touched and then the hold was broken completely like a bubble being popped.

Then they sat in silence, she became lost in the sound of his breathing, evenly paced and soothing to her ears unconsciously she matched it- both of them in perfect rhythm. In, out. In, out.

"The doctor was doing blood work and........I don't like the sight of blood." He finally responds and she almost forgets the question she even asked hypnotized by the cadence of his voice, he's only speaking loud enough for her to hear. The moment feels intimate.

He's surprisingly more human than she'd expected. Glancing over she watches him wait for her reaction, the great Han Seojun scared of blood? What would the others think?

Such a joke, they're all just kids. They're all scared of something, some fears are just bigger than others.

She merely nods at his admission. Storing away another piece of Han Seojun so she can make sense of this puzzle.

"Are you coming back to school?" She finally asks the question she's been aching too, too chicken shit honestly to voice it but the hug has emboldened her too. When she looks over he's staring at her with an unreadable expression, his eyes searching her face before he sighs tilting his head back.

"Should I? Is it boring without me?" He jokes slipping back on the skin she's used to seeing the teasing easily flirtatious Han Seojun, it makes her pause to see his mask slipping back on so soon.

He had a long way to go too.

"Come back to school." She hears the gasp that falls from his lungs, she'd caught him off guard. She stifles a smirk, it doesn't take much to egg him on and she finds herself wanting to push all his buttons.

"What?"

"Come. Back. To. School." She punctuates each word with a tap on the arm rest between then, on the final word twisting to face him. Eyes locked in an intense gaze.

"I need another sweater too. You cried all over this one."

He looks at her in shock before the lightest baritone chuckle escapes from his lips and it is music to her ears, twinkling and ringing she can't help her small smile in response. She shakes her head at the ridiculousness of it all, her laughing with Han Seojun in a hospital and neither one of them were the reason the other was there. Who could have guessed?

"I'll see what I can do princess."

She sits with him into the wee hours of the night, watching videos on their phones together smiling at cat videos and shaking her head when he mimics tik tok dance videos, he's a good dancer but she pretends she's embarrassed when he stands to dance to a BTS song, covering her eyes and groaning.

Then Suho starts to call and send messages, asking where she is and if she's okay. She'd completely forgotten about him, bolting inside their shared apartment to grab Seojun's sweatshirt ignoring Suho's bewildered face and racing back out to trail Chorong. She hadn't been able to think logically then.

"You should go back. I'll call you a cab." Seojun states firmly already taking out his phone leaving little room for argument.

"Aren't you coming home? You can't sleep here." She argues anyway, she can always make room to argue.

"I'll go soon, I want to sit with my mom a little more. Don't worry about me."

She grabs his arm firmly, making him look at her.

"I'm going to worry about you, who are you to tell me not to? Let me do what I want." She misses the pleased smile on his face, standing to stretch her legs.

The cab comes and he walks her to the entrance of the hospital, it's not lost on her that he's the only guest that's still here so late. He'd probably seduced the nurses or something she thinks annoyed.

"I'll see you tomorrow?" She asks him but her question comes out too confident, sounding more like a command.

He doesn't miss her tone. "Is that a royal command?" He quips raising an eyebrow in jest.

"If you come I'll grant you a wish."

His eyes are huge, beseeching as they process her words and then his lips match and she turns away from the bewitching sight, running to the cab without a backwards glance instead watching him grin like an idiot in the mirror of the cab.

What am I getting myself into?

Perhaps it's too late to be asking that.

Checking herself once more in the mirror she smiles at her reflection, she plans on stopping by the hospital after school and she wants to look her best for Seojun...'s mother. She hasn't seen her in a while and she wants to look presentable. Sweeping her hair to the other side, she takes a deep breath before grabbing her phone and bag. One more stop in the kitchen and she's out the door, Suho had offered to wait for her but she already knew he was planning to pick Ju-Kyeong up, they deserved some alone time to do whatever it was the couples did.

She was used to walking to school alone.

Checking the door she walks to the elevator before deciding to take the stairs, hopping down each step energetically before pushing the emergency door open and squinting under the blinding sunlight, bringing a hand up to cover her eyes she steps onto the sidewalk.

"If you leave this late you're definitely going to be late." A deep voice grumbles from behind her and suddenly there's an arm flung over her shoulder, a familiar cologne fills her nose.

"What are you doing here?" She inquires shifting under the heft of his arm but not dislodging it. It's not particularly bothering her, at the moment.

"You made an offer I couldn't refuse." He winks at her, starting to walk and in doing so dragging her along, she has to walk double speed to match his long gait.

She scoffs to repress the butterflies fluttering wildly in her belly, "Can you slow down some of us don't have giraffe legs."

"Yah! My legs are proportional to the rest of my beautiful body, don't listen to her you're both perfect long legends." She watches the idiot comfort his legs, bending to stroke them as if they are whimpering children.

"Has anyone told you today that you're an idiot?" She pulls her bag to her front, unzipping and pulling out a container. "Here. I was going to give this to you later, but it's easier now. It's just dumpling that's all your mom taught me so far."

She thrust a container at him, wrapped in a light blue cloth tied with a bow. She's never made food for anyone else before but he'd seemed to enjoy them that one time so maybe it would be alright.

"You made me food?" His voice is just like at the hospital again but this time with a dash of disbelief.

"It's just dumplings, you need to eat too." She quickly replies, dashing up the the bus stop once it's in sight. The air between them is a bit hard to handle right now. Sitting down on the metal seat she plops her bag in her lap pointed looking down the street.

He sits right next to her, their shoulders brushing.

"Thank you. Nobody but my mom's ever made me food before." He confesses.

"What about your fangirls?" She challenges feeling hot needing to deflect.

"They don't count." He answers airily. She can only hum too scared to ask why they don't count. She can't handle the truth.

"Here I have a gift too." He states before dropping something soft on her head, glaring at him for messing up her hair she tugs off the object. Another sweater, dark blue this time with a single red heart on left side covering the chest. "I promise I won't cry on this one." He teases as she stares at the sweater and tries not to put a deeper meaning to him giving her this particular sweater. The heart is distractingly red.

It's a hot day, warmer than expected in mid April with a light breeze and the sun is beaming down on them.

She stands wordlessly, handing him her bag before slipping her arms into the sweater one at a time, leaving the zipper open, the bottom of the sweater grazes her thigh and it smells just like him. it

"How do I look?" She shifts feeling suddenly self-respect conscious under his unwavering and penetrating stare he hasn't blinked since she put the sweater on.

He stares up at her from his seat, squinting like she's the sun and he can't look away. A sunny smile breaks across his handsome face.

"Beautiful."

#true beauty #true beauty kdrama #kang sujin #han seojun #junjin #epilogue #cut scene #i swear I think I'm a kdrama writer

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jubesy · 3 years

Note

I heard you wanted to write matchablossom (specifically joe stealing cherry's food off his plate/fork/mouth which I wholeheartedly support) into your next drabble, so could I request 29? 🤣

(Also, no. 19 of the drabble prompt hits different after watching sk8 ep 7... I'm still ugly crying over it T^T)

Why, thank you, my friend! Yes, I would very much like to write that, hehe~

I had so much fun writing from Cherry’s pov this time around. And, yeah, it went long again, haha. (And oh gosh #19...I’m going to have to save that for later. The pain!)

Matcha Blossom #29 “I told you this would happen.”

Also available on Ao3.

Request a drabble here!

Sakurayashiki ‘Cherry blossom’ Kaoru was no fool. He knew that Joe liked to push things -- like Cherry’s buttons -- to see how far he could get. It was his thing. Just as Cherry strove to advance his expertise in areas in which he was naturally gifted.

But Cherry’s efforts didn’t negatively impact others the way that Joe’s did.

For example, most recently, Joe had been positively tormenting Cherry with his kleptoparasitism. To put it in layman's terms, he liked to steal Cherry’s food.

That wasn’t to say that Joe hadn’t been doing it for years. Stealing bites of Cherry’s ice pop on hot summer days, claiming it was melting and Cherry hadn’t been eating it fast enough. Or swiping the best parts of Cherry’s bento while eating lunch on the school’s roof -- despite having made it for him! -- claiming that he was a growing boy and he needed more calories than him.

So, yes, Joe had made a habit of sneaking bites of Cherry’s food for ages. But he was upping the ante as of late.

Joe’s first offense had been during a work meeting. One of Cherry’s clients had taken him out to Joe’s restaurant as a thank you. And, when the man was distracted, Joe helped himself to a grape tomato. Right off of Cherry’s plate! During business hours! He was shameless, the oversized, over-muscled dolt.

But it seemed as though that was not enough, because it only got worse. Not while the restaurant was open, at least. But during a meeting with fellow ‘S’ skaters.

Yes, Cherry had invited them over unannounced and with zero notice. And yes, Joe had provided food for all of them, free of charge. But during their meal, as Cherry was answering a question Snow had asked, Joe leaned in and took his bite of ravioli. Right off of Cherry’s fork!

The audacity! The utter gall!

And when Cherry turned to bark at him, Joe just flashed a smug little grin, his stupid, dopey eyes shining with mirth. And against his will, Cherry’s heart skipped a beat. That great, imbecilic ape!

However, that was not the worst of it. No. Joe continued to test the boundaries with his brazen eating habits. And Cherry should have seen it coming. And, in a way, he did. At least they were alone this time.

It was late and Sia la luce was empty, the doors locked and only a few lights on. Joe was finishing up his order, his chef coat hung over the back of one of the chairs. He’d plated up the night’s special for Cherry, but hadn’t bothered to prepare anything for himself. Which led Cherry to believe that if he didn’t scarf down his food, he’d be putting himself at risk of once again being victimized by the hungry assailant.

But Cherry did not inhale his food. That was crass and suited for someone more like his childhood friend. Still, something had to be done.

“Are you going to eat or do you plan on letting it go to waste?” Joe asked, breaking Cherry from his thoughts. “You know how I feel about food waste.”

“I was waiting for you to finish,” Cherry lied, averting his gaze.

Joe chuckled. “Liar.” Damn him. “What’s wrong, Kaoru? Wanna share?”

Cherry snapped his head up and grabbed for his plate, pulling it just out of Joe’s reach. “As if I would,” he bit, narrowing his eyes.

At that, Joe raised his hands in surrender, that stupid, smug little smile curving his lips. “If you say so.” He turned his head, not stopping until Cherry heard a satisfying crack, and then took a seat beside him. “Well, go on.” Joe placed his elbow on the counter and cradled his chin in his palm. “I would like to get out of here before dawn.”

Again, Cherry shot him a withering look -- though he should’ve known by now that Joe was immune -- and set his plate back down. He reached for a fork and picked up one of the perfectly identical potato dumplings, popping it into his mouth. “Mmm…” He couldn’t stop the sound that rose in his throat. They were delicious.

“Good, right?” Joe asked.

“Shh!” Cherry hushed him, his eyes still closed as he savored the bite. “You’ll ruin it.”

Joe snorted. “That good, huh?”

Cherry ignored him and picked up another one. He’d had these before, he was sure. What had Joe called them?

“Well, I’m glad you’re enjoying my grandpa’s famous gnocchi,” Joe continued talking in that irritating way he always did when he knew Cherry was trying to concentrate. “How’s the pesto?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, Cherry just continued eating. And soon, there was only one left on his plate.

“You know,” Joe continued, “I didn’t really get to have any tonight.”

Ah, there it was. He was going in for the kill. But that was just too bad. Because there was only one gnocchi left and it belonged to one, Cherry blossom. Cherry shifted his gaze toward Joe, making eye contact as he speared the final dumpling and making a show of swirling it around to capture as much pesto sauce as possible before bringing it up to his mouth. “That’s a shame,” he said and then wrapped his lips around it.

Joe’s eyes grew comically large and Cherry would have laughed, if it wasn’t rude to do so with one’s mouth full. But then before he even had a chance to celebrate his victory, Joe was leaning forward, entering his personal space. He placed a hand on the back of Cherry’s head and drew him nearer, his lips brushing his before his tongue swept against them. Cherry opened his mouth on impulse and that was when Joe struck, curling his tongue around the gnocchi and stealing it right out of Cherry’s mouth.

Joe pulled back with a self-satisfied smirk on his face as he chewed and swallowed, using his thumb to wipe some stray pesto from his lips. “You were right. They are good.”

Cherry was still in a slight daze, but he quickly recovered, heating rising up his neck and spreading across his face to the tips of his ears. He sputtered, unable to properly form words. And Joe, the absolute, puffed up, idiotic…! He just...sat there! Smiling!

And deep down, Cherry had known this was coming. It had taken years, but Joe had finally…

“I told you this would happen…” he muttered to himself.

“What’s that, Kaoru?” Joe questioned, cocking his head to the side.

“I said, you’d better have made dessert, you damn gorilla!” he spat.

At that, Joe grinned. “I might have a cake left in the cooler.” He stood up to get it and then paused. “But we’ll have to share.” He grinned again and Cherry did everything in his power not to look at his lips. His surprisingly soft, full lips.

“Just go get it, would you?!”

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aracaryn · 3 years

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Question tag – thank you @lostand-notfound for tagging me! it's taken me a long while to actually answer this but it was actually quite fun

Nickname: fen or fennie usually but there are a few wild ones too Zodiac: my big three are libra sun, capricorn moon and aries rising (although I've never really seen myself much in the latter) Height: 168 cm Last movie I saw: I actually just watched "The Jane Austen Book Club" (2007) which was just delightful. A wonderful feel-good rom com that I feel like gets swept under the rug a lot Last thing I googled: a guy in one of my courses recommended me this old arthouse cinema close to campus so I googled it to see what movies it shows! Favorite musician: I'm obsessed with Jelani Aryeh at the moment and Goant Rooks is a forever favourite Song stuck in my head: "Stoned Fruit" by Soaked Oats Other blogs: had one other a few years back but not really using it anymore Blogs following: I follow around 600 but a few of them are from when I first got tumblr and are not active anymore Amount of sleep: usually fluctating between six and nine, depending on how much shit I have to do Lucky number: idk, I always liked the number 2 or 12 What I’m wearing: black t-shirt with a tattooed marble bust and mom jeans Dream job: i don't dream of labour. Nah but to be real, after finishing my Masters Degree, I would love to work in research for a few years, maybe even do a phd before working for city planning projects and trying to make the urban space more sustainable and accessible Dream trip: I would love to go hiking again, maybe do a two week tour from cabin to cabin and then Vienna is also very high on my travel list! Favorite food: oh man I love pasta wit mushrooms in a white wine-cream sauce with a good amount of lemon in it... or tacos are also great, maybe with fake chicken, green salsa, pickled onions and avocado? or kimchi fried rice with crispy dumplings on top?? Play an instrument: I learned how to play keyboard when I was younger and later played drums and percussion instruments in a big band but honestly was never that good in it. I loved singing in a choir though, idk if that counts! Languages: my native tongue is german, I speak and study in english, then I had french for an embarrassing number of years considering my mediocre skill level, I understand (but unfortunately don't speak) some dutch and I knew finnish some years ago. Man I should practice though, I forgot wayy too much Favorite songs: "God is drunk" by Ressa Saffa Park is a big fave this month, as well as "Terms and Conditions" by TIMEA, "That Message" by Holy Holy and "Hurting Kind" by Del Water Gap Random fact: the "take a hint" song from victorious actually slaps and should be played in clubs lol Describe yourself as aesthetic things: coffee-stained notebooks, thrifted black jeans, freckles, liqour bottles as candleholders, golden jewelry, pastel oversized sweaters, martini glasses and pictures cut out of newspapers

Tagging (if you feel like it) @fata-carabina @skogenflicka @minyardy @deathpetal @hiding-in-clouds @exciting

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gisachi · 3 years

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12 Games: Shinichi and Ran Game #6 - Poker Face Rating: T Summary: Ran was trying to prove a point.

(Read here or in FFN / AO3! Link provided.)

Ran was trying to prove a point.

She didn’t know what wracked her typically levelheaded self all of a sudden, but for the first time she was dead motivated to prove Sonoko wrong. On most days, Ran wouldn’t contradict her for anything, but right now she wanted to - really, really wanted to - because her friend wasn’t making any sense.

What did she mean she ‘wanted Shinichi to kiss her’? ‘So badly’?

“Excuse me. I am not desperate for a kiss, Sonoko,” huffed Ran, half lidded eyes directed at her friend who had then snatched the apple from her hand while she was busy processing the latter’s earlier statement.

“I didn’t say you are,” Sonoko replied wryly, “You’re not desperate. I know. But you want it. That kiss. There’s a difference.” She paused, taking a bite of the apple. “Ya woodr’t flail yourshelf in fron’o’ him for that shmack o’ the lipsh, but ya hope he wood.”

Shifting from her sitting position, Ran grimaced, hoping she didn’t understand what she just said, but she did. ‘You wouldn’t flail yourself in front of him for that smack on the lips, but you hope he would.’

Still, it didn’t make sense.

“And why would I want a kiss from him?”

Swallowing the food in her mouth, the light ginger-haired lady limply pointed her index finger at her with the hand that was holding the apple. “Because he’s your boyfriend and knowing him, he probably hasn’t made a move to kiss you yet. That’s why.”

Damn it! ...She’s right.

“...So?” She crossed her arms and pointed her chin up, doing a bad job at appearing snarky.

“Hah! So I’m right.”

“Sonoko!” She jabbed her lightly on the shoulder, though not denying what she’d said. “Don’t you know that not all people in a relationship desire physical intimacy?”

“Sure. But not you, Ran.” Back leaving the metal rails from where they sat on the school rooftop, Sonoko faced her with a piercing stare, the kind that made Ran swallow the piece of meat from her bento down with a big gulp. “Look me in the eye and tell me there’s no reason why you always look at Shinichi’s lips whenever he recites in class or whenever he takes a sip from your orange juice.”

A healthy shade of red was quick to spread on her cheeks. “H-Hey! I’m-...! That’s—”

Sonoko raised a smug eyebrow at her, confident that Ran wouldn’t have a believable counterargument to that. What other reason would she have if not because she’d been thinking about Shinichi’s lips? It’s annoying that she noticed. Even more annoying that she couldn’t deny it. Most annoying that shemight probably be right.

“—something I can do.” But she wouldn’t accept that so easily, would she?

“There’s no reason why I look at his lips whenever he speaks in class or drinks from my juice. Or a water bottle. Or when he eats. Or anything that involves his lips,” Ran recited, as if reading a script.

Sonoko stifled her snort, looking at her with visible skepticism. Ran met her stare with defiant eyes because no, she wouldn’t let her pesky friend get the upper hand this time. She would prove her wrong!

“You want to make a deal out of this?” taunted Sonoko.

Ran matched her arched eyebrow. “Hit me up.”

“Last the whole day without looking at Shinichi and thinking of wanting to kiss him,” Sonoko challenged. “I trust your honesty, Ran. If you fail, you treat me lunch tomorrow up ‘til next week. If you don’t, then the other way around. How’s that sound?”

Ran flared her nostrils, incredibly pumped from the very easy challenge the lady had imposed. “Better prepare your bills because I want my lunch at Ginza, Sonoko.”

They shook hands. “Same, missus, but I want mine home cooked on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday like your beloved husband. Deal?”

“Deal!”

“You’re going to thank me for this, O-ku-sa-ma ,” Sonoko fluttered her lashes menacingly just in time the rooftop door swung open, revealing a Shinichi holding three packets of melon bread on his left hand and a half finished one on the other.

“Yo! I got us some bread,” Shinichi enthused, slightly out of breath. “Sorry I took a while, I... had to take a call from Hattori on the way here.”

The first thing Ran noticed when he sat next to her were the glistening remnants of sugar on his lips from the bread he was eating.

“Can I have a drink Ran?” Before she could answer, Shinichi had already taken a swig from her tumbler, and Ran gawked owlishly at the movement of his throat as he gulped, and the press of the metal container on his thirsty mouth that was...thirsty...for...water.

Her mind blanked, thoughts almost bordering to the forbidden. Mentally slapping her sane self, Ran shifted her eyes from Shinichi’s lips to Sonoko’s face, narrowing them threateningly when she caught her haughty little snigger. Oh, the woman. The daggers Ran threw her could send her flying off the roof.

Calming her nerves, Ran inhaled a deep breath and blew out, slowly. ‘Half a day. Half a day is nothing. I can do this.’

It significantly helped that for the rest of class, Shinichi looked at her direction less frequently than usual. Normally when he finished a great answer, Ran would give him a thumbs up from the seat diagonally behind him and he’d reciprocate with an accomplished grin but this time, he didn’t even spare her a look, head diving immediately to his notes when he sat down. Which was good honestly, because she didn’t want to share eye contact with him, not while the deal was in effect, but at the back of her mind she couldn’t help but wonder.

When the day ended, Ran was correct in thinking that Sonoko would rather not join them on their walk home, because. Flashing Ran a mischievous grin, Sonoko excused herself from the two, saying she’d go drop by the dojo for Makoto as promised. Ran wasn’t sure how true that statement was, but she couldn’t bring herself to stop her either because she remembered— she wanted to prove Sonoko wrong. She could do it. She could stick around Shinichi without obsessing on the strange, horrible, mostlikelytruebutnotreally thought of wanting to kiss him. Refusing to let her go would only cast doubts on her credibility. That she solemnly believed.

“Is there some secret running between you and Sonoko that I am not aware of?” Shinichi closed his shoe locker and fitted his sneakers with an alternate nudge of both tips to the floor.

“Hn?” Ran tried to sound nonchalant, to sound as if the deal hadn’t been wearing her off. When he didn’t say anything, she gave him a cute half smile - with eyes that crinkled close because she wanted little eye contact with Shinichi - and then linked her arm around his. “Nah. She’s just being her usual self, that’s all.”

Shinichi merely scrunched his eyebrows, not anymore pressing for further details. She didn’t pay much attention to his forearm that stiffened when she grabbed hold of it.

“‘Kay. Let’s go.” They passed by the gate and began their walk home.

There was a particular route in their walk that Ran always enjoyed passing. It was along the straight, sun-drenched pavement that overlooked Sumida River. Freelance artists by the riverbank would leisurely capture the scenic view from their sketchpads complete with the boats and bridges, and from a fair distance on the grassier portion children would often play tag or soccer. Further unseen were the echoes of sometimes obnoxious, sometimes friendly barks of dogs being walked by their owners. For Ran, the whole scenery felt so alive and natural, so peaceful, like a breath of fresh air from the typical urban Tokyo landscape.

They crossed paths with a middle-aged jogger, his energetic Shiba Inu trailing behind. Tail wagging excitedly, the dog pounced on Shinichi in the friendliest manner. Shinichi knelt, hugged the fluffy ball of sunshine in his arms, and it barked and licked his cheeks with so much joy. Both its owner and Ran couldn’t help but laugh at the cute sight of their immediate bond.

For a brief second, Ran had forgotten about her fetters for the day, relaxing as she admired an ever innocent, childlike Shinichi. When the man and his dog finally jogged away, a soccer ball flew to their direction and Shinichi, as figured, let the ball bounce around and on his knees before kicking it back to the waiting and amused children at the foot of the path by the riverbank. “Nii-chan, thank you!” They shouted in unison and he could only but salute with a satisfied grin on his face.

Stripped out of murders and mysteries, Shinichi remained a kid at heart.

Ran wanted to pinch his cheeks for being so adorable.

She softened her eyes and released a silent, mincing giggle. ‘See that, Sonoko? I can look at him without urging myself to kiss him! Pinch his cheeks maybe, but not kiss him!’

Ran was proud of herself. So far, so good. Lady Luck was on her side.

They continued their walk until they reached the streets with many food trucks and stalls that opened late afternoon onwards.

Nakamise Shopping Street was where Shinichi often bought food for dinner and tomorrow’s breakfast. Stopping in front of a dango stall, they were cordially greeted by the concessionaire and were presented with different flavors to choose from. Shinichi requested a stick of Anko dango.

“You’re going to have dango for dinner?” Ran asked, surprised.

“Bread for lunch got me hungry. I only need a little fill before my next meal.” Shinichi handed his payment and received the stick in exchange.

“ Mou, I told you to buy a decent meal for lunch, didn’t I? Just because it’s Thursday today, doesn’t mean you have to wait for tomorrow just so I can make you your bento. That’s simply lazy thinking, Shini...ch...”

Words mired down her throat as her eyes fixated on the way he languidly nibbled on one sticky ball of dumpling. Warm steam emerged from where he bit, teeth stretching the gooey texture of mochi before he cut it with a light tug of head. She watched the movement of his mandibles grinding the dumpling in his mouth, blowing occasionally to exhaust heat.

“Shtill hot,” he commented, munching, then he swallowed, preparing himself for another mouthful, “but very savory.”

Very savory. Yes.

In her mind palace, Ran desperately clung to the seam of Lady Luck’s gown, the Queen dragging the former along the floor whilst making her way out the front door.

“Oh, how rude of me.” Pausing midway his next bite, he tipped the half consumed stick in front of her mouth, coaxing her to try. “Want a taste?”

Ran momentarily forgot how to speak, eyes still glued to his upper lip that had been partly coated with red bean paste. Worse was he had to swipe it with his tongue after offering her a taste . As if the damned guy knew about the deal and was doing that for the win.

“N-no I uh, want...um—” she scanned around in panic, desperate to lock herself with Lady Luck away from the intruding thought that had threatened to hold her mind hostage to her ultimate defeat, “—takoyaki! I’ll buy takoyaki instead!”

She marched to the direction of the adjacent stall, arms swinging unnaturally to the wonderment of the detective who had remained cool the entire time before she stormed away. He must be thinking how weird she was, Ran thought. But she couldn’t blame him. There’s no way he’d know. If she were to blame anyone, it had to be Sonoko for drilling that ridiculous idea in her head.

“One order of takoyaki please!” she squeaked. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Shinichi pull an expression - indiscernible from where she stood - before he made do with the remaining mochi dumplings. Her brain was in shambles, unable to make out what’s happening around and in her, and her extending a hand to receive the tray of fresh takoyaki had been purely mechanical.

Only when she popped one whole ball in her mouth did her mind resume operating the way it must.

“ Ack! ” Eyes glossing with tears, she coughed and spew air like a hysterical dragon, frantically fanning her mouth with a free hand. “H-Hot!!”

Seeing her chagrin, Shinichi rushed to her side and promptly brought out the tumbler from her bag. “What the hell Ran, here, drink.” Though voice urgent, Shinichi remained as calm as rock like he wasn’t forcibly downing the tumbler on Ran’s tongue to neutralize the heat.

The woman gagged.

Not because of the cool water zipping down her throat, but more of the careful fingers craning her neck, lacing her hair as the man guided the container to her parted lips.

“There, there," he crooned lightly, "I suppose that’s hotter than the dango.”

Shinichi was so close to her face, soothing her like a five year old child in view of the moderately few curious passers by, and Ran had never wanted to combust in absolute embarrassment as much as she did that instant.

She broke away from Shinichi, eyes blown wide, pulse drumming loud. A little water spilt on her school vest and to the ground. The burn in her mouth was forgotten ever so quickly, outdone by the tingling feeling in her stomach that crept up her neck onto her cheeks and ears. Ten degrees more and she’d be about ready to burst into flames.

“Ice cream. I need ice cream.” She blathered, unthinking.

Shinichi’s eyebrows furrowed. “But you haven’t finished half of your takoyaki ye—”

“Ice cream. Please?” God she really did sound like a kid. She swore she saw in his face the mix of surprise and incredulity and exasperation in relation to her strange behavior he probably chose not to address to his better judgment.

“Okay,” Shinichi shrugged, trying to sound patient. He resealed the tumbler and put it in her bag, then returned to the bag he had dropped earlier when he tendered to Ran’s burning mouth. “...If you feel like it, maybe you can tell me what’s going on?”

Facing away from the busy streets, the two leaned on the back of the food truck from where they bought soft-serve vanilla sundaes. The typically levelheaded Ran had been reduced to a quiet mush of blush and blunder, melting her ice cream with her quiet gaze and quiet exhale, while Shinichi, still as calm and composed as ever, alternated his attention between his sundae and his girlfriend, patiently waiting for the woman to make sense out of the whole situation.

Ran huffed a breath, a deep and slow one, before taking a bite of the serving. If there’s something more embarrassing than her earlier takoyaki mishap, it was this.

Goodness, was she really going to tell the subject of the deal about her deal with Sonoko?

Her mind recalled her rooftop conversation with the lady. What compelled her to agree to this stupid deal? She knew she was trying to prove something, yes, but was the thought so despicable that only the fact of losing could convince her to accept it? Why couldn’t she accept it? What was so wrong with looking at her boyfriend and then imagining said boyfriend kissing her? Did that make her less dignified? A pervert? If she looked at him right now would she do exactly that? She’d been tempering herself for the past hour, trying, and trying… What if she tested herself by stealing a glance—

Wait, she shouldn’t go there. A dangerous test. The dango and takoyaki situation had proven that. Had she lost yet? She hadn’t right? The almost two weeks Ginza lunch deal sounded truly tempting. How could she let that pass? Of course she’d win this deal. She hadn’t lost yet. She only had to look at his nose or the middle of his brows if she must talk to him, to copy the poker face he’d been wielding since after lunch and simply go with the flow. She wouldn’t tell him what’s up, tell him instead she was having cramps. He’d understand. She’d win.

“That’s not the proper way to eat ice cream, barou.”

Rocked from her own thoughts, the first thing Ran’s brain processed was the teeth mark on her ice cream. It took another five seconds to register Shinichi’s comment.

She looked at him questioningly, unsure of what was wrong when she’d been eating her ice cream like that since little. “Then how?”

“You lick, duh.”

Ran eyed him mockingly.

“But you’re licking, and look at your chin and nose, you got some of your ice cream there! It’s messy!” she said as she pointed at the white blotches dotting the mentioned parts.

“That’s why they serve ice cream with tissue, Ran.” He proceeded to wipe the dirtied areas with the tissue he unwrapped from the cone.

“Whatever. At least when you bite you only get a little around your lips—” Ran demonstrated by taking another bite of the tip of her ice cream in a manner that made Shinichi wince, “—see?”

“Stup— Stop that, that’s really bad,” Shinichi grimaced like she’d inflicted him physical pain. “And you’ll get a toothache. It’s soft-serve ice cream for a reason. You’re supposed to lick it, not eat it like a pocky stick.”

“Oh, c’mon Shinichi, as if you haven’t seen me eat ice cream like this yet.”

“No, really, I’m quite surprised I haven’t. If I did I would’ve already corrected your wrong ways long ago.”

Puffing her cheeks, she exhaled deeply and shifted with a stomp to face him. “Okay then, if you think that’s the right way of eating ice cream, then let me change my ‘wrong ways’ and do what it is you deem proper, Mr. Always Right.”

Locking eyes with him as she pouted, Ran brought the ice cream to her mouth, flattened her tongue on the edge of the cone and, as slowly as she could, swooped right up the tip, vanilla coating her cavity and a little of her bottom lip and chin with gluey white.

Shinichi went horribly quiet.

“ Euh—see? It’s so messy! It’s everywhere on my face! I don’t like it,” she complained.

The teenage detective didn’t budge.

Out of curiosity, Ran spared him a glance as she wiped the sticky vanilla sundae off of her chin. Though he wasn’t saying anything, his dilated eyes spoke volumes. Shinichi couldn’t tear them away from her lips. He was in deep, observing and nothing more, yet observing way too hard . Too hard it made her so conscious she felt her cheeks heat up and her pulse thrum tormentingly.

“...Shinichi?”

“Ran.” He took one uncertain step forward. “...Damn. Goddamn it.”

Her mouth ran dry.

Was he going to kiss her?

He was still staring, eyebrows wired in a manner that made it difficult for her to decipher the thoughts running in his head. But she’s certain he wasn’t expressionless anymore like he was prior.

Oh no, did she feel her legs take a step forward too?

She didn’t know what incited him, but from the way his attention locked on her lips and the way his eyes hooded at the sight, she took it that he’s ready to take and mark her to his preference.

Oh no, she kinda wanted that, didn’t she?

She swallowed the saliva that had accumulated at the back of her tongue, letting the thought of kissing him run loose in her brain entirely.

Oh no. Sonoko was right now, wasn’t she?

After ten long seconds of them just staring at each other with vanilla stuck on her lips and breath stuck in his lungs, Shinichi, in the end, turned his back to Ran.

Tips of ears red, he mumbled. “...Curse you, Hattori.”

Ran tilted her head, uncertain if she heard him correctly. “What?”

Shinichi ruffled his hair as if annoyed, but Ran felt that the annoyance wasn’t directed at her but more at himself. “Have your way. Bite your friggin’ ice cream.”

She blinked. “...That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Ran felt her chest deflate, releasing the breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding for the past minute.

Not only did she expect something, but she also did not get it, and she even lost her chance at Ginza lunches.

“Hey, that’s rude, face me and speak more kindly,” she demanded, curt, mood already dampened by her lose-lose situation.

“Finish your ice cream first before I face you.”

Ran rolled her eyes. “What, disturbed that I’d rather bite the sundae than lick it?”

“...Yes,” he said, humorlessly. “More than you’ll ever know.”

“But licking—”

“But do whatever you want.” He cut her short. “Bite or lick, I’m not... uh, just finish it quick. Please.”

She did, very quick unlike the takoyaki, and they went home with her noting how the tips of his ears remained red and how he hadn’t glanced again at her face, confirming her lost chances of truly getting a kiss.

“And what did I tell you?”

“I get it… no need to rub it in my face.”

Sonoko chortled, taking a mouthful of yasai itame from the customized bento Ran ever so diligently prepared. The dejected woman sat across her friend on the floor, legs and arms crossed, blankly staring at the rough cement of the rooftop.

“What are you going to do about it now?”

“I don’t know.”

Ran felt her friend’s eyes scan her from head to toe, having no idea if it was a look of judgment or pity she was giving or all of the above. She’s way too embarrassed to even bother knowing.

“You don’t have to wait for him, Ran. You can just, you know, go for it yourself,” said the woman.

“I—“ she blushed. “But that’s…”

“What? It’s not the 19th century anymore. If you want something, go for it! All’s fair in love and war, o-ku-sa-ma ,” Sonoko lectured. “Though really, your boyfriend is an idiot, I can’t believe he didn’t go for it! What a wuss.”

“Maybe he didn’t want to—”

“Oh, please. There’s drought on those lips and they’re dying to be baptized by yours.” Sonoko winked at her knowingly. Ran’s eyes blew wide, blush intensifying like the afternoon sun.

“Sonoko! You don’t have to say it like—”

“Want to make a different bet this time? Who will kiss the other first, you or Shinichi?”

“N-no, no more deals please!” Ran implored, utterly defeated. “Instead of deals, I’ll...I’ll try and...see... what I can do.”

“Atta girl. That’s the spirit.”

“And what did I tell ya, Kudo?”

“Shut up. I know.”

Heiji chuckled on the other line. “No ya don’t. If ya did then this bet wouldn’t have happened. Congratulations to me for winning that Koshien ticket premium seat and congratulations to ya for proving ya cannot stand a day without wanting nee-chan’s—“

“Hey, I said I know okay,” Shinichi’s voice raised a notch louder. Afraid that he might have caught the girls’ attention, he peeked on the other side of the rooftop door where he reclined and saw that they were still talking.

Closing the door gently behind him, he sat himself on the first tread of stairs. “For the record, I was doing so well until the ice cream thing happened.”

Heiji laughed some more.

“And? How did nee-chan react?”

“She...stepped forward too.”

A faint whistle echoed from the receiver. “ That seals it. Now ya really have ta kiss her.”

He ruffled his hair, visibly nervous. “But what if she doesn’t—“

“It’s not the 19th century anymore, Kudo. Betcha your girl’s like Kazuha. They know what they want. And they aren’t afraid to show it. Nee-chan stepped forward. Like that ahou when she… Yea that’s your cue.”

The East Detective groaned inwardly.

“What? Don’t tell me we havta make a deal out of this too?”

“No need. I can do this.” He puffed his chest. “I’ll see what I can do. Give me...uh, until tomorrow.”

“Ya better, Kudo. I’m telling ya, nee-chan’s waiting.”

(Fortunately for Heiji, he didn’t have to wait until tomorrow.)

A/N: In another universe, it’s veteran bro Heiji assisting his fellow bro Shinichi with his love problem. In whatever universe, Ran always pays attention to Shinichi’s lips because the Scarlet School Trip Arc says so and the Scarlet School Trip Arc is law.

(Tumblr Side Note: This whole fic was born from @detectivegeekshin ’s comment on Kiss Prompt#23 - what if it’s the other way around, with Shinichi doing the food ‘teasing’? Thank you for the wonderful idea, now we have a thirsting Ran (っ˘ڡ˘ς) )

#shinran #fanfic #kudou shinichi #mouri ran #12 games #managed to squeeze in an update before the year ends!#(hope you leave a review if you read this in AO3/FFN! 🙂)

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