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floraphoenix · 8 months

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Three times Amit nearly kissed her (and one time he did)

Amit Thakkar was still adjusting to his new life in the tiny hamlet of Keenbridge. It was certainly a different pace for him, but he was enjoying it all the same.

He'd got a little cottage on top of the hill, a little bit isolated from the other houses, but he didn't mind.

Oh, and his obsession with the stars was still consuming him alive. He'd set up a small station for himself in his garden, a telescope on a rickety old table and several (hundred) scrolls of parchment just waiting to be filled with notes on his sightings.

The people were nice too, which is always a bonus. Well, most of them. There was one bloke Amit had the misfortune of meeting on his first day and he'd vowed he'd steer clear of him as much as possible because he was a right ol' piece of work. Amit didn't have the guts to face any sort of negative attitude from the man, and had developed a (bad) habit of scurrying away whenever he caught sight of him.

Merlin, he was such a coward.

He just didn't want trouble!

Then there was her.

Now she- She was someone Amit wanted to be around.

There was something about her eyes that managed to send Amit into a frenzy.

The very first time they had met, they'd quite literally ploughed right into each other on the street. Admittedly, neither of them was looking where they were going, and then suddenly the basket of fruit she was carrying was tumbling to the floor, half the contents spilling all over the place.

She only had half a second to watch sadly as an apple rolled its merry way down the street, before she’d dived down to retrieve the still-good food.

They'd collided with such a force that they both let out an audible "oof" before stumbling away from each other, and Amit let out such a fast string of apologies that even himself couldn't even decipher in that moment. He scrambled down to help, picking up fruit as she set the basket right and chucked her share in.

"Oh, I'm awfully sorry madam, I wasn't looking when I should've, it's entirely my… fault…" he had to trail off.

When their eyes met, Amit felt as though he’d fallen straight into a rather cliché romance novel; the way she looked up at him, irises glittering in the morning sun, long lashes batting, it was like time had slowed for him.

Her eyes tore right through him, slightly annoyed but unable to stop the humour from seeping through.

His breath hitched in his throat and he snapped his mouth shut, his own dark eyes staring right back at her.

"Are you alright? I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking," she asked, placing the last of the fruit back into the basket and rising to her full height.

(If there was one thing Amit was relatively proud of, it was his height. He grew quite tall in the summer after his fifth year, and suddenly he was quite popular with the ladies. Not that he had much time for… things like that… But it made him at least a bit more confident!

And right now, he was towering over her.)

"Oh, no, I'm fine, and it was my fault, I apologize for the absolute carnage," he rushed out, "and I'm sorry about your fruit! I-"

"Hey, don't worry about the fruit, I'm sure my mother will understand the circumstances when I give them to her." The lady explained, flashing a smile, before furrowing her brows. "Wait, I haven't seen you here before."

"O-oh, yes, I moved in a short while ago, um," he awkwardly stuck out his hand, "Amit Thakkar."

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Thakkar." She shook his hand firmly, and the way she never broke eye contact made butterflies erupt in his stomach. "I live just over there," she pointed off to one of the houses, "so if you need anything, give us a shout."

"That's very gracious of you," Amit said truthfully, feeling a bit more welcomed than stupid after the whole fiasco.

"Right, I better be off. See you around, Mr Thakkar!" She bid him farewell, scooped up her basket, and bustled off down the street.

Amit just kind of… stood there for a bit.

Honestly, he was feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole encounter.

He started off by mentally slapping himself. He'd made such a fool of himself, why can't he just look where he's going?!

Then, he gave himself an internal pat on the back. He'd spoken to a very nice, very pretty lady and there were no hard feelings. Result!

He had a feeling he was going to get on well here.

🐦

A few days later, that feeling dissipated. Because Amit Thakkar had now come face to face with the one person he did not want to see.

Mr Kaligan, the haughty, loud, God-loving and generally rude man Amit didn't find very pleasant was currently pestering Amit's new lady friend.

And Amit's lady friend was smiling slightly. She was chuckling along to Kaligan's (poor attempts at a) joke, and Amit couldn't help but notice the repeated glances she shot the man's way.

She looked uncomfortable.

But, Amit absolutely hated confrontation.

He'd rather eat Mooncalf poo than actually intervene in anything that didn't involve him. Even if it did involve him, he'd probably leave it as well.

So, he stood there, watching out of the corner of his eye.

"You gonna buy that, mate?" The shopkeeper asked, making Amit jerk. He was holding a quill that he'd picked up and hadn't really done anything with it.

"Oh! Yes, please," he hurried out, handing the shopkeeper the money before scampering off to try and not embarrass himself further (he seemed to be very good at that as of late.)

He shot a look over at his friend again.

She was on her own! Kaligan had apparently gotten bored and wandered off.

Now, Amit had two choices.

Choice one: go home. Stay home. Only come out at night.

Choice two: go and talk to his friend. Make sure she's okay.

His years alone - just him and the stars - may have done a slight bit of damage to his self esteem, along with his ability to actually communicate with other humans.

His years at Hogwarts may have also contributed to his lack of assertion into conversations; he'd often kept to himself, plus people weren't really interested in what he had to say anyway, because all he really talked about was the night sky.

He just didn't want to be judged and come off as something he's not, you know?

(The Spotlight Effect is the psychological phenomenon by which people tend to believe they are being noticed more than they really are.)

His decision was made for him, however, when his friend came strolling up to him, grinning.

“Hello again, Mr Thakkar,” she greeted cheerfully, closing her eyes as she smiled his way, as if the afternoon sun was in her eyes (it was.)

“Oh! Uh, hello again,” he said awkwardly, providing a wonky smile that looked my like a grimace (he looked constipated.)

“I’m glad I found you, actually,” she said, and Amit’s brain briefly shut down when she grabbed his arms and shuffled them around, so she was facing away from the sun and not screwing her face up like she had something lodged up her nose, “I wanted to give you this!”

She seemed to produce a very pretty and carefully decorated piece of pottery out of nowhere, handing it to him. Amit, taken aback, gathered it was plate, absolutely littered with-

“Constellations!” He blurted unceremoniously, jaw dropping to the floor. He stared at her. “How did you-”

“When you gave me your name, I could have sworn I’d heard it before, so I did some digging, and realised you’d written a very interesting column in the Daily Profit about astronomy and other sky related things. Consider this a ‘Welcome to Town’ gift as well as an apology gift. For running into you, of course.”

Amit was, for lack of better words, dumbfounded. He’d kind of forgotten he’d written that column, but for this woman to do something so kind to him, going as far as gifting something within his interests, well, it made him a bit giddy. He didn’t even know her, but she seemed to be determined to make a friend out of him.

“It’s… beautiful- did you make this?” He questioned, tracing a finger along the smooth, painted lines.

The woman gave a short laugh.

“I painted it, my mother made the base plate. I assume it is to your satisfaction?” She said in a joking manner, but she seemed to do a minute double-take when she looked up to see Amit watching her, dark eyes alight with wonder.

“It’s wonderful,” he stated breathlessly, bringing the plate a bit closer to his chest, as if he was going to hug it, “thank you ever so much, that’s so kind of you.”

“Ah, it's nothing,” the woman waved her hand nonchalantly, “just wanted you to feel welcome. How have you been faring?”

As the conversation progressed, Amit felt the tension leave his shoulders. They spoke about anything and everything; family, school, jobs and hobbies… The woman was so friendly, Amit felt as though they’d been friends for years.

It was… nice. Refreshing.

“Right, I better be off,” Amit said (for the third time), swinging his arms and doing an odd side shuffle in the direction of his house.

“Of course, I’ll let you go now,” the woman laughed, patting his arm gently, comfortingly, “get home safe.”

“You too. And, uh, thank you again. You’re too kind.” He stated gratefully.

“You’re very welcome, my dear. Good day to you!” And with that, Amit’s friend walked back up the street, waving over her shoulder, before disappearing down a path.

After Amit made it home and had deposited the plate carefully on the table, he leaned against the kitchen counter and thought over the experience he just had.

That woman could talk for England. Like, she just. Kept. Going. But he found he didn’t mind that. She had a way of speaking that integrated him into the conversation, asking questions and responding in turn, and she had such a nice voice and Amit realised with a crease of his brow that he may have swooned just a little when she spoke about what she knew about the stars. Oh, and when she asked if he could show her how to properly stargaze one of these coming nights only made his heart stop. Just for a second. Nothing serious. Nothing…

You’ve only just met her, you blithering oaf. Don’t act like she’s giving you the special treatment, she treats everyone with kindness.

Amit decided he needed to lay down.

🐦

“Oh, it's beautiful!” She exclaimed in delight, straining her neck to look upwards so much that she fell backwards onto the blanket Amit had laid out for them.

As per her request, Amit was showing her the different stars painting the night sky, explaining their meanings and names. Amit’s friend was, he was very proud to admit, thoroughly enjoying herself.

"That's the Seven Sisters, there," Amit explained enthusiastically, pointing up and tracing his finger over the small cluster of stars, "and the three stars in a row is Orion's Belt."

"I didn't know they had names, how fascinating." She said distractedly, raising a small telescope to her eye, a spare one Amit let her borrow.

A comfortable silence washed over them as they gazed upwards.

"The moon is so bright,” Amit commented into the silence, “do you think people could live on it?”

Amit decided that it was a very stupid question right after it left his mouth, and he internally scolded himself. What a silly thing to say-

“Now that’s a question I’d like to know the answer to,” his friend said with an air of excitement, making him raise his brows, “could you imagine? Living all the way out there- you’d be able to see Earth! What an interesting concept.”

Wow. Okay. So she didn’t think it was a silly question.

“Would you live on the moon?” He asked.

She pondered for a moment, fingers on her chin, before deciding on an answer.

“Hmm, no.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m quite comfortable with my life here, where I have family and friends. Plus, if I lived on the moon, I wouldn’t be using your telescope to look at the stars.” She laughed the last bit, running a hand faintly along the telescope.

Amit chuckled, “I suppose that’s true-”

“What a ludicrous question.”

Both of them froze at the sudden voice behind them, before they both whipped around to see none other than Mr. Kaligan, leaning against a fence post, arms folded. He had a spiteful look plastered across his (ugly) face.

“What are you-” the lady began, but was cut off.

“A man and a woman sat alone together at the ungodly hours of the night? Anyone could get the wrong idea.” He sneered nastily.

Amit fought the blush that was threatening to show itself, before he distantly remembered it was dark out, and was probably hard to see anyway.

“I-It’s not like that at all,” he tried.

“Well-”

“Well-” the woman cut the man off fiercely, “we were having a nice chat as friends, so I don’t see how that’s any of your business. At all. Were you watching us?”

“I was taking a walk-”

“At midnight?” Amit asked innocently, a very brief surge of courage allowing him to speak.

Kaligan stumbled and spluttered for a moment before sticking his ugly nose in the air and marching off into the night.

Amit let out a breath.

“Men, huh.” He deadpanned, sympathising.

“Wouldn’t call that a man, my dear. Boyish behaviour if you ask me. Might as well still live with mummy,” she responded, and they both snorted.

“On that slightly abrupt note, should we wrap things up for tonight?” She continued.

“Might be wise,” Amit confirmed, hiding the pang of disappointment of not being able to stay out some more.

“Let's do this again some other time. I had fun! You’re so interesting to talk to, and your knowledge of the sky is magnificent.”

“Oh! Um, of course, we’ll definitely do this again!” Amit had to prevent himself from bouncing on the balls of his feet and looking too happy.

🐦

Amit’s luck the next day decided to disappear into the next dimension, because who should show up?

Kaligan.

And he was approaching him. Fast.

Oh, Christ, he looks like he’s going to hit me, why does he look like an angry bull? He’s getting closer, run Amit, stop standing like a lemon, turn and run damnit-

“Why don’t you stay away from her, yeah?” The man leered, and Amit instinctively drew into himself. “I don’t need you meddling-”

Mr Kaligan was suddenly cut off by the tip of a wand being dug ever so gently into his neck. He swallowed, snapping his eyes to see her in all her fury, jaw clenched.

Amit decided she looked quite fierce.

He also decided she was very attractive like this (he squashed those thoughts as fast as he could.)

“Are you threatening him?” She asked, voice dangerously calm.

“I…no?” Kaligan answered meekly.

Her lips pursed.

“I was a fool to think you were a nice fellow. Get out of here. Go on, shoo!” She spat, making motions of dismissal with her hands. Kaligan stumbled away a bit, turning around in hopes of getting a word in.

“But-”

“Scram!” The woman all but growled, a rasp to her voice, and her brows furrowed. She watched with stern eyes as Kaligan scurried back up the hill, cursing up a storm, before whirling to face Amit, who jumped in slight fear (she looked a bit scary.)

She proceeded to grab him by the arm, and quite literally march him through the gate, up her garden path, and into her house.

“Are you alright?” She asked immediately, taking him by the shoulders and scanning his body. “He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“Er, no, I’m fine,” Amit answered, flushing slightly under her gaze.

Their eyes met.

Amit couldn't look away, although it felt as though he was staring right into the sun.

“I knew I shouldn’t have trusted him. Blasted man…” she muttered, never breaking eye contact.

“Well, for what it's worth, I think you’ve scared him away for good.” Amit jested to lighten the mood, and she exhaled through her nose in amusement.

“I’m not that scary, am I?”

“You’re terrifying.” He stated lowly.

“Do I scare you?”

Amit was far too lost in her eyes to think properly anymore.

“You scare me a lot.”

“Is that a bad thing?” She whispered, blinking slowly.

They were awfully close now, and Amit doesn’t remember leaning in. He could feel her breath fanning across his cheek.

“Of course not.”

Their lips met in a chaste, barely-there kiss, just a mere brush of the lips, before the man pulled away.

“Oh.”

Oh, indeed. He’d just kissed this pretty lady, the lady everyone wanted to be with, he’d kissed her, oh it was a bit much.

“Oh?” Her tone was questioning; her hands were gripping his arms, just above his elbows, and Amit licked his lips nervously.

“I mean- wait, let me try that again,” and he leaned down again, closing his eyes and pressing his mouth to hers, and he felt her smile before pushing back against him, running her hands further up his arms to grip his biceps.

Ok, that was better.

His hands traveled down to her hips, bringing her a bit closer, and he felt her nails dig briefly into his arms.

Her tongue traced along his lower lip, and he gasped, eyelids fluttering, and then they were really kissing.

Tongue and teeth and lips sloppily merged into one, and they pushed closer against each other, as close as they could get, but she pushed forward so much he had to take several steps back, almost stumbling, and when the back of his knees hit the armchair in the corner by the empty fireplace, he almost tumbled backwards with the grace of a toad, had she not been holding him firmly and guiding him to sit. Their mouths never broke apart, not even when Amit sat with an “oof” which was muffled against her lips, and she giggled, bending over him so that he had to strain his neck to continue kissing.

She shuffled forward, pressing his knees together and straddling his lap, palms now resting on his jaw, just below his ears, and one of his hands made its way to run up her back, the other gripping the arm of the chair.

The noises they were making were obscene; sloppy, sucking, slurping sounds mixed with the heavy breathing as they kissed, the little sounds made in the backs of their throats, the gentle yet desperate whisper of each other’s names against their mouths…

Amit couldn’t help chasing her lips when she pulled away, cracking his eyes open, and if his heart wasn’t absolutely racing before, it definitely was now.

Her cheeks were flushed, lips slightly swollen and bruised, and he managed to catch sight of the brief string of saliva that connected their mouths before it broke and vanished.

He swallowed, adam’s apple bobbing, as he gazed up at her, and he had to admit she looked ethereal right now; the late afternoon sun shone just right through the draped window, creating a halo of light around her, and as she stared down at him intently, he thanked Merlin, the Ghost of Marley, and all things Holy that he was here to witness such a beautiful sight.

His thumbs traced circles on her hips as he watched her chest rise and fall as she panted, and his eyes trailed over her breasts…

He kind of wanted to put his face between them-

Oh, what a pervert he was! He was better than that!

She wasn't, though.

She dove back down before he had time to register, and she started kissing up his jaw, down his neck, hooking a finger over his collar to pull it aside.

Amit always chose to keep his top button undone these days, especially when the summer sun beat down during the day. Allowed him to feel a bit freer, but right now it was giving her perfect access to his collarbone, and she kissed along it.

She nuzzled her face into the skin where his neck and shoulder joined, and Amit hummed and tipped his head back against the headrest of the chair. He felt her nibble at the skin, licking and sucking, running her hands up his chest, into his hair, ruffling it so it's usual neatness was ruined, making it stick up in various places.

Amit didn't mind.

Her mouth was back on his again, and their tongues fought once more. He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, and the little noise she let out shook him to the core.

"You're so pretty," Amit muttered against her lips, squeezing her hips slightly, "a beautiful star."

She giggled, leaning back and perching on his knees, "Trust you to compare me to a star."

"Mm, I can't help it," he said in a low voice, bringing a gentle hand up to brush against her cheek, moving a lock of hair and twirling it around his finger. "You're just so beautiful. Like Cassiopeia, the Queen. She was known for her unrivalled beauty."

Off he went talking about constellations again.

"Hmm, wasn't she known for being extremely vain as well?" She questioned with a tilt of her head, chuckling as Amit gave a small smile.

"We look past that fact." He told her, blinking slowly, a rather dazed look on his face.

Her chuckles turned to laughter, and she let out a short squeal as she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around the man and hugging him tight.

He wrapped his own arms around her back, breathing in her sweet scent.

"Let me make you dinner," he suggested into her shoulder, "just us."

"That sounds nice." She said, not moving.

#hogwarts legacy #amit thakkar #amit thakkar x reader

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aetherdoesthings · 5 months

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let's be friends - nico robin x gn!reader

forethoughts: i wrote this late at night so no proofreading other than one quick read through so apologies for any grammar mistakes! i just watched eneis lobby and sobbed my heart out prior to writing this. i want to give robin a hug so bad and be friends with her. anyways i hope you enjoy ^^

warnings: MAJOR ENEIS LOBBY AND WATER SEVEN SPOILERS!!! you have been warned.

You were the newest member of the Straw Hat Pirates. Temporary, maybe, but still you had allied with their captain and joined their ranks. You were minding your own business in Water Seven, doing some shopping for food and picking up new parts to repair your own ship that had taken a beating. But when the news about Iceberg’s attempted assassination got out and everyone got in a frenzy, was your attention set on the Straw Hat Pirates. You weren’t a fan of the World Government, nor pirates; rather a wanderer that set out on sea to accomplish your own goal: finding some friends. You weren’t well received as a child; many called you estranged and unfortunate. So you had set out on the sea to prove those people wrong. After years of sailing to different islands across the Grand Line, you had made it to Water Seven somehow still alive, but still alone.

That’s when you met the Straw Hat Pirates. Well, somewhat. You had decided to sneak into the train station the night after Iceberg’s attempted assassination, wanting to go away despite Aqua Laguna. But of course, with your incredible luck, you managed to miss the train. You paced around the station, thinking about your next course of plans when footsteps approached. A girl with tangerine hair and the renowned Paulie from the Dock One foremen charged into the station, demanding for answers. After a heated conversation and a close call, it eventually led to a mutual agreement between you and the orange hair girl. You’d help them get back one of their crew members, Nico Robin, and they would give you the materials to go the nearest island once the whole mess was over. Sure, you weren’t that skilled of a fighter; you only had a devil fruit power that essentially made you faster than the speed of light, but it was valuable enough for the girl to shake your hand and bring you aboard on their rescue mission.

Now you stood feets away from the dark haired woman herself, who found a spot on a cliff next to the coast, basking in the sun as it started to retire. You stood there idly, a basket in your hand. You tried not to make a noise so as to not disturb the poor woman’s needed peace, but this was Nico Robin you were facing. Nothing gets past her.

“Ah, Y/N, it’s you. What are you doing here?” Robin turned around, a faint smile on her face. Her shoulders relaxed at the sight of your face, as she turned her body to properly face you.

You blinked twice, your heart pounding as you shook your head, trying to avoid eye contact with the beauty in front of you. The sunlight accentuated her features, making blood rise to your cheeks as your skin got evidently red. You clutched onto the basket Sanji had given you earlier, trying to give the notion that your grip was causing you to overheat, even though you knew that made zero sense.

You nodded your head, warily taking a step towards the woman, setting the basket down by her side. “You missed dinner. Sanji, I think his name was, told me to give you this since I’m going anyway.”

“You’re leaving? Already?” Robin mused, looking inside the basket. “Thank you, Y/N. I’ll be sure to apologize to Sanji when I see him.”

“Yeah. Y-You’re back safe with your crew, and Nami has already paid for my ship. I don’t have any more business with you guys.”

“I see.” Robin takes a plate of food out from the basket and a piece of cutlery, as she began eating. “Would you stay with me, Y/N? I haven’t gotten the chance to talk to you since… everything.”

“Huh? Oh. Uh, sure.” You hesitantly took a seat next to the woman, unsure whether to cross your legs or put them out. That left you with one leg crossed under a stretched out leg.

“I wanted to ask, Y/N, did you only agree to help my friends rescue me because of the deal they gave you? Or was there something else that prompted you to go to Eneis Lobby?” Robin asked out of the blue, her serene and elegant voice floating into your ear.

You stared at the waves calmly rocking back and forth, as if Aqua Laguna never happened. “It was half of the reason I decided to join.”

“Oh? If you do not mind, would you tell me the other reason you decided to go to Eneis Lobby?”

You shrugged, as your fingers dug into the soil, picking at the grass. “Well, I never really had any friends growing up. They called me weird and estranged, and always picked on me. But after I ate that devil fruit, they called me a monster and excluded me from everything. So I didn’t have any friends growing up. Now that I’m older, I want to sail across the seas to find friends or people I can call friends. And when I met you guys… or at least the six of ‘em, I guess I was moved. I’ve never heard or seen anyone do such bold things for a friend. You’re really lucky, you know? You have a group of people that prioritizes your wellbeing. I wish I had someone who’d do that for me too… but I know it’s not gonna happen to me. I move too fast for the world. No one can catch up to me.”

You couldn’t see her face, your eyes too busy counting each blade of grass, but you could feel that faint smile she had that brought warmth to you, eyes filled with understanding and not judgment.

“What makes you so certain you will not have anyone who will prioritize your wellbeing over theirs?” Robin gently asked.

Your fingers stopped moving, your eyes shifting towards the woman. You were met with a kind and warm smile, as she looked at you with confidence and encouragement. “I appreciate your help today, everything you did for my friends. For me. Even if it was just an agreement, I truly appreciate your help. You sound quite like someone I know.” Robin looked away, seemingly reminiscing upon a memory. “Someone I would love to be friends with.”

You raised an eyebrow at her. “Friends?”

“Yes. Friends.” Robin turned her head to look at you, as she handed you a piece of bread Sanji had packed. “I don’t understand your devil fruit power, but I do understand running that fast for a long duration must be draining.”

Despite the large meal you had eaten and fought over with Luffy, you gladly took the bread, shoving it down your throat without struggle nor hesitation. You immediately looked down as blush filled your cheeks. “S-Sorry. And thank you for the food.”

“Don’t be.” Robin softly chuckled, looking at you with an amused look. “You interest me, Y/N.”

“I do?” You asked.

“I do. Say, where do you plan on going?”

“Um, I don’t know. I suppose wherever my log pose says I should go.”

“I see.” Robin looked at the setting sun, a small smile on her face as she held onto the other piece of the bread, deep in thought. “May I propose something, Y/N?” “Sure, go ahead.” You answered, confusion evident in your voice.

“Sail with us. Or stay with us until we manage to reach the next island or wherever we go. Go on one trip with us to one island.”

You raised an eyebrow. “That’s all?”

Robin nodded her head. “That’s all. Join us on our captain’s next adventure. I’m certain Luffy will love to have you on his crew. I will love your company; I’m certain everyone else will.”

“There’s nothing in it for me?”

“Would you rather sail alone, searching island after island, year after year?”

You bit your lower lip, your eyes falling to each blade of grass. “Why are you offering this to me?”

Robin smiled. “Because I would love to be friends with you. Or at least make an attempt to be as close as friends, if not comrades. You sound like an amazing person with quite the unique devil fruit power; I’m very interested in you and your abilities. One trip to one island, and you may leave or do whatever you wish after. Does that sound good to you?”

You tilted your head, staring at the waves that reflected the sun’s radiant light. You stayed like that for a while, remaining silent even after Robin finished her meal, finally breaking your silence when she closed the basket lid. “You’d love to be friends with me?”

Robin looked at you with a smile on her face. “Certainly.”

You let out a scoff, shaking your head as a low chuckle exited your mouth. “Really?”

“Really.”

You sucked your teeth. Despite being the fastest person alive, your brain still took its sweet time processing each word. “And if I said I would love to be friends with you too?”

“I would be delighted to hear that, Y/N.”

You finally smiled at her, returning that warm and kind smile she had given you. “Then let’s be friends.”

Robin let out a sigh of relief, as if she would’ve driven a harder bargain if you had turned down her deal. “Let’s be friends, Y/N.”

The two of you sat there admiring the sunset, silence filling the environment around you. It wasn’t awkward nor deafening, but a peaceful and serene one. A smile was plastered on your face, your inner child shining through as you had completed the one goal you had ever wanted since you were a child.

To have a friend.

#nico robin x reader #nico robin #one piece #fluff #ugh i love her #wanna be her friend irl #aetherwrites

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dibidibifiction · 1 year

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Reasons to Live

Pairing: Kim Jonghyun x Reader

Category: romance

TRIGGER WARNING: depression, self-harm, death, foul language

Word count: 3.5k+

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction made for personal entertainment of readers. The writer does not ever intend to offend her readers nor does she aim to spread false information about anyone as to pay any disrespect to the real-life persons whom the characters are based on. She also does not claim ownership to any of the images that are being used.

masterlist

...

TWO YEARS EARLIER

JONGHYUN

I hear the curtain metal rings slide harshly two opposite ways, shocking me awake.

“Oh, good. You were sleeping with your mouth open.”

“Great. Thanks, Mom,” I say sarcastically, rubbing my eyes.

“It’s already ten past five. I’m going home. Are you going to be okay?” my mom asks. She has taken care of me since day one I’ve been in this hospital. But now, since I’ve improved a lot, I insisted that she doesn’t have to visit every day.

“Yes, ma’am,” I roll my eyes jokingly.

“Aww, Jonghyun, you should find a woman who will take care of you from now on instead of bothering me,” she joins my kidding around.

After she pinches my cheeks and kisses me, she heads out the door. I sit up to reach for my phone on the side table. I got messages from the boys on our group chat.

14:36

Kim Kibum: Hey, Kim Jonghyun! When are you getting discharged? You’re delaying our project. Get your shit together, yeah? Love you

15:18

Jinki: They ran some tests on you a few days ago, right? How did they go?

15:24

Minho: Hope everything’s okay, Hyung. We’re just here waiting for you~

16:20

Taemin: Hyung, did you receive my fruit basket? Hope you like it.

Reading their messages instantly puts a smile on my face. I start typing to reply that everything’s good and that I’m getting out of here soon. Maybe next week at the very least.

I’ve been in this hospital for almost a month because of the car accident on my drive to my parents’ house after work. It was already dark and I was on the expressway when it started to rain so heavily that visibility was close to zero. Unexpectedly, a huge truck was running too fast in my direction. I managed to avoid it but then made me hit an electric post. Even though I was in a coma for three days, still, lucky for me, I had very little damage compared to others who have gotten into accidents like this.

I’ve never felt more alive. It may be hard to believe or even admit, but it might be a miracle, what happened to me. I was in such unbearable pain that I could already imagine my loved ones crying at my funeral.

I grab my little notebook and head up to the rooftop. I sit in my usual spot, which is at the very corner of the floor, overlooking the city. The city lights are like stars, the cars like elves, and the people like ants. It’s like a whole new weird world. I pull up my pen inserted at the last page I wrote on. Every time I have an idea for a song or a poem, I always write it here.

As I’m turning the pages to look back on what I’ve written, I catch a glimpse of someone’s legs way across this wide rooftop. It looks like a person lying on the floor.

“Hello?” I call out.

No response.

“Excuse me, are you okay?” My voice is a little louder, hoping to be heard.

Still nothing. Not even a subtle movement.

I drop everything and walk briskly over to check on them.

I gasp at a young girl in a hospital gown like mine, which means she must be a patient too. I draw closer to see that she’s unconscious. And pale.

My heart twists, I hurriedly kneel down to her side and lightly put my head on her chest to check her heartbeat.

Shit, I hear nothing. A quick shiver sends through me.

Her pulse. I quickly grab her hand to feel her wrist and hope to feel something.

Thank God. I exhale after what feels like twenty minutes. “Stay here. I’ll go get help.”

I run down four flights of stairs and realize how ridiculous that sounded since she couldn’t even hear me. I finally reach the nearest nurse’s station, catching my breath in order to get words out.

“Excuse me! There’s a girl up on the roof. She’s unconscious. Please help!”

A nurse nods once and quickly picks up the telephone. She recites something I didn’t quite understand. Two guys with a stretcher appear immediately and ask me to let lead the way.

. . .

It’s now hours later and I can’t stop thinking about her. My last sight of her keeps flashing before my eyes. She was pale and almost lifeless. She looks pretty with her dark neck-length hair, her thin bangs fly off her forehead because of the wind. I wonder what’s wrong with her. I hope she’s okay now. Turns out she is the one who stays in the room next to mine.

My door slowly opens for a nurse to take the tray of my already finished dinner. “Hey, um, do you know what happened to the girl next door?”

“Do you know her?” he asks me right back, his eyes dead.

“Actually, yeah, I went to college with her.” I lie.

“Oh, okay, then,” he sighs. “Well, she attempted to kill herself again.”

My jaws drop in shock. “What?” I stutter. My heart sinks even more at the word ‘again.’

“It’s the third time she’s done that during her stay here. I really hope she'll stop. I’m worried about her. She doesn’t even have a family for us to call for a situation like this. There’s only this one guy that comes over every now and then.” His eyes suddenly change and fill up with pity when he walks out the door.

---

PRESENT DAY

Y/N

I run to the bus stop to see Jonghyun already waiting for me by his car in hazard mode at the side of the road. Two weeks passed and this is the most I’ve seen him since he’s been busy with his comeback.

He spots me, then waves so happily that he’s almost jumping.

I land in his arms. “Jonghyun, I missed you,” I weep on his chest.

He pulls away to look at my face, cupping my cheeks. “How’s my girl?” his eyes twinkle. He lovingly leans in for a five-second kiss.

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting,” I pout.

“No, I just got here,” he smiles. “Shall we?”

We both hop in his car and drive to Taemin’s house to have dinner with the boys. It was supposed to be a celebration for their comeback promotion weeks ago but it always fell through. Now that their promotion ended, they decided to have the gathering tonight. It was Minho and Kibum’s idea. Taemin offered his place to hold it.

They love a good party. Kibum wanted to invite as many people as they could but Minho wanted an intimate gathering with just close friends. The decision was made democratically but it was tied up. So all that long heated, turbulent discussion led us to the lowkey one with just close friends.

Jonghyun and I arrive with three handsome boys already in sight. Minho greets me with a warm hug and then leads me toward the kitchen where Jinki and Kibum are preparing food.

“Mmm, smells good over here. Where’s Taemin?” I ask no one in particular while I make my way to sit on a spinning stool by the island.

“He’s not here yet,” Kibum answers me while he holds a wooden spoon in front of me to let me taste his soondubu stew.

“What? He’s late even at his own party being held at his house. Great.” I say as I nod approvingly to Kibum, telling him that it’s delicious.

Jinki giggles. “That’s our youngest.”

I laugh, wiping off droplets of soup on my chin.

“Speak of the devil,” Kibum mutters as soon as I hear the front door beep.

I welcome Taemin with a giggle and my arms open for a hug. “Hey, what are you doing late at your own party?” I say, pulling away from his one-hand embrace.

“I came as fast as I could. You’re at my house. Stop complaining!” he laughs too.

. . .

It is now four hours later. Jonghyun and I are back in his car on our way to his apartment. I insisted he takes me home but he insisted harder for me to stay at his place since it’s closer.

“Plus, I missed you and I want to be with you a little longer,” he says, kissing my hand while his eyes are on the road.

“Really? Well...” I say, having something in mind. I start drawing closer to him and slide my palm on his lap up to his crotch. I lean in closer, humming into his ear.

He swallows. “Hey, I’m driving.”

I laugh at him. “Fine, I’ll wait until we get home.”

“Home?” He looks at me for a second, smiling. Then back on the road.

I pause, thinking of what I said. “What?”

“Did you just propose for us to live together?”

“Where’d that come from? You’re making stuff up again.” I playfully punch his arm.

He laughs out loud. It is so beautiful that it is the most musical sound I’ve ever heard.

After a few seconds of silence, he grabs my hand. I turn to him, waiting for him to say something. “So, do you want to move in?”

My mouth opens in quite a confusion but immediately curves into a huge smile. “Yeah, of course! I’d love that,” I screech. I lean into him for a kiss on his cheek, then rest my head on his shoulder while he pulls over into parking.

He turns to me, cupping my cheek. “I love you so much, Y/n.”

It makes me melt every time he says those words to me. My eyes fill in with tears. “I love you, too.”

---

TWO YEARS EARLIER

An overflowing burning sensation boils in my stomach, making me abruptly sit up and throw up on myself. I feel like my internal organs are about to come out of my mouth. I feel so heavy that I can't open my eyes. When I do, it’s brief and cloudy.

I suddenly hear the door open. Somebody walks into my room. A nurse perhaps. After I feel them carefully laid me back down, I catch a blurry figure of a man standing in my direction by the door outside my room. Before I can control my own consciousness, everything goes black again.

. . .

I slowly open my eyes with the sun blaring at me. It irritates the shit out of me. I get out of bed in an attempt to close my blinds but somebody stops me.

“Whoa, wait, be careful.” A guy in a hospital gown like mine suddenly appears before me.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I glare at him.

He looks startled by my sudden rage. Despite this, he adjusts the wire connecting the needle inserted in my arm and the IV that’s hung next to my bed before I could mess it up.

“Let me get that for you,” he mutters before closing the blinds for me, leaving a bit of sunlight.

My face relaxes from frowning as I watch him walk back toward me. He sits on the chair next to my bed. I notice his attractive appearance. Dark hair that covers his entire forehead, a cute smile and a muscular body. I somehow get lost in his stare with those innocent and sparkly eyes, making the anger inside me fade. I feel some kind of warm relief.

“Uh, I’m Jonghyun. Sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to see how you’re doing. I have not heard about you since I found you on the roof a few days ago.”

I snap out, bringing back my scowl. “Why?”

He stutters. “Well-”

“We don’t even know each other.”

“No, but-”

“Do you like me? Is that why you saved me?” I’m getting more pissed with this stranger in my room. “Or are you just trying to be some kind of a hero that saves my life, then our story would turn into a cheesy romantic cliché?

Silence. He just stares at me. Probably awkward and shocked.

“Get out of here before I call security.”

Without saying anything else, he gets up from his seat and walks to the door. Looking flustered, he glances back at me before sliding it close behind him.

. . .

The moon has come out. It’s the only time of day that I appreciate the outside. I stand before the window, looking out, watching the cars and cabs go about down there. Thinking that there are millions of people existing, I question why the fuck I’m alone.

Literally.

Emotionally.

I fall on my butt, and for the first time in almost a year, I cry out loud. Extremely loud. Numbingly loud. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” I pull my hair out, punch my head, slap my own face. Dig my nails into my neck, scratch down to my chest, and then my arms. I kick my legs hysterically. Repeatedly.

I hate being alive.

Eventually, my hearing went faint, abandoning its purpose. I feel someone grab me from behind, restraining me tightly.

“Let me go! Just please let me go. Please! I don’t want to be alive anymore.” I continue to scream furiously, trying to escape everything that tries to come at me.

But then, I see that it’s Minho who’s hugging me. I crash into his arms, shut the fuck up, and cry silently.

“Y/n, I’m here. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay. I’m here for you. Please, stop now,” he hushes me. I can finally hear his voice. He's the only one I can trust. His embrace is the only comforting thing to me.

I’m breathing heavily, trying to calm down. I watch a nurse approach with a syringe but Minho immediately shoves it away.

We just stayed like this. I have not idea how long but I don’t want it to end.

After some time, the noises in my head settle down. I can see clearly again.

---

PRESENT DAY

JONGHYUN

After my radio show, I come home to a beautiful lady waiting for me on the couch in the dressing gown I got her for Christmas last year, and a pair of thick-framed reading glasses with a book in hand.

I join her, laying my head between her breasts. “Hi, roomie.” I look up at her, then give her a wink. We talked about moving in together weeks ago and the day I’d been waiting for has finally come. She’s finally settled in with me. There couldn’t be any other day happier than this.

She hisses. “Shut up,” then goes back to reading her book, blocking my view of her pretty little face.

I hiss back. I then crawl out off the couch to pick her up bridal style, spinning her around.

Y/n shrieks, laughing. “Jonghyun, stop!”

So I do. “Oh, hey, we haven’t done that thing couples do once they move in.”

“I thought you were going to be too tired from work,” she says, her arms around my neck.

Her thinking about sex is heaven to me! But that’s not what I’m talking about. “No, stupid,” I chuckle at her while I put her down on her feet. “Come here.” I grab her hand for her to follow me out the front door.

“Wait, what? Where are we going? I’m not dressed,” she complains.

I close the door once we get out. Y/n is still confused about what we’re doing. I pick her up again, bridal style. “Now, enter the code.”

She doesn’t say anything else and does as I say.

Once she opens the door, “Welcome home!” I cheer.

She laughs out loud. “Oh, so now we’re officially living together. Amazing!” she says playfully.

But I don’t put her down just yet and head to the bedroom.

“What are you doing?”

“We’re doing that other thing that couples do when they move in together.”

“Yay!” she cheers, then kisses me deeply on the spot as I bring the action to our bedroom.

---

TWO YEARS EARLIER

There’s a knock on the door while I watch a movie on the flatscreen. I hit pause on the remote control.

“Hyung!” Minho calls out enthusiastically as he enters my room with bags of food in his hand.

“Hey! What are you doing here?”

“What? Can’t a guy visit his guy friend who is unlucky enough to get into an accident?” he jokes around, handing me my lunch.

“Thank you very much,” I bow to him.

Minho and I do some catching up, talking about his new drama series, and some other work stuff until our conversation finds itself about the girl staying next door.

“Then she just kicked me out of her room and threatened to call security on me. This is what she did to a person who saved her life?” I pout.

“Oh, my God. You’re the stalker she’s been talking about?”

“Stalker? Woah, that woman. After what I did for her?” My blood is boiling with intense irritation. But it subsides quickly once I realize something. “Wait, you know her?”

“Yeah, I actually spent the night in her room.”

I pause, staring at Minho in confusion. “You’re not… Nothing’s going on with you two, is there?

“Oh, no. Nothing like that. I’ve known her since childhood. Our parents used to be close. That was when her mother was still alive and her dad hadn’t moved to Japan.”

“Wow, she has it tough, huh?” Just like that, irritation turns compassion.

“Yeah, but there’s more to that. Something that no one can explain, not even her herself.”

She’s been suicidal. Her depression has taken a lot from her. Hearing this makes me want to look after her more.

---

PRESENT DAY

Y/N

Since then, Jonghyun had been visiting me every evening to have dinner together even when I kept pushing him away, asking him to stop trying to save me.

Days after he got discharged, he came back, but I wasn’t in my room anymore. When he found out that I was transferred to the psychiatric ward, he came running to my door.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were being transferred?”

“Why would I?” I frowned.

“Right,” he laughed awkwardly.

His phone vibrated in his pocket.

“Hey, what are you-”

He trailed off, his face turning red as he listened. It’s definitely Minho.

I suddenly snatched the phone from Jonghyun’s hand and walk near the door out of earshot. “Hey, where the hell are you?” I scolded Minho in a whisper. “You are not letting him-”

“It’s okay, Y/n. He means well. Maybe it’s time for you to let somebody else in for a change,” he laughed statically. “Love you.”

I sighed in irritation as I heard the dial tone. “Here.” I hand Jonghyun’s phone back to him while he just smiled at me goofily.

If it wasn’t for Minho, I never would’ve trusted anyone again. And because of Jonghyun, trusting and loving again was worth it.

By the time I got discharged from the ward, Jonghyun and I eventually started dating officially. He was always there for me. Offered to come with me to my therapist twice a week but I insisted that I could go by myself. I would meet the rest of the boys not long after we got together. Since then, I’ve got the best friends ever.

Sooner or later, I would get back to work in teaching kindergarten. I can’t imagine my career going any other way. I thank myself for being alive today. Some days, I’d join Jonghyun and the boys in organizing a charity mission. I’d teach kids in far provinces. I forgot how fulfilling working with children was when I was too busy being miserable.

I’ve never felt so alive. Not to mention grateful.

“I’m so proud of you, honey,” my dad tells me with a big smile on his face.

“Thanks, Dad,” I smile back at my computer screen. “By the way, when are you coming? You should tell me ahead of time so I can prepare you something.”

Before I can hear his response, the front door of my apartment beeped. “Oh, I have to go. Jonghyun’s here.”

“I should really meet this Jonghyun. You’re talking about him a lot,” he says.

I shake my head and laugh at him before hanging up.

“Was that your dad?” Jonghyun asks as soon as he approaches and kisses me on the lips.

“Yeah.”

“Is he coming to visit?”

“He didn’t say,” I tell him, shutting down my laptop.

I stare at Jonghyun while he removes his shoes and walks towards me.

“What?” he asks, then kisses me on the forehead.

Trying not to tear up, I just shake my head and giggle at him. If it wasn’t for Jonghyun, my life would be so much different right now. Hell, I’d be dead. Because of him, I regained my bond with my dad.

Months ago, they had to go to Japan for work and he made me come with them so my father and I could finally talk. We had never seen eye to eye ever since Mom died. We had drifted apart. Now, we are closer than ever.

I’m not saying my depression is gone and my attacks are non-existent anymore. They still come every now and then, although not as bad as before. Jonghyun has always been so caring and understanding. I could cry just thinking about it. I got to be with the best person and have the best friends in the world.

#hi! it's been quite a while since i last posted a story on here #the last post i made was in June 2021 #anyway i'm always grateful for everyone who reads my work and likes them #i'm not promising anything but i'll try to post more stories for you #i hope you enjoy this Jonghyun x reader fiction #in this piece i expressed how much Jonghyun and the rest of SHINee means to me despite having to go through difficult times #happy reading!#shinee jonghyun #kim jonghyun #SHINee fanfiction #shinee fanfic #shinee x reader #jonghyun x reader

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aleesblog · 1 month

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On Travel by Train (1922)

J.B. Priestley

Remove an Englishman from his hearth and home, his centre of corporal Life , and he becomes a very different creature, one capable of sudden furies and roaring passions, a deep sea of strong emotions churning beneath his frozen exterior. I can pass, at all times, for a quiet, neighbourly fellow, yet I have sat, more than once, in a railway carriage with black murder in my heart. At the mere sight of some probably inoffensive fellow-passenger my whole being will be invaded by a million devils of wrath, and I “could do such bitter business as the day would quake to look on”. There is one type of traveller that never fails to rouse my quick hatred. She is a large, middle-aged woman, with a rasping voice and a face of brass. Above all things, she loves to invade smoking compartments that are already comfortably filled with a quiet company of smokers; she will come bustling in, shouting over her shoulder at her last victim, a prostrate porter, and, laden with packages of maddening shapes and sizes, she will glare defiantly about her until some unfortunate has given up his seat. She is often accompanied by some sort of contemptible, whining cur that is only one degree less offensive than its mistress. From the moment that she has wedged herself in, there will be no more peace in the carriage, but simmering hatred, and everywhere dark looks and muttered threats. But everyone knows her. Courtesy and modesty perished in the world of travel on the day when she took her first journey; but it will not be long before she is in hourly danger of extinction, for there are strong men in our midst.There are other types of railway travellers, not so offensive as the above,which combines all the bad qualities, but still annoying in a varying degree to most of us; and of these others I will enumerate one or two of the commonest.

First, there are those who, when they would go on a journey, take all their odd chattels and household utensils and parcel them up in brown paper, disdaining such things as boxes and trunks; furthermore,when such eccentrics have loaded themselves up with queer-shaped packages, they will cast about for baskets of fruit and bunches of flowers to add to their own and other people’s misery. Then there are the simple folk who are for ever eating and drinking in railway carriages. No sooner are they settled in their seats but they are passing each other tattered sandwiches and mournful scraps of pastry, and talking with their mouths full, and scattering crumbs over the trousers of fastidious old gentlemen. Sometimes they will peel and eat bananas with such rapidity that nervous onlookers are compelled to seek another compartment. Some children do not make good traveling companions, for they will do nothing but whimper or howl throughout a journey, or they will spend all their time daubing their faces with chocolate or trying to climb out of the window. And the cranks are always with us; on the bleakest day, they it is who insist on all the windows being open, but in the sultriest season they go about in mortal fear of draughts,and will not allow a window to be touched.

More to my taste are the innocents who always find themselves in the wrong train. They have not the understanding necessary to fathom the time-tables, nor will they ask the railway officials for advice, so they climb into the first train that comes, and trust to luck. When they are being hurtled towards Edinburgh, they will suddenly look round the carriage and ask, with a mild touch of pathos, if they are in the right train for Bristol. And then, puzzled and disillusioned, they have to be bundled out at the next station, and we see them no more. I have often wondered if these simple voyagers ever reach their destinations, for it is not outside probability that they may be shot from station to station, line to line, until there is nothing mortal left of them.Above all other railway travellers,I envy the mighty sleepers, descendantsof the Seven of Ephesus. How often, on a long, uninteresting journey, haveI envied them their sweet oblivion. With Lethe at their command, no dull,empty train journey, by day or night, has any terrors for them. Knowing the length of time they have to spend in the train, they compose themselvesand are off to sleep in a moment, probably enjoying the gorgeous adventures of dream while the rest of us are looking blankly out of the windowor counting our fingers. Two minutes from their destination they stir, rub their eyes, stretch themselves, collect their baggage, and, peering out of the window, murmur: “My station, I think”. A moment later they go out, alert and refreshed. Lords of Travel, leaving us to our boredom.

Seafaring men make good companions on a railway journey. They are always ready for a pipe and a crack with any man, and there is usuallysome entertaining matter in their talk. But they are not often met with away from the coast towns. Nor do we often come across the confidentialstranger in an English railway carriage, though his company is inevitable on the Continent and,I believe, in America. When the confidential stranger does make an appearance here, he is usually a very dull dog, who compels us to yawn through the interminable story of his life, and rides some wretched old hobbyhorse to death.There is one more type of traveller that must be mentioned here, If only for the guidance of the young and simple. He is usually an elderly man, neatly dressed, but a little tobacco-stained, always seated in a corner, and he opens the conversation by pulling out a gold hunter and remarking that the train is at least three minutes behind time. Then, with the slightest encouragement, he will begin to talk, and his talk will be all of trains. As some men discuss their acquaintances, or others speak of violins or roses, so he talks of trains, their history, their quality, their destiny. All his days and nights seem to have been passed in railway carriages, all reading seems to have been in time-tables. He will tell you of the 12:35 from this place and the 3:49 from the other place, and how the 10:18 ran from So-and-so to So-and-so in such a time, and how the 8:26 was taken off and the 5:10 was put on; and the greatness of Ms subject moves him to eloquence, and there is passion and mastery in Ms voice, now wailing over a missed connection or a departed hero of trains, now exultantly proclaiming the glories of a non-stop express or a wonderful run to time. However dead you were to the passion, the splendour, the pathos, in this matter of trains, before he has done with you you will be ready to weep over the 7:37 and cry out in ecstasy at the sight of the 2:52. Beware of the elderly man who sits in the comer of the carriage and says that the train is two minutes behind time, for he is the Ancient Mariner of railway travellers and will hold you with his glittering eye.

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daisyneptune · 5 months

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Hello, it’s Sunny! Good news, my Secret Santa gave me a visit yesterday. I like the fact we’re all classic rock blogs or fans. It does help us find something talk about and bond over. Other fandoms should do it too. So I see you like anime. I do too but I’ve been watching less lately. What shows do you like? Do you like Studio Ghibli films? I’ve watched quite a few of them myself starting with either Spirited Away or Kiki’s Delivery Service. They are so stunning visually. The music in them is wonderful too. As for shows, I didn’t watching them until I watched the original Fruits Basket show with my brother and then eventually Naruto and Naruto Shippuden (which I still haven’t finished). I’d like to hunt for new shows to watch so recommendations would be nice. :)

There’s another 60s band that reminds me of The Zombies called The Left Banke. They’re a lot more obscure but very very good. The lead singer also reminds me of Colin Blunstone a bit. They had good hits like Walk Away Renee, Pretty Ballerina, and Desiree. Shadows Breaking Over My Head is really good too.

I’ve never listened to 60s music from other countries besides US and UK. I’m curious to know what music in Japan sounded like. By the way do you have any favorite anime openings/endings or anime music in general? I really like the classic Pokemon theme song myself.

By the way, the types of history I love the most is US history, European history, and Ancient history (esp Greece, Rome, Egypt), film history, women’s history,and black history. This semester I took classes about The Holocaust, Modern Europe, and California History. Very interesting and but also very sad at times. How do you like your classes? What exactly do you learn in emergency management? My dad’s an EMT/Ambulance driver. I’m guessing you probably learn how to work with people like him. Anyways, I got class. Talk to you later! Bye! ☀️

I do like anime and manga! Most of the things I like are older, though. I'm pretty bad about keeping up with new things in all forms of media ;; I do like Ghibli films! Kiki's Delivery Service is probably my favorite. Right now, it's about the time of year I start wanting to rewatch Dear Brother, which is a gorgeously animated soap-opera-levels-of-melodramatic show from the early 90s. (It's based on a manga from the 70s, which is when shoujo melodrama was at its peak, so that explains it.) I feel like a grandma having to watch her "stories" when I put that one on. I can't stop watching!

Look at it! Even little moments like this just look so nice. :3

Ooh, I love the Left Banke and baroque pop from the 60s in general! Walk Away Renee was one of my favorite songs I heard on the oldies station as a kid, and Pretty Ballerina sometimes makes me legitimately emotional (but a lot of things do tbh).

Music in Japan in the 60s was a lot of covers of US/UK artists, but a lot of the time, lyrics were translated into Japanese. If you have Spotify, a few compilation albums you can check out are Monster A-Go-Go, Slitherama, Big Lizard Stomp!, and Sixties Japanese Garage-Psych Sampler. The first three have some weird interludes of music from kaiju films that the person who put the compilations together threw in, but they're still really good. Also, you can find whole albums by The Mops and The Tempters on there.

There are also some compilations put out a while ago called Nippon Girls (vol. 1 / vol. 2) and G.S. I Love You, which I found on YouTube. As far as music from all over, a compilation I really like is Nuggets II: Original Artyfacts from the British Empire and Beyond. I found that one on CD on eBay so I listen to it in my car sometimes.

I was always interested in natural disasters and things like that when I was a kid (I was a nerd who would read the 'what to do in case of emergency' manual we had at home), so I thought emergency management would be an interesting thing to pursue. Basically, emergency managers are the ones who create response plans for disasters in their areas, coordinate the response when the disaster does occur, and keep everyone up-to-date with the latest information gathered from people on the front lines (like EMTs). I'm good with organizing information and things like that, so I thought it would be a good fit.

Now that I've gone on for way too long ... I hope you have a lovely Wednesday and the rest of your classes go well!

#sunny santa

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wellbeing-in-your-office · 5 months

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Wellbeing Wednesday: Shake Up Your Work Week

Introduction

Wellbeing Wednesday is a wonderful workplace initiative that promotes health, wellbeing, and engagement among employees. One day a week, companies dedicate time and programming to focus on overall wellbeing, providing employees with activities, education, and resources to support their physical health, mental health, personal growth, and work-life balance.

Wellbeing Wednesday: Benefits

The benefits of Wellbeing Wednesdays are numerous. It shows employees that their company values and cares about them as whole people, not just workers. This fosters loyalty, satisfaction, and a positive work culture. It also empowers employees to take active control over their wellbeing, making time for healthy habits and self-care practices during the workweek. Physically and mentally healthy employees are more resilient, and engaged at work. They take fewer sick days, handle stress better, and have more focus and creativity. In the following sections, we’ll explore ideas and activities to make Wellbeing Wednesday impactful and meaningful for employees. From healthy snacks to meditation sessions, there are many creative ways companies can promote wellness on Wednesday. It’s an investment that pays off through better performance, morale, and workplace community.

Wellbeing Wednesday Ideas: Nutrition

Providing healthy food options in the workplace is an important part of wellbeing and can make a big difference in employee satisfaction and productivity. - Consider offering fresh fruit baskets or a smoothie station where employees can make their own nutrient-rich blended drinks. - - Stock the kitchen with healthy snacks like nuts, seeds, whole grain crackers, hummus, and yogurt. - Send out reminders about staying hydrated and consider providing infused water with fruits and herbs. - When catering office lunches or snacks, include salad, lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and fruit on the menu. - Be mindful of any dietary restrictions employees may have. Promote good nutrition by bringing in a nutritionist for a lunch and learn. Employees will feel cared for when their wellness needs are supported through healthy eating options provided by the company. At Wellbeing in Your Office, we understand that nutrition plays a crucial role in overall wellbeing and productivity in the workplace. Thus, we offer targeted nutrition workshops aimed at enhancing awareness and practical knowledge around balanced and healthy eating habits. These workshops are designed to help employees make better food choices, understand the connection between diet and cognitive performance, as well as manage their energy levels throughout the day. By combining expert guidance with interactive components, employees leave our nutrition workshops empowered with tools and strategies for maintaining a healthy diet amid the busy rhythms of the workday. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/nutrition-workshops/ Nutrition Workshops: Revolutionise Your Workplace

Wellbeing Wednesday Ideas: Fitness Activities

Encouraging fitness activities in the workplace is a great way to promote employee wellbeing. Consider organising fitness challenges that motivate employees to increase their daily steps or exercise minutes. Offer prizes like gift cards to make it fun. - Schedule a weekly yoga class during the lunch hour. This allows employees to take a mental break and stretch their bodies. Yoga is excellent for reducing stress and anxiety. Provide yoga mats to create a comfortable space. - Walking meetings are another way to incorporate movement into the workday. Instead of sitting in a conference room, walk outside or through hallways while discussing projects and ideas. Walking boosts energy levels and creativity. Overall, look for opportunities to get employees moving throughout the day. Wellness challenges, walking meetings, and onsite fitness classes make it easier for people to exercise. A culture of workplace fitness leads to happier, healthier, and more productive teams.

Wellbeing Wednesday Ideas: Mindfulness Practices

Taking mindful breaks throughout the workday can re-energise employees and boost productivity. Consider leading short guided meditations, breathing exercises or gentle stretching breaks. You can also lead guided meditations, talking employees through a simple body scan or visualisation. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/what-is-mindfulness-meditation/ What is mindfulness meditation? For a mid-day pick-me-up, have employees stand up and try some gentle desk stretches: - Clasp hands together above your head into a big stretch. Hold for 10 seconds. - Bring arms down and cross one arm across your chest, using the other arm to gently pull elbow towards chest to stretch shoulder and upper back. Hold for 10 seconds on each side. - Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent. Bend down and touch your toes, feeling the stretch in your hamstrings. Hold for 10 seconds. Taking just a few minutes to breathe, stretch and center oneself can make a big difference in energy, focus and mood throughout the workday. Consider making mindfulness part of your weekly Wellbeing Wednesday programming. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/wellbeing-services/mindfulness-meditation/ Mindfulness at Work

Ergonomics

Aches, pains, and discomfort from sitting all day are common complaints in office settings. Ergonomics focuses on designing the workspace to fit the employee and reduce physical strain. Consider offering ergonomic evaluations of workstations to identify any issues and provide simple modifications for a more comfortable setup. Here are some tips to share for improving posture and comfort throughout the workday: - Keep your ears, shoulders, and hips aligned while sitting. Avoid slouching or leaning forward. - Adjust your chair height so your feet rest flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to it. - Place your computer screen at eye-level to avoid neck strain from looking down. - Use a document holder by your monitor for easier reading. - Keep wrists in a straight neutral position while typing to prevent soreness. - Get up and move every 30-60 minutes, even if just for a quick stretch or walk. - Try using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to reduce hand and arm tension. - Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid excessive twisting and bending. - Maintain good lighting and minimise glare on your screen. Small personalised changes tailored to employees' needs and preferences can make a big difference in daily comfort. Empower everyone to adjust their workspace and take active breaks for continued productivity and wellbeing. We think that you'll love our 20 FREE ideas for Wellbeing Wednesday at your workplace: https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/wellbeing-workshops/ Wellbeing workshops: 20 FREE ideas to boost your workplace wellbeing

Work-Life Balance

Achieving work-life balance has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. With remote and hybrid work becoming more common, the lines between work and personal life can often get blurred. Having good work-life balance leads to reduced stress, higher engagement, and greater productivity in the workplace. There are many ways to promote work-life balance among employees as part of Wellbeing Wednesday: - Host discussions on setting boundaries and leaving work at work. With constant connectivity through email and messaging apps, it can be tempting to keep working outside of normal hours. Share tips for respecting people's personal time and not expecting immediate responses outside of work. - Hold seminars on managing stress and avoiding burnout. Highlight the importance of taking breaks, using vacation days, and having hobbies and interests outside of work. Bring in experts to lead meditations or yoga classes to help employees relax. - Discuss the concept of work-life integration, rather than segmentation. With remote work, there are no longer clear separations between work and life. Help employees figure out routines that blend work and personal life in a healthy, balanced way based on their needs and preferences. - Share time management strategies to maximise focus and productivity during working hours. This allows people to get more done during the day and need to work less during their personal time. Tools like scheduling focused blocks of time or using the Pomodoro technique can be helpful. - Encourage employees to evaluate their priorities and figure out what is most meaningful to them personally and professionally. Reflecting on deeper purpose leads to greater fulfillment. The key is to promote open dialogues around work-life balance. Everyone needs different things, but helping employees find the right integration for them is beneficial for both mental health and workplace performance.

Wellbeing Wednesday Ideas: Volunteering

Giving back to the community is an excellent way to boost morale and camaraderie among employees. Consider organising a group volunteer activity during the workday or partnering with a local charity for an ongoing volunteering initiative. Some ideas include: - Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food bank. Gather a group of employees to help serve meals, pack food boxes, or sort donations. This allows everyone to connect while supporting an important cause. - Clean up a park or beach. Gather a team to pick up litter, pull weeds, paint benches, etc. It’s a great way to beautify your local community. - Organise supplies for teachers at local schools. Many teachers pay for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. Put together kits full of needed items. - Read to children. Call the local library, hospital, or school to set up a time for employees to come read to kids. This simple act makes a real difference. - Fundraise or participate in a charity walk/run. Pick a cause that employees care about. The right volunteer activity can really boost workplace culture. Allow employees to vote and decide together. Partnering with charities aligns with their needs too. With some creativity, your team can find meaningful ways to give back.

Wellbeing Wednesday: Continuing Education

Providing employees with opportunities for continual learning and growth is a great way to boost engagement and morale. - Consider bringing in experts to conduct L&D sessions on topics like leadership, communication, diversity and inclusion, and other relevant soft skills. - You can also organise virtual seminars, talks or webinars on topics that align with company values and employees' interests. - For example, invite authors or industry thought leaders to give a virtual talk on their latest book or research. Or, partner with an e-learning platform like to provide employees with access to thousands of online courses. - You could also organise a "TED Talks Wednesday" where employees can view and discuss TED talks during the lunch hour. This facilitates learning while bringing people together. To get buy-in, send out a survey asking what topics employees would be most interested in learning about. Then use this feedback to craft relevant programming. Continuing education shows employees that their growth and development matters. It also strengthens competencies that translate into better work performance. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/workplace-mental-health-training/ Workplace mental health training: How to transform your work environment.

Wellbeing Wednesday: Social Connection

Humans are inherently social creatures, so fostering connections between coworkers is an important part of wellbeing. Plan activities that bring people together and allow them to get to know each other better. - Organise team building activities like escape rooms, bowling nights, karaoke, or scavenger hunts around the office. These allow coworkers to problem solve together and bond in a fun, low-pressure environment outside of regular work. - Host office parties for holidays, birthdays, or company milestones. Make time for people to socialise and celebrate achievements. - Coordinate group lunches or bring-your-own-breakfast days. Eating together offers a chance to chat and learn about each other's lives. Consider subsidising the meals to encourage participation. - Start or join a workplace sports team like football, basketball, or volleyball. Friendly competition and exercise is a rewarding combination. - Organise game nights with board games, video games, trivia, or arcade competitions. Games bring out people's playful sides. - Launch interest-based clubs like book clubs, fitness challenges, volunteer groups, and more. Coworkers with shared passions will bond. Social connection improves morale, retention, collaboration, and innovation. Simple efforts to bring the team together regularly pay dividends for workplace wellbeing. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/wellbeing-day/ Wellbeing Day: Why your workplace needs one

Conclusion

Employee wellbeing is essential for both individual and organisational success. By focusing on various aspects of health and wellbeing, employees can reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and maintain productivity. 'Wellbeing Wednesday' initiatives that promote healthy nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, ergonomics, work-life balance, continuing education, and social connections have demonstrated benefits across industries. Companies that invest in wellbeing programs can improve recruitment, retention, engagement, and bottom line results. The ideas presented in this article are simple, low-cost ways to launch 'Wellbeing Wednesdays' focused on holistic employee health. From providing healthy snacks to hosting lunchtime yoga, small changes can make a big difference over time. Employees who feel valued and supported in multiple dimensions of wellbeing are more loyal, focused, and energised. In conclusion, 'Wellbeing Wednesdays' represent an opportunity for positive culture change that pays dividends. When organisations show they care about more than just productivity, employees respond in kind. Wellbeing must be an ongoing priority, not just a one day event. With creativity and commitment, companies can build a flourishing workplace for all.

Take Action Now: Join the Wellbeing Wednesday Revolution at Your Workplace

Interested in further empowering your workplace with 'Wellbeing Wednesdays'? Wellbeing in Your Office is here to give you the expertise, resources, and support you need. We believe in a holistic approach to wellbeing, focusing on the mind, body, and diet. Our team of experts is dedicated to enhancing your organisation's mental health culture while boosting productivity and employee satisfaction. We offer First Aid for Mental Health courses, corporate yoga sessions, workplace wellbeing packages, and a myriad of services to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in your workplace. Our sessions can be conducted both in-person and online, making it convenient for every type of work setup anywhere in the world. Added to our offering are FREE workplace wellbeing resources that organisations can leverage to initiate a culture of overall wellbeing. Discover firsthand why many teams have chosen Wellbeing in Your Office as their trusted partner in promoting workforce wellbeing. Ready to get started? Contact us today at Wellbeing in Your Office and let's work together to create a happier, healthier, and more productive workplace. It's time to prioritise wellbeing in your organisation and empower your employees with the right resources to thrive.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as professional health, legal, or business advice. Readers should always consult with appropriate health professionals, human resource experts, or legal advisors for specific concerns related to mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of publication, Wellbeing In Your Office cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes, updates, or revisions of the aforementioned content. Read the full article

#wellbeingwednesday

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what-big-teeth · 2 years

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Linked (Male Krampus x Female Reader, pt. 1)

I hope you all are in the mood to read about a Krampus boyfriend! This was inspired by the more well-known fiction featuring the intimidating figure and the horror/comedy that came out in 2015. With that being said, I hope you enjoy!

Female Reader x Male Monster (Krampus) [part 2]

Your parents once told you how Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, be they related or chosen. More so as it occurs at the end of year, the best time to reflect on the past and hope for a better future. You clung to each and every word excited about the thought of spending the holidays with them as a family.

But it wasn’t meant to be during your eighth Christmas. Your mother had been called away to the local hospital while your father was needed on-site at the fire station. Maybe the reason for that was because you didn’t believe hard enough.

After talking to your parents, your next door neighbors quickly asked to host you. Besides spending a whole weekend with your best friend Ella, you were excited to see her Omi, Helena. Her warm smiles, kind blue eyes, and laughter won you over the day you met. In many ways, she became the grandmother you never had.

Which was why you were seated next to Ella on the edge of her fluffy, pink duvet, eyes wide and ears ready as Omi spun another tale from her homeland.

“Many know of Saint Nicholas and the simple gifts he brings. Chocolates, fruits, walnuts; little happy comforts. But few know of his shadow and of the long birch rods he bears.”

Omi paused, letting her rocking chair shift before continuing.

“With fur dark as night, sprawling horns hard as stone, and cloven hooves like iron, he follows the saint to scare wicked children into obedience. Sometimes with the threat of his heavy chains or the woven basket he carries on his back. For those he binds and places inside are whisked away for a night of terror. But the most wicked of all are never heard from again…”

Ella’s grip on your hand tightened and you answered with a quick squeeze. Your shared touch and curiosity slowly calmed your fears, letting Ella find her voice.

“What’s his name, Omi?”

Omi smiled in a mischievous way.

“This ancient being is called—”

“Mother!”

You squeaked at the sharp tone, your heart pounding like a drum in your chest. Mrs. Vogel stood at the bedroom’s entrance, her fair hands planted on her pajama-clad hips.

“Ah, Annette,” Omi said with a pleasant smile. “I was just telling the girls a bedtime story. Won’t you join us?”

Mrs. Vogel’s eyebrow twitched as she puffed out a quiet sigh.

“Not with how late it’s getting Mother. The girls should be tucked in bed and asleep, resting up for Christmas morning. Not listening to scary folktales.”

Slipping her hand from yours, Ella shifted her sprawled body and popped up with a frown.

“But Moooom!”

“Hush, Ella. Your father and brother are asleep, as you both should be.”

Before Ella could speak again, Omi used the rocking of her chair and its arm rests to stand.

“Annie is right, die lieblinge. I’ll finish my tale another time.”

Ella’s frown only deepened hearing that. Your expression almost matched her, except for the extra wrinkles. Mrs. Vogul began tapping her slippered foot against the floor then cleared her throat, moving her sharp gaze to Omi.

Not a moment later, Omi reached out and patted the tops of your heads with her warm, worn hands.

“Now, now. Shall I sweeten the pot with some morning hot cocoa? Maybe some afternoon marzipan, too?”

You were already nodding, having tasted and loved Omi’s delicious homemade goods since you were first introduced to them two years ago.

Ella, however, stayed quiet, her frown twisting up into a tight scrunch. Her “thinking face”, as you called it.

“Can we have marmalade toast, too?”

Mrs. Vogel called Ella’s name in a disappointed tone, but Omi cut her off with a low, pleasant chuckle.

“Of course! Now, let’s get you both tucked in.”

After a bit of scurrying and squirming, you both settled down in Ella’s bed, the duvet thick enough to keep you warm. Mrs. Vogel and Omi wished you both good night in their own special ways: with a kiss at Ella’s temple and two tight hugs for you.

With the dim glow of Ella’s crescent shaped night light and the shared warmth between you two, your eyes fell closed soon after.

THUD

Then quickly snapped open.

Once your body relaxed and your heart calmed, you yawned widely, blinking away the sleep blurring your vision. According to the bright, blue numbers beneath the nightlight, it was 2:00 AM. Much too late for you to be awake. But the noise…did you imagine it? Dream it?

Turning your head, you met Ella’s relaxed face and saw her chest fall up and down in a slow fashion. Waking her up just to ask about the sound would’ve been rude and you didn’t want her to get in trouble. Mr. Vogel said a storm would blow through town in the middle of the night. But he didn’t say anything about hail. Maybe there was a clue outside?

Carefully and quietly, you sat up, taking care so Ella remained snuggled in bed. It was a good thing you chose the left side of the bed next to the window. You only had to worry about quietly shifting the curtain just so to see the ground below.

There was snow, as you expected. What you didn’t expect was the small figure standing on the edge of the front lawn. And strangely, they were wearing a coat you hadn’t seen before.

You had heard from your parents about kids who had lost their homes because of a fire or money problems. They sometimes got food and a room with the help of homeless shelters. But other times, they and their families were left to fend for themselves. Or worse, they were all alone. Like this kid was.

You made up your mind then and there: you had to make sure they were okay. If they were lost, they could use the phone to call for help and get out of the cold. Or maybe you could help them find their parents if they were in the neighborhood. You knew the layout like the back of your hand, including all the hiding places. So there was no chance of you getting lost.

With a sharp nod, you set out on your mission. It took a lot of stretching and pauses to make sure Ella stayed asleep, but your sock-covered feet soon touched the carpet in victory. Luckily for you, the Vogel house didn’t creak like yours. So getting to the coat closet downstairs was easy. You easily found your coat, boots, mittens, and hat, putting them on quietly and quickly.

Slowly, ever so slowly, you turned the two locks on the front door then opened it. The icy winds washed over you, stinging at your face like thousands of tiny needles. But you swallowed your whine, kept quiet, and shuffled outside, closing the door behind you. If it was this cold, you could only imagine how awful the kid further out felt. But you refused to stop now.

Taking giant steps across the lawn helped with getting through the steadily piling snow. Your breath puffed out from between your dried lips, your body heavy from the trek. Just a few more steps and—

You groan loudly with the final step, bending down and using your bent knees as support.

“Finally…made it.” you huff out.

“You aren’t supposed to be out here.”

The harsh way he spoke his words told you he wasn’t from around here. But you didn’t know what was weirder: how his teeth weren’t chattering like yours, how pale his skin was like the snow around him, or the furry, brown robe he was bundled up in. Soon, you were able to decide when he turned to face you.

Nobody you knew had deep, pitch black eyes. But then, you didn’t and couldn’t know everyone since that wasn’t possible. And your parents taught you staring was rude. So you blinked against the chilly winds blowing against your face and licked your lips.

“Neither are you,” you say. “Are you lost?”

The boy shook his head, whipping around the low tail his light brown hair was tied in.

“My father’s nearby, so I’m safe. But you’re not. Don’t you know what happens to bad kids this time of year?”

You gulped down a large breath, refusing to be afraid. As much as getting coal for Christmas or meeting the monster from Omi’s tale scared you, you had to be brave. Especially if this kid and his father needed help.

“I do. But I came outside to make sure you were okay, that’s all. And I don’t think that makes me bad.”

The boy’s face scrunched up at your words. His lips pulled back to reveal small but sharpened teeth.

“I know you can tell I’m not normal,” he said with what you thought was a growl. “Aren’t you scared of me?”

Even though you felt tired and a little confused, you tilted your head to the side.

“Should I be?”

The boy stepped back, sputtering a large breath against the falling snowflakes. He narrowed his eyes at you, looking for something. But since your face didn’t have whatever it was, his own smoothed out as he blinked at you.

“You…you’re really not scared.”

“No,” you say, giggling. “Because you kind of remind me of an angry kitten.”

“Hey!”

You couldn’t help but laugh as his face turned a bright, cherry red. Sure, he was a little weird, but who wasn’t? Besides, it made sense for him to have sharp teeth and black eyes, just like how you were best friends with Ella.

“It’s true!” you chirped happily. Your laughter is cut short by a deep, full body shiver. “I’m just cold and I’m sure you are, too.”

You remembered when your parents taught you the importance of choice and how special it was. You should never force someone to do something, even if you think they need help. They would have to “meet you halfway”. So you held out your hand and smiled at the boy.

“You can come inside with me until your dad comes back. Ella’s family won’t mind since they took me in for Christmas. And Omi Helena makes the best hot cocoa and baked apples!”

But the boy didn’t move. He just stared at you for what you thought was too long a time. Then, as his robes shifted, you wondered if he was ready to take your hand to go inside. Instead, he held out his own, his fingers tipped with little claws and gripping something tight.

“Here,” he said.

The round bell sitting in his palm wasn’t shiny like the ones used around town for decoration. It wasn’t golden either, but a bronzy color like that of a new penny. And the black writing on its surface swirled and curled so prettily even if you couldn’t read or understand what it meant.

“Is this for me?”

The boy nodded firmly. “It’s a gift for being nice to me.”

You thought back to every treasure you ever collected since you can remember. And you knew this one would be the best of all, no matter what else you found. You caught the bell in your palm as the boy let it roll from his hand. Even though it was made of metal, it was warm to the touch, like the heat from a cozy fire that’s been burning strongly for a while. You couldn’t help but smile and laugh with joy.

“Thank you!”

The boy grunted in reply. “And as long as you have this, you’ll be safe every Christmas Eve.”

“Really? But why?”

“Because it’ll let me watch over you. I can vouch for you if you’re seen as bad each year. And so we can meet again, if you want…”

The boy lifted his leg, kicking at the snow with his booted foot while folding his hands behind his back. You felt your smile widen in reply.

“Yeah, I’d like that!”

You introduced yourself as it was the polite thing to do and so he’d know who you were when you meet again. The boy grinned and opened his mouth, but quickly shut it with a click. You saw his shoulders sink, even with the massive robe covering him. From behind, a huge shadow slowly shuffled closer until you could see it clearly. It was also bundled in a dark robe like the boy’s, but its hood was pulled over its head. And sticking out from the hood were two, long horns.

You tried to get the boy’s attention only to watch him walk towards the figure without fear.

“Wait!”

You took a step forward, only for the wind to pick up, making it hard to see through the snow. But over the rushing air, you heard the boy’s soft voice and didn’t feel scared at all.

“I’ll tell you my name when we meet again. I promise.”

TWENTY YEARS LATER

Your eyes fluttered open, blinking against the grit sticking to the inner and outer corners. With a roll of your shoulders and a few swipes of your hands across your face, consciousness returns at a quicker pace. The sudden bit of turbulence shaking your body also “helps” in its own way, but it’s soon forgiven.

The view from your aisle seat is breathtaking. Hues of pink, orange, and yellow greet you as a painted masterpiece, one you drink in an attempt to remember later on. As the sight gives way to thicker cloud cover, you glimpse the loose, dirty blond bun sticking up from the pile of blankets next to you. Very little could get through to Ella if she wanted to sleep. Well, save for her hunger; and speaking of.

You hear a low, long whine as the pile shifts. Ella’s face pops up through the opening, light red sleep lines pressed against her white skin. No doubt from the pillow she has hoarded in there.

“Morning,” she greets around a large yawn, covered by her hand. “Are we there yet?”

You shake your head. “We should be landing in an hour. The captain announced the breakfast cart’ll come down the way soon.”

“Yay~. Hopefully they’ll have some toast and marmalade. Or least some peach jelly.”

“There was a mention of biscuits, fruit, and smoked bacon. Think I’ll snag that for myself.”

Ella grins. “Max is really gonna be bummed he missed out. You know how much he loves the other white meat.”

Ella had hoped to involve Max in her Christmas holiday visit to Omi’s childhood town: a fortified, German town with cobblestoned streets lined with half-timbered houses and shops, and a large square that becomes a yearly Christmas wonderland. But his work schedule sadly kept him grounded back in the city. And since Ella's parents visited the town frequently before old age set in, this left you and Ella to venture out on your own.

You were more than excited to join your childhood best friend. You loved Omi like a grandmother and the feeling was reciprocated as she treated you the same as Ella. And her passing at the long-lived age of ninety affected you just as deeply.

“You know,” Ella starts, still curled in her window seat, “I’m hoping to see the Doll and Toy Museum. Omi would always tell us about it, remember?”

“Yeah. Same with the Christmas shoppe. She was happy to learn how popular it became since she moved to America.”

“I honestly want to see everything I can, you know? I think it’d help with feeling as if Omi is there with us in spirit… Mind handing me my laptop?”

“A change in the itinerary?”

“More like an addition or a few,” she says around a toothy smile.

You bend forward, reaching under your seat to grab at the floral, stylized case. Once it’s in Ella’s grasp, she makes quick work of unloading her laptop and getting down to business. Which is contacting your private tour guide.

You didn’t have the chance to speak to Ella’s chosen guide when she hosted the first video call between them. But she had nothing but positive praise about him when you asked. Fluent in German (as both of you were still learning), a local, and very easy on the eyes. You voiced your curiosity about meeting him while keeping your hopeful thoughts about his appearance to yourself. It wouldn’t do if Ella managed to get wind of something to tease you with in front of a new acquaintance. And maybe, if he’s willing, you hope he would act as a translator of sorts.

The bronzed bell from long ago sits nestled in your suitcase, carefully insulated from the rest of your belongings. Every time you glimpse it, your thoughts drift back to that night years back. The strange thudding from the rooftop, the odd boy you met, and the hulking figure he went to so readily…

And none if it was a dream.

When you came to as a child, it was to the sight of your parents’ tear-stained faces and your father’s tight hugs. From what you learned over time, you were found outside huddled against the front door while the anticipated snow storm raged around you. But miraculously enough, you were unharmed by the frigid elements, warm to the touch, and embraced by a peaceful sleep.

Your parents coddled you after for a time before making a huge decision. As a result of that night, they shifted their schedules, docking their own paychecks just to take time off work to spend more time with you. Unsurprisingly, the Vogels also grew more protective towards you, too. Especially Omi.

You had never seen her so terrified when she glimpsed your treasure one quiet night. Her explanation only came as she lay in bed, before drifting off into an eternal sleep.

“I saw the same as you when I was a young woman. I was a romantic, so I gave him my heart. But it was broken soon after. Please do not be like me, liebste. Do not let your curiosity get the best of you.”

To this day, you still don’t know what she meant. But you hope, by visiting her birthplace, you’ll learn and come to understand what her odd words meant.

#krampus #monster boyfriend #monster romance #monster content #terato #part two will be out before the month's out!

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petriquors · 3 years

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— summer dates with karasuno

❤ boys !! daichi, sugawara, asahi, tanaka, nishinoya, ennoshita, kageyama, hinata, tsukishima, yamaguchi

❤ genre !! fluff

❤ author notes !! just some quick little summer dates because i’ve got that mid-august romance on the brain part 2 (bokuto, kuroo, atsumu, tendou)

❤ daichi !! drive-in movie. daichi, a lover of classic dates, found out about a local movie theater doing outdoor events this summer and has been dying to take you since the day he saw the flyer at the train station. he’ll bring popcorn and drinks, planning to show up early enough to get the very-best parking spot for you two to have the nicest view. he’ll also do the thing where you pull in backwards and watch the movie from the trunk of his car, where he set up a whole fortress of blankets and pillows – and, yes, he definitely went a little extra just for you and got some battery-powered fairy lights to make your private viewing experience even more cozy and romantic. he will definitely pull the yawn-into-cuddling move on you, because he always does, and he feels best when he’s holding you near.

❤ sugawara !! gardening. is it a date if you’re helping sugawara in the garden he decided to start keeping in the spring? he thinks so. suga likes to be productive, and he loves the outdoors, and he really loves nurturing living things, but he mostly just wants to show off that he’s managed to get things to grow. with the sun bearing down on your backs, he “lends” you some gloves that he bought specifically for you, in your favorite color, and shows you with the gentlest of hands how to weed and water everything correctly. sharing something he cares about with you makes his heart feel full, and you notice how his smiling gaze lingers on you a little longer when you least expect it, until he invites you inside for “homemade” (read: instant) lemonade and lunch.

❤ asahi !! picnic. a picnic with asahi is a lot more than just a meal outside. he insists on preparing the meal together: from the shopping for ingredients to choosing the perfect personalized cheese/fruit/bread combinations for your charcuterie board to picking out and packing your basket, this date feels so unique to you that you feel like you’re living in a period painting – due in part to the fact that your boyfriend wants to get a little silly and dress up in fancy clothes (some that he may have even designed himself; as an aside, this man absolutely has made you clothes as presents) just to spread out and spend the afternoon having lunch in the park.

❤ tanaka !! food festival. like most of us, tanaka is just so excited by the idea of a bunch of different kinds of food all in one place. he’s especially excited about the international food trucks, so expect to be dragged around the festival to try burgers, gyros, empanadas, and everything in between. he definitely favors meat dishes, so you’ll have to bully him into eating a vegetable every now and again. he’ll also take note of which foods you like (by watching you like a hawk) so he can go home and look up restaurants that serve that food and impress you by taking you there later. even if you’ve been dating for a while, tanaka is fully committed to finding new ways to impress, excite, and overall woo you – even if it’s small things that make you smile, like a fun food date.

❤ nishinoya !! water park. nishinoya plans a whole day to go to a super-cool-and-famous water park because he wants to beat the heat in a fun way, not just going to a pool or something. he loves all the big, scary rides that explicitly soak you, and he’s scream-laughing on pretty much anything you two ride together. he, of course, will let you drag him to a slightly more chill activity like a pool or one of those lazy rivers to relax (and let your heartbeat get back down to a normal rate), but he’ll spend the whole time gushing about the next big ride he wants to go on next. he’ll probably get ice cream or popsicles at least twice, justifying that they are two totally different things, so it’s okay!

❤ ennoshita !! sunset drive. the sun sets late in the summer, we know, so after dinner, he’ll bribe you with “let’s go get ice cream” without telling you that he wants to go to a dairy farm-slash-creamery over an hour away. he fiddles with the car radio until he finds your favorite, and lets the music fill the air while he drives with the windows down, a light summer breeze making his hair move gently across his face. you might catch him humming along to the music that he’s started to like since he started dating you, as he’s begun to learn the lyrics to your favorite songs. the way the golden hour sun makes his skin glow and eyes sparkle is absolutely captivating, and he thinks the exact same thing about you. that's the moment when he reminds you just how lucky you make him feel.

❤ kageyama !! hiking. what starts out as “let’s just go on a run” morphs into a hike because he wants to go somewhere a little more scenic and special with you, so he loads up his backpack with drinks, snacks, bug repellant, and sunscreen, and takes you hiking at one of miyagi’s mountains to escape the punishing heat of the town you two live in. he’s going to spend the whole hike looking for a beautiful view to stop for lunch, and when he finds one – probably a nice cliffside or some such – he’ll hold your hand and share his chips with you while your legs dangle comfortably over what feels like the edge of the world, all to yourselves.

❤ hinata !! beach. hinata absolutely loves the beach, even when it’s crowded because “the ocean is so big, there’s room for everyone!” expect to spend the whole day at the beach: you two grabbed sandwiches and drinks from the convenience store, packed a bag full of extra sunblock, blankets, books, portable games, everything. and! he even carries everything: the bag, the umbrella, chairs if you’ve got ‘em, and will not hear any protests about you wanting to help him. he’ll even play a light game of beach volleyball with you and let you win (don’t tell him that you know he did, or he’ll sulk about it)!

❤ tsukishima !! outdoor art installation. you have no idea how tsukishima found out about this, but that’s sort of par for the course with him; he always finds these cool events going on to take you to, making you feel like you’re exclusive and in-the-know just because he’s a little too plugged-in to social media. it’s wonderful to see him so calm, so wrapped up in the moment that he’s not worried about looking cool or impressing you; tsukishima even grabs a guidebook at the entrance of the exhibit and reads you all the details and facts about the art and artists while you explore together, hand-in-hand.

❤ yamaguchi !! outdoor concert. yamaguchi loves concerts, loves the feeling of music taking over his body (you know, when your heartbeat starts to match the drums), and the feeling of togetherness he feels when he’s in a crowd of people enjoying the same music as him. he feels so alive that a concert is one of his favorite places to bring you, so you two can share that out-of-body experience together. he holds you by the waist the whole night to keep you close, always checking in to make sure you’re comfortable with the noise and have enough water to enjoy yourself. as both of your heartbeats start to match the music, you and he realize at the exact same moment: your heartbeats match each other’s too.

❤ suggestions open; reblogs appreciated !!

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doctorstethoscope · 3 years

Text

The Whole Time || A. Hotchner x Fem!Reader

It’s @ssahotchswife ‘s soft hotch saturday again bitches. u know the drill.

Summary: Aaron decides to make some happier memories in New York

Contains: fluff, alcohol consumption, law-breaking but not the kind anyone cares about, canon-typical descriptions of kidnapping, author taking creative liberties with the geography of New York City

word count: 1.7k

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you were holding when you watch the child you’d saved from an attempted kidnapping rush into his mother’s waiting arms. The most recent case had brought the team to New York City, for a kidnapping that was ultimately linked to a trafficking ring. You’d recovered a dozen kids of all ages, but Charlotte, the child you’d been called on the case for originally, was finally with her parents again, and you could rest, and rest easy, knowing that you’d saved them.

Spencer and JJ were already taking apart the team’s whiteboard in the conference room. Aaron was off making a call, and you spotted Derek and Emily fussing with the coffee pot in the NYPD’s break room. You started clearing off the table, preparing for your swift exit, and hopefully a night at home with Aaron and Jack.

“Jet leaves tomorrow at 8AM.” Aaron announces when he enters the conference room.

“We’re not leaving this afternoon?” JJ asked.

“We had to shut the airports down to stop the unsubs. LaGuardia is a mess trying to get all of today’s rescheduled flights out, and it seemed better to give you all a day in the city than to sit on the tarmac for eight hours. But if you want me to call them back--”

“Ah, ah, I think what JJ meant to say is first round on her tonight.” Morgan corrected and the team let out a laugh.

“Well, I for one, am overdue for some self care in the form of a little blue box.” Emily said, already pulling up walking directions to Tiffany’s.

“Oh, can we go to Saks, too!” JJ asked, peering over Emily’s shoulder.

You crossed the room to slide beside Aaron. The team knew that you were together, but for professionalism’s sake, you tried to make sure any local teams you worked with couldn’t tell, which meant you had to be very careful about your PDA.

“So… a day in New York, huh?” You looked up at him, and he smiled at you.

“I think I’m just gonna take some time and work on my report so it’s done when we get in tomorrow. You should go shopping with the girls.” He tells you, and you squint up at him.

“You okay?” You asked.

“Yeah,” he assures you with a little nod and a quirk of his brow that doesn’t leave you feeling very assured at all.

“I know New York isn’t your favorite place. You don’t have a lot of happy memories here,” you understated.

“Well, today’s not all that bad.” He winks at you. “Go shop. Don’t think I didn’t notice that you used the money your parents sent you for your birthday on Jack.” He narrows his eyes at you.

“It’s all the same money once it gets into the account, babe. I don’t feel deprived of anything. Don’t think I didn’t notice that you went way overboard with my presents this year.” You remind him with a smirk.

“No such thing,” he said, taking a risk and pressing a quick kiss to the top of your head. The case was done now, anyways. “Have fun with the girls. I’ll be waiting for you when you get back. You’d better have more bags than you can carry.”

“You’re ridiculous.” You rolled your eyes at him playfully as he gave you a gentle shove towards JJ and Emily. You took a couple steps over to where they were planning the rest of their afternoon. “Mind if I crash?” You asked.

“We were planning on stealing you away from Hotch regardless of whether or not you asked, so this seems easier,” Emily tells you and you laugh.

“I need coffee before we do anything. Real, not-police-station coffee.” JJ moans out, and you drag her out the door in the direction of the nearest Starbucks.

You’re headed back to the hotel after some shopping when Emily mentions a detour through Central Park. The air is warm, and contrary to Aaron’s orders, your bags aren’t all that heavy, so you’re happy to oblige her. You’re distracted, following JJ’s lead as you breathe in the smell of the flowers and appreciate the life of the city, the simplicity of all these people who have no clue about the international kidnapping scheme you and your team had taken down not even four hours ago. Emily and JJ come to a stop and you look between them. They gesture to a tree not far off from your path. Aaron’s underneath it, a blanket beneath him and a picnic basket on the ground beside him. He stands up and makes his way towards you.

“Did you two know about this?’ You ask, looking back and forth between Emily and JJ, betrayed but not at all angry.

“He texted us and asked if we could covertly get you here, but other than that we knew nothing.” JJ assured you. You’re about to pressure Emily for more answers, but Aaron makes his way to you.

“Hi angel,” He tells you, leaning in to kiss your cheek.

“Hi.” You smile at him. “When did you have time to do all of this? You said you were working on your report.”

He shrugged. “I lied. If you want to yell at me, I’ll allow it, but let’s not make Emily and JJ watch.” He teases.

You’d forgotten that they were even there. They both gave you hugs goodbye before taking off, and Aaron took your hand in his to lead you back to the blanket he’d set up on a slight hill, overlooking a bit of the park.

“I figured it was time to make some happy memories in the city.” He tells you, beckoning you to sit. You do, scooting your way next to him so that your thighs were touching. He leans forward for the basket and procures a chilled bottle of white wine and a small package of red solo cups.

“Aaron Hotchner, are you drinking in public?” You asked incredulously.

“I figure the NYPD’ll give us a pass, just this once.” He says, uncorking the bottle and pouring modest glasses into two cups for you both.

You raised your glass to his. “To happier memories.”

He connected his cup to your own but leaned in to kiss you before you could take a sip. “I love you,” he reminds you between kisses, and you smile. To anyone else in the park, especially from a distance, you two must have looked like crazy twenty-somethings freshly in love. Sometimes you felt like that, too.

He pulls away from you, after a moment. “I love you.” You say, taking your free hand and wrapping it around Aaron’s arm, pulling him in and resting your head on his shoulder.

He places a hand on your thigh and turns his head to leave a kiss on top of yours. “We don’t do this enough.”

“No amount of time with you could ever be enough,” you concur. “But we get out as often as we can. We’re busy, Aaron, and we have a son.”

His heart warmed when you referred to Jack as your own-- it wasn’t the first time you’d done it, not by a long shot, and he’d known even before you started calling him yours that you’d risk life and limb for him. So why hadn’t he asked you yet? Why hadn’t he pulled the ring out of his sock drawer and made it official?

“A son who I see you’ve spoiled, when I specifically told you to go shopping for yourself.” He teased you, changing the subject in his own brain and gesturing to the FAO Schwarz bag in your collection.

“It’s just a couple comic books, Aaron. It’s reading material, it hardly counts as a gift.” You defended, knowing there was no need.

“Sure,” He chuckles at you, concealing his grin with a sip of wine.

He pulls a small plate of cut fruit out of the basket, and you talk and eat and giggle and settle in to each other to watch the sunset. He’s leaning back against the tree, his legs spread so you can lean against his chest and sit between them, his arms wrapped around you from behind. The setting sun has allowed a slight chill to settle into the air, but the weight of his body wrapped around yours keeps you warm.

“Aaron?” You ask, not daring to tear your eyes away from the cascading pinks and purples of the sky in front of you.

“Hm?” He asks.

“Do you think you’d want more?” You ask, internally cringing at your own vulnerability, hoping you hadn’t ruined an otherwise perfect evening.

“More wine?” He asked, unwrapping a hand from you to look for his cup.

You let out a nervous little laugh. “No, hon. I, uh. I meant more kids. Sorry, didn’t mean to spring that on you, it was just on my mind. You don’t have to answer.”

“Only if they’re yours,” he replies, and you’re confused.

“Huh?” You ask.

“I only want more kids if they’re yours.” He reiterates, craning to look at you a little. “Isn’t it obvious?” He asked.

“Well, you know, it doesn’t hurt to hear, regardless.” You responded, a little breathless. You turned to face him.

“Silly girl,” He smiled at you. “I only want you. I want you and our future together, and our babies, if we are to have any, and I want to keep making you smile for the rest of my life. And if I have that, I’ll be happy.” He states simply, as if it were the easiest thing in the world, as if he’d known it all along. He suspects that deep down, he has.

“Sounds like a pretty good life you’ve dreamed up for yourself, there.” You smile at him, just happy to be included.

“Yeah, I think so.” He agrees, giving you a squeeze.

“You know, you’re gonna have to marry me before I let you knock me up,” you inform him with a laugh.

“Working on it,” He tells you, and you roll your eyes.

“Sure you are,” you counter, and he kisses your temple.

“It’s coming when you least expect it. Like an action movie. You’d better watch out.” He whispers against you, and you laugh, the sound vibrating through your chest and warming him from the inside out.

“You’re missing the sunset, silly boy.” You reminded him.

He’d been looking at you the whole time, anyways.

#criminal minds #criminal minds fic #aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner fic #hotchner x reader #hotch x reader #hotchner x y/n #hotch x y/n #hotch x reader fic #hotchner x you #aaron hotchner x reader #aaron hotchner x y/n #aaron hotchner x you #soft Hotch Saturday #soft hotch #soft hotch rights

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old-hyper-super-clover · 3 years

Note

For the requests‚ what about a family trip to the beach with Purgatory Hall + the royals and MC? Like Simeon and Barbatos setting up a picnic table meanwhile MC and Luke play around in the sand searching for shiny or strange things to building a sand castle (everything also keeping Solomon and Diavolo far from the preparations for the picnic)‚ playing with water guns or swimming. And after eating maybe playing a match of volleyball sand, admiring the sunset till it's nigth time and before going back‚ playing with fireworks, do a little stargazing or something--

Feel free to ignore this and thanks in advance anyway~

FINALLY I've come to write something for this lovely request. It's packed with so many fun ideas that I kinda went overboard with it xD this means the story is so big I'll have to split it into two posts!

To Bisshitu: I wanted to thank you for your continuous support! I see you in my notifs a lot and I really appreciate it!! (ALSO I AM SO SORRY YOU'VE WAITED SO LONG I HOPE YOU WILL STILL ENJOY THIS CHAOS)

Literally just 13 idiots on a beach trip~

Part 1

MC was leaning against one of the walls in the giant entrance halls of the House of Lamentation. Standing next to them, Solomon handed MC an opened bag of spicy newt chips. "Want some?" He asked and MC gladly took a few while constantly watching the commotion that was going on in the rest of the hallway.

Who would've guessed that going on a vacation with the seven rulers of hell would involve the most panicked, loud and chaotic packing of bags to have ever existed?

Well, let's be real, MC did expect it, but maybe not to the degree that they were in amusement about now.

The oldest brother had called the others for a "luggage check" as he had been sceptical of his brothers' talents in packing reasonable items in an, likewise reasonable, amount of suitcases and bags.

And of course, the first one to show up had to present his luggage in the form of... nothing.

Yes, Beelzebub came up to Lucifer, only the remains of a sandwich in his hand (which didn't last longer than three more seconds), confused when Lucifer mustered him with an angered glance.

"Where's your luggage?" Lucifer asked, to which Beel only gave a shrug.

"We're going to the beach, right? Which means I'll only need my swimming trunks, and I wear those underneath my pants."

Now the confusion has wandered over to rest on Lucifer's face. "But... Won't you need clothes to change into, or at least pyjamas for the night?"

"Hm..." Beel scratched the back of his head while thinking about Lucifer's words. "Nah, I don't need those. I'm planning to stay at the beach all the time, so..." Then suddenly, he gasped as he remembered something. "Wait, I do have something else prepared to bring along!"

Beel reached into his pocket, and when he pulled out a hand-written list that unrolled itself, plonking onto the carpet and rolling all the way to Lucifer's feet, the avatar of Pride knew exactly what said list was going to be.

"There are a few food stands that I'd like to try out..." Beel announced, eyeing the paper. "First of all, there's one selling shaved ice, which I want to compare to the ice-cream from this other stand, but who's also selling parfaits of which I kind of want to try all twenty-five flavours... Also then there's of course-"

"Beel" Lucifer interrupted the avatar of Gluttony in a strict tone. "Go pack a proper bag."

"But-"

"Now."

Letting out a sigh, Lucifer watched as Beel left.

But little did he know, this had only been the beginning of the chaos...

Moments later, Lucifer has found himself explaining to Satan why taking 70 different books with him would be ridiculously much. Also Mammon had taken this opportunity to "lend" some of his brothers possessions, arguing that he "needed those for the beach". This had worked until his swift fingers touched Levi's limited edition Ruri-chan sunscreen.

So, as Lucifer was spam-calling Belphie to wake him up and finally have him start packing, a sudden argument could be heard from upstairs:

"... How dare you steal my precious Hana Ruri 'magical sun ray protective lotion for all blooming heroes of justice'?! This very sunscreen is an homage to the legendary beach episode where Azuki-tan got a sunburn and couldn't help Ruri-chan in the intense battle against the evil kelp-army that was threatening to overgrow the local reef-"

"OKAY OKAY, HERE'S YOUR STUPID CREAM NOW LEAVE ME ALONE"

"S-STUPID CREAM?!?! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW PRECIOUS THIS ITEM IS TO A FAN LIKE-"

That was all Lucifer could understand as an awfully annoyed scream Mammon let out was drowning Levi's gibberish. Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Lucifer knew this vacation was going to be one intense experience...

An hour later, the group found itself where this little story had started off. The Purgatory Hall crew had already arrived long ago, enjoying the chaos together with MC -- who, btw, had been the only one to pass Lucifer's vibe luggage check right away.

Slowly it felt like most of the brothers were ready to go, only Asmodeus was left in the judgemental glare of the avatar of Pride.

But Lucifer noticed they already were way behind the time they were supposed to meet Diavolo at his castle. So, to Asmo's luck, he let off of trying to see what's inside the pretty boy's suitcase and announced the group's departure.

In enthusiasm shared by almost everyone, they let out a big cheer:

"Off to the beach we go!"

Some of the demons had whined about wanting to visit the human world beach. But as those idiot boys literally couldn't be trusted to act responsibly (which is okay, we love them regardless), Diavolo offered to stay at the beach resort he created in the Devildom.

Looking over the endless ocean, surrounded by the equally large beach and glistening in an artificial sun's light, MC was wondering just how powerful the demon prince must be to have created all this. But they were left only little time to be in awe over the location, as their friends demanded their attention shortly after having arrived.

Without going into much detail -- the day was packed with lots and lots of fun. MC was running around the beach, playing and goofing around with their friends, only to take a collective rest and then go do something silly again. Only a few other demons were to be found at the resort, but those were some acquaintances of Diavolo's family, and the group seemed to have scared them off of the beach after, like, an hour or so. Hence, the whole beach served as their playground for whatever activity they wanted to do, until in the afternoon, most of them were about to collapse from exhaustion and hunger.

"That's right, we didn't really have a proper meal since coming here" Asmo noticed as several tummy grumbles undermined his statement.

"We DID bring a picnic basket..." Satan mumbled. "But some genius had to let Beel carry it."

The culprit gave an immediate pout. "I had to hurry, 'kay?!" Mammon huffed. "MC was already at the beach and I--" he stopped. "... U-uh... I mean..."

Gaining a round of sighs and shaking heads, his brothers however decided to let Mammon's... mammon-ness slide for once. Mostly because, approaching from the distance, Barbatos and Solomon were getting closer, their hands full with bags that seemed to be stuffed with food.

"Y-yoU BroUGhT S-nAcKs?!" Beelzebub was already on his feet running towards them but Barbatos' stare was actually enough to make him stop.

"Not before the dishes are prepared, Beelzebub" Barbatos explained calmly, but with this very weird hidden tone in his voice that gave everyone chills despite the scorching summer heat.

"We figured everyone must be starving by now, so Barbatos suggested we'd make a little picnic party with everyone" Solomon cheered, presenting the bags in his hands.

"That sounds lovely" Simeon could be heard among the general noise of approval. "Let me help you prepare everything, Barbatos."

The demon butler beamed him a smile, thanking the angel for his help.

Then, Solomon spoke up again, and every bit of joy vanished from all their faces: "Thank you, Simeon! With the three of us working together the food will be ready in no time!"

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

Barbatos was putting all kinds of spices into a bowl to create a delicious sauce. Right next to him, Simeon prepared mouth-watering sandwiches.

And behind their back, there was this chopping sound. Chop reaching their chop ears in an chop never- chop ending thread, over and chop over again...

Swallowing his tension, Simeon was fighting a frown. "He's only cutting the fruits..." He whispered. "You shouldn't be able to mess up a fruit salad..."

"I know" Barbatos mumbled back. "However I cannot fight this unease that urges me to check if he's really-" He was interrupted by a very unsettling "oops" coming from that certain sorcerer at the cutting board.

In honestly quicker than the blink of an eye Simeon and Barbatos were at Solomon's side, frantically scanning the table for whatever Solomon must've messed up. When all they found were slices of fruit that, well, might have been chopped a bit wonky, they gave Solomon a confused stare.

"I cut off too much of this poor Hellberry's pull" Solomon explained. "Oh well, I'll just cut around the stem and add it to the fruit salad like this."

Both Barbatos and Simeon couldn't help but stare for a moment longer, their brains not really comprehending NOT finding an abomination in Solomon's cooking.

"Can I help you two with anything?" The sorcerer then asked.

"U-uhm, no..." Simeon mumbled. "It's all fine, we just..."

"We wanted to see if there's anything we can help you with" Barbatos jumped in to continue.

"Thanks, but I'm fine. Actually I'm almost finished, so maybe I can help one of you afterw-"

"Nononononono...!" Simeon almost whined. "I-its fine! We're actually almost finished ourselves, so..."

Solomon looked back, raising an eyebrow. "Doesn't look like it to me..."

Suddenly, another voice joined the group.

"I agree! You two are likely just being humble again" Diavolo had walked up to their working station a moment ago, but neither of them seemed to have noticed in their stress. The prince continued: "That's why I decided to lend you a hand as well. This is a vacation for all of us, so I should not burden my loyal butler with all the work."

"That's a commendable attitude for royalty like yourself" Solomon cheered. "Well then, I think Simeon and Barbatos could use a hand."

Diavolo was already squeezing his quite broad body into the tiny cooking space, this certain over-excited sparkle in his eyes as he mustered the food.

Barbatos and Simeon on the other hand were exchanging glances, so immensely stressed that their thoughts were almost audible:

'Barbatos I don't think I can handle any more of this stress' Simeon stared.

'We shouldn't have let Solomon help in the first place, our kindness was foolish' Barbatos stared back.

'What do we do now Barbatos this is the only food we have left, they cannot ruin it'

Thankfully, the perfect butler was not planning to let their "help" threaten the food for any longer. "Young master, I highly appreciate that you thought of my well-being. Which is why I indeed have a request for you and Solomon."

Simeon almost barged in on a frightened impulse, but Barbatos continued before anyone could raise their voice. "There is dessert stored in our hotel's main storage. Would you be so kind and bring enough for our whole group?"

A little surprised, Diavolo agreed. He waited for Solomon to finish cutting the fruits, then they went off to the hotel.

Finally able to catch a breath, Simeon shot Barbatos a last glance. "That was easier than expected. Why didn't we let Solomon bring the desserts earlier?"

Back to mixing spices, Barbatos didn't look up at the question. "What desserts?" He simply asked.

"... Uhm..." Simeon was quite startled. "Are there... Are there no desserts in the storage room...?"

"Oh, I sure hope there are" Barbatos said. "Otherwise I will have some explaining to do..."

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

(To be continued...)

Find my summer event Masterlist and Rules for the requests here <3

#obey me #obey me shall we date #clover's om summer event #thx for requesting side character content #i love them and had fun writing them!#the second part will drop as soon as i finish it #i hope its fun #obey me lucifer #obey me beel #obey me mammon #obey me levi #obey me asmo #obey me satan #obey me belphegor #obey me diavolo #obey me simeon #obey me barbatos #obey me luke #obey me solomon

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tomtenadia · 3 years

Text

A Little Braver - 23

Here we are... the fluff is finally here and Rowan is back.

Enjoy the chapter.

6 months later

The months and seasons had slowly turned and autumn in Terrasen was in full swing with the trees now having lost of all of their leaves and the days turning chilly and October had brought with it all the smells of the season.

Rowan got out of the airbase and looked up at the sky and he could smell snow in the air. His favourite type of weather. He breathed in deeply and enjoyed for a second the feeling of being on land once again after months on a ship. This last deployment had taken a toll on the whole squadron and all of his team members had plans of enjoying their well deserved time off.

“Rowan!” A voice called him and he turned seeing Gavriel coming his way “need a lift somewhere?”

“I was going to call a taxi.”

“Come, I’ll drive you to the fire station.” The man said, knowing full well where Rowan was headed.

Rowan nodded and thanked him. Aelin had told him she was coming off shift around noon. It was eleven and he had some time.

“Are you looking forward seeing Aelin again?” Asked Gavriel once in the car.

“Yes, I have missed her like crazy.”

The man at his side chuckled “you never missed Lyria this much. Never spent so much time on your phone either calling her or texting her.”

Rowan sighed “Aelin is different.”

Gavriel nodded “you found a great one. Truly.”

Gavriel had never been a fan of Lyria either. And the more he thought about it the more he realised that a lot of people have never been keen on his ex wife. No one ever believed she was actually in love with him, but his friends now were fully supporting him with Aelin. Maybe this was how it was actually meant to go.

While he was wool-gathering they had arrived at the fire station and Gav had parked beside the pavement to let him out.

“Have fun you two.”

“Have a nice time off too, my friend.”

Rowan grabbed his duffel bag and turned to the yard. The doors to the apparatus floor were closed. He peeked through the glass and spotted engine and truck. Good, they were in. Now he had to try and make it a surprise.

A moment later he spotted Luca coming out of the main communal area and grabbed his arm “shhh Luca, it’s me.”

The young man turned and smiled deeply when he recognised him.

“Can you please ask Aelin if she can come out here? Invent an excuse, please.” The boy grinned and nodded in understanding “welcome back, captain. She missed you.”

“I missed her too.” He admitted while adjusting his uniform.

At that Luca walked out and Rowan bravely climbed on top of the engine. Dropped his bag and lay low until he heard her voice.

“Luca, what is it? Is there something wrong with the rigs?”

Rowan kept silent and hid a bit better but with his height it was difficult. He also felt the crazy urge to giggle like a schoolgirl.

His legs hit the rail and he noticed her turn around looking for the origin of the sound.

“Come out. Show your face. I can kick your arse.”

He grinned and sat on the rig with his legs swinging from the edge while she had her back at him “Is that so, captain?”

He saw her turn and her expression morphed in the smile he adored. Being apart from her had been hell. He had no true idea how mad he was about her until he was forced to spend six months away from Aelin. The thought that he still had four years of that, made him want to scream.

Aelin gasped as she noticed Rowan sitting on top of the fire engine “you are back.” She said softly and Rowan nodded and heard her sniffle “you are truly back.” Aelin could not believe her eyes and for a moment she thought she had fallen asleep and it was all a dream.

“Come up here and see it for yourself.”

Aelin moved as if in a daze, slowly climbed the ladder and once at the top his strong arms pulled her to him and they fell into a heap on top of the hoses.

“Hey you…” he said as Aelin lay on top of him. Her blue eyes fixed on him.

“Hey you…” she replied burying her face in the crook of his neck to inhale the scent of him. He was home, he was back. He was real. Rowan’s arms wound around her in a tight hug “you have no idea how much I missed you. Since they told us when we were coming back I have been counting the days that I still had to spend away from you.”

Aelin did not reply she just melted in his embrace “you have been away from me 192 days and 20 hrs.” She said softly against his neck. She had counted each single day and the more they accumulated, the more she longed for the moment she could hug him and kiss him again.

“It felt like an eternity.”

Rowan turned his face and finally met her gaze and his eyes dropped to her lips and she must have noticed his stare because she looked up at him and kissed him.

The taste of her lips was enough to cancel all the longing of those months apart. He deepened the kiss, his tongue teasing her lips until she opened for him and a moan escaped Rowan’s mouth as tongues clashed and she moved fully on top of him.

“Aelin…” he said against her lips.

“I know, we are on top of the engine and I know how paranoid you are. Let’s just make out for a while, then once I am off shift we can go home and indulge in more private activities.”

They made out heavily for a good half an hour, then they finally came up for breath. With his hand Rowan pulled back a strand of hair from her face then flipped her nose feeling desperate for contact with her even if they were almost glued together.

“You seem tired.”

Her head thumped on his chest “long and busy shift.”

“Looks like someone needs some heavy cuddling tonight.”

She stared at him and grinned “always. And a back rub.”

“Something else?”

Her grin became wicked “of course, but later.”

She had so much to tell him but she would do it once they were back at home. On top of a fire engine was not ideal.

“I thought you were going to bring Lorcan too.”

“He will meet with Elide later I think. He always has a lot to do after we come back from a mission. But he will see her. The man has been pining like crazy.”

Aelin laughed “honestly? I can’t believe it.”

“Hey I was there and I couldn’t believe it.”

Aelin sat up “come on, let’s go and say hi to the others.”

“No,” he pulled her down back to him and squeezed her.

She brushed his hair and he closed his eyes and he almost purred in delight. Aelin smiled. Iceman, the man who seemed incapable of showing emotions was addicted to cuddling.

They stayed on top of the rig until Aelin heard Peter’s voice and second team arriving.

“Come on, buzzard, second team is here which means it’s time for us to go home.”

Swiftly she made her way down and Rowan followed.

“Hi Pete!” She greeted him happily.

The man looked behind her back “welcome back, sir.”

Rowan turned red at being caught sneaking down the engine but the other captain did not seem bothered.

“Thank you. It’s nice to be back.”

In that instant her whole team poured out in the main area and spotted Rowan behind her.

“Oh, that’s why she never got back.” Said Brullo.

“Yes, yes, the captain and I were cuddling on top of the rig. Now go home and relax.”

Lysandra moved closer to her ear “go and get some, girl. Just don’t make me an aunt yet.”

Aelin laughed “promise.”

The team walked out and Aelin grabbed Rowan’s hand “let me get out of this uniform.”

They reached the changing rooms and it was full of the guys from the second team. She went to her locker and opened the door and disappeared behind it.

“How was the night, cap?”

“Long,” she said, popping her head from behind the door “it seemed like the whole of east Orynth needed us last night.” She saw Rowan on the doorstep and smiled at him while wearing a polo shirt and then a hoodie “oh yeah we had to evacuate a couple who got stuck in an elevator.” And she grinned at Rowan “and by the time we got to open the trap they had decided to pass the time in an interesting way.”

“No bloody way,” commented Peter from his corner.

“The idiots,” she slammed the locker closed “I’ll see you all in a day.” She grabbed her bag and joined Rowan who was waiting for her. He pulled his arm around her shoulder “do you always change with the guys around?”

“Are you jealous?” he did not reply.

“Ro,” she stopped “they are not interested in me. And if I have to strip naked for my shower I’ll do it in private. But if they see me in my knickers and bra, what’s the difference with strangers seeing me in a bathing suit?” She replied “and as you saw I wear sports bra and comfy knickers for work. The sexy stuff is just for you.”

“I guess that firefighting with a thong is not recommended.”

Aelin laughed and they got to the car “jump in, buzzard.”

Before going home they stopped at the supermarket and Aelin explained she had nothing in the house and Rowan rolled his eyes muttering something about her diet.

At the supermarket she went to get a hand held basket but Rowan pulled her towards the bigger trolleys telling her that they needed to do a big shopping since he was back and was going to cook.

Once inside, Rowan offered to push the trolley and Aelin just grabbed his arm and walked at his side, happy at the domestic scene. They were shopping together and he had not mentioned his flat. Maybe she was worrying about nothing about asking to make it official and move in with her.

“Why are you buying all these veggies?” She asked him as he stopped at the vegetables and fruit aisle.

“To cook.” He stooped for a kiss “and stop complaining.”

They kept walking around the supermarket and Aelin saw the trolley getting fuller and fuller. It looked as if Rowan had every intention of keeping her well fed. Not that she complained.

An hour later they finally made it to the checkout. Rowan told her to put the groceries on the belt while he packed and she giggled at the military precision with which he packed.

She paid for the shopping and he carried the bags back to the car.

“We should have a budget for groceries. This one was big because you have nothing in the house.”

“Make sure the budget allows for chocolate expenses.”

“We’ll see.”

They got back in the car and not long after they were finally back at home.

Once inside, Rowan dropped the bags on the kitchen island and started unpacking straight away.

Aelin dropped his bag in the bedroom and joined him in the kitchen with bird Rowan in her arms “someone else wants to say hi.”

Rowan smiled “it’s actually quite nice. It looked lovely online.”

Aelin hugged the toy “he is so soft.”

“Come on, help me unpack.” She put bird Rowan back in the bedroom and went back to the kitchen and together they methodically unpacked the groceries ready to feed a family of five.

Slowly she watched her fridge become full again, something she hadn’t seen in six months.

“Now, let me take a shower, get changed and I’ll make lunch.” He kissed her softly and Aelin purred.

“A quick shower. If you come in as well we’ll never have lunch.”

“Spoilsport.” She turned but Rowan grabbed her arms and pulled her to his chest, his arm around her waist and his mouth on her neck trailing hot kisses along its length. Aelin threw her head back, but Rowan pulled back “fun times later. Food first.”

Aelin groaned in silence at the loss of contact with his body.

When he came back from his quick shower he found her on their bed with her huge hockey jersey and a pair of shorts, barely visible under the huge item of clothing. His eyes landed on her long legs and until that moment he had not fully realised how desperately he needed her. But lunch was a priority and he could not get distracted.

“Come on young lady, let’s go and get you fed.” He offered her a hand and Aelin climbed down the bed and they got to the kitchen.

Aelin sat on the counter and studied him while he set out all of the ingredients and started prepping them.

Then she decided to be brave and pose the question “Ro, do you want to move in with me? As in officially?”

Rowan looked at her perplexed “I thought that’s what we were doing? Living together?”

“Are we though? We never talked about it. You just stayed here after the accident.”

“So?” He asked while slicing the carrots.

“You still have your flat and some stuff there. And I understand if you want to keep your place for yourself to have a moment away from me if it gets too much. I know I am an handful.”

Rowan threw the veggies in the pan and then moved to her.

“Rowan the hob.” She ordered him. Her firefighter paranoia kicking in.

He switched off the gas and moved to her, between her legs and gently took her face in his hands “I only kept my flat in case you got fed up with me and threw me out. I don’t need it. I can sell it.” His hand brushed her hair “I thought I threw you enough hints that I was not moving out. Yes, you are a handful but I love living with you.”

Her arms went around his neck “so we are doing it.” Rowan nodded and kissed her “I can bring all my stuff here in the next few days.”

“I have a spare bedroom, dump your stuff in there.” She grinned and her legs went around his back and kissed him in a dangerous way, but he pulled back.

“Lunch?”

“I am famished.”

“Then let me cook.”

She smiled and swinged her legs happily. She could not believe it. She and Rowan had been together officially for around nine months but only spent three of those together and they were now officially shacking up. She was excited and for some strange reason it felt normal. With Sam it had taken much longer. They had been dating for over a year before she asked him. But with Rowan had felt natural, probably because of how their living situation had started.

“Now, this is how a stir fry looks like.”

“Still too many veggies.”

“Menace.”

Aelin grinned and stole a piece of chicken from the pan. His food tasted so much better than her mess.

Eventually they finished dinner and ended up on the sofa, Aelin all cosied up against him mentally getting ready to tell him everything that had happened while he was away.

“Ro,” she said softly, holding him “I have to tell you something.”

He looked down to her and her tone scared him.

“What, Fireheart?”

Aelin loosened a breath “while you were away a lot of stuff happened. Bad stuff.”

She felt him stiffen “how bad?”

And Aelin told him. About Hamel, her working with the police. Being assaulted in the house, Aedion being shot and the wedding postponed. Her going undercover and almost getting killed again before the detectives shot Hamel. About Hamel being the cause of Sam and Thomas’ deaths.”

Rowan stood abruptly and started pacing in the living room. His expression difficult to read. Rowan paced a bit more and a few times it seemed like he wanted to say something but then stopped. There was rage in him.”A guy, a stranger was in our house and tried to kill you. Hamel’s men tried to kill Aedion and you, not happy of all this, just went and played cop and almost got killed again?” He was not raising his voice but Aelin knew, he was furious. He paced around the coffee table “Rutting hell, what the fuck were you thinking?”

Aelin was taken aback by the harshness of his words “why you didn’t tell me?” His tone angry. His hand nervously ran through his hair. For a brief second he even stopped his pacing but never looked at Aelin in the eyes.

“You were away. How could I?” She stood in front of him “if I had told you, you would have worried and not concentrated on your job and risked getting killed. And I could not have that. I…” she felt tears stinging her eyes “I can’t lose you.”

“What if I lost you?” He shouted back at her, giving his back to Aelin “I can’t lose you either. And I almost did. Twice.” He walked out on the balcony and Aelin let him go and went back to the bedroom and curled on the bed hugging bird Rowan. And cried.

Rowan leaned against the rail of the balcony and stared at the lights of the city slowly coming alive as darkness fell. He was furious, but not at her. He was mad at fate who gave him a woman to love once again and did its best to take her from him. In an instant all his fears, all his doubts and his reasons for not getting involved again had come back. He took his head in his hands and the weak part in him told him to bail. To ignore that just earlier they had taken an extra step in their relationship and just get out of there. Go back being alone and cold. It was far easier.

Except it was not.

He turned to the house and looked at the bedroom. Aelin was curled in bed. He could not leave her. No matter the fears, he could not give up on her, not when she brought him happiness and gave him again the will to feel. He could not go back to a life of ice, pain and guilt. So he did the only thing he could do. He walked back to their bedroom.

She was all curled up and hugging the bird he gave her.

He climbed in bed with her and pulled her closer but Aelin turned and faced him, her eyes all puffy.

“I am sorry, I am a jerk.” he whispered, brushing her hair from her face and drying her tears with the back of his hand “I haven’t seen you in six months and all I can do is shout at you.” He kissed her once “I am not mad at you. Yes, you are reckless but I am more mad at what happened.” He hugged Aelin and drew her closer “I can’t stand the idea that you had to go through all this. And Sam…”

Aelin buried her face in his neck “I am better. Lys and the guys kept me from breaking down. Without them I don’t know…”

Rowan sighed “I should have been here. It looks like I haven’t learned from my past.” At the deep anguish in his voice, Aelin grabbed his face and kissed him deeply.

“You make me stupidly happy.” He told her, a hand brushing her head “and no matter how scared I am of your job or of what the future holds for us, I am not letting you go.” But she sensed unease in his voice.

She sniffled “you are still a bit mad at me.”

Rowan shook his head “no, not at you. At a lot of things, yes. But not mad at you.” His forehead brushed hers “I was overwhelmed and I overreacted. I am glad you did not tell me.” His nose bumped hers “you are right I would have been worried sick and not being able to concentrate and in our line of jobs is a deadly thing.”

Aelin nodded and kissed him gently “thank you for coming back to me.” She whispered against his lips.

“I made you a promise.” His hand sneaked under her shirt, caressing the length of her back. Aelin rolled on her back and pulled her jersey off, remaining only in her shorts. Rowan’s gaze became lustful and she pulled him down to her for a heated kiss. Rowan reached for the back of his t-shirt and pulled it off and discarded it on the floor and then moved on top of her, caging her head between his arms. Aelin took in the expanse of his chest with her hands, then followed the lines of his tattoo with her fingers.

“I missed this so much,” he whispered as his head ducked in the crook of her neck.

“Definitely better than on the phone,”Aelin joked pulling him down to her completely, skin touching. His mouth trailed south leaving scorching kisses on her collarbone and then down to her breasts. Aelin’s back arched on instinct and in response Rowan took one of her hard peaks in his mouth and Aelin moaned, fingers burying in his back and leaving gentle moon-shaped marks.

Aelin rocked her hips for friction and she felt Rowan grin “so impatient.”

“I need you…” she breathed “we can have all the foreplay in the second run, but not now…”

His mouth bit lightly on her neck then his hand slid down until it hit the band of her shorts and knickers “so I guess you don’t need these…” and in a swift motion she was bare in front of him.

“Well, if I am naked, so do you, captain.” Rowan smiled and peeled off his briefs. He leaned back down and her legs wrapped around him and she pulled him much closer until she felt him nudge her near where she desperately needed him.

“I love you,” he whispered and after months apart they met again.

Aelin was sitting against the head of the bed and Rowan’s head was in her lap while her fingers played gently with his hair “do you know how to ice skate?” She asked him.

“A bit, why?”

“They opened an ice rink down in the main square and I was wondering if you wanted to go with me. It’s been a long time since I did it.” He turned on his back and looked up “I’d love to. Want to go tonight?”

Aelin nodded “can we have dinner out as well? Have a proper date?”

“Are you asking me out, captain?” Rowan smiled and stretched his arm to caress her cheek.

“Well, it’s my right as well to woo my boyfriend.”

Rowan smiled and sat back up and went to kiss her “I am yours.”

“What time does your shift starts tomorrow?”

“At ten and it’s my usual 24hrs shift.” She told him.

“We should not stay out too long. You came off another night shift this morning and never slept. I need to tuck you in in bed early.”

“Yes, sir.”

Rowan got off the bed and stood, holding out his hand to her “come on, miss firefighter, let’s get you ice skating.”

Aelin beamed in joy and got off the bed and went to put some clothes on. A polo shirt and her favourite TFD hoodie. Then she moved to the bird toy and got her dog tags from it.

“Make sure you have a nice layer on, it’s getting colder outside.” He pulled a scarf around her neck “forecast says it might snow.”

Aelin groaned “I love winter, but snow always causes so many accidents.” Then she realised what she said “I am sorry, I didn’t mean…”

He stooped to kiss her “it’s okay. I am fine.”

She smiled back at him, “let’s go skating, captain.”

Hand in hand they walked to the main square enjoying the chill air and the winter feeling.

“Look,” said Aelin once they reached the square “They have street vendors.”

“I thought you wanted to go out for dinner.”

She turned around and walked backward facing him “but this is winter fair food. It’s so good.”

“Come,” Rowan grabbed her hand “I’ll buy you dinner.” They walked to one of the stall “what do you want?”

“A nice juicy burger.” She smelled the food around her “and a couple of skewers as well.”

Rowan bought the food for her and himself and they sat down on a bench munching away happily.

In front of her the ice rink was surrounded by people being happy and having fun. Then a little blonde girl with pig tails ran to her “hello, gorgeous.” Aelin picked up the girl “where are your parents?” The little girl pointed in a random place. Rowan ruffled her hair and the girl giggled happily.

Then all of a sudden “Lynne.” And a woman hurried towards them “momma.” The little girl screamed at recognising the woman. Aelin passed the child to her mother “thank you,” said the woman hugging her daughter.

“She was adorable,” said Aelin leaning her head against Rowan’s shoulder. He kissed her head “she really was.”

Rowan eventually stood and took Aelin’s hand “Ice skating?”

Aelin joined him and together they went to the rental place and got their skates and changed into them.

Aelin took tentative steps to the entrance of the rink while Rowan had his hand on her lower back.

While Rowan went for the cautionary approach and moved some baby steps on the ice, Aelin was being her usual carefree self and jumped straight in the fray “Come on, buzzard, it’s easy.”

By the time she completed a few laps around the rink, Rowan was still holding to the edge for dear life. She slid to him and took his hands “come with me.” She took his hands and placed them on her sides “easy… follow me.” Slowly he got more confident and they managed to skate hand in hand.

The hour on the the ice was up and they were sitting on a bench again when when Lys texted her that she and Aedion were meeting Elide and Lorcan and have dinner together and invited them as well.

“We don’t have to go if you don’t want to see Lorcan out of work.” But his smile turned wicked “Oh no, I need to see smitten Lorcan.”

Aelin leaned forward and kissed him “but no jokes in front of Elide.”

“Don’t worry I’ll just gather enough material to take the mickey out of him when we are alone.”

Gently she patted his arms “you really are evil.”

He nodded proudly “no news there. You should know by now.”

The other two couples arrived not long after and Rowan laughed at seeing Lorcan with his arm around Elide’s shoulders. The scene was almost ridiculous given how tall was the man compared to the woman.

“Aren’t they cute?” Whispered Aelin, grabbing his hand and walking toward the couple.

“Hi guys,” said a very happy Elide, waving her hand at Rowan and Aelin.

“Hi, darling.” Aelin hugged her friend and then looked up at the man at her side “evening, commodore.”

“I am just Lorcan tonight.”

Rowan snorted loudly “sure, Lor,”

“Lys and Aedion are on their way.” Added Aelin.

“Did you go ice skating?” Asked Rowan to his boss.

Elide laughed “I tried to convince him but he laughed at me.”

“Oh it would have been amazing to see the drunken giraffe.” commented Rowan with a wicked grin and Lorcan growled back at him “Whitethorn…”

“What’s the drunken giraffe?” Aelin smiled, ready for some snooping.

“Don’t you dare…”

And now the whole group was even more interested.

“So,” started Rowan with an evil grin “Lor was my captain and I was just a lieutenant. We had a team evening here in Orynth and it was winter. The ice skating rink was out. We had a few girls we wanted to impress, so we took them out.” He narrated, while Lorcan glared at him “Lorcan tried to skate but he is stupidly tall and well…” Rowan moved his arms with a jerky motion “it was hilarious.” He continued “his girl called him a drunken giraffe.”

Everyone burst out laughing and for a moment that story threw a funnier light on the man who seemed to be made of ice.

“Fine, fine Rowan you had your fun.”

Elide gave him a pat on his shoulder and in that instant Lysandra and Aedion joined them.

“We are here. Sorry we are late, parking was a pain.”

Aelin jumped all excited “we can finally have dinner.”

“You haven’t stopped eating since we arrived.” And Rowan pulled Aelin to his chest and kissed her temple “I love my bottomless pit.”

“Ow, you two are so cute it’s disgusting.” Joked Lysandra wrapping her arm around Aedion’s midriff.

“Come on let’s go to dinner before Aelin turns hangry.” Elide took Lorcan’s hand and dragged him away and the rest followed.

Once at the restaurants they got a table for six and sat down. Aelin grabbed the menu and started perusing “this place seems amazing.”

“I think we need a nice bottle of wine to celebrate that you two boys are finally back.” Suggested Elide who, all of a sudden, was confident and seemed to have lost all of her shyness.

The waiter came and took their order and as usual Aelin shocked the poor youngster with her gigantic order.

“Captain, are you sure you can afford feeding her?” Joked Aedion.

Rowan shrugged and smiled at Aelin “the bank doesn’t offer mortgages for feeding your girlfriend, apparently.”

The rest of the group laughed.

Then the wine arrived and they toasted and Aelin looked around at the table and smiled at the scene. Of being with her friends and Rowan. She placed her hand on his and gave him a big smile. She kept repeating to herself that he was back and he was real.

Lorcan took a sip of his wine “this feels nice,” and a weak smile painted his lips “after six months of bad food and no treats, this feels like bliss.”

“I didn’t pin you for a wine lover, commodore.” Said Aelin sipping her wine and agreeing with the man. It was a nice one he had got.

The man shrugged “we are posh boys, of course we like wine.” He gave her a half smile.

Aedion snorted “that’s all you can handle.”

“Ok,” almost shouted Lysandra “this is a dinner to have some fun together, not a pissing contest to see who is better between the army and the airforce. Now you three behave.” She pointed her finger at them and Aelin hid her smile behind her hand.

“So,” started Rowan trying to change the topic “any new plans for the wedding?”

Aedion nodded “we have a temporary date in January. We just need to find a venue and few other bits and bobs. And hope for no interruptions this time.”

“At least this time my girls will have their real partner at their side.” She looked at the two men “I am waiting for you two to melt when you see in their dress.

“Oh, believe me they did the first time around too.”

Rowan nodded remembering Aelin in her dress. Yeah the shower had been quite longer than his usual “Both Lorcan and I remember the dresses.” Admitted Rowan trying to sound as casual as possible.

Lorcan looked away almost embarrassed by the admission but Elide gently pinched his side “admit it, you loved it.”

“I did.” He said quietly.

“So captain,” began Lysandra while sipping more wine “are you going to teach our Aelin to cook?”

Rowan chuckled “I can try but I have a feeling it’s a suicide mission. As a soldier I can see when it’s time to push back and retreat.” He brushed his hand on her head softly “but it’s fine I love cooking.”

Aelin was about to reply but their food arrived and her focus disappeared on the plates placed in front of her.

“Sometimes I think she would find me more interesting if I dressed up as a giant hamburger.” She stuck out het tongue out at him and he flicked her nose. After six months away from her he was desperate for some contact. He would have loved to go home and partake in more interesting activities, but the idea of having dinner with the other two couples had been quite pleasant. And Aelin did not seem displeased by his extreme need for PDA.

“So, Lorcan, are you coming to the station one day to see Elide in action?” Suggested Aelin with a grin and Elide almost glared at her nervously.

The man lowered his fork and looked at her “I think I might.” Replied the man eagerly “I must admit, I am quite fascinated.”

“We can also give you a proper tour of the firehouse. The official one.”

“I think we can take them on the trucks, one each” suggested Aedion “I am happy to take the commodore. But you guys need to stay inside the truck.”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Hey, I have seen you fly, it’s only fair.”

“You seen him fly?” Elide’s face turned to Lorcan “Can I see you fly?”

“I am sure the commodore and I can give you a lovely display of how I kick his arse.” And Rowan grinned wickedly at his boss.

“Please, please.” Singsonged Elide, taking his hand.

Lorcan nodded “let me know of a day off and we can get it organised.”

“Yes!” Shouted Elide all excited.

“Actually…” continued Lorcan “we sometimes give tour of some ares of the base. I might be able to get permission to invite the whole station for a tour and with the excuse of a drill we can give you a show.” He explained “I think we owe it to the TFD for the help they gave us.”

Rowan stared at Lorcan in disbelief. He knew everyone joked but Elide really was doing the miracle on him. He had never seen his CO so relaxed and willing to offer a tour of the base. Usually he would shove that kind of stuff to him. Rowan gave a big smile to Elide and a silent thank you. Lorcan actually seemed happy.

“I am sure the guys would love it.” Then Aelin turned to Aedion “are you willing to come for one day at posh house?”

“I guess I can do that.” And he smiled.

Lorcan nodded “Rowan, liaise with the captain and choose a suitable day.”

Rowan squeezed her hand under the table.

“Ok good, Rowan is coming to the station tomorrow morning. You can join us around nine.”

“Am I?” But Aelin looked at him puzzled.

“Yes, unless you have other plans.”

“Uhhm I was planning on going kitchen household shopping but I assume I can do grampa stuff another day.”

Aelin patted his head “good, grampa. Come and have some fun.”

Lorcan nodded “9 am sounds perfect. I must admit I am looking forward to this.”

“And coming from Lorcan this is the best compliment ever.” Joked Rowan.

“This is going to be much more fun than you guys running drills with us.” Explained Aedion who for once did not seem to have any problems with the airforce.

The group finished their meal and Aelin was the only one who actually went for dessert and everyone took the mickey out of her.

“Of course she gets the cake.” Elide rolled her eyes “how is it that you are not the size of a zeppelin I do not know.”

“Uh, I love you too.” Added Aelin while munching her cake away.

After the meal the group said their goodbyes Aelin and Rowan walked home, taking a detour through the park, hand in hand.

“I had a lovely evening.” Said Rowan pulling their twinned hand to his mouth and depositing a gentle kiss.

“I can’t believe Lorcan. He is so different.”

“I will be forever grateful to Elide. He is like another man.” He explained “I have known Lorcan for a very long time and I have never seen him so happy.”

Aelin almost skipped happily “are you looking forward to tomorrow?”

“Very much. I really want to see you in action.” He gently pinched her butt and Aelin squealed “you and your sexy jacket.”

“It’s called turnout or bunker gear.” She said to him leaning forward for a kiss “not as hot as your jumpsuit…” She swayed her hips in front of him.

He took a couple of steps and folded his arms around her waist and turned her around “you look hot even covered in grime.”

Aelin chuckled “you never saw me coming out of a house collapse after slithering through the debris and come out with my clothes white, my hair grey ad my face verging on black.”

His hand caressed her sides “Imagine the long shower…” his lips brushing hers gently.

“We are in a park, captain.” Her arms sneaked around his neck.

“I am just reminiscing our first kiss.” And slowly pinned her to a tree.

Aelin leaned forward and kissed him first “I’d throw my shoes at you but they are trainers and would hurt. It’s a shame I don’t have my flats on.”

“My menace…” he whispered, their mouths sharing a breath. “I should take you home. You have work tomorrow.” And pulled back from her, grabbing then her hand and resuming walking.

“You fuss too much.”

Rowan rolled his eyes and smiled “let’s just say it’s in the job description for boyfriend.”

“What else does it entail?”

He took a long pause staring toward the pond “make you happy, mostly.”

Aelin stopped him and turned him to her “you do. Make me happy, I mean.” Rowan stooped and kissed her hard “home, now. It’s getting near your bed time.”

“Sexy bed time?”

“No, young lady, we are going home and tuck you in bed and no shenanigans allowed.”

“You are no fun,” she complained walking away from him pretending to be mad.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her back “You came off shift this morning and I got home this morning. We both need rest.”

Her smile turned wicked “I might go and find myself a younger model. I wonder if Fenrys is interested in a sexy firefighter.”

A second later Aelin found herself pinned again against a tree and his lips on hers, the kiss demanding and almost possessive.

When Rowan pulled back they were both breathless, his forehead leaned on hers “don’t even joke about it.”

“Jealous much?”

“You are my girl.” He whispered against her lips and the tone he used made her heart melt.

“Said that again.”

“You,” his lips travelled along her neck “are,” a gentle nip of his teeth “my girl.” And a searing kiss.

How was it possible that the man in front of her could stir such deep passion and desire in her? Something so strong she had never felt before with anyone. It felt like an all consuming fire. She just hoped it would stay like that forever. She felt his hand sneak under her hoodie and touch skin and groaned into the kiss “let’s go home, captain. We are in a park and both about to lose it.”

He nodded silently and started walking home as quick as they could.

As soon as they were through the door to the house, Rowan lifted her in his arms, kicked the door shut with his foot and walked to the bedroom.

“I thought you said no shenanigans.”

“Fuck it.” He let her slid down and a second later his hand had started peeling off her clothes and she did the same.

“Show me what you got.” A second later she was airborne in his arm and then in bed. His strong body hovering over her. His pine green eyes trained on her and she could see the desire in them.

When he kissed her again her toes curled and heat began pooling at her core.

“I love you,” she whispered against his lips. It was all he needed and a moment later his name was on her lips begging him for more over and over again.

TAGS:

@rowaelinismyotp @swankii-art-teacher @courtofjurdan

@whimsicallyreading @tillyrubes10 @surielandiareendgame

@aelin-bitch-queen @bruiseonthefaceofhumanity @acreativelydifferentlove

@mis-lil-red @thegreyj

#rowaelin #rowaelin fanfic #rowaelin fanfiction #rowan whitethorn #rowan x aelin #aelin galathynius #elide x lorcan #aedion x lysandra

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buddieisgoingtohappen · 2 years

Text

A/B/O Buddie Fics

New life of Omega Buck (series)

When Omega Buck comes back after the law suit fiasco everyone is pissed, Eddie is especially hurtful towards him. Omegas are extremely sensitive, and if they get too much negative emotions from their loved ones their eyes will become cloudy gray and they'll enter a catatonic state before they slowly die. After months of loneliness, Buck curls up in a bunk at the station. An annoyed Eddie finds him and is terrified by the state Buck is in. He bites Buck and bonds with him to save him

Wolves and Mates and Bears, Oh My!

Omega Buck is set to be married to Alpha Eddie after it is arranged. Eddie is in no mood for romance ever since his first mate Shannon left. Buck is always there for Chris but he gets rejected constantly by Eddie. One night Buck asks Eddie what he can do to get Eddie to accept him. Eddie sarcastically says to get him something like a bear's claw or a cougar heart. The next day Buck has disappeared. Eddie is frantic and Buck finally shows up, what state he's in is up to you

Give Yourself A Try

Buck is an omega, a rare breed. He’s faced adversity all his life, working extremely hard to get to his position at the 118. He doesn’t see the point in searching for an alpha (they’re all narrow-minded idiots anyway), until Eddie Diaz arrives in his life. or, Omega Buck doesn’t believe in love, Alpha Eddie makes it his mission to change that.

Home

Chris snuggling and scenting omega!Buck whenever possible because he smells like love/home/family.

Flames fueling the fight

ABO. Omega Buck is back with the team but they are anything but welcoming. Eddie is the most harsh with him. Buck tries not make amends and it works with everyone else but Eddie's stubborn. After a rough call where Buck almost bites it, Eddie shows up at Buck's place and Buck is done just taking Eddie's crap. They get into this appalling argument that triggers rut in Eddie and heat in Buck. Rage-fueled passion ensues and by the end of it they are irrevocably bound to each other a mates.

This family of mine

5 times the 118 show that they care for Buck, and the one time he shows them. - “People like them,” Buck spits back, voice loud and angry, “Are my family. I’m not just going to stand here and let you talk shit about them and let you walk all over them. They mean the world to me, and I would die before I let them get hurt.

One More Day

Eddie came forward, the first thing that he smelt was near death as the omega was reeking of fear and hate that he wanted to hug the omega but he didn’t want to frighten the omega, first thing first.“Is the omega going to live, Daddy?” Christopher asked, as he looked at his dad.

Nesting

Buck made a nest at Eddies house during the shooting. What happened when Eddie found out?

Tell me why (I wasn't enough)

Buck thought he and Eddie were heading towards becoming mates. He thought that Eddie cared about him, that he loved him. He was wrong. Or was he?

a place we both know

This whole thing is Bobby's fault. He's the one that suggested Eddie apply for the mate matching service, it was his idea to look for an Omega that would love and care for Christopher, to find a mate to be by Eddie's side. Eddie's gonna have to send him a fruit basket or something. It was the greatest idea Bobby's ever had and because of it they now they have Buck in their lives, in their pack and firmly nestled right in Eddie's heart.

how do i take your hand in my unlovable hand and know that i am not a thief?

“You don’t have a scent at all?” “I have it, I just got used not to show it,” Eddie answers and yeah, now Buck can feel that he’s an Alpha. It's a bizarre thing to witness. One moment, Eddie doesn’t smell like anyone and now Buck can clearly catch his scent. Like Eddie has a switch inserted in his glands. Eddie looks around the table again and laughs softly. “I feel like everyone wants me to show off, and no one is brave enough to ask for that”. (Or, Eddie knows that parts of him are broken beyond repair and it would be too selfish to ask Buck to settle for him. He's going to do it anyway.)

to be found

After being mistreated by his alpha for the last time, Buck abandons his pack and heads for the city where he’s found by Eddie - another werewolf who’s nothing like the ones Buck is used to. Eddie is gentle, kind, and has made a pack for himself and his son that Buck desperately wishes he could be a part of.

One Golden Glance of What Should Be

Eddie's perfectly content doing the day-to-day of his abuela's shop when a cute Omega comes in asking for help.

Time to Heal

After Buck found out Bobby was keeping him from work, he went into his nest and didn't come out. What happens when Eddie goes to check on his friend after not hearing from him, and finds out what's been going on?

Love that we wouldn't thought have

“Pheromone Disruption?” Eddie asks incredulously, interrupting Doctor Anderson. In his arms three month old Christopher snuffles and rubs his cold nose into his father’s forearm. Eddie pulls the pup closer to his chest. “Yes, Mr. Diaz,” doctor Anderson gives him a sad smile. Andy has been their family doctor since Eddie himself was a baby. He’s very close to Ramon and knows the situation Eddie is currently in. He knows how his child’s mother left them right after Eddie came from his deployment.

My Alpha

Omega!Eddie and Chris first nests at Buck’s house

You can't leave me

Eddie and Buck are mates. After the tsunami, Eddie is overwhelmed when Buck shows up without Chris. He sends Buck away. When Eddie finds Chris afterwards he realizes what a terrible mistake he made. Buck gives himself up. Sent away too many times in his life, he hides in a cave to die. Eddie does everything to get his mate back.

Nesting-Alternate Version

Buck made a nest at Eddie's house during the shooting. Eddie was okay with it and even helped Buck feel more at home in his house. But what happened when Ana found out?

Of Heats and Firefighters

Eddie and Christopher are away for a wedding, and Buck can finally go through his mandatory heat. Things aren't going as planned.

bond with you

Buck and Eddie are dating, but Eddie hasn't bonded with Buck yet, which brings out some of Buck's insecurities.

I’m Begging you to be my Escape

Buck's parents despise him for being an omega, Maddie the only one who loves him. Buck is devastated when he learns that his parents have arranged for him to bond with a member of Alpha prime Bobby's pack, a secondary alpha named Eddie. Buck is terrified and doesn't even meet Eddie till the bonding ceremony. Eddie himself is apprehensive since Shannon's abandonment. They bond and Buck adores Chris but he and Eddie have a long road ahead.

Wish I was anything else

Buck was born an Alpha but he never felt like he was one, he wanted to be anything else. This issue was never a big problem before, that's until he realizes he has feelings for his best friend who is also an Alpha. They could never be together right? That's not possible or is it?

home and safe

Buck's parents have found him a new alpha, after his last alpha didn't work out. Maddie's not happy, and neither is Buck. But, when Buck meets his new alpha, he realizes that this alpha may not be like most alpha's he's met in the past.

i kinda want to be more than friends (so take it easy on me.)

Buck stays with Eddie while he recovers and when he goes back to work, he reeks of Eddie's scent.

The Stray Pup

Buck's a lone wolf and an Alpha, the last person who should end up with a pup… and yet, now he has one.

(I don't want) no one else

Snapshots of their life together before and after Eddie works up the courage to tell Buck that he’s Christopher’s father. He gets there. Eventually. Or… Eddie is 20 and on a military base in the Middle East when he meets a 19 year old Navy Seal. He has big news to share when they find each other seven years later.

Curled Up In The Nest

Chris asks to join Buck and Eddie in the nest. Chris ends up regretting it, but only a little bit.

Blind To Everyone But You

Eddie Diaz knew that Evan Buckley was his mate the first time he met him, but he's married with a son, and Buck doesn't seem interested. So, Eddie resolves to be his work-partner and friend at the very least. Evan Buckley thought the way he felt when he first met Eddie was a fight or flight response, not his body telling him that Eddie was his alpha. After a long-awaited conversation, they agree to take it slow and get to know each other in a new way. That is, until Chris' pretty English teacher sets her sights on Eddie, and Buck suddenly has to face the thought of losing what he's always wanted....

Only you can save me

After the grocery store argument, omega Buck feels rejected by his pack.

You help me find my fire

Buck has hid his Omega designation from everyone, including his Alpha best friend, Eddie Diaz. What will happen when Eddie shows up, unannounced, to complain about his girlfriend, and finds out the truth?

Last updated: 5/5/24

#buckley diaz family #buddie 911 #buddie #eddie diaz #imagine prompts #edmundo diaz #evan buck buckely #evan buckley x eddie diaz #eddie diaz x evan buckley #evan buckley #911 on fox

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that-one-weeb-buts-its-the-main · 3 years

Note

Hi!! Can you do a one shot of kyojuro ending up in our world and meets reader and they become friends and fall in love?

Of course! Thanks for requesting!!! I had a lot of ideas for this one! Thank you!!!!

Not exactly from around here

Kyojuro smiled as a scroll of parchment was dropped in his hand. Untying and unrolling the paper he looked at the newest target. Looking at the papers he seen a map on the second.

Confused he walked into town, looking around he spotted a shop owner setting up his sweets stand.

"Hello! Hi!" Rengoku called with a smile.

The middle age man smiled turning away from the Hawthorn he was skewing.

"Hey there! The sugars still heating up! But Can I interest you in my special sweet buns! There not typical!"

Rengoku smiled, "I was wondering if you could help me find this place."

The man looked over the stand looking at the map, "hmm...thats the old abonded train station, the tracks are covered in water." The man infromed, "If you want to go there, go down the back alley just down the street, you'll hit a dead end all the way down and take the stairs down, you'll see a fruit stand and turn left going down some more stairs."

"Thank you." Rengoku spoke putting the papers away, then looking at the stand, "how long is that sugar going to take?"

"Hmm? Not to longer more." The man spoke.

"Can I buy..."

Twenty mintues later Rengoku was walking down the second set of stairs with a bag of sweets in his hand and a stick of tanghulu-ed hawthorne in his hand, but before he could enjoy his sweet he past by a child playing by himself- so he was happy to share the Tanghulu with the small boy.

By the time he had made it to the run down station the sun was setting, the water filled the tracks like he was informed and the sitting area once well done was now over run with folliage, vines creating a curtain.

Walking down the colostone path he made it to a small ticket booth, swipping the vines away he seen no one in the ticket booth. Walking away from the ticket booth to look around a bit more he spotted a random mushroom in the middle of the walk way. Curious enough he went over to it- as it suddenly picked itself up and ran off.

Confused Rengoku followed the mushroom as it ran behind the sitting area and back around the far corner. Rengoku followed as he turned the corner. A shadow now in the ticket booth, and the small mushroom running over.

Rengoku followed moving the foliage again seeing the silhouette of what seemed to be a ticket master- the only solid thing was the brooch on the mans hat.

It was silent as the man held up a set of tickets.

"A ticket slip?" Rengoku asked, but got no reply, only a pointed finger at his haori.

Figuring it was the scroll hidden inside he took out the roll and set it on the wood.

The scroll was taken and ripped as it burnt to ashes and in replace Rengoku was given the ticket slip.

Taking it he looked at the slip- he had never heard of any of the stops passed the first three.

Walking over to the now clean sitting area he took a seat, a black cat joining his side as it waited with cat sized bag around its body, some other creatures such as more mushroom people, and flower fairies came to take a look at Rengoku- a human- none the less a demon slayer.

He looked down at the small group and smiled sending them into shock and hiding. He smiled brighter as they came out of hiding slowly- unsure if they'd be scooped up or slashed, but seeing his bright smile they took a seat, bathing in his sun like smile.

Hearing the train coming in he stood up, walking over towards the tracks to realize the water was still present, but filled with small fish and- what he assumed was an eel that pasted by. The colors in the water scattered as the train came in- coming to a slow stop as the doors slid open.

The cat took lead, hoping in as it held its ticket slip in its mouth. Rengoku followed after, still uncertain of what was really happening- but you could say curiosity killed the cat.

Taking a seat on the bench he looked out the window infront of him. Soon a ticket master- no more than the age of tweleve came floating by- two eyes following him as he held out a gloved white hand. Looking at the ticket he handed them to the boy, who took them and shreaded them in his hand processed shredder and moved on. On the first stop- people filed in, a veiled woman sitting next to him with a child in a wooven fruit basket- the child- of course wasn't human, and a male in a kitsune mask infront of him, smoking out of a Kiseru, and beside him sat the cat that minded it own bussniess.

It wasnt till the fourth stop he was left alone- the only residing was the cat. Rengoku looked over and waved smally with a bright smile but the cat never did respond.

Not so long after the same floating boy came back over- pointing to the door as the train came to a stop.

The cat got up as well as Rengoku went over the doors opening as they both walked out. Rengoku watched as the black cat made it own way leaving Rengoku alone in silence. Looking around he found some stairs, traveling up them he came to a back alley, he almost walked into busy foot-traffic, luckily stopping himself in time as he watched people pass by, werid items in there hands, dressed weirdly, some dressed in what seemed to be a uniform.

"You really are a slow one aren't you."

Rengoku looked up seeing the black cat sitting on an on-ing.

"Oh. So you do speak." Rengoku smiled. "I am-"

"Rengoku Koyojuro. I know who you are." The cat spoke, "why are you here?"

"I was sent on an assignment you see!" Kyojuro spoke with a bright smile, "that ticketmaster took my map. But I still have the letter- hey where are we?"

"Modern time- futuristic for you." The cat spoke, "Just do your job and leave. Don't cause a ruckus."

The cat left as Rengoku looked out into the crowd, with a bright smile on his face, and a hop in his stepped out into the crowd, just to be carried away by the crashing wave of people. When he finally got out of the crowd he looked around looking at the letter.

'Find Y/n'

Wss the first thing that stood out to him, he went to the closest person in veiw. A young girl in a school uniform with her friends.

"Excuse me!" Rengoku smiled happily.

The girls looked back at him- immediately flushed at his apperance, "Hi! I was wondering if you could help me find a Y/n?"

"Y-Y-Y/n? Y/n? W-w-what?" One girl spoke a flushing mess as she looked at the young man.

"Hmm..." Rengoku thought looking down at the paper.

"Ah! A Y/n L/n! Or a L/n Y/n! Which ever way sounds familiar would really help!" Rengoku smiled.

"L/n?"

"Ah as in L/n-Sensei!" One girl pipped up.

"The pretty teacher?" Another girl asked.

"Pretty teacher?" Rengoku asked.

One nodded, "She works at the highschool. Shes Mirus home room! Isnt that right Miru-san?!"

"H-huh! Oh...yeah!" She flustered.

"She should still be at the school. She said she had a meeting."

"Where can I find this highschool?"

"Its down that way."

Thanking the young women he left to find this highschool.

Walking along the streets he seen cars and bikes past by- confusing him- but interesting him none the less. Asking for directions once more he had made it to the school, walking through the front gate he stopped hearing windows being opened abruptly.

A young woman stood there, her hair down and relaxed as the breeze blew through it softly. The breeze now dismissed- showed her face, Kyojuro awe strucken by her appearance, she seemed to be the only simple thing in this hetic world he had traveled too- her bright colorful eyes made her stick out- show casing her warm heart and soul as she smiled.

From the corner of her eye she spotted the bright colors of the sun. Turning her head down she looked at the male looking up at her- there bright eyes locking with one another.

It was silent, the breeze coming and going as they stayed awe strucken by one another.

"Can I help you with something sir?"

There it was. Her voice, a love striken arrow piercing Rengoku's heart.

"My name is Rengoku Kyojuro."

His voice sent a warm fuzz to her cheeks.

"I am L/n Y/n."

This was her.

"I. I've heard of you." Rengoku called back, "I was wondering. If you'd like to become friends!"

"A pretty bold move for friendship Mr.Kyojuro!"

Rengoku smiled, "I suppose it is Ms.L/n!"

"we can grab some yakisoba, maybe a beer? Or some sake?"

Rengoku nodded as Y/n smiled, "Give me time to grab my things."

Rengoku patiently waited as the woman soon came down the steps and out the school.

"Its nice to meet you as a whole rather than just your upper half." Rengoku smiled as Y/n chuckled softly.

"So. How about that food?"

That was the start of it, there meeting- they had sat and ate talking along the way, laughing and joking- until Kyojuro brought his reasoning for being where they were.

"A demon train?" Y/n asked.

"It may be hard to believe-"

"It really isn't!" Y/n said, "This is the modern world after all- just if your a supposed demon slayer why didnt you just kill the thing instead of boarding it?"

"I'm still asking myself that question!" He laughed rubbing the back of his neck with a smile.

Y/n ate some rice as he contuied to talk,

He may be hot but kinda childish- or is it dense...

"So whats the plan then? How are you getting back?" Y/n asked.

"Oh." Rengoku spoke.

Well atleast he has a plan

"You see. I don't exactly know!" He finished.

Of course he doesnt have a plan

"Well how about staying at my place until then?" Y/n asked, "I teach mythology and history.So you'll be my living reference in return"

"That sounds great!"

"Well first we should dress you modernly. Im sure the police will arrest you for walking around with a sword." Y/n informed.

"Oh."

Rengoku listened as Y/n informed him on the modern world the two soon returning to her place, he was most interested in the colorized pictures on the wall as she started informing him on where things were.

"Rengoku?"

"Hmm?"

She turned around to see him with a frame in his hand, but he soon set it down.

"Something wrong?"

"No. Nothing at all. I've never seen so many. Who paints them all?" He asked curiously.

"There taken with a camera that links to my printer." Y/n informed.

"Can we take one? You know before we figure out a way for me to get back!" Rengoku asked.

"Yeah I don't see why not." Y/n smiled.

Rengoku smiled as Y/n continued the house tour. The next few days Y/n would help Rengoku get accustomed to modern life, and he'd teach her about his time- simple things she wanted to know really. He accompanied her to school where he sat in the corner in the from of the class- or in the back depending on the time. Most of the highschool girls fauned over him- and maybe even some of the boys.

It was safe to say- Y/n and Rengoku had become friends. Yet that didn't stop Rengoku from wanting to return home. A week into his visit he was still there, and he was missing home none the less.

Y/n frowned seeing Rengoku doodling little images of his old friends and world.

"What do you want for dinner today Rengoku?" Y/n asked.

"I picked yesterday! You can pick today!" He spoke smiling.

"How about pozole?" Y/n asked.

"Is that new?" He asked.

"No." Y/n responed, "it's a hispanic dish. I figured while your hear. Maybe you could try some other cultural food! Fish isnt the only thing out there you know!"

Rengoku smiled softly, "that sounds great then."

Y/n smiled, "how about helping me?"

Rengoku nodded as the two got to work. He had found himself attached- warm hearted next to her. He knew she was going out of her way to not only help him, but try and feel better.

They cooked and cooked, the two laughing along the way as they sat down with there bowls to eat.

Rengoku took a spoonful happily, "It's diffrent. I like it!"

Y/n smiled, "Im glad you like it so much. Now you know how to make it so you can make it whenever!"

He nodded as they contuied to eat, "I was thinking."

Rengoku looked up from his bowl, "maybe we could take the camera out? Go take some pictures together?"

Rengoku nodded with a smile, "I'd enjoy that!"

"Then it settled! We can go out after we eat!"

The dinner was filled with laughter and jokes, dishwashing contained a bubble fight. Ending in the two of them sitting against the counter taking a break. Just for them to get up again and get ready to head out, Y/n with a camera in her hands.

The evening was warm, and happy- a smile not leaving any of there faces. It was mostly goofy pictures of the two of them doing things- just one- as the other one was usually taking the picture.

Y/n intruppted a man for a quick question as he happily agreed, Y/n ran over to Rengoku pulling on the haori he had overlaping his buttonup.

"He's gonna take a picture of us." Y/n said pointing to the man who held the camera.

Rengoku nodded in understanding as the two stood ready bright smiles on there faces as they stood infront of some neosigns.

"There we go!"

"Thanks alot!"

"It was no problem!"

Y/n smiled looking at the photo.

"One more place?" She asked.

Rengoku agreed as she pulled him along, the route soon told him where they were going.

"I figured." Y/n spoke walking down the stairs, "the trainstation of which you magically appeared would be a nice photo right?"

Rengoku nodded, "It would be nice."

Y/n smiled as she found a rock to perch the camera on, "it'll be on a timer so I'll rush over and we can take the picture!"

Rengoku watched as she quickly ran over the two smiling as she held his arm, there fingers interlaced with each others. The photo snapped and Y/n smiled rushing over to get it. Making there way home Rengoku looked at her free hand, hanging by her side as she held the camera in one hand.

Feeling his pinky being taken he looked back down and noticed Y/n wrapped her pinky around his, looking back up at her she walked normally- following in suit he wrapped his pinky around hers.

"Hey Rengoku..."

"Hmm?"

She was silent for a mintue, "nevermind..."

Rengoku frowned as they got home, taking there shoes off, Y/n took her coat off and Rengoku hung his haori up besides it.

"I...Im gonna go print these pictures-"

"Wait a mintue." Rengoku said grabbing her hand, "What. What were you going to say? Before the nevermind. It must've been important."

"No. Nothing." Y/n spoke walking away and to her desk, "We should get these printed."

The mood suddenly changed, it was lighthearted once more as they figured out what pictures to print. Rengoku watched her smile and laugh as he stood over the chair using the back as a leaning support.

"Hey! Thats a good one!" Rengoku pointed out at the picture of Y/n feeding the deer they seen passing a tea garden.

Y/n looked at him, his face now level with hers as he looked at the computer with a smile. Pressing a quick kiss to his cheek he flustered immediately.

They looked at each other, Y/n flushing immediately.

"S-sorry." She apologized.

"You missed." Rengoku told her.

"I-I missed?" Y/n asked as Rengoku pecked her lips softly.

"See I didn't miss." He smiled brightly, "You try again-"

Rengoku was silenced as Y/n kissed him again, this time, the kiss lasted longer than a peck.

Standing up her hands ran through his hair, tilting her head to deepen the kiss. He only responded with his hands on her hips, pushing into the kiss more she stumbled back a bit and bumped into her desk.

Pulling away Rengoku smiled softly as did she, "sorry." He apologized with a light laugh.

She chuckled lightly, her head resting against his, "you...kiss good."

Rengoku flushed softly as Y/n rubbed the back of her head.

"I uh. The printers in my room." She spoke softly rushing off flushed as he followed with a smile.

She looked at the pictures with a smile, as he stood in her doorway, leaning against the frame.

"Hey. Rengoku here are-"

She froze as he was suddenly next to her, a smile as he observed her.

"W-what is it?"

He sighed,tossing his Haori on her bed as he rolled up his sleeves. Gulping unknowing of what was to happen she was suddenly picked up.

"If I want to keep that smile on your face! I suppose I must tickle you!"

"Wait! Rengoku!-"

She was tossed on the bed as he climbed over her. Almost immediately tickling her she cried out in laughter, finishing off his tickling with a kiss to her lips he laid on his side, waiting for her to calm down.

"Want another tickle?"

"No! No. Im okay." She chuckled as he smiled.

Sighing she finally calmed down, the two laying on the bed together in peace, she yawned as he covered them with the white, flamed desgined haori.

"Im glad I found you." Rengoku spoke softly kissing her head as she smiled.

"I love you Ren." She smiled hugging him.

"I love you too N/n."

The two fell asleep in each others embrace, the suns rays of the next day only waking the two up.

Rengoky yawned as he sat up, back pain immense as he covered his eyes from the sun- which was odd as he remembered you only opening your curtains a bit.

"Aniki?"

He looked behind him seeing Tanjiro.

"Ah! Thank god we found you!" Tanjiro sighed in relief.

Tanjiro?

Why was Tanjiro here?

Wait.

Rengoku looked around quickly, "No. No. No. No no. No. No! No!" He cried getting up to his feet.

He had returned to the trainstation that started his journey.

"Y/n!" He called out, maybe you had been brought back with him, "Y/n!"

Tanjiro frowned at Rengoku's sudden burst.

"Hey. Hey! Calm down. Aniki what's wrong? What happened?" Tanjiro attempted to calm, "where did these chlothes come from?"

"No! She was here! She was with me! I-" Rengoku jumbled together.

"Aniki. Please. Take a deep breathe." Tanjiro spoke holding Rengoku's arms, "maybe that will jog your memory?"

Rengoku turned arouned to see his sword on the floor and under it was paper. Rushing over he looked at the papers- photos you had printed and taken for him. Fat tears rolled down his cheeks as Tanjiro comforted him.

#demon slayer imagines #demon slayer #kny #demon slayer x reader #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #kny rengoku #demon slayer rengoku #rengoku kyoujurou #kimetsu no yaiba rengoku

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sigmaleph · 3 years

Text

@serinemolecule asked me for hot takes on this 2006 article on Argentinian food, which I am now reorganising into a proper post for y'all's consumption. you're welcome.

First of all: the titular thesis that you should eat two steaks a day. I am forced to clarify that as 'should's go you should eat zero steaks a day, but this is ethical rather dietary advice and I don't follow it as well as I should, so, y'know. I would engage with this on the level it was stated, but I actually have no opinion on it. Moving on...

Argentine beef really is extraordinary. Almost all of this has to do with how the cows are raised. There are no factory feedlots in Argentina; the animals still eat pampas grass their whole lives, in open pasture, and not the chicken droppings and feathers mixed with corn that pass for animal feed in the United States.

This is, as it happens, completely false. There absolutely is plenty of feedlot beef being eaten in Argentina, and this was also the case back when this article was written. There's grass-fed beef too, and maybe the writer structured their life around only eating those, but the claim that there are no feedlots is just not true.

if you let them make the call, you get a two-inch thick of meat[...]The Argentine steak stands alone, towering three inches over the plate,[...]This gorgeous specimen is called a lomito; it's a standard lunchtime steak, clearly so thin that the Argentines are embarrassed to send it out into the world without a protective wrapping of ham and cheese

I have no idea what their obsession with steak thickness is; meat exists at various levels of thick and thin to suit various tastes. If you like yours thick that's fine but quit the projecting, y'know.

As you might expect, vegetarians will have a somewhat rough time here. For most people in Argentina, a vegetarian is something you eat. One's diet will accordingly lean heavily on pastas, gnocchi, salads, and (for the less squeamish ) fish. Vegans will not survive in Argentina.

This is, unfortunately, true (well, hyperbole, but). Rinna had a rather bad time trying to find vegan food when fae came over for visits. The situation is improving slowly, at least.

The homemade cookies bought in the minimarket downstairs taste of steak. [picture of alfajores de maicena[

Jesus. Find somewhere better to buy your snacks.

It should be no surprise that the land of beef also has excellent milk and butter. The milk comes in plastic bags that would give any American marketing department a heart attack. They proudly advertise "GUARANTEED 100% BRUCELLOSIS AND HOOF-AND-MOUTH FREE". One brand even brags that its bacteria count never exceeds 100,000 per mL, and prints daily statistics to prove it (only 82,000 bacteria/mL on Monday! mmm!).

Are you under the impression American milk doesn't contain bacteria and that when it spoils it's because of the molecules' sheer willpower? Or do you just object to the reminder that they exist?

This menu is delicious, but with rare exceptions it is all you are going to get. People coming for more than a few weeks are advised to bring a discreet bottle of Tabasco sauce.

Eat at better restaurants.

With any order from the master menu comes the Bread Basket, which should be treated as you would treat a basket of wax fruit, that is, as a purely decorative ornament. It is considered bad form to actually eat anything from Bread Basket

What are you talking about. Do all your dining companions just suck, eat some bread.

Dulce de leche is a culinary cry for help. It says "save us, we are baffled and alone in the kitchen, we don't know what to do for dessert and we're going to boil condensed milk and sugar together until help arrives". This cloying dessert tar is so impossibly sweet that you wish you were ten years old again, just so you could actually enjoy it. It is everywhere. There is a special dulce de leche shelf in the supermarket dairy case, and the containers go up to a liter in size. Even the churros are stuffed with it - the churros, Montresor!

It is rare that I feel insulted for the sake of my country, but this? How dare you.

Yes, of course we fill churros with dulce de leche; the real question is why anyone doesn't, short of dietary restrictions. Finding out that people do otherwise was like learning that in other countries, "sandwich" just means two slices of bread. Live a little. Eat a real godsdamned churro.

I spent a considerable amount of time trying to figure out how meals work in Argentina, and they remain a mystery to me. Dinner is clear enough: people tend to go to restaurants beginning at ten o'clock (for those with small children), with the main rush around eleven, and dinner is pretty much over at one or so in the morning. And breakfast - or rather, its absence - follows as a logical consequence of eating a steak the size of a beagle at midnight. But I have yet to figure out whether people eat some kind of meal in the afternoon, and if so, when.

At... noon? Like. We eat lunch. Usually somewhere around 12:00. I am eating lunch right now, and I have done so essentially every day of my life. This is just baffling.

I've come to think the culprit in the missing Argentine lunch scene is yerba mate.

how.

Where the ignorant foreigner may see just another kind of herbal tea (yerba mate is a very unassuming shrub that grows in the northern parts of the country) the Argentine sees a taste treat of unimaginable subtlety, and a tonic for all his problems. The Wikipedia article on proper mate preparation should give you a warning of the level of obsessiveness attainable here (the Urugayans are even worse). To the virgin palate, mate tastes like green tea mixed with grass clippings. The beverage is traditionally drunk out of a little gourd, through a metal straw called a bombilla, with hot (but not boiling!!) water poured into it (without wetting the surface!! clockwise!!) from a thermos.

Yeah, this is accurate. Well, not the clockwise part, never heard anyone complain about that and I can't imagine it mattering.

What distinguishes mate from coffee and tea is the social context - two or more people share a gourd, with a designated pourer in charge of refilling it with hot water after each turn. The ritual is low-fuss but indispensible. You can buy mate gourds and thermoses in any grocery store, and get your thermos filled with hot water at any convenience store or gas station, but you will never see mate served in restaurants or sold in little disposable paper gourds, to go. it's not that people refuse to drink mate alone - anyone working a solitary shift will have a gourd in hand - but that the concept of being served mate by someone who does not share it with you seems impossible.

This is also true. Attempts have been made to sell to-go mate but it's never very popular, the social ritual is important. Also unfortunately a disease vector, I haven't had any mate in a year and a half.

Mate aficionados will tell you that mate contains a special compound, mateine, that serves as a tonic and mild stimulant, promoting alertness without making it hard to sleep, reducing fatigue and appetite, helping the digestion and serving as a mild diuretic. Scientists will tell you that mateine bears a suspicious resemblance to a chemical called caffeine. Mate aficionados will then grow indignant, explaining that mateine is really a stereoisomer (mirror image) of caffeine, with different effects, which will in turn irritate the scientists, who will snap that caffeine doesn't have a chiral center, so it can't have a distinguishable mirror image, and why don't the mate aficionados just put a sock in it.

The first part of this is true; some people definitely think "mateine" is different from caffeine and it absolutely isn't. Never heard the stereoisomer claim before but googling it does confirm some people say so.

still have no idea what any of this has to do with lunch, though. I promise you nobody skips lunch because mate is just too filling.

The wine here is very good (something has to stand up to that steak), but Argentina has no liquor to call its own, relying on whiskies like Old Smuggler and the low-maintenance Don Juan cognac to carry the flag.

There's a fundamental omission from this list and it's called fernet.

Beer is ubiquitous and comes in a bewildering variety of sizes, although there is a skittishness about the full-on liter. Things level off at 970 mL. In my case, it means I end up drinking 1940 mL of beer as a kind of personal protest, and all is well with the world. To make up for the abundance of sizes, beer comes in only one variety, Quilmes, which inevitably comes served with a tripartite platter of snacks - nuts, salty cylinders, and aged potato chips.

I never had trouble buying beer by the litre, but I confess I never tried to do so in 2006 on account of being under 18 at the time.

Anyway, beer comes in a lot more varieties today, thankfully, because Quilmes sucks. I'll never be a beer person, but at least these days there's options I tolerate.

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