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windup-dragoon · 4 years

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A little drabble inspired by @astralyehga who left this beautiful gem in my inbox.

My apologies for it being absolutely shitty. I haven’t written in a hot while. Aaaaa it feels like it should be longer but I don’t really have time? Maybe if I get inspired I’ll continue or rewrite it. Idk. BUT BLESS YOU FOR SUCH AN IDEA. I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF IT AND I JUST AAAAAAAA. I was so hyped at work after reading your message. hells yea.

Also writing the way the characters of FFXIV speak was just...not in me tonight. So it’s rough at best. My apologies!

𝔸 𝕎𝕒𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕠𝕣𝕤 ℍ𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟

ᴴⁱᵉⁿ ˣ ᴷⁱʳⁱˢʰⁱᵐⁱ

ᵂᵒʳᵈ ᶜᵒᵘⁿᵗ: ¹³⁹⁶

What in creation was this feeling that raked her so? A sickness that slithered from the pit of her stomach and bit into her heart. A disconnection of mind and body that left her chilled. Her mind swam through endless thoughts but concentrated on naught but this lingering sensation of dread.

So many battles she had overcome. To have survived so much, to have victory after victory given to her, only to finally taste the bitterness of fear. But those won before were unlike what she faced now.

War.

Often she was left with little time to prepare for such encounters. They simply threw themselves at her and the fighting ensued. War, however, was different. With the negotiations failed, all that remained was waiting. For it all to begin and to end.

It was maddening.

“Lean any further toward the flame and you’ll be caught ablaze.” A voice, peppered with a light chuckle, released her from the confines of her mind. Such familiarity in that tone. Warmth, kindness, and as always a bit of teasing sprinkled in.

Mismatched eyes peeled away at long last from the crackling fire nestled before her to the man who warned her of burns. Hien, settling onto the ground at her side, flashed her a smile while firelight danced in his knowing eyes. That smile, however, felt off. Not his usual gremlin grin he wore when some half baked scheme came to mind. No, this time there was a slip, a falter, in his otherwise childish expression.

“I would rather not see you burn like a moth.” The young prince added.

“Moth, huh?” Her mouth felt dry. Just how long had she been gazing into the fiery face of the camp fire? She tilted her head and returned a small but fragile smile. “Imagine the intimidatin’ sight that would be on the field.”

Hien paused long enough to consider the mental image and frowned. “You need not be on fire to be terrifying. I am full glad to be on your side whenever battle breaks out.”

Many have said similar words. Every time before she had taken them with a confident smile, eager to lend a helping hand. Once it was to protect others, another to bring peace, again for freedom... But now how many would lose their life amid the chaos of war? When did it end?

A tremble of her hand took her by surprise. With closed eyes and a frown threatening to pull down the corners of her lips she dug her fingers into the dirt at her side and the small space between herself and Hien.

She would not falter here. Fear will not rule her this day. Alisaie, and many more, relied on her courage.

“I would not tell anyone if you wish to talk.” Hien’s tone was low, a hushed but gentle hum. “’Twould be shameful for the prince of Doma to gossip. Especially of such an esteemed and honorable warrior like yourself.”

Kirishimi had no response to give, taken aback by such forwardness. Instead, if only briefly, she watched the young man at her side. Shadows danced at his side and got helplessly lost in his ebony hair. The flickering embers sparkling in his eyes as he sneaked curious glances back at her.

When she failed to give him answer, Hien gave a subtle cough to clear his throat. “Alisaie, Lyse, Alphinaud... They all speak of you with such high regard. Many times they’ve even regaled me with stories of your adventures. Myself included, I should add. I have seen first hand what you and your friends are capable of! Yet imagine my surprise to see the sight before me. A very sobering moment.”

Be it his intention or no, Kirishimi felt a twinge of hurt from his words. If he were so keen to catch her in a moment of weakness, what did the others see of her? Frustration echoed in her heart. Her nails dug deeper yet into the dirt.

“All this waitin’ has me on edge. Havin’ to sit through that negotiation and naught but listen to that man drone on about how willin’ he is to throw lives away. Dandelion fluff to the wind. A craven hearted bastard like him knows nothin’ of death.” Kirishimi’s words felt as if she had snarled them through clenched fangs. A welling anger clouded her eyes. Yet despite the tension in her muscles, she sighed, a stray lock of silver hair fluttering against her cheek.

“I cannot even look these soldiers in the eyes. I cannot save them all. I’m helpless to give them the future every last one of them deserves to see.”

The light of the fire dimmed, its hue blending with the darkness of the encampment around them like water colors on canvas while tears threatened to fall. Even amidst the warmth and heat of such a fire, she felt as chilled to the bone as her time in Ishgard had left her. The sting of rocks and pebbles pressing into her palm seemed almost distant in comparison to this whirlwind of thunderstorms behind closed eyes.

When she felt truly at odds with herself, so bitterly lost to the chaos, she felt it. A touch of warmth that nearly jostled her. Fingertips delicately dusted along the top of her hand, weaving between her tightened knuckles, overlaying his palm with hers and plucking it from the dirt. Such tenderness. Each touch meaningful. Slow and gently he overturned her hand, dusting aside the dirt.

She dared not look up. To meet Hien’s gaze whilst his fingers entwined with hers. Calloused as they may be, his hands felt as if an anchor in reality. A guiding hand away from dismal thoughts. A reminder that he was just as alive as she.

“It is not your sole responsibility to bear. You have given them hope, is clear to see. But through that hope these men and women strive forward to reach their futures. They have chosen this path so that generations to come will flourish. Many have you and the Scions to thank for encouraging them to move forward.”

His grip tightened around her hand while his remaining hand came to rest beneath her chin. The bonfire crackled as if snickering at her.

“Now then, hold that chin up high. We have come so far together. ‘Twould be awful should you appear to be miserable in my company now. I can already hear the rumors that should spread.”

As encouraged with a light lift of his hand, Kirishimi raised mismatched eyes of fire and ocean to meet his. Nothing but a childish, but endearing, grin painted on his features. His eyes were alive and full of energy. She could nearly feel his enthusiasm in the palm of his hand, his heart beat must have been as pounding as hers.

“Kirishimi, the Warrior of Light...Appalled by the prince of Doma...” She breathed at last, the sensation of drowning having finally been put to ease. A smile of her own danced on her lips. “Though I do recall you making mention that it wouldn’t be the first time.”

Hien feigned a hurt expression. “’Tis true then? Will you not endure this fool any longer?” His curled index finger, beneath her chin, encouraged her closer. The corners of his lips hardly resisting a grin.

As he beckoned, she obeyed and leaned closer still. Whispered across her cheeks she could feel the heat of his breath, almost an intoxicating sensation. “Perhaps as a charity I could spare the time...”

“Time we cannot spare sitting idly by!” A voice, high pitched and demanding.

In a panicked shuffle the two broke apart, sparring a moment to look to Alisaie who approached with powerful determination.

“Alisaie!” Hien nearly choked on her name. “It would be an honor if you joined us. Better to spend time among friends than pacing.”

Alisaie huffed, shrugging at his offer. “’Tis true, I have done nothing but circles around the encampment. It is a great assurance to see Kirishimi in high spirits even in with such tension around.” Without warning she sat herself promptly by the fire, wedging herself between them.

Silence ensued before Hien cleared his throat. “W-Well... Perhaps I should speak with Yugiri and the others. Soon we will be on the battlefield and I have much to discuss with her. Until then, my friend.”

#|| Untold Stories #hien x wol #it's also worth noting that I don't ship aymeric x kiri in the same universe as hien x kiri #there's nothing wrong with it but idk #also sorry for grammar mistakes or mistakes in general #i'm tired lmao

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easyfoodnetwork · 3 years

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How to Bring This Portland Restaurant’s Colorful Outdoor Oasis to Your Home

The fun of dining at Gado Gado isn’t just in the menu. It’s also in its signature playful spirit.

While restaurants around the United States are figuring out how to shift their business to adapt to a new culinary landscape, some teams are having more success making it work. In Portland, Oregon, Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly, the owners of the hit Indonesian restaurant, Gado Gado, have not only figured out how to operate in a socially distanced manner that continues to draw customers (even inspiring them to open a second spot called Oma’s Takeaway), but they’ve managed to maintain the restaurant’s signature playful spirit along the way.

The fun of dining at Gado Gado is apparent in the amped-up flavors of its menu, which draws on Thomas’s Indonesian-Chinese heritage for dishes like Sumatran-style spicy beef rendang (served with coconut rice and a green chile tomatillo sambal), ayam lawar (a shredded chicken and coconut salad with galangal dressing), or a pandan jelly dessert. But it’s the restaurant’s thoughtful Peranakan-inspired design accents mixed in with some psychedelic vintage finds that truly make it an experience. Even now with a closed dining room, the Pisha-Dufflys have brought some of the restaurant’s bold design scheme to its two outdoor patios.

“When we were designing the restaurant, it felt like a really great opportunity to communicate ourselves through design,” says Mariah Pisha-Duffly. “There were a lot of spaces opening up around us that were extremely beautiful but minimal, and we wanted to go the opposite way and do something maximal and full of pattern.” When reimagining the dining room for the outdoors, the duo continued the theme with mismatched rugs, oilcloth tablecloths, and other delightful personal touches, all while trying to keep costs low.

Below, Mariah Pisha-Duffly explains how they made Gado Gado into a colorful outdoor oasis, and how to bring the Gado Gado brand of power-clashing onto your patio or into your home.

Remix your old stuff with new purpose

The black light poster works as decor and a way to communicate instructions for social distancing.

“When we started to rethink the patio for the year of COVID, it felt like working with what we had, and being really resourceful was necessary,” says Pisha-Duffly. “The bathrooms inside Gado Gado are filled with themed ’70s fantasy art. We brought this black light poster outside, and we made little word bubbles on it to let people know where to find their takeout. It didn’t used to be that you needed all these instructions for customers, but you do now, and we wanted to make it beautiful and fun.”

Shop it: Black light posters

Whether you place them in the bathroom or the bedroom, ’70s-style black light posters give the space a trippy element.

Add bold personal touches

Design features like this gallery wall and custom-designed wallpaper had to remain inside.

“Thomas’s family is Chinese, but his grandmother lived in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, before coming to the U.S. You see a lot of Peranakan design throughout Southeast Asia — full of patterns, tiles, and intricate carvings. Inside, we have a big portrait of his grandmother painted on the wall by artist Kate Blairstone (she also did our amazing wallpaper with shellfish and birds) and a mask that my grandparents got while living in Indonesia. Whenever you collect something it tells the stories of who you are and what you like, and getting the opportunity to put that in the restaurant was really special.”

Shop it: Patterned wallpaper and paintings

Blairstone has made dozens of custom wall accents that speak to each individual owner’s story. Whether you fancy a version with oysters, flowers, or carrots, she’s available to make works on request that speak to one’s story. You can also find wallpaper with similar motifs on Etsy.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match

Plates and bowls come in various vintage patterns.

“Once I knew we were going to open Gado Gado, I could finally get all this thrift store stuff that I’ve wanted to buy for forever. I would go to Goodwill three or four days a week, just collecting things.”

Shop it now: Power-clashing vintage plates

Part of what makes dining at Gado Gado special is that none of the plates and glassware match, which means each time you dine there it might be a little different. The cornucopia of palettes somehow never feels like too much, but rather, it functions almost like a sewn-together quilt that uses a kaleidoscope of fabrics that come together beautifully. Vintage, granny-esque floral plates are given an exhilarating new life here.

Serve your drinks in ice cream sundae cups

Now that it’s colder, slushie cocktails aren’t on offer. Instead, Gado Gado serves cocktails like this one, the Honey Honey, in sundae glasses.

“This summer we were doing a lot of slushy cocktails made with things like freshly juiced turmeric and ginger, tamarind, coconut, lime, and tequila. We like to add fun garnishes to them, too.”

Shop it now: Old-fashioned ice cream sundae cups

These clear glass tumblers are usually the vessels for heaping scoops of strawberry ice cream with a fudge swirl, whipped cream, and sprinkles, but they are equally useful for spicing up an after-work drink. Add a fun garnish to complete the effect.

Have fun with lights

Gado Gado’s disco takeout tent is no more, but string lights still provide some whimsy.

“Initially we were doing takeout and delivery that was extremely no contact and figuring ways to make the experience personal and hospitable within the framework. We had a takeout tent with disco balls, flashing lights, and fake mangosteens — things that still communicated fun and warmth without physical contact. Someone called it a “block party for one.” And it’s true, we love rainbow lights, to the point that we have a giant fruit bowl full of LED remotes because at this point we own so many rainbow light set-ups.”

Shop it: Party lights

Bring the party back home with these funky light options. “For lighting we like to go really cheesy,” Pisha-Duffly says.

Incorporate more pattern with plants

“We worked with this great company called Appetite that brought us plants such as palms, yucca trees, succulents, and ginseng plants. They have fabric buckets, and when they stopped by they were like, ‘What color palette [are you] thinking of for the bases?’ and we were laughing, like, ‘Nothing is off the table, our restaurant is a rainbow.’”

Shop it now: Fabric planters

Make your table restaurant-worthy

Oilcloth is practical and has the added benefit of being in keeping with Gado Gado’s colorful style.

“Oilcloth is so cool. It’s durable and it’s fairly inexpensive — we have versions with golden floral prints, orange, and a sort of blue and red floral thing happening.”

Shop it now: Oil cloth prints

As Eater has documented in the past, oilcloth is a popular choice for many restaurants, and you can bring it into your own space. Even the messiest of eaters won’t have trouble cleaning them, and the more tablecloth options you have, the more backdrops for taking Instagram-worthy food photos.

Bring rugs outdoors

“Having all the rugs outside was a fun way to create a sense of comfort that’s super affordable.”

Shop it now: Outdoor rugs

Rugs don’t only have to stay inside. These versions can bear the brunt of rainy Portland weather, bringing a little bit of sunshine as they do.

Emma Orlow is a writer for Eater, Grub Street, T: The New York Times Style Magazine, and Bon Appétit (among others), where she covers the intersection of the food and design worlds. Celeste Noche is a Portland-based photographer.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2HOsFrz https://ift.tt/2HSfKF6

The fun of dining at Gado Gado isn’t just in the menu. It’s also in its signature playful spirit.

Below, Mariah Pisha-Duffly explains how they made Gado Gado into a colorful outdoor oasis, and how to bring the Gado Gado brand of power-clashing onto your patio or into your home.

Remix your old stuff with new purpose

The black light poster works as decor and a way to communicate instructions for social distancing.

Shop it: Black light posters

Whether you place them in the bathroom or the bedroom, ’70s-style black light posters give the space a trippy element.

Add bold personal touches

Design features like this gallery wall and custom-designed wallpaper had to remain inside.

Shop it: Patterned wallpaper and paintings

Don’t be afraid to mix and match

Plates and bowls come in various vintage patterns.

Shop it now: Power-clashing vintage plates

Serve your drinks in ice cream sundae cups

Now that it’s colder, slushie cocktails aren’t on offer. Instead, Gado Gado serves cocktails like this one, the Honey Honey, in sundae glasses.

“This summer we were doing a lot of slushy cocktails made with things like freshly juiced turmeric and ginger, tamarind, coconut, lime, and tequila. We like to add fun garnishes to them, too.”

Shop it now: Old-fashioned ice cream sundae cups

Have fun with lights

Gado Gado’s disco takeout tent is no more, but string lights still provide some whimsy.

Shop it: Party lights

Bring the party back home with these funky light options. “For lighting we like to go really cheesy,” Pisha-Duffly says.

Incorporate more pattern with plants

Shop it now: Fabric planters

Make your table restaurant-worthy

Oilcloth is practical and has the added benefit of being in keeping with Gado Gado’s colorful style.

“Oilcloth is so cool. It’s durable and it’s fairly inexpensive — we have versions with golden floral prints, orange, and a sort of blue and red floral thing happening.”

Shop it now: Oil cloth prints

Bring rugs outdoors

“Having all the rugs outside was a fun way to create a sense of comfort that’s super affordable.”

Shop it now: Outdoor rugs

Rugs don’t only have to stay inside. These versions can bear the brunt of rainy Portland weather, bringing a little bit of sunshine as they do.

from Eater - All https://ift.tt/2HOsFrz via Blogger https://ift.tt/3jJ4lVl

#Blogger #cooking #Eater #food #recipes

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much--madness · 6 years

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Fic: Mistletoe

Rating: PG13 Pairing: Arima Kishou/Sasaki Haise For my TG secret santa, @animeobsessedandotherfandoms Sorry for posting so late! But I made it x.x My first attempt at TG fics. I hope you like it @w@

AO3 Link

There was a well known secret in the CCG.

It was one shared by many of the investigators there and the reason why it was called a secret was that no one actually openly acknowledged it.

At times, there was tension among the ranks. Friends and comrades that were at ease with one another would stare a little too intently at each other, eyes suspicious and a little shifty, wondering if perhaps… Maybe… the one that they were looking at shared in this secret.

It was the worst kept secret in the CCG.

And that secret was that almost everyone there was a little bit in love with Sasaki Haise.

The only ones that were possibly immune were those investigators that hadn’t had the chance to meet him yet. But even so, there were still those that had caught a glimpse of him and without even knowing his name, found themselves curious and entranced. And then there were those who knew his name and feats but not his face that developed the same affection.

Even from the very beginning, the young man that trailed in the wake of Arima’s shadow drew curiosity and speculation. At first, the attention had been clouded with suspicion but the more people saw of him, the more they grew captivated.

There was just something about Sasaki Haise that inspired such feelings. It wasn’t just one thing either, it was a multiple of things that ensnared others. From his shy smile to his alarming strength, and even the way he treated others, even strangers, with a politeness that still somehow felt warm and inviting.

And the best part of this worst kept secret was that this young man, who had unknowingly captured so many hearts, was completely oblivious to it all.

Now, there were two holidays that seemed to really set the investigators off at the CGG when it came to Haise.

The first was, as expected, Valentine’s Day.

As cliche as it was, many had eagerly planned to pursue the young investigator with gifts of flowers and requests for coffee dates. But to the dismay of all, not a glimpse of Sasaki was to be seen that day. The feeling of romance and pursuit of it quickly faded by the following day. Fortunately, the dejected mood quickly lifted with Sasaki’s return the following week.

And yet, no one had the guts to approach him. It seemed as though the magic of Valentine’s day didn’t last past the 14th.

The only other holiday that seemed to inspire such courage was Christmas. And it was all due to a well known plant, an innocent sprig of green leaves and red berries. Mistletoe.

Mistletoe was found in an abundance around Christmas. It was hung in plain sight and in the most bizarre places, like the entrance to the Quinx’s home, the Chateau. It made a brief appearance for a whole two hours before mysteriously disappearing.

It was almost amusing to see where sprigs of mistletoe ended up, for some people took them down while others relocated them. Of course, many used this time old tradition in an attempt to catch Sasaki and in doing so, win a kiss from him.

Somehow, no one was able to catch him. Sprigs of mistletoe that were confirmed at their station, almost guaranteed a stolen kiss from their crush, seemingly disappeared into thin air. It left the scheming investigators in a huff when Haise passed by, giving each a friendly smile before going on his way. It still warmed the hearts of many in the cold winter, but many more mourned the lost chance.

The attempts continued with Haise none the wiser all the way up to the 25th. With no one having been successful, for who could keep stealing a kiss from Sasaki a secret, the majority of the CCG resigned themselves to try the following Valentine’s day.

As much as they had come to adore Sasaki Haise, Christmas was still spent with loved ones and friends.

December 24th found the Chateau covered in decorations. On the window, a cheerful reindeer cut out poked its head from the side, welcoming visitors inside.

And inside, a modest but heavily decorated tree stole all the attention. With four subordinates in his care, Haise couldn’t say no to how each of the Quinx members wanted to decorate the tree.

The outcome was a mismatch of ornaments and colors. From delicate glass ornaments to smiling little figures wearing Santa hats, every branch seemed to hold some sort of decoration. There were also Christmas lights, blinking merrily, which Shirazu had strung. In retaliation, Urie had added elegant red and white bows made of ribbon.

The decorations were just shy of being an eyesore, but Haise loved it because everyone had contributed to making the tree what it was. At least everyone had agreed on a single topper, a classic Christmas tree star that shone brightly from its place.

Beneath the tree, there was an assortment of gifts. Nothing too big, but there was something for everyone. The pile would only grow larger as he could hear the crinkle of gift wrappers still being handled and cut throughout the house.

Haise shook his head at their last minute preparations, but he was still smiling fondly. The Christmas spirit was at an all time high.

Dinner was well on its way and this year it was just the Qs and a couple guests so it was nothing extravagant. Still, the process of cooking the meals had Haise moving about the kitchen with a bounce in his step. From outside the kitchen, the Qs could hear Haise’s singing, their mentor’s voice drifting in and out of song as he worked.

Urie, who had been the only one properly prepared for Christmas Eve, had been lounging on the couch. A mug sat in front of him on the coffee table, the aroma of chocolate sweetness filling the air. Haise had even put three squares of marshmallows into the drink and Urie guarded it jealousy from his teammates.

Not that he needed to, Haise was sure to have more coming if it was needed

A knock at the door had Urie mentally grumbling and forced from his comfortable position. The door was opened to reveal Suzuya Juuzou, who was staring at the wreath that one of the Qs had hung on the door. He didn’t even seem to notice Urie standing there until the Urie cleared his throat.

Never one to be embarrassed, the androgynous man burst through the entranceway, making a beeline to where he could hear Haise’s voice.

“Haiseee…!” He called out happily before disappearing into the kitchen.

His subordinate stared blankly at his treating back and came into the house in a less explosive manner.

“Merry Christmas,” Urie huffed. The others had been nagging him throughout the week, telling him that he needed to get more into the spirit. So it was only today of all days that he allowed himself to utter those words in a tone that was a little bit more than friendly.

Hanbee nodded a greeting in return. Urie played host while Haise and Juuzou’s friendly chatter filtered in from the kitchen.

Shortly after, Saiko came barreling down the stairs, arms full of neatly wrapped presents. Tooru followed at a more sedate pace, also carrying a load of gifts. Surprisingly enough, Urie could see Shirazu’s gifts tucked under the tree beside his own.

With the room full, the peaceful silence was a thing of the past. From the kitchen, Haise kept one ear trained on the chatter from the other room while he watched Suzuya ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at each dish that had been prepared. More than once, Haise had to slap at the other man’s hands to stop him from sneaking a taste.

Of course, Suzuya pouted at his friend, pleading with such fierce eyes that Haise relented and offered him a sugar cookie instead.

Haise returned to the living room, a plate full of cookies just in time to see Arima and Mado enter. Like an excited puppy, Haise greeted them both with warm smiles and hugs.

Then just as quickly, he turned around and chided Shirazu who had been patiently shaking one of the gifts. Sheepishly, the younger man returned the present to its place under the tree and flopped on the couch.

“Watch it!” Urie hissed, barely dodging his teammate’s elbow.

An argument broke out between the two, Urie and Shirazu bickering for a moment while Tooru tried to calm them both down. surprisingly, it was Juuzo who broke it up by shoving a cookie in each of their mouths, effectively shutting them both up. He gave a happy hum of approval when the arguing stopped, pleased that order was restored.

The two didn’t dare start up again and grudgingly munched on the cookies.

In the meantime, Haise had gone into full host mode and was setting the food on the dinner table. Arima followed behind him, happy to help even when Haise insisted that they should all relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

After dinner, the adults were amused to see the younger investigators barely contain themselves in excitement. It wasn’t even the act of receiving gifts that caused it, but the exchange and watching each person’s reaction.

Shirazu tore into each gift, strips of wrapping paper surrounding him in a mess. He was always so grateful for each gift though, even hugging the plushie that Saiko had gifted him.

Urie was more meticulous about his unwrapping and took his time to fold away each square of wrapping paper. It was almost torture to watch him reveal his gifts, but the way his expression softened was well worth the wait.

“Oh,” Haise exclaimed out of nowhere, “Arima-san, I’m so sorry! Your gift arrived later than all the others and I didn’t get a chance to wrap it properly.”

He turned guilty eyes towards his mentor, fidgeting on his spot on the couch. “Would you mind if I gave it to you tomorrow…?”

Arima was shaking his head though, a slight smile on his face. “You don’t have to wrap it for me, Haise. I’m perfectly happy with however you want to give it to me.”

But Haise would not be deterred. “It’s a Christmas gift,” he said passionately, “It needs to be given the same care that I gave all the others so I can’t give it to you without wrapping it.”

“Tomorrow will be fine then,” Arima said agreeably. Haise smiled in return.

“Haise!” Suzuya called as he left the bathroom. He held something in his hands and in his excitement, wanted to show it to his friend. He moved with such speed towards Haise that no one realized what it was until Suzuya was dangling it above Haise’s head. “Look! Look!”

Punched between two fingers, there was the recognizable green of the mistletoe and notable red of the berries. Suzuya was almost trembling with excitement while everyone else in the room seemed to freeze.

“What is it?” He wondered, staring at the plant with a curious tilt of his head.

“Th-that’s mistletoe,” Tooru managed to choke out.

“Where the hell did you find that?” Shirazu demanded with a groan.

“Is it poisonous?” The possibility only seemed to further excite Suzuya.

Haise’s cheeks had tinged pink, but he remained standing where he was, caught between the mistletoe with Suzuya.

Akira laughed, a teasing smile on her lips when she said, “You have to kiss Haise, Juuzou!”

He blinked large eyes at Akira. “I can kiss Haise?”

“Kiss! Kiss!” Saiko cheered while wrapped in her new fleece blanket.

By Akira’s side, Arima had his arms folded across his chest but he gave an indulgent smile at the two.

“It’s a Christmas tradition,” Akira explained, “when you’re caught under the mistletoe with someone, you have to kiss them.”

“I’m not sure if that should count,” Tooru mumbled. “Technically, he brought the mistletoe and forced the–”

“Kisss!” Saiko cheered.

“Okay,” Suzuya said.

“Suzuya, you don’t have to–” Haise tried to stop it but his friend simply leaned forward and pressed his lips against Haise’s cheek.

“I kissed Haise!” Suzuya declared victoriously. While not exactly what they expected, the group still laughed and cheered.

The mistletoe was disposed of to prevent any other surprises. Haise was teased over his blushing face for the remainder of the night. It was an eventful Christmas Eve and it left all of them with a sense of warmth that went bone deep.

Eventually, the group dispersed. Juuzou and Hanbee we’re the first to leave. Juuzuo hugged Haise tight, his gift of a warm fluffy scarf wrapped around his neck.

Akira was next to go and she, too, hugged Haise and the rest of the Quix team.

With just the Qs and Arima, Haise quickly set to work with cleaning up after the guests.

In the living room, the Qs fidgeted under Arima’s impassive stare. All except Sailor who was already dozing on the couch, content and full of hot chocolate.

“Shirazu is at fault, as expected,” Urie accused. “He was supposed to take care of any mistletoe that ended up in the Chateau.”

Shirazu groaned and hung his head, not even bothering with excuses. Tooru patted him on the shoulder in sympathy.

“We did so well though,” Shirazu grumbled. “I’m sorry, guys. The mission failed because of me…”

Instead of scolding them, Arima just produced four little Christmas cards.

“It’s fine,” he told them. He then handed each a card and tucked the last one with Saiko’s name in the Christmas tree. “Juuzou is hard to predict, at times.The team did well.”

Their eyes grew round with the praise, the members still a little starstruck with Arima.

“Thank you!” They each happily returned to their rooms with their bounty and their earnings from a successful mission: Save Haise from Christmas.

When it was just Haise and Arima left, minus the oblivious Saiko napping, Arima went to rejoin Haise in the kitchen.

At the doorway, he stopped for a moment just to enjoy the sight of his protege packing away leftover food. His eyes lingered on the sway of Haise’s body, a slow, seductive thing that Arima was sure the younger man was unaware of.

Haise seemed unaware of his presence as he hummed a tune while piling the dishes up for a wash. But when Arima came up behind him, wrapping his arms around a trim waist, Haise didn’t even flinch.

Instead, Haise leaned back into the warmth of Arima’s arms, eyes slipping closed to enjoy the moment.

“Did you really pay my team to take out all the mistletoe?” Haise teased the older man.

Arima refused to acknowledge or deny the statement. Instead, he settled his chin on Haise’s shoulder and gave a thoughtful hum.

“Leave the dishes,” Arima told him instead.

“Hmm?” Haise murmured, but regardless, he reached forward and shut the water. When he leaned back into Arima’s embrace, the older man tipped his face to the side and easily captured Haise’s lips with his own.

Arima didn’t need mistletoe, just Haise’s acceptance as their lips pressed together

It was a kiss, a true kiss, full of warmth and a different kind of love than the one Juuzou had pressed to Haise’s cheek.

When they separated, that endearing flush was back on Haise’s cheeks, a lovely pink splash of color.

Arima smirked as he leaned close, murmuring into the shell of Haise’s ear. “Show me my Christmas present?”

Neither noticed Saiko staring wide-eyed from her place on the couch, peeking at them from beneath the blanket as they made their way to Haise’s room.

#tgsecretsanta2017 #tokyo ghoul fandom #fanfic #arima/haise #rating:pg13

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